Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic

Last updated
Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic
Joeboy - Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic.png
Studio album by
Joeboy
Released3 February 2021
Genre
Length42:01
Language
Label
Producer
Joeboy chronology
Love & Light
(2019)		Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic
(2021)		Body & Soul
(2023)
Singles from Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic
  1. "Call"
    Released: 10 April 2020
  2. "Lonely"
    Released: 9 October 2020
  3. "Celebration"
    Released: 9 December 2020

Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Joeboy. It was released on 3 February 2021, through Banku Music and emPawa Africa, and features no guest appearances besides Kwesi Arthur on track 13. The album featured production from E Kelly, Tempoe, Killertunes, Bigfish, Dëra, Mex Flairz, Semzi, Type A, BeatsByKO and M.O.G Beatz. The album serves as a follow-up to his EP Love & Light (2019).

Contents

Background and recording

Joeboy, who first gained attention through a cover of Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" in 2017, rose to stardom with his 2019 hit "Baby," which gained traction in East Africa before becoming a success in Nigeria. Known for his catchy, short songs, Joeboy explained, "I genuinely do not care if it is one-minute... If it is sweet, it is sweet." His debut album Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic was inspired by a trip to Ghana and delayed due to the #EndSARS protests. Joeboy described the album as centered on love, "Love is beautiful. Love is magic." Joeboy recorded Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic over roughly five months, constantly refining the tracks by adding and removing elements. He sent his songs to a select group, including Mr Eazi, King Promise, Samuel, and Oxygen Mix, his mixing engineer, for feedback. The album was A&R'd by this team, with Joeboy stating, "I record a lot of songs and send them to a particular set of people to listen to." According to him, one of the most challenging tracks was "Show Me," as the original files disappeared during mastering, forcing him to re-record it and recapture the emotion. [2]

Singles

The album's lead single "Call" was released on 10 April 2020 and was produced by Dëra alongside a TG Omori-directed video. [3] The album's second single "Lonely" was released on 9 October 2020 and was also produced by Dëra. At the time of the single's release, the album was expected to release on 30 October 2020 and the name hadn't been revealed. [4] The third single "Celebration" was released on 9 December 2020 and was produced by Type A. Its music video coincided with the single's release and was directed by Dammy Twitch. [5] [6]

Critical reception

Motolani Alake's review of Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic highlighted the album's strengths in catchy melodies and astute songwriting, particularly praising tracks like "Consent" and "OH," which he described as experiencing the album's "best spell." He noted, "Joeboy's music is a ready-made machine for high-calibre radio cruise," ultimately giving the album a rating of 7.0, categorizing it as a "Victory." [7]

Dara Oluwatoye's review of Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic celebrated the album as "astounding" and a testament to Joeboy's undiluted sound, showcasing his ability to weave romantic tales throughout the 14-track project. She noted, "Joeboy was right to open the album with this song" referring to "Count Me Out," and highlighted the themes of love and ambition, ultimately expressing a deep admiration for the album's impactful storytelling. [8]

Track listing

Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Count Me Out"
BeatsByKO1:48
2."Focus"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • John Dosunmu-Mensah
 M.O.G Beatz 2:32
3."Number One"
BeatsByKO3:39
4."Police"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Abayomi Ilerioluwa
Bigfish3:09
5."Door"
 Tempoe 2:32
6."Show Me"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Ekeogu Samuel Chimezie
Mex Flairz2:48
7."Runaway"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Akpewe
  • Emmanuel Nwosu
  • BeatsByKO
  • E Kelly
2:42
8."Lonely"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Chidera Ezeani
  • Oluwaseun Otubela
Dëra2:56
9."Consent"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Oluwasemilogo Banjo
Semzi2:38
10."Call"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Ezeani
Dëra2:45
11."Oshe"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Kelenna Agada
  • Type A
  • Dëra
2:13
12."Oh"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Otubela
Tempoe2:49
13."Door" (remix; featuring Kwesi Arthur)
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Arthur
  • Otekalu-Aje
Tempoe2:32
14."Sugar Mama"
 Killertunes 2:26
15."Better Thing"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Ezeani
  • Otubela
Dëra2:50
16."Celebration"
  • Akinfenwa-Donus
  • Agada
  • Type A
  • Killertunes
2:50
Total length:42:01
Apple Music bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
17."Becoming the African Pop Star" (documentary)Akinfenwa-Donus9:02

Personnel

Release history

Release history and formats for Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic
RegionDateFormatLabel
Various3 February 2021

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Neptune</span> Nigerian DJ and producer

Imohiosen Patrick, professionally known as DJ Neptune, is a Nigerian Disc Jockey and Record Producer. He is from a family of four which includes his three elder sisters and him.

The following is a list of events and releases that have happened or are expected to happen in 2019 in African music.

<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.

The following is a list of events and releases that happened in 2020 in African music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nobody (DJ Neptune song)</span> 2020 song by DJ Neptune

"Nobody" is the second single from Nigerian disk jockey DJ Neptune's forthcoming second studio album Greatness II: The Sounds Of Neptune. The song was released as a single on March 5, 2020. It was produced by Magic Sticks and features vocals from Nigerian singers Joeboy and Mr Eazi. "Nobody" is the first Nigerian song to peak at number one, on TurnTable End of the Year Top 50 chart.

The following is a list of events and releases that happened in 2021 in African music.

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

Chisom Obinna Onyeke, known professionally as JaySynths, is a Nigerian record producer and sound engineer best known for producing Teni's hit single "Case" in 2018. He is the originating record producer of Ojapiano and the first record producer to produce it, a fusion of the Igbo people’s Ọjà and South African sub genre of house music Amapiano, taking its name from Ọjà and Piano, he is also the producer behind the soundtracks of 2023 Netflix number 1 movie, Shanty Town.

<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.

<i>Oxygene</i> (EP) 2020 EP by Oxlade

Oxygene is the debut extended play by Nigerian singer-songwriter Oxlade. It was released on 27 March 2020, through Troniq Music, and The Plug Entertainment. The extended play featured guest appearance from Moelogo.

Akinbi Bamidele Brett, known professionally as Cheque, is a Nigerian rapper and singer. He rose to mainstream fame for his 2020 single "Zoom". In 2021, he won an award for Best Duo African HipHop at the All Africa Music Awards alongside Fireboy DML. He is currently signed to Phyno's Penthauze imprint.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dremo</span> Nigerian rapper

Aboriomoh Femi Raymond, known by his stage name Dremo, is a Nigerian songwriter, singer, record producer, recording artist, and stage performer. He was currently signed to Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). He recently dissed sarkodie for saying he is the best rapper in Africa.

<i>Big Girl</i> (Seyi Shay album) 2021 studio album by Seyi Shay

Big Girl is the second studio album by Nigerian R&B singer Seyi Shay. It was released on 10 December 2021, by Stargurl Limited. It was produced by Bruno Spiritual-Vibes, Kel-P, Dr. Amir, and GuiltyBeatz. The album was executive produced by Stargurl Limited, and Jones Worldwide, alongside co-executive producer Kel-P.

Daniel Etiese Benson, known professionally as Bnxn and formerly known as Buju, is a Nigerian Afro-fusion singer, songwriter and record producer.

Kareem Olasunkanmi Temitayo, professionally known as Magicsticks also known for the tag Tune into the King of Sounds and Blues, is a Nigerian record producer, sound engineer and disc jockey. He made his mainstream debut when he produced DJ Neptune's "Nobody" featuring Mr Eazi and Joeboy in 2020, and popular for producing all 12 track records on Asake Mr. Money with the Vibe album, which album debut at number 66 on Billboard's 200 charts and top albums chart in 31 countries worldwide, making it the biggest debut for an Afrobeats album.

<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>Apollo</i> (Fireboy DML album) 2020 studio album by Fireboy DML

Apollo is the second studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Fireboy DML. It was released on 20 August 2020 in Nigeria and 19 August 2020 in America by YBNL Nation and distributed by Empire Distribution. The album featured guest appearances from Olamide, Wande Coal and D Smoke. Fireboy enlisted production from Pheelz, Type A, IamBeatz and P.Priime. The album is a follow-up to his debut, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps (2019).

<i>Afro Pop Vol. 1</i> 2020 studio album by Adekunle Gold

Afro Pop Vol. 1 is the third studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Adekunle Gold and was released on 21 August 2020 by EMI.

<i>Catch Me If You Can</i> (Adekunle Gold album) 2022 studio album by Adekunle Gold

Catch Me If You Can is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold. It was released on 4 February 2022 by Afro Urban Records and distributed by Splatoon. The album features guest appearances from Stefflon Don, Davido, Ty Dolla Sign, Fatoumata Diawara, Lucky Daye and Fousheé. Adekunle Gold enlisted production from Pheelz, Blaisebeatz, Seyifunmi, Tay Iwar, Synematik, Bigfish, Kali, Rymez, Lekaa Beats, Quebeat and TMXO.

<i>Three</i> (Patoranking album) 2020 studio album by Patoranking

Three is the third studio album by Nigerian singer Patoranking. It was released on 28 August 2020 by Amari Musiq, and features guest appearances from Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Sauti Sol and King Promise. The album housed production from DJ Coublon, KillaShay, Mr. Kamera, Culan, Telz, Ctea, Jaydot, Dëra and Hysaint. The album serves as a follow-up to Wilmer (2019).

<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."

References

  1. ↑ Alake, Motolani (4 February 2021). "Joeboy releases 14-track debut album, 'Somewhere Between Beauty and Magic'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  2. ↑ Falola, Ifeoluwa (2 February 2021). "Interview: Joeboy On What It Means to Be an African Popstar". OkayAfrica . Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  3. ↑ Animashaun, Damilola (10 April 2020). "Joeboy is leading the apocalypse in the video for new single, "Call"". The Native . Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  4. ↑ Alake, Motolani (9 October 2020). "Joeboy refuses to be 'Lonely' on new single". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  5. ↑ Murray, Robin (9 December 2020). "Joeboy's 'Celebration' Is A Joyous Slice Of Afro-Pop". Clash . Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  6. ↑ Ngema, Zee (9 December 2020). "Joeboy Comes Through With a 'Celebration'". OkayAfrica . Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  7. ↑ Alake, Motolani (8 February 2021). "On 'Somewhere Between Beauty and Magic,' Joeboy offers rich rhythms and food for thought [Pulse Album Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  8. ↑ Oluwatoye, Dara (9 February 2021). "Joeboy Opens A World Of Wonder On 'Somewhere Between Beauty and Magic' – A Fan Review". Nigerian Entertainment Today . Retrieved 26 September 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.