Mayorkun proves himself a star on ''The Mayor Of Lagos'' album

After two years of mentorship and understudying his idol and label boss, Davido, Mayorkun has found his voice and seeks to be addressed as the new ''Mayor of Lagos.''

From being that unsigned act making internet videos and tagging big-name artists for recognition to becoming a headline act for his own concert which has held successfully in different cities. The journey to his debut album is one that has been well aided by building his followership buzz off the back of a number of golden records.

Mayorkun has released so many songs, that have featured prominently on the charts, forging his way to the very top of mainstream recognition.

In an industry where a full-length album is becoming a myth due to its seeming lack of viability, and a number of artists this year have shied away from the 'album' tag, Mayorkun understands the importance of projects like this in his evolution as a talent to reckon with.

And as much as he admits to the pressure that weighs on his shoulders, he has taken the gutsy step of releasing his debut project, ''The Mayor of Lagos.'' A 14-track offering packed with a stellar cast of guest features but also not overcrowded in a way that would cloud his individuality and presence.

The album features names like D'banj, Sarkodie, Patoranking, Davido and his brothers from the DMW label, with production from Killertunes, Speroach, Fresh, Kiddominant, Coublon and more.

If there is one thing Mayorkun is known for, it is his ability to craft dance heavy hit records and the occasional rhythmic love songs, hence I approached this with a fair sense of knowing what to expect, but the opening track even in its now cliche template offered something different and this was as pleasing as it was welcoming.

'Feelings' is a mid-tempo record that properly introduces him as the new sheriff in town. Over a Speroach beat, Mayorkun takes us on a journey of how he started, dropping survival nuggets in between.

This is probably the most discerning that you will hear from the DMW artist and the phone conversation of his mother praying for him ices the beautiful cake.

Then on the song 'Sope', Mayorkun is thankful for everything, including the girl that has a good body. 'Tire' is that love joint that amps up his Ghanaian influences.

Previously released singles, 'Fantasy' and 'Posh' continue to prove popular in clubs and dance floors with its infectious and bop worthy vibe.

'Aya Mi' is that romantic elixir that sounds like a mash-up of songs you have heard before yet Mayorkun is able to own it in his melodic way, making it fresh and irresistible. The talking drums on this is pure orgasm, not to mention the Yoruba chants at the end. This is a jam.

While on hindsight, D'banj should have been restricted to his harmonica on 'Oshepete', Sarkodie stays true to his qualities with his verse on 'Jonze.'

'Drama Queen' is that song that has you snapping away, a jewel in the midst of the lot and perhaps the album's most exotic moment. This is one of those glimpses where Mayorkun resists the urge to make music just for the sake of commerciality and instead stay more in tune with his artistry.

Mayorkun accomplishes his mission with 'Red Handed' featuring Peruzzi, Dremo and Yonda while the project is brought to its close with pronounced hits in 'Bobo', 'Che Che' and 'Mama.'

''The Mayor Of Lagos'' works because it tilts largely to his strength, packed with a fairly consistent number of anthems and bop heavy joints.

A number of singles will surely work its way to becoming breakout hits, and as a whole body of work; it is hard to point at a really bad song or tag it as being monotonous. The beats are vibrant and effectively suit his vocals, while his ability to deliver some of the tastiest pop hooks shine through.

It is ostensibly an album that makes a profound introductory statement. One that does not overshoot in his supposition and successfully delivers on a number of counts, but while it is a strong way to open his catalogue, it doesn't do enough to make him the highest ranking talent in this city just yet.

Rating: 3.5/5

Ratings

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