By Omotayo Olutekunbi

1da Banton is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. He began his music career in 2014. In July 2017, he released his debut extended play (EP) titled The Banton EP. One of the EP’s songs, “Way Up,” was the theme song for the third season of Big Brother Naija. He gained global recognition after releasing “No Wahala,” one of the tracks on his EP Original Vibe Machine, released in 2021. The song was featured as a theme song on the third season of the American Emmy Award-winning comedic drama series “Ted Lasso.” Also, No Wahala surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify, making it one of the most streamed Afrobeat songs on the platform.

Omotola

On the first track of the EP, The singer expresses his love for her and how she makes him feel. However, she is playing with his feelings and has not been truthful with him about her feelings. The song starts with an upbeat and catchy rhythm that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics are in Pidgin English, which adds to the song’s charm and makes it more relatable to Nigerians. The song’s production is top-notch, perfectly blending Afrobeat and pop sounds. The instrumentation is excellent, with the drums and guitar standing out.

No Love In Lagos

The song’s lyrics talk about the struggles of finding true love in Lagos, a bustling city known for its fast-paced lifestyle and cut-throat competition. 1da Banton’s expressive vocals and the song’s catchy beat make it an instant hit with listeners. The song’s production is top-notch, mixing Afro-pop and R&B sounds that blend seamlessly. The instrumentals are well-crafted, and the melody is both catchy and memorable. The song’s lyrics are relatable and capture the essence of modern-day romance in Lagos.

Nibolowa

The song revolves around waiting for a love interest to come and visit. The artist has taken an enhancing drug and is experiencing a high, but his love interest is taking too long to arrive and not answering his calls. The artist continues to sing about waiting for her using the song’s title, “Nibolowa.” 1da Banton’s vocals are excellent on Nibolowa. The song has a catchy beat, and the artist’s vocals are smooth and melodic. The use of the Yoruba language adds a unique touch to the song. The lyrics are relatable and capture the emotions of someone who wants to be freaky and eagerly waits for their partner. Overall, “Nibolowa” is an enjoyable song with a unique sound and relatable lyrics. 

Ego

The track is about a man in love with a woman who is willing to spend money on her, giving her cash anytime she asks. The song’s production is a fusion of Afrobeat and dancehall sounds. 1da Banton’s vocals are smooth and confident as he sings about having money to spend on his love interest. Lyrically, the song is simple, focusing on love and money. The lyrics are relatable, as many people can relate to wanting to impress a significant other by spending money on them. The song has a catchy hook and infectious beat. 

Family

It is a captivating song highlighting the importance of a supportive and loyal partner. The song’s lyrics focus on 1da Banton’s lover, who stands by him through thick and thin, regardless of their financial situation or disagreements. 1da Banton expresses his gratitude towards his partner for being there for him, even when he has nothing. He then goes on to sing about how he won’t leave her, and she would spend his money. The production quality of the song is top-notch, with an excellent mix of the beat and vocals. This outstanding song showcases the importance of a loyal partner who will stick with you through life’s ups and downs. 

Call Jehova

1da Banton emphasizes the importance of calling on God in every situation in the song “Call Jehova.” The song has a strong message, encouraging listeners to rely on God’s guidance and protection rather than on other people. The song’s lyrics express the artist’s disappointment with people who are not loyal and supportive. He states that those individuals are not his “nigga and sister” because they do not have his back. This line is a powerful reminder that not everyone claiming to be a friend is one. Furthermore, the song’s chorus emphasizes the importance of calling on Jehova when in trouble. This reinforces the idea that God is always there to help us and that we should trust in Him rather than in people who may let us down. The song reminds us to trust God, especially when faced with difficult situations. 1da Banton’s vocals are solid and clear, and he diligently delivers the lyrics. The song’s production is lush and atmospheric, blending live instrumentation and electronic elements.

1da Banton’s “1DA SHALL NEVER END” is a solid EP that showcases his versatility as an artist. The EP features a mix of genres, including Afrobeats, reggae, and dancehall, and it is sure to appeal to a wide range of listeners.

Some songs on the EP show 1da Banton’s ability to write catchy and meaningful lyrics.

Overall, “1DA SHALL NEVER END” is a well-produced and enjoyable EP that will please fans of Afrobeats and other genres. 1da Banton is a talented artist with a bright future ahead of him, and this EP is a testament to his skills.

Personal Favorites ( Omotola, No Love In Lagos, Nibolowa, Ego, Family)

Listen to “1DA SHALL NEVER END” by 1da Banton: