Nigerian Afropop sensation Joeboy makes a triumphant return with Viva Lavida, his highly anticipated third studio album, following the success of his sophomore project Body & Soul.
The 12-track odyssey marks both a creative rebirth and a bold declaration of independence. Released under his newly minted imprint, Young Legend, following his departure from EmPawa Africa, the album serves as a testament to Joeboy’s evolution as a storyteller and curator. Viva Lavida (Spanish for “Long Live Life”) seamlessly blends the emotive vulnerability and romantic sensibilities that first endeared him to fans(Baby, Sip (Alcohol)…) while introducing sharper production choices and a narrative arc that oscillates between heartbreak, self-discovery, and spiritual reckoning.
The journey to Viva Lavida has been marked by teasers like the first SMH snippet, which circulated online in late January 2025, culminating in its release as a single from the album. This rollout follows previously unveiled heavy-hitting tracks such as Osadebe, Adenuga, and the most recent, Taxi Driver, a standout accompanied by promotional episodes starring Joeboy as a therapeutic taxi driver. These visual illustrations featuring comedic lawyer Layi Wasabi and Asher Kine sharing their heartbreak experiences deepen the album’s narrative thread while bridging music with visual storytelling.
The album opens with Innocent, a mid-tempo confession where Joeboy’s soft vocals glide over a percussive, body-moving beat. Here, he establishes the album’s central theme of emotional transparency, pledging selfless devotion to a lover. This sincerity bleeds into Abena, a vibrant dance-infused track produced by Debo. The guest feature vocals playfully likens his romantic pursuit to solving a mathematical addition and multiplication mystery, while Joeboy urges his muse to surrender to the rhythm and their chemistry.
The mood shifts with Streets Are Lonely, a haunting reflection on fading love. Joeboy’s lyrics paint a portrait of isolation, his voice tinged with melancholy yearning for his lover to stay, as he admits, “The streets are lonely.” This vulnerability crescendos in Taxi Driver, a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. Over a brooding instrumental, he boards a metaphorical taxi, fleeing emotional wreckage while questioning if love is worth the chaos as he echoes, “this kele show me shege…somebody, somebody comfort me”. The track’s melodic chorus underscores his exhaustion, creating one of the album’s rawest moments.
Redemption arrives with SMH, a lush, Tempoe-produced anthem where Joeboy reclaims his stand. No longer the heartbroken supplicant, he dismisses an ex’s one-sided relationship. “There’s something missing here,” he sings as he makes the decision to walk away. The thematic pivot continues in Magdalene, a sultry mid-tempo groove celebrating new romance with a vibrant, dancable beat. It is followed by the sun-kissed duet Sunset with Brazilian artist Elana Dara. Their harmonies intertwine beautifully, evoking longing and the promise of shared serenity, spending moments under the sunset with their lover just as Joeboy sings “Someone to call my own”.
Joeboy then leans into luxury with Adenuga, a nod to Nigerian billionaire Mike Adenuga where Qing Madi’s guest vocals add texture to his vows of lavish devotion. This theme of abundance peaks in Free of Charge, a standout collaboration with rap icon Olamide. The latter delivers a defining verse, balancing slick wordplay as he champions love’s intersection with legacy and financial freedom.
I
The album’s final act turns inward. Osadebe channels the album’s core mantra (“Long Live Life”) through an infectious, carefree chorus, while Hey Father and Sinner grapple with spirituality. Over the instrumentals, Joeboy pleads for divine guidance, acknowledging his flaws yet seeking grace. The outro, I’ll Be Okay featuring guest artist Wizard Chan, closes the journey on a hopeful note. Joeboy’s vocals are layered over a wistful melody, while Wizard Chan’s highly atmospheric verse evokes hopeful euphoria—all set to Dera The Boy’s blissful instrumentation, crafting a perfect outro for release and renewal.
Viva Lavida thrives on its meticulous craftsmanship. Producers like Tempoe, Debo, and Dera The Boy, with mixes by Oxygen, layer Afrobeats with elements of R&B and soul, creating a soundscape that feels both contemporary and timeless. Joeboy’s vocal delivery alternately tender, playful, and resolute anchors the album’s emotional spectrum. Guest features are strategically deployed: Olamide’s authenticity complements Qing Madi’s ethereal cadence; Wizard Chan’s divine verse elevates the spiritual tone; and Elana Dara’s Portuguese vocals add global flair.
With Viva Lavida, Joeboy cements his status as Afropop’s premier romantic realist. The album is more than a breakup-to-redemption arc; it’s a meditation on life, love’s complexities, materialism’s allure, and the human need for connection, both earthly and divine. While the first half captivates with its narrative urgency, the latter tracks shine through their introspection.
Viva Lavida is a triumph of cohesion. Joeboy doesn’t just sing about love but life; he invites listeners to live it alongside him, flaws and all. It is also a perfect curation for his coming THE LAVIDA WORLD TOUR in April.
As the final notes of I’ll Be Okay fade, one truth lingers: this is the work of an artist fully in command of his voice.
