PHRV & Stephybeats Creates High Life Goodness on “Love Note”

Michael Chiedoziem Chukwudera

Afrobeats continue to grow sonically because it learns and borrows from itself to stay alive. Many subgenres within Afrobeats have caught new life because of this, and this sonic continuity cannot be achieved without the work of producers. Stephybeats, one of Nigeria’s best kept secrets in the world of music, has played his part in keeping the genre alive with his unique blend of old and new influences in his music. His collaborations highlight this fact; with his work on PHRV’s “Love Note” a perfect example of his talent and approach to production.

“Love Note” is a love song with a twist. Contemporary Afrobeats often borrows from R&B and Soul elements to create a shade of Afro R&B or Afro-soul, which has been successful over the years. However, with “Love Note”, Stephybeats borrows from the wealth of musicality of High Life, which he recreates to good effect. Sure, Afrobeats has left its mark as a flavour of World Music but has done so through foreign influences. “Love Note” feels like the soundtrack to a love story from Africa Magic, honoring the texture and feeling of a classic high life track. This gives the record a unique appeal that keeps the listener hooked for more.

This song has a drum foundation, but the drums used in this song have a different texture. To say they are more “African” would be vague but they are, especially with the pattern in which it is being played. The drum progressions have roots in worship sessions in African churches, especially those in Igbo culture. Stephybeats goes for a specific vibe that tows the line of PHRV’s Christian outlook. You can understand the synergy between producer and artist through this song and their previous collaborations, as Stephybeats has formed a habit of creating the exact canvas for PHRV to strut his stuff.

One thing that stands out with “Love Note” is the way the subject matter of love is presented. While it is a love song, it does not operate from the realm of lust, but instead from a perspective of a love ordained by God. PHRV is able to create a specific type of message due to Stephybeats’s deliberate selection of instruments and progressions. In truth, the instrumental could form the basis of a praise and worship session in an African church. This makes the instrumental stand out in a unique and specific way. Stephybeats, along with his mastery with the decks, demonstrates an understanding of his artist with his method of production. The nuance of creation goes beyond the computer work into an understanding of sound and feeling. His talent for this cannot be understated.

Teamwork makes the dream work. Stephybeats and PHRV continue to demonstrate this to a good extent, bringing out the best of each other. While there is always room to improve as artists, understanding your niche and your collaborators can change the landscape for producers like Stephybeats. As one of Nigerian music’s best kept secrets, there is a clear trajectory for growth for the promising producer who is sure to leave his mark on the industry sooner than we think.