A THOUGHT PROVOKING ANTHEM FOR SELF REFLECTION AND POSITIVITY
16 February 2024 | Johannesburg: Nigerian music sensation Joeboy is embarking on an exciting new era with the release of his highly anticipated new single ‘Osadebe’. The release marks the inception of the Lagos-based polymath’s new label ‘Young Legend‘, in partnership with Warner Music Africa, as he continues to solidify his place as a trailblazing artist in the Nigerian music scene.
Exploring themes of self-reflection and positive affirmations, ‘Osadebe’ pays homage to the late Chief Osita Osadebe’s iconic hit ‘Osondi Owendi’, a cultural anthem which dominated the music scene in the southeast and south-south regions of Nigeria in the early 2000s. Through his lyrics: “I no dey cross my lane lane, I’m living like Osadebe, Osondi Owendi”, Joeboy asserts his individuality, expressing a determination to chart his own course in the music industry without succumbing to unnecessary comparisons and pressures.
Encapsulating the artistic sensibilities of his sound, the K-Dreamz produced ‘Osadebe’ is a testament to Joeboy’s versatility and evolution as an artist, offering a glimpse into the musical journey he is embarking on with new label ‘Young Legend’ and Warner Music Africa. The single sets the stage for a series of releases that will culminate in a much-anticipated EP towards the end of the year.
Osadebe pretty much describes me and how I like to live my life. I know there’s this expectation of celebrities to live loud and be in the media for whatever reason to stay relevant but I don’t believe in that. All I want is to make music, spend time with family, friends and fans that genuinely care about me and my art.
No shade to other celebs or people that are about that loud life but I don’t believe there’s a need for the long talk and theatrics, success is the biggest and loudest action”
– Joeboy
The launch of ‘Young Legend’, created in partnership with Warner Music Africa, is dedicated to nurturing and promoting the next generation of musical pioneers. With a keen focus on unorthodox and boundary-pushing approaches to music, ‘Young Legend’ aims to inspire and elevate artists who dare to defy conventions and create innovative sounds that will shape the future of the industry.
Most recently performing to a sold-out crowd at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he mesmerized the audience with a preview of ‘Osadebe’, the event generated an online buzz and heightened anticipation for the release. The release comes off the back of recent collaboration with French-Congolese artist Hiro and DJ Neptune on the ‘Detty December’ anthem ‘Na nko’, which came hot off the release of the ‘Body & Soul’ EP, a five-track masterpiece seamlessly continuing the musical narrative from his acclaimed album, ‘Body & Soul’.
Born Joseph Akinwale, Joeboy’s journey to stardom began in 2017 when he caught the attention of emPawa Africa founder Mr Eazi, with a cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You.” Since then, he has risen to prominence with hit singles like ‘Baby’, ‘Beginning’, and ‘Don’t Call Me Back (feat. Mayorkun)’. Joeboy has become a global export, amassing over 2 billion streams and earning the title of the 2nd African artist to surpass 100 million streams on Boomplay.