Mayorkun

Nigerian Afrobeats heavyweight Mayorkun has made a commanding return to the music scene with the release of his much-anticipated third studio album, Still The Mayor. The 12-track project arrives as both a reaffirmation of his star power and a bold step forward, revealing an artist unafraid to evolve while staying rooted in the infectious sounds that made him a household name.

Dubbed the Mayor of Lagos since his 2016 breakout with Eleko, Mayorkun has spent close to a decade crafting hits that dominate the airwaves and shape pop culture conversations. Still The Mayor, arriving four years after his sophomore project, Back In Office (2021), and following the Love.. For Free EP in 2023, marks a significant moment in his career. This time around, Mayorkun delivers a polished, reflective, and versatile body of work that balances his signature charm with deeper lyrical introspection.

Originally slated for release on May 2, the album’s postponement only heightened anticipation. Mayorkun took his time fine-tuning the project, resulting in a well-curated collection that feels both personal and universally relatable. With eight star-studded collaborations featuring the likes of Davido, Fireboy DML, Rotimi, King Promise, Olivetheboy, Dremo, The Flowolf, and Michii, the album reads like a roll call of contemporary African music royalty, each artist bringing their own flavor to Mayorkun’s vibrant sonic universe.

From the opening moments, Still The Mayor makes its intentions clear: this is not a passive victory lap, but an artist’s bold declaration that his reign continues. The lead single Innocent, featuring Fireboy DML, sets the tone with its melodic, mid-tempo groove. Both artists deliver emotionally charged performances, exploring themes of redemption, resilience, and personal growth.

Equally compelling is Reason 2 Japa, an Amapiano-tinged anthem that taps into Nigeria’s ongoing “japa” wave — the mass emigration of young professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. Over a bouncing beat, Mayorkun candidly addresses the socio-economic struggles pushing many to leave, singing, “I’m chasing dreams, but the system’s a cage.” It’s a track that captures the zeitgeist while remaining dancefloor-friendly, a testament to his ability to pair meaningful commentary with catchy rhythms.

Collaborations on the album are strategic and purposeful. Blessings on Blessings, featuring Afrobeats superstar Davido, is a buoyant, radio-ready hit filled with gratitude and celebratory energy. Diamonds, another standout track with Fireboy DML, leans into Mayorkun’s knack for infectious hooks and playful swagger, with a memorable boast: “My shine too bright, e dey blind them.”

One of the project’s most intriguing moments comes with Konko Below, a street anthem driven by pulsating percussion and bold, confident lyricism. Meanwhile, Hold Body featuring Ghanaian sensation King Promise shifts gears into sultry R&B territory, offering a late-night vibe perfect for after-hours playlists.

Production-wise, Still The Mayor showcases the evolution of Afrobeats, seamlessly blending traditional African elements with pop, R&B, Amapiano, and subtle hip-hop influences. Longtime collaborators like Speroach Beatz and Clemzy deliver crisp, multi-layered instrumentals that elevate Mayorkun’s vocals and storytelling. The result is a sonically rich project that mirrors the genre-blending experimentation seen in his 2020 hit Geng, but on a grander, more refined scale.

Lyrically, this is Mayorkun at his most self-assured. While his trademark charisma and witty one-liners remain intact, there’s a noticeable depth to his songwriting. On Reason 2 Japa, he doesn’t shy away from addressing Nigeria’s economic and political challenges. Yet he balances these sobering moments with lighthearted tracks like Diamonds and Innocent, where his playful persona shines through.

Not every track hits the same mark, however. The album’s energetic opener might feel a little overwhelming for listeners expecting a softer introduction, a sentiment echoed by some fans online. Additionally, while the posse cut Industry Girl (Interlude) featuring The Flowolf, Dremo, and Michii is a fun, chaotic moment, it occasionally feels more like a viral content grab than a cohesive album piece.

Nevertheless, these minor imperfections do little to detract from the album’s overall strength. Still The Mayor is an airtight, well-executed project that balances commercial appeal with artistic growth. It’s a testament to Mayorkun’s journey, from a young man posting cover songs online while working in banking to one of Afrobeats’ most bankable stars.

The album’s rollout has also reflected his growing international ambitions. A glitzy listening party in Accra, coupled with plans for a pan-African tour, signals Mayorkun’s intent to solidify his presence not just in Nigeria, but across the continent and beyond.

Ultimately, Still The Mayor isn’t just a title, it’s a statement of intent. Mayorkun’s third studio album confirms what many already knew: his reign in the Afrobeats arena is far from over. And with this dynamic, introspective, and versatile project, the Mayor’s seat remains firmly occupied.