When M.I. Abaga announced his departure from Chocolate City Music in 2020, many feared he had inadvertently condemned the label to its demise. With BlaqBonez left as the only big name on an already dwindling roster, not many saw a way back for the illustrious music company. Three years later and time has proven those with that assumption wrong, thankfully. The secret to that resurrection lies in the handful of astute signings of new talents made by the management in 2022. Noon Dave was one of the chosen few.
The dreadlocked Afrofusion crooner immediately repaid the faith placed in him with his first release, “Brunch,” a bass-heavy Afrobeat and Hip-hop blend that was as entertaining as it was daring. The track enjoyed a healthy run on the airwaves, gathering streams in excess of a million and opening more eyes than not to the realization of what a remarkable talent Noon Dave is.
Born David on May 23 in the neighboring territory of Benin Republic, Noon Dave developed a love for music at a tender age like most artists before him. What differentiates him is his status as a true student of the game. In addition to his natural talents, he studied at the Peter Kings College of Music, a learning experience that undoubtedly broadened his horizon and deepened his skill levels. To complete his training, he studied the styles of foreign superstars like Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Bryson Tiller with a view of replicating their music with a local twist.
Two qualities readily come to mind when asked what makes Noon Dave unique: his versatility and lyricism. His versatility is clearly demonstrated by the range of his three releases so far. Although all three have an underlying Afrobeat sound, “Too Late” features an R&B sound, “Brunch” has elements of Hip-hop, and his latest track, “Hillary,” has a rich Pop vibe. The singer doesn’t miss a beat on any of the songs, adjusting to the demands of each genre seamlessly. The brilliance in his lyricism becomes quickly apparent upon closely listening to his work. There’s a certainty in his words that makes his message clear and easy to follow, which will always be a plus.
There’s a third secret to Noon Dave’s appeal: his ability to capture the listener’s attention within seconds. He achieves this with his already highlighted lyrical prowess and catchy instrumentals. In a world where the audience is oversaturated with new releases weekly, that quality is a very good one to have. It’s once again evident in his new song “Hillary,” which dropped on March 24. He tackles the topic of toxic love on a godOmarr-produced beat that should do well on the music market.
So, after single number three, what next for Noon Dave? One would logically argue that an E.P. should follow, especially since all of the new artists recruited alongside him to Chocolate City have already put out short bodies of work. There’s certainly no need to rush things, though; Noon Dave has the makings of an artist that will be around for a while to come. Now is the best time to start enjoying what he has to offer – find “Hillary” on your preferred platform and tap into his vibe.
