AFROFUSION RISING STAR MINZ UNVEILS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED DEBUT ALBUM ‘BY ANY MINZ’
Set for release on October 4 via emPawa Africa, BY ANY MINZ is the eagerly anticipated debut album from chart-topping afrofusion sensation MINZ. The album comes on the back of the viral hit track ‘Wap’ featuring afrobeats legend Davido, and the recently released Tekno-assisted ‘Diallo’, which has been championed by the likes of Notion, Earmilk, and Numero Magazine, and it charts Minz’s tumultuous and yet fulfilling journey from underground king to a bonafide leading man. Known across the continent as “your favourite artist’s favourite artist”, Minz channels his relentless drive to be heard into his album By Any Minz, a title that cleverly reflects his determination to make an impact by any means necessary.
The creative process behind By Any Minz was intense and collaborative, with Minz locking in with French producer BGRZ (Central Cee, Omah Lay) for a month in Lagos, crafting the backbone of the album, while frequent late-night sessions with A&R 10Ten were integral to the album’s development. Alongside collaborations with Grammy-nominated producer Rugged (Davido, Asake), and Ozedikus (Rema, Qing Madi), the journey also took Minz to Berlin, where he worked with production duo 255 (Burna Boy, NSG). Influenced by legends such as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and Angelique Kidjo, Minz infused the album with his pan-African spirit, aiming to represent the continent through his music.
The album opens with ‘Revelations’ with Minz inviting us on his journey so far as he reflects on his musical aspirations. ‘Shadow’ follows with its highlife melodies and defiant lyrics against doubters, while ‘Wo Wo’ reveals a grateful and introspective Minz over soulful chords courtesy of BGRZ. ‘Ja’ captures the euphoria of love and infatuation with infectious maracas and shakers, and Minz showcases his versatility on ‘Do’ featuring Blaqbonez as the track ushers us to the dancefloor with its vibrant Lagos nightlife vibe, while the Moliy-assisted ‘Drame’ offers an escape from the chaos of the real world.
The latter half of By Any Minz is punctuated by Minz’s heartbreak anthem ‘Lon3ly’ driven by melancholic saxophone, and more of BGRZ’s soulful chords, as well as ‘F.U’ featuring Projexx and Yo Trane, with its raw passion and afro R&B flavour. ‘Low’ sees Minz introducing us to what he calls the “new sound of Lagos”, while Sokoto sees him making a spiritual call to the dance floor over EDM rhythms. The album closes out with the powerful hip-hop track ‘Disembark’ as Minz takes aim at naysayers once again, and the triumphant ‘Mo De Ma (By Any Minz)’ declaring the arrival and resilience of Minz.
All in all, By Any Minz is an undeniable masterpiece, with each track on the album offering a unique story, blending Minz’s personal experiences with universal themes that resonate across cultures and generations. With its rich production, relatable songwriting, and diverse musical influences, the album stands as a testament to Minz’s unwavering talent and determination, solidifying his place as one of Africa’s leading new voices in global music. By stepping out of his comfort zone and taking a familial and community approach to creating this album, Minz has put together a project that is a bold statement of his artistic vision, while celebrating his Pan-African roots, and pushing the boundaries of pop music.
MORE ABOUT MINZ
MINZ hails from the vibrant heart of Lagos, and is rapidly emerging as a prominent voice in the Nigerian music scene. With roots in Oyo State, Minz blends his rich cultural heritage with contemporary sounds, creating forward-thinking afrofusion music, or what he describes as “very wavy music with an underlying rhythm of afrobeats”. His musical journey began with influences from legendary figures like Fela Anikulapo Kuti and the futuristic sounds of Travis Scott. Inspired by artists like Bryson Tiller, Minz set up his own studio at the age of 22, marking the start of a creative career as an artist and producer.
His diverse discography – including essential tracks like hit single ‘Wap’ with afrobeats legend Davido, ‘234’, ‘BDMN’, ‘Sokoto’, and viral sensation ‘Wo Wo’ featuring Blaqbonez and BNXN – showcases Minz’s ability to create evocative lyrics and lush harmonies that resonate with listeners globally. His highly anticipated forthcoming debut album By Any Minz is poised to further cement his status as a formidable talent in the industry. With over 100 million plays online, Minz is bridging the gap between the alternative alté scene and mainstream afrobeats, earning him a devoted global following.
Beyond his solo work, Minz has demonstrated his creative ingenuity and versatility by producing for renowned artists like DJ Spinall and Runtown, and featuring on tracks with afropop icon Mr Eazi, and alté forerunner Cruel Santino, among others. His ability to seamlessly blend genres and soundscapes highlights his innovative approach to music. As Minz continues to evolve and push the boundaries of his artistry, his unique sound and dedication to his craft promise to captivate. As he ushers in a new musical era with his album, Minz remains a visionary force in the afrobeats and afrofusion landscape.
‘BY ANY MINZ’ ALBUM TRACKLIST
1. Revelations
2. Shadow
3. Wo Wo
4. Wap (featuring Davido)
5. Diallo (featuring Tekno)
6. Ja
7. Do (featuring Blaqbonez)
8. Drama (featuring Moliy)
9. Lon3ly
10. F.U (featuring Projexx, Yo Trane)
11. Low
12. Sokoto (featuring Zinoleesky)
13. Disembark
14. Mo De Ma (By Any Minz)
15. Wo Wo (Remix) [featuring BNXN, Blaqbonez)
