Sean Tizzle does not get very far on 'Moving Forward' Vol. 1 EP

Extended Play – Moving Forward EP (Vol.1)Artiste – Sean TizzleGuests – Iceberg Slim, Davido, Dax MpireProducers – Black Jerzee, Mr KameraRecord Label – Tizzle Nation (2017)

The last time Sean Tizzle was releasing a project, he was at the top of pop game. He had the top singles on radio, and his earning power was almost unparalleled among his peers.

“The Journey” album, which he released in 2014 is still regarded as one of the best pop projects that have ever been released in contemporary Nigeria. But even the weight of that honor, feels too light today. Time and new music has eroded his stardom, and those days when Sean Tizzle traversed and conquered concert venues in the country feels like a long time ago.

Sadly, this was just over two years ago, when he was the new king. Today, that throne is gone. Sean Tizzle lost his mojo and his throne.

But Nigeria rarely forgets. Once you conquer hearts with your music, a part of you remains with your fans, long after you have stopped being hot. That’s why Sean Tizzle still continues to command recognition and respect. And it is based on that currency, and a burning desire to do more, that he returns with an EP titled “Moving Forward” Volume 1.

The new project is Tizzle’s way of pushing past his drought, and throwing his hat back into the ring. In this game of music, it is generally understood that you can only win if you play. Sean Tizzle is playing for glory. He is playing for passion. And most importantly, he is playing for survival.

He does survive on this project. ‘Dide’, a collaboration with Davido still contains the best parts of why Sean Tizzle blew in the first place. He revamped old Nigerian Highlife, into something palatable, with OBO, to create a memorable opener. Those notes are struck again, this time solo on ‘Arawa Ni’, although you can’t help but shake off the nagging feeling that you have heard these two tracks before.

While Sean Tizzle works hard at reminding you of his earlier success, he does push the envelope. Iceberg Slim combines perfectly on the Caribbean-influenced ‘Roll up’, and produces the best song on the project. Although he never should have pushed too far. There’s no way ‘Latin Lover’, with its Salsa leanings, should have left the studio. Other than the intention of the artiste to work with distant sounds, there is nothing to enjoy on it.

Over 7 tracks, Sean Tizzle shows fans that he keeps his head firmly in making music, and holds firmly to what has worked before: Melody, beats, and dancing. He is moving forward in his personal career, as this improves on his scant catalogue.

But in the qualitative department, he does not move too far. For you, the listener, enjoy what hits you, look no further, and seek nothing else, lest you end up with disappointment.

Rating - 3.5

Ratings

1-Dull2-Boring2.5-Average3-Worth Checking Out3.5-Hot4-Smoking Hot4.5-Amazing5-Perfection