Lojay Bares His Heart And Soul on Gangster Romantic

Over '90s themed RnB and Amapiano production, Lojay spins stories of heartbreak, anguish and romantic encounters into compelling melodies and stirring one-liners

We’re almost nearing the end of the first quarter of the year and there have been a few releases from interesting names. Some have been remarkable and the others didn’t quite hit close to home. Last week, Lojay released his sophomore EP titled Gangster Romantic, a 7-track offering of vulgarity, heated passion, vulnerability and everything in-between. So far, it’s one of the finest tapes I’ve heard this year. He has proven with this EP that his music has a depth that isn’t commonly found in Afropop.

Lojay emerged on the scene in 2021 with an electrifying record “Tonongo” that immediately set him apart for his inimitable writing. His debut EP, LV N ATTN, revealed his ability to spawn irresistible melodies as well as his penchant for lewdness which was strewn all over the records on the EP. The titular track featured Wizkid who delivered an astonishing verse. Lojay gained recognition when the last record on the EP, titled “Monalisa”, took off shortly after the EP release, earning the singer an official remix with Chris Brown.

Since his debut EP, he has done some features with the likes of Ayra Starr and Smallgod, building on his mainstream relevance. Towards the end of 2022, he released a single “Leader,” which was produced by P-Prime. It was a little deviation from his earlier work, with Lojay asserting control in his relationship with a lady. The track follows the same sonic direction as his LV N ATTN EP, especially in the production. The singer often alludes to his interest in automobiles on his songs and on “Leader,” he sings “Shay you don see motor with suicide doors and electric charger/We dey do pim pim pim with American boys from Silicon Valley”. His gangster persona is salient on the record as he declared on the hook that “If she move wrong, leave her/Too many babes on signal.”

“Leader” set a precedent for the message that Lojay aimed to convey with Gangster Romantic. Not much was revealed about his personal life, but Lojay shared enough for the listener to know that he hasn’t exactly been lucky with romantic relationships. He refuses to settle for less and often seeks a deeper relationship than what most of the women he meets have to offer. Gangster Romantic marked the change from Lojay’s thrill-seeking to a mercurial state of mind, seemingly triggered by his experiences in romantic relationships, forging a new persona for him which he channelled into his art.

The EP opens with “Yahweh,” a mellow track whose title is likely to mislead you. You might be quick to say that Yahweh is another name to refer to God, and you wouldn’t be wrong. But Lojay, being a gifted artist, used it contextually on the song where he dabbled in sexual innuendos and appraisal of the lady in question. He demanded for devotion from the lady, asking her to reach out to him anytime she craves companionship as he sang “Gimme devotion properly/I don’t need no secret love/I only need your company/So call anytime you wanna talk”. His adlibs also give the song a special kind of flavor.

On “Moto,” the biggest record off the tape, Lojay explored his vulnerability and heartbreak to churn out a groovy tune. The lyrics showcase him as a typical romantic and lover boy who’s willing to do whatever it takes to win over his desired lady. He employed interesting phrases to express himself on the track. “Moto” is a song about unrequited love and the gut-wrenching pain that comes with it. He crooned on the second verse “You know I can never refuse you/I dey see your face for my rear view/Now I’m all alone in my new coupe/And only me dey fire down vroom vroom.“ It was one of the singles that preceded the EP and is currently one of the most popular Afropop songs at the moment.

“Canada,” another single that was released ahead of the EP, is an Amapiano record that sees Lojay sing about a femme fatale whose only interest is in the luxurious side of life. Lojay brags about being capable of giving her everything she desires. The track features South African heavyweights including DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small who both brought heat respectively, punching the instrumental with their South-African ad-libs. As a single, “Canada” didn’t exactly gain the audience’s attention. However, it’s getting warm reception following the EP release.

Lojay is most comfortable on mid-tempo RnB tracks, as is evident on a track like “IYD”. His vocals come alive over the tenuous beat and his cadence evokes a sense of longing for an old flame. “IYD,” an acronym for If You Down, is a ballad about a former lover who Lojay can’t seemingly move on from and is yearning to spend time with. He mentions his struggles with his demons and how the state of his mental health might have ruined his relationship with his lover and wants a chance to explain his side of the story over a drink or two. “Girl I’m only looking for closure/ Girl I’m only looking to have my say/And I can bring a bottle if you sober/Girl I wanna say what’s on my mind.”

“Availabu” is an Amapiano record that has Lojay promising a girl to always be there for her. It’s a club banger that’s certain to rock dance floors. Lojay is adept at coming up with catchy melodies and lamba, and on “Availabu,” he doesn’t let up as he rides the beat till it runs out. Produced by the certified hitmaker Magic Sticks, the track depicts Lojay’s appreciation for voluptuous women as well as his hedonistic urges.

The last track, which was also produced by P-Prime, highlights Lojay’s escapade with a lady that liked playing games and had no interest in staying committed. Even though both Lojay and the lady knew from the start that they were no good for each other, that they were likely headed for doom if they dated, it didn’t deter them from getting together and when the relationship became too toxic, they went their separate ways and rehashing his experience on the track, he regrets indulging his feelings of attraction to her. Lojay gives the listener a peek into his vulnerable side as he admits to being “a fool for believing”. It’s a profoundly honest track that was borne out of pain and heartbreak.

As an avid and keen observer of music, I find that I’m drawn to music that has substance, where the artists actually has something to say, a story to tell. And it excites me to see that Lojay is one of such artists. He definitely has the talent to reach monumental heights.

If you enjoyed the EP, please don’t hesitate to let me know what you enjoyed about it. I’m curious about your thoughts and feelings so share them right away!