Nigerian artist Bobby Froud, also known as Heiskilla, delivers a punchy, no-skips project with his latest EP, Vibes & Tides.
This four-track journey through the struggles, triumphs, and street-coded philosophies of modern life features contributions from lyrical powerhouses like Krisskillz and Jkaps and inspirations rooted in the styles of Davido and Wizkid. This 12-minute project packs a bold statement into a tight runtime.
Born in Bauchi State and shaped by the gritty realities of ghetto life, Bobby Froud infuses his Afro-Alte and Afro Swing Urban sound with authenticity.
His music is more than entertainment; it’s a reflection of real life and a celebration of staying resilient. Vibes & Tides cements his evolution as a fearless voice in the alternative Afrobeats scene, ready to challenge norms and stir emotions.
Track Breakdown: Honest, Bold, and Unfiltered
The EP starts with “Transactional Love,” a no-holds-barred commentary on toxic romantic dynamics. Froud and Krisskillz pull no punches as they dissect relationships driven by money and material gain. “Fear women after God,” they chant, exposing how financial expectations can overshadow genuine love. It’s a bold opener that challenges the listener to confront uncomfortable truths, all wrapped in a hard-hitting beat with afro-swing undertones.
The second track, “Grace,” brings a shift in tone, spiritual yet still grounded in hustle culture. With lines that speak of seeking divine favour and aiming to multiply blessings (“If we get am, we go get am times two”), the track becomes an anthem of perseverance and hope. The rhythm remains infectious, but the message dives deeper, showing Froud’s layered songwriting.
“Check N Balance” injects street energy, especially with Jkaps’ gritty Igbo rap verse turning it into a proper street anthem. The lyrics reflect on public perception and internal self-awareness.
Froud addresses critics with confidence, reminding them that there’s more beneath the surface than what the streets say. The song’s raw energy is undeniable, and the chorus is built to stick.
The EP wraps with “Gaza Aza”, another street-influenced banger revolving around money, lifestyle, and loyalty. It highlights the crew’s baller status and their unapologetic flexing.
The song’s balance of braggadocio and high-octane beats makes it a fitting closer, one that leaves listeners wanting more.
Beyond the Sound: A New Standard in Afro-Fusion
Vibes & Tides is more than a compilation of tracks, it’s a confident declaration of Bobby Froud’s artistic identity. With precise production and dynamic collaborations, the project showcases the rich diversity within Afrobeat’s ever-expanding borders. What truly sets it apart is its unfiltered honesty. Froud and his guests don’t glamorise the street; they document it, with all its complexities and contradictions.
This EP also serves as a follow-up to Bobby’s 2021 project, Groove, Emotions & Time, which earned him critical acclaim. That momentum hasn’t slowed. If anything, Vibes & Tides shows a more refined, assertive, and expressive version of Froud, someone unafraid to challenge societal norms while still making music that moves.
In Vibes & Tides, Bobby Froud rides a wave of creative freedom, blending introspection, street wisdom, and rhythmic swagger into a standout body of work. It’s the kind of project that resonates far beyond the dancefloor, a cultural document in musical form. For fans of alternative Afrobeats, this EP doesn’t just bring the vibes, it sets the tide for what’s next in the genre.