Joeboy’s Viva Lavida highlights his growth as an artist, seamlessly blending romantic lyricism with both sonic and thematic exploration. Is it his most mature and cohesive album yet? Find out in this review.
If you’re just stepping into the world of Afrobeats, don’t mistake Joeboy for another face in the crowd of Afrobeats musicians with “Boy” in their names. Joeboy is a standout act, with his ascent to stardom being the kind of story that music lovers can’t help but root for—a raw testament to talent meeting opportunity. In 2017, a viral cover of Ed Sheeran’s chart-topping hit Shape Of You grabbed the attention of Mr Eazi, propelling him into the spotlight with a recording deal that would mark the beginning of his remarkable journey.
Joeboy has evolved significantly since he first burst onto the Nigerian music scene with Baby. Cementing his place as one of Africa’s top R&B artists, his signature romantic style has become his hallmark. With Viva Lavida, his third studio album, Joeboy crafts a project that not only reaffirms his romantic essence but also introduces a new chapter—one defined by independence, creative evolution, and a broader sense of self. While love remains his thematic anchor, this album signifies his expansion beyond past iterations, embracing an era of autonomy.
Released independently after his first two albums, Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic and Body & Soul, this project marks a new chapter in Joeboy’s career. Following his departure from Mr. Eazi’s Empawa record label and the launch of his own label, Young Legend, in partnership with Warner Music, the album’s Spanish title, Viva Lavida—which translates to “Long Live Life”—captures the essence of his newfound freedom.
Spanning 13 tracks, Viva Lavida is a masterclass in Joeboy’s ability to blend emotional storytelling with infectious melodies. The album oscillates between upbeat, dance-infused moments and introspective, vulnerable expressions of love. His collaboration with producers like Tempoe, Type A, Debo, and Xtofa ensures a rich sonic experience, seamlessly weaving elements of Afrobeats, highlife, R&B, and dancehall.
Prior to the album’s full release, Osadebe, Adenuga, and Taxi Driver served as preludes, setting the stage for a project that explores the complexities of love, longing, and self-discovery.
The album opens with Innocent, a mid-tempo track drenched in percussive rhythms that establish Viva Lavida’s emotional core. Joeboy’s warm vocals glide over the instrumental as he pledges devotion to a lover, setting a tone of earnest vulnerability. This sentiment spills into Abena, where he channels Ghanaian influences through an Afro-dancehall sound, inviting his love interest into an intoxicating chemistry.
As the album progresses, Joeboy delves into heartbreak and emotional exhaustion. These Streets Are Lonely paints a melancholy portrait of love lost, with brooding instrumentals complementing his plea for companionship. This sorrow transforms into frustration on Taxi Driver, where he laments the emotional wreckage of love, questioning, “Who send me make I fall in love again?” The track’s mid-tempo drums and melodious chorus heighten its emotional weight, making it one of the album’s standout moments.
Tempoe’s production on SMH invokes nostalgic Afropop, reminiscent of early P-Square hits. Joeboy, backed by airy harmonies, voices his frustration with half-baked love, singing, “If it’s not working out, let me know if there’s something missing here.” His clarity of purpose extends into Magdalene, a fusion of highlife, Asian pop, and Nigerian Afrobeats influences. The track’s upbeat tempo offers a reprieve, delivering an infectious groove that effortlessly draws listeners in.
Joeboy’s collaborations on Viva Lavida add a refreshing dynamic to the project. Sunset features Brazilian artist Elana Dara, whose sultry vocals blend seamlessly with his lush delivery, creating an irresistible harmony. The shift in tempo from the previous track emphasizes the song’s yearning theme, as Joeboy searches for a lover to call his own.
On Adenuga, he channels luxury and opulence, referencing billionaire Mike Adenuga as a trope for his relentless pursuit of love. Qing Madi’s verse arrives at the perfect moment, adding a velvety contrast to Joeboy’s cadence. The theme of grandeur continues on Free of Charge, where rap icon Olamide infuses the track with raw energy over a well-balanced bassline. Olamide’s effortless flow complements Joeboy’s smooth delivery, resulting in a compelling fusion of Afrobeats and hip-hop.
Osadebe embodies the album’s overarching theme—“Long Live Life”—with an upbeat, celebratory soundscape. Meanwhile, Hey Father and Sinner introduce a spiritual dimension, as Joeboy pleads for divine guidance, acknowledging his imperfections while seeking grace.
The album closes on an introspective note with I’ll Be Okay, featuring Wizard Chan. Over Dera The Boy’s atmospheric production, Joeboy’s layered vocals intertwine with Wizard Chan’s evocative verse, creating a moment of release and renewal. The moony melody and hopeful lyrics offer the perfect conclusion, reinforcing the album’s essence—embracing love, growth, and the beauty of life itself.
Joeboy’s Viva Lavida highlights his growth as an artist, seamlessly blending romantic lyricism with both sonic and thematic exploration. His ability to create music that consistently resonates with love’s many dimensions—whether joyful, painful, or liberating—sets him apart in the Afropop landscape. While he remains deeply tethered to themes of romance, this album cements his identity as an artist who has honed his niche to near perfection. His velvety vocals, meticulous delivery, and emotional sincerity remind listeners that Joeboy is not merely singing about love—he embodies it.
However, while the album undoubtedly highlights Joeboy’s growth, it’s worth noting that, from a commercial perspective, the album lacks the kind of “stardust” needed to push it into the mainstream spotlight. There is no massive hit single to drive the project forward in the way that many pop albums rely on. Still, it stands as a compelling body of work, showcasing Joeboy’s ability to craft music that resonates on a deeper level.
