Playboy

Nigerian Afrobeats star Fireboy DML has been on a path to global success since the release of his debut album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, in 2019. His warm fusion of melodic Afro-pop, R&B, and even Caribbean tones continued to earn accolades on subsequent outings like 2020s Apollo and 2021s "Peru," which became an international hit after its Ed Sheeran-assisted remix went viral. "Peru" is of course among the 14 glowing tracks that comprise Playboy, DMLs third full-length album. With American late-night television appearances and a Billboard Hot 100 hit under his belt, Playboy effectively vaults the young singer into the global stage, and he responds with an appealing set that examines his own rising status. Stars like Chris Brown, Shenseea, and Asake join him here and there, but for the most part, the collaborations are underplayed, leaving the spotlight where it belongs: on DMLs silky vocals and mellow grooves. ~ Timothy Monger

バーナ・ボーイに続く存在と目されるナイジェリア発のポップスターで、最近はマドンナ"Frozen"の公式リミックスも手掛けたDML。現行アフロビーツの前線に立つ俊英がサード・アルバムをリリースした。多くの同輩と同じく欧米など海外の音楽を消化吸収した音楽性は気負いなくハイブリッドなもので、前作『Apollo』に続いてヒップホップやR&B、レゲエ、フォークなどが自然に取り込まれている。こういう例でよく呼ばれるクリス・ブラウンをはじめ、ダンスホール・レゲエ新進のシェンシーア、そしてユーロ、同郷のレマが客演。そのレマともまた違う、やや軽薄なキャラクターにも合った独自配合のポップ・サウンドがとても気持ち良い。代表曲の"Peru"はオリジナルとエド・シーラン参加ヴァージョンを収録!
bounce (C)轟ひろみ