Bayanni’s Love & Hustle refines his melodic sound, but does it push his artistry forward or play it too safe?
When Bayanni first emerged under one of Nigeria’s biggest record labels, Mavin Records, his debut didn’t make a huge splash—it didn’t quite shake the industry to its core the way some of his predecessors had. The Mavin effect undoubtedly added a much-needed lustre to Bayanni’s undeniable talent, which had already gained attention through a series of viral freestyles.
These freestyles not only caught the eyes of labels but also led to his signing by Don Jazzy. The Mavin label provided him with instant visibility, positioning him as an artist to watch. However, over time, Bayanni has proven he’s not just another industry plant relying on label clout. He has carved out his own space, moving with quiet confidence in a saturated market.
His first official EP, Family Man (2022), wasn’t a defining moment, but it served as a stepping stone. Though the project itself didn’t settle deeply in public consciousness, one track, Ta Ta Ta, changed everything. With its sensual, bedroom-coded energy, the song became an undeniable hit, further amplified by an international remix featuring Jason Derulo. The track didn’t just trend—it propelled Bayanni onto the global stage, marking him as an artist capable of wielding commercial appeal.
Yet, Bayanni’s music doesn’t demand to make an impact with every release—it functions differently. His sound has a way of subtly embedding itself, not necessarily forcing attention but rather settling in with time. While still maneuvering his path in Afrobeats, his contribution to Project X, the Mavin all-star album, further solidified his presence. His performance on Won Da Mo, alongside Crayon, Rema, Magixx, Ladipoe, Ayra Starr, Johnny Drille, and Boy Spyce, showed his ability to hold his own among industry heavyweights. For an artist just over two years into the game, Bayanni has fared well.
With his sophomore EP, Love & Hustle, Bayanni makes a more defined artistic statement, giving listeners a refined version of himself. The four-track project explores the duality of romance and ambition—a balance between his pursuit of affection and financial success. Preceded by Goddess and For Where?, two singles that teased the project’s direction, Love & Hustle is Bayanni’s way of reaffirming his space in the scene.
Throughout the project, he leans more into romance than ambitious introspection. The opening track, Princess Treatment, is a slow-tempo record soaked in appreciation for feminine energy. Here, Bayanni steps away from the chase of sensuality and instead immerses himself in admiration, celebrating women in all their complexity. His delivery is warm, intentional, and effortlessly smooth.
The second track, Goddess, fully embraces sensuality. Featuring Ruger—the self-proclaimed master of seductive melodies—the song is an alluring blend of whispered desires and pulsating beats. Ruger’s presence enhances the track’s sultry appeal, making their collaboration feel natural and well-matched. Their chemistry is palpable, both artists seamlessly layering their vocals over the instrumental’s rich textures.
On Hustler’s Anthem, Bayanni shifts gears, stepping away from love to address ambition. This is the only song on the EP that taps into the hustle aspect of Love & Hustle, featuring Don Jazzy in a rare vocal appearance. The track carries a motivational gospel-like essence, reinforced by its bass-heavy beat. Don Jazzy swaggers into the song with a memorable line: “They say money can’t buy happiness? So wait till I get it.” The record paints poverty as an ailment, emphasizing the drive to succeed against all odds.
Closing the EP is For Where?, featuring Zerrydl, a track that doesn’t go into deeply introspective themes but serves its purpose as a high-energy party banger. The amapiano-infused production is drenched in log drums, while Bayanni and Zerrydl’s gritty delivery gives it an undeniable edge. Having already performed well as a pre-released single, For Where? ensures that Love & Hustle ends on a high note, loud and vibrant.
Clocking in at just 10 minutes, Love & Hustle is a succinct yet immersive listen. It showcases Bayanni’s evolution from his debut EP, proving that he is more confident, more refined. However, it also feels restrained—like an artist still holding back rather than fully unleashing his creative depths. There’s a lingering sense that Bayanni is playing it safe, crafting a project that satisfies without necessarily pushing boundaries.
The melodies are tight, the production is polished, and his signature hedonistic flair is intact. Yet, the EP doesn’t feel like the truest expression of Bayanni’s potential. It’s good—solid, even—but not transformative.
While Love & Hustle is melodious, cohesive, and structured, it lacks the level of intentionality that would make it truly standout. It feels like a well-curated placeholder rather than a defining moment in his career—something to keep fans engaged rather than a project that demands to be remembered. Bayanni is on the right path, but there’s still more of him left to uncover.
