Late in 2020, Ojayy Wright put out Fuji Pop, a clear signal of his growth as an artist and, importantly, as a songwriter, using the sonic tells of Fuji music to create an anthem rooted in the refined vibe of Afropop. In the same vein, Wright’s just-released persona-defining debut EP, Commander In Chief, is a natural continuation of his path from Fuji Pop and sees him self-mythologize over pulsating beats retro-fitted to his fizzing voice.
Within the seven-track project, Fuji Pop sounds immaculate as Teni’s tributes to old fuji maestros like King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and Alabi Pasuma, which complements Wright’s bubbly verse. A more textured showing on Money Calling, sees him own up to his hedonism and all that it brings over a plucked mid-tempo instrumental. A collaboration with Bad Boy Timz on Duro produces the kind of vibe-y music that populated Wight’s debut project, 37 Degrees In Lagos, while the titular track has hints of introspection to find the meaning of his place in the world and what it means for his loved ones.
The lower half of Commander In Chief is packed with low-burning would-be love anthems like Erika, a flamenco-tinged ballad while closer, Ave Marie, produced by Spellz is a warm footnote on an EP that has a bit of all we need.