With “Regina Askia,” ajofé is back to tackle a profound and deeply personal narrative. This vice is the trauma of parental neglect in the name of societal conformity and is definitely an ailment, that troubles many African households. The grungy, yet soulful track opens with ajofé reflecting on his adult life, overwhelmed by the pressure of seeking validation in places where peace is elusive. “Feeling sad that I’m living the way that I do, I’ve been running around the world seeking peace in places that are blue,” he sings, summing up the crux of a generational struggle.
In conversations about his upbringing, ajofé. acknowledges that while he had what many people would opine as the best parental care in Nigeria at the time, the core issues transcends his own personal experiences. It’s a critique of the societal standards of parenting, where parents’ desires for their children to represent the family well, often overshadow the child’s own interests. As he poignantly notes, children in this environment are molded into characters that serve their parents egos rather than their own aspirations. This creates a deeply-seated desire for external validation, as hinted at in the line, “they say aboi, you too dey care for people wey no send you.”
“Regina Askia” is undeniably one of ajofé.s heaviest and most riveting deliveries of 2024. Yet, true to his form, he masterfully narrates this profound story, whilst maintaining his trademark sound, which is an intoxicating blend of Nigerian street slang, rich baritone vocals and ear-gasmic pitch varistions. This track is gearing up to be a standout addition to any Afro Swing, Alte or major Afrobeats playlists, offering both thought-provoking content and a sound that captivates.
About ajofé.
ajofé. is an emerging force in the Nigerian Afrobeat scene, known for his dark, soulful vocals and his ability to blend introspective storytelling with infectious rhythms. His music often delves into complex emotional landscapes, exploring themes of identity, relationships, and societal expectations. With a sound deeply rooted in Afrobeat, yet influenced by Alte and Afroswing, ajofé., has carved out a unique space in the music industry. His use of rich baritone tones and his signature mix of street slang and poetic lyricism have earned him a loyal following. Tracks like EGO, Iheneme, and Voodoo have already positioned him as a bold voice, unafraid to tackle difficult subjects with raw emotion.
