TZA is a commendable project that undeniably delivers a musical experience that stays true to Kizz Daniel’s signature style and will captivate listeners with its infectious rhythms.
By Abioye Damilare Samson
If ever a curation of the most consistent artistes in Nigeria over the last decade were made and Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, popularly known as Kizz Daniel, didn’t make the list, then the list should be rendered inherently flawed. Since catapulting into the limelight in 2014 with “Woju” — the folksy tune that earned him a remix with Davido and Tiwa Savage — almost every record he’s dropped has been a hit, amassing a large fanbase loyal to his style of music.
Every year since his debut, he’s been consistent in delivering inventive hooks, infusing Juju music & folk for a distinctive leisurely sound, and the smoothness of his verses have solidified him as one of the go-to talented artistes you can always bet on a good record or two. In an oversaturated music industry like Nigeria, Vado, as he’s fondly called by his core fans, has established himself as a standout figure, contributing immensely to the flourishing Afrobeats sound.
His fifth studio album, Maverick elicited diverse reactions from fans and music critics. The contention was that the album offered no artistic depth, lacked novelty, and the style of music seemed unsuitable for the global stage. However, Kizz Daniel’s artistry has always defied the conventional norms in music creation, bypassing the rule book for how people think music should be made to amass global appeal. Perhaps it is this unorthodox approach to music that serves as the inspiration behind the album’s title, ‘Maverick.’ Netizens have humorously dubbed his fan base as ‘Civil Servant’ due to the heavy percussion that the boomers demographic enjoy grooving to. In response, Kizz Daniel addresses the criticism in the album’s second track, “MY G”, with a sarcastic retort: “Ko Kan Aye If you rubbish my talent/No be you I sing for”. This line subtly communicates that he remains unperturbed by critiques, emphasising that the opinions about his music hold little significance in the grand scheme of his career.
Five months after Maverick, Kizz Daniel surprised fans with two track packs drop in December. The two hit tracks — “Twe Twe” and “Too Busy to be Bae”— were a build-up to his upcoming EP, TZA — an abbreviation for Thanks Alot. However, to further capitalise on the viral moment “Twe Twe” has created, Kizz Daniel tapped Davido for a befitting remix for the track, because if there’s any surefire stimulus for a track, it’s a shiny feature from one of Afropop’s big three, and Davido’s presence on the song is magnanimous.
TZA comprises four tracks, each with its own unique story and melody: “Sooner”, “Showa”, “Too Busy to be Bae”, and “Twe Twe”. The sonic landscape in this project was masterfully crafted by exceptional producers: AyZed, Rewardbeatz, P.Priime, Blaise Beatz, and Killertunez. Their collective ingenuity serves as the backdrop for his honeyed vocals, creating a mesmerising soundscape that captivates from start to finish.
He opens the sonic door with “Sooner”, featuring a slow yet self-assured tempo with staggered drum patterns. In this song, Kizz Daniel serenades a woman he wished he had met before falling in love with another named Muna. He croons, “I wish I met you sooner, I fit no dey with Muna, I wish I met you before, Before my heart go conform”, expressing his sentiments with heartfelt sincerity.
On “Showa,” Kizz Daniel is not afraid to go for what he wants. So, he approaches his hedonistic interest and lays his cards on the table with the line; “Alakori, alakoko sho ma femi, Shoma latan”. This low-tempo juju-infused Afrobeats song has a core focus on melody. It’s the kind of track poised to dominate playlists. Kizz Daniel understands how to sprinkle sauce on music and extract the vibe. Towards the song’s end, there’s a captivating interplay of the Gangan (commonly known as the Talking Drum) and Saxophone solo.
On the pre-released track, “Too Busy to be Bae”, produced by the sensational hitmaking producer P.Priime, Kizz Daniel explores the theme of individuals navigating their lives with the never-ending hustle and bustle, paying no attention to romantic commitments. Against the melodious instrumentals, Kizz Daniel croons softly, unlocking his bad boy persona with the lyrics: “I be bad boy 2-4, Baby, stand up, move on. A new girl is coming, and your presence is dulling”.
The final track, “Twe Twe”, Kizz Daniel collaborates with renowned record producers Blaise Beatz and Killertunes for an upbeat, playful composition. It is a controlled experiment, with Vado infusing traditional Nupe sounds into the fabric of the infectious anthem, creating a sonic experience that is both authentic and exhilarating.
TZA EP is an enjoyable project with an impressive collection of four exceptional groovy songs. While initially anticipated to serve as Kizz Daniel’s heartfelt expression of appreciation for his loyal fanbase, it’s noteworthy that none of the songs on the project captures the essence of the EP’s title.
Overall, nothing in this TZA EP suggests that Kizz Daniel intends to vie into a different sonic direction. The melodies, flow, and technique in this project are similar to the style he deploys in Maverick, as he opts for syrupy lyrics and juju melodies, aided by impeccable drum arrangements and a catchy chorus. It’s a commendable project that undeniably delivers a musical experience that stays true to Kizz Daniel’s signature style and will captivate listeners with its infectious rhythms.
Lyricism – 0.5
Tracklisting – 1.5
Sound Engineering –1.5
Vocalisation – 1.0
Listening Experience – 1.5
Rating – 6/10
Abioye Damilare is a music journalist and culture writer focused on the African entertainment Industry. Reading new publications and listening to music are two of his favourite pastimes when he is not writing. Connect with him on Twitter and IG: @Dreyschronicle.