If you’re yet to discover Echezona, then prepare for a lively reintroduction to a Boston-based vocalist and lyricist whose artistry transcends borders and genres. Released on April 22, 2025, Ényì is a heartfelt narrative that blends African heritage, vulnerability, and universal themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery. Partnering with producer and composer JPRiZM, Echezona offers a collection of nine intimate and refreshingly expansive songs that invites listeners on a deep musical journey about celebration and reflection.
The opener “Amazing” sets the tone with sun-kissed rhythms and a message of empowerment. A celebration of women, particularly African women, this track pays homage to strength, grace, and independence. With every name he sings; “Obiamaka, Ifunanya, Chinemelum…”—Echezona honors and uplifts, wrapping affirmation in grooves that feel like sunlight on skin.
That emotional generosity continues in “Truthfully,” a standout track that peels back layers of pride to reveal raw honesty in love. “If I’m too good to be true, I must be a pretender,” Echezona sings, giving voice to the fear and skepticism that often haunt modern relationships. This song is not only confessional—it’s brave. With Afrobeat undercurrents and lyrical vulnerability, “Truthfully” feels like an open letter to love itself, both doubtful and hopeful.
Where “Truthfully” questions love, “Rare” mourns its loss. This track to me, is perhaps the album’s most poetic expression of heartbreak—a bittersweet farewell tinged with self-respect. “My love is rare,” Echezona asserts, not in arrogance, but in quiet understanding of his worth. The emotional weight is enhanced by Igbo phrases and minimalistic production, letting the sentiment ring clear.
On “Flaws,” Echezona delivers one of his empathetic performances; n ode to imperfection that celebrates human resilience. With gentle percussion and a stripped-down arrangement, this track invites us to lay down judgment and pick up compassion. It’s a reminder true love sees beyond the blemishes.
Just as he can console, Echezona also empowers. “Stick Around” is a sparkling Afro-pop anthem that encourages self-worth and the courage to walk away. With infectious chants like “Let’s get jiggy jiggy jiggy,” balanced against sage advice, the track is at the same time playful and deep. It’s one of those rare songs that made me want to dance and heal at the same time.
That duality is a running theme throughout Ényì. “Evolve” captures love not as a static feeling but as a catalyst for personal growth. With lines like “If I’m late to the party, I’ll study your moves,” Echezona opens a window into the humility of learning to love better, to be better. His trilingual delivery adds cultural weight, while the soft instrumentation allows the intimacy to breathe.
“High Time” continues this thread, calling for honesty and emotional self-repair. “It’s high time that we heal,” he declares, not just as an artist but as a fellow human being yearning for release. Here, Echezona taps into spiritual strength, infusing his message with urgency and calm resolve.
On “Wetin De Happen?,” he returns to the fragility of love—this time grappling with miscommunication and uncertainty. It’s a pleading, vulnerable moment in the album where cultural expression takes center stage. With lyrics in Igbo and Pidgin, the track becomes a deeply personal ballad that transcends language through feeling.
The closer, “Locked In,” is a cool, confident affirmation of loyalty and focus. The track’s smooth groove and laid-back swagger make it the perfect closer—an exhale after emotional highs and lows, a final statement of clarity and commitment. “They don’t know that it’s all part of our story,” he says, offering a reminder that love, like life, is rarely simple but always worth it.
To me, “Ényì” is a cultural offering, a journal of the soul, and a masterclass in storytelling through music. Echezona and JPRiZM have created something rare: a collection of songs that feel just as good as they sound. Each track is carefully layered, not just in sound but in sentiment, grounded in African identity while embracing a universal spirit. So, if you are seeking music that honors tradition while speaking honestly to the complexities of love, identity, and healing, this album is a luminous, soulful beacon. It’s not just a listening experience but an invitation to feel, grow, and celebrate the rare beauty within us all.
Listen to the “Ényì” album on Spotify
You can follow Echezona here for more information.
