Harbinging familiar tropes sits at the crux of Kris Grant’s film score discography in Nollywood. His engaging and charismatic delivery have since structured his film scores into the nostalgic and energetic Hip Hop tunes that he’s renowned for across Nollywood since 2021.

On his most recent film score, “Ogbe”, which was among the official soundtrack for Anthill Studio’s Criminal, which premiered in theaters around summer, last year, Grant returned with his energetic Eastern Naija Hip Hop. The song’s energetic tempo is the first thing one notes in the track which he wrote and performed. It’s common to see Grant often spit some bars in Igbo language, especially in a fast-paced rhyme scheme. The song’s captivating delivery probably led to its use as the official soundtrack for the highlight clips of the film’s theatrical premiere.

Another hallmark of Grant’s compositions for screen is in his lyricism, especially as he has to still write devoid of Hip Hop’s censor-worthy slurs and swear words.

On “Ego”, off the 2021 blockbuster by Anthill Studios, he speaks about his dedication to hustling, affirming that “he’s all about the money” and doesn’t “waste time” in chasing it. Still, the song’s verses are more aspirational than cocky, unlike most hustler anthem rap songs. The song also fits perfectly with the scene it was used in the film, helping to depict the characters as regular go-getters.

On the song, “Spinning Money”, alongside A’dam, Grant opens the record with another fast-paced, high-tempo traditional Highlife rap verse. He’s well known already in the industry, for his Igbo language lyricism and highlife influences, but fitting them for screenplays with groovy cadences and hard-hitting delivery is another laurel of its own. Interestingly, the Prophetess movie ranked as the third-highest grossing film, in 2021, elevating Grant’s portfolio. Generally, minus this visuals-lyricism sync, the songs also sound just as interesting when listened off screen, especially via a music player.

Kris Grant’s prowess is observably bridged between his energetic deliveries and the emotional impact of the songs in the film.

In 2022, Grant also wrote and performed “Gbas Gbos” for Funke Akindele’s directed flick Battle On Bukka Street. That song is still among the highest ever grossing Nollywood titles and also was the highest grossing title that year. While sales numbers might not always be a pointer of a good soundtrack, the score’s delivery and lyricism are strong pillars behind the film’s pacing, especially navigating tension and release.

On other notable films he has scored, like “Gallant” off the 2021 blockbuster The Man For The Job, Grant equally creates good music that elevates the visuals. On most tracks, he adds a fresh Hip Hop energy, helping to pace the record. His sonic compositions, essentially retaining the nostalgia of highlife, and fusing it into his contemporary Hip Hop melodies, have proven to be strong plot movers and, generally, a good addition to the library of Nollywood film scores in recent times.