Two heads aren’t always better than one, but in the case of Guice n Jin, the adage holds up fine. The fast-rising group are only three singles into their official music career, but they’ve done enough to restore some faith in the viability of duos in an industry where we don’t have enough of that anymore. For the uninitiated, Guice n Jin are the Port Harcourt-based duo – yes, that city again – behind the single “Osimhen,” their first hit song. This duo has put the hustle into getting their name out there. Consequently, they’ve caught our attention, and we think they’re talented enough to pique yours too.
Guice n Jin comprises two exciting talents: Minikwu Daniel Manuchim and Nicholas Jackson Isimah, better known as Uncle Rozay and Nicotine, respectively. Both individuals identify as singers, rappers, and songwriters and have been on this music journey for quite a while now. Rozay and Nicotine met in secondary school and quietly nursed ambitions of making separate careers in music. However, they teamed up after secondary school to create Guice n Jin.
Their official debut single came in April this year when they dropped “Sportie Bet.” That track was independently released but was good enough to attract PH label Kollecting Records, which eventually snapped them up. They quickly rewarded the label with “Osimhen,” a track that pays homage to the nation’s hottest footballer right now. The track currently has over 160,000 streams on Spotify alone. Its success alerted many to their potential, boosting their social media following to over 200,000 on all platforms.
Pondering upon the stylized group name Rozay and Nicotine selected, it’s easy to see why it’s a great choice. Juice and Gin is one of the most loved cocktails in the world. Why? Because of its simplicity and the seamless way the components complement each other to produce a perfectly balanced blend. Fast-rising Port Harcourt duo Guice n Jin embody those characteristics.
Uncle Rozay and Nicotine complement each other very well. Since both can rap and sing, they boast a fluidity that makes it pleasantly hard to distinguish between them on a song. They cite acts like J. Cole, Jay Z, Wizkid, and Burna Boy as their biggest influences, but it’s really Ajebo Hustlers they have the closest stylistic resemblance to. That group, who incidentally also originate from Port Harcourt, possess the same versatility and flexibility that can be found in Guice n Jin’s releases thus far.
Perhaps the biggest thing Guice n Jin really have going for them is the relatability of their music. Their debut tune, “Sportie Bet”, is a fantastic example. On that track, they break down the frustrating and sometimes bizarre experiences that punters go through in a bid to cash out big. Every Nigerian is rooting for Victor Osimhen, and that helped their second single, which celebrates the Ballon d’Or nominee, quickly become a fan favourite. They also have this keen ability to drop street-level lyrics with sophistication and panache.
All these qualities are why their forthcoming debut project, “Thug Love Book 1”, is one to watch out for. Guice n Jin have already shared the EP’s melodic lead single “Catfish”, which is arguably their best track so far, from a critical point of view. “Thug Love 1” will include a sole guest verse from Ice Prince and could potentially become their biggest track yet. Certainly, things are looking up for Guice n Jin, and we can expect them to cross important milestones in the next few months. Now is as good a time as any to familiarise yourself with this exciting duo. Guice n Jin is just a few clicks on your favourite streaming platform away; check them out for a first-hand taste of their delicious blend.
