After nearly a decade of dominance in Afrobeats, Kizz Daniel steps into a new artistic era, rebranding himself as Uncle K a name that reflects both maturity and industry mileage. This persona takes center stage in his May release, Uncle K: Lemon Chase, an EP that extends his tradition of pairing unconventional titles with content that only loosely connects to them. It’s classic Kizz Daniel: unpredictable, mischievous, and unmistakably himself.
The EP features an ensemble of collaborators including Zlatan, Odumodublvck, Bella Shmurda, Fola, Runtown, Angelique Kidjo, and Johnny Drille. While seven tracks make up the project, only two are solo efforts; the rest rely on Kizz Daniel’s knack for pairing his smooth delivery with strong supporting voices from across the Afrobeats spectrum.
The project opens with a playful celebration of African beauty. Kizz Daniel leans into swagger and romantic storytelling, singing, “I tell my padi make he come see my babe, he say Orobo lo gbe.” What follows is a mix of affirmations and heartfelt pleas for more time to hustle and make ends meet. However, the track suffers from uneven mixing a distraction that takes away from its emotional charm.
Fola, currently enjoying his moment in the spotlight, shines on “Titi.” Much like the opener, the track revolves around love, reassurance, and vulnerability. Both artists tap into shared emotional territory, delivering a warm, melodic performance. On “Secure,” Kizz Daniel shifts to a more cautionary tone, urging listeners to maintain financial stability. Zlatan’s presence injects Yoruba humour and streetwise charm, turning a serious topic into a light-hearted, memorable track.
The mood darkens thoughtfully on “Al-Jannah,” a heartfelt tribute to the departed. Odumodublvck and Bella Shmurda channel their personal losses, offering a raw, universal message that resonates with anyone who has mourned loved ones.
Runtown delivers an unexpected, refreshing appearance on “Peace I Chose,” a mid-tempo track centered on loyalty and devotion. His signature calm elegance gives him the upper hand on the record, blending seamlessly with Kizz Daniel’s tone.
The tempo spikes with “Eyo,” a lively club-ready jam built for nightlife energy loud, punchy, and designed to move bodies.
The project closes on a high note with “Police,” featuring Grammy-winner Angelique Kidjo and Johnny Drille. The trio glide over a smooth, understated production, exchanging melodies and harmonies with satisfying chemistry.
Across Uncle K: Lemon Chase, Kizz Daniel reinforces what fans already know: he deeply understands legacy and longevity. Even with its flaws particularly in mixing and mastering the EP reflects his commitment to evolution while maintaining the sound that made him one of Afrobeats’ enduring forces. Nearly ten years in, the Ogun State-born star still delivers work that resonates, reminding listeners why he remains central to the genre’s story.
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