There’s a long history of great Nigerian musical duos, Don Jazzy and D’Banj, Sarz and Wurld, Rema and London, and many more. In 2019, LeMav and Tay Iwar made their debut into that list with their band, GOLD and a stellar eponymous project that perfectly blended Afrobeats, R&B, Dancehall, and Soul. The sequel, ‘GOLD II’ pushes them higher up that list with their prowess glistening as they explore more genres.
The project opens up with “Simple Things”, an aptly titled number that has Tay Iwar’s lovelorn lyrics backed by mellow drums and sweet chimes. On the hook, his vocals take the spotlight as he lays down an alluring melody.
The tempo quickens up at the last minute for a masterful transition into “Feels”, a fusion of Afrobeats with the prominent log drums of Amapiano. Bravado and love are the resonant themes here as Tay Iwar adulates himself and professes love to his muse in the same breath with lyrics like, “I’m the one, number one like Superman/ Who no go talk if them see you girl your body fire”.
“Feels”’ energy transcends to “Get Down”, an experimental delve into Amapiano that Le Mav decided to take on after being neighbors with a group of South African producers at a recording camp in Tanzania. “As I was sleeping, I’d be hearing log drums. For a week straight I was absorbing different bounces,“ he shared on a Twitter Space. The beat is fervent and Tay Iwar bolsters it with a call to the dancefloor, “Get down, you’re meant to get down when you hear this sound, the beat go dummy you know”.
“Rock Steady” starts off as a slow and sensual track brimming with passion from suggestive lyrics and ends as a pop track sure to keep listeners on their feet.
“Golden Girl” stands out as a smooth, love-infused track where Tay Iwar’s silky vocals are the highlight. His lyrics express a deep, enduring affection, with lines like, “I’ve loved you for ten years, that’s a long time.” The production, marked by Le Mav’s soft drums and gentle chimes, perfectly complements Tay’s heartfelt delivery, making it a memorable addition to the album.
The project closes with “Trials & Tribulations”, a powerful track that encapsulates the album’s emotional depth. Tay Iwar’s somber lyrics and rich vocals, supported by tribal drums and water-like sound effects, create a captivating listening experience. The song transitions between crescendos and descents, with Tay’s voice shifting to a pitched-down rendition, showcasing his versatility. This track delves into themes of resilience and perseverance, resonating with listeners on a profound level.
‘Gold II’ is a six-track treat that took five years to bake, and it sure was worth the wait. Sweet, packs a punch, and leaves you wanting seconds.
