Ric Hassani’s latest album, Lagos Lover Boy, is more than a comeback record for the Rivers State indigene. It’s a torrent of his upgraded vocal textures, A&R capacity, as well as his thematic storytelling, all layered out within 21 songs, with an audacious playback time of 56 minutes, one of the lengthiest in recent times for an Afrobeats act.

The rancour that greeted Ric Hassani’s Thunder Fire You song release, off his The Prince I Became album in 2021, which got the NBC to ban the record, shook the entire Nigerian music community. Based on its vocal merits, the song rose to become his magnum opus at the time, with the The Prince I Became album also enjoying positive critical acclaim, despite the initial setback.

If transforming chaotic situations seems to be any musician’s recipe for creating masterpieces, then Ric Hassani ranks high on that list. Just like he did with his record, Hassani’s latest album, Lagos Lover Boy, is a kaleidoscope of the gritty, exciting, tortuous and unpredictable nature of finding and keeping love in the bustling city.

Across the 21-track record, Ric Hassani, born Ikechukwu Ahiauzu, sweeps through his experiences with love, romance and heartbreak, with a line-up of of stellar guest appearances that include Nonso Amadi, Odumodublvck, Portable, Ne-Yo, Joeboy, Tolibian, DOTTi THE DEITY, and Phyno.

A graduate of Energy Economics, Ric Hassani stepped into the public radar around 2017, after the release of his debut African Gentleman album. With nearly a decade on the scene, the award-winning singer has carved a unique identity for his vocal texture, storytelling and RnB prowess.

Catching up with Guardian Music, the RnB maestro opens up on the backstory behind Lagos Lover Boy, detailing his creative muses choice of collaborations, as well as his plans to continue making evergreen music.

Congratulations on a new album, Ric. How do you feel about it?
Thank you so much. I feel really happy that it is out and people can now understand the kind of artist that I am and what I can do.

Tell us how long it took to create the music and where did it happen, mostly?
It took approximately a month to do.

What inspired the title, Lagos Lover Boy?
When you hear of Lagos, you think of chaos, traffic. You know all the harsh characteristics. I wanted to bring my own self into the characteristics of Lagos. Since I’m RnB and soul and love, I decided to combine them.

Tell us about the inspiration behind some of the key tracks.
I am very happy to say I worked with some of the most amazing writers and producers. Some of the songs came from them studying who I have been through the years and curating the song with what the vision of the album is. Others came as an inspiration of listening to the beat and telling real stories

How was it like working with Portable?
Portable is an amazing and fantastic artist. I’ve always wanted to work with him. When I sent him the track he connected with it and delivered such an incredible verse on it. Big love to him.

What informed the choice of collaborations?
Like I said, I wanted to infuse the nature of Lagos in its raw form to my style of music. With Odumodublvck who is just an incredible human being, I always knew he was going to be on the track called Falling. He was in London at the time and it took some time, but he came through and even visited my house with the most amazing energy I’ve felt in a long while.
I respect Phyno so much and this was one feature I really appreciated. DOTTi THE DEITY did exactly what I had imagined the interludes should sound like. That’s my brother and I love him. Tolibian is just super incredible. He sent his verse in less than 24 hours. I really admire his soul and passion.

How did the collaboration with Ne-Yo come about?
This was mostly handled by my distro company, but I’ve always wanted to work with an RnB legend. It was a great opportunity.

How would you describe your headspace on this album compareto the one that birthed The Prince I Became?
I wanted to be intentional about creating something different from what people have known me for than from what comes easy to me. I was a lot more calculating on this album than my previous body of work.

Any favourite moments from the whole album creation process?
Working on the album was fun, from the recording sessions with my amazing producers to the writing. When making the last song, TUALE, the gospel song on the album, we had a lot of fun with the choir dancing around the studio.

With RnB now being one of Afrobeats strongest exports now, what do you think about the genre’s future in Nigeria?
People need to see that Afro RnB can succeed. RnB requires real singing, stacked vocals, and thoughtful arrangements. So it takes more time and intentionality to create. That’s why I am contributing the best I could.

You have been referred to as the King of Afro Rnb. Can you defend that title?
I think that goes without saying. My music is curated in such intentional vocal arrangement, and I put incredible attention to real singing and making music. I am always proud that people see that and accord me that title.

Tell us about some of the new Afrobeats acts on your radar.
There is a guy called Kummie. I can see his trajectory and he’s on a great path.

What do you typically do when you’re not making music?
I love watching movies.

Where are your favourite typical spots to hang out within Lagos?
My house. Such a dope spot for me to hang out.

What is your favourite meal to eat after making music?
Semo and Afang soup.

Finally, what is your vision for your brand as Ric Hassani?
To keep doing my best. I’ve been in the industry for 10 plus years, and people already know what I can do. The vision is to keep doing more. There is still a lot more success to attain.