by Jesse Ababio
Ever since his first single in 2018 YN The Afropikin without fail gives his fans and listeners the best of music. Always drawing inspiration from his Igbo origin, YN The Afropikin deliberately incorporates his Igbo sound with the Ghanaian Highlife sound to create his unique sound.
YN The Afropikin’s new project “The Oracle ” truly speaks to the heart of all Afrobeats lovers. The drums, the horns, the voice, the lyrics and the entire production attests to the hard work invested in producing the entire project.
“Music is everything, the need to create and express myself in my own way. This sound is my actual reflection, my influences and my history” to Afropikin this record is evidence of his growth as a musician. The project is a 7-track EP featuring artists like ToluDaDi, David Acekeyz, and Josh Dre. Songs on the tape were produced by Babawvd, Ipappi, and David Acekeyz.
Tagged as the voice of Afrobeats in his generation, YN The Afropikin speaks highly of himself sending a message to his listeners that he is “The Oracle ”.
“The Oracle” explores themes across Love, Submission, Identity, Self-Worth, Freedom and affirmation of calmness. With each song being driven by different inspirations, YN The Afropikin breaks down the creative process for each song.
Track 1 – Sekem
This song’s writing process was spontaneous because I started writing before the beat was finished. I didn’t actually pen it, it was all a feeling. It was like someone was speaking directly to my ear. I felt empowered and it was reflected in my vocal delivery. Ghanaian Producer Babawvd and I were inspired by a local highlife on the radio that was playing the moment we were programming the drums. This song carries the aura of an Oracle. In this vein, I assume the full role of the mouthpiece announcing my presence.
After I recorded my vocals I linked Chris Taylor to play live drums to the song. When that was done the song gained more momentum and was solid. This song reflects my Igbo origin so it was only right to invite an old friend of mine to do a voice-over which was praises that is normally said when a man of huge royalty is stepping out.
Track 2 – Pele
Pele means ‘sorry’ in Yoruba. This song is a statement to people who don’t like me or don’t like my vibe. It’s almost sarcastic telling them sorry that they don’t catch on. I was intentional with this direction when Babawvd sent me the beat. The beat was 100% done when he sent it and I connected instantly. I wrote the song within an hour and recorded it that weekend. I was already in project mode so it was easy to put pieces together.
Track 3 – Jangolova
This was one of the last songs I recorded for the tape. I was in beast mode throughout the recording phase and I wanted to bring the soft boy side to the table. Jangolova means a swing in Nigerian Pidgin. This song is where I get soft, submitting to a girl who rocks my world like a jangolova. Babawvd and I created the beat he had already started working on and I took it home to write on it.
Track 4 – Jakpa
Jakpa!!! . This song was recorded in December 2018 and finished in January 2019. This was the first meet up with David Acekeyz. It was an explosive session as you can imagine. Everything was spot on. Nothing was written and let’s say the gods of Afrobeats were with us. The session began after hours of listening to Fela Kuti and immersing ourselves in the music. I have held on to this song for so long to find the right weight of songs to build around it. Everything you hear in the beat was programmed by David Acekeyz. Josh Dre whom I always wanted to work with came when the session was almost over and ran through after hearing my verse. Jakpa is an expressive statement of wanting to leave, run or be free. It’s a feeling when Afrobeats hit you.
Track 5 – All Correct
This beat was made the same day we made “Sekem”. “All correct” is braggadocious from all angles and the only one I could see fit was ToluDaDi. I sent him the song for a verse and he had his verse ready at the same hour. I wanted an anthem and we did just that.
Track 6 – Superstar
Throughout the tape, you will realize I spoke highly of myself and with this song I proclaimed myself a superstar which I am. I have a thing for Afrohouse music so Babawvd was already making this beat for me when I met him for a session. I wanted more chants and fewer words for this cause I was aiming for feels when you listen to it. This was one of the easiest songs to record.
Track 7 – No stress
This was me in my highlife clothing. My second love is Afrobeat. I wrote this from a content state of mind, “No stress”. I decided to not stress and let things run their course. I found this beat on IPappi’s page and I asked him for it. The writing process was fluid. I decided to end the tape with this song as an affirmation of calmness.
I recorded all songs with SEI except Jakpa. He was really influential with the direction of my vocal takes.
Stream YN The Afropikin’s “The Oracle”