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Swagz.i – Diamonds in Broken Hearts
Swagz.i is a singer and songwriter from Lagos, Nigeria who is proving to be one of the next generation of rising Afrobeats talents. In 2021, he gave us ‘Heartbreak Semester’, a soulful, heartfelt tribute to love, loss and pain. The sweet melodies, earnest vocals and honest lyrics only confirmed what we’ve always known: Love is wicked.
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Swagz.i – Diamonds in Broken Hearts
A year later, we’re getting “Diamonds in Broken Hearts”, Swagz.I’s upbeat, bouncier follow-up E.P. This time, there will be no yearning or pining as the project celebrates the birth of the playboy and his life ‘in these streets’. Hedonism, finessing (and being finessed), enjoyment and avoiding commitment at all costs, are the themes of the day.
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Swagz.i – Diamonds in Broken Hearts
‘Diamonds in Broken Hearts’ not only chronicles Swagz.i’s life as a Yoruba demon, but also showcases his versatility and artistic prowess as he narrates different perspectives and effortlessly bodies each of the 5 tracks.
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TrackList
1. I Don’t Know:
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From the first few lines of ‘I Don’t Know’, it’s clear we’re dealing with Swagz.i 3.0. The hopeless romantic is gone, and in his place is an unapologetic player who is here for a good time and not a long time.
As the lead single off the E.P, ‘I Don’t Know sets the theme for the E.P perfectly. Rhythmic drums and 80s-inspired synths create the backdrop to the Afropop track that serves as a warning to the ladies: Do Not Get Attached. But I have a strong feeling they’ll be too busy dancing to pay any mind to the red flags.
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2. Kele:
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The tables turn in Track 2 and our playboy meets his match in a femme fatale (‘Kele’) who he can’t get enough of. He quickly realises he’s way out of his depth with this one as he laments his dwindling funds over heavy drums and jazzy horns.
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3. Para:
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Streets is rugged and Kele almost had our guy there for a moment but we see him ‘jazz up’ and bounce back quickly in the third track, ‘Para’
This is the upbeat anthem of the seasoned veteran who is immune to the seduction and schemes of his female colleagues. In the famous words of Anonymous, “guyman no fit guy guyman” (Ask your Nigerian friends to translate).
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4. Built For This:
You want it? You got it. Despite the vow of noncommitment that is the underlying theme of this project, Swagz.I still knows how to spoil his women. Featuring real live confessions of men just like him, ‘Built For This’ is a catchy, braggadocious dance track about the depth of his pockets and his dedication to enjoyment.
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5. I Don’t Want Your Love
Coming right after the promise to spoil his current interest, ‘I Don’t Want Your Love’ serves as a resounding “HOWEVER….”.
The closing track on the E.P serves as a gentle reminder to anyone who might get it twisted. Love is wicked but man is wickeder.
