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Tag: Tems

  • Africa Magic Was Always More Than TV—SDC Knew Exactly What They Were Doing on “Afrika Magik”

    Africa Magic Was Always More Than TV—SDC Knew Exactly What They Were Doing on “Afrika Magik”

    By Lawrence Hart

    Show Dem Camp
    Show Dem Camp

    At the Centre of every middle-class family revolves an evening’s catching up with African magic playing on the DSTV. The choice of “Afrika Magik” is a symbolic one by SDC. Almost like a reminder of the cultural heritage and nostalgia African magic brought to our homes. The album is a love-letter to Nigerian life, to the undercurrents of belief, myth, women’s voices, and the rhythms of Lagos and beyond.

    The Significance of “African Magic” in our Everyday Lives. 

    From the outset, the album houses a spiritual undercurrent: on the opening track “Libations”, Tec and Ghost pay homage to musical forebears such as Victor Olaiya and William Onyeabor, weaving in the idea that legacy, ritual and daily life are intertwined. 

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    In Nigerian everyday life, “magic” is less about fantasy and more about the subtle ordinariness of belief: the stories told during commutes, the juju whispered in cautionary tales, the spiritual backdrop to success or failure. The album taps this: interludes such as “White Juju” (which humorously addresses “AI aka white juju and voodoo”) highlight how technology, mysticism and everyday hustle merge. Thus, Afrika Magik becomes more than just an album—it becomes a map of how African spiritual aesthetics, cultural memory and modern life co-exist. The nods to old Nollywood films further this: they’re not just nostalgia, they’re cultural signposts reminding us that “fantasy” and “normal life” share the same space in Nigeria.

    Inclusion of Female Voices

    On this album, SDC said UP FEMCO!!

    This album has more female features in contrast to their previous albums. One of the strengths of this album is how it elevates female voices and perspectives not merely as features but also as integral presence on this album. Artists like Tems,Moonchild Sanelly, Lulu Winny and Lusanda. Btw Tems and SDC can never do wrong in my eyes. Their collaborations always feel like a harmattan breeze blowing over skin. This inclusion matters because it shifts the album away from simply male rap narratives; it makes space for female texture, influence and presence not just as backing but as foreground. In a society where women’s lives are often the unspoken backdrop, these features lift them into view.

    The Role of Interludes

    Interludes here act as more than mere breathing space; they are dramaturgical and thematic anchors. The “Nollywood Vixens” interlude, for instance, explicitly situates the album in a cultural cinema-space, invoking female archetypes and the interplay of everyday drama with myth. 

    Similarly, “One Chance (Interlude)” and “White Juju” help punctuate the album into acts: the first half often more reflective/romantic, the second more celebratory/expansive. These breaks allow the listener to reset and transition between moods, which is vital given the diverse sonic terrain. This kind of album-craft is deliberate: SDC treat the album like a film.

    Standout Tracks

    Libations: A powerful opener that declares their place, name-checking legendary Nigerian artists and setting tone. 

    Small Chops and Champers: Do I need say more about this track?? What a track guy!! It gave everything it was meant to give. Just give me small chops and champagne joor .

    I’ll Wait: A perfect outro to a perfect album.

    Pressure (FT Taves): Taves was literally flexing on this track. He almost stole the song from them (just my opinion tho). The beats also in this track too>>>>.

    “Magik (ft Moonchild Sanelly): Experimental Rhythm, connects South African + Nigeria, bridges hip-hop, kwaito and the albums theme of “magic”.

    Experimental Tracks & Production & Writing

    One of the hallmarks of Afrika Magik is its fearless blending of genres: highlife, palmwine music, hip-hop, alté, amapiano, R&B.

    The production was handled by longtime collaborator Spax, with contributions from Guiltybeatz, Genio and Yinka Bernie. Instrument such as guitar riffs, horns, soft percussion, log drums (especially on the closer) bring a live-feel, organic layer. The writing is rich. Dialogues with past legends, personal journeys, street-life, love, ambition. The lyrics on “Send a Text” for example, become conversational and reflective. 

    Experimentally, tracks like Magik (with its kwaito bounce) or masterkey (mixing R&B/hip-hop with American singer Mereba) push SDC outside their previous safe zones. The interludes themselves are creative experiments—cinematic skits, voice-overs, nostalgia refracted into sound. Thematically and sonically, the album is both wide and deep.

    Verdict

    Afrika Magik is a strong, multifaceted album. It doesn’t just sound good, it feels rooted, culturally attuned and ambitious. Show Dem Camp manage to honour the past (the musical and cinematic traditions of Nigeria), include new voices (especially female collaborators) and explore new sonic territory without losing their identity.

    For a Nigerian listener, the album works on many levels: it’s a soundtrack to everyday life—party, reflection, hustle, love, belief. It’s also a mirror of how African magic (in its broadest sense) lives in the margins, in songs, in gatherings, in the interludes of life.

    If I have a caveat, it’s that the length (17 tracks) and the variety means that at times the pacing could feel uneven. Some transitions are bold; some tracks may require several listens to fully land. But that is a small trade-off for the album’s ambition and the rewards it offers.

    Score: 4/5

    If you’re looking for a project that offers depth, nostalgia, and fresh collaborations, Afrika Magik is more than worth your time. For SDC fans it’s a meaningful continuation; for newcomers it’s a compelling entry point into what Nigerian rap and Afro-fusion can sound like in 2025.

  • From Lagos to the MET: Orange Culture’s Vision Lands on Brian Tyree Henry

    From Lagos to the MET: Orange Culture’s Vision Lands on Brian Tyree Henry

    In conversation with The Orange Nerd ( Adebayo Oke Lawal) of Orange Culture

    This year, the MET Gala had Africa shining through its lens — from homegrown designers and stylists to A-list African artists ( Tems, Ayra Starr, Tyla and Burna Boy) on the red carpet, showing the world what true dandyism looks like through innovative designs, bold silhouettes, and undeniable elegance. Africa was boldly represented.

    One major highlight of the night? Nigerian-based couture fashion house Orange Culture, led by Adebayo Oke-Lawal (aka The Orange Nerd), styling Oscar nominated Hollywood star Brian Tyree Henry in a regal homage that celebrated both the brand’s African roots and André Leon Talley’s fearless love of Blackness and fashion. The result? A fan favourite and, not gonna lie, one of my favourite looks of the night.

    In this conversation, The Orange Nerd gives us a deep dive into the creative process behind the piece, connecting it to Orange Culture’s brand ethos and this year’s MET Gala theme: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

    LSTV – How did this all come about? Orange Culture boldly represented at the 2025 Met Gala.

    It was a surreal and deeply meaningful moment for Orange Culture. The opportunity to dress Brian Tyree Henry came through his team who reached out via the amazing team at Vogue. They had been following our work and felt that our aesthetic aligned with this year’s Met Gala theme. We were incredibly intentional about the creative direction, and as we developed the look, André Leon Talley became a central reference in our moodboard. His legacy, his regal presence, and his fearless celebration of Black identity and fashion were guiding lights throughout the process. We wanted the piece to reflect that same grandeur while incorporating Nigerian elements such as our signature Agbada draped robe, textile that reminded you of Lagos in this case the brocade , and a sense of poetic but clean tailoring. It was a true meeting point of shared values—style as expression, identity as power.

    “André Leon Talley became a central reference in our moodboard. His legacy, his regal presence, and his fearless celebration of Black identity and fashion were guiding lights throughout the process“

    LSTV: I mean, Lagos is no stranger to these idea. As a Lagos boy myself , going to any ceremony without your àṣọ ẹbí? Taboo. From street-side tailors crafting sharp fits with authentic raw African fabrics like ankára, lèsè, or even àṣọ òkè — Africa has always been at the center of dandyism. That’s exactly why the team at Vogue, alongside Barry’s crew, tapped the couture house to bring this vision

    LSTV: How did it connect to the theme of the Gala and let Africa shine through?

    The theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrates Black dandyism and self-expression. Our design for Brian Tyree Henry was a homage to this, intertwining traditional African references with contemporary tailoring. It was a celebration of African elegance, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Black identity, aligning seamlessly with the Gala’s exploration of Black sartorial excellence

    LSTV: What does this mean for Orange Culture, being at the 2025 Met Gala?

    For Orange Culture , this moment signifies a milestone . Being part of the Met Gala, especially with a theme that celebrates Black style and dandyism, reinforces our commitment to telling authentic African stories through fashion. It’s a testament to our journey from Lagos to the global stage, showcasing that African brands can lead in redefining narratives and aesthetics in the fashion world.

    ⁠LSTV: What does this mean for African fashion?

    Our presence at the Met Gala as well as the presence of my amazing colleagues underscores the global recognition of African fashion’s depth and diversity. It highlights how African designers are not just participants but are shaping global fashion dialogues. This event amplifies the voices of African creatives, emphasizing that our heritage and innovation are integral to the global fashion narrative. I think there is space for more of us and I truly hope this opens that door!

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    LSTV: What would you say to young designers and fashion entrepreneurs looking at opportunities like this in doubt

    Believe in the power of your narrative. Authenticity is your strength. The journey may be challenging, but moments like this affirm that staying true to your vision can lead to open doors. Embrace your heritage, innovate fearlessly, and remember that your unique perspective is invaluable in enriching the global fashion landscape.

    Images by Jessica KourKounis

    @kourkounis

    By Lanre for LSTVWW