By Micheal Chiedoziem Chukwudera
When it comes to capturing the magic of music, there is nothing that does it better than a song that centers around the feeling of love at its most yearning, which usually holds within its sonics a delicate blend of hope, vulnerability, and pure devotion. Kaijin, Tony Koya’s latest offering, which was released as part of his latest EP project Revolt, is one such record. A drum-led mid-tempo Afro-hiphop track, it radiates warmth and pulsates with the heartbeat of infatuation and longing. At the core of this enchanting piece of music lies Abimbola Ibirogba’s songwriting, as it weaves together simple yet deeply evocative lyrics that melt seamlessly into Tony Koya’s voice. The result is a song that feels as light as air yet carries a substantial emotional weight that lingers but does not overwhelm.
From the moment the drums ease into their steady rhythm, Kaijin settles into a groove that is both soothing and effervescent. It is the kind of song that invites gentle movements, not evoking sharp, dramatic bursts, but hypnotic swaying motions, like waves lapping at the shore. There is a tenderness to the composition of its lyrics, which creates a sense of something soft but with an emotional anchor. Abimbola’s lyrics, as the songwriter of this record, finds this delicate balance within the words and lyrical structure, making the record inviting across different levels.
The lyrics of Kaijin are not designed to impose the devotion of the singer. It is designed to imply it as an expression of vulnerability that feels both personal and universal. Abimbola understands the power of restraint. He does not overcomplicate the feeling of love, nor does he drown it in metaphor. Instead, he does well to let it breathe, describing it in its simplest forms while choosing words that capture the feeling of wanting someone fully and craving their presence in the small, everyday ways. Abimbola does well to craft the record in such a way that each verse unfolds like an honest monologue, while the chorus swells with a promise that is as simple as it is profound.
Tony Koya takes these words and fills them with life. His voice glides effortlessly over the melody, warm and inviting, carrying the kind of sincerity that makes every lyric feel like it belongs to him. The texture of his voice allows him to deliver the song in a way that is not excessive. He does not strain to impress the listener, but neither does he hold back. Instead, he rides the natural rhythm of the song, letting emotion seep through in the way he stretches certain syllables, in the slight lilt of his voice when he sings lines of his verses. There is an undeniable synergy between his voice and Abimbola’s pen. The lyrics seem to be made for his voice, crafted with an innate understanding of how he would bring them to life.
Beyond its lyrical elegance, Kaijin thrives on the harmony between emotions and sound. The bubbling percussion, the warm synths that rise and fall like sighs, the delicate layering of Tony Koya’s vocals; all of these elements work together to create an exhilarating atmosphere. In this song, we see that love does not always have to be a grand spectacle. It is often a feeling that simmers.
With Kaijin, Abimbola Ibirogba once again proves his mastery in crafting songs that resonate. His words do not demand attention, but they gently wrap themselves around the listener like an embrace. In a landscape where love songs can often feel formulaic, this one stands out for its sincerity, its effortless charm. As Tony Koya sings, there is no doubt that he means every word, and that is perhaps the greatest testament to Abimbola’s gift.