NERRY’s “Confectionery Vol. 1”: A Good Meal That Almost Satisfies.
Afrobeats finds a new pulse with Confectionery Vol. 1, as Nigerian artist NERRY spins his story into a superb masterpiece of voice and style.
It’s a collection that unfolds ambition, genre-styles , and the kind of lyrical sincerity that makes you want to root for him. But while the EP lands some heavy blows, it doesn’t quite deliver a perfect knockout.
The first track, “Mogbe,” sets the stage with a blend of local drums and trendy Afrobeat bounce, complemented by SirShabs’ feature. It’s an immediate hook— grounded in cultural authenticity. From there, NERRY shifts gears into “Apu Ifa,” where Phillyblack’s vocals meets NERRY’s wordplay. This is a high point, bridging his ability to blur lines between Afrobeat and hip-hop without losing either’s soul.
Yet, as the tracks roll on, the EP begins to show its seams. “Screensaver,” featuring EESKAY, delivers undeniable catchiness, but its structure feels more like a demo stretched thin than a fully realized track. “Braggadocio” with Phaemous throws in force, yet its charm pales in comparison to the earlier dynamism of “Apu Ifa.” And while “Touch Down” closes the project with energy to spare, its refrain leaves less of an imprint than it should.
At its best, Confectionery Vol. 1 is a confident statement. The marrying of Edo-inspired rhythms, modern hip-hop style, and lyricism reflects an artiste wrestling to define his identity. Tracks like “Apu Ifa” speak that NERRY has the potential to join the hots of Afrobeat’s global ambassadors.
But there are moments when the EP feels unbalanced. The production, though inventive, sometimes overpowers NERRY’s vocal delivery, and the hooks, while melodic, don’t always hold the weight of his verses.
It’s as if NERRY is trying to say too much at once without much substance to dispense.
NERRY’s story, however, elevates the music. Raised in a Christian home under his grandmother’s care, his journey from choir harmonies to hip-hop freestyles is in the DNA of his work. It’s this authenticity that gives his sound its beating heart, even when the execution isn’t perfect.
If NERRY grinds further in his chase and focuses on delivering consistent solid works, his name would have a long way to go in Afrobeats top stars. For now, though, this EP is a compelling but not-so-perfect debut into his next chapter
In a nutshell, Confectionery Vol. 1 is a courageous experiment that speaks loudly of NERRY’s potential but leaves room for growth.
Listen up!