Mr Eazi Unveils “The Evil Genius” Album with a Unique Blend of Music and Art

Recorded across multiple countries, Mr Eazi’s latest album, “The Evil Genius,” explores personal themes, supported by an impressive lineup of guest features and diverse producers. The artist also dives into the world of fine art, creating a unique fusion of African music and visual art.*

In a musical journey that spanned across borders and touched on deeply personal themes, Mr Eazi has released his highly-anticipated album, “The Evil Genius.” With a unique blend of music and art, this project is set to be a groundbreaking release in the world of contemporary African music.

Recorded between the picturesque settings of Ouidah and Cotonou in Benin, Kigali in Rwanda, Accra and Kokrobite in Ghana, Lagos in Nigeria, and major global cities like London, Los Angeles, and New York City, “The Evil Genius” features some of Mr Eazi’s most personal work to date. The album delves into topics such as love, betrayal, loneliness, and family, and it is expressed through three distinctive acts.

What makes this album even more exciting is the star-studded guest list. Angelique Kidjo from Benin, Tekno, Efya, Whoisakin, and Joeboy from Nigeria, and the renowned Soweto Gospel Choir all make appearances on the project. The diversity of talent highlights the international nature of Mr Eazi’s music and its ability to connect with audiences around the world.

Behind the scenes, an impressive array of producers worked on the album, including Kel-P from Nigeria, Knucks from the UK, Michael Brun from Haiti, M.O.G Beatz from Ghana, and many others. This collaborative effort has resulted in a diverse and rich musical landscape.

But “The Evil Genius” doesn’t stop at the audio experience. In a pioneering move, Mr Eazi commissioned visual artists from various African countries to create unique physical art pieces that represent each of the album’s 16 tracks. Recognizing the lack of meaningful collaboration between Africa’s booming pop music scene and the continent’s fine art creators, Mr Eazi personally selected 13 artists from eight African countries. This addition of art curator and patron to his extensive resume showcases Mr Eazi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of his creative pursuits.

To accompany the release of the album, Mr Eazi has been hosting multi-sensory exhibition listening experiences, inviting the public to immerse themselves in the music alongside the art. The first two events took place in Accra, Ghana, and London, where it was a part of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. More exhibition locations are set to be announced shortly, promising to bring this innovative fusion of music and art to a global audience.

Notably, the album’s cover art was a result of collaboration with celebrated Nigerian stylist, designer, and photographer Daniel Obasi, known for his work with Beyoncé and Louis Vuitton. This collaboration underscores the album’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and aesthetics.

“The Evil Genius” culminates with “Exit,” the final track and the centerpiece of the project. Conceived during a tumultuous period, “Exit” represents one of Mr Eazi’s most personal and introspective songs, beautifully enhanced by a powerful choral arrangement from the Soweto Gospel Choir. The song’s infectious production from Nigerian beatmaker Kel-P, known for working with Burna Boy and Wizkid, creates a memorable sonic backdrop.

In the words of Mr Eazi, “‘Exit’ is a song of disappointment and thankfulness.” It reflects his journey through the music business, feelings of betrayal by friends, and, amidst all the disappointments, a profound sense of gratitude.

The accompanying music video for “Exit” is set against the breathtaking backdrop of South Africa’s Drakensberg, the world’s oldest mountain range, and was directed by Allison Swank Owen. It perfectly captures the song’s spiritual theme, offering heavenly visuals that match the profound emotions of the music.

The album’s cover artwork for “Exit” was created by Samuel Tete-Katchen, a Togolese painter based in Accra, Ghana. His piece, titled “You Prepare a Table Before Me,” draws inspiration from DaVinci’s “The Last Supper” and beautifully reflects the spiritual essence of the song. Tete-Katchen shared that he felt a deep spiritual connection with the song and aimed to depict a king humbly serving those blessed by God, surrounded by his brotherhood. This powerful image captures the themes of gratitude and betrayal that are central to “Exit.”

With “The Evil Genius,” Mr Eazi has not only crafted a remarkable musical journey but has also broken new ground by seamlessly blending music and fine art. The album showcases the depth and diversity of African creativity and marks another milestone in Mr Eazi’s ever-evolving career.