Afrobeats has made a name for itself outside of Africa by whipping up hype songs, big productions, and club-friendly instrumentals. Baddestoyoko is a Nigerian artist who wants to travel a different route with his music. Born Victor Uzoma, the artist rejects the formula of sounding rich and taking boasts on his new Afrobeat single “Amara (Grace).” Instead, the song serves as a reflection on life’ s ups and downs, painful human experiences, and what grace gives us to push through it all.

“Amara (Grace)” is a melancholic meditation on the reality that life is quite uncertain. Baddestoyoko began his musical journey as a member of church choir’s which is where he gets inspiration for “Amara” tattoo themes of thankfulness, humility, and endurance. The song doesn’t have a religious intent, but spiritual vibes are bound to sway how you perceive the concept of grace.

Leading with the word “Amara” immediately sets a tone for the record. Translated to English, it means grace, mercy, or favour. In using the title “Amara (Grace),” Baddestoyoko welcomes us into his world with the idea that life is full of mystery, but we can’t forget about the favour we have been given as he sings.

Baddestoyoko prefaces the song with an outlook on life before the first bar. He refers to life as a mystery, allowing the listener to think about their own life and the unknowns that come with being human. Building off of that, he says,” Some are poor, some are rich, some are real,fake.”

While these lyrics may come off aggressive, the artist humanises himself by putting reality on display for the listener.

My favourite line from the entire song is,”Even if you fall, stand up, no look back.” Hearing those words vocalised is impactful; though the lyricism is simple, the message sinks in. With that line, the song transitions from speaking about life to speaking to life. Baddestoyoko encourages the listener to not let life setbacks determine who you are.

Producing “Amara” was simple but effective. There is not a lot going on within the instrumental, which allows each drum hit, melody, and Baddestoyoko’s vocals to shine through. He wanted the listener to focus on the message and his delivery, not be distracted by bells and whistles.

The lightly-packed production features airy synth sounds that bring a spiritual feel to the record, but the percussion holds down the Afrobeat foundation, ramping listeners stay locked in.

I love Baddestoyoko’s vocal delivery on “Amara.” He didn’t feel the need to throw in too many vocal runs or attempt to make the song bigger than it needed to be. His calm and carefree tone radiates throughout the song showing influences from his days singing in gospel choirs.

Baddestoyoko poured passion and heart into his vocals, making it easy to listen to his words.

My only criticism of “Amara (Grace)” would be the storytelling. Like many great songs, Baddestoyoko taps into emotions we all feel when life gets us down. However, I wanted to know what specifically happened to him to push out this record. I understand some songs can’t serve a story from start to finish, but if artists could add some more imagery that would take their music to the next level.

“Amara (Grace)” is an honest record about the good and bad life throws at us. Baddestoyoko is an artist that doesn’t need to create songs just to turn up; he cares about creating music that reaches people and encourages them to be great. “Amara (Grace)” is proof that he will make music that will get you on the dance floor and songs that will make you want to look inwards.