Body and Soul (Joeboy album)

Last updated
Body & Soul
Joeboy - Body & Soul.png
Studio album by
Joeboy
Released19 May 2023
Genre
Length39:24
Language
Label emPawa Africa
Producer
  • E Kelly
  • Timmy
  • Kemena
  • Yung Willis
  • BeatsbyKO
  • K-Note
  • Tytanium
  • Type A
  • Tempoe
  • Dëra
  • Bigfish
  • Kahren
Joeboy chronology
Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic
(2021)		Body & Soul
(2023)		 Body, Soul & Spirit
(2023)
Singles from Body & Soul
  1. "Sip (Alcohol)"
    Released: 24 September 2021
  2. "Contour"
    Released: 19 August 2022
  3. "Body & Soul"
    Released: 20 January 2023
  4. "Duffel Bag"
    Released: 7 April 2023

Body & Soul is the second studio album by Nigerian afro pop singer Joeboy. It was released on 19 May 2023, through emPawa Africa, and features guest appearances from Odumodublvck, CKay, Bnxn, Oxlade, Oli Ekun, Kemena, Tempoe, and Ludacris. Production was handled by Tempoe, Kahren, Kemena, Yung Willis, Type A, BeatsbyKO, Timmy, E Kelly, Bigfish, Tytanium, K-Note, and Dëra. The album serves as a follow-up to Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic (2021).

Contents

Background and recording

In an interview with OkayAfrica, Joeboy reflected on his journey to Body & Soul, describing how his artistic evolution since his 2019 breakout single, "Baby," helped shape the album. Known for exploring various facets of love in his music, he saw Body & Soul as a more nuanced and mature body of work compared to his debut. "This album definitely has more edge; it is less innocent than the first one," Joeboy explained, emphasizing that this collection taps into deeper, sometimes more complex emotional spaces. The album took about a year to craft, a period during which Joeboy recorded a variety of songs freely and without strict guidelines. This openness, he felt, allowed him to create more sincerely. He also embraced collaboration, featuring new and established artists alike, including a track with the American rapper Ludacris—a partnership born out of mutual admiration. "Global dominance, for sure," Joeboy said when asked about his expectations, adding, "It's an album that ticks all the boxes." [2]

Singles

The album spawned four singles. The album's lead single "Sip (Alcohol)" was released on 24 September 2021 after the release of his debut studio album Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic. The song is a blend of Afrobeats and amapiano and features production from Tempoe. In an interview with the Grammys, Joeboy explained that "Sip (Alcohol)" was meant to capture a chill and introspective vibe, not excessive drinking. When the song went viral as a TikTok challenge with fans pouring palm oil and hard liquor, Joeboy said, "I was very, very intentional: 'That's why I sip'—not drink, or gulp, or pour." He clarified that the song is "a feel-good song" for finding a peaceful escape from life's challenges, inspired by a calm night in Ghana with a glass of white wine. [3] The second single off the album, "Contour," was released on 19 August 2022. The song was produced by Tempoe. [4] The third single and title track "Body & Soul" was released on 20 January 2023. It was produced by E Kelly. [5] The fourth and final single "Duffel Bag" was released on 7 April 2023 alongside its Buhari Yesufu-directed music video and was produced by E Kelly and Timmy. [6]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Afrocritik 7.3/10 [1]
Premium Times 8.5/10 [7]
Pulse Nigeria8.5/10 [8]
The Native 6.9/10 [9]

The album received generally positive reviews from critics. Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria described Body & Soul as a "comprehensive and enjoyable listening experience," highlighting its balance between Joeboy's romantic themes and mainstream appeal, with standouts like "Better" and "Slowly" showcasing his versatility. Adebiyi rated the album 8.5/10, calling it "the best Nigerian album of 2023." [8] Solution Emmanuel of Premium Times highlighted Joeboy's sophomore album Body & Soul as a captivating blend of infectious melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and mesmerizing vocals, noting his significant growth in sound and collaborations: "Joeboy effortlessly transcended boundaries... solidifying his position as one of Africa's most promising musical ambassadors." The album received a rating of 8.5/10. [7] In Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku's review for Afrocritik, Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku described Body & Soul as a collection of enjoyable tracks that deliver a familiar Joeboy experience, stating, "the album does do the job," while also noting its lack of significant growth or innovation. The album received a rating of 7.3/10. [1] Uzoma Ihejirika of The Native highlighted Joeboy's growth as an artist in his sophomore album Body & Soul, noting its improved musical quality and the inclusion of guest features that enhance the overall experience: "This album definitely has more edge, it is less innocent than the first one." He rated it 6.9/10. [9] In Edwin Quartey's review for iMullar, he praised Joeboy's album Body & Soul as a personal exploration of love's complexities, showcasing his signature style of heartfelt lyrics and emotional vulnerability: "Joeboy seems to have modest aims for the album, and he gets it right, forty minutes of Love's pros and cons." [10]

Track listing

Body & Soul track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Normally" (featuring Bnxn and Odumodublvck)
  • BeatsbyKO
  • Bigfish
3:24
2."Body & Soul"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Emmanuel Nwosu
  • Samuel Adetiloye
  • Wade Oghenejabor
E Kelly2:34
3."Check My Phone"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Taiwo Ojekunle
  • Chidera Ezeani
  • Tytanium
  • Dëra
2:44
4."Lose Ya"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Momoh Oshiotseameh Luke
  • Oghenejabor
  • Nwosu
E Kelly2:00
5."Duffel Bag"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Oghenejabor
  • Adetiloye
  • Luke
  • Nwosu
  • Timmy
  • E Kelly
2:07
6."Contour"
Tempoe3:09
7."Interlude" (featuring Oli Ekun)
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Olubiyi Oluwatobiloba
  • Nkemena
Kemena1:23
8."Wetin Be Love" (featuring CKay)
  • Nonso Amadi
  • Dëra
2:35
9."Woman" (featuring Oxlade)
Yung Willis3:21
10."Chicken, Spice & Curry" (featuring Ludacris)
Type A1:57
11."Better" (featuring Tempoe)
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Alagwu
  • Oluwaseun Otubela
Tempoe3:21
12."Sip (Alcohol)"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Alagwu
  • Derick Obuobie Jr.
Tempoe2:38
13."Slowly"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Kingsley Okorie
  • Karen Chisom
  • Ezeani
  • K-Note
  • Kahren
  • Dëra
2:46
14."The Best For You" (featuring Kemena)
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Nkemena
Kemena2:52
15."Halle"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Adetiloye
  • Luke
  • Nwosu
  • E Kelly
  • Timmy
2:28
Total length:39:24

Personnel

Release history

Release history and formats for Body & Soul
RegionDateFormatLabel
Various19 May 2023 emPawa Africa

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joeboy</span> Nigerian Singer (born 1997)

Joseph Akinwale, known professionally as Joeboy, is a Nigerian prince, singer and songwriter, he is signed to Warner Music Africa in partnership with his record label Young Legend. He was formerly signed by Mr Eazi under emPawa Africa, where he was discovered in 2017, through the emPawa Africa talent incubation program. His musical genres are Afro-pop and R&B.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CKay</span> Nigerian singer and record producer (born 1995)

Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani, better known by his stage name Ckay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer signed to Boyfriend Music, Warner Music Africa and Atlantic Records. He was formerly signed to Chocolate City, a member of Warner Music Group independent label services ADA. His international hit single "Love Nwantiti", also known as "Love Nwantiti ", was released in 2019 by Chocolate City.

<i>Sad Romance</i> 2022 studio album by CKay

Sad Romance is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer CKay. It was released by Warner Music Africa on 23 September 2022. The album features guest appearances from Ayra Starr, Davido, Focalistic, Abidoza, Mayra Andrade, and Ronisia, and was executive produced by CKay. Following the release of the album CKay embarked on the Sad Romance North America Tour (2022).

<i>Timeless</i> (Davido album) 2023 studio album by Davido

Timeless is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Davido. It was released on 31 March 2023, through Davido Music Worldwide, Columbia Records, and Sony Music Entertainment. Primarily an amapiano record, the album explores other musical styles such as Afrobeats, dancehall, ragga, konto, highlife, and Afropop. Timeless comprises 17 tracks and features collaborations with Skepta, Angelique Kidjo, Asake, Focalistic, and The Cavemen, among others. Its production was handled by Magicsticks, Ragee, Darmie, Blaisebeatz, 1da Banton, Caltonic SA, and Young Alpha, among others. The album was supported by the singles "Champion Sound" and "Unavailable". Timeless received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production and considered it to be one of Davido's most accomplished albums yet. In July 2023, Davido embarked on the Timeless North American Tour to support the album.

<i>Unruly</i> (album) 2023 studio album by Olamide

Unruly is the tenth studio album by Nigerian rapper Olamide. It was released on 9 August 2023 by YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution, and features Rema, Asake, Fireboy DML, Bnxn and CKay. The album featured production from Niketaz, P.Priime, LNK, Eskeez, Bbanks, Alex Lustig, CKay and Magicsticks. Unruly was preceded by the singles "Trumpet" and "New Religion". The album serves as a follow-up to UY Scuti (2021).

<i>Memories That Last Forever 2</i> 2023 studio album by The Sarz Academy

Memories That Last Forever 2 is a collaborative album by The Sarz Academy Alumni. It was released on July 19, 2023, by Sarz's record label 1789 under exclusive license to United Masters and in partnership with Warner Music. The album features seven vocalists and eight producers who are the 2022 Graduating class of the third Sarz Academy Masterclass.

<i>Sincerely, Benson</i> 2023 Studio album by Bnxn

Sincerely, Benson is the debut studio album of Nigerian singer Bnxn which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard World Albums chart.

<i>Cheers to Life</i> 2023 EP by Majeeed

Cheers To Life is the second debut extended play by Nigerian singer-songwriter Majeeed. It was released on 7 September 2023 by Dream Empire Music, and EMPIRE. It was described by Daily Times, as a musical expression of gratitude, growth, and positive energy with an organic feel of Afrobeat. The EP is a mixture of Afrofusion, and Afropop, with R&B, and Soul percussive rhythms.

<i>The Evil Genius</i> (Mr Eazi album) 2023 studio album by Mr Eazi

The Evil Genius is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Mr Eazi. It was released on 27 October 2023 by emPawa Africa. The album features guest appearances from Tekno, Joeboy, Angélique Kidjo, Efya, Whoisakin and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Mr Eazi enlisted producers such as E Kelly, M.O.G Beatz, Phantom, KillBeatz, Stikmatik, Timmy, Andre Vibez, Yung Willis, Kel-P, Type A, KDaGreat, KDream, Michaël Brun, Nonso Amadi, Knucks, AoD, Wade Oghenejabor, Venna and Mr Eazi himself.

<i>ATSG, Vol. 1</i> 2023 studio album by Reminisce

ATSG, Vol. 1 is the fifth studio album by Nigerian rapper Reminisce. The album was released on 27 October 2023 by Les Roses Rouges and features guest appearances from Dremo, Mayorkun, MohBad, Olamide, D Smoke, Odumodublvck, Bnxn, Ycee, Oxlade, Rhookcastle, Powpeezy, and Kayode. Reminisce enlisted producers such as Sarz, Eskeez, Quebeat, Fiokee, Teekaz, Pimpzbeatz, Rhookcastle, Goldswarm, F3tickxx, Phantom, Niphkeys, and Jomaine. The album is a follow-up to his 2020 EP, Vibes & Insha Allah (2020), and is his first full-length studio album in seven years since El-Hadj (2016).

<i>RnB</i> (EP) 2024 extended play by Ruger and Bnxn

RnB is a collaborative EP by Nigerian singers Ruger and Bnxn. It was released on 18 April 2024, by Blown Boy Entertainment, TYE Entertainment, and Empire Distribution. No other artists were featured on the project, and the project features production from Blaisebeatz, Sarz and Kukbeatz.

<i>Adedamola</i> 2024 studio album by Fireboy DML

Adedamola is the eponymous fourth studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Fireboy DML. It was released on 29 August 2024 by YBNL Nation and Empire, and features guest appearances from artists Seun Kuti, Jon Batiste, Lagbaja, Lojay and disc jockey Spinall. The album featured production from Drexbeats, Magicsticks, Blaisebeatz, Lagbaja, Telz, Godomarr, Foreigngotem, WXLA, Nxrthmix, Spinall, Bassiqally, Jon Batiste, Southtag, Semzi, Pheelz, Eskeez and ID Cabasa. The album serves as a follow-up to Playboy (2022).

<i>Tequila Ever After</i> 2023 studio album by Adekunle Gold

Tequila Ever After is the fifth studio album by Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold. It was released on 28 July 2023 through Def Jam Recordings. It features guest appearances from Pharrell Williams, Simi, Zinoleesky, Odumodublvck, Khalid, Coco Jones, Nile Rodgers, Habib Koité and Ami Faku. The album featured production from mainly Kel-P and Blaisebeatz, with additional production on songs from Pharrell Williams, Labrinth, Seyifunmi, Tony Duardo, The Elements, Monro, Jonah Christian, Bizness Boi, Mannywell, Fridayy, Shae Jacobs, Phil The Keys, Harv, Michaël Brun and Labrinth. Tequila Ever After serves as a follow-up to Catch Me If You Can (2022).

<i>Maverick</i> (Kizz Daniel album) 2023 studio album by Kizz Daniel

Maverick is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel. It was released on 28 July 2023, through Flyboy Inc and Empire Distribution. The album features guest appearances from Johnny Drille, Yemi Alade, Blaqbonez, Becky G, Young Jonn, Jahmiel, Tekno, Pryme, Nomcebo Zikode, Chike, Not3s and DJ Big N, and Daniel's two children Jalil and Jelani. Kizz Daniel enlisted production from Philkeyz, DeeYasso, Yung Willis, Shugavibez, Reward Beatz, Xtofa, Roc Legion, M.O.G Beatz, Ayzed, DJ Coublon, Mr. Soul, Johnny Drille, Blaisebeatz, Fiokee, Sparrq and Juwonmix.

<i>Outlaw</i> (EP) 2022 EP by Victony

Outlaw is the second EP by Nigerian singer Victony. It was released on 6 May 2022, by Encore Recordings and features producers Ktizo and Tempoe. Production was handled by Ktizo, Tempoe, Blaisebeatz, P.Priime, Dëra, Frank Moses, and Blind. The album housed the singles "Apollo," "Kolomental," and "Soweto."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Party No Dey Stop</span> 2023 single by Adekunle Gold featuring Zinoleesky

"Party No Dey Stop" is a song by Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold. The song was released on 15 March 2023, and features vocals from Zinoleesky, as well as additional vocals from Dyo. It was released as the lead single from his fifth studio album Tequila Ever After (2023)

<i>The Guy</i> (album) 2022 studio album by M.I Abaga

The Guy is the fifth studio album by Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga. It was released on 19 August 2022, through Incredible Music and Chocolate City Music. The album features guest appearances from Nas, Olamide, Duncan Mighty, Phyno, Cavemen, Wande Coal, Bnxn, Temi Owo, Lord Vino, Ossi Grace, Chillz, Ice Prince, and Jesse Jagz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Piece of My Heart (Wizkid song)</span> 2024 single by Wizkid featuring Brent Faiyaz

"Piece of My Heart" is a song by Nigerian singer and songwriter Wizkid featuring vocals from American singer Brent Faiyaz. It was released on 18 October 2024 by RCA as the lead single from Wizkid's sixth studio album Morayo. The song samples Wu-Tang Clan's 1994 single "Can It Be All So Simple".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gwagwalada (song)</span> 2023 single by Bnxn, Kizz Daniel, and Seyi Vibez

"Gwagwalada" is a song by Nigerian singers Bnxn, Kizz Daniel, and Seyi Vibez. It was released on 16 February 2023, through TYE and Empire Distribution, and was produced by Sarz. Released as the second single off Bnxn's debut album Sincerely, Benson (2023), "Gwagwalada" was included on OkayAfrica's list of "the Best Afrobeats Songs of 2023".

Body, Soul & Spirit is the second EP by Nigerian singer Joeboy. It was released on 17 November 2023 through emPawa Africa. Production was handled by Debox, BeatsbyKO, and Black Culture. It serves a follow-up to Body & Soul (2023).

References

  1. 1 2 3 Olowofoyeku, Yinoluwa (22 May 2023). "Joeboy Delivers More of the Familiar on "Body & Soul" LP". Afrocritik . Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  2. ↑ Falola, Ifeoluwa (25 May 2023). "Interview: Joeboy Wants to Take on the World". OkayAfrica . Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  3. ↑ Enos, Morgan (30 November 2021). "Joeboy Sets The Record Straight On His Viral Sensation "Sip (Alcohol)," Discusses His Origins & Future: "My Best Songs Are Ahead Of Me"". Grammys . Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  4. ↑ Overo, Naomi (20 August 2022). "Joeboy Releases His New Single "Contour"". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  5. ↑ Adebiyi, Adeayo (20 January 2023). "Joeboy drops first single of 2023 titled 'Body & Soul'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  6. ↑ Adedayo, Adedamola (13 April 2023). "Joeboy's "Duffel Bag" is a Manifesto for Materialistic Romance". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  7. 1 2 Emmanuel, Solution (21 May 2023). "ALBUM REVIEW: Joeboy transcends boundaries in sophomore effort, 'Body and Soul'". Premium Times . Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  8. 1 2 Adeayo, Adebiyi (19 May 2023). "Joeboy embraces his identity & delivers artistic quality with 'Body & Soul'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  9. 1 2 Ihejirika, Uzoma (10 June 2023). "Review: Joeboy's 'Body & Soul'". The Native . Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  10. ↑ Quartey, Edwin. "Review: Joeboy – Body & Soul". iMullar. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.