Album Review: With "Lokoja", Jeff Akoh begins his journey the right way

Jeff Akoh may have started his personal journey with Project Fame , but with “Lokoja” he begins his true career movement.

In 2015, a young Jeff Akoh from Kogi state, sang his way to win the MTN Project Fame West Africa. It’s no mean feat, considering how coveted and prestigious the platform is. When used right, the recognition from it could be a mini-conduit to success in the music industry, or be the apex of a budding career.

Jeff, 21, took two years to get to this point. He signed up Nigerian entertainment powerhouse, Temple Management Company (TMC) and through its music subsidiary, Temple Music (TMPL) and foremost American showbiz company, Roc Nation, they have crafted an album to showcase his artistry, and begin the makings of star.

 

So here it is: his debut album – a collection of songs that sees Jeff in complete control. For one so young and vibrant, Jeff displays a distinctive style, which feels instantly lovable, like the huge, romantic single   with its bursting rhythm and massive pop hook. But there’s also plenty of experimentation: take the reggae-inflected ‘Magic love’ and the gorgeous bounce and syncopation of ‘Shokolokobangoshe’. Nothing goes too far – witness the slick vocals application on ‘Jets’ and ‘Control’, the latter sounding like a syrupy message from a higher dimension.

 

These songs are rewarding – mostly because they give a much deeper insight into Jeff’s artistry. It’s not an explicitly directional album, he simply writes from his perspective as a young Nigerian songwriter who happens to have enough talent, and a romantic soul to match. It’s honest, personal, glitzy and wholly relatable.

Jeff Akoh may have started his personal journey with Project Fame , but with “Lokoja” he begins his true career movement.

Rating: 3.5/5

Ratings

1-Dull
2-Boring
2.5-Average
3-Worth Checking Out
3.5-Hot
4-Smoking Hot
4.5-Amazing
5-Perfection

Stream "Lokoja" on Apple Music.