Hey Buju! Apology accepted

Following his rare feature on the deluxe of Wizkid’s globally acclaimed album ‘Made in Lagos’, after collaborating with the poetic rapper Ladipoe to deliver 2021s feel-good summer anthem ‘Feeling’, what might have denoted the pinnacle for the 23-year-old rookie has only been an upward stairway to greater exploits. And his sophomore EP ‘Sorry I’m late’ confirms it without zero doubt.

The seven tracks on the EP are so unified that they convey the young artist’s background, determination and strife through lyrical storytelling that cements him as a songwriter ahead of his time as he effortlessly demonstrates angelic vocal talent.

Furthermore, another element that confirms ‘Sorry I’m Late’ a masterpiece is the versatility it entails. If Buju isn’t sticking to his initial Altè roots in ‘Never Stopped’ [as seen in 2018 singles ‘Catch a Vibe’, ‘Cool Kids’, ‘A day in Lagos’], he is sailing the Amapiano wave in ‘Kilometer’. Suppose Buju isn’t leaning on his RnB/Soul fervor in ‘Something sweet’; he compels us to dance to Highlife in ‘Ogechukwu’ ft The Cavemen, before closing the 20 minutes EP on reggae rhythms with ‘I Do’.

Hey Buju! Apology accepted Pulse Nigeria

The question of Buju’s talent rarely draws skepticism, but what astounds this listener is the constant conviction that cloaks his records. The ‘Outside’ singer knows he is skilled at his craft and wastes no time convincing any potential critic, as he declares in ‘Never Stopped’, “who talk say Buju no Sabi sing?!”

Another detail noteworthy to mention is Buju’s Hustle character. One that he embodies unapologetically in such a refreshing manner to upcoming acts in the music industry and budding creatives in various fields. Despite the pursuit of industry achievements and creative accolades, Daniel Benson is out for the bag! Enough of modern creatives being sold the traditional lie that money isn't integral to artistry and success. No coincidence Buju’s hit single ‘Outside’, [which was released after his slightly controversial exit from spaceship record label to become independent.] had an iconic line that has been engraved on the streets of TwitterNg that goes, “ if you no get money, e dey kill idea”.

In a recent chat with Apple Music, the rising singer said, “I used to get a lot of messages asking ‘when are you dropping your own material?’ I felt very obliged to say something about it. ‘Sorry I’m Late’ could not be a better title”.

Considering the time and effort expended to write, record and master a musical project as endearing this, an apology is gratuitous to the growing fanbase he promised bragging rights on June 17, 2021, via Twitter. Notwithstanding, for what it’s worth, Buju, Apology Accepted!

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Israel Olorunnisola is a freelance creative. When he is not writing about Film, Music, TV or Pop culture he is telling stories on Wattpad.

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