In 2022, when Brown Joel declared, “Dem wan know my nationality, High Spirit, top member, citizen” on his record “Omo Ologo” few could have anticipated the full manifestation of that statement. Two years later, following an impressive streak of viral records such as Peace, Adanna, Ogechi, and more, that prophetic line has materialized into a cohesive body of work titled High Spirit, a project that feels like a full-circle moment in the artist’s evolution. Interestingly, Joel refers to this 10-track offering not as an album or an EP, but a mixtape, a deliberate framing that hints at freedom, experimentation, and raw authenticity. With only two guest appearances, Savage and Jeriq. High Spirit positions Brown Joel at the center of his own creative universe, exploring varying emotional and sonic palettes while maintaining his signature hybrid of street sensibility and soulful depth.
The project opens with “Higher Power” an anthemic statement of intent built around triumphant Igbo flutes and pounding percussion. Joel’s declaration, “I open mouth, I declare and speak” feels spiritual, a mantra of self-affirmation and divine alignment. It’s an opener that not only sets the tone but also introduces the underlying faith and resilience that thread through the project.
From there, the tempo eases into “Koka Kola” a melody-driven cut that reveals Joel’s softer, romantic side. Over lush production, he pledges devotion to his lover, emotionally, materially, and physically balancing sensuality with sincerity. The narrative of affection seamlessly continues into “K.O.K” featuring Savage, a witty and playful record that uses the name of Nollywood legend Kanayo O. Kanayo as a metaphor for the lengths Joel would go for love. Savage complements Joel’s charisma with a smooth, well-placed verse, resulting in a track that feels both cohesive and dynamic.
The energy shifts upward with “Shayo” featuring Jeriq, an amapiano-infused anthem that merges hedonism and introspection. The shakers and bassline dominate, while Joel reflects on his use of intoxication as escapism. A temporary reprieve from life’s pressures. Yet even in those hazy moments, he acknowledges divine presence, a recurring motif that Jeriq reinforces with grit and conviction. A key turning point comes with “Scwalla” where Brown Joel adopts a more reflective tone. “Send the beat make I talk something” he chants, ushering in a heartfelt exploration of hustle, ambition, and perseverance. The minimalist piano-driven production gives space for his storytelling to breathe, spotlighting his lyrical sincerity.
“Guantanamera” marks a return to Joel’s flirtatious and uninhibited energy. A sensual cut brimming with suggestive lyricism and rhythmic fluidity. It transitions effortlessly into “Memories” where love and dance coexist on a heavy Amapiano foundation. The track’s infectious bounce and jubilant atmosphere make it one of the project’s undeniable highlights.
As the mixtape approaches its conclusion, “Hide n Seek” draws out Joel’s R&B inclinations, revealing his vocal control and emotional intelligence. It’s tender, restrained, and heartfelt, evidence of an artist raised on melody and groove. The penultimate track, “Omo Temi” pays homage to his Igbo roots with percussive depth and layered traditional instrumentation. The hook, “tota e mole” meaning “stomp on your enemies” is both defiant and celebratory, with an orchestral arrangement that swells beautifully toward the outro. The closing track, “Jungle Jungle” finds Brown Joel in full braggadocio mode. Confident and unapologetic, he reasserts his position as a creative force, capping the mixtape with an air of victory. After such a well-rounded and intentional project, his confidence feels not just justified but necessary.
In essence, High Spirit is a manifesto of self-discovery, resilience, and cultural pride. Brown Joel successfully merges introspection with accessibility, grounding his artistry in authenticity while expanding his sonic horizons. It’s a mixtape that cements his place as one of the most promising voices in Nigeria’s evolving soundscape, proof that his “citizenship” in the High Spirit movement is both earned and ordained.
