Lungu Boy

Lungu Boy is Asakes third album in as many years. The Nigerian star made significant inroads in the U.S. with 2022s Mr. Money with the Vibe and 2023s Work of Art, both of which debuted in the front half of the Billboard 200 while topping his own countrys charts. A continuation of his now-familiar fusion of amapiano, Afrobeats, and Fuji, Lungu Boy ratchets up the star power with a slew of high-profile guests who emphasize Asakes global appeal. Countryman Wizkid lends a hand on the low-key tropical funk of "MMS," while U.K. rapper Stormzy handles a couple relaxed verses on "Suru." American trap star Travis Scott and Brazils Ludmilla also take turns on the mic, but its Britains Central Cee whose contributions feel most effective on the standout hit "Wave." The albums title references Asakes street origins, a loose theme throughout a collection that largely fails to capture the same sense of unity as his first two. Its collision of roots-referencing and international outreach are sometimes at odds with each other. Lungu Boy has some great material, but having risen to the top with back-to-back successes, Asake appears to be experiencing a few growing pains. ~ Timothy Monger

前作『Work Of Art』でさらに躍進したナイジェリアの雄は、このたびCD化された3作目でさらに前進している。セントラル・シーとの"Wave"やマイク・ディーン制作でトラヴィス・スコットと組んだ"Active"、さらにストームジーやウィズキッドといった各国のスターが並ぶ華やかさは格の向上を示したものだとして、フジなど伝統的な自国の音楽に目を向けた作りも興味深い。エネルギッシュなハウスの"Uhh Yeahh"、メアリーJ・ブライジ"Real Love"をチョップしたメロディアスな"Whine"など楽曲の振り幅も広がり、ラストの雄大な"Fuji Vibe"までひたすら楽しめる。これは良いです!
bounce (C)出嶌孝次