Seyi Vibez Kicks Off 2025 with Children of Africa EP, Staying True to His Street Roots
After parting ways with his former label, Dapper Music, in 2024, Seyi Vibez’s next move was always going to be a defining one. Would he continue his upward trajectory or stumble under the weight of independence? With his first release of 2025, the Children of Africa EP, Seyi Vibez answers that question emphatically.
While the EP dropped without prior notice, it wasn’t exactly surprising for fans familiar with his work ethic. Since breaking into the mainstream in 2022, Seyi Vibez has built a reputation for flooding the market with successive projects, ensuring his presence is never far from the conversation.
Switching labels in Nigerian music has often been a gamble, sometimes derailing an artist’s career. However, for a star like Seyi Vibez—whose talent, street credibility, and devoted fanbase set him apart—such a move feels more like a rite of passage than a risk.
A Return to His Core Audience
Having made a decisive career shift, Seyi Vibez needed to reassure his core audience—the streets—that he remains their voice. He does exactly that with an EP that stays true to his signature style while subtly exploring new sonic possibilities.
Seyi Vibez’s artistry is rooted in Indigenous Yoruba musicality and shaped by inner-city struggles. On Children of Africa, he delivers tracks that celebrate ambition, reflect on success, and explore the ever-evolving soundscape of Nigerian music.
The Apala-infused Mario Kart is a prime example of his signature style—boasting about jewelry, fast cars, and sold-out shows while acknowledging divine favor. His swaggering flow, female and children’s backup vocals, and streetwise references make it a quintessential Seyi Vibez record.
On Macho, he taps American Trap star NLE Choppa for a hip-hop crossover moment, sing-rapping about overcoming detractors. This track showcases his expanding global ambitions while maintaining his signature style.
The boldest display of ambition, however, comes on Shaolin, an uptempo track that sees Seyi Vibez confidently embracing his success and street status. The song hints at his willingness to ride the wave of emerging trends, much like he did with his breakout hit Chance, which mirrored Asake’s Organise during the 2022 Amapiano-dominated era.
A Strategic Sonic Move
Seyi Vibez’s lyrics on Mario Kart—“Afrobeats to di pangolo, whatever it’s ki e mi sa lo wo” (meaning “whatever may be the dominant Afrobeats sound, I just want to make money”)—reveal his mindset. While he may not be leading the next sonic evolution in Afrobeats, he is more than willing to adapt and ensure he remains relevant.
This adaptability is evident on Shaolin, where he leans into the uptempo “mara” street music currently shaping Nigerian pop, similar to the energy that defined Rema’s HEIS album.
Seyi Vibez understands that longevity in the industry requires staying in touch with the streets while evolving with mainstream trends. He may not be at the forefront of Afrobeats’ next big wave, but his ability to capture the pulse of the streets ensures he will always be a major player in the movement.
Children of Africa EP Rating: 7.5/10
Breakdown:
✅ Album Sequencing: 1.5/2
✅ Songwriting, Themes, and Delivery: 1.4/2
✅ Production: 1.6/2
✅ Enjoyability and Satisfaction: 1.5/2
✅ Execution: 1.5/2
Final Verdict: Victory (7.5/10)—A strong showing from Seyi Vibez that reaffirms his place as a street favorite while signaling his openness to new sonic directions.
