Nigerian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Mr Eazi, is set to release his highly anticipated debut solo album on October 27. After a decade in the making, the 16-track album is now available for pre-order, generating excitement among fans worldwide.
To accompany the announcement, Mr Eazi has released the lead single, “Chop Time, No Friend,” along with its captivating music video. Shot in Dakar, Senegal, by director Allison Swank Owen, the video showcases the vibrant energy of the city and its creative community. Mr Eazi’s return to the Banku Music sound, which he pioneered and popularized with his early singles and mixtapes, is evident in this playful and catchy track.
The 16-track album is now available for pre-order.
Explaining the meaning behind the title, Mr Eazi shares, “‘Chop Time, No Friend’ is a very common Ghanaian saying, something you will see written on the front or side of buses. It means when you are eating, you don’t think about anybody. You are just focused on your enjoyment.” The lyrics of the song reflect Mr Eazi’s mindset, emphasizing his ability to remain unaffected by haters while enjoying the fruits of his success. It serves as a declaration and celebration of self-confidence and resilience.
“Chop Time, No Friend” was produced by Andre Vibez, known for his work on Rema and Selena Gomez’s Billboard Top 10 single “Calm Down,” and Killbeatz, a prominent contributor to Mr Eazi’s breakthrough 2017 mixtape, “Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1: Accra to Lagos.” The collaboration between these talented producers and Mr Eazi has resulted in a catchy and infectious track that showcases his unique musical style.
The music video, directed by Allison Swank Owen, aims to highlight the creative energy of Dakar, Senegal. Mr Eazi wanted to showcase the city’s artists, fashion designers, and everyday activities that contribute to its inspiring atmosphere. The video successfully captures the essence of Dakar’s vibrant culture and its influence on Mr Eazi’s artistry.
While the album’s title is yet to be revealed, Mr Eazi has disclosed the impressive lineup of producers who have contributed to the project. Alongside Andre Vibez and Killbeatz, the album features production from Kel-P (Nigeria), Knucks (U.K.), Michael Brun (Haiti), M.O.G Beatz (Ghana), E Kelly (Nigeria), Type A (Nigeria), Stikmatik (U.K.), Yung Willis (Nigeria), Nonso Amadi (Nigeria/Canada), Phantom (Nigeria), Beat Butcha (U.K.), Venna (U.K.), KDream (Nigeria), and Mr Eazi himself. This diverse group of talented individuals ensures a rich and dynamic musical experience for listeners.
In an unprecedented fusion of African music and art, Mr Eazi has commissioned a different African visual artist to create a unique, physical art piece representing each track on the album. This innovative approach further emphasizes the cultural significance and artistic depth of the project. For “Chop Time, No Friend,” Mr Eazi collaborated with Sinalo Ngcaba, a visual artist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, whose work also graces the cover of Mr Eazi’s new album with his group, ChopLife Soundsystem, titled “Chop Life, Vol. 1: Mzansi Chronicles.”
