DJ Shawn has released Awesome, a 6-part EP that draws from Afropop, Amapiano and Street Pop, as the experienced DJ recruits some of the most talented creatives in both the artist and producer departments, curating a well rounded sonic piece that is an enjoyable experience.
As a DJ with nearly ten years in the industry, Shawn crystallises his intimate knowledge of Nigerian sounds into a well-formed project, plugging square pegs into square holes as he seeks a selection of songs and artists that will make you groove and feel with equal verve.
Afropop vocalists Magixx and Oladapo serenade with romantic lines and sonorous voices on Erima and Without You respectively, while Kidi and Blaqbonez contrast finely on Abena. Bella Shmurda and Pheelz emphasise the importance of enjoyment on Chop Life, while L.A.X. and Reekado Banks combine for the Amapiano-laced track, Baddest.
On the currency-themed Naira, however, DJ Shawn displays his expertise in recruitment, placing Niniola, renowned for her dexterity on Amapiano beats, with Niphkeys, the producer behind Afro-Amapiano tracks like Feel Good and Kilofeshe. The result is a match made in heaven, and there is no doubt that Naira will join other tracks from Awesome EP as a fixture in clubs and parties.
DJ Shawn already proved his mettle with 2021’s O Pari featuring Timaya and Falz, so if anything, Awesome EP is a reiteration of his immense talent and eye for slick collaborations and a reminder of how he earned the ‘Awesome’ nickname in the first place.