How Nelson Fasadeju Reshapes Orex and Corizo’s Sound on “Body Count”

By Chinonso Ihekire

Orex has returned with a fresh single titled Body Count featuring Corizo and the moment the record begins, it becomes clear that this is not the usual Orex energy we are used to. Released on 6 of August 2021, the sound takes on a new dimension that signals a deliberate shift in artistic direction. It also reminds us of a simple truth that people in the Nigerian music space like to say: Producers are often the hidden brains behind any successful record. In this case Nelson Fasadeju steps forward boldly and proves the point.

The track opens with a lively hook backed by guitar riffs that feel warm and adventurous. Nelson Fasadeju does fantastic work here by transforming what could have been a regular hardcore rap track into something more colourful and melodious. The hook carries a certain foreign sweetness almost like a mix of Mexican folk flavour and old school pop tones. The presence of what sounds like a flute or trumpet evokes memories of that Despacito era type of global melody. The surprising part is its placement inside an Afro influenced rap track, which creates a small cultural tension that is both intriguing and unexpected. Many listeners will ask why such an international leaning hook appears in what is expected to sit firmly within Afrobeat rap. The question is valid but the boldness is also part of the charm.

Thematically the song explores the playful dance between flirtation and love inside the spirited atmosphere of Lagos. It is the kind of track that fits perfectly on a slow Sunday evening drive from Lekki down to Epe while you approach Sol Beach and watch the nightlife stretch its arms. Orex and Corizo take charge for a solid stretch of the track delivering steady rap verses that paint clearer pictures for the listener. Their lyrics revolve around a girl that was never supposed to take up emotional space in their minds but somehow still holds them hostage. The rap delivery is solemn and unforced. No shouting. No excessive punch. Just clean wordplay and rhymes that sit comfortably and soft back up vocals that help the verses land gently.

Nelson eventually re-enters the song with a melodious hook that lifts the energy again. He also introduces trumpet elements that create a live feel and give the track a mood that listeners can follow naturally. The production is built around soft 808 patterns and controlled kicks which give enough room for the rap to breathe while still aligning with the rhythm of the hook. The blend shows a producer who understands both space and texture.

The major weakness of the track lies in the repetition of the hook. It appears about four to five times which is quite heavy and begins to stretch the ear. This space could have carried extra lyrical depth or at least a short bridge to provide more narrative movement. The hook is sweet but too much sweetness can turn into sugar rush

Another critique that mirrors a common issue in Afrobeat rap songs is the slight imbalance between vocal clarity and instrumental brightness. At certain points, the instrumental colour, especially the trumpet layer, overshadows the rap delivery. Nigerian listeners like to hear every bar clearly when artists like Orex and Corizo step forward because their strength lies in the nuance of their words. A small adjustment in the mix would have improved the emotional punch of the verses.

Overall the track deviates from the expected brand of both artists especially Corizo who is popularly associated with tough and gritty rap. Nelson Fasadeju emerges as the clear architect of this new sonic direction. He has become a kind of style curator and vibe shifter who understands how to move artists outside their regular comfort zones. It reinforces the long standing belief that producers hold a central and often underestimated role in shaping the identity of a song.

Body Count is not a perfect record but it is a bold and thoughtful piece of work that shows both artistic growth and creative risk-taking. It stands as a testament to the evolving soundscape of Nigerian rap and to the rising influence of producers like Nelson Fasadeju who continue to stretch the boundaries of what the genre can become.