The world is a universal village and there’s a free flow of exchange of cultures from different parts of the world. Some 8,920 kilometres away from Lagos, Nigeria, Razaq El Toro and Martinses are proudly representing the Nigerian flag and also pushing the Nigerian culture on the social scene in Toronto, Canada. The duo met through a rather unlikely source in singer Lady Donli, a mutual friend they shared; Martinses and Lady Donli were at a party where Razaq El was playing, Martinses told Lady Donli how good he thought Razaq El Toro was, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Razaq El Toro and Martinses are DJs and Electronic Music producers, and they make a subgenre of music called Eko Electronic. The origins of Eko Electronic can be traced back to 2013 when Razaq El Toro used to play at Underground events. He invented his style of music by increasing the BPM of Afrobeats songs, mixing the melodic vocals of Afrobeat songs with Electronic beats in a bid to stand out and still maintain his Nigerian identity. He coined the term “Eko Electronic” in November 2019, following his plans to organise a party in Lagos. Eko Electronic is a fusion of Alternative Electronic music – Indie Dance, Underground elements, Funk – with Afrobeats and all-round West African Music.
Martinses’ love for Electronic Music started from his early years when he listened to European Electronic Music from his elder brother’s laptop; at this first contact with Electronic Music, a seed had been sown in him. His love for Electronic music and Nigerian music gave enough sunlight for the seed to germinate and blossom to start making Eko Electronic music.
Eko Electronic is a perfect balance of Electronic music and African music, making it a sound many groups of people can relate to. For the Nigerians and Africans who want something slightly different from the norm, Eko Electronic is that comfort zone. For those outside Africa who love Electronic music, Eko Electronic is the perfect way for them to enjoy African music and Electronic music from a totally different and fresh angle.
Eko Electronic contains a lot of vocal and sound samples from Afrobeats songs layered over catchy, enticing Electronic beats. Eko Electronic makes it easier to introduce the audience outside of Africa to the old and new Afrobeats songs while still promoting African Dance Music. Eko Electronic is poised to be the banner of African Dance Music on the global stage, being an alternative to the bubbling Afrobeats songs on the global level.
Eko Electronic is more than just a genre of music to Razaq El Toro and Martinses. To them it’s more of a movement, an experience and a lifestyle; the process of curating sounds, fusing different genres, the parties, the audience, the process behind making each song, the fashion style and creating a safe space that is inclusive for everyone. With each party they play, they gradually push the gospel of African Dance Music. From Eko Electronic Party held at Bolivar in Lagos in collaboration with Sensei Lo and Aye to Afriquelikeme held in Toronto, Canada, Eko Electronic keeps spreading all around the world.
Razaq El Toro and Martinses have been able to stand out from the other DJs in Toronto, differentiating themselves with their unique sound, creating an awareness and building a cult following. They have also been able to inspire other DJs in Toronto to discover and delve into music production. They aim to promote West African music – especially the Lagos party culture – to the world with their music.
Razaq El Toro released his debut EP titled “Eko Electronic is a Genre” in 2020 to make a huge statement that his genre, Eko Electronic, is here to stay. His sophomore EP titled “Lagos Loft” will be released mid October 2021. Martinses latest song titled “Jaiye Omo” featuring Aunty Jerry, Idris Lawal and Lady Donli further established Eko Electronic as a sound we’ll be hearing more often. With each release, they’re firmly building a solid fan base all around the world, inspiring other DJs and Producers to jump on the Eko Electronic wave.
