Skanm Curates an Activity-Filled World on 3-Track Project, “Igbalode”

There’s an incredible sense of rhythm and urgency in Igbalode, the three-track project from Olasunkanmi Caleb Ogunjemilua, popularly known as Skanm. As the title infers, it’s music steeped in the roots of tradition while exploring the UK where the artist has been based since 2023. Collaborating with local acts and championing fine causes of sound, one finds in this project that an open perspective of someone who enjoys the company of others and wants to make it known. 

In the soundscape peculiar to African-birthed sounds, drums are an important element of the above-described mood. When one wants to celebrate the drums are rolled and dance emerges. Vocals are sometimes part of this enchantment, as we hear from Skanm across the songs in Igbalode. As much as the vibe builds around bouncy, party-ready instrumentation, he also rises to the occasion as a singer.

The titular “Igbalode High School” draws directly from the texture of Lagos nightlife, the stuff of log drums and Yoruba-steeped rapping, pronounced synths. Street hop acts with flair for the club have made songs with such signature flourishes, but Skanm’s effort is even more impressive considering the geography from where he operates. In his evocation of home there’s no feeling lost, yet he’s also comfortable where he is. 

That much is clear on Fawon Boyz, a classic grass-to-grace tale which deals with the same vibrant palette as the opener, but here there’s a riveting verse from UK act Deggers, infusing a much-needed variety. Closing record “Need Me” touches base with the familiar shores of love, but even that material is bolstered by Skanm’s penchant for drums. “Anytime you need me baby, just call me say I dey come,” he sings with minimal backing from a lady vocalist, ending the project with a commendable stab at vulnerability.

In time the listener realizes these songs are created from a closely realized world, not aiming for the range of longer projects or their emotional breadth. To the world Skanm instead chooses to conjure he succeeds. Igbalode is the work of a person whose future projects should inspire curiosity, if not for anything for his quality of precise attention.