For well over a decade, Show Dem Camp (SDC) has stood as an undeniable pillar in Nigerian music. They are champions of the rap game, certainly, but also a foundational force in the alternative “alté” movement, consistently proving what it means to stay true to one’s roots. Their art is soaked in authentic African elements, a sonic signature evident across their celebrated Palmwine Music and Clone Wars project series.
Now, the duo returns to reinforce this legacy with their newest project, Afrika Magik. A sprawling 17-track piece, the album was preceded by singles Normally and Italawa, which offered a glimpse into the expansive and immersive world they were about to unveil.
Afrika Magik opens with Libations, a fitting entry where Tec and Ghost immediately reflect on their journey. They position themselves as torchbearers making their mark, just as the heroes of Nigeria’s musical past, legends like Victor Olaiya, King Sunny Adé, William Onyeabor, and Oliver De Coque shaped the afrobeats, highlife, and funk soundscape. It’s a powerful intro that prepares the listener for the deep dive to come.
This flows into Pressure, a laid-back track featuring Taves, whose melodic chorus provides a smooth counterpoint to SDC’s signature flows. The duo raps candidly about the pressures of their musical journey while simultaneously choosing to enjoy the moment. On You Get Me, Tems delivers an addictively soulful vocal performance, singing about a lover who understands her completely. Tec expresses his earnest intentions, while Ghost’s deep vocals offer reassurance to his lover.
A key theme of the album emerges with the first interlude, Nollywood Vixen. It’s a nostalgic reflection on the immense cultural influence of Nollywood films, particularly their aspirational portrayal of Nigerian women “running the world.” This theme of cultural homage runs throughout the project. This reflective mood continues on Spellbound, featuring Lusanda. The track thoughtfully touches on the cyclical ups and downs of a relationship, despite past hurts, two lovers find themselves drawn back to each other, as if under a spell.
The album’s energy shifts with Normally. Featuring Joey B and Boj, the track instantly injects a vibrant Nigerian party flavor. Boj’s hook is infectious, creating a vibe that demands you be on your feet, perhaps in your full “owambe” attire. It’s a feel-good soundtrack painting a vivid picture of meeting someone new at a lavish party, who you’re ready to spray all your money on. The good-time energy continues on Small Chops and Champers, where Ajebutter22 brings his trademark smooth, buttery flow, and on Lifestyle with Moelogo, which champions the good life. Italawa, a Yoruba phrase meaning “we are outside,” serves as the anthem for a good time, with Tec and Ghost detailing their lavish nightlife.
The album also explores moments of vulnerability. Pele, featuring Winny, is a soulful Afrobeats, R&B-rap track that reminisces on a one-sided love, framed as a heartfelt apology. The title track, Magik, truly lives up to its name, especially with Moonchild Sanelly’s contribution. Her verse is sparkling and electrifying, conveying its message through pure energy and feeling.
Send a Text is a firm setting of boundaries, making it clear they’re not in the mood for unnecessary talk; if it’s not business, don’t call. Masterkey sees Mereba confessing her lover has the masterkey to her heart, while SDC reflects on a special, shared love. The humorous White Juju interlude pivots from Nollywood nostalgia to a funny, futuristic take on a “race war against AI.” The album closes on a powerful note. Rise Again, featuring LULU, is a motivational anthem designed to instill confidence, while I’ll Wait serves as a tender, reassuring closing track, a promise of loyalty no matter what.
Beyond the individual tracks, Afrika Magik’s greatest triumph is its cohesive and deeply intentional celebration of African movie culture and lifestyle. This isn’t just a surface-level flavour; it’s woven into the album’s DNA. The interludes, with their specific appreciation for Nollywood, are a masterstroke.
The album title itself is a clever homage to the Africa Magic television channel, the very platform that brought many of those classic Nollywood movies into homes across the continent. This theme is even visualized in the album cover by Tife Sonaike, which brilliantly mimics the aesthetic of a classic Nollywood CD case. The productions from Spax, Guitybeatz, Genio, and Yinka Bernie are brilliant, the mixing from Spark and Ikon is exceptional, and the mastering from Gerhard Westphalen completes the mission. Show Dem Camp and their collaborators perfectly executed this vision, making the album feel exactly like the cultural artifact they intended it to be.
The features on Afrika Magik are another distinguishing factor. The female features, in particular, are a highlight. From Moonchild Sanelly’s electric energy to the soulful contributions of Lusanda, Tems, Winny, LULU, and Mereba, each artist blends seamlessly with SDC’s foundational rap verses. This quality extends to the rest of the guest list, from the fresh sound of Taves on Pressure to familiar collaborators like Boj and Ajebutter22. No feature feels forced; each serves to elevate the song.
Afrika Magik succeeds as a complete, storytelling body of work. It masterfully balances its themes, from the introspection of Libations to the multifaceted exploration of love on tracks like You Get Me and Pele to the pure cruise-and-good-time anthems like Normally.
In Afrika Magik, Show Dem Camp have delivered not just another album, but arguably their most cohesive and compelling project to date. It is a rich, resonant celebration of their roots, their journey, and their unmatched artistry. It truly only goes up from here.
Standout tracks: Pele, Magik, I’ll Wait, Small Chops and Champers, Pressure
