‘Wild Thing’ is a breath of fresh air. A slice of uncompromised creative allure drenched in eclectic afro-pop influences and relatable lyricism. Recently released, the album brings Nigerian artist Yosa Oku to our attention, in what’s a triumph of originality and uniqueness. In fact, Oku does champion that very same ethos, describing himself as ‘a supernatural artist’ and ‘a phenomenon of its own kind’, a reference to his courageous artistry. Rather than following mainstream trends, the talented singer is carving out his own niche. As an independent anomaly artist, he’s been influencing the culture and sound of Afrobeats from the sidelines for a while.
Featuring thirteen tracks, the album feels quite varied in its overall style and production. One of our favourites is the title track, ‘Wild Thing’, a dance-inducing, evocative piece that’s organic, vibrant and uplifting, yet also urgent and intimate. Keen listeners will find afrobeats tunes such as ‘Honey Ho’ next to Western-leaning offerings, like the hip-hop cut ‘Stay With Me’ and the partly R&B-inspired ‘Magic’. As the record progresses, its kinetic charge increases, with empowering and freeing afro-style grooves carrying the listening experience into escapism-coded territories.
Delving deeper into the album’s lyricism, Yosa Oku explains: “Romantic themes and energetic lyrics that explore love, attraction, and personal expression.” The creative mission stays the same throughout ‘Wild Thing’: nuggets of joy and heartwarming messages that have the potential of capturing a like-minded global audience.
Recommended! Discover ‘Wild Thing’ now: