Street music in Nigeria is becoming a vibrant and dynamic genre, with a rich history. It comes in diverse forms. From traditional styles such as Apala to Fuji, it has evolved into modern genres like afrobeats, hip-hop, and reggae.
The rise of digital platforms like TikTok, Audiomack, and YouTube has also made it easier for street artistes to share their music and connect with fans.
In the past few years, the goal of street music seems to be expansion at any cost. In this process, it has drawn both new and older fans together.
One of the commendable trophies for this genre of music is afrobeats. This genre has significantly impacted Nigeria, with many artists achieving mainstream success and international recognition, a thread that leads to two indigenous Grammy awards and a lot of artistes, including Joseph Osas Eguavoen.
Speaking on his choice of street music, he recalls, “I went through personal struggles that influenced my writing and production, and ‘Coast Clear’ became a daily affirmation that helped me stay grounded and hopeful.”
His goal at that time was simple: to express his truth through music and keep growing as JOE KiNGz.
Now, he is focused on releasing new music and producing his own beats, using real-life experiences to guide his creativity.
The musically deft and lyrically economical artiste is making a strong statement with this genre. The music producer, rapper, and recording engineer, whose ear for sound is commendable, in the last four years, has dropped songs that cut across genres. He has produced almost all genres of afrobeats, highlife, amapiano, trap, drill, R&B, hip-hop, and more with a constantly evolving sound.
Better known as JOE KiNGz, the Benin City, Edo State-born artiste has a whole lot of curated songs that tell stories of struggle, hope, love, and resilience. He blends these contents with local rhythms and themes, creating a unique sound that’s both globally relevant and locally rooted. It makes listening to him feel like reading someone’s biography.
His Base on 1 or 2 is a vibrant Afrobeats track that showcases the Nigerian artiste’s knack for crafting infectious melodies and relatable lyrics. Putting his vocal strength at the front, it becomes a charismatic and haunting pop presence.
Released on December 26, 2023, Base on 1 or 2 weaves seductive and steely lyrics in a convincing embrace of street music. The song’s beats (amapiano-like) are upbeat and energetic, making it perfect for dancing or vibing with friends.
With its irresistible hooks and memorable chorus, the song explores themes of devotion and commitment, as the artiste is heard expressing his loyalty to someone special, singing: “Me I dey with you, girl no stress on; just like weapon I fit use on you, you fit use on me, get your straps on.”
JOE KiNGz’s vocals are smooth and emotive, thus making the song’s message simple yet effective: a standout track in his discography.
With the song’s sleek production and amapiano-like beat, it will make a first-time listener get groovy. If you’re a fan of Afrobeats or just great music, this song is definitely worth checking out!
His Carry Me Dey Go is another perfect vibe with friends. It features Dimeji. The song is a catchy Afro-soul track that’s sure to get the listener moving. Released on May 23, 2024, the song’s upbeat tempo and infectious rhythms make it perfect for vibing with friends.
The production is sleek, with a smooth blend of instruments and JOE KiNGz’s sweet and emotive vocals. He pours his heart out in a love song that’s relatable and endearing. Dimeji’s appearance adds an extra layer of depth to the track.
Notwithstanding the sleek production, some listeners might find the song’s lyrics a bit generic, but the overall energy and vibe more than make up for it. The song’s message of devotion and commitment is timeless and universal.
In his Hardknock Life, he incorporates some key elements of Tupac’s style that resonate with Nigerian audiences. These include storytelling, social commentary, and emotional authenticity.
Released on November 18, 2021, he blends hip-hop, poetry, and social commentary. He puts Tupac’s raw, honest, and emotionally charged beat. He addresses issues like poverty and social injustice, making his music a voice for the voiceless.
Starting with what seemed drama, ‘By this axe, I rule.’
‘Long live the king’, which is repeated about 12 times before the beats roll in, leaves the listener expectant and thereafter, his poetry.
In the one-minute, 35-second song, JOE KINGz says the future is his for the taking. “All I see is blessings around me and that’s all I want to see.”
The problem with the song is that before the listener settles down to it, the song ends.
In Fly Away ft. Nioray, he wants to fly to a place where there is no one. “Just living life in a simple way.” In this song, he focuses on everyday struggles and hopes, which is good for the Nigerian street music scene. The song is relatable to a wide audience, as JOE KiNGz tells the listener what they want to hear.
In asking existential questions such as ‘What does the future hold?’ the artiste repeats the lines for emphasis. The song is authentic, relatable, and energetic, resonating with audiences and reflecting the country’s vibrant socio-cultural dynamism.
Currently based in the United Kingdom, JOE KiNGz is still working on his sound while gradually connecting with people in the UK’s creative scene, which is helping him develop further as an international artist.
