From the album cover which is a representation of Africa – the Pyramids & Sphinx of Egypt, the Djene Mosque in Mali, Mount Kilimanjaro and the mask from the ancient Benin Kingdom, Burna Boy is very intentional in the message he wants to pass across. This is evident not just from the album art but more audacious with his lyrics and melody. This album confirms him as not just a local champion, but as An African Giant now standing Twice As Tall.
His music is aptly ‘spiced’ with ‘delicious’ sounds from Africa,creatong ear candy to the ears and food for the soul. He features Youssou N’Dour, Naughty by Nature, Sauti Sol, Chris Martin, as well as Stormzy. Burna Boy is not anyone’s mate, he is definitely an old soul. He knows and understands his craft, has musical depth, touches on very strong messages and themes that are seriously lacking in today’s music which affirms he is not afraid to go down that route.
Burna Boy is not just representing Nigeria anymore. He is now carrying Africa on his back and fortunately, he recognizes that fact. He is on trajectory few are on. While one could easily agree that this album is in parts a continuation of African Giant, it is in no way a let down. He more than manages to deliver another body of work that would stand out in time to come and he definitely maintains and overachievers on the standard he’s already set before.
Arguably,Youssou N’Dour is the male version of Angelique Kidjo, with both being African ambassadors with their music well appreciated across the world. Burna Boy has featured both now with that fact alluding to the potential many believe he has not even tapped. This album just further delivers on giving everyone an insight into Burna’s full capabilities.
In featuring Naughty by Nature, Burna looks to drag hip-hop fans of the 90s to pay attention to his sound.Though he was born around the Naughty era, he sort of goes on to affirm this by saying ‘ I was born Naughty by Nature’. Treach and Vinnie come correct recognising the synergy between their young selves and the present Burna.Listening to Chris Martin’s voice on ‘Monsters You Made’ will give you goose bumps if you are a true fan.
This album was planned to a T, to ensure a statement was made, post the happening of last year where he ended up only a nominee and not a winner.
As if Africa does not already love him(or even hate him, as it were), Burna also recruits present day African artistes Sauti Sol (ensuring he captures the attentions of legends past and present).
There is clarity on the mindset on this album is – I will speak the truth and die or I keep quiet and die, either way I still die.
Revolutionary, Rebel, Revealer, Real…All words descriptive of Burna and his mindset on the album.
Whether speaking up for the Niger Delta region ( and other downtrodden regions) or teaching history, he is in his elements not missing a step.
With a perfect intro, the song with Youssou Ndour sees Burna baring his insides. Throughout the album, one can tell Burna has understood his frailties,confronted them and is now very comfortable, standing up and being cocky. He also cuts the perfect picture on lessons learned on moving on after a failure.The Grammy loss may have just been the catalyst for the body of work we are now vibing to. Akin to 2Chainz’s Feds Watching, a song made on a Grammy night post a Grammy loss, this album is both a strong recovery and a call to keep advancing.
Holistically, Twice As Tall is a book…Period!
Black Man, read and OVERSTAND!
Sound Official 