EMPIRE has released its 15-track compilation album titled ‘Where We Come From’. The album features the different African stars under the company. The project aims to showcase the beauty of African sounds, and a combination of talents from different parts of Africa. The album features some Empire stars across the continent. They include Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Asake, Yaw Tog, Kwame Eugene, BNXN, Leil, Black Sherif, and many others.
“Yes we are from Africa, but we are truly determined to reach the entire world with our voice which is music.”
“Kareem Mobalaji, EMPIRE’S Regional Head, West Africa
Where we come from. Vol.1
This album is a compilation of vibes that stem from different moods and inspirations. It is a fusion of Amapiano, drill, Afrobeats, and even trap sounds. Some of the artists were in happy moods, some brought lusty vibes, and some even had braggadocio moments. You know, just party vibes and all. That’s where this album takes me as I listen to it.
A compilation of Vibes
Kwame Eugene and Group Chat open the album with an Amapiano track, “I Feel Nice“, setting a happy mood for the album. Kizz Daniel’s viral song “Cough (Odo)” is a must to move your body to. The king vocalist, Wande Coal, serves us “Umbrella” and also collaborates with the sensational Tolani on “Slow Motion“. On “Bank Alert“, L.A.X. sings about how he wants to make and spend money on a girl that’s caught his attention. KiDi and BNXN collaborating on “Dance 4 me” on this project is one of my favorites, closely followed by “Faya” by Bad Boy Timz with the bouncy Afropop and some Amapiano fusion.
Navy Kenzo teams up with Fireboy on “Hold On” while June Freedom and L.A.X. give us party vibes once again on “Thing for you“. Olamide comes through with “Wound Someone.” I can just imagine two partners rocking and grinding aggressively to this jam. Black Sherif drills in with “Run” while Leil and BNXN flex their R&B prowess on “In the Middle“, discussing the plight of two lovers trying to reach a compromise on their relationship or “situationship”. Cheque brings the trap vibes on “Off White”. However, he explains to Apple music that the song was inspired by the producer, who happened to be wearing Off-white in the studio when they were recording. Yaw Tog is a great artist to look out for. The Ghanaian sensation brings his magic on “Ring My Phone” while the album closes with the party shaker, “Loaded” by Tiwa Savage and Asake.
Conclusion
Where we come from vol.1 is a nice attempt at unifying various sounds from Africa, but I think there could have been more improvement with some of the tracks’ arrangements and lyrical content. Rather, it felt like a work-shy compilation of vibes arranged in a shuffle. While some mixes and takes could have been better, I also think a thematic concept while exploring the diversities of African soundscapes would have helped it achieve its goal. Yes, the artists seemed free and expressive on their tracks, and you may disagree with me that the album’s aim was for vibes and chills, but a semi-structured, light-hearted theme could still drive the goal.
The album is a free-spirited one that just puts you in a happy mood. If you are looking for something to move your body to and just vibe, then this is for you. But if on the other hand, like me, you are expecting the album to be an amplifier and representation of the depth and range of African sounds, you might not get what you need. I mean, one would expect an album titled “Where We Come From” to tell a story told across various African sounds. This doesn’t mean I don’t have some favorites on the project, but my expectations were not met.
However, you might enjoy it better than I did or share the same opinions as I do.
Listen to Where We Come From today: Where We Come From by EMPIRE
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