After an illustrious seven-year run at the top of the afrobeats music scene with afropop hits like Skin Tight and Pour Me Water, and also becoming the first Nigerian to win a Latin Grammy award, Mr Eazi, is set to unveil his solo album on October 27. The announcement is accompanied by the release of his new track Chop Time, No Friend, which serves as the lead single, giving fans a much-awaited taste of what’s to come and driving excitement for the album which is available for pre-order starting from July 19.
The track Chop Time, No Friend is a return to Mr Eazi’s signature Banku Music sound, a style he pioneered and popularized in his early breakout singles. Produced by the talented Grammy Award-winning Ghanaian musician Killbeatz and the fast-rising Nigerian producer Andre Vibez, known for his work with Rema and Selena Gomez, the song boasts glorious melodies, rich horn sections, and lush keyboard arrangements, showcasing why Mr Eazi is celebrated as one of the greatest afrobeats artists in the industry.
To complement the single, Mr Eazi collaborated with the award-winning filmmaker Allison Swank Owen for the Chop Time, No Friend music video. Shot in Dakar, the video highlights the vibrant creative scene emerging from Senegal’s capital, showcasing its fashion, fine art, and the spirit of its people. This focus on shining the spotlight extends even to the cover art of the single, which was painted by the talented South African artist Sinalo Ngcaba.
Speaking about the inspiration behind this new track ‘Chop Time, No Friend’, and how he will not let anybody distract him from enjoying the fruits of his success, Mr Eazi says, “The phrase ‘Chop Time, No Friend’ is a very common Ghanaian saying, something you will see written on the front or side of buses, just like the popular saying, ‘God is Great’. It means when you are eating, you don’t think about anybody, you are just focused on your enjoyment – this song is touching on how people chit-chat on me, but I am still focused on my enjoyment. It is a declaration, a celebration of self. I am saying everything I touch turns to gold, and you can’t trouble me”.
With such an impressive track record and the promise of new musical gems, fans can’t wait to witness the arrival of Mr Eazi’s highly anticipated debut solo album.