The Younger Me is a remarkable project that draws from various aspects of Dr Soul’s life. While some experiences are deeply personal and relatable, others come from moments of inspiration.
By Emmanuel Daraloye
Music speaks to listeners in many languages, and in the process of this communication, certain secrets are uncovered. In Nigeria, artistes rarely show vulnerability, with only a few daring to explore their emotions deeply enough to create songs from them. R&B has long been one of the genres that allows artistes to showcase their emotional rawness.
In recent times, however, Afrobeats artistes have begun to sing about more than just their struggles with poverty. They’re now delving into themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and more. Through their music, many hidden stories and dark truths are revealed. This is one of the unique powers of music—it uncovers the emotions and stories often left unspoken.
Dr Soul, the Nigerian-born, US-based singer and songwriter, has been sharing his personal stories through his music. He took this storytelling to new heights with the release of his seven-track project, The Younger Me.
A medical doctor by profession and a musician by passion, Dr Soul’s love affair with music began early. By the age of fourteen, he was sneaking out of the house to record songs, despite his father’s wishes for him to pursue a medical career. In 2020, he graduated from Caribbean Medical University, USA, but even before then, in 2019, he released his debut single, “Lucid Dream”.
By 2021, Dr Soul made his mark on American Idol, where he ranked among the top 40 contestants. He has also had the opportunity to open for major artistes like P-Square, 9ice, Omah Lay, Bella Shmurda, and others at major concerts within and outside Nigeria.
His new EP, The Younger Me, delves into deeply personal stories. With nearly five years of active experience as a musician, it’s exhilarating to hear him craft these narratives. Unusually for an artiste of his background, he solely sings across the seven tracks, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into his world, drawing from various aspects of his life.
Dr Soul kicks off the EP with the powerful eponymous title, “The Younger Me”, laying bare some of the most traumatic experiences of his life. He reflects on early violations, the loss of his foster mother, and the strict nature of his father, all of which have left lingering emotional scars. The song’s moody piano arrangement enhances the weight of these recollections, giving it a reflective and somber tone.
This track serves as a deeply personal catharsis for Dr Soul, as he confronts past trauma with honesty and vulnerability. By sharing these intimate and challenging moments, he taps into an emotional depth that few artistes manage to convey. It is clear that the courage to create such a song reflects not only personal growth but also his desire to heal by turning pain into art.
Just like the title suggests, “Save Me” sees the singer crying out to God for mercy and blessings. With the constant refrain of “Save me from this pressure,” Dr Soul delves deeper into his personal story, revealing how he only met his mother at the age of fifteen, having taken care of his family a year prior.
This narrative is relatable for anyone who grew up in Nigeria, where boys are expected to mature quickly, fend for themselves, and look after their younger siblings. The song powerfully captures the weight of these responsibilities and the longing for support.
In “Water Carry Me Go”, Dr Soul paints a picture of love and loyalty, celebrating his lover’s beauty while pledging his admiration. It’s a heartfelt track where emotions flow effortlessly, reflecting a deep bond.
“Kowole” carries a starkly different tone. The song, likely aimed at an ex-girlfriend, reveals Dr Soul’s pettier side as he says goodbye, highlighting feelings of betrayal and hurt. Despite its danceable rhythm, the underlying message is one of sadness and loss.
Dr Soul announces his return on “I Don Land”, basking in euphoria as he celebrates God’s grace and mercy. Lyrically, the track is sparse, allowing the instrumentals to take centre stage, with the log drum and kick particularly standing out.
Originally released in February 2024, the soulful “Love In The 90’s” is the most compact highlight from the project. While the lyrics evoke nostalgia, the flow and song structure showcase Dr Soul’s skill. For anyone who grew up in the ‘90s or early 2000s, this track is a fond reminder of those times in Nigeria. Though not perfect in its writing, one is bound to enjoy the song from the first beat. It’s that good.
‘Nagode’ is a Hausa word that means ‘I Am Grateful’. By concluding the EP with “Nagode”, Dr Soul wraps things up on a note of gratitude, reflecting on his struggles to make ends meet and the ongoing battles of life. Despite these challenges, he acknowledges the sufficiency of God’s grace.
Dr Soul has firmly etched his name in gold in The Younger Me. It is a bold sonic statement that cannot be questioned. From being vulnerable to singing about love and betrayal, and then expressing his devotion to God, Dr Soul has crafted an EP that resonates with almost everyone.
Lyricism – 2
Tracklisting – 1
Sound Engineering – 1
Vocalization – 1
Listening Experience – 2
Rating – 7/10
Listed twice by “Black Pride Magazine” as one of the top 5 Music Journalists in Nigeria, Emmanuel Daraloye has over a thousand album reviews in his archive.
The Younger Me is available on all streaming platforms.