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Ekiti Sound is genuinely one of the most exciting artists coming out of the continent of Africa in recent years. The genre-pushing, experimental electronic, afrobeat, jazz and hip-hop musician, from Lagos, Nigeria by way of London has been making waves in recent years with releases such as his 2019 debut Abeg No Vex. He is back, 4 years later with his sophomore release, and one that may go down as one of my favourites of the year. It’s titled Drum Money, contains 17 tracks spanning over 49 minutes or so, with some of the most infectious and enthralling compositions you’ll hear this year. Incorporating elements of electronic and afrobeat music, he’s able to create an immersive soundscape of incredible variety in sound, with intense drumming and beautiful vocals that are just so infectious and impactful throughout the entire project.

The album kicks off with “aLAcarte, pt 1”, a jazzy, drum-heavy opener, with subtle keys and organ leads, complemented by saxophones and drums that give it a groovy, colourful opening to the album. “Fuji” is one of my early favourites on the album, with these menacing synth leads and basslines, capturing an intensity that pulsates throughout emphatically. It’s an incredibly menacing and tribal track, with incredible vocals that add to the energy of it. The infectious drumming on “Chairman” featuring incredible vocals from AUNTY RAYZOR is another captivating track, while “Free the Boy” is another colourful, textured track with wind instrumentation and percussion that hits hard, with a playful rhythm that is just so groovy and almost hypnotic. The heavy bass and drums on “Ebi Pa Mi” featuring Waru Samba are phenomenal, with a tribal energy that dominates throughout, with percussion wind instrumentation that just hits all the right spots musically. “Drum Money” has this soul sample, looped over a hip-hop beat, as Ekiti Sound flexes his lyricism, talking about his focus on music, getting money from his art, comparing his life to others who get their money from other means. “Dabaru” is another incredible track, an atmospheric cut, with drums and percussion that complement his husky vocal delivery. The drum-centered interlude on “Jiji Mo Ji” is great too, while the infectious and tribal drums on “Ku Ise” featuring Debbie Ohiri’s incredible vocals in Yoruba are fantastic. “Ghost Leader” is exceptional, with wind instrumentation and synths that add so much uplifting energy to the sound, a jazzy cut that is another highlight on the album. The acoustic guitar-driven “Raindrops” with Debbie Ohiri is incredible, while the rhythmic “Story Story” is another fantastic moment. The rhythms on “Home” are infectious, while “Mami Wata” is a soulful cut, with incredible guitar leads, soulful vocals and a serene atmospheric sound that is utterly beautiful. “aLAcarte, pt. 2”, “Tom Tom” and Eko Bridge” close the album out with short but punchy and emotive tracks, with drums and introspections from Ekiti Sound that are smooth and melodic, capturing a reflective energy, a perfect way to round off the album.

With Drum Money, Ekiti Sound has crafted his most diverse, eclectic and punchy album to date. It’s a true statement, one that establishes him as one of the most interesting and exciting emerging artists from Nigeria. There’s so much more to come from this talented musician, and I’m only looking forward to whatever he has coming out in the future. But for now, support this new gem of an album!