Mayorkun, the Afropop sensation who burst onto the scene with his 2016 hit “Eleko,” has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre. His style, characterized by vibrant wordplay and innovative songwriting, is coupled with a unique talent for blending diasporic sounds into his music. With an effortless flow and catchy melodies, Mayorkun has become a bona fide superstar in the Afropop world.
His 2018 album, “The Mayor of Lagos,” solidified his rising star status. Featuring collaborations with some of Afropop’s biggest names, it showcased Mayorkun’s immense talent. In 2021, he released “Back in Office,” further cementing his position as a top-tier artist. This album delved into themes of success, social mobility, and gratitude, experimenting with various musical influences, from amapiano to soul and bongo flava.
The two years following “Back in Office” have seen Mayorkun continue to navigate the diverse Afropop landscape. He’s released hit singles like “Certified Loner (No Competition)” and “Alarm” and contributed to collaborations like “Sugarcane (Remix)” with Camidoh and Darkoo, and “MAITAMA” with Teni and Costa Titch. His ability to seamlessly blend into different styles and still shine speaks to his versatility as an artist.
Mayorkun’s latest offering, the EP “Love.. For Free,” takes listeners on an intimate journey through the complexities of love and heartbreak. Across five songs, Mayorkun, whose real name is Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, explores the different facets of a romance gone sour and the subsequent healing process.
In “For Daddy,” the singer yearns for a love interest with whom he envisions a future, set against a skittering instrumental. “Lose Control” features a collaboration with South African rapper Blxckie as they express dismay at the love interest’s elusiveness. “My Energy” conveys a sense of acceptance, with Mayorkun declaring that he doesn’t owe anyone his love. The EP’s climax arrives with “Lowkey!” produced by larrylanes, as Mayorkun reflects on lessons learned from past relationships and begins to craft a vision for the future.
“Love.. For Free” is more than just music; it’s an emotional journey that invites the audience to share in the artist’s experiences. Mayorkun’s ability to fuse his personal growth and emotions into his music is a testament to his artistry and storytelling prowess. This EP continues to establish him as a force to be reckoned with in the world of Afropop.
Listen and download below.
