Nigerian singer-songwriter and record producer, Idahams has most recently released his anticipated debut album ‘Truth, Love and Confessions (TLC)’ alongside the music video of “Bad Girl”- the project’s lead single featuring Ajebo Hustlers and produced by Yussy Beats.
Just like the title attests, Idahams’ debut album is all about personal truth, love and confessions. It’s a collection of real-life experiences, the happenings around him and inspirations he’s carried along his music journey since starting out at the tender age of 10 straight to 2016 at the start of his professional career when he got a major break by signing to Grafton Records.
Idahams reminisces on how the album came together, “I poured my heart and soul into this record because it’s my first album. I am hoping that it gives all the listeners and my fans inspiration, motivation and good entertainment,” he adds, “The process of recording TLC that almost took two years to complete was quite an insightful journey, during which I documented my life, environment and personal experiences.”
Directed by Clarence Peters, the music video emphasizes this by allowing them to shine in their element and street cred. The star trio hailing from Port Harcourt showcase the best of the best when it comes to a new dynamic crop of artists ready to take over the Afrobeats scene. The single’s storyline is literally an insider gist between dudes expressing their affection for their love interests.
The 13-track album has an assorted list of reputable musicians including Muthaka, Xenia Manasseh from Kenya, Zach Zoya from Canada as well as Metha4our from Nigeria, and Tugga Skii from the UK. On the serene and church-esque “Gratitude” Idahams is serving truthfulness as he makes a confession in conversation with God. This is a relatable song for gratitude, thanksgiving and surrender to God. “Che Che” opens with the popular phrase “No Food For The Lazy Man…” which is the satirical truth of what he believes in.
“Where I’m From” tells of Idaham’s true life story of how he lost friends and family in the Niger-Delta struggle in Port Harcourt and a brush with death at the Lekki Toll Gate massacre in Lagos. “Kpofire” is way too smooth for a socio-political song. It paints a picture of the current state of Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large, with illegal refining operations termed “kpo-fire’. While “Rapid Love” is a confession with a touch of political truth, “Pressure” is a relatable story about the hardships of life and the quest to survive. It also talks about the pressure that comes with success.
On the love songs; “Hate That I Love” comes with a pinch of pain while “Lovina Remix” is a fantasy of a man in love with a girl of his dreams. “Somebody’s Daughter” is an upbeat wedding song with Swahili verses bringing the heat to the tracklist. “Go Again” is a tale of a relationship with a lady who cannot get enough of her younger lover. “Odeshi”has braggadocious lyrics, very in tune with its inspiration – the title of an old Nollywood flick which means untouchable.
From stellar songwriting, music production, vocal prowess to marshaling the best collaborators; TLC is a powerful album that finally shows the entirety of Idahams’ artistry. Cutting across Afropop, R&B, Afrobeats and Alte Vibes, TLC is a conscious album that cleverly finds a good balance between feel-good songs that tell ordinary stories while addressing real life issues like socio-political and environmental challenges that many countries including his (Nigeria) are facing. Idahams sums it up to his fans, “This album is dedicated to all of you. I am glad I named the album ‘Truth, Love and Confession’ because the project lives up to the title. I hope you enjoy it and welcome into a musical journey as I let you in on my vulnerability.”
About Idahams
Idahams real name – Hart Idawarifagha lshmael, is from the famous southern Nigeria Island, Bonny in Rivers State. He was groomed for stardom at an early age. The singer, songwriter and producer started honing his musical talent at the age of 10 and got a record deal with Grafton Records in 2016. Since joining the label, Idahams has offered his production and singing prowess to a slew of artists including; TENI, Seyi Shay, Peruzzi, Falz The Bahdguy, Solidstar, Duncan Mighty, Mr 2kay, Afro Boss – DJ Edu, Ill Bliss and many others.
In 2019, Idahams was signed into a joint Venture deal between his label, Grafton Records, and Universal Music Group Nigeria. Idahams released his sophomore EP titled ‘MAN ON FIRE’ which currently has over 10M streams across various streaming platforms. The number tripled after the release of the Deluxe edition of the same EP in 2021 with the push of the song, “Ada” and “Man on Fire North Africa Remix” feat. Jaylann, “Man on Fire Latin Remix” feat Jimmix and Trappi.
Listen to ‘TLC’ here:
