Korede Bello better have more than a ‘Table’ for two ready after this EP
Two words to describe the latest EP ‘Table for Two’, by the Mavin topliner - issa mood. This project, which he expresses comes after a ‘gear switch’ in the direction of his music, possesses a refreshing vibe from whatever is out there right now, and is well arranged with sounds which are equal parts soulful, expressive and danceable without any one part overpowering the other or complacently relying on catchy beats to do all the work. Korede backs it all up with 5 well composed tracks.
Let’s start from the start (yes you read that right). The Rexxie-produced Morire is the opening prayer we say at the beginning of an event. Korede’s reflection on a successful journey with gratitude to God and the ones who have stood by him through trying times, coupled with motivational lines to his audience to focus on their purpose, will have you dancing, counting your blessings and chanting the prayer-like words over yourself -Moriré gba! Mosoriré!. My favourite line was ‘E beta make you up your game so dem go talk about you!’.
It brings to mind a striking quote by my adopted grandmother, Madea (I hope my parents don’t read this😅). When her foster child says she didn’t want to go to school because of what people said about her, Madea straightens her up at once saying -‘Honey, folks gon’ talk about you till the day you die, there ain’t nothing you can do. Let folks talk…it ain’t what people call you, it’s what you answer to, do you hear me? You remember that’. Preach Mama! Preach Bello!
From the opening prayer, we progress to Sun Momi, where Korede gets down to some loverboy business. I listened to this track already when it was released as a single in February, and with this reunion as part of the full EP, it has definitely grown on me. Korede has an intimate conversation with his lover, serenading her by expressing how much she’s worth and means to him. He beckons her to get closer for some good loving, and to be honest, his vocal texture, phrasing and delivery is so on par with the message that it feels like the singer is standing in front of you himself. I think of all the tracks in the EP, I would most like to hear an acoustic/live version of Sun Momi (I just want to check something dazall😜). After all this crooning, Korede better have more than just a table ready for two. Heys anty and uncu, I meant the dancefloor, drag your mind outta the gutter🙄!
And to the dancefloor he moves to in my fav off the EP, Hey Babye. Here’s the thing -I guessed correctly that Johnny Drille produced this song before even checking list of producers, and I’m sure many would have guess same too (peep YouTube comments). The instrumentals (nice violin intro!), production quality and Femi Leye’s fire lead guitar definitely stand out.
This delightful fusion of genres where he proudly shows off his woman transforms from a soulful ballad into a dance number and will make you go from ballroom waltz to shaku shaku. He extols the virtue and beauty of his woman in English, Pidgin, Yoruba and Igbo (Naija I hail thee! Remember when Falz sang in 5 languages in 1 song?) Gbedu wey dey shak brain, why won’t the moon fade away for the girl?!
Mi Casa Su Casa, is on a lighter, playful note and with its fitting video, perfect for a hangout with a love interest before he caps it all beautifully with the more melodic and swaggy theme song ‘Table for Two’, complete with the conga and cool bassline. Photos in Tokyo, yes to that!
All through the EP, the maturity in the lyrics should tell you we are now dealing with a Korede coming into his own. You can’t help but love each song for it’s different sound. And what you get from the whole body of work is a mood to vibe to and revisit. The last time I experienced this towards a body of work was with Fireboy’s Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, Chike’s Boo of the Booless and Funbi’s Serenade-masterpieces in their own right. On a lighter note, if the words don’t convince you of the transition, then take a look at the cover art and visuals for the Table for Two EP, and listen again. People of God, just like the spanish translation of his name Bello, that’s a beautiful man and mind right there!
Meanwhile, you can read about: 5 things South Korea and Nigeria have in common, 5 Naija music Videos that were pure art, WurlD’s new banger, Africa Day 2020,and the melanin Moon!
