Tipped by Tidal and Audiomack this year as one of Africa’s artists to watch, trailblazing afro-fusion artist Tim Lyre presents his new kaleidoscopic EP MASTA, released via avant-garde London-Johannesburg based record label Outer South. It follows his debut album Worry <, released in March of 2022, a project which instantly cemented itself as cult-classic amongst the alté community.
Setting sail on a creative odyssey that transcends borders, MASTA found its inception between his hometown of Lagos and acquired home of London. Within this musical masterpiece, Tim Lyre showcases his profound versatility, taking in hiphop, dancehall, amapiano, R&B and afrobeats through his afro-futurist gaze.
Through his skillful songwriting, he casts an enchanting, sage-like aura and graciously features the remarkable talents of Tay Iwar & Minz from Nigeria; Khanyisa from South Africa and Jords from the UK.
With a bold departure from thematic conventions and painstaking care taken with every element of the futuristic sound, the project emerges as a breath of fresh air, boldly showcasing Tim’s unrelenting commitment to artistic exploration.
“For self assurance, self confidence, and overall self improvement. I’ll do my best, I want you to do the same. Take good care of yourself. I look forward to seeing the greatest version of you.”
Encompassing collaborative efforts from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Nigeria, MASTA stands as a vibrant pan-African and diasporic masterpiece, effortlessly melding voices and cultures into a harmonious, globe-trotting symphony, a global expression of where afro-fusion finds itself in 2023.
Lead singles ‘Chasing Wind’ and ‘Confess’ have garnered over one million streams, with support from TRACE Africa, MTV Base, BBC Radio 1Xtra, SoundCity, Cool FM, The Beat and Native Mag.
His next single ‘Tighter’ is a sultry, sexy afrobeats jam that seamlessly navigates themes of sensuality, love, and pure joy, alongside one of the year’s emergent stars, Minz, produced by long-time collaborator DaRe.
Fourth single ‘Why Evils’, featuring the enigmatic Tay Iwar, sees two afro-fusion icons come together for a reflective boombap ditty, an ethereal number bound to be a future afro-fusion classic, recorded deep in the heart of south London. In Tim’s words, “I hope you can be free of all evils, let this be a singular moment of peace.”
Alongside the full project release on November 15th is focus track ‘MASTA’, a braggadocious self-assured anthem set to a unique fusion of amapiano and dancehall, complemented by the south London patois stylings of Motown Record’s Jords, produced by Tim and Code6. With sonic nods to Jamaica, South Africa and his hometown of Lagos, it’s the kind of record that could only have ever been produced in the melting pot of London town.
Production on the project comes from Ronehi, DaRe, Code6 and heavily from Tim himself, mixed by Sam Harper, (Wizkid, Stormzy, JHus, NSG, Tion Wayne, Sute Iwar) and mastered by The Carvery Studios in London.
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.
