By: Bobby Nishimwe
I was pleased to have a conversation with Toyin Ores and Bless Clymax, Two Nigerian artists who hale from Irawo; a community in Lagos. We discussed at length about their upbringing and the role of creativity in giving them a sense of hope in the midst of tough circumstances.
Our conversation was a result of a new EP they created called, From Irawo. A project that encapsulates the environment that bred their love for music and poses as a tribute to their community. In this EP you will encounter a wide range of sounds from Trap, Afroswing and Afro-melodic rap, showcasing the amalgamation of hip-hop musical influences spanning across continents. This EP speaks to the power of hip-hop, with its agile characteristic in being able to contextualize itself within the culture of the artist.
Further into our discussion, you will hear about the influence of church in nurturing their music skills and inclinations. Bless & Toyin discussed how church was an integral part of their childhood. It was a place of gathering, exchanging creative ideas and the heartbeat of their community.
As an underdeveloped town and small community, everyone in Irawo knew each other hence why the catholic church was the meeting spot for all the kids. In a way the space that this catholic church created brought life to the area.
Creativity became the bedrock of Irawo, it was the fuel that energized the community, and the sound that brought hope where government abandonment reigned.
Listening to this EP I was taken back by the track “Pimipin.” The usage of a spoken word flow at the beginning of the song elevated the creative ingenuity of this track. As soon as the flow starts you are sucked in and just want to appreciate the lyricism being exhibited within the first few seconds of this song. You hear the aspirational dreams of these artists, their laser-focused confidence and belief that bigger things are in store.
This EP is a prelude to a much longer project that Bless and Toyin plan to release in the near future.
Make sure to support and listen to "From Irawo" EP.
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