LV N ATTN (an abbreviation for Love and Attention) is a collaborative EP by Nigerian singer Lojay and Nigerian record producer Sarz. Released on 4 June 2021 through Metallic Music and 1789 Records,it fuses genres like Afrobeats,R&B,hip-hop,and electro,and features a sole guest appearance from Wizkid.[2] With production was entirely handled by Sarz,LV N ATTN was preceded by the single "Tonongo" and spawned the song "Monalisa",which had a remix with Chris Brown that peaked at #8 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.[3]
Lojay met Sarz through his lawyer.[4] Initially hoping to work on a single song,Sarz insisted on creating a full EP to better express Lojay's sound,leading to a three-month-long studio session in Lagos during the COVID-19 pandemic.[5] The two collaborating followed Sarz's previous projects with Flash and Wurld,continuing his focus on working with emerging vocalists skilled in Afro-pop and R&B. "LV N ATTN",the album's title track,developed after Lojay had recorded a version in Lagos over a beat sent by Sarz. Lojay recalled that Sarz suggested Wizkid might perform on the song,despite there being no planned features for the EP. Lojay later learned Wizkid would join when he arrived at the studio,and the three worked on several songs that night. Lojay described the recording process as the most memorable of the EP due to the extended period it took to complete the track and the anticipation of Wizkid's contribution.[6]
Singles
The EP's only single "Tonongo",was released on 30 April 2021.[7] The song was inspired by an experience Lojay had at a strip club in Lagos State.[8]Pulse Nigeria said the song "showcases Lojay's sublime vocals alongside Sarz's slick production which blends contemporary Afrobeats with urgent Hip-Hop and sensual R&B sounds".[9]
Composition
The EP opens with "Tonongo," which blends Afro-pop and R&B,featuring silky falsetto vocals over melodic production and a prominent bass guitar. The song transitions between themes of love and lust,inspired by Lojay's experiences at a Lagos strip club.[8][10][9] "Park O X3" combines witty lyricism with dynamic flows and melodies,while Sarz's production introduces rock-like elements that reappear throughout the track.[10] The title track,"LV N ATTN," features a late verse from Wizkid. It includes soft chimes,falsetto vocals,and melodic hooks that blend R&B and afrobeats,giving the track a smooth,rhythmic feel.[1][10]
"Panty!" is a chill,afro-fusion track with dancehall influences,exploring themes of love and desire,while "Monalisa" incorporates amapiano rhythms with upbeat shakers and mellow chords,emphasizing party-friendly vibes and danceability.[8][10] Across the EP,Lojay employs a mix of English,Yoruba,Pidgin,and occasional Patois,using lyrical detail to present love,romance,and sexuality as intertwined themes.[11] Critics highlighted his ability to craft quotable lines,clever rhyme schemes,and emotive falsetto delivery,while Sarz's production provides a cohesive sonic backdrop across diverse genres.[11]
Motolani Alake of Pulse Nigeria described Lojay as "an R&B artist who projects through elements of Afro-pop" and noted that the EP blends sensual lyrics with falsetto-backed love chronicles,giving it a rating of 6.9/10.[11] Fatiat Saliu of Afrocritik deemed LV N ATTN "explosive" and "worthy of multiple listens",saying that Lojay "showcases his unique vocal capability and unreal songwriting skills" across a cohesive 14-minute EP,and gave it a rating of 7/10.[13] Adewojumi Aderemi of The Native admired the EP for its "cool eclectic blend of world genres" showcasing his smooth vocals and punchy lyricism,with Sarz's production uniting the sounds into a cohesive project.[10] Chinonso Ihekire of Guardian Life praised LV N ATTN,saying Lojay "reigns through the records with a brilliant lyricism heavily woven around sultry sensual/romantic love themes," and highlighted the EP's standout track with Wizkid,noting that it showcased Lojay's artistry and replay value despite its brevity. Ihekire concluded,"With Sarz’s guidance,Lojay is now stepping into the limelight. And from all indications,he is here for a long time."[14] Writing for The Lagos Review,Emmanuel Daraloye said LV N ATTN showed Lojay's growth,noting that he "swiftly moves from sex talk to love talk and vice versa" over Sarz's production,and added that the EP's brevity suited listeners' attention spans while highlighting Lojay's maturing R&B/soul style.[8]Oris Aigbokhaevbolo of Music in Africa praised the EP for its blend of mainstream and experimental sounds,noting that "Sarz adds sophistication to Lojay's obvious vocal talent" and highlighting the chemistry on tracks like "Tonongo". He wrote that the collaboration helped Lojay gain visibility while showcasing his skills within Nigerian R&B-pop. Aigbokhaevbolo ended the review off by saying that he "deserves his own... love and attention."[15] Alonge Dominic of the 49th Street praised Lojay's LUV N ATTN for its consistency and vocal maturity,calling it "one of the best EPs released this year" and highlighting tracks like "Tonongo" and "Monalisa" for their blend of Afro-sensual vibes and danceable energy. He concluded,"LUV N ATTN has no single bad song," giving the project a total rating of 8.2/10.[12]
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