Jeff is not the type you box when it comes to music genres – Guardian Nigeria
Jeff Akoh is a highly accomplished vocalist – Xclusiveloaded
[Jeff Akoh’s music] is an enchanting blend of sonorous singing and Afro-fusion – BellaNaija
Talented Nigerian musician, Jeff Akoh, continues to be an oasis for music rooted in experimentation and groovy elegance. Close to six years after the release of his highly-regarded debut album, Lokoja, the singer is set to ring in a new era in his career with the release of a new single, “OverDo,” in collaboration with prominent DJ and tastemaker, DJ Kev. Coming on the back of well-regarded releases like 2020’s “Stay With Me” with Spyro, “Better Thing” with Peruzzi, and last year’s “Yawa,” “OverDo” is a balmy mid-tempo dedication to a love interest that sees Jeff Akoh pour out his emotions over a spectral instrumental that is attuned to his lithe voice.
Speaking of the inspiration for the single, Jeff Akoh said,
“This song represents a new phase for me because it’s a new start for me after life happened for a while. The way I see it, “OverDo” is going to be a rediscovery of the expression of Jeff Akoh for many people because I’ve found myself anew through doing what I love to do and being able to pour my heart out as I want to”
Continuing, DJ Kev, who has been a friend and creative partner to Jeff for over three years, also said: “I’ve always considered Jeff one of the most talented musicians I know and the opportunity for us to collaborate was one that we were simply not going to pass up. I think “OverDO” has all the potential to become the quintessential song about romantic expression and just help people process how they feel about that emotion.”
“OverDo” was jointly written by a team of Jeff and DJ Kev and is rooted in the vivid, languid style that has helped build the reputation of Jeff Akoh as one of Nigeria’s most preternaturally-gifted composers and songwriters.
Born and bred in Nigeria’s capital city Abuja, Jeff Ufedo Akoh rose to fame in 2015 after winning the eighth season of the popular music reality TV show, Project Fame West Africa. He made history as the youngest winner of the competition after emerging victorious at the age of 18 and was offered a management deal with 960 Music Group and Ultima Productions shortly after.
“I don’t see myself under pressure; I live my life one step at a time, and the goals are my goals,” Jeff Akoh told Guardian Nigeria in 2018. “So far, I’m meeting my goal, that’s what really matters. I make music for music lovers – for those, who love music. There’s no pressure on this side, to be honest. I’m living my life, I’m living my dream one step at a time, and we would definitely get there, slowly, but surely.”
Jeff released his debut album, Lokoja, in 2017 to critical acclaim. The project released in 2017 was a quaint reflection on his growing up years and his journey to music stardom with influences from dancehall, soul, pop, and R&B. Just one year after, he released “I Do,” a three-song pack that spawned its eponymous hit and became a wedding favourite across Nigeria.
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.