Nigerian music veteran Sunday Ginikachukwu Nweke, better known as Masterkraft, has unveiled Light, a 10-track gospel album that represents a creative triumph and a deeply personal milestone. The producer behind countless Afrobeats hits for Flavour, Wizkid, and Phyno, amongst others, now steps decisively into the spotlight as a singer-songwriter, delivering a project that pulses with spiritual fervour and rhythmic sophistication.
Light operates at the intersection of gospel and Afrobeats, creating a sonic tapestry that feels reverent and irresistibly danceable. The album features an impressive roster of collaborators, Prinx Emmanuel, Greatman Takit, Tim Godfrey, Magpsalm, Isaac Geralds, Judah Zabairu, Ayo Vincent, Fome Peters, and Cracker Mallo, each bringing their unique vocal textures to Masterkraft’s meticulously crafted soundscapes.
Standout tracks showcase this fusion masterfully. To You with Isaac Geralds opens with ethereal harmonies before erupting into a celebration of gratitude. Ezebube featuring Prinx Emmanuel demonstrates how traditional Igbo praise can seamlessly blend with contemporary production, while Fear No Evil transforms a biblical promise into a song of resilience, bolstered by Greatman Takit and Cracker Mallo’s dynamic performances.
The album’s production reveals Masterkraft’s evolution from beatmaker to sonic architect. His signature lush arrangements create immersive environments where spiritual themes can breathe and flourish. Storm Is Over exemplifies this approach, with its cascading synths and gentle percussion providing the perfect foundation for a message of hope emerging from hardship. My Strength, featuring Judah Zabairu and Ayo Vincent, builds from whispered vulnerability to triumphant declaration, showcasing Masterkraft’s understanding of emotional dynamics.
The intricate layering throughout Light rewards careful listening. Subtle vocal ad-libs, traditional percussion elements, and unexpected harmonic progressions create depth without overwhelming the central messages of faith and perseverance.
While Light succeeds in creating something genuinely fresh, it occasionally struggles with the tension between its gospel heart and Afrobeats ambitions. Some tracks lean so heavily into contemporary production that traditional gospel elements feel secondary rather than central. This balance between spiritual authenticity and commercial appeal remains the album’s most intriguing challenge.
Light succeeds as both a statement of artistic growth and a collection of genuinely moving songs. Masterkraft has created something that honours his production legacy while establishing his credibility as a vocalist and songwriter. The album offers moments of genuine transcendence – In Jesus Name with Magpsalm and It’s Done featuring Tim Godfrey are particularly powerful, alongside tracks that simply make you move.
For listeners seeking music that elevates both spirit and body, Light delivers. It’s a project that acknowledges the complexity of faith in the modern world while never losing sight of joy, hope, and the transformative power of music itself. Available across all major streaming platforms, Light represents not just a new chapter in Masterkraft’s career but a compelling vision for the future of gospel music in Nigeria and beyond.
Listen to Light here.
