Budding Nigerian musician Coblaze has today unveiled ‘Orbit’, his highly anticipated debut extended play.
The release of ‘Orbit’ follows the success of the recent single “Hallelu”, which spawned thousands of remake videos across TikTok and Instagram.
Sultry, unapologetic and liberated, ‘Lady Fiona’, the project’s first track is an anthem to call the shots and talk about exactly what, who, and how they want what they want. Written by Coblaze and strengthened by a DJ Spinall co-sign, the song showcases this audacious, increasingly-fearless young man living out all his wildest fantasies, but in thoroughly modern, Afrobeats lyricism and style.
Stripping away music’s artifice while staying true to its giddiness and excitement is Coblaze’s special gift. Out of life’s experiences, he has fashioned a sensational, fizzing debut record, a blue-chip Afrobeats EP which can sit proudly on a global stage next to whatever Omah Lay, BNXN, Asake, and any other new-generation kid have in mind for their 2023. In mood, if not exactly in sound, it has some of the complete realizations of early 2 Baba or D’Banj. Like Coblaze, they had spent their teenage years in the backstreets of Nigeria.
The calling card of ‘Orbit’ is the brusque, street charm that hides in plain sight among its hooky gloss, and anchors the EP’s core theme of expectations (those as a man; of love from a keen love interest; of others; and ultimately of yourself). In his words about the EP, Coblaze notes, “I want to send a positive message to everyone that’s going to listen to it. I’ve gained so much confidence from writing this EP and that’s what I want people to take away.”
Now poised to join the pantheon of Afrobeats greats, his tireless energy, positivity, and drive were never going to allow Coblaze to settle for anything less than the perfect ‘Orbit’. In 2023 watch Coblaze orbit around the world and keep reaching higher still.
