BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Some albums whisper their arrival; others shake the ground beneath our feet. Magixx’s long-awaited debut album, I Dream in Colors, does the latter. A 13-track odyssey through love, loss, ambition, and self-discovery, this project is not just an album–it’s an experience. It doesn’t just showcase his versatility; it immortalizes it. From the velvety embrace of R&B to the infectious rhythms of Afropop and even the nostalgic echoes of Fuji, Magixx weaves a sonic tapestry that defies confinement.
For those who have followed his journey, this moment has been a long time coming. And now that it’s here, one thing is clear–it was worth the wait.
The album opens with Consistency, an introspective track that sets the tone with raw honesty. Over Sparrq’s mellow yet steady production, Magixx bares his soul, detailing silent struggles, personal losses, and the unshakable will to push forward. He speaks of health challenges within his family, the hurdles life has thrown at him, and yet, there’s no bitterness–only resilience. The slow, deliberate beat flows like the heartbeat of persistence itself, making the song feel almost spiritual. His delivery isn’t flashy; it’s weighted with experience, making every word resonate deeply.
If Consistency is the struggle, Ori Mi is the prayer that follows. Produced by Biano, this second track carries a hopeful undertone, laced with gratitude and ambition. Magixx pleads for progress, invoking the Yoruba phrase, “Ori mi gbe ire ko mi”–an appeal for destiny to bring forth blessings. The song brims with optimism, its melody gentle yet uplifting. It’s music for those seeking breakthroughs, a soundtrack for dreamers standing on the precipice of their aspirations.
Then comes the shift. With You is love in musical form–a song that melts over you like sunlight on a cold morning. Smooth, bouncy, and irresistibly infectious, it captures the essence of a man hopelessly in love. His devotion is almost reverent, painting his lover as his anchor, his peace. The song’s fluid rhythm makes it impossible not to sway along, every lyric sinking in like a warm embrace. The creative touch of Andre Vibez is on the beat–a masterful production.
Alchl comes next, a masterclass in sonic contradiction. The beat, produced by Prosse, is lively and dance-inducing, yet the lyrics are heavy with sorrow. “Feel like I’m drowning, like I’m losing myself,” Magixx confesses, unraveling a tale of silent suffering and emotional exhaustion. He speaks of betrayal, mental turmoil, and the desperate reliance on vices to numb the pain. It’s a song that dances on the edge of joy and despair, a bittersweet anthem for the broken. The beat makes you move, but the words make you feel deeply.
Winter and Summer, the album’s emotional core, comes next. This is Magixx at his rawest. The heartbreak is visceral, the longing unbearable. He sings of a love lost two years ago, a wound that refuses to heal. He drowns his sorrow in liquor, in smoke, in distractions that fail to quiet the torment. And then, there’s the chilling line: “Don’t double dare me, (I’ll do anything), I’ma go to war and kill so many, only for you.” It’s desperate, unsettling, and painfully real. Burssbrain’s production cradles the agony, allowing Magixx to expose his wounds for the world to see. It’s not just a song–it’s a cry from the depths of heartbreak.
Okay shifts gears, replacing romance with introspection. Produced by Jonn P, it’s a soul-stirring reflection on pain, resilience, and silent battles. Inspired by his mother’s health struggles, his voice carries the kind of weariness that only comes from real-life scars. Yet, amid the burden, there is determination–a quiet promise to himself to keep going. This isn’t just a song; it’s a confession, a catharsis, a piece of his soul laid bare.
The motivational pulse of Eleven is a nod to perseverance. “Person wey see ten go see eleven,” he chants–a reminder that progress, though slow, is inevitable, as long as the work is being put in. Fadah’s production balances grit with celebration, making the song both reflective and triumphant. Magixx is working hard, but he’s also living. He knows life is fleeting, so he toasts to every win.
Then comes a sonic switch-up that is refreshing and thrilling. Sexy Lady is pure euphoria–a fusion of Fuji rhythms, lively instrumentals, and an irresistible beat courtesy of Andre Vibez. It’s a feel good vibe through and through and Magixx layers his vocals over the fast paced and exciting beat pattern, gàn gán and the instrumentals, creating a proper vibe as he crafts a love track with lyrics like “Ma fi mi shere my chargie, cuz I wanna be with you tonight, make i spend you all my money..”. The talking drum interlude towards the end is the cherry on top, an electrifying moment that turns the song into an experience.
On Vibration, Magixx links up with rapper Jeriq to deliver a cross-regional banger. The track pulses with an infectious rhythm, exuding confidence and wealth. “Anytime I pull up, it’s a vibration,” they declare. This is music for those who are winning, for those who command attention the moment they step into a room, for the big OG’s. Dummex and OG Sterling lace the production with a beat that ensures this track will be a club staple.
Aykbeats infuses Bad Decisions & Foreplay with sensuality, setting the stage for Magixx to explore themes of passion and reckless romance. It’s a song about surrendering to desire, about letting go of restraint and embracing spontaneity. The song explores the intoxicating nature of love and the thrill of taking risks, with lines like “Cos we ain’t gonna live forever, that’s why me want to draw you closer, make bad decisions and foreplay” emphasizing a desire to embrace spontaneity and passion. The smooth instrumentation wraps around his vocals like silk, making every word feel intimate.
As the album nears its conclusion, Sempe takes a reflective turn. Over Sparrq’s ethereal production, Magixx assumes the role of a sage, speaking on life’s unpredictability. “Tell me what I’ve not seen before, for my life…” he muses. He speaks of envious foes, the necessity of faith, and the divine protection that keeps him rising. It’s contemplative yet uplifting, a hymn for those walking their own difficult path.
Konibaje, is an anthem of ambition. Magixx declares his dedication to the hustle and his unwillingness to entertain anything that doesn’t align with success. “If no be money matter, me I no dey hear.” 1 El Beats the producer brings a thoroughly pleasing and sonorous vibe with a beautifully and creatively patterned beat that just hits right. The track encapsulates the spirit of every dreamer determined to make it, and Magixx makes a declaration that his blessings will flow like a river.
Finally, Voices brings it all home. A haunting reflection on self-doubt, betrayal, and inner demons, Magixx confronts the negative voices–both external and internal–that seek to pull him down. Yet, in the end, he reaffirms his belief that the path ahead holds victory. Aykbeats’ production ensures that the song lingers long after it ends, like an echo of everything the album stands for.
I Dream in Colors is more than an album–it’s a diary, a collection of confessions, an exploration of emotion in its rawest form. Magixx doesn’t just sing; he paints vivid pictures, pulling us into his world with every note. He celebrates, he mourns, he reflects, he loves–all with a finesse that proves he is not just another artist, but a storyteller of the highest order.
This is the kind of album that lingers, that seeps into your soul and refuses to leave. Magixx didn’t just deliver–he completely transcended the mere, crossing into a place that could only be described as ethereal.
