The Street of Lagos has produced a lot of talented artists over the years and Seyi Vibez is one artist who has built his success via this medium.
Born Balogun Afolabi Oluwaloseyi, Seyi Vibez, was born in Ketu, Lagos State, but raised in Ikorodu, where he began his musical career.
While the singer has yet to conquer the mainstream music scene like the likes of Omah Lay, Rema and co, he is a fan favourite on the streets of Lagos, where the essential ingredients of street-hop were created.
This appreciation for his descriptive and compelling narration layered over largely trap-influenced instrumentals has translated to the artiste receiving millions of streams on various streaming platforms mostly especially Audiomack.
- RELATED: 10 Fast-Rising Nigerian artists that have successfully labeled their names on street charts
- RELATED: From Bella Shmurda to Mohbad; Nigerian Street Hop Artists Who Are Reinventing the Sound
Here are 5 reasons why Mp3bullet.ng belives Seyi Vibez will continue to gain momentum on the street
His Sound
If there is something special about Seyi Vibez‘ sound, it’s the way he oozes raw emotion over hip-hop-infused Afrobeats. Unlike the proverbial prophet who isn’t welcomed in his home, Seyi has found a way to connect to the hearts of his audiences, the streets.
Singing in both Yoruba and English, the budding singer fuses hip-hop, Fuji, and Afropop to create an eclectic blend of perfection.
When you hear Seyi Vibez sing, you already know this is an artist who has taken time to refine his sound and develop his vocal range and is almost close to perfecting his sound.
There is something spiritual about his voice that has you compelled to listen, even Non-Yoruba listeners are attracted to this.
Take for example his 2020 hit song, ‘God Sent“, the song alone boasts of more than 10 Million streams on Audiomack alone thanks to its inspirational and emotive content.
His Style of Music and Street Appeal
Seyi Vibez is gaining a following without the customary hype that comes with it. Right now, if you keep your ears close to the streets, you’re bound to hear one of his songs.
Establishing his name in the slums of Ikorudu a place he calls home, has been relatively easy for him thanks to a combination of different elements.
While a lot of upcoming artists depend on social media alone to build or attract fans, Seyi decided to start from home, pushing his music into every available ear that he can access.
He also has managed to build a small but loyal following on social media boasting more than 568,000 followers on Instagram alone. Coupled with this, he is followed by celebrities like Dremo, Slimcase, Skales, Bella Shmurda, Zinoleesky, Zlatan, Teni, DJ Neptune and a host of others.
With this kind of connection, it is only a matter of time for the rising star to be featured in major collaborations.
The Evolving Street-Hop Scene
Olamide is credited as the artist who helped popularized the street sound. His rise to fame only helped open the door for young artists with enough grittiness to push their music. Now the Street-Hop scene is ruled by the likes of Zlatan, Naira Marley, Bella Shmurda, Zinoleesky and others.
Street-Hop was a musical genre that had beats that were quicker than the existing fast-paced pop tunes that Nigerians danced to at the time.
These days, tempos and sonics vary, but the lines remain their hard-hitting, a cheekily written character that is refreshingly gritty and raw as it touches on the singer’s hardships as a part of the disadvantaged society or as a young Nigerian.
While Nigerian Pop Music remains the chairman of all genres in Nigeria, street-hop has begun to inch towards the lofty heights Nigerian pop music continues to attain in the Nigerian Music industry.
Artists like Seyi Vibez, Bella Shmurda, Zinollessky have helped pushed the subgenre with their experimentations and borrowing from other main genres like Hip-Hop, R’n’B, House, Trap Music and even Amapaino all with compelling storytelling and fluid Lamba in check.
- RELATED: 10 Fast-rising Nigerian artists with Motivational songs
- RELATED: Top 10 Naija Songs from the Raves of the Moment
Out of Nigeria appeal
Seyi Vibez might have found fame in the streets but he isn’t to be boxed. A deep search into his reach would reveal African countries like Kenya and some parts of East Africa are tuning into his talents.
Slowly and Steadily, he is establishing a name for himself outside the shores of Nigeria and gradually building an international fanbase.
Thanks to the advancement of Afrobeats and the classification of all music genres under Afrobeat by the international music scene, it won’t be too long for the “Payday” crooner to catch up with his peers like Bella Shmurda and Zinoleesky.
His Songs
Over a short period of time, Seyi has released a number of songs with “God Sent,” “Payday”, “Catalyst,” “Bad Guy,” becoming a staple on street DJs’ playlists.
His collaboration with a street favourite, Zlatan titled “Professor Peller” is already gaining recognition and airplay and raking in millions of streams from various streaming platforms.
His features are also not left behind- he was one of the lucky rising stars to be featured on popular producer, Rexxie’s “True Champion” album.
He has also been featured by Lyta, Jaywon, and also by other rising Street-Hop artists like Ballo Ranking, Tablet, Chadreek amongst others.