Four tracks. Sixteen minutes. That’s all Bori needs to make his statement on “Lust in Love,” a debut EP that strips away the maximalist tendencies of contemporary Afrobeats to reveal something more elemental. While his contemporaries often opt for overcrowded productions and feature-heavy tracklists, Bori’s approach here is almost minimalist – each song a carefully constructed piece of a larger narrative about desire, youth, and ambition.
Opening with “Baby,” produced by Father Alaba, Bori immediately establishes his command over melody. The track’s production creates a delicate balance between contemporary Afrobeats percussion and gentle, almost ethereal harmonies. Bori’s vocals float effortlessly over the instrumentation, demonstrating why his distinctive voice has already caught the attention of music enthusiasts.
“Body & Soul” emerges as the EP’s standout moment. Livingking’s production provides a sophisticated backdrop that allows Bori to showcase his emotional range. The track’s arrangement is particularly noteworthy, building from intimate verses to a chorus that feels both grand and deeply personal. Here, Bori’s songwriting shines through, proving he’s as capable of depth as he is of creating dance-ready hits.
The energy shifts dramatically with “Ebelebe,” where producer Oddwave crafts an infectious rhythm that feels destined for club speakers. Bori matches the production’s intensity with a performance that blends traditional Afrobeats cadences with contemporary flair. The track serves as a perfect midpoint, providing the EP with a necessary surge of energy.
Closing track “Young, Wild & Free” sees Bori collaborating with producer Climax to create what might be the EP’s most ambitious moment. The production seamlessly weaves together elements of Afrobeats, R&B, and even subtle hints of Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat influence. Bori’s lyrics about youthful ambition and freedom feel especially poignant here, delivered with a conviction that suggests an artist who’s found his voice.
What’s particularly impressive about “Lust in Love” is how cohesive it feels despite its brevity. Each producer brings their unique touch to the project, yet Bori’s distinctive vocal approach and thoughtful songwriting ensure the EP never loses its center. The project’s production quality is consistently high, with each track offering its own sonic world while maintaining a unified aesthetic.
While Bori’s influences are clear – from Michael Jackson’s melodic sensibilities to Wizkid’s modern Afrobeats blueprint – he never falls into mere imitation. Instead, he synthesizes these influences into something that feels fresh and personal. This is particularly evident in his approach to melody, where he often takes unexpected turns that set him apart from his contemporaries. For a debut EP, “Lust in Love” is remarkably assured. It manages to check all the boxes of what makes modern Afrobeats compelling while adding subtle touches that suggest Bori is an artist worth watching closely. As the genre continues to evolve globally, voices like his – both familiar and distinctive – will be crucial in shaping its future.
Essential Tracks: “Body & Soul,” “Ebelebe”
“Lust in Love” is now streaming on all major platforms.
