By Ayomide Tayo
Album: Firsteps
Artiste: Ego
Guest Appearances: IBK Spaceship Boi, Eva, Nene, Kunle Ayo, Tai’ Chy and Ebubedike
Producers: Cobhams Asuquo, Nathaniel Bassey
Record Label: Groovethang Inc (2012)
Duration: 44 minutes
Ego is cool as the breeze.
If you can’t go to a private beach to cool off, then pop in singer Ego’s ‘Firsteps’ (sic); the 10-track album will transport you into breezy and soothing bliss. Ego is no newbie on the music scene. She was the golden voice on majority of Lagbaja’s hit records. On her solo effort, Ego’s voice is the main attraction, drawing you into an atmosphere reminiscent of the cool nature of a beach resort early in the morning.
Her album is a simple but effective blend of soul, gospel and jazz genres. Simplicity is elegant and Ego’s album is nothing but that. The LP kicks off with the gospel track ‘Amazing’ featuring Ebubedike. It’s a bluesy affair that pays tribute to the American origins of the genre. ‘It’s amazing how you make me feel, Lord. Your love just keeps me going,’ sings Ego in her voice that feels as light as feather. ‘Fall In Love’ boasts of a stuttering bass line led by sharp guitar strings. It’s a song about taking the bold step of moving out from the friend zone.
Ego slows down the tempo on the album’s third track ‘Never Knew’. This joint sounds so similar to the neo-soul songs composed by Erykah Badu and Angie Stone during the soul revival in America during the late 90s. The soulful horn, the snaps, the jazzy piano keys create a relaxing sound bed that seduces you to close your eyes and dream away. Love never felt so good as Ego recites spoken word on the song.
Our songstress covers Onyeka Onwenu’s classic ‘Bia Nulu’. Ego’s version ditches the disco sound of the Elegant Stallion’s original and strips the song down to it’s bare essence — a soulful voice backed with soul stirring piano keys.
We go back to the smoky jazz room on ‘Got a Problem’, where Ego sings about an unfaithful lover. The now ex-lover begs her to take him back but she shuts him down on her cover of Fela’s famous track ‘Palava’. Another neo-soul number on the project is ‘Sista’ featuring Nene. It’s a sister moment shared between best friends.
Firsteps, though short, is a blissful experience. It is a beautiful work of art anchored by a singer who has full control of her voice. If this is her first step, then we can’t wait to hear what follows.
