The Nigerian singer Phaemous debuts his first project “PHÆWAY, VOL1” after signing with EMPIRE, with seven songs that explore his knack for sensual sounds, laced with elements of rap and R&B, collaborating with Psycho YP and other rising Nigerian artistes.
On PHAEWAY Vol 1, the singer introduces his sonic style by building desire inspired by romantic separation, crooning heavily on “Running” (Intro), a ballad filled with electric guitar strings that match perfectly with his soothing voice. The intro gives you a highlight on what Phaemous is about, a tempting taste of R&B. The emerging star then switches the tempo a bit on “Violet”, a tune that sees him channel juvenile lovestruck sentiment through his songwriting. Violent tackles a toxic relationship Phaemous found himself in. Assisted by backing vocals from Drayko, the track unravels the characteristics of a toxic lover who finds happiness in breaking guys. The message is clear and polished with a light and glimmery production despite its intense subject material.
“Endorphins” is proof that Phaemous’ exquisite trademark is key to the success on his debut project, from explicit lyrics to comfortable mid-fi production with deep grooves and a dash of moody melancholy—it’s the best song on the project. One can find the same energy on “Island Pink” on a woozily recumbent sound, he explores his vices from a good bud to a good baddie. Add in the flex of a rap verse that is Psycho YP’s and you have a modern RnB track with all the necessary trimmings. “Forbidden” takes a turn on genre, it’s peak Nigerian pop music with intense lyricism that allows it to swing between a sensual,dancing jam to late night sad tune, a trend that is getting familiar with Africa’s new age acts. It’s smooth as ever but has its #hours side if it gets played on a dark day.
One good thing about the project is the number of features, it’s minimal allowing first time listeners to focus solely on Phaemous as a creative genius. With just 3 slots, EESKAY gets the nod on “Below” with a pretty loaded verse. The song is a bedroom anthem which sees both acts explore a sex-positive attitude that focuses on pleasure and partnership instead of one-sided pursuit, with quoted lines like “I brought you red wine, I brought you white widow…., and I kiss down below” which serves as a mood setter for a stellar night. It’s the kind of song you can play during car sex on a rainy night,and yes it’s that sexual. He ends the project with a statement, a break free themed song that dances around issues on his love life and how he wants out of a relationship. “Wise” is a kind of break up “I’m done” type of song, the perfect way to end a project built around a series of intense emotional events.
This project says a lot about new age R&B fused with modern African elements, it’s not just about emotions, but a project that’s simpatico with feelings and the pursuit of pleasure.
Listen to ” PHÆWAY, VOL1 1″ here.
