Afropop superstar Mr Eazi yesterday unveiled his highly anticipated debut album, ‘The Evil Genius,’ released under his own emPawa Africa label. The album was a culmination of Mr Eazi’s personal journey, recorded across multiple locations, from Benin to Ghana, Nigeria, and even international cities like London, Los Angeles, and New York. It explores deeply personal themes such as love, betrayal, loneliness, and family, presented through three distinct acts.
Heralded by “Legalize”, the 16 set boasts an impressive lineup of guest features, including Angelique Kidjo, Tekno, Efya, Joeboy, and the three-time Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, among others. A diverse group of talented producers, including Kel-P, Knucks, and Michael Brun, contributed to the project, making it a sonic masterpiece.
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Mr Eazi’s artistic vision didn’t stop with the music; he embarked on a unique creative endeavor, bridging the gap between African music and art. He collaborated with visual artists encountered during his travels, commissioning them to create distinctive artwork for each of the album’s 16 tracks. This groundbreaking fusion of African music and art gave birth to a stunning visual representation of his music.
To address the lack of meaningful collaboration between Africa’s thriving pop music scene and its fine art creators, Mr Eazi personally selected 13 artists from eight African countries. In doing so, he expanded his already impressive resume to include the role of art curator and patron. This collaboration between music and art was brought to life through multi-sensory exhibition listening experiences, with the first two exhibitions held in Accra, Ghana, and London during the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House.
The album’s captivating cover art was a result of Mr Eazi’s collaboration with renowned Nigerian stylist, designer, and photographer Daniel Obasi, known for his work with global icons like Beyoncé and Louis Vuitton. ‘The Evil Genius’ stands not only as an exceptional musical creation but also as a testament to Mr Eazi’s commitment to celebrating the rich artistic diversity of Africa, setting new standards for the global music and art industry.
“The EVIL Genius” is out now and streaming. Listen to it below and share your thoughts:
