Sad Romance | |
---|---|
Studio album by | |
Released | 23 September 2022 |
Genre | Afrobeats |
Length | 37:10 |
Label | |
Producer |
|
Singles from Sad Romance | |
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). [1]
It was produced primarily by CKay, with production from P2J, Christer, Abayomi Ilerioluwa, BMH, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, Ramoni, Abidoza, Sarz, and Blaisebeatz. The album received generally positive reviews from critics. Lyrically, Sad Romance communicates with elements associate with love, lust, commitment, pleasure, and pain. The album was supported with a bonus track titled "Love Nwantiti".
On 3 November 2021, CKay spoke to Billboard writer Darlene Aderoju about his upcoming album. He stated that he wanted to collaborate with R&B artists like SZA, Summer Walker, and Chris Brown, as well as pop stars like Chris Martin and Billie Eilish, [2] and said: "My album is going to be my best work because I’m going to put my whole soul and essence into it." [3] He tweet on 22 May 2022, "My album will make history". [4]
Speaking with Guardian Life magazine, CKay said, "My music is greatly inspired by how I'm feeling at the moment. If I've just broken up, that is what you're going to hear, the vibe of someone that's dealing with heartbreak; and if I'm in an emotional place, you’re going to hear it in the music." [5] He released "You" [6] and "Mmadu" [7] as promotional singles ahead of the release of Sad Romance. On 24 August 2022, CKay announced tour dates for Sad Romance North America Tour to begin on 1 October and end on 28 October 2022. [1]
In late 2021, CKay released "Emiliana", following the success of his sleeper hit "Love Nwantiti", which earned him his first Billboard chart entry. On 1 April 2022, he released the music video for "Emiliana", directed by Ahmed Mosh. [8] "Emiliana" peaked at number one for seven consecutive weeks on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart. [9] On 6 December 2021, it was named song of the day by The Native , [10] It debuted at number forty-four on the TurnTable Top 50 on 13 December, [11] and reached number five on 24 January 2022. [11] On 29 March 2022, the track debuted at number ten on the newly launched Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. [12]
On 17 June 2022, CKay released "Watawi", accompanied by a music video directed by Dalia Dias in South Africa. [13] On 26 June 2022, the record peaked at number six on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart. [14] On 28 June 2022, "Watawi" debuted at number 13 on the Nigeria TurnTable Top 50 [15] and number 21 on the US Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart. [16] In 2022, "Watawi" was shortlisted on OkayAfrica Heat of the Week. [17]
On 5 May 2023, CKay released "HALLELUJAH", featuring ex-label mate Blaqbonez, [18] as the first single off the deluxe studio album. On 20 May 2023, "HALLELUJAH" debuted at number 26 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. [19] Which eventually earned Blaqbonez his first career debut on the chart. [20] On 5 June 2023, "HALLELUJAH" peaked at number 9 on the Official Nigeria Top 100 chart. [21] On 10 June 2023, he announced #HallelujahOpenVerse challenge and promise to award 2 winners $2500 each. [22]
On 2 June 2023, CKay released "nwayi", [23] as the second single off the deluxe studio album. on 16 June 2023, he released the deluxe studio album for Sad Romance, [24] produced primarily by CKay, along with production from BMH, Sakhile, and Magicsticks. The deluxe edition features guest appearances from Blaqbonez, Joeboy, and Tekno. [24]
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
Pulse Nigeria | 8.0/10 |
The Native | 7.7/10 |
Afrocritik | 7.1/10 [25] |
Sad Romance received generally positive reviews from music critics. In a review for Pulse Nigeria, Adeayo Adebiyi said that Sad Romance "is a nice album created with the intention of consolidating CKay's success abroad and reinstating his status has a sound connoisseur in Afrobeats. However, as far as Afrobeats goes, Afro-Emo is not a mainstream sound and it's uncertain just how much this project can change that." [26] In a review for The Native , Dennis Ade Peter said "There will always be a question of whether CKay played it a little too safe on his debut LP, the ultimate context of the album is in its contribution to any mythos the singer and producer might hope to have, beyond the ubiquity of a few singles. Sad Romance doesn't deliver the sort of romance-themed tragedy you might want to glean from the title, just a few tragic moments and more blue-eyed ones that help bolster CKay as one of the best troubadours working in Nigerian pop today." [27] Emmanuel Daraloye of Afrocritik noted that "[a] listen through this LP would obliterate doubts of willful naysayers." [25]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "You" | Chukwuka Ekweani | Christer | 2:55 |
2. | "Mmadu" | Ekweani |
| 3:14 |
3. | "Leave Me Alone" |
|
| 2:54 |
4. | "You Cheated, I Cheated Too" |
|
| 2:12 |
5. | "Come Close" (featuring Ayra Starr) |
| 3:27 | |
6. | "Watawi" (featuring Davido, Focalistic, and Abidoza) |
| Abidoza | 4:48 |
7. | "Soja" |
| Sarz | 2:50 |
8. | "Samson and Delilah" (featuring Mayra Andrade) |
| CKay | 3:12 |
9. | "By Now" |
| Blaisebeatz | 2:44 |
10. | "Emiliana" |
| 2:44 | |
11. | "Lose You" (featuring Ronisia) |
| Abayomi Ilerioluwa | 3:06 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
12. | "Love Nwantiti (acoustic version)" | Ekweani | CKay | 3:04 |
Total length: | 37:10 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
13. | "capture my soul" (featuring Joeboy) |
|
| 3:31 |
14. | "nwayi" | Ekweani |
| 3:04 |
15. | "NNEKA" (featuring Tekno) |
|
| 3:15 |
16. | "HALLELUJAH" (featuring Blaqbonez) |
| Magicsticks | 2:17 |
Total length: | 12:07 |
Year | Awards ceremony | Category | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | 29th South African Music Awards | Rest Of Africa Artist | Nominated | [28] [29] |
Chart (2022) | Peak position |
---|---|
French Albums (SNEP) [30] | 88 |
Nigeria Albums ( TurnTable ) [31] | 29 |
Nigeria Alternative Albums ( TurnTable ) [32] | 1 |
Chinonso Obinna Amadi is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and music producer. He is a self-taught songwriter and music producer who embarked on his music career in 2012, while at Covenant University, where he studied chemical engineering. His currently signed to UMG Canada, Def Jam Recordings, UMG Nigeria, Polydor, and MCA Records France.
Joseph Akinwale, known professionally as Joeboy, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. Mr Eazi of the record label emPawa Africa discovered him in 2017. His musical genres are Afro-pop and R&B. He was born in Lagos State, Nigeria. He is also called Young Legend.
Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani, better known by his stage name Ckay, is a Nigerian rapper signed to Warner Music South 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. On 29 March 2022, the song debuted at number one, following the launch of the Billboard Afrobeats chart. On 9 May 2022, it became the first-ever African song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify and has since been deemed "the biggest hit in African history".
CKay the First is the second extended play by Nigerian singer-songwriter CKay. It was released on 30 August 2019 by Chocolate City through Warner Music Group. It was self-produced by CKay, with additional production from Tempoe, Real Btee, and its exclusive producer Audu Maikori. It features guest appearances from DJ Lambo, BOJ, Blaqbonez, and Barry Jhay.
Nigerian Afrobeats singer CKay has released one studio album, three EPs, eleven singles, and one promotional single. CKay started his music career with Loopy Music, as a record producer. Following the merger between Loopy Music and Chocolate City, he automatically joined Chocolate City roaster. His production credits include M.I Abaga's "Your Father", Koker's "Give Them", Yung6ix's "Everything Gucci", Dotman's "Tonight", and Bisola's "Controlla". He is currently signed to Warner Music Africa, and Atlantic Records.
"Emiliana" is a song by Nigerian singer and songwriter CKay, released on 3 December 2021, by Warner Music South Africa.
The U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart is a standard record chart, ranking the most popular Afrobeats songs in the United States and it is published weekly by Billboard. The chart ranks the 50 most popular songs every week. It was established by Billboard, in association with Afro Nation, on 22 March 2022. The chart is compiled by Billboard, and Afro Nation. The chart is measured from leading audio and video music services, plus download sales from top music retailers. The first chart was published in the issue dated 29 March.
Ekeh Chiaka Joseph known professionally as Majeeed is a Nigerian afropop singer and songwriter signed to Dream Empire Music. He is known for his breakthrough single "Yawa No Dey End", released in 2022 as the lead single off his extended play Bitter Sweet. On 29 April 2022, a new version of "Yawa No Dey End", was released with Joeboy, through Dream Empire Music, and emPawa Africa, which peaked at number 41 on the Nigeria TurnTable Top 50 chart, on the week of May 9, 2022.
"Watawi" is a song by Nigerian singer and songwriter CKay, featuring fellow Nigerian singer Davido, alongside a South African rapper Focalistic, and record producer Abidoza. It was released on 17 June 2022, by Warner Music Africa. "Watawi" was written by CKay, Davido, Focalistic, and Abidoza, who also produced the song. It accompanied by a music video directed by Dalia Dias. It debuted at number 13 on the TurnTable Top 50, number 21 on the US Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart, and number 6 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.
Timeless is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Davido. It was released on March 31, 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.
"Declan Rice" is a song by Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck, released on 24 March 2023 through NATIVE Records, and Def Jam Recordings. The single was produced by Trill Xoe, and John Wav for Native and Def Jam. The song debuted at number 1 on Nigeria's Top Hip-Hop/Rap Songs and debuted at number 8 on the Official Nigeria Top 100 on 27 March 2023, recording the highest debut for a hip-hop record in the Top 100. It debuted at number 27 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs for the week of 8 April 2023.
Vibe Till Thy Kingdom Come is the third studio album by Nigerian street-pop singer Seyi Vibez. It was released on 8 June 2023 through Vibez Inc and Dvpper Music. The album includes guest appearances from Young Jonn, Jibrille, Russ, and Focalistic, and features a mixture of Afrobeats, Fuji, Apala, Sakara, street pop, and Amapiano rhythms. It was executively produced by Dvpper Music founder and CEO Dapper, and Seyi Vibez, along with production from Dibs, TBM, QueBeat, and Jhay2unez.
Thy Kingdom Come is the fourth studio album by Nigerian street-pop singer Seyi Vibez. It was released on 24 June 2023, through Vibez Inc, and Dvpper Music. The album included guest appearances from Nigerian indigenous rapper Phyno, and South African singer Ami Faku. It was executively produced by Dvpper Music founder and CEO Dapper, and Seyi Vibez, along with production from Dibs. The album is a mixture of Afropop, Amapiano, Nigerian Hip Hop, Afroswing, R&B/Soul, Arabic hip hop, and Fuji fusion.
Billion Dollar Baby is the second studio album by Nigerian street-pop singer Seyi Vibez. It was released on 2 November 2022, through Vibez Inc, and Dvpper Music. The album included guest appearances from Simi, and Mayorkun. The album is a mixture of Fuji, Tungba, and Apala rhythms. It was executively produced by Dvpper Music founder and CEO Dapper, and Seyi Vibez, along with production from TBM, Enta, QUE, FreshVDM, and Rexxie. The deluxe version of the album was released on 9 December 2022.
Eziokwu stylized in all cap EZIOKWU is the fifth mixtape album by Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck. It was released on 6 October 2023 by NATIVE Records, and Def Jam, through UMG in partnership with The Native Networks. It was exclusively produced by Odumodublvck, and Teezee, with additional production from Spykida, Sholz, Trill Xoe, JohnWav, Ucee, Cross YDC, Jimohsoundz, Deepaholiq, Twitchpapiii, IceBeatzz, and Mo. Sounds. It features guest appearances from Amaarae, Blaqbonez, Wale, Bloody Civilian, Fireboy DML, Reeplay, Teezee, PsychoYP, Bella Shmurda, Cruel Santino, ECko Miles, and Zlatan. The mixtape’s cover art was created by Olaolu Slawn.
Sincerely, Benson is the debut studio album of Nigerian singer Bnxn which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard World Albums chart.
Emeka Must Shine is the third studio album by Blaqbonez. It charted on more than 20 nations' official album charts.
Young Preacher is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez. The album was awarded the Best Rap album in The Headies award 2023.
Bolatito Obisanya (born January 28,1999) known professionally as BMH (BURSTMYHEAD) is a Nigerian record producer, composer and sound Engineer. His stage name BMH which also serves as his producer tag BURSTMYHEAD! He made his global mainstream debut when he produced CKay’s hit song "Emiliana" which peaked at number one for 7 consecutive weeks on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart. and named song of the day by The Native,
"Gbese" a song by Nigerian singer-songwriter Majeeed and Tiwa Savage, was released on 22 February 2023 by Dream Empire Music, and EMPIRE as the second lead single on his debut extended play Cheers To Life.. The original song was produced by Masterkraft. An EDM version of the song was released as a bonus track on the extended play, and produced by Mystro.