Zica Zoe has been a work of art in progress. The culmination of this never-ending journey happened last week as she released her debut project under Ala Africa, titled ‘Not Easy To Forget’.

Announcing her signing in October 2022, the founder, Dr. Kelvin Alaneme proudly stated that “her vocals and impeccable songwriting will blow you away.”
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I had to take a walk through the EP to ascertain the words of the founder. The trip went on for more than five days. After enough time out on the project, it is evident that she has been able to lend credence to the word, showing the world her massive talent while she prays they accept it.

Through these five tracks, Zica Zoe solely takes charge of the voyage. The confidence breeze through the first track and continues till the last track. ‘Dem Go Hear’, sounds like a prophetic declaration of what to expect. The resolve to make things happen serves as glints in the face of darkness. The near-perfect mixing of the opening track makes the production sync, by the time the solo saxophone comes up at the end of the song, you wished it continued.

Zica Zoe climbs the romantic mountain on ‘Crazy Things’. The delectable singer explores her soulful lyrics to tell her romantic affair with a man. She profusely states her desire, perhaps, she would get the required answer from him.

‘Desire’ will no doubt prove to be a fan’s favourite. A total earworm boosted with some precise kicks and snares, surreal background vocals, and infectious vocal inflections. The mid-tempoate of the song makes it more lovable.

The title track sits on the number four spot on this EP. Just like it states, ‘Not Easy To Forget’ sounds like a confrontational statement, something you tell so soon-to-be when you are having the last closure discussion. The sunny saxophone on this track leaves the listeners gasping for more. When Zica Zoe says “I be wife material, one thousand yards,” you sense the sincerity in her words. The song is half appealing and half threatening, maybe, it is left for the guy to pick the side that pays him.

‘Not Easy To Forget’ EP ends on a cautionary note with Zice Zoe warning the naysayers on ‘Bad Energy’. It superbly serves as the idea closer.

On her debut EP, Zica Zoe delivered a set of songs that only a soon-to-be enigma like her could. These tracks swirl between laid-back yet passionate, and upbeat yet fragile scenarios. It is a mix of slow burner tracks, the one which rewards listeners who come back for more.

Rating: 3.5/5

Emmanuel Daraloye has been documenting Afrobeats for over a decade.
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