Victony’s journey to this moment reads like a script from a redemption blockbuster. In April 2021, a devastating car crash left him in a four-day coma, wheelchair-bound for months, and facing a gauntlet of surgeries that would shatter lesser spirits. Yet, from those ashes rose ‘Stubborn’, a 14-track opus released in June 2024 that amassed over 150 million streams, earning acclaim for transforming raw pain into anthems of ambition and heartbreak. Collaborations with global heavyweights like Asake, Saint Jhn, Teezo Touchdown, and Shallipopi turned it into a cross-continental earworm, blending his city street swagger with introspective R&B flourishes. 

And it’s from this ‘Very Stubborn’ that picks up that thread with unapologetic ferocity. The EP’s title, an escalation from its predecessor, telegraphs a narrative of creative independence and unrelenting drive, themes that have become Victony’s calling card.

Standout lead releases include “Tanko”, a rowdy collab with veteran Terry G that channels unfiltered street energy, and “Skido”, a gritty banger featuring Afrobeats icon Olamide—two tracks that hint at the EP’s dynamic range. Additional features from BNXN will add layers of melodic interplay to the street-curated mix. At eight tracks, ‘Very Stubborn’ clocks in leaner than its predecessor, allowing each cut to hit like a precision strike. This announcement, dropped mid-week via Victony’s socials, comes hot on the heels of ‘Stubborn’s’ one-year milestone. 

As the countdown to November 21 ticks down, Victony’s ‘Very Stubborn’ EP is here to remind listeners that stubbornness, when wielded right, is the ultimate superpower.

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Following a remarkable project rollout period, which was preceded by an intentional shift in his overall Persona, Victony releases his debut album, “Stubborn” — a story of resilience, strength, and perseverance; as well as a celebration of a maverick who is unapologetic about his own. Each song on the album totes a sliver of victony’s reality

Delivered over a beautiful dramatic progression. The Long Play kicked off with an intro of self-adulation, as well as an assertion of strength and uniqueness. “One billie, one billie. Dem fit reach like one billie, one billion. But I be the one in a one zillie, one zillion”. Victony sings as he blends perfectly with singer/songwriter Shorae Moore, who is well-known for his collaborations with a plethora of other Afrobeats superstars like Asake, Tiwa savage, Teni, LAX, and Bella Shmurda. Victony gave a quick tip on what to expect on the project, as he wasted no time in flexing his vocal prowess on the Intro.

On “History”, the superstar took the listener on a trip to his roots. He tells his experiences over a mid-tempo rhythmic instrumental, which gives him the time and space to not only tell his story but to also explain how brutal the streets can be. “History” also provided a soft landing for the first super rhythmic song on the project.

Produced by the Grammy Award-winning producer, P2J. Victony leads the way to quickly establish the narrative of track number 3 — Ludo — a metaphorical representation of unconditional love and sacrifice. At the album’s listening party, Victony explained how his Grandmother influenced the use of Ludo(a Nigerian board game) to confess his love to a mysterious lady. He explained how he used to play the board game a lot with his Grandmother, and how it reminded him of the love they shared. “Throw your double sicki on my board” is a line on the song that he got from his Grandmother, who says the word every time she rolls the dice and hits a double-six. Ludo also saw a guest appearance from Shallipopi, one of Afrobeats’ top rappers, who added a different but coherent dynamic and vibe to the song with his unique sonic, which he calls Afro-Talk.

With Anita, the “Stubborn” Crooner opted for a catchy hook, as he rained praises over yet, another mysterious lady, Anita. Accompanied by polyrhythmic percussions, an Irish-like flute progression, and vibey guitar chords. He once again demonstrated his inherent tenderness towards women, a striking contrast to his presently obstinate demeanor.

“Stubborn” the album was preceded by two lead singles. “Everything” which sampled Post Malone & Swae Lee’s 2018 Billboard-charting single —“Sunflower”—was released in February 2024. It was followed by the album titled single “Stubborn” which saw a guest feature from fellow Afrobeats superstar, Asake. Understanding the high risk of incorporating lead singles in a complete body of work leads one to appreciate the flawless arrangement of the Long Play. Both lead singles were seamlessly integrated into the project, enhancing its cohesion without compromising or diminishing the overall quality and integrity of the work.

⁠”I think I have gotten to a point where I put my own twist on Afrobeats”. What better tracks embody Victony’s quoted statement than “Risk”, “slow down”, and “Kolo”? The pervasive theme of creative freedom and experimentation was prominently evident in the development of the Long Play, with these three tracks particularly encapsulating and embodying its essence.

Just as he went all out on track 6 (Risk) Victony was ready to risk it all for his lady. The song commenced with an enchanting female R&B vocal performance, which beautifully set the stage for the arrival of the dynamic and infectious hook. “Risk” was also graced with an exceptionally catchy refrain, an earworm that effortlessly captivates the listener’s memory, compelling them to sing it repeatedly.

Victony hooked up with American rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer from Beaumont, Texas, Teezo Touchdown. Just as Teezo is Known for his eclectic style and genre-blending music, Victony masterfully infused 90’s blues into the rich tapestry of heavy, yet measured tempo kicks to create the captivating track “Slow Down”. He seemed to project his vulnerable self and admitted the extent he would go to get the lady he wants. “Slow-down” was delivered in a laidback tone that makes you want to close your eyes and enjoy the ride.

⁠”kolo” is a sequel to Victony’s 2022 hit single “Kolomental” which seems to be a codified convey of his mental state when dealing with people who offend him. On “Kolo” he goes off over an upbeat instrumental while asking “who open my Kolo? na where I keep my Kolomental.”. Just by smartly switching notes on the last syllable of Kolo(Nigerian slang for madness) and Kolo(Yoruba word for Piggy bank), he conveys that someone has crossed his line, and he wouldn’t mind dealing with such a person — a blatant personification of the Stubborn Persona.

“I am looking forward to tomorrow” American rapper and singer, Saint Jhn sings on “Tiny Apartment”. But we can’t say the same for most of Victony’s listeners when it comes to predicting Saint Jhn’s guest feature on his album. No one was looking forward to this collaboration, but it proved to be one of the best ones on the album, as it saw the two acts go toe to toe with their vocal harmony — it turned out to be a festivity of harmony, duet, playful BGV, and an outpour of the potential hurt and toxicity that loving could bring.

“Bastard Don’t Be Silly” and “Sunday School” infused the Long Play with an Afro-Caribbean essence, blending vibrant Caribbean chords, Shakers, African percussion, and subtle hints of high-life. Meanwhile, on “Pier 46,” Victony once again reveals his emotional and impassioned lover-boy persona. Teaming up with Ktizo, a Lagos-based Afrobeats artist, Victony earnestly expresses his emotions and pledges to a lady, set against a mellow instrumental backdrop.

The Long Play is closed out with “Street Affair” which was delivered over a dominant guitar progression. “You dey see me like investment, I carry you for my left chest.” the Star talks about how he loves potential leeches and calls on God to deliver him from fake people.

Despite the potential for greater discipline and coherence between the project’s narrative and its actual songs, it remains indisputable that “Stubborn,” the album, stands as an exceptional body of work. It represents the culmination of Victony’s journey in carving out a unique niche for himself, showcasing his evolution from a hip-hop artist to a versatile performer in the Afrobeats genre.

The album boasts of flawless feature selection, with each collaboration bringing a distinct yet coherent dynamic to the overall project.

Victony Stubborn Album Review Rating: 8.1/10

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