The singer-songwriter finally gave his debut studio album after years of developing his craft and creating art.
Nigerian Afro-fusion singer and songwriter Olúwadámilọ́lá Adédọlápọ̀ Amínù, popularly known as Minz, has released his debut album, By Any Minz, and it’s a refreshing project amidst the slow year for quality releases that the Afrobeats scene has witnessed.
The first time I stumbled upon Minz was in 2019, on a track called Boogie Down by Bowale. Beyond how great the song itself was, Minz’s guest verse stood out—it was soothing, precise, and his delivery in the final part was nothing short of captivating. Since then, Minz has continued to refine his artistry as a singer, songwriter, and producer. His COVID-19 lockdown release Quarantino, cleverly named after the buzzword “quarantine,” along with BDMN, further displayed his skill and versatility, keeping me hooked on his evolving craft. One of his greatest strengths is his versatility, seamlessly transitioning between the mainstream scene and the alté movement—a niche community that thrives on authenticity and uniqueness.
Minz would eventually get his big break with Wowo, a massive record that took over the scene. The success was quickly followed by a remix featuring BNXN and Blaqbonez, but interestingly, the original track held its own and wasn’t overshadowed by the remix, showing its destined greatness.
In 2024, the independent Minz continues to play by his own rules, although he now has backing from powerhouses like Mr. Eazi’s emPawa and BFA, owned by Davido’s former lawyer and business partner, Bobo Ajudua. Minz successfully releases his 15-track debut album, By Any Minz, featuring heavyweights like Davido, Tekno, Blaqbonez, Projexx, Zinoleesky, and others. The album title, By Any Minz, a play on “by any means,” tells Minz’s story of ruthless dedication and belief in his unique style and brand, which are finally paying off. He has stuck to his sound, which isn’t necessarily mainstream, and by playing by his own rules and means, he’s found his breakthrough and continues to shine.
The album opens with Revelations, a mid-tempo, introspective tune that reflects on how far Minz has come despite the challenges. This is followed by Shadow, where his street-hop side takes centre stage. While Minz is often recognised for his soulful delivery, his use of “lambas” on this track highlights his hood background and street credibility, shaped by growing up in Surulere. The head-nodding track is executed flawlessly and sets the tone for the rest of the album. The catchy hook, “E bo kolo far”—a TikTok phrase meaning “push it till it’s seen”—further underscores Minz’s persistence and ambition.
Wowo is a reflection on the ugliness of life amid its sweetness, projecting closure and syncing perfectly with the album’s direction. Wap, undoubtedly a sex-playlist tune, features guitar chords and whispers that set a seductive mood, while Minz’s laid-back delivery of the vocals fits the vibe perfectly. While Davido’s verse wasn’t bad, he may not have been the best choice for this song. A smoother, more soulful voice like Wizkid, Fireboy, Lojay, CKay, or even Projexx (a guest on the project) could have made the song even better. Nonetheless, the track remains solid.
The tempo picks up with Diallo, a makossa-inspired highlife-infused tune featuring Tekno, who delivers flawlessly. The energy slows down again with Ja, an Afrobeats record that celebrates the beauty of a woman’s waist and the beads adorning it. Then, Do brings the energy back with its log-drum-driven sound, where rapper Blaqbonez flexes his melodic skills.
Drama stands out as a track that will likely appeal to the alté community. Featuring songstress Moliy, who delivers divinely and could easily be mistaken for Ghanaian singer Amaarae, the song is refreshing and enjoyable. Lon3ly, translating to “Lonely,” speaks of Minz’s yearning to see someone special. F.U., another song for your sex playlist, is a standout record, showing just how much Minz has refined his mid-tempo love songs. Jamaican artist Projexx also delivers a great verse.
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Low follows with a slight uptick in tempo, where the street-hop side of Minz resurfaces. The album then transitions to Sokoto, an Amapiano-inspired Afrobeats banger for the clubs, with Zinoleesky showcasing his immense talent. Disembark blends Afrobeats with an 80s funk twist, making it a distinctive tune on the project. Minz, once again, delivers decently.
One of the standout tracks, Mo de ma (short for “mo de ma de be,” meaning “and I will get there”), serves as a prophetic declaration that Minz will achieve his dreams “by any Minz.” The track concludes with the voice of Grammy-winning legend Angelique Kidjo, recorded during a life-changing interaction with Minz in Paris—a moment the singer proudly shared on social media. The album wraps up with the remix of his global hit Wowo, ending on a familiar note. However, it doesn’t quite match the strength of the project’s intro, leaving room for a more impactful outro. Ideally, a new song rather than one already pre-released could have provided a stronger finish to this otherwise impressive debut.
Thematically, By Any Minz is well-rounded, touching on life’s journey, love, emotions, and everyday struggles. Overall, the album is cohesive, enjoyable, and refreshing. A good number of producers, including 255 and Mike BGRZ, contributed to the project, but the live instrumentation could have been richer, especially for a soul-inspired Afropop artist like Minz, whose lyrics often hit home. Stronger instrumentation would have elevated some tracks.
With this debut album, Minz—who has spent years paying his dues with patience, consistency, and sacrifice—shows remarkable growth while staying true to his unique style.
Rating: 7/10
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