At a time when the Nigerian music scene desperately needs something new, Anyafulugo is racing to the rescue. He offers a distinct exploration of Highlife, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Afropop steeped in rich Igbo cultural heritage. With a chameleon-like talent, he seamlessly transforms from an intricate rhyme weaver (Vladimir) to a soul-stirring melody craftsman (Chukwu Ekwena), all while proudly waving the banner of Igbo culture.
There is a not-so-quiet invasion of the Nigerian Hip-hop scene by the southeast. Acts like Jeriq, Aguero Banks, Evado, Zyno Topboy, Highstarlavista, and MOEC have quickly amassed cult followings across the country. What these acts have in common is their relentless flying of the Igbo cultural flag while crafting sincere, familiar, relatable, and sometimes gritty rap records.
Anyafulugo is cut from the same cloth. While he maintains a chill and mellow approach to crafting records, he is unapologetic about showcasing his rich Igbo heritage. He delivers his lyrics in Igband employing traditional instrumentation, melodies, and streetwise storytelling with contemporary production.
He describes his music as Afro-Agwu, a genre deeply rooted in Igbo cultural heritage. By seamlessly merging the infectious rhythm and emotional resonance of Igbo music with a modern take, Afro-Agwu is a captivating fusion that appeals to listeners across the board. And now that the southeast seems to be positioned at the forefront of Nigerian contemporary music, Anyafulugo has the potential to succeed in taking Igbo culture to the world.
His brand new project Psychotic or Iconic aims to continue pushing his unique artistic vision. The album is not just a collection of great songs, it is a cultural movement that could redefine the Nigerian soundscape. The project is an innovative love letter to his culture, wrapped in a package that speaks to today’s audience.
The album masterfully balances hard-hitting rap tracks with more melodic and reflective moments, creating a dynamic listening experience. Introspective deep cuts like Psychotic, April song, Power, and Iconic are strong anchor points on the album whilst slow burning records like Ifunaya Ft. ICAH, Omalicha Ft. Joey, Ngwo Ngwo, wrap listeners in smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics. These records offer a softer, more emotional side to Anyafulugo’s artistry, contrasting beautifully with the raw energy of his harder rap cuts.
On the other end of the spectrum, songs like Vladimir, Many Things, 6AM, and Iconic demonstrate his lyrical prowess and fierce delivery, tackling themes of ambition, personal struggle, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. He showcases introspection on a significant chunk of the album, allowing listeners to glimpse his deeper thoughts and emotions.
Collaborations also play a significant role in Psychotic or Iconic, adding variety to the project. ICAH delivers two stunning performances on this album, her fluid vocals effortlessly weaving through ear-catching melodies that captivate and elevate each record. Omalicha, featuring Joey, celebrates love with a timeless charm. Ngwo Ngwo draws from rich Igbo highlife influences, wrapping the listener in warm, nostalgic sounds.
In Psychotic or Iconic, Anyafulugo attempts to position himself as an important voice in the ever-evolving Nigerian music soundscape. His embrace of Igbo heritage, combined with a fine blend of modern genres, showcases his commitment to innovation without losing cultural authenticity.
By skillfully balancing introspective rap, soulful melodies, and rich traditional influences, he delivers an album that is diverse and culturally significant. As the Southeast continues to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Igboland, Anyafulugo is positioned to make his mark on a nationwide stage. It’s new, exciting, and refreshing.
