“The Ascension” Is Sixties’ Spiritual and Sonic Emergence

The Ascension is the 12-track debut album from fast-rising Afrobeats singer Sixties, marking a defining moment in an artistic journey shaped by years of carefully released singles dating back to 2020. Released under the African record label AfroMarvel Ent., the project reveals the artist’s personal pledge to the craft of storytelling through music.

With The Ascension, Sixties caters to personal and social realities, portraying a variety of themes that resonate with the local environment and international communities. The project is a mirror of different phases of his life, with focus on faith, determination and a strong sense of identity. His style combines inspiring melodies, poignant lyrics and an unmistakable energy that is common to contemporary African pop. Already popular for his sonorous vocals and a tendency to breathe life into his works, the artist positions himself as an artist set to define the future of Afrobeats.

The Ascension opens with the artist recognizing the benevolence of his creator in El Morijah, and moves to Firiyoyo’s Eulogy which is framed as an intermission, a Yoruba homage to his musical abilities. In Ajuwayaa and Testimony, the artist’s tone remains one of gratitude as he continues to acknowledge the presence and influence of the supreme being in his destiny. Testimony is perhaps the album’s standout song, with a unique appeal and replay value. Having made waves on social media trends and across digital forums, the song prepares the ground for a project that is genuinely audience-friendly without trying so hard. Sixties’ belief in the supernatural is not unusual, as it reflects the deeply religious and spiritual atmosphere that permeates African societies.

As the album progresses, the artist uses Omo Naija to address the many problems that define Nigeria’s social reality. Here the artist speaks against civil conflicts and calls for a society that thrives on unity. In 7 Days, he takes yet another thematic direction, pandering to a female interest and establishing his romantic persona. Omo Olodun sets the artist in full relaxation and party mode, with its bouncy rhythm inviting the audience to a thrilling experience.

With tracks like 4am (Stuntin’) and Fire, Sixties retains a special vibe that affirms the artist’s identity and convictions. On Fire, he reminds his debtors, literally or figuratively, to pay what they owe him. Sure 4 U possesses a boastful energy. Motilo has the artist reflecting on a journey of survival, particularly highlighting how he came close to death in 2021. His storytelling abilities are fine and subtle, as he tells about surmounting adversaries. The closing track, The Journey Continues, recalls with gusto what seems like either the singer’s alter ego or non de plume, firiyoyo. It is more of a spoken word rendition than a song, a near-immaculate epilogue in which Sixties’ artistry and evolution are quantified with grand terms.

The Ascension embodies its title not only as a groundbreaking project of the artist’s but as a statement of intent. Across 12 tracks, Sixties embarks on an adventure of faith, resilience, social consciousness, and personal triumph, weaving those elements into a cohesive body of work that seems both intimate and broad. Revealing himself as being socially conscious, self-aware, and spiritually grounded, the artist reaches for a transcontinental audience. Eventually, through this album, he does more than announce his arrival but proclaims his readiness to make an indelible mark in the ever-expanding Afrobeats ecosystem.

Listen to the album now.