EP Review: Lojay [@LojayMusic] – ‘Gangster Romantic’

It has been just over two weeks since the release of Lojay’s sophomore EP, Gangster Romantic. Since its release, Gangster Romantic has peaked at number 1 in Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda and Uganda on the Apple Music Charts, while singles MOTO and AVAILABU have entered the Official UK Afrobeats Chart at number 8 and 14 respectively. The ‘Monalisa’ crooner has managed to rack in over 17 million streams on this project so far! Here is my take. 

Kicking off the EP is YAHWEH produced by Moon Willis. Known for his unique ability to draw from his experiences and surroundings, Lojay does not shy away from his vulnerability on this track. He sings “Give me devotion properly”, showing his new self-asserted nature, which is very different to the Lojay we experience in his debut project LV N ATTN (Love and Attention). The brutally-honest and vulgar lyrics matched with the religious terms used throughout the song create such an interesting dynamic with two worlds that usually (to some) don’t mix – religion and sexuality. 

Next up is the up-beat P.PRIME produced track LEADER. Lojay delivers memorable top lines with a catchy hook. Released in September 2022, LEADER became the first single on Gangster Romantic. Lojay’s airy vocals paired with the contemporary production provides the perfect foundation for Lojay’s unique delivery. This is followed by the feel-good track MOTO, which was the last single released before the project. This mid-tempo track was produced by the man himself along with production heavyweights Elementz and AOD. We see Lojay’s softer side compared to his charismatic style, exploring the themes of unrequited love and sadly heartbreak. He expresses himself so elegantly- which explains why his fans resonate with this side of the artist so much. Since its release, MOTO has amassed over 1 million streams on Spotify alone. 

Track four is the impressive Amapiano club banger CANADA, produced by South African heavyweights Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa. Although CANADA was released last November, this track sounds just as fresh with every listen. Lojay’s melodic vocal delivery is matched with the bouncy production and whitty lyrics. Lojay has served us with so much diversity so far on this project and IYD is no exception. This R&B inspired track sees Lojay reflecting and reminiscing on his history with a past partner. The mellow guitar melody sitting on this simple beat was the perfect foundation for Lojay to express his vulnerability and his desire for closure.

AVAILABU takes us back to the Amapiano-inspired beats Lojay delivers effortlessly on. The catchy chorus paired with the complex instrumental is the perfect way to carry us into the final track of this genre-bending EP. The final track on Gangster Romantic, OVA is another upbeat track filled with many layers of syncopated drums, melodic lyrics and an infectious beat that moves your body and soul. Produced – once again- by the Nigerian heavyweight P.PRIME, Lojay beautifully sings about the end of his previous relationship. 

Overall, Gangster Romantic is a solid body of work which really shows how Lojay’s musicality and artistry has matured since LV N ATTN. If you haven’t listened, make sure you do! 

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