Enjoy Your Life

Last updated
Enjoy Your Life
Enjoy Your Life (Lady Donli album).jpeg
Studio album by
Released9 August 2019
Genre
Length37:08
Producer
Singles from Enjoy Your Life
  1. "Cash"
    Released: 5 April 2019
  2. "Suffer Suffer"
    Released: 12 July 2019

Enjoy Your Life is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Lady Donli. It was released on 9 August 2019. The album features guest appearances from Tems, BenjiFlow, Amaarae, SOMADINA, The Cavemen., VanJess, Tomi Thomas, and Solis. After the album's release, she embarked on a two-city concert in Nigeria, [1] and a Uk tour, in three cities from 26 January to 4 February 2020. [2] [3]

Contents

It was produced primarily by Lady Donli, with production from The Cavemen., DOZ, GMK, Jms, Tay Iwar, and Tomi Thomas. The album received generally positive reviews from critics. Lyrically, Enjoy Your Life communicates with elements associated with enjoyment with the necessary factors in life, including: money, a good time (party, food, and happiness), peace, dance, love, sex, great music (presumably for every kind of situation), and positivity. [4] The album was supported by the tracks titled "Cash", [5] and "Suffer Suffer". [6]

Background and promotion

On 31 October 19, The Fader writer Joey Akan wrote: “Enjoy Your Life, is a buffet of retro-inspired African sounds, drawn from various parts of the continent, and melted into a sunny arch”. [7] Speaking with Joey Akan, she said: “I wanted to create an album I felt was a Nigerian album. I also wanted to show people that there's so much more to Nigerian music”. [7]

On 29 July 2021, speaking with Zikoko! editor David Odunlami, Donli said: “I Made Enjoy Your Life Because I Wasn’t Happy”. [8] On 21 August 2019, she discussed her debut album Enjoy Your Life, and how the project is so personal to her and her current state of mind on The PGM Radio Show with The Beat 99.9 FM Lagos head of music Douglas Jekan. [9] On 22 August 2019, at The Beat 97.9 FM Abuja; Donli spoke with Chika and Itohan on The Morning Rush about her long-play project Enjoy Your Life and her Dad supporting her career choice, from when she was little writing poems. [10]

Release

On 5 April 2019, Lady Donli released "Cash", [5] following the success of the song, she went on to release a remix with Davido. [11] On 7 April 2019, she released the music video for "Cash", directed by Kewa Oni and Seun Opabisi. [12] On 12 July 2019, Donli released "Suffer Suffer" [6] as the second lead single off Enjoy Your Life.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Pulse Nigeria8.9/10

Enjoy Your Life received generally positive reviews from music critics. In a review for Pulse Nigeria, Motolani Alake said that “Enjoy Your Life is what Odunsi hoped to achieve with rare., but he forgot one thing Donli prioritizes; she didn’t prioritize aesthetics and get comfortable with them. As stated earlier, the sounds are exceptional, yet substantiated by better songwriting.” [4]

In a review for YNaija , Wilfred Okiche said; “Think of Lady Donli’s Enjoy your Life as a retro time machine travelling through some of the most interesting musical eras of Nigerian a music. Or think of it as an aural feast, one that serves a menu of retro-inspired African sounds, drawn from east and west and north and south. Enjoy Your Life is music that only an Afropolitan in Lady Donli’s mould would make. Edgy, traditional, conforming and yet totally rebelling from whatever else is on the radio, Enjoy Your Life may be the year’s most scattershot yet interesting record.” [13]

Track listing

Enjoy Your Life track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Zaman Lafiya" Zainab Elizabeth Donli 9TyMasta1:02
2."Suffer Suffer" Zainab Elizabeth Donli
2:53
3."Cash" Zainab Elizabeth Donli
3:07
4."Good Time" (featuring Tems)
3:08
5."Answers" Zainab Elizabeth Donli JMS2:44
6."Boomerang" Zainab Elizabeth Donli
2:05
7."Take Me Home" (featuring BenjiFlow) The Cavemen. 2:51
8."Flava" (featuring Somadina and Amaarae)JMS2:46
9."Corner" (featuring VanJess and The Cavemen.)
  • Donli
  • Ivana Nwokike
  • Jessica Nwokike
  • Kingsley Okorie
  • Benjamin James
The Cavemen. 2:50
10."Never Ending" Zainab Elizabeth Donli
  • DOZ
  • Lady Donli
1:23
11."With The Kindness" (featuring Tomi Thomas)
  • Donli
  • Tomi Thomas
3:16
12."Around" Zainab Elizabeth Donli Tay Iwar 1:51
13."Confidence/Feeling Cool" (featuring Solis)
  • Donli
  • Kammal Zulu-Okafor
2:55
14."Trouble" Zainab Elizabeth Donli The Cavemen. 1:53
15."Bite The Dust" Zainab Elizabeth Donli Kingsley Okorie2:22
Total length:37:08

Personnel

Instrumentals

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Davido</span> Nigerian-American singer, songwriter and record producer (born 1992)

David Adedeji AdelekeOON, who is professionally known as Davido, is an American-born Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. Davido was born in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria; he made his music debut as a member of the group KB International. Davido studied business administration at Oakwood University before dropping out to make beats and record vocal references. He rose to fame after releasing "Dami Duro", the second single from his debut studio album Omo Baba Olowo (2012), from which six additional singles—"Back When", "Ekuro", "Overseas", "All of You", "Gbon Gbon" and "Feel Alright"—were taken. In 2012, Davido won the Next Rated award at The Headies. Between 2013 and 2015, he released the hit singles "Gobe", "One of a Kind", "Skelewu", "Aye", "Tchelete (Goodlife)", "Naughty", "Owo Ni Koko", "The Sound" and "The Money".

<i>No Guts No Glory</i> (Phyno album) 2014 studio album by Phyno

No Guts No Glory is the debut studio album by Nigerian rapper Phyno. It was released by Sputnet Records and Penthauze Music on March 20, 2014. The album features guest appearances from P-Square, Omawumi, Olamide, Stormrex, Efa, Flavour N'abania, Runtown, Ice Prince, M.I, Mr Raw, Timaya and Illbliss. Phyno enlisted Major Bangz, WizzyPro, Chopstix and JStunt to assist with production. Initially scheduled for release in November 2013, the album was strategically postponed in order to capitalize on the downtime of the Nigerian Music Industry during the first quarter of the year. No Guts No Glory was supported by four singles: "Ghost Mode", "Man of the Year", "Parcel" and "O Set". It was primarily recorded in Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin. Critical reception to the album was generally positive, with many critics commending its indigenous sound and lyrical depth.

<i>R.E.D</i> (Tiwa Savage album) 2015 studio album by Tiwa Savage

R.E.D is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. It was released on December 19, 2015, by Mavin Records and 323 Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from Don Jazzy, Olamide, Dr SID, Iceberg Slim, 2face Idibia, D'Prince, Busy Signal and Reekado Banks. It was primarily produced by Don Jazzy, along with additional production from Baby Fresh, Altims, Spellz and P2J. The album was supported by the singles "My Darlin" and "Standing Ovation". Its deluxe edition was released in February 2016, and features collaborations with Wizkid and P-Square. R.E.D was nominated for Best Album at the 2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

<i>...and the Bass Is Queen</i> 2016 studio album by Lindsey Abudei

...And The Bass Is Queen. is the debut studio album by Nigerian neo-soul singer-songwriter Lindsey Abudei. It was released on July 5, 2016 and serves as the follow-up to her 8-track debut EP, Brown (2013).

<i>Quality</i> (CDQ album) 2016 studio album by CDQ

Quality is the debut studio album of Nigerian rapper and songwriter CDQ. It was released on 22 August 2016 through General Records. The album's release was preceded by six singles including "Nowo E Soke" which won Best Afro Hip-Hop Video at the 2016 Nigeria Music Video Awards; "Indomie (Remix)" and "Gbemisaya" which were added as bonus songs.

<i>Simisola</i> (album) 2017 studio album by Simi

Simisola is the eponymous second studio album by Nigerian singer Simi. It was released on September 8, 2017, by X3M Music. The album is the follow-up to her debut album, Ogaju (2008). Simisola received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the creativity and versatility of Simi's exploration of different sounds. The album was supported by five singles: "Tiff", "Jamb Question", "Love Don't Care", "Smile for Me" and "Joromi". Its production was handled by Sess, Seyi Keyz, Oscar and Vtek. Upon its release, the album debuted at number five on the Billboard World Albums chart for the week of September 30, 2017. Simisola won Album of the Year and was nominated for Best R&B/Pop album at The Headies 2018. Moreover, it was nominated for Album of the Year the 2018 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

<i>Rendezvous</i> (playlist) 2018 mixtape by M.I Abaga

Rendezvous is a playlist by Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga. It was released by Chocolate City on February 9, 2018. The playlist features guest appearances from Cassper Nyovest, AKA, Wande Coal, Falz, Yung L, Dice Ailes, CKay, Nonso Amadi, Santi, Odunsi the Engine, Chillz, Tomi Thomas, Joules Da Kid, Ajebutter22, Terry Apala, Strafitti, Trigga Madtonic, Blaqbonez and UA.x. It also features skits from a number of radio personalities, including Vic-O, Charles Okocha, Douglas Jekan, Kemi Smallz and Do2tun. Rendezvous was supported by the singles "Your Father" and "Lekki".

<i>A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl</i> 2018 studio album by Nigerian rapper MI Abaga

A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Denzel is the fourth studio album by Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga. It was released on August 24, 2018, by Chocolate City. The album features guest appearances from Tay Iwar, Cina Soul, Lorraine Chia, Odunsi the Engine, Lady Donli, Niyola and PatricKxxLee. Its production was handled by M.I, Tay Iwar, Chopstix, Major Bangz, TMXO, Doz, G Clef, Chillz, GMK and PatricKxxLee. Yung Denzel addresses topics such as depression, mental health, disloyalty and cultural repression. It explores themes of self-introspection, self-doubt and reassurance. The album was nominated for Best Rap Album at The Headies 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teni (singer)</span> Nigerian singer and songwriter

Teniola ApataMON, professionally known as Teni The Entertainer is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and entertainer.

<i>Oṣó</i> 2018 studio album by Brymo

Oṣó is the sixth studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo. It was released independently on 27 March 2018. The album was produced entirely by Mikky Me Joses and consists of 11 tracks, including three recorded in the Yoruba language. Oṣó is a mixture of Alternative folk and Yoruba music and has elements of mysticism; it sheds light on Brymo's folk and traditional roots. Oṣó was supported by the singles "Heya!" and "Bá’núsọ". It received critical acclaim from music critics, who complimented its production and Brymo's songwriting. The website Pulse Nigeria and Nigerian Entertainment Today ranked Oṣó second on their list of the best Nigerian albums of 2018.

<i>Klĭtôrĭs</i> 2016 studio album by Brymo

Klĭtôrĭs is the fifth studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo. It was released independently on May 9, 2016, and made available for pre-order on iTunes prior to its release. The album comprises 11 tracks and was preceded by the lead single "Happy Memories". Brymo's girlfriend Esse Kakada is featured on the song "Naked". Pulse Nigeria included Klĭtôrĭs among the 10 Best Nigerian Albums of 2016. Klĭtôrĭs was nominated for Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2016 and for Album of the Year at The Headies 2018.

<i>African Giant</i> 2019 studio album by Burna Boy

African Giant is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Burna Boy. The album was released on July 26, 2019, by Spaceship Entertainment, Bad Habit, Atlantic Records and Warner Music. The album is a mixture of Afrobeats, Afrobeat, dancehall, pop and hip hop. It was produced primarily by Kel-P, along with production from Benjamz, Dre Skull and Skrillex, among others. The album features guest appearances from Jorja Smith, Jeremih, Damian Marley, Zlatan Ibile, Angelique Kidjo, Serani, M.anifest, YG and Future. It was supported by eight singles, including "On the Low", which won Viewers' Choice at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, "Killin Dem", which won Song of the Year at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, among other awards; and "Anybody", which Burna Boy performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shekere (song)</span> 2019 song by Yemi Alade featuring Angélique Kidjo

"Shekere" is a song recorded by the Nigerian Afro pop artist Yemi Alade and produced by DJ Coublon, taken from her studio album Woman of Steel (2019). Alade collaborated with the Beninese artiste Angélique Kidjo on the track.

Zainab Elizabeth Donli, known as Lady Donli, is a Nigerian musician. She is an alternative R&B, hip hop, alternative jazz and Afrobeat singer and songwriter.

Bella Alubo is a Nigerian musician, alternative R&B, hip-hop singer and songwriter, formerly signed under Tinny Entertainment alongside Ycee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Cavemen (band)</span> Nigerian Highlife band

The Cavemen are a Nigerian Highlife band consisting of sibling duo Kingsley Okorie, a bassist and Benjamin James, a drummer. They were discovered by Lady Donli and are known for their live performances. They won the 2020 Headies Award for the Best Alternative Album.

<i>Roots</i> (The Cavemen album) 2020 album by The Cavemen

Roots is the debut studio album by Nigerian highlife band The Cavemen. It was written, vocalised and produced by the duo, with fellow Nigerian singer Lady Donli serving as the executive producer and released under Freeme Music, a Nigerian indigenous record label. It was released on 21 August 2020.

Osayaba Andrew Ize-Iyamu, better known by his stage name Cruel Santino, is a Nigerian alternative singer-songwriter, rapper, creative director, filmmaker, and music video director. He is a member of Monster Boys collective, with music producers Genio Bambino, and GMK. He is signed to Interscope Records, in partnership with Monster Boy, Love Renaissance and Warner Chappell Music. Santino's debut into the music scene was met with critical acclaim when he released his studio album Mandy & The Jungle, introducing the alté fashion, and music, into the mainstream, notably with his track "Rapid Fire".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tay Iwar</span> Nigerian record producer

Austin Iornongu Iwar, better known by his stage name Tay Iwar, is a Nigerian neo soul singer, songwriter, record producer, composer and sound engineer. Iwar signed a licensing deal in 2018 with Soulection, and a publishing deal in 2022 with Warner Chappell Music. He founded the Bantu Collective with his brothers Suté Iwar, and Terna Iwar, and he is a pioneer of the Alté music genre.

Quddus King well known as GMK, is a Nigerian record producer, sound engineer, rapper, and songwriter. He is best known for producing Bridge's "Needy", and "Searching", Cruel Santino "Gangstar Fear", Lady Donli "Cash", BOJ's "Awolowo", "Bill Up", and "Assignment", and Burna Boy "Different". The Grammy-nominated Best World Music Album African Giant by Burna Boy in 2019, earned him a special recognition from The Recording Academy. He is signed to Warner Chappell Music, and Love Renaissance.

References

  1. Custodian, Culture (18 December 2019). "Lady Donli's Enjoy Your Life: A Gallery". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  2. "UK crew !! Don't forget I'm on tour 🚀". Twitter. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  3. Serwah, Efia (24 February 2020). "Enjoy your life - A guide by pan-african rockstar Lady Donli". harmattan rain. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  4. 1 2 Alake, Motolani (15 August 2019). "Album Review: Lady Donli travels through sonic times and finds growth on 'Enjoy Your Life'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  5. 1 2 "Lady Donli releases "Cash"". P.M. News. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  6. 1 2 Isama, Antoinette. "Lady Donli's New Track 'Suffer Suffer' Is the Ultimate 'Don't Stress' Mantra". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
  7. 1 2 Akan, Joey. "Lady Donli wants you to live your best life". The FADER. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  8. Odunlami, David (29 July 2021). ""I Made Enjoy Your Life Because I Wasn't Happy"- Lady Donli". Zikoko!. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  9. "Lady Donli discusses her debut album "Enjoy Your Life" on the PGM Radio Show". The PGM Club. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  10. "LADY DONLI ON THE MORNING RUSH". The Beat 97.9 FM Abuja. Archived from the original on 16 April 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  11. Durosomo, Damola. "Listen to Lady Donli's 'Cash (Remix)' Featuring Davido". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  12. Durosomo, Damola. "Lady Donli Shares the Music Video for Her Infectious Single 'Cash'". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  13. Okiche, Wilfred (28 December 2019). "#YNaija2019Review: African Giant, Lucid, Moral Instruction… The 10 best albums of the year » YNaija". YNaija. Retrieved 6 June 2023.