Chinedum Ije’s Rise Up EP is a Soulful Sonic Fusion

By Emmanuel Daraloye

Rise Up, the August 2020 E.P. by Chinedu Akubuilo aka Chinedum Ije, delivers a refreshing blend of Afrobeats and reggae that tackles themes of hope, gratitude, celebration, betrayal, love, and forgiveness.

Through only four tracks, Chinedum conveys relatable stories and perspectives, creating an intimate connection with his listeners while highlighting his versatility and depth as an artist.

The E.P opens powerfully with Arise and Shine, a song that embodies the project’s message of resilience. This track sets the tone with gentle beats that blend well with Chinedum’s encouraging words. He emphasizes that life’s hardships are temporary, singing, “No matter what you’re passing through, remember that one day God will see you through. No condition is permanent.”

For listeners in need of motivation, Arise and Shine offers a reassuring reminder to persevere through tough times. It’s a poignant start, and the song’s optimism lays a solid foundation for the rest of the E.P.

The next track, Party Down, brings a shift in mood with its Afropop beat and celebratory lyrics. This lively song is all about dancing away one’s worries, encouraging listeners to celebrate life despite challenges. Party Down resonates with the core theme of the E.P .—to rise above struggles and embrace joy. Its rhythm and infectious energy can lift the spirits of anyone who listens, making it an essential addition to the project. Through this track, Chinedum demonstrates his skill in balancing introspection with uplifting vibes, showing that he can create music that is both meaningful and entertaining.

Shi Ge Ghe, the third track, returns to a slower, more reflective tone as Chinedum dives into the topic of betrayal. With this track, he takes on a somber, almost cautionary voice, urging listeners to be wary of false friends. The lyrics capture the sting of disloyalty and deception, warning, “Dem go wan pour sand for your garri. Dem go wan stab you for back. Dem go pretend like they love you but still wan kpai you.”

This song acts as an alert about the dangers of surrounding oneself with insincere people. Shi Ge Ghe adds depth to the E.P ., highlighting Chinedum’s ability to tackle difficult emotional truths in a way that resonates with his audience.

Closing the E.P . is Fallacy, a reggae-inspired track that explores themes of transformation and forgiveness. Chinedum sings about a woman who once dismissed him in his struggle but now seeks his attention in his success. In lines like “When I was broke, you call me monkey, but now that I’m making money, you’re calling me honey,” he captures the irony of this shift.

However, rather than focusing on resentment, Chinedum chooses to forgive, expressing a willingness to move past the past. This theme of grace and maturity adds a thoughtful finish to the E.P ., showing a more vulnerable side of the artist and his resolve to embrace forgiveness.

In just under twelve minutes, Rise Up manages to convey Chinedum Ije’s artistic vision and the unique stories he wants to share with his audience. Each track presents a fresh perspective, from the hopeful resilience of Arise and Shine to the carefree celebration of Party Down and the sobering warnings of Shi Ge Ghe. Together, they create a well-rounded narrative about life’s struggles, joys, and the power of forgiveness.

With Rise Up, Chinedum makes a strong case for his staying power in the Afrobeats scene. This E.P stands as both a musical journey and a testament to his growth, displaying his depth, resilience, and commitment to creating music with a message. Rise Up is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a statement of purpose, and it underscores Chinedum’s dedication to sharing music that speaks directly to the heart of his listeners.

Credits:
Track one “Arise and Shine” produced by Yehkpa, mixed and mastered by Okemasky.
Co-written by Rebecca Agede Ayabie aka Ayabecca, Chinedu Akubuilo.

Track two “Party down” produced by Yehkpa & Slimchi Beatz, mixed and mastered by Vighoo,

Co-written by Rebecca Agede Ayabie aka Ayabecca, Micheal Tari Davies, Chinedu Akubuilo.

Track three “Shi ge ghe” produced by Yehkpa, written by Chinedu Akubuilo, mixed and mastered by Whobaadblood.

Track four “Fallacy” produced by Yehkpa & Danny Bazuaye Beatz, written by Chinedu Akubuilo, mixed and mastered by B4umatrix.