Nigerian singer-songwriter Qing Madi has finally released her long-anticipated debut album, I Am the Blueprint, a 13-track odyssey into love, self-discovery, and personal growth. Since her breakout moment in 2023 with her hit single, “Ole” featuring BNXN, Qing Madi has been on a steady rise. This debut album cements her place as one of Nigeria’s most promising new voices.
Unlike many debut albums that lean on big-name collaborations to make a mark, I Am the Blueprint is a completely solo effort, with no featured artists. This decision underscores Qing Madi’s confidence in her artistry and storytelling. In her own words: “I am the architect of my own destiny. I am the Blueprint. The way music should be. This album is my story–the struggles, the triumphs, the journey. ‘I Am The Blueprint’ is more than just music; it’s my legacy.” From start to finish, the album is a testament to her belief in her own voice, ensuring that every lyric, melody, and emotion is entirely her own.
One of the album’s standout elements is how Qing Madi weaves her Nigerian heritage into contemporary R&B and Afro-fusion. Songs like Ali Bomaye feature Igbo phrases such as “ogologomma,” a nod to her cultural roots. In a recent interview, she shared: “I just wanted to have something that reminds me of home when I sing these songs.” This balance of modern global appeal with indigenous authenticity makes her sound uniquely refreshing.
The album is carefully structured, taking listeners through a series of emotions and reflections. Opening with the track, “Bucket List” produced by Jad Oh, she confidently declares her drive to win and make it big–to “ball and scatter street.” With statements like “If you want it then you take it” ” I know that I am destined…I be the number one before them born me” she exudes confidence in herself and in her ability. With a beautiful voice laced with conviction, she outlines her heartfelt desires, her goals–a self founded empire,a house for her mother and a Grammy. An inspiring bucket list I would say, one that should serve as an inspiration for anyone crafting their own list.
A lead single that was released in advance of the album, “Ali Bomaye” is a sweet, sweet love song that conveys a powerful message: Qing Madi is so deeply in love that she feels she can’t live without her partner. Through heartfelt lyrics, she paints a picture of devotion, declaring that her lover is not just a romantic partner but her sanctuary. “This person is my safe space,” the song seems to whisper. “They cool my stress, lighten my burdens, and make life feel easier to navigate.” It’s the kind of love that leaves you breathless, that pushes you to your knees–not in submission but in awe. An utterly amazing love song indeed produced by Prestige.
Third on the album playlist is another lead single, “Akanchawa.” Perfectly, the song highlights Qing Madi’s soulful vocals and Afrobeat influences as it brims with affection and passion, portrayed by heartfelt lyrics such as: “Baby you sweety my heart, I no fit lie for you, Akanchawa oh, Say I’m giving you all my love oh baby,” sung in such a beautiful manner by Qing Madi, that you can’t help but feel her emotions just like she feels them. Already a fan favorite, the song’s catchy rhythm and heartfelt message has earned praise for its authenticity and emotional depth. The song is a sweet sweet love song and with it’s expert production carried out by Marvey, you just know it’s a vibe.
“Damn It All” is a powerful anthem about self-respect and boundaries in relationships. Speaking about the track, Qing Madi said: “It’s a rallying cry for self-respect and boundaries… about walking away from what doesn’t serve you and finding strength in independence.” With some parts of the song delivered in a manner similar to that fast paced Jamaican rap style, the track is as much flowy singing as it is rap and Qing transits from one flow to the other in such an expert manner, it is stupendous. Wademix, PD and Higo certainly outdid themselves on the track’s production.
On “It’s a Game” Qing Madi channels feelings of betrayal and utter disappointment as she berates her estranged lover. Statements like “You left your conscience in the dust” and “now you know that you got me restless, how do you sleep at night,” portray the extent of her hurt. Delivered in her smooth and silky voice, the slow tempo and calm vibe of the beat, produced by BGRZ, serves to display her emotion…her pain, in a truly heartfelt manner.
”Pressure” sees Madi thoughtfully dwelling on her own self discovery. Her lyrics, “So many things inside my mind, where do I begin, I’m still finding my inner rhythm…” portrays her inner turmoil, that of a person distraught and struggling to find her balance. Further buttressed by her lyrics, “but the pressure, e wan dey kill me now, hold my hand lord, make I no drag me down…” it’s clear the message she’s trying to pass across. There’s so much pressure to find herself, to figure it all out, to make the right choice with every step. There’s a bright bit to her lyrics though–she’s confident that there’s a higher power out there that she can defer her struggles to. This track encapsulates the universal feeling of pressure and uncertainty, but with a hopeful, uplifting message of turning to a higher power in times of struggle.
“Garden” is a sweet sweet serenade that is as exciting as it is mellifluous. Aided by a hard hitting yet smooth flowing beat pattern produced by Tejirisonics, the track leaves quite the impression. It certainly helps that Qing Madi delivers her vocals in a manner that perfectly utilizes the beat’s ebb and flow from calm to energetic. From her initial soft and velvety delivery, her switch up to bold and aggressive as she transitions into the chorus, adds a beautiful context to the song that just must be appreciated.
Produced by Semzi, ‘One Day” is a party vibe that bears Qing Madi’s signature love inclined lyrics, seamlessly blended with that fun vibe typical of party songs. Perfectly buttressed by lyrics like “I can’t feel my body tonight” everything about the song gives off a vibe that’ll be absolutely perfect for that hot, sweaty and steamy rocking session in the club on a weekend night out.
“Favorite Psycho” stands out for it’s smooth and calm flow as well as the raw emotions that Qing Madi effortlessly channels with her sonorous vocals. Produced by BIGFISH, the song explores the complexities of relationships, with introspective lyrics like “No dey feed me lies, I’ll be your favorite psycho, I no be one of these guys, you don dey off my tempo.” The emotional intensity she brings to the track, is exceptional–a thing of true beauty indeed.
Bringing an end to the album, the PD produced track “Right Here” sees Qing bringing an R&B/Afroswing vibe that gives the listener a refreshing change in flow just as the album comes to its sweet conclusion. The use of that dancehall percussion pattern is a stroke of creativity and genius that elevates the already dynamic song in a manner that thoroughly impresses.
The album’s production blends soulful melodies, Afrobeat rhythms, Afroswing vibes and R&B influences, creating a deeply immersive listening experience. The producers–beyond those already mentioned–include Ozedikus who co-produced “Feeling Alright” with Wademix and Tuzi who produced “Goosebumps.” With their creative prowess, they helped shape the album’s beauty, accentuating and elevating Qing Madi’s creativity to a level of pure creativity and mastery.
Though the album is still fresh, the initial reception has been overwhelmingly positive. One early listener noted: “I loved her last project a lot, but this one is something else. I’m obsessed with her voice.” Her decision to go solo on the project certainly adds to the authenticity and personal nature of the album, a move that has drawn controversial takes by many but is being widely appreciated by many more.
With I Am the Blueprint, Qing Madi has not only crafted a deeply personal debut but also set a precedent for independent and uncompromising artistry in the Nigerian music scene. Her refusal to lean on features or industry gimmicks highlights her as an artist truly in control of her sound and vision.
Ultimately, this album is more than a debut–it’s a declaration. With Qing Madi at the helm, the future of Nigerian music looks even brighter.