BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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When it comes to delivering bangers, Ajebo Hustlers have made it their business to be consistent, steadily dishing out sonically rich music that resonates with both the streets and the mainstream. With their latest EP, Onorato, the Port Harcourt-born duo once again showcase their unique ability to blend Afro-fusion, gritty street wisdom, and infectious melodies into an irresistible listening experience.
The title Onorato, which loosely translates to “honor should be given,” feels like a statement, a bold declaration that the duo deserves their flowers and with this four-track masterpiece, they make an undeniable case. The EP’s cover art is equally striking: a sleek black and red theme, accentuated by animated, anime-style likenesses of Piego and Knowledge. It’s an aesthetic choice that reinforces their larger-than-life persona and artistic creativity and it has in fact become something of a brand–the last couple of promotional videos they’ve released have used similar animation styles.
The opening track, Movie Star, sets the tone for the project with its smooth, mid-tempo vibe. It’s an ode to both romance and the fast life–money, pleasure, and luxury, all wrapped in affectionate storytelling. The duo weave their words with ease in their typical pidgin and English, but they employ Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo on the same track as the means by which they profess their passionate affection to a lover.
The track’s chorus, “Girly no look me pass… You be my universe… My love for you dey intact…” captures the song’s central theme–unwavering love and admiration. They liken their muse to Lupita Nyong’o, emphasizing her beauty and grace. Produced by the skilled Rugged, the beat is laced with soft strings and a laid-back rhythm, perfectly complementing the heartfelt delivery. It’s smooth, it’s intoxicating, and it effortlessly draws you in.
Serving as the lead single, Ave Maria takes the EP to another level. Featuring none other than the Outlaw King, Victony, the track carries an uplifting yet cautionary message: “No believe everything you see, the more you look, the less you see…” It’s a reminder of life’s unpredictability, underscored by a pulsating, spiritual energy.
The production, handled by the ever-reliable Semzi, is lush, layered, and entrancing. The beat builds steadily, creating a hypnotic groove that enhances the song’s reflective tone. The standout lyric, “Na money be the problem, na money be the solution…” hits hard–raw and unfiltered wisdom from two artists who have lived through the struggles they rap about.
Victony’s contribution is the perfect complement to Ajebo Hustlers’ delivery. His velvety vocals and smooth flow add depth to an already compelling track, making Ave Maria one of the EP’s strongest moments.
With Velvet, Ajebo Hustlers introduce a playful, almost whimsical energy to the EP. The beat, crafted by godOmarr, carries a subtle disco influence, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and modern Afro-fusion. The slow tempo and soothing instrumentals contrast beautifully with the song’s cheeky and somewhat wild subject matter.
The track paints a vivid picture of the Nigerian dating scene–quick flings, Uber-facilitated link-ups, and situationships that blur the lines between love and lust. It’s a relatable, unfiltered take on modern romance where spontaneity often trumps emotional depth. The storytelling is engaging, the delivery effortless, and the production smooth, making Velvet a standout track that’s bound to resonate with listeners.
The closing track, Yan Yan Po, shifts the EP’s energy from playful to aggressive. Featuring the legendary Timaya, this track is as fiery as it is hard-hitting. Produced by Scarlet, it’s a diss track in every sense of the word, aimed at fake friends, opportunists, and clout-chasers who say a lot of nonsense especially in criticism of others but hardly do anything meaningful with their own lives.
Piego and Knowledge hold nothing back as they dismiss those who “yarn dust” but have nothing to show for it. “We no send anybody papa wey dey yarn dust” they declare, a blunt dismissal of all the unnecessary noise from empty barrels. The use of street slang like “empty Koko” and “okoto meow” gives the track a raw, authentic feel, making it clear that the duo have no patience for pretenders.
Timaya’s presence adds weight to the song, bringing his signature confidence and larger-than-life energy. His verse is packed with charisma, further amplifying the track’s message. The production is high-energy, with heavy percussions and a pulsating beat that makes it impossible not to nod along. Yan Yan Po is the perfect way to close out the EP–a final, emphatic statement from two artists who have earned their stripes.
With Onorato, Ajebo Hustlers prove once again why they remain one of the most exciting duos in the Nigerian music scene. Their ability to blend deep storytelling with infectious beats, street wisdom, and melodic flows is unmatched. Each track on the EP offers something different; romance, introspection, playfulness, and defiance…yet everything ties together seamlessly.
It’s clear that Ajebo Hustlers are not just making music for the moment; they are crafting sounds that will linger long after the beats fade. With Onorato, they’ve delivered yet another masterpiece, ensuring that their name continues to ring out in the ever-evolving world of Afrobeats.
