17th June, 2024
By Emmanuel Daraloye
Saxophone continues to be an integral part of gospel music, artistes have explored it to their own benefit, it amplifies the message, serenades the listeners and in a way makes such a record standout. I have been listening to a lot of Nigeria Gospel since the beginning of the year. I continue to spot this trend, while some of the songs pristenly capture the sax essence, others come off so off that you wonder if an A&R was ever employed to supervise such a creative work of art.
Yesterday, I listened to the new record by Dhannyjazz, he titled the new song “Hossana.” In the two minutes, fifty one second long song, the singer, songwriter and saxophonist explore Yoruba and English Language to praise God. It’s profusely filled with endearing words with the singer reminiscing about the hard time he faced in the course of life journey.
A mid tempo guitar strings kicks off the song as he start with Yoruba Language “Aiye mi fiyin fun oh, iwo toh shanu mi,” he kicks off his song, this is quickly followed by English word, more like a subtle of what he sang in the previous two lines. While at this, the sonorous back up singers enliven his end rhyme, they also add some flavour to the song.
By the time the chorus of the song comes up, the song was already at it peak point, the saxophone solo lead the way into the second verse of the song, English filled lyrical voyage that shine light on the plight of the singer. It is a neat vocal flit that keep getting help from the backup singers. The production remains percussive as Dhannyjazz continues to switch between language, flow pattern and instrumental pattern. It just show the sonic dexterity of the singer.
Being an instrumentalist and later an artiste is something that comes with it artistic advantage, such a fellow tend to understand the art of music making more, he or she becomes more calculative in its sonic experimentations, these and many more comes to play with Dhannyjazz, this particular song gives him the opportunity to bring everything to bear. His years of playing at surprise birthday, shows, gospel concert are brought to feature on “Hossana,” while the song or part of the lyrics might have been heard in some of the gospel music around however the vocal inflection, sonic range and dexterity of Dhannyjazz makes this song more appealing to the audience.
Dhannyjazz is slowly making his name known in the Nigerian music industry, the pacing is at when he wants however the skill, talent, perseverance and work ethics are noticeable, these and many more would take him to the top of the ladder of Nigeria music success, later in future.