Mr Eazi has spent about a decade building a reputation in the African music industry that can be compared to no other. His latest magic is his The Evil Genius album, alongside his ChopLife Sound System crew. We ask him to share interesting facts about the new album and he had these to say:
1. Influence and fusions
The album features an eclectic blend of styles and genres. A particular track or moment during the album’s creation where different musical influences uniquely fused to create something unexpected is on the album’s closing track ‘Exit’. It is a perfect representation of the unique blend of afrobeats and gospel music.
2. Visual art synergy
With the album bringing forth a visual art component, when selecting artists for each track’s accompanying art piece, I wanted to collaborate with visual artists who could bring a unique perspective to the music. I reached out to artists from different backgrounds and styles, ensuring diversity in the visual art component.
3. Narrative structure
The album is structured in three movements, exploring themes like success, love, and spirituality. The album’s three movements were shaped by my personal experiences and the themes that resonated with me deeply. Each track represents a chapter of my life, and I hope listeners can connect with and find their own stories within them.
4. Collaborative dynamics
Working with renowned collaborators like Angélique Kidjo and the Soweto Gospel Choir was an incredible experience. I remember a memorable interaction with Angélique Kidjo during the recording session because I was sampling her song – a song recorded before I was born, creating a powerful and harmonious fusion.
5. Album without borders
Recording the album across various cities globally allowed me to incorporate different cultural influences and sounds into the music. Each city left its mark on the album by contributing to the overall sound and content, making the album a true reflection of my global musical journey.
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Itty can be caught studying African pop culture, writing about it or hosting a relationship podcast. When he's not doing any of these, then he's definitely at a bar, getting mocktail.
