One of Nigeria’s most successful labels Mavin Records unveils their latest project ‘Chapter X’ as a powerhouse with superstars Rema, Ayra Starr, LADIPOE and more. In celebration of 10 years in the music business, assembling an impressive number of ten charting artists, two songwriters and five producers all under the leadership of legendary producer Don Jazzy, the label is only expected to move upwards from here. With just 10 tracks and arguably zero skips, the Mavin family was able to deliver a debut compilation that does not disappoint.
1. ‘Alle’ (feat. Rema, LADIPOE, Bayanni, Crayon, Boy Spyce, Magixx & Ayra Starr)
As an entry to an exciting new journey, first track ‘Alle’ from the project ‘Chapter X’ featuring a great number of members of the label can only be described as a perfect start to introducing and reminding the world of their well-sought after talents and how far they’ve all come. Perhaps the most memorable moment in the song was as soon as it became Ayra’s turn and they made sure not only to reference a famous phrase first popularised by Michael Jakson’s in his song ‘Wanna Be Startin’ With Somethin’’, but also, their own recent classic anthems such as ‘Rush’ by Ayra Starr and ‘Calm Down’ by Rema. All in all, ‘Alle’ really felt like a get-together and set the tone high and early to be expected throughout the duration of this long-anticipated compilation.
2. ‘All I'm Saying’ (feat. Don Jazzy, Bayanni, Boy Spyce, Crayon, Johnny Drille & LADIPOE)
The second track off the project ‘All I’m Saying’ stands as an impressive all boys gathering with attempts of highlighting the underdogs of the Mavin’s family more and placing them at the limelight. With no guest appearance by arguably their biggest superstar & singer Rema and rapper LADIPOE only revealing himself at the end of the track, it leaves us with plenty of room to explore and ravish the high vocal performances of the other boys. As soon as Don Jazzy makes a surprise display reminding us everything that we love about the legend, it takes the song into another level spiritually and one really starts to feel the embrace and love shared between all members resonating through the music.
3. ‘Ogini Na Fio’ (feat. Crayon, Don Jazzy, LADIPOE)
Third track ‘Ogini Na Fio’ from the compilation ‘Chapter X’ is where things should have gotten interesting however, fell a bit short from its true potential. Although it could have been a great opportunity for singer Crayon to push himself further and prove his relevance as both a peer and competitor to member Rema, which they were both brought onboard Mavin Records around the same time, but unfortunately, he chose to play it safe and basically took the backseat. This time around, Don Jazzy’s involvement did not bring much to Crayon’s contribution and only after LADIPOE showcased his rapping skills at the end, were the other two minutes of the song saved from total boredom.
4. ‘Won Da Mo’ (feat. Rema, Boy Spyce, Crayon, Bayanni, Magixx, LADIPOE, Ayra Starr & Johnny Drille)
As the fourth track and second round including all members of Mavin Records, ‘Won Da Mo’ easily wins us back over with a change of pace and energy starting with singer Rema. As a label, there’s only so many chances you get to make sure that more than 8 artists under one song all sound sonically in cohesion while displaying each of their personalities and uniquenesses. This came to realisation with this song, challenging listeners with a new direction in sound that may not ring well after a second or third listen, however slowly makes its way to enjoyment once appreciated for what it is; An exhibit of musicians at their highest performance level.
5. ‘Amina’ (feat. Rema, Ayra Starr, Bayanni & Crayon, DJ Big
Fifth track ‘Amina’ off the project can be interpreted as a tacky layout with Rema’s chorus taking most of the shine and attention. That being said, the song is nothing close to anything boring and not part of the top songs from this compilation, however, it is hard to claim any verse as catchy or notable enough to make the cut. Instead, one could easily imagine that making this a Rema and Ayra Starr first official collaboration on a song, which they’ve surprisingly have not come around yet, would have been so much more captivating and a moment in Mavin’s history to remember. In conclusion, with the lack of momentum mixed with a bearable chorus, it is up to debate whether the entire song is truly satisfactory.
6. ‘Overloading (OVERDOSE’ [feat. Crayon, Ayra Starr LADIPOE, Magixx & Boy Spyce]
Sixth track and first official single ‘Overloading’ off the project by Mavins Records should come as no surprise since its release earlier this year. What makes the song an instant catch and a press for the replay button is the perfect balance between everyone’s verses & the chorus. As a result, no one feels out of place and simply appears as a filler, instead, they complement one another well and equally have a meaningful presence.
7. ‘Losing You’ (feat. Johnny Drille, Crayon, Magixx)
As the seventh track, ‘Losing You’ is one for the ladies. With each of them slowly taking their turns, Johnny Drille, Crayon and Magixx disclose their deepest feelings to their muses, with lyrics of ‘Loving you slowly‘ and ‘Kisses in the mornings’, singing their hearts out and making proof of their commitment. Altogether, the song is an enjoyable slow ballad to accompany a listener at his or her most intimate hours.
8. ‘Won Le Le’ (feat. LADIPOE, Magixx, Crayon, Bayanni, Rema & Boy Spyce)
Eighth Track ‘Won Le Le’ is a complete LADIPOE takeover and perhaps his best performance from the compilation ‘Chapter X.’ Keeping a slow rhythm apparent in about more than half of the project, this song arguably takes the second place in relevance right after ‘Overloading’. Its summer vibes and positive vibration makes it a new anthem that could be played all around the year 2023.
9. Jara’ (feat. Magixx, Don Jazzy, Bayanni DJ Big N)
Ninth track ‘Jara’ off the project ‘Chapter X’ by Mavins Records leaves a strong enough impression to introduce perhaps the future of the label which is Magixx and his charismatic personality. The song offers everything you are looking for coming from a powerhouse who produces the most prominent acts in the Afrobeat music scene to this date. With its catchiness and playful sound, the song is proof of a promising act that could soon take over.
10.‘You’ (feat. Boy Spyce, Johnny Drille, Magixx, Don Jazzy & LADIPOE)
Tenth and final track ‘You’ off the project ‘Chapter X’ by Mavin Records enables listeners to the introduction of the label’s final member, Boy Spyce. Only at the age of 20 years old, the young starlet is already featured amongst the greatest artists from our time and is able to showcase a fair glimpse of himself at the length of his contribution. On one hand, this song does not take anything away from what has been an extraordinary experience from the compilation by Mavin Records so far. On the other hand, it may end up overshadowed by what the other members have been able to deliver throughout the project because of its presentation and not-trying-too-hard attitude.
What can be taken away from this compilation ‘Chapter X’ is a moment in music history to remember. As this appears to be the first time some of Mavin’s members ever take the stage together and the project is evidence of craftsmanship from the side of executives, there are a multitude of sections throughout this journey that will leave a lasting impact to listeners paying close attention. Mavin Records clearly didn’t come up with this compilation to play and take every step to delivering a product of quality very seriously. It goes without saying that this project is proof of Mavin’s strong team ethic and promising plans for the future.
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