It’s safe to say Mavin Records are the Avengers of the African music industry, with a span of superheroes (artists) keeping the industry alive with countless hits. Taking the quality of music higher, for the better in what looks like more than a decade of success. Still playing the role of bringing acts to the spotlight, Crayon seems to be the new superhero in town, gracing the scene with his 2019 smash hit “So Fine”. On his new EP, the singer is ready to make this summer a moody one.
Twelve AM is an introduction not only to his style but to his full skillset as a youthful Nigerian act. “SYNC” is the album’s true heart, for the temporal-sexual moment, the song gathers all elements that make it a sex-playlist starter. From his mellow voice to venereal lyrics, the song is matched with Ibanez 1200 strings and backing female vocals which further suits his tempo, showing how important his chemistry with Nigerian producer London is needed on the project.
“Too Correct” on the other hand is peak Nigerian Afrobeats. From eccentric melodies to leg-moving production, powered with great vibes from fellow label mate Rema. The duo craft a club banger that is energetic from start to finish. Making you appreciate Mavin Records more and what’s to come from the powerhouse in the future.
The 4 track Ep is very short yet worth putting on repeat because of how the songs are structured. The songs switch from tracks to have a wild night in the club, to a sundown-to-sunrise link-up kind of theme, with seamless production details. “Man dem” is definitely for the man dem. A boys boys inspired song that holds heavy potential on becoming a 2021 summer anthem. English Rapper One Acen serves as a bridge for the U.K.’s grime scene and prevalent Afrobeat influences adding more of hip-hop- and R&B-influenced verse, rounding the song off serving as Vibez’s second handwork on the project.
A Crayon-Bella Shmurda collaboration is what we never knew we’d want, released earlier as a single, it’s the type of song that will have the dancers grooving to it. It’s kind of a hybrid vision of how modernized afrobeat with new-age acts has evolved. Drawing on Afrobeats, dancehall, and road music all in one song. Laced with flutes that accompany the chorus, it’s a certified banger.
Crayon being on the Mavin roster alone sets him to greatness, and with projects like this, he is destined to be at the frontline with popular new-age acts soon. Listen to Twelve A.M here.
