Fola and Picazo’s “Beholder” thrives under BBeatz’s Sonic infusion

By Odion E. Okonofua

“Beholder” by FOLA featuring Picazo is a song that merges Afro-pop sensibilities with emotionally charged lyricism, giving us a smooth yet intense portrayal of love and longing. Featuring FOLA, a rising star in the Afro-pop scene, and Picazo, a former YBNL signee, the track is also a testament to the production skills of BBeatz, whose imprint on the song is undeniably crucial to its overall appeal.

FOLA, the lead artist on “Beholder,” has already begun making waves in the Afro-pop world. His signature vocal style, combined with his charm, makes him an easy favorite for fans—especially among the ladies. Known for his lyrical dexterity, FOLA uses wordplay and subtle innuendos throughout the track, maintaining a balance between romantic affection and witty humor. His verse, particularly the line, “I go put you on a new new level, I no even touch you ‘cuz I wan enter heaven,” illustrates how he’s able to convey intimacy without crossing boundaries, a clever move in today’s Afro-pop scene where explicit content can easily dominate.

Picazo, meanwhile, adds a melodic richness to the song. However, he primarily sticks to the hook and chorus, emphasizing the phrase “You be my beholder” with so much emotion that you can’t help but feel the depth of his longing. While Picazo’s contribution is heartfelt, his role in the song could have been expanded. Giving him a full verse would have added depth to his character’s perspective, balancing the story that FOLA presents.

The real star behind “Beholder” is BBeatz, the mastermind producer who co-wrote the track and added a unique musical flair that elevates the song from standard Afro-pop fare to something truly special. From the very beginning, BBeatz’s touch is clear. The song starts with a hook, delivered by BBeatz herself, singing, “Baby. Hold, Baby hold, behold, baby hold.” Her smooth, melodic vocals combined with the understated piano and subtle bassline set the tone for what is to come: a flirtatious and emotionally resonant tale of desire.

BBeatz’s production is tight, maintaining simplicity while creating layers of sound that keep the listener engaged. The subtle use of live instrumentation, particularly the piano and bassline, adds a sophistication to the track, allowing FOLA and Picazo’s voices to take center stage without overwhelming them. The clean mix is another standout aspect, with every element—vocals, instruments, and effects—blending seamlessly into a polished final product.

 However, the true genius of BBeatz’s production lies in her ability to create an intimate yet expansive soundscape. Her careful balance between minimalism and melodic richness ensures that the song has commercial appeal while retaining artistic integrity. The intro and outro, where BBeatz’s melodic lines return, bring the song full circle, adding a distinctive signature that sets it apart from many Afrobeat tracks currently dominating the airwaves.

While “Beholder” is a well-constructed song with infectious melodies, it’s not without its drawbacks. The song’s main critique lies in the imbalance of the verses. FOLA dominates the lyrical storytelling, elaborating on the “beholder” with vivid imagery and playful wordplay. Meanwhile, Picazo is relegated to the hook and chorus, merely repeating the line “You be my beholder” without adding much narrative depth.

One could argue that giving Picazo a full verse would have provided a richer contrast to FOLA’s perspective and added complexity to the love story. This decision, or lack thereof, might be attributed to the fact that the song was co-written by BBeatz and FOLA, potentially leaving less space for Picazo to contribute his own lyrical flair. Still, despite this limitation, the song’s emotional depth remains intact, thanks to the evocative production and strong vocal performances.

“Beholder” stands out in the Afro-pop genre due to its subtle yet powerful production, clean mix, and strong vocal performances. BBeatz’s role as both producer and co-writer cannot be overstated—her vocal contributions, arrangement skills, and the high-quality production elevate the song to a level that makes it both radio-friendly and artistically fulfilling. While the song could have benefitted from a more balanced distribution of lyrical duties, particularly by giving Picazo a verse, it remains a solid hit that showcases the potential of all three artists involved.

Ultimately, Beholder is a track that leaves an impression, not just for its catchy hook and smooth melodies but also for its unique production style. BBeatz’s craftsmanship, particularly in the vocal layering and overall sonic aesthetic, ensures that this song resonates with listeners long after it ends, promising it a lasting place in the Afro-pop scene.