After years outside of mainstream conversation—following a run of celebrated early albums and hits—the Port Harcourt first son re-entered the spotlight through powerful collaborations and unforgettable verses that reminded the music world of his sonic prowess

What made this comeback so refreshing was its substance over strategies. Rather than relying on artificial media stunts or fleeting social media moments, Duncan Mighty returned with voice, lyrical depth, and a commanding presence that cut across generational tastes and industry silos.

A Hiatus, Then a Renaissance

Before 2018, Duncan Mighty enjoyed early acclaim with critically loved albums like ‘Fully Loaded (Koliwater)’ in 2009 and ‘Legacy (Ahamefuna)’ in 2010 — the latter fuelling tracks such as “Obianuju” and “Port Harcourt Son”, staples in Nigerian music history. After that peak, his national visibility waned as newer acts rose and the industry shifted toward faster-paced pon-pon beats. By 2017, many considered him a regional favourite rather than a mainstream force. 

Then came 2018.

Then, in 2018, an unexpected wave of high-profile features catapulted him back into the spotlight, earning him praise as one of Afrobeats’ greatest comeback stories. With the release of “Fake Love” featuring Wizkid, Duncan Mighty exploded back into relevance. Wizkid’s melodic prowess perfectly met Duncan Mighty’s raw, emotive verse, creating a track that dominated airwaves and reaffirmed Mighty’s relevance. That single kickstarted what many media outlets would later call a career renaissance.

In interviews following the track’s success, Duncan Mighty himself credited Wizkid for helping rekindle his broader appeal, by showcasing his enduring talent to a wider audience. Once the momentum began, Duncan Mighty became one of the most sought-after featured artists in Nigeria. His voice, lyrical flair, and distinct blend of Ikwerre-infused melodies made his verses not just welcome but coveted on records across the industry. 

Here are some of the key songs that defined Duncan Mighty’s collaboration surge in 2018:

 Standout Collaborations

“Fake Love” – Wizkid feat. Duncan Mighty

This track ignited everything. Produced by Killertunes, it pairs Wizkid’s smooth R&B vibes with Duncan Mighty’s heartfelt chorus and verse. Duncan’s lines about loyalty and fake relationships resonate deeply, and his melodic ad-libs elevate the song into an anthem. “Fake Love” topped charts, racked up millions of streams, and became the blueprint for the resurgence. Duncan himself credited it as the spark. Without this surprise Wizkid collaboration, the 2018 wave might never have happened. It’s the standout—soulful, replayable, and the perfect reintroduction.

“Aza” – DMW feat. Davido, Peruzzi & Duncan Mighty

Davido assembled his DMW crew, Peruzzi and himself with Duncan Mighty for this boastful money anthem. Produced by Fresh VDM, Duncan Mighty’s melodic bridge ties it together amid the energetic verses. It became a street favourite, proving his versatility beyond romance into braggadocio.

“Flenjo” – Lil Kesh feat. Duncan Mighty

Lil Kesh closed the wave with this laid-back, enjoyment-focused track, produced by Rexxie. “Flenjo” means “enjoy yourself”, and Duncan’s relaxed verse embodies that vibe perfectly. A fan favourite for its beer-parlour appeal, it capped Duncan Mighty’s run on a high note.

“Lova Lova” – Tiwa Savage feat. Duncan Mighty

Tiwa Savage’s sultry vocals meet Duncan Mighty’s charming response in this highlife-tinged duet. Lines like comparing love to “oil spillage” showcase playful chemistry. A massive hit blending Afrobeat and highlife, it dominated radio and clubs. Duncan Mighty holds his own against Nigeria’s leading lady, making it a resurgence highlight.

“Bio Bio” – Reekado Banks feat. Duncan Mighty

Reekado Banks tapped Duncan for this upbeat, dance-ready cut shortly after “Fake Love”. Duncan’s opening hook and playful verse add infectious energy, turning a solid track into a party staple.

The chemistry shines: Reekado’s youthfulness meets Duncan’s maturity. It kept the momentum going, showing his feature wasn’t a fluke.

“Gimme Love” – DJ Xclusive feat. Duncan Mighty

DJ Xclusive delivered a groovy, mid-tempo lover’s plea here. Duncan’s passionate delivery on the chorus—“Gimme love, make I feel alright” makes it irresistible. Self-produced with masterful mixing, it highlights Duncan’s ability to enhance romantic tracks. A solid entry that reinforced his hot streak.

“Uju (Remix)” – B-Red feat. Duncan Mighty

B-Red remixed his earlier single “Uju” by adding Duncan Mighty, transforming it into a bigger hit. Duncan Mighty’s verse and backing vocals bring emotional weight and cultural flair. This under-the-radar gem exemplifies how his presence upgraded good songs to great ones, especially in love-themed Afrobeats.

Overall Impact

What made this resurgence surprising? Duncan Mighty hadn’t released a major solo hit in years, yet starting in mid-2018, top artists sought his signature touch—his emotive hooks, cultural depth from the Niger Delta, and effortless blend of romance and street wisdom. His collaborations injected freshness into a scene growing formulaic, proving his style remained timeless.

Duncan Mighty’s 2018 resurgence was surprising because it felt organic yet explosive—driven by one viral collaboration that snowballed into a movement. In an era when many artists revive careers with contrived narratives or overexposure tactics, Duncan Mighty’s 2018 resurgence is a testament to artistry and respect — and a reminder that a powerful verse still speaks louder than any marketing ploy.  The “Port Harcourt First Son” reminded everyone why he was mighty in the first place. Many of these remain classics, and his comeback stands as a testament to talent enduring beyond trends.

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ODUMODUBLVCK – INDUSTRY MACHINE

ODUMODUBLVCK arrives like a piston firing on all cylinders with ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE’, a 23-track behemoth that clocks in as his most audacious swing yet. On first spin, starting from the top: “INDUSTRY MACHINE” into “HALLELUJAH” featuring Tobe Nwigwe, Jeriq and Phyno, the album roars to life with raw propulsion, only to occasionally sputter under its own weight.

The opener “INDUSTRY MACHINE” sets the industrial, unyielding tone—ODUMODUBLVCK’s gravelly flow over booming 808s and Okporoko-infused hooks feels like a manifesto for the hustle, priming the pump for the album’s churn right out the gate. By the time we hit “HALLELUJAH,” it shifts into a divine, almost confessional gear: sparse, echoing production underscoring a street sermon of gratitude amid the chaos. Standouts emerge quick—”Layi Wasabi” featuring Reminisce flexes with viral replay value, its trap bounce and sly wordplay demanding an instant rewind, while “Ejor” pulses with unfiltered bravado, ODUMODUBLVCK trading verses like ammunition in a cypher gone nuclear.

A reunion with Davido on one cut injects Afrobeats shimmer amid the drill haze, and spots with Pa Salieu, Giggs, Cash Cobain, Tobe Nwigwe and even global heavyweights like Skepta and Wizkid add melodic detours that keep the energy from flatlining. Production shines in bursts—expansive, genre-fluid beats that nod to drill, trap, and highlife—but the sheer volume exposes cracks. Midway, dynamism dips; tracks blur into a haze of bombast, with weaker flows “Bombastic Element” borders on self-parody and sequencing that prioritizes shock over cohesion, leaving the back half feeling like filler in a magician’s overstuffed hat.

At 65 minutes, ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE’ dazzles with ODUMODUBLVCK’s raw, revolutionary, and unapologetically Nigerian energy, yet betrays hints of burnout in its sprawl. It’s not flawless, but it does rev the engine for rap’s next lap.

Lojay – XOXO

In the velvet haze of Afrobeats’ romantic underbelly, Lojay unfurls his debut album ‘XOXO’ like a late-night confession slipped under the door—a 14-track exhale of yearning, seduction, and quiet vulnerability that lands after the long wait. Clocking in at a breezy 35 minutes, it’s a far cry from the sprawling epics dominating the scene, blending Afro-R&B silk with global flirtations. Lojay’s ‘XOXO’ envelops a listener like a warm embrace, though its brevity sometimes leaves craving one more stolen glance.

Kicking off with the soulful “Sale”, Lojay dives headfirst into lush, guitar-drenched production that sets a somber, critical tone—his vocals gliding over the percolating and crescedoing harmony of string instruments like a text you reread at 2 a.m. The momentum builds seamlessly into “Tenner”, and the Odeal featured “Mwah”—a spirited ode to magnetic pull that fuses UK garage bounce with Lagos swagger, its hook burrowing in like an earworm you can’t shake. Standouts flicker like fireflies: “Body” ft. Feid is a bilingual simmer that’s equal parts sultry and replayable; “Memories” with Tyla layers amapiano glow over nostalgic ache, their voices intertwining in a haze of what-ifs that demands volume up. Solo cuts like “Shiver” steal breaths too—smoky electro-synth waves carrying Lojay’s raw admiration for fleeting thrills, while “Jericho” pulses with hip-hop introspection, walls tumbling under bass that hits like emotional release.

Features elevate without overshadowing: Victony on “Sawa” adds melodic camaraderie to tales of loyalty tested, and Odeal’s vibe syncs effortlessly on the erotic “Mwah!,” keeping the global-Nigerian thread taut. Production, helmed by P.Priime and Rexxie among others, gleams with polish—ambient swells, highlife echoes, and trap-tinged traps that nod to Lojay’s evolution from “Gangster Romantic‘s” grit to this polished yearning. Yet, in its rush to resolution, “Alright” wraps loose ends with hip-hop resolve, “Suru” confesses hidden pressures over amapiano sway. ‘XOXO’ captivates as Lojay’s most cohesive statement yet. The work of art is messy-hearted, sexy-souled, and unapologetically Afro-fusion, proving the Grammy-nodded crooner is ready for the big leagues.

Peruzzi – SABALI

Peruzzi resurfaces from a self-imposed exile with ‘SABALI’, a 17-track testament to the art of waiting—titled after the Hausa word for “patience,” it’s a fourth studio swing that dropped October 10, 2025, like a long-simmered stew finally served hot. At a reflective 52 minutes, it sidesteps the bombast of his DMW heyday for something more introspective, weaving Afro-soul confessions with highlife flourishes and R&B confessions that echo vulnerability with matured grit. Peruzzi’s fourth studio album is smooth, soul-stirring, occasionally meandering, but always pulling you deeper into its heartfelt lanes.

The title track “SABALI” eases in with a mid-tempo groove of shimmering guitars and Peruzzi’s buttery falsetto, a meditative opener on love’s slow burn that sets a tone of quiet endurance, his pen game sharp as ever in dissecting relational chess. Momentum simmers into “One Thing,” a warm R&B gem that blooms with intimate lyrics over airy percussion—it’s the kind of earworm that lingers like a half-remembered dream, Peruzzi crooning about that singular fixation with disarming sincerity. Standouts ignite sporadically: “Apala Drill” ft. Davido flips traditional apala into a drill-tinged banger, their chemistry crackling with label-family fire and infectious replay hooks; “Cooking Pot” with Jeriq simmers Igbo rap edge into streetwise romance, a pot of flavors that boils over with swagger and substance.

Features form the album’s backbone without stealing the spotlight. Double doses with Davido (the second on “Perfect Situation” ft. Mayorkun and Dremo reunites the squad in harmonious hustle anthems), Zlatan and The Flowolf on the gritty “El Sucio Guapo” inject street menace, while The Cavemen’s highlife horns elevate “Mad Oh” to euphoric highs. Timaya’s elder-statesman vibe on “ANTR (A Night To Remember)” adds nostalgic glow, and Jesse Jagz’s bars on “Nuff Respect” deliver lyrical gravitas amid the melodic tide. Production—courtesy of in-house wizards like fresh and Speroach—gleams with subtlety: layered percussion nods to heritage, synth swells carry emotional weight, blending Afrobeats bounce with Afro-soul introspection for a cohesive yet versatile ride. Yet, the sprawl reveals seams; later cuts like “Time Of My Life” ft. Esoterica flirt with filler territory, their vibes diffuse in the rearview, and the pacing occasionally prioritizes polish over punch, leaving some tracks whispering when they could roar.

‘SABALI’ reaffirms Peruzzi as Afrobeats’ premier romantic architect—a gentle giant of a record, heavy on heart, light on flash.

JOEBOY, SHODAY – Ring

In the playful tug-of-war between Afrobeats’ eternal romance and the cheeky realities of adulting, Joeboy links with street-pop firebrand Shoday on “Ring,” a 3-minute gem that dropped October 10 like a proposal you didn’t see coming. Fresh off the hype of his Viva Lavida era, it’s Joeboy’s first major single since, teasing matrimonial mischief with a wink. From the shimmering intro to its lingering fade, it hooks like a velvet noose: infectious, intimate, and primed for every “when you settling down?” family roast.

Echo The Guru’s production slinks in with warm guitar plucks and percolating percussion, building a breezy Afro-fusion groove that’s equal parts seductive sway and subtle urgency—lush harmonies swelling just enough to cradle the vulnerability without tipping into sap. Joeboy leads with his trademark silky vocals, gliding through verses that unpack the jitters of commitment “Mama dey ask when you go marry” hits like a universal gut-punch, poetic yet painfully relatable, his emotive delivery flipping pressure into poetic yearning. Shoday crashes the party midway, his gritty ad-libs and soulful baritone injecting raw charisma—a seamless duet dynamic where street-rooted energy grounds Joeboy’s polish, their voices blending in flirtatious call-and-response that feels like eavesdropping on a late-night heart-to-heart.

No overproduction here; the stripped-back charm lets the chemistry breathe, with subtle synth shimmers and percussive flair nodding to highlife roots. The hook—”Put a ring on it, baby, make it official”—loops like destiny, humorous yet heartfelt, transforming the “marriage crusade” into a victory lap for love’s next chapter. 

“Ring” cements Joeboy as Afrobeats’ rom-com kingpin, with Shoday elevating the collab to viral alchemy: vulnerable, victorious, and unapologetically feel-good. It’s the settle-down bop we didn’t know we needed. 

JOSHUA BARAKA, JAE5 – Dive In

Joshua Baraka teams with Grammy-winning producer JAE5 on “Dive In,” a 3:15 immersion into love’s intoxicating depths. From the hazy intro to its euphoric crest, it pulls a listener under like a tide you don’t want to fight: mesmerizing, magnetic, and made for midnight replays.

JAE5’s production unfurls with a sultry swirl of ambient keys and percolating Afrobeat percussion, layering in subtle R&B ripples and highlife-tinged guitars that evoke a laid back evening with shimmering sunset—lush yet lean, with Jonathan Mensah’s engineering ensuring every vocal nuance gleams like polished obsidian. Joshua Baraka’s tenor takes the helm, his smooth, emotive croon slicing through the haze on verses that map the thrill of emotional freefall “Dive in, let the waves take control” lands with poetic precision, blending heartfelt ache and hopeful abandon. No guest verses here, the track Joshua Baraka’s solo swim, his layered harmonies building to a chorus that blooms into anthemic release—soulful ad-libs cascading like echoes in an underwater cathedral, transforming personal confession into universal yearning.

The track’s brevity is its superpower. Subtle percussive flourishes nod to Joshua Baraka’s Ugandan roots while JAE5’s global gloss elevates it to playlist catnip—radio-smooth yet raw enough for the purists. The bridge teases a climactic drop that arrives gently, opting for intimacy over explosion, but in this case, the whisper hits harder than a shout.

“Dive In” sees Baraka and JAE5’s magical touch turn confession into captivation: vulnerable, vibrant, and vividly alive. It’s the slow-burn serenade for souls ready to submerge. 

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Rema — Baby (Is It a Crime)

Over the past year, Rema has been a persistent voice calling for a shift in the soundscape of the music industry. He has personally put in conscious effort to effect this change, particularly with his sophomore album ‘Heis’. Emphasizing the need to revisit the past as a collective, the industry has gradually been shifting away from borrowed sounds like South African Amapiano, which doesn’t reflect Afrobeats at its core.  

For his first single of 2025, ‘Baby (Is It a Crime)’ Rema samples the iconic ‘Is It a Crime’ by Sade Adu, the opening track from her 1985 album ‘Promise’. First teased in November 2024, the snippet received a tremendous reception, with fans hoping he would close out the year with this golden sample of the legendary singer.  

On the track, Rema sing-raps over a minimalist hip-hop-style production, layered with Sade Adu’s rich vocals from the original song. His creativity strikes again as he flips a classic, making it appealing to both his Nigerian and global audience. In the days leading up to the release, he was spotted walking out of a vinyl store with Sade Adu’s ‘Promise’ album in hand and shooting the official music video.

Joeboy — SMH

The sonic reset of the Nigerian music industry has been evident in recent releases, with many artists reaching into the past and refining nostalgic sounds. Joeboy’s first single of the year, ‘SMH’, which is possibly also a lead single from his forthcoming studio album ‘Viva Lavida’, feels like a throwback to a distant era.

Produced by Tempoe, ‘SMH’ showcases Joeboy narrating a relationship on the verge of collapse over Tempoe’s sample of Backstreet Boys ‘Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely’, flipping it to a Y2K-inspired production—reminiscent of soundtracks from old Nollywood movies. The duo who have collaborated earlier on ‘Better’ off Joeboy’s sophomore album continue to showcase a profound chemistry together as creatives, a streak most music lovers would hope continue. What sets Joeboy apart is his ability to infuse melodies into every lyric and word uttered, making even heartbreak sound intoxicating. 

Yemi Alade — Keys To My Heart

Shortly after stunning at the Grammys in a traditional red Igbo attire as one of the nominees for Best African Performance—alongside fellow African artists like Tems—Yemi Alade kicks off 2025 on a love note with her first single of the year, ‘Keys To My Heart’.  

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Mama Africa gifts her fans a track that celebrates the beauty and devotion of love, set against an upbeat, groovy production by Valentino Ogbonnaya. Yemi Alade’s delivery reflects her cultural roots, with lyrics predominantly in Igbo and melodies that echo her heritage.  

Cassper Nyovest — Kusho Bani

In his latest release, South African rapper Cassper Nyovest taps deep into his hip-hop bag, kicking off the new year with ‘Kusho Bani’, a track that has already sparked its own challenge across South Africa and beyond.  

With his signature unforgettable lyricism and commanding delivery over a fire beat produced by Young Pepo, Cassper Nyovest starts the year on an impressive note. Though ‘Kusho Bani’ sees him rapping non-stop for almost four minutes, the groove is undeniable, pulling listeners in with an infectious rhythm and lyrics that stick with them—even if they weren’t paying attention at first.

Peruzzi — Mad Me

Peruzzi keeps the love season in focus with a smooth Afro-R&B cut, ‘Mad Me’, a song that sees him completely enchanted by his muse. With little prior notice, the singer-songwriter delivers a sultry, heartfelt tune that fits seamlessly into the Valentine’s mood.  

Co-produced by Sensi and Irock Classic, ‘Mad Me’ is built on lush melodies and infectious rhythms, perfectly complementing Peruzzi’s expressive storytelling. He wears his emotions on his sleeve, confessing his overwhelming love with lyrics like “Mad me, fine girl you dey mad me, you put your hands all over my body.”

Following his last drop, ‘Jah Love’ with Olamide, this new offering keeps the momentum going as Peruzzi reminds fans why he remains one of Afrobeats’ most skilled songwriters. With romance in the air, Mad Me’ is positioned to become the soundtrack for lovers this season, and a must-add to every playlist. 

ODUMODUBLVCK ft. Victony — Pity The Boy

The hype is real, and the wait is finally over! ODUMODUBLVCK has unleashed ‘Pity The Boy’ featuring Victony, a track that had already taken over TikTok before its official release was produced by Niphkeys.

This mid-tempo banger finds ODUMODUBLVCK in his storytelling bag, laying out a narrative of deep infatuation so deep that even when his girl is running through his pockets, he remains helplessly devoted. His signature delivery, playful yet commanding, makes every lyric feel like a moment.  Victony, as expected, slides in with finesse, adding his signature melodic touch and elevating the song’s appeal. The synergy between both artists is seamless, making ‘Pity The Boy’ an instant fan favorite.  

With a catchy hook, groovy production, and undeniable chemistry, this record is already shaping up to be one of the standout collaborations of the year so far.

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