Released under the sub label MARS (short for Mother Africa Reigns Supreme), singer-songwriter Ekene’s debut project “Little Us” invites us to eavesdrop on a conversation with his younger self. Over the course of seven tracks Ekene uses his own life as a springboard for exploring the bittersweet complexities of Nigerian youth, diving into the past and excavating memories that help him make sense of religion, mortality, romance and grief. It is the sonic version of a sepia montage, comforting in its slow moving pace and easy relatability.
From the first track “Lullaby”, the listener is instantly drawn in not just by his lush vocals, but by the dreamy nostalgia it inspires. There is an irresistible warmth in the notes, stimulating a grounding feeling of familiarity that persists throughout the record. Each track from then on feels like a time capsule unearthed and brought into sharp focus with lyricism that is both evocative and conversational. “Red Benz”, for instance, is an ode to “every fun and shameless memory” with a uni lover, while “Relations” (feat. Braye) delicately picks up the pieces of a broken relationship. In contrast “4 Square Ft.” paints a vivid picture of a boys hostel, capturing the familiar discomfort and quirks of communal spaces with distinct accuracy. Things get more somber on “Farewell”, a reflection on fleeting mortality in a failing nation.
“Feedback” centers the overarching theme of the project, bridging the distance between the singer and his younger self with a song that simulates a phone call. He is gentle in his interactions with his inner child, almost contrite. There is a sense of regret that is relatable here, as well as a much needed opportunity to forgive himself for neglecting the version of him that survived so he could thrive. Instead of shrinking in on itself in these moments of introspection, Ekene’s vulnerability expands throughout the record, creating space for the listener to sit with those feelings as well. He is completely at home within his genre of choice–soft RnB with a touch of afro fusion, and the result is a project that feels like a refreshing rest stop on the journey towards becoming.
