Qing Madi – I Am The Blueprint Album Review: Decent Debut

When Qing Madi burst into the scene with See Finish, it was clear that the teenager was destined for incredible things. Her self-titled debut EP was a brilliant showcase of her vocal range and songwriting ability. The EP seemed tailored to a niche teenage audience as Madi spoke to the sensibilities of her generation, whether she was discussing her ambitions or romance.

A little over a year since her debut EP, Qing Madi has cemented her place as one of Africa’s finest young talents, and even the sky doesn’t seem to be the limit for her. Her debut album, I Am The Blueprint, reflects her confidence, self-assurance and youthful audacity as she refuses to be defined by others, asserting her identity and artistic vision with the belief that she is creating a template and setting a standard for her generation to follow.

She documents her lofty dreams on the opener Bucket List, an introspective yet ambitious anthem that reflects her dreams, determination, and belief in her destiny. The song blends self-affirmation with a deep desire for success, as she acknowledges the long journey ahead while remaining confident in her potential. Her bucket list is full of dreams—winning a Grammy, building an empire, and buying her mother a mansion. The song relates her desire to make a lasting impact. 

While her confidence is sky-high, Madi still contends with internal battles as she reveals on Pressure. These internal battles could arise from doubts, pressure, past mistakes, and the weight of personal struggles. While she acknowledges her struggles, she seems pretty unconcerned as she relies on God for hope and redemption, putting trust in God and letting go of battles that are beyond her control.

While Qing Madi has said in multiple interviews that she has yet to have a romantic experience, romance makes for a significant chunk of this album. She lets her imagination run wild as she explores romance and its complexities on the album.

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The Prestige-produced Ali Bomaye is a soulful song that expresses deep gratitude and love for a significant other. The song captures the essence of finding solace in love amidst life’s chaos. Its infectious rhythm makes for a satisfying listen, but the writing on the hook is lazy.

While it’s clear Qing Madi wants to create accessible and resonant hooks on this album to appeal to a broader audience, her talent suggests she’s capable of crafting far more compelling hooks than this. 

On the bouncy Afropop Akanchawa laced with infectious strings, the singer expresses a willingness to give everything for the person who has captured her heart. She is so drawn to them that she is willing to set aside her ego, indicating a deep emotional connection. 

She repeats similar sentiments in the passionate and playful Goosebumps, where she expresses deep attraction and admiration for her love interest. Qing Madi delivers a vibrant and rhythmic record that reflects the excitement of being infatuated with someone as she sings, “I get a lot of goosebumps when I’m with you”. 

Qing Madi balances the vibrant and exciting aspects of romance with a candid portrayal of its darker, more troubled dimensions. Favorite Psycho is a deeply compelling and moving R&B number where she passionately sings about a complicated situation where deep emotions are intertwined with heartbreak and loyalty. It’s a heartfelt portrayal of someone caught in the emotional chaos of a difficult relationship as well as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind loyalty and the need for people to place more value on themselves. It’s the best song on the album.

It’s a Game is a close second on the list of best songs on this album. Madi talks about being manipulated in a relationship, which eventually leads to questions being asked about the true intentions of her love interest. Qing Madi’s delivery conveys the pain of betrayal as Wademix crafts a minimalistic yet atmospheric beat driven by chilling chords and mild kicks. Garden is a soft and deeply intimate record aided by its melodic delivery and heartfelt lyrics. Garden in this context represents a safe space where love can flourish, free from doubts and fear. A minute with me in the garden / So, won’t you gimme just a one chance, chargie she sings.

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While the album is really good, its Achilles heel is its heavy reliance on a narrow range of sounds and production, which results in a lack of sonic depth. Many songs on the album have the same tempo, energy and mood.

The album follows a predictable structure with no twists to keep listeners engaged. This is where a handful of features would have been necessary to deliver the variety the album sorely needed. 

When an album maintains the same sound and tempo, it can create a sense of monotony, which can make potentially great songs sound intolerable. Records like Gimme Your Love, One Day, Right Here and Feeling Alright, which may have been enjoyable songs in a different context, make for a tedious listen due to the similarities they share with most of the other songs on the album.

Despite these flaws, Qing Madi can hold her head high and be proud of herself. Debut albums are by far the hardest to pull off, especially when you’ve enjoyed success like she has in the last year. Overall, it is a satisfactory debut offering from a teenager who is still finding herself. This writer is excited for her.