TEGA ETHAN TAKES AFROPOP
Israel Oghenetega (formerly known as "Ol'man kio") drops his first project as Tega Ethan and it is a worthy experiment.
When Fireboy DML released the first single off His sophomore album, "Apollo", Opinions flew everywhere - a significant number being negative reviews. To pacify the situation, loyal fans called it an "experiment".
Whether by chance or by intent, Artistes taking on new sounds is risky business and it could either spell doom or fortune for such acts.
Tega Ethan might not have Fireboy's clout but the execution of his experimental venture on MCCARTHY STREET is coherent and organic - Nothing forced, Nothing out of place. Along this street, He drifts a little away from His singer-songwriter and alternative/folk persona to assume a novel "afro artistry" - An important highlight.
The SirBastien-produced "Pretty little lady" is a carefully delivered track reminiscent of early Ed Sheeran ballads, although thematically, it isn't a ballad. The guitar rhythms somewhat reminds one of another Ed Sheeran song - Happier off his divide album.
“Fuego” is our first taste of Tega's experiment into Afro rhythms. It is this author's favourite off the project. Popular afropop songs never settle for one subject rather their crooners sing about everything from lusts to wealth, hedonism, spirituality and more. IN ONE SONG. But Tega is consistent with his message on “Fuego” and like new generation afro pop stars, he shows that good beats go best with good lyrics.
“Gossip” is perhaps the most experimental song on this project. It is a very bold attempt. Sonically, it has the usual drum patterns prevalent in afropop songs. Thematically, its message is clear and consistent. This song with an important collabo will do very well.
SMS is the most beautiful song off this project. Tega might not be far from his comfort zone with the r&b/soul/trap fusion on this track but he touches upon a very uncomfortable reality of today's generation - The gradual severing of relationships by the one thing that should actually solidify them - The INTERNET.
“Unicorny” is anything but memorable. It is very forgettable. It lacks the shock wave of Track 2 & 3, and the relatability of 1,4 & 6. It is a good song but the tracks that precede and succeed it do not help as they expose its blandness with their own excellence.
“Suya and Iced Mocktail” is beautiful in all shades of it. It perfectly carries out its task as a closing track. This track is more evocative of Ol'man Kio (Tega's previous persona) than any other on this project.
All in all, Mccarthy Street is a start. A start of the Tega Ethan project. A start of Tega's exhibition of versatility. A good start
Going forward. With more organic deliveries, more strategies and more partnerships, Ethan’s sound will be accepted by the Nigerian sub-mainstream audience and eventually, the mainstream. The soundscape is becoming more tolerant of new sounds. The streets will take the embellished lamba that good songwriting will deliver and Artistes like Tega Ethan might not need to bend as much to soar.
Cheers to that.
Listen to McCarthy Street Ep here
https://tegaethan.fanlink.to/McCarthyStreet