Azekel’s New Single “Just Expectationz” Shares A Sobering Reality on Love

It’s hard for people not to have a sense of euphoria when love is new. We often let our guard down and allow the infectious feeling to cloud our judgement, and we simply ignore all the red flags because we want this “honeymoon” phase to last just a little bit longer. Well, the Nigerian-born, London-raised artist Azekel reveals the harsh reality of love and sacrifice, and moves away from dreamy infatuation in his latest track ‘Just Expectationz’ ft. Ivy Sole. Azekel flexes his production prowess once again, creating a more soft rock sounding beat, whilst calling upon Philly rapper Ivy Sole to add her own take to elevate it to the next level. ”I started writing the moment I heard the song,” the collaborator adds. “Azekel’s pen and voice are so distinctly smooth, so I approached the song with some staccato, imagined some relationships past and let the production lead me. The result was a bit of transatlantic magic.”

Expectationz is taken from his forthcoming mixtape ‘Analyze Love’ (out March 17), a 15-track body of work recorded across London and Ghana during the Covid-19 lockdown, showcasing Azekel’s deft production, songwriting and vocal abilities. Exploring notions of love ranging from romance to parenthood to kinship and community, it’s all expressed from Azekel’s vantage point as a British-Nigerian. The first of a three-part trilogy of projects, the artist called upon Grammy winner Om’mas Keith to executively produce all three records to be released on Mr Eazi’s ever-lauded imprint EmPawa Africa. Experiencing a wide range of emotions during the recording of the album, he tapped into the complex yet natural concepts of masculinity – at once strong and tender, proud and humble, expressive and restrained. “It was good to tap into these emotions, I think it’s something that isn’t done often and needs to be done more, it’s a specific nuanced emotion that isn’t regularly explored”, the artist states.

TRACKLIST

1. An Analysis of Love ft. Professor George

2. Dupé ft. Kwesi Arthur

3. Chocolatì ft. Nao

4. Palm Wine Dreamz ft. anaiis & Kojey Radical

5. Desire

6. Love and Death ft. Professor George

7. Love and Death pt.2 ft. Ebo Taylor

8. Just Expectationz ft. Ivy Sole

9. Bimpes Love

10. Consent

11. Black Joy ft. Professor George

12. Learn to Love ft. anaiis

13. In Memory of ft. Dap The Contract & Professor George

14. Ama’s Song

15. Dupé ft. Made Kuti