Abiola Fresh Expresses Sentimental Clarity on “Sweet” 

Sometimes the strongest emotions can be sparked by the lightest of instruments. It’s an assured artist who knows how to strip down the sonic elements, often for varied reasons. On Sweet, the single from Abiola Olanrewaju Foluronsho, otherwise known as Abiola Fresh, the motivating factor is quite clear: the artist wants the attention on his voice. He intends as little obstruction as possible between his words and the ears of the intended. 

Production such as this isn’t rare in Afrobeats; from the five beat-influenced pattern of early Mr Eazi to the minimalist style of a  Summer Body Olamide,  we’ve seen artists audibly relax their typically ambitious plans. On Sweet, that sense of carefreeness is evident from the first twists of the production; a bright rolling loop balanced on top of percussion with a retro Ghanaian vibe. 

Even the singer’s delivery sounds like he’s basking in the warmth of the best days. Feel-good is often used to describe Afrobeats but sometimes that’s only because of the overwhelming presence of the party. However, some of the most enduring and satisfying songs have been those that fancy a mellow flow, already luxuriating in the presence of a reality that’s as close as skin. On Sweet, a woman’s love indeed proves a catalyst for the singer to express the sentiments of his heart. 

For Abiola, it’s not a strange force to behold as he’s been into music for the majority of his life. Getting into the church choir by the time he was six, the Osun-born artist would form a group with another musically-inclined friend in his teens, and ever since, he’s continued to fly the banner of being a professional musician. 

Over the years, he’s put out a consistent stream of releases, which has contributed to his modest fan base. As anyone who listens to Sweet would attest, he’s a youngster who’s well deserving of the plaudits he’s gotten and would likely continue to get. He’s an artist who reminds us of what Afrobeats used to sound like before it became all too flashy, all too promising, all too experimental. With him, there’s only the assurance of a good time, here and now.