Rising to fame in 2023 with his debut single Eleyele after signing to TYE Records, Nigerian artist Taves set himself apart from his colleagues in the scene with his profound sound. The artist who makes predominantly Pop music while fusing it with his Nigerian afrobeat sounds was ordained by fans as one to watch in 2024, including iMullar’s Ones To Watch 2024.
He kicked off 2024 with his two-pack Bodija/Folake, which did amazing on streaming platforms and increased his listening audience. A month later, he would release A Million Things and then announce his project, Are You Listening?. The project’s announcement quickly caught fire on social media, first for the artwork, which paid homage to celebrated Nigerian artist Asa. In a series of tweets, Taves would reveal how influential Asa has been to him by making music and, as such, immortalizing her in artwork.
Rooted in R&B and Pop, the project is a testament to Tave’s writing, storytelling, and commitment not to be boxed by just Afrobeats. Rather, he capitalizes on the genre’s globalization, which he blends with sounds that form his foundation. The 8-track project features his label boss and role model, Bnxn, with production credits to Arieenati, Denzi, Synx, P.Prime, Anoop, Phantom, Sonzi, and TSB.
Featuring the two pre-released singles in Folake and A Million Things, the project has six new singles, including In The City, released 24 hours before the full project was released. With each song exhibiting his versatility as he switches from ballads to danceable records, he touches on the themes of love, heartbreak, and friendship, which offers a variety of listening experiences for listeners.
On a song like Bad Romance, a soft mid-tempo song, Taves shares his experience of being in a somewhat toxic relationship. The song addresses being in a situation where people force themselves to be with someone when the signs are clear for all to see that things will not end well. “know we couldn’t ever be.. and I know we don’t stand a chance o… but still na you I wan see.” Emotions can lead people to do things that may not be logical, and Taves recognizes this but is still ready to risk it all, regardless of whether it is a bad romance.
Taves comes off as someone who is a rule-breaker. He does not give up on the people he loves, regardless of the situation they both find themselves in. Even in Folake where he admits there are things they both cannot control, he still stays because no one else makes him feel the way she makes him feel. “between us there’s some things that we can’t control.. but I stay solid and I stand down on my 10 toes.. she got me feeling like there’s nowhere but up to go”.
If Folake had you doubting the type of lover Taves is, he makes it clearer on Enchanté. He positions himself as one to lay it all on the line for the one he loves. In a world where real lovers are rare, here is Taves hawking himself for the world to see. “so I follow as you lead ..you fit ask me make I enter fire.. even if you cast me.. I no fit to leave..no fit ever tire .. when wahala come.. oh baby run.. put am for my head.” As a real lover, he is also reassuring and vocal in the way he loves and what he has to offer, as heard on the song A Million Things. “get like a million things .. I fit do.. oh if you give me something.. Na love o.. I say I come find.. for your gate.”
The tape takes a detour from Taves the Lover to Taves the Preacher on Certified Walking Testimony CWT, featuring Bnxn. The song exhibits the synergy between the two but also another good showing of the talent both artists possess. Taves and BNXN bring their best foot forward as they share how great their lives have been thus far. They take turns sharing some of the principles they live by. “if na money I put head for there… wetin I dey see… small bread to share.. if I’m with the team.. no girls in there… you know.. when the money comes… it’s all ours to share.” – Bnxn. The song is their way of telling people to bank on themselves, build a team of people whose goals align, stack the money, and grow together.
Economy is Taves showing off and making people understand that “he too get lamba material.” The song is arguably the most distinct in terms of sound on the project. Despite its differences, the message is pretty straightforward and clear. The song’s witty lyrics and catchy hook will be ones that casuals will hang on to for a long time to come.
He gets back to his real lover ways in the last two songs, In The City and Apology. In sequencing, ITC follows the story as he admits that he lost focus for a while but is back and committed to making her happy, and making things work. “I’ve been focused on the bills lately, but I heard you’ve been feeling down.”
The stand-out song, in this writer’s opinion, is Apology. For everything Taves has done in the project, this last song is perhaps the most emotional Taves has been on a song since 19 with Bnxn on the latter’s previous album. The opening lines say, “gave me the best time.. won’t lie… I’ve been looking all day… just chasing the feeling.. can’t do nothing else”
Whatever he did, it takes someone who understands what it means to be loved and has been touched by love to apologize for wronging the person they love. As a real lover, it is understandable how restless it must be not to have your lover by your side anymore. “I just wan explain and tell you everything you no know… no fit find my rest I’m pressed I’m far from feeling normal… I don’t have nobody I can call”
Are You Listening? is a true reflection of who Taves is as a person and an artist. The lyricism at display is evidence of the influence of Asa and Bnxn on Tave’s musicality. His nonconformity in his sound, storytelling, and melodies is refreshing to listen to. His ability to fuse his direction with his Nigerian sound is laudable and should be applauded. While the album may lack the typical “club banger,” it is rich in artistry and offers variety for listeners looking for something away from the usual upbeat “club bangers.”
Taves gives a great account of himself in this project, a young man who will not allow himself to be confined by his origins. He is not afraid to be different and reach for the stars, which he does extremely well with the sounds he put together on the project.
Written by Nana Kojo Mula
