Following his collaboration with Wizkid on ‘Kai’—which also marked their fifth song together—Olamide enlists Willis’ expertise while bringing together former YBNL members Young Jonn and Asake, alongside Seyi Vibez and Zimbabwean artist Daecolm. “99”, released on 9th of June, contrasts the expectations of many as it sidesteps the implication that a heavy Afrobeats star presence means a party-starter record. And while this is the case for Olamide’s second lead single off his forthcoming album, “99” is still a certified Afro-house masterpiece in how it utilizes each guest’s verse in delivering a laid-back Afro-house groove. 

A closer look at Olamide’s craft reveals that he’s never been a conventional artist when it comes to making music, regardless of how commercial his sound may be. Hence, the existence of albums like the mellow UY Scuti, where he mostly croons, and the pulsating Ikigai, which evokes memories of his early rap days.

And on 99, he shapeshifts again, but not in the way long-term listeners might anticipate. Over the Willis-assisted production, Olamide opens the track with a sing-rap delivery and the exuberance of someone celebrating a newly acquired financial goal, driven by the desire to “party like it’s ’99”—a sentiment Young Jonn drives home with deft, sticky melodies. Asake plays it safest, sticking to the rhythm and delivering his verse with a similar cadence, complementing Olamide and Young Jonn’s contributions with the appropriate messaging for “99”.

Seyi Vibez brings his unconventional apala-fuji–infused delivery, adding flavour and panache to the track, as Young Jonn serenades listeners yet again for the third time:
“Meji, meji, I’m gonna party like ’99, leave all my stressin’ behind tonight”—
but this time layered with the vocalizing of Zimbabwean dance-electronic artist Daecolm, who readies for his bit. His verse is velvety and lightweight, as he takes a more sensual approach, closing the track with a refined dance music tint.

If Olamide’s “99” is anything to go by, it’s that the 17 track album will be a genre-blurring experience, offering fans a vast sonic engagement.

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