Afrobeats is not just a genre; it is a cultural movement that has gone from African entertainment to an international phenomenon and is still influencing current global music trends. In the process of growth of the genre, there are some artists and producers who are on the brink of creative explosion and have done well to ply their trade and enhance the value of the genre across the world. Among these trailblazers is PICAZO, a Nigerian artist of his kind, and RIYO, a visionary producer who brings his sonic craftsmanship to every composition he works on. They have come up with “Dream Island” a track that is not only a clear representation of the best that Afrobeats has to offer but also cements their place as influential actors in its growth globally.

Picazo had previously created a unique name for himself after breaking into the Afrobeats space. He continues to unearth new ideas within his music, and with a canvas such as RIYO’s production on “Dream Island”, we see the artist create more good impressions through his creative delivery.

“Dream Island” is a feel-good song intended to raise the mood of the audience. From Picazo’s introduction, his upbeat singing keeps the listener interested in Picazo’s well-written verses. He croons and slithers over RIYO’s production, as his syllable patterns encourage the listener to get on their feet to dance. “Dream Island” highlights Picazo’s ability to inspire and motivate through the feel-good factor that his music possesses.

That feel-good factor is present largely due to the impressive production performance that RIYO provides. “Dream Island” has a consistent bounce that carries Picazo and the listener throughout the track’s 3:11 minutes. Many elements common to Afrobeats are evident on “Dream Island” with a use of drums and a delicate application of kicks which the other instruments evolve around. The song makes you move and would do well to induce happy head-bops. Picazo and RIYO have crafted the record as one to make memories to.

Records like this are essential to the Afrobeats space. This is not only because of its quality, but it offers a new perspective on how to approach the genre. In recent times Afrobeats has sprouted more sub-genres due to its flexibility, and the work by the duo indicates the diversity of music that exists within the Afrobeats space. “Dream Island” does well to give a good account of Afrobeats to the genre’s more recent discoverers.

Picazo and RIYO are a duo capable of so much more. Their strengths complement each other and elevate the quality of music on show from both parties. There is a real desire to elevate their craft and exist within multiple spaces from pure hip-hop to the more up-tempo beats present within Afrobeats. They’re on the verge of finding new levels in their artistry and it’ll be interesting to witness how else they can manifest their talents.