Buju’s 2021 MVP Run Culminates in ‘Sorry I’m Late’ EP

Ever since his breakout in 2019, Buju has found himself playing an increasingly crucial role in the mainstream of Nigerian music. While 2020 was a slow year, owing in part to his affiliation with Burna Boy and the pandemic which ravaged the world, he took on 2021 with a vengeance delivering a scene stealing performance on Poe’s Feeling. Outside, Your Body, Bling, and Cold Outside have helped burnish his run as potentially the hottest feature artist around. No Nigerian artist has shone brighter on music released this calendar year. In that sense, his decision to close out the year by centring himself as he does with his Sorry, I’m Late EP is a canny albeit admittedly belated move.

The EP opens with a track titled Daniel Benson which just happens to be Buju’s biological name hinting at a formal introduction of sorts. Kilometer features the production of Rexxie while The Cavemen are tapped for Ogechukwu offering a dynamic feel-good mid-tempo track with music influences unique to South-Eastern Nigeria. With lyrics in pidgin English and native Igbo. Ogechukwu which translates to “God’s Time” will have you tapping your feet and nodding in approval of its tasteful eastern blend.

Speaking on his hope and inspiration for the project, Buju said

This is my first project and I wanted to make this one special for lovers of my sound. Every track has its message, vibe and taste that will definitely evoke a unique feeling in every listener. My music pattern is quite distinct and I think it’s because I see myself as a mix of Burna Boy and 2Baba with a sprinkle of Khalid and Frank Ocean. Well, this is just my debut, a lot more is coming soon, To Your Ears!!