With Kaution, Kold AF not only cements her place in the industry but also leaves us excited for what she will offer next.
By Hope Ibiale
For anyone discussing emerging artistes in Nigeria, the name Kold AF is never far from the conversation. With records bordering on Dancehall, Reggae, Afropop, and R&B, the singer-songwriter has established herself as one of Africa’s rising stars. She began pursuing music professionally in 2020 and was featured on Aristokrat Records’ Open House Vol. 1 in 2022. That same year, she released Kold Szn, a two-track project. Since then, she has been steadily progressing on the path to musical stardom.
In 2023, she released her debut EP, Kollide, which showcased her vocal prowess and exceptional songwriting abilities. While Kold Szn introduced listeners to her unique style and strength, Kollide solidified her presence in the industry, revealing the deeper layers of her artistry.
It appears she isn’t slowing down anytime soon, as she has just released her sophomore project, Kaution. With its well picked elements, deliberate song arrangements, assured delivery, and her ability to move between various production styles with ease, this 6-track EP is a clear showcase of Kold AF’s talent.
The project kicks off with the chest-thumping Dancehall track, “365”. Here, she rides the pulsing production with her signature Patois delivery, confidently singing about building an empire. She declares, “365 in a year, building my syndicate, I get no holiday.” The track serves as a bold statement, a commanding performance, and a preview of what to expect from the project.
In “9 Lives”, she teams up with Bkay EastGaad. Together, they share one mission: to live a life free of worries and filled with endless extravagance. The smooth beat provides the perfect backdrop for their laid-back delivery, with Bkay’s verse complementing Kold AF’s determination.
The lead single of Kaution, “Manyana”, produced by Remy Baggins, comes up next. In this track, the “Broken” crooner delivers one of her most melodic records. From the captivating hook to the seamless production, she effortlessly navigates the song, making it one of the standout tracks on the project. The infectious energy is further enhanced by crisp snares, punchy bass lines, catchy riffs, and airy synths that weave throughout the record.
In “10 Toes Down”, the artiste confronts critics with a delivery that is both fierce and laid-back. She makes it clear that her journey is fraught with challenges, yet she remains steadfast, overcoming life’s hurdles. “My Way” extends the theme of resilience introduced in the previous track. Against upbeat drums, she reaffirms her determination to overcome any obstacle, confidently singing, “My way, I will have my way. Dem go say wetin dey wan say”.
A band’s performance ushers listeners into “Cycle Must Break”. Here, Kold AF delivers a compelling performance that addresses themes of war and hatred. She advocates for peace, urging listeners to embrace love wholeheartedly. Through this track, the artist aims to confront global animosity and lend her voice to a positive cause.
Kaution stands as a magnificent addition to her discography. What makes this project stand out is her commanding delivery, evident in every track. From the opening record to the last, we experience her unique blend of confidence, resilience, and purpose. Each track is a testament to her dedication to her craft, with the production and songwriting consistently complementing her powerful vocal performance.
Across the 17-minute project, Kold AF’s artistic prowess is evident. Her self-assured delivery in each track highlights her intentionality towards her craft, making the project an engaging listen. With strong A&R guidance, confidence, and a commitment to delivering memorable records, she has set a high bar for herself.
The synergy between Kold and her producers further enriches the project, creating a cohesive and enjoyable experience for listeners. With Kaution, Kold AF not only cements her place in the industry but also leaves us excited for what she will offer next.
Lyricism – 1
Tracklisting – 1.3
Sound Engineering – 1.6
Vocalisation – 1.3
Listening Experience – 1.4
Rating – 6.6/10
Hope Ibiale is a writer and journalist. She has a keen interest in music, film, and literature. You can connect with Hope on X @hopeibiale and via email: hopeibiale@afrocritik.com.