Music continues to be a medium of connection to the soul and the heart of many people in society. Artists come up with styles and patterns through which they dish out their art, and we know from history that only a few of these artists are able to create something that is long lasting.
This article is a review of five songs of the musical artiste ‘Mikhi’. These songs are available on audiomack and they constitute an EP titled DE.MODE.M, which is the only body of work that the artiste has on the musical site as at when this article is being written. What are the qualities that a music which must be relevant to society should have? Does the art and sound of Mikhi possess any of these qualities, as well as portray social relevance? And where and in what part(s) of Mikhi’s artistry can we find these qualities? These are some of the questions that this article would be interrogating, in-criticism of the art and sound of the artiste.
It is important that any music that wants to attain posterity must involve itself with matters that are intransient. This is what Mikhi’s music appears to have pursued through, in the five songs that make-up the EP. The musical tracks talk about different subjects that can be understood vis-à-vis relatable scenarios or incidents that happen in life. From crisscrossing rap and singing with a notable confidence, Mikhi’s music contains themes and messages that are capable of contributing positively to the growth and development of his environment. The lyrics, and words are a part of the system through which the artiste propagates his thoughts and ideologies, consciously/unconsciously. From the interrogation of the lyrics of all the five songs, we can hear a honest conversation between a child and his parents, promising them of his success and their enjoyment. We can also hear an expression of a love for simplicity, contemporary vibes and most interestingly, love. These chosen themes are fundamental qualities that try to explain life, and therefore remain being discussed in continuum with a never ending relevance, because life can never be fully explained.
The sound of the music and the structure of the artiste rhythm is another place that one can look out for the signs of a socially relevant song. Mkihi’s sound is different and can be discussed individually in relation to other sounds. The difference of the music lies in the combination of the sound, the lyrics and the voice texture that the artiste uses to weave his delivery. His voice texture is a little above normal-flat, which makes us to think of an artiste that is relaxed in himself while he his creating his art. This relaxation and coordination is a trait that many artiste lack, and it is in fact an important requirement for every song that wants to be remembered forever to have. Life is an ocean filled with crushing waves, and it is this ‘relaxation and coordination’ that is able to help a song fight against the eroding powers of time. Songs that would be socially relevant have been known to have an unusual style, a signature that carves a space for the artiste in the general world of music. The sounds of Eminem, Jay- Z and J. Cole are examples of socially relevant music, that bring some audacious contribution to the general forum of music. It’s therefore no surprise that Mkihi counts Jay – Z and J. Cole as some of the personas that have inspired his musical journey so far.
Michael Iriale Ikhigbonoaremen a.k.a Mikhi, describes himself as an Indie Artiste. A creative mind that exists in independent form, unconnected to the capitalistic construct of being ‘signed’ in the music industry. He explains that the kind of music that he creates is genre-bending and genre-blending. This is why the sound that he keeps creating has been able to carve a niche for him, in the world of music. Truth be told, the unconventionality of the sound and the structure of rhythm that characterizes Mikhi’s art, cannot be overlooked. The way ‘Mihki’ twists the hooks and the tones of the verses in his songs, making them feel like conversations, has been able to break any possible categorization of his music. This is perhaps the reason why he explains that his music is genre-bending and genre-blending.
And so, it is important that we should discuss The art and sound of Mkihi, and by doing that, relate to the public our own opinion of the nature of the artiste music. It is good that the public should always be made aware of the things that can be of benefits to them. This is the first duty of any one that decides to do a job to the society. The knowledge that you are able to acquire in the course of doing the job, should be used for the good of the public. After a study of the five songs that constitute the EP of Mkihi, the public are made aware of the rare pleasure and knowledge that can be gained from listening to the artiste. This is a music creator whose projections can only be interpreted as a favorable one. The kind of prediction that can be made about very few artiste in the country and around the world. It is the knowledge, lessons and information that people can get from this artiste that should drive them to listen to his vibes. In the capitalistic world of today, the truth is rare and therefore artiste who create in the openness of their messages deserve to be appreciated. It is important that if we must listen to music, then we should listen to that which would enlighten us more. That is how we can learn things which can help us live a better life. And it is on this note, that I recommend Mhiki’s music to the public.
Follow Mikhi
Twitter & Instagram: @miiikhiNG
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