What happened to PLAYAZ?

Remember back in 2019, there was nothing more talked about in Lagos than Playaz, an afro-pop duo composed of Gabana Playaz (Isaac Erhunse Obasuyi) and Lynox Playaz (Adindu Linus Nnamdi). The duo took the music industry by storm with a track dubbed “Mad Oh.” The track did not only gained popularity; it became slang. Everyone, from party attendees to social media users, used it in their social media posts, comments, and even in real life. The duo’s music took the industry by storm, such that for a brief period, Playaz looked like the next big thing in the music industry, an achievement only a handful of new artists have been able to accomplish.

Although the duo is new, each of the Playaz artists has been behind the scenes for years, writing songs, producing music, and even performing. The duo’s experience behind the scenes meant that they did not just get lucky; they have the skills to come up with catchy music and beats that can get anyone moving, whether you like it or not. The duo’s music is a mix of afrobeat, pop, and club music, which is why their track “Mad Oh” is catchy music that gets stuck in your mind even if you do not like it.
After the duo’s breakthrough with the track “Mad Oh,” Playaz released another track dubbed “Show Dem” and announced an EP dubbed PlaySound, which comprises songs such as “I Wonder,” “Colour,” and “Fenty.” The duo even released a remix of the track “Mad Oh” featuring Zlatan Ibile. The duo looked like the next big thing in the Nigerian music industry, especially in the afrobeat genre.

However, this attention did not last for too long. There were no major releases or breakthroughs for them after 2020 that drew the same level of attention as “Mad Oh” or PlaySound. Social media engagement for the duo also slowed down to a near-halt. There was no announcement of a break-up or a feud, but it seemed like Playaz simply faded away.

The question on everyone’s mind is, did the duo simply run out of ideas? Was the attention simply too much? Perhaps, but the truth is a little simpler. It seems that both Gabana and Lynox decided to explore music outside of the duo, utilizing their individual talents instead of the duo brand. It is not exactly a scandal, but it is certainly a change.

Lynox, for instance, had already received accolades for his work as a solo artist before Playaz. In 2020, he won the City People Entertainment Music Award for Outstanding New Artist. He also received a nomination for Revelation of the Year, competing with other artists such as Cheque, Buju, and Bella Shmurda. It is safe to say that Lynox is no stranger to the spotlight, and it seems that his return to the music scene as a solo artist is simply a continuation of his previous work.

Gabana, too, has continued to release music, collaborating with other artists to produce tracks that showcase his style. Both artists have not disappeared from the music scene, but it seems that they have become more focused on their individual work, resulting in the Playaz brand losing some of its luster.

The transition also serves to point out the common occurrence in music markets that are highly dynamic: going viral is not always synonymous with achieving dominance. Playaz certainly caught lightning in a bottle with “Mad Oh,” but the Afrobeats music market is highly dynamic, and going viral is not always synonymous with achieving dominance. In the case of Playaz, it appears that the duo made a transition without fanfare.

Despite this, their early work remains iconic. “Mad Oh” was a defining moment in culture, and their songs under PlaySound continue to feature in conversations and playlists. It was never about achieving mainstream success; it was about leaving a mark and a catchphrase in the psyche of Nigerian popular culture.

For those who were keenly aware of their activities, their live shows were electric. For those who were privy to their interviews from their early days, their chemistry was palpable. Gabana was laid-back and melodic, and this was complemented by Lynox’s melodic style. Their appeal was organic and stemmed from their years of making music together and from their apparent joy at making it. However, as their solo careers started taking off, the duo became a footnote in history. If anyone mentions “Playaz” today, it is only in relation to their brief stint in 2019 and 2020, when Lagos and, by extension, Nigerians were singing “Mad Oh” at every opportunity. The duo has become a memory and a catchphrase rather than a contemporary entity. It is not as if either artist has fallen off. Lynox’s solo work continues to pick up traction, and this shows that he was able to sustain his career as a solo act. Gabana has been experimenting with collaborations and features, keeping his foot in the door as he explores his own creativity.

What’s interesting, though, is how organic it all seemed. There were no announcements, no fanfare, no hints of a breakup between the two. It was simply a progression into individual work. In fact, this shows that not all fades are dramatic, as sometimes you simply follow your own path.

In retrospect, Playaz’s story is one we’ve all heard before: two talented artists rise to viral fame, leave a lasting impression with a catchy tune and catchphrase, and eventually progress into individual work. The hype was real, and the music was catchy. The duo’s contributions were not forgotten, even if new material is not forthcoming.

And while it would be wonderful to envision a reunion between Playaz at some point in the near future, the fact of the matter is that they’re each doing their own thing, and the world of music continues to turn. The fact of the matter is that while Playaz may not be at the forefront anymore, their contributions were a fleeting, catchy phenomenon that not many artists get to experience, at least not on their first go.

Though not as active as they used to be, songs like “Mad Oh” continue to appear on people’s playlists, reminding everyone that Playaz were a part of something playful, witty, and of the moment. In fact, their early days were marked by a combination of all of these elements that made it feel like a foregone conclusion that they would be huge and that their contributions would be memorable. So, if you ever hear someone casually throw around the phrase “Mad Oh” while walking down the streets of Lagos, know that this phrase has its roots in the brief but shining moment that Gabana and Lynox experienced while they were a part of the Afrobeats scene.

The story of Playaz, therefore, is not one of a tragic fall, a breakup, or a bitter ending. The story of Playaz is one of timing, cultural context, and the unpredictability of music trends. The duo had their moment, they shone bright, and they moved on – not with a bang, but with a gentle fade that allowed both Gabana and Lynox to go their separate creative ways.

And that’s about the extent of the story. Playaz are a part of music history for their infectious tunes, their viral phraseology, and their moment within the context of Nigerian music. The duo may not be making the news anymore, but they are a reminder that sometimes, a moment can have a lasting impact.