As the curtains of 2024 slowly draw to a close, we must reflect on a year it’s been for Afrobeats. As Afrobeat struggled to evolve past the Amapiano sound that has dominated the soundscape for the last five years, Victony’s creativity and consistency have crowned him as the year’s MVP. In a year where the audience repeatedly demanded something fresh and different, Victony stood out as a beacon of creativity, keeping the pulse of Afrobeats racing.
Victony has always proven himself to be more than just a hitmaker; he is the visionary who created the “Outlawville”, a utopian setting where pink clouds drift above blue and purple figurines that symbolise himself and his outlaws.
His music isn’t simply about chasing hits but about creating art that resonates deeply. His ability to balance mainstream appeal with daring creativity sets him apart in a crowded industry. He showed this in no small proportion on his highly anticipated debut album, Stubborn.
A Bold Statement with Stubborn
On Stubborn, listeners are treated to an in-depth reveal of the man behind the music. Victony’s journey to success was not smooth, he had to jump hurdles and fight many battles for a chance to be successful doing what he loves. Growing up in a harsh environment like Ojo is a difficult situation for many to overcome. On History, he sings, “Kolawole dey haunt me down” referencing the street he grew up in.
The hood often presents tough choices for young people and forces them to navigate complex routes as they attempt to align themselves with a promising future. Overcoming such circumstances requires an unwavering fighting spirit—a trait Victony has embodied for as long as he can remember. In his words, “Me I don dey fight since when I never tall reach Aunty Olisa bumbum,” he captures the resilience that has defined his journey.
Victony’s challenges and battles have become fuel for his artistry, and his debut album reflects the grit, relentlessness, and daring creativity needed to stand out in a saturated Nigerian music industry.
Stubborn is not just an album; it’s a bold statement of intent. In a year where many releases leaned towards tested and trusted formulas, Stubborn is a brilliantly executed genre-bending adventure. From the West Coast soul and pop fusion of Tiny Apartment to the Afropop and 90s R&B fusion on the Teezo Touchdown assisted Slow Down to the Afro House and electronic fusion on Kolomental, Victony delivers an album that thrives on its sonic dynamism despite its exceptional thematic depth. Every record on the album stands out, a result of its diverse production and genre-blending sonic atmosphere.
The experimental nature of subsequent releases from Rema and Asake is no coincidence; Victony’s innovative approach has a ripple effect on the Afropop scene, inspiring his peers to push boundaries.
Song of the Year contenders
At the heart of this album lies P.Priime-produced Risk, an unassuming record that might not immediately catch the listener’s attention but sticks out like a sore thumb on further listens.
As the title suggests, Risk is a daring yet flawless blend of Afrobeat rhythms with Trap, Fuji, and blues elements. The beat employs bouncy percussions, warm synths, and smooth, rolling bass lines that create an atmospheric backdrop. Subtle melodic elements and effects add layers of sonic depth.
Victony is drawn to a mysterious stranger and surrenders to her alluring qualities. With soft, sensual melodies that build in intensity, Victony attempts to win her over. Risk garnered widespread acclaim for its charm and appeal, quickly becoming a TikTok favourite. At the time of this writing, the song has been featured in over 410,000 videos, making it one of the most popular Nigerian songs on TikTok in 2024.
Impressively, this album is home to yet another song that matches the exceptional quality of Risk. Pier 46 is an addictive record that weaves together infectious rhythms and romantic lyrics that’ll leave you swooning.
Frequent collaborator, Ktizo blends Afrobeats with ambient minimalistic production that packs a subtle laid-back groove and a resonant bassline that defines the song. The instrumental is minimal yet rich, with soft synths and mellow keys adding texture and complementing Victony’s emotive and laid-back delivery.
Victony’s masterful storytelling truly shines on the record as he vividly depicts a tender moment shared with a love interest. He explores depths of love and romance and emerges as a man energised by love, finding peace and a creative spark in the presence of the person he wants to travel the world with.
Commendable feature run
Throughout 2024, Victony has not hesitated to lend his talents to his peers. He does not just appear on these records to drive commercial sales; more often than not, he is the star of the show. Songs like Sarokodie’s Jailer, Ajebo Hustlers’s Ave Maria, Jeriq’s Daily Bread, Boj’s Pressure and Juls’s Saint Tropez are prime examples of how he brings his exciting artistry to elevate every collaboration.
For instance, on Jeriq’s Daily Bread Victony’s hook breathes life into the track, injecting it with his signature style and emotional intensity. His smooth delivery makes it even more compelling as he adds a fresh dimension that complements Jeriq’s grimy delivery. On Ajebo Hustlers’ Ave Maria, his effortless charm and lyrical prowess shine through as he delivers one of the standout performances of 2024.
2024 has been described by many as a lacklustre year for Afrobeats, citing its shy showing on the global stage and the absence of breakout superstars or emphatic hits. In 2025, Afrobeats will look to bounce back from the surprising slump the genre suffered on the global stage. This writer will be looking towards Victony as one of the few who would be able to deliver the goods. He has shown that he can find the right balance between international appeal and cultural essence. If there’s anyone who can provide the spark Afrobeats lacked internationally in 2024, it’s him.
In a year where the demand for something new and fresh has been loud and clear, Victony answered the call with exciting creativity, reminding us that true superstars don’t just follow trends; they set them.
