Fast-rising star Shoday has announced his arrival in emphatic fashion with the release of his debut album, HYBRID, a project that signals a clear shift from promising newcomer to full-blown contender in the Afrobeats space.
Living up to its title, the 14-track body of work blends traditional Afrobeats, pop sensibilities, and energetic street-hop, reflecting Shoday’s evolving identity as both a product of the streets and an artist with global ambitions.
Coming off the success of the breakout single “Paparazzi,” featuring FOLA, the album tells a coming-of-age story, one that traces his rise from hopeful dreamer to an artist learning how to navigate fame, expectations, and opportunity.
From the opening tracks, HYBRID impresses with its slick, well-layered production. The soundscape is carefully curated, packed with bouncy rhythms, melodic flows, and hooks that feel tailor-made for radio rotation and social media moments alike.
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Songs like OBT, featuring BhadBoi OML, stand out not just for their infectious energy but for Shoday’s confidence, as he comfortably matches his guest bar for bar while staying true to the catchy style that first drew attention to him on earlier hits like Caution.
Beyond the vibes, Shoday uses the album to speak directly to the youth. His lyrics oscillate between hustle, gratitude, and celebration, motivating listeners to stay focused while still giving them music that fits perfectly into weekend turn-ups.
Rather than sounding like a loose collection of singles, the album flows as a cohesive statement, showing an artist who understands pacing, mood, and storytelling.
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As the final track rolls out, HYBRID leaves a clear impression: this is a deliberate and confident bid for longevity. Shoday captures the pulse of the current Nigerian music scene, bold, ambitious, and irresistibly catchy, positioning his debut as one of the most notable first albums of the year and a strong case for his place among Afrobeats’ next generation of stars.
Listen to “Hybrid” HERE