Nigerian Afrobeats star Mayorkun has dropped his third studio album, Still The Mayor, a 12-track juggernaut that reaffirms his place at the forefront of the genre. Known as the Mayor of Lagos since his 2016 breakout hit Eleko, Mayorkun has spent nearly a decade making songs that dominate airwaves. His latest offering is a polished, ambitious project that balances his signature charm with a bolder, more reflective edge, proving he’s not just resting on his laurels but pushing the Afrobeats sound forward.
Still The Mayor album arrives four years after his sophomore effort, Back In Office (2021), and follows the 2023 EP Love.. For Free. The album, delayed from its original May 2 release date, sees Mayorkun’s meticulous approach, as he fine-tuned a project that feels personal and universal. With eight high-profile collaborations—featuring Davido, Fireboy DML (on two tracks), Rotimi, King Promise, Olivetheboy, Dremo, The Flowolf, and Michii—the album is a who’s-who of African music royalty, each guest adding texture to Mayorkun’s vibrant sonic tapestry.
From the jump, Still The Mayor flexes its versatility. Lead single Innocent, featuring Fireboy DML, is a melodic banger that pairs Mayorkun’s smooth delivery with Fireboy’s emotive croon, setting a reflective tone about growth and redemption. Reason 2 Japa, the second single, tackles Nigeria’s emigration wave with sharp lyricism over an Amapiano-infused beat, capturing the hustle and heartache of a generation on the move. Tracks like Blessings on Blessings with Davido and Diamonds with Fireboy DML lean into Mayorkun’s knack for crafting radio-ready hooks, while Konko Below channels street energy with its pulsating rhythm. Hold Body, featuring King Promise, slows things down with a sultry, R&B-tinged groove that’s primed for late-night playlists.
Production-wise, Still The Mayor is a masterclass in Afrobeats’ evolution, blending traditional elements with Afropop, R&B, and subtle rap influences. Producers like Speroach Beatz and Clemzy, frequent collaborators, deliver crisp, layered sounds that elevate Mayorkun’s vocals. The album’s diversity—evident in the Amapiano flourishes and electronic textures—recalls the genre-blending confidence of his 2020 hit Geng, where he first flexed his ability to bridge street-pop and mainstream appeal. Here, he doubles down, with tracks like Industry Girl (Interlude) featuring The Flowolf, Dremo, and Michii showcasing his knack for curating posse cuts that don’t feel overstuffed.
Lyrically, Mayorkun is at his most self-assured. He’s always been a relatable everyman, but Still The Mayor reveals a more introspective side. On Reason 2 Japa, he grapples with the realities of Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, singing, “I’m chasing dreams, but the system’s a cage.” Yet, he never lingers too long in the heavy; his playful charisma shines through on tracks like Diamonds, where he boasts, “My shine too bright, e dey blind them.” This duality—pairing real talk with infectious optimism, is what makes Mayorkun magnetic.
The album isn’t without flaws. The opening track, a high-energy banger, might overwhelm listeners expecting a smoother entry, as some fans on social media have noted. And while the star-studded features add firepower, a few moments, like the crowded Industry Girl, feel like they’re chasing viral moments over cohesion. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise airtight project.
Mayorkun’s journey from a banker posting cover videos to an Afrobeats star is nothing short of amazing, and Still The Mayor feels like a coronation. His 2018 debut, The Mayor of Lagos, established him as a hitmaker; Back In Office proved he could sustain it. This third chapter shows an artist in full command, balancing commercial heft with artistic growth. The album’s rollout, complete with a glitzy Accra listening party and an African tour, underscores his global ambitions.
Still The Mayor album isn’t just a victory lap, it’s a declaration that Mayorkun’s reign is far from over.
Listen to Still The Mayor album here.
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Connexion
Get ready to feel the beat! Mastercard is adding a new one to your playlist with its Afrobeat Sonic Anthem, blending the brand’s signature sound with the electrifying energy of Nigeria’s Afrobeat culture. It’s more than just a tune—it’s a bold statement, crafted to connect with the pulse of Nigeria’s youth and bring the global sound home.
