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The Sound of Brymo

To be honest, falling in love with Brymo wasn’t difficult. He sings with a musical liberation that many artists lack in Nigeria (no shade intended). The argument about the topic ‘The evolution of Brymo’ often raises questions like ‘How many hit songs has Brymo released since he left Choc Boiz?’ and ‘What have we heard…

To be honest, falling in love with Brymo wasn’t difficult. He sings with a musical liberation that many artists lack in Nigeria (no shade intended). The argument about the topic ‘The evolution of Brymo’ often raises questions like ‘How many hit songs has Brymo released since he left Choc Boiz?’ and ‘What have we heard or seen of Brymo in recent years?’. All these questions are often asked from a mindset which Nigerians have adopted as regards a painful majority of Nigerian songs. More often than not, we ignore that this isn’t ranked highly when it comes to the reality of what music is.

Most of you are aware that Brymo has released five albums; Merchants, Dealers & Slaves, Tabula Rasa, #TheSonOfaKapenta, Trance and Klitoris. But are you aware that each and every track on those albums has earned Brymo a spot with the legends of African music or did you simply skip to that one popular song that you heard a couple of times on the radio or saw on your TV screen? This artist has his found his voice and he isn’t afraid to stay in that lane. He isn’t trying to break into the mainstream Nigerian music scene – which is a lot of noise and no substance. Remember ‘Down’ from the Merchant, Dealers & Slaves album? Hit song in its own time, hit song for all time. That isn’t the only tune Brymo has that makes us love this artist; songs like Dear Child, Purple Jar, Jungle Fever, The Way The Cookie Crumbles, Let’s Make Love but to mention a few have stolen our hearts.

I am absolutely proud of the fact that Brymo has stayed true to his artistic side and has insisted, despite all odds, to remain in the headspace that makes him deliver greatness every time he shares a piece of him with the world.

Would you say that Brymo has accomplished anything as an artist? Well, that would have to be according to your definition of accomplished. He is accomplished in my own definition; that raspy voice that delivers on every note, the mix of Pidgin English, Yoruba and English is very similar to the dialogue of the everyday Nigerian which makes this relatable, and the diversity of his music is refreshing. Let’s not forget his delivery of a subtle message is always present, be it about the current situation of the country or the present emotional status of the musician. Brymo’s sound is unique and we love it!!!

His music has been likened to that of Aṣa, Fela, Tunji Oyelana, Beautiful Nubia and Fatai Rolling Dollar. He is not scared of genuine controversy caused by his music titles, message and representation. Isn’t that the voice of a true artist?

Brymo has found his voice on and off the recorder and no matter how loud or subtle he decides to be, we hear him loud and clear.  As underrated as an artist can get, Brymo is truly the prophet that isn’t recognized in his homeland.

The sound of Brymo is rich. The sound of Brymo is pure. The sound of Brymo is true. The sound of Brymo is reflective. The sound of Brymo is Africa in its unadulterated form.

 

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