Afro-Drill music is a hip-hop subgenre increasingly gaining traction with the Nigerian audience. More and more songs in this sound category are finding their way to charts and gaining radio airplay, and it is not an exaggeration to say Afro-Drill represents the best chance of rap music finally gaining the acceptance it craves. And what’s not to love? By mixing the gruelling sounds of Drill with the sonic magic that is Afrobeats, we have a sound that appeals to a wider demographic. We have Abuja – where this subgenre’s pioneering and leading members reside – to thank for Afro-Drill, and prominent in this community is Eeskay.
Born Ishaq Baba Bello, 24-year-old Eeskay has sure come a long way in his music career that officially dates back to New Year’s Day of 2018 when he dropped “Bus Go Move.” Like most artistes, he developed his interest in penning down lyrics as far back as high school and persisted on that path despite opposition from the adults around him. Time has rewarded him for his persistence as he’s now sitting pretty on 4 million plus streams and a rapidly growing fanbase. He earned this over the course of just one EP, one album, and 20 singles, and with more songs surely in his arsenal, he can only get bigger from here.
He owes his modest success story to the uniqueness of his style and the originality of his sound. Many lay claims to ownership of the Afro-Drill sound, but unlike most, Eeskay has evidence to show for his claims. He has been doing this since 2018 and has sharpened and improved the sound to the near-perfect state that it is now. There’s a lot to be said about his style too. The lyrics in his music sound like experiences that can only be shared by someone who has gone through them. He often talks about real-life events he’s faced during his time in Abuja – where he was born and bred – and Ekiti – where he completed his university education.
He does this from a relatable perspective, which probably accounts for the connection young hip-hop heads feel to his music. Those not already drawn in by the relatability will definitely be swayed by the unadulterated, hard-hitting, and smooth-flowing nature that characterizes his flow on the microphone. Of all his tracks to date, it’s “Agbalagba,” which features Odumodublvck, that best showcases all of Eeskay’s qualities, and it’s no wonder why it’s his biggest song yet.
For those looking to get acquainted with Eeskay, “Agbalagba” is a great place to start. Another excellent starting point will be his latest release, a two-pack single that consists of “Flimsy Excusees” and “Bad Character.” Produced by Cross and Tubase, respectively, and released through Azuri Music, both tracks are a testament to the personal growth of Eeskay and the rap industry as a whole. The instrumentals are easy on the ears, with the samples on “Bad Character” particularly standing out.
The relaxed flow with which he discusses his intolerance for flimsy excuses and success despite being perceived as someone with a bad character speaks of someone who is very much in control and basking in confidence. Eeskay may not be at the peak of his powers yet, but that should impress rather than worry you. Afro-Drill will soon have a chokehold of the industry, and Eeskay will be a major contributor to the subgenre’s tight grip.
