“Body & Soul” Review: Joeboy is one of the masters of Afro-pop

Joeboy, being one of the masters of Afro-pop that comes with various responsibilities is proud to understand that so well and has been highly represented.

A king still in his prime, dominating the soundscape with songs focused on unraveling romance. And those records are driven under the influence of genuine love and lust.

However, on the songs he churns out, it is either the love is in its early stages. Where there is romance and so much affection. And then, along the line, it grows cold and becomes toxic and either both love birds take a break from the relationship or deal with their catastrophe. Share the blames equally or take a certain responsibility in order to move on the ship.

Joseph Akinwale recently celebrated his 26th birthday not quite long after dishing out his sophomore project “Body & Soul.” Joeboy as he is popularly called, is simply a young talented Nigerian singer who keeps exploring his youth.

With the vigor, pleasures and lifestyle that comes with being a youngster; all of these nature are often reflected on each tape he unleashes. A consistent listener of Joeboy’s music would understand that each track he belts out is like an avenue where he broadens his scope on love, romance, women, toxic relationships, money, lust including frivolities, break up and so much more.

While from his previous 2021 project “Somewhere Between Beauty and Magic,” he created songs that captured this entire essence. Even as he made records with the contents that showcased his profound gratitude knitted closely with his love for celebratory moments and fun.

Apart from being a known act who properly understands how to expand the story of romance and everything that comes with being in a relationship with one's partner. Upon the frameworks of Body & Soul, Joeboy grows personal and proclaims of his knowledge about a higher power. On “Normally,“ the exotic opener track which had assistance from the currently popping Nigerian act Odumodublvck.

With the eloquent and fresh vocal input from Bnxn FKA Buju, Joeboy, affirms that his current lifestyle which involves often party and clubbing and sharing good times with those he loves. He describes it as something he has gotten inclined to and is become a regular lifestyle. It is a normal culture for him and those he strongly cares about. In between, the rap flows Odumodublvck dished out upon that record is highly riveting and would definitely make a listener stop, ponder and marvel at his brilliance and excellent wordplay. “Normally,” is that song that perfectly defines the state Joeboy was in prior to when he made this project.

Remember how the story of Joeboy began? The able inspiring tales of his popularity and relevance with his 2019 hit track “Baby.” How he became one of Mr. Eazi’s Empawa Africa benefactors at the time. The growth from establishing his brand as a lover boy who understands truly how to explore and tell stories about love, women and more. The story truly deserves to be fascinating.

From establishing himself as that artiste who tells the most interesting love tales yet knows his way how to tour the toxicity that comes with that same love and everything in between. It is undeniably incredible and exciting. It is the core part of his artistry. And while he has not missed within that spot to date, he keeps telling certain stories which are far off and yet a listener can find a strong relationship with his music. Apart from being that specially talented pop star which he has become over the years, he keeps being so contented as an artiste and yet he continues to expand from making one amazing music to another.

On this album, listeners like myself would pick favorite songs like “Wetin Be Love,” “Contour,” “Duffle Bag,” “Better,” “Check My Phone,” “Lose Ya,” “Woman” & “Chicken Spice and Curry” as Joeboy performing at his core as artiste.

However, not all of these aforementioned tracks might end up being my all time favorites though. But then this is Joseph Akinwale doing what he knows best as an artiste. While records like “Normally,” “Sip (Alcohol),” and “Halle,” the most perfect closer. Are all given birth from his ability to switch sounds and explore other territories as per singing in other topics and walking seamlessly into other styles as an artiste. He becomes very personal and grows vulnerable and then does a profound finish on them.

Joeboy is truly one of the masters of Afro-pop. On Body & Soul, this is Joseph Akinwale being able to create songs that you can feel and strongly connect to with your entire body and soul. No long thing, listen and you would understand how talented he is and then after which, you might find more reasons why he successfully became one of Mr. Eazi’s Empawa Africa benefactors in 2019.