The Amexin EP is a decent, well-crafted project. It’s a pointer to Amexin’s budding artistry…
By Emmanuel Daraloye
I have never been a fan of Nigerian DJs releasing albums. Most times, I correctly predict the content: forced collaborations, watered-down content, and mass features just to score a hit song. When the notifications announcing the release of a new project, The Amexin EP, popped up on my phone on the evening of February 24, 2023, I reluctantly pressed the play button.
At the end of the first spin, I was impressed with the synergy between DJ Tunez and the young, rambunctious, and skillful artiste called Amexin. The seven-track EP sees Amexin showing off his talent as a singer, cum rapper, and a fine genre-mixing artiste.
DJ Tunez, Wizkid’s official DJ, has been raking in massive stream figures alongside an impressive street appeal with his songs. The first was the Wande Coal-assisted 2016 classic, “Iskaba.” Tunez had been on a roller coaster since then. Artistes like Burna Boy, Reekado Banks, Omah Lay, Adekunle Gold, and lately D3an and Amexin have all collaborated with the New York-born, internationally acclaimed disc jockey.
On The Amexin, DJ Tunez chaperones Amexin fully into the Nigerian music space, giving him the wings to fly, a launchpad for his fledgling music career. On his part, Amexin gives DJ Tunez dollops of impeccable delivery. This EP is a cementing of what DJ Tunez and Amexin began in July 2022 with the melodious, guitar- and drums-draped “Already.”
On Amexin’s Spotify account, his three songs already released feature DJ Tunez. They served as a guinea pig for this EP, and they all made the EP tracklist.
The artwork for the cover of The Amexin exudes simplicity. Amexin is draped in a pink pullover, a flowing white blazer and an orange half-shoe to match. DJ Tunez adorns a black shirt, black pair of trousers, and black shade with a black half-shoe complimenting his look. They both look relaxed. Even before playing the tracks, the project artwork already eases you into a certain right frame of mind.
An Internet search of Amexin rarely brings up anything about his biography. His Twitter account is filled with music content. He usually retweets. Sometimes, you see a tweet from DJ Tunez celebrating him. In one of the tweets made last year, DJ Tunez specifically instructed his fans to watch out for Amexin. Truly, DJ Tunez meant that statement in all ramifications.
The first ten seconds of “Boogie Down” features some superb instrumentals; they are twangy and a bit infectious. By the time Amexin’s vocals come up, a boisterous drum joins the instrumental.
This runs along with Amexin’s beautiful articulations. “Boogie Down” hints at Jazz. His words come out so well, you hear all what he says. On this song, Amexin calls on the girl to dance (boogie down) with him. No girl can do it better than her, he sings. Most of the lyrics of this song are veiled. From the surface, it’s difficult to deduce what Amexin means. How do you explain a line like, “No body send me to love, I just love, E come to be like say I peel groundnut.” “Peeling groundnut” as used in this context is a Port-Harcourt slang that signifies when one falters or fails. More of these slangs are scattered across The Amexin EP.
A heavy-hitting drum and a sunny kick lay the foundation for “Vanilla.” The instrumental arrangement makes Amexin vocals come alive, free from hindrance as he relives his experience with a girl. By the time this second track ends, you are convinced that in terms of lyrics, Amexin tapped from Omah Lay. His pen game might not be anywhere close to the “Godly” singer; yet, the unmistakable similarities cannot be ignored.
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From the slang to the vulgar content, you just can’t miss it. On “Melody,” Amexin sings in a bit of Igbo language. It’s a reinforcing trait of self-importance by the singer. In the opening verse, Amexin sings about how girls come to his house, requesting melody. It’s difficult, at first, to know if he is referring to his music, or sex. The second verse veers into talks about love-making. The switch between topics is so sudden that you might not even notice it.
Released as his first official single over seven months ago, “Already” is the oldest song on The Amexin EP. It’s an R&B-based song, guitar-pivoted, and all shades of beauty. It has a slim dash of relatable lyrics. Amexin is overly vulnerable in this song as he sings about his adoration for a girl. It’s best suited for weddings.
Amexin addresses an aggrieved girlfriend on the melodious track, “Senrere.” The song largely addresses the issue while he expertly calls her into the dance floor. It’s a sleek attempt at reconciliation. Amexin promises to amend his ways, and at the same time, he calls on the girl to amend hers. Some lyrics of this song are rendered with Port-Harcourt slang.
Friendship formed the bedrock of “Inner Joy.” Amexin pays tribute to his friends who have been there for him. What’s life without support from your loved ones? Amexin also chips in words about the state of Nigeria. He laments about the country’s situation. “Inner Joy” serves as a biographical detour. Amexin sings about his background, his battle with poverty, and his current state. For anyone who doesn’t know much about him, this song greatly helps in unraveling that subject.
In the masterly-crafted last track, “Lambo,” Amexin fuses Afrobeats with Amapiano elements. He delivers an immaculate verse on luxury cars, fancy clothes, beautiful women, and everything that comes with the lavish lifestyle of being an emerging superstar.
Riding on the wing of DJ Tunez, Amexin shows the fans why they should listen to him. The Amexin EP is a sleek and impeccable attempt at introducing Amexin to the Nigerian music space.
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No doubt, Amexin is an exceptional singer. Still, I can’t shake off Omah Lay’s similarities in terms of style and delivery. This convergence becomes counterproductive in the long run. We have seen issues like this happening between Durella and Dbanj, 9ice and Isolate, and Rema and Alpha P. This might be another one happening; however, it’s preventable. Amexin and his management need to work to tweak his style, and take off any similarities to Omah Lay.
With just forty-six seconds away from the twenty minute mark, on Amexin The EP, Amexin shows great promise. The Amexin EP is a decent, well-crafted project. It’s a pointer to Amexin’s budding artistry.
Lyricism – 1
Tracklisting – 1
Sound Engineering – 1
Vocalisation – 2
Listening Experience – 1
Rating: 6/10
Emmanuel Daraloye is Africa’s Most Prolific Freelance Music Critic. He has over 500 album reviews in his archive.