Award-winning artiste Mr. Eazi has taken his fans on an exhilarating journey through the realms of African music and contemporary visual art with the first-of-its-kind fusion of contemporary African art and music.
The multi-sensory experience unfolded at the prestigious Gallery 1957, nestled inside the opulent Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast & Galleria Mall. This captivating fusion, titled “The Evil Genius’ collection” marks a historic convergence of music and art that promises to redefine artistic boundaries.
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Mr. Eazi, renowned for his unique blend of Afrobeats and global sounds, has commissioned 16 exceptional pieces of art, each intricately connected to tracks from his forthcoming album, also titled “The Evil Genius.”
This ambitious project brings together a diverse ensemble of artists hailing from eight African nations, each contributing their distinct perspectives and techniques. The result is a breathtaking collection that serves as a resounding testament to the boundless creativity and innovation emanating from the African continent.
The album, ‘The Evil Genius,’ scheduled for release on 27th October, bears deep-rooted personal significance for Mr. Eazi.
In a candid conversation with yfmghana.com, the artiste shed light on the inspiration behind the project. He revealed, “Everyone of us has in us the desire to be accepted and seen as good, but when people say something about us that’s not good, it hurts so much. You start to fight this narrative, but it hit me that this album is me fighting the ‘people pleaser’ in me, and accepting that image.”
He continued, “So working on this album, I accepted myself for who I am and asked what’s the worst thought people have about me? Exactly, it’s me being an evil genius. So for me, by the time you listen to this project from beginning to end, you will have met ‘The Evil Genius.’ Then I have achieved my goal for the project.”
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The inclusion of visual art in this project serves as a vital component. Mr. Eazi stated, “I curated these authentic and inspiring arts together with amazing artists across the continent because, for me, art is the completing part of the project. The art is the visual representation of what you’re hearing, from the sounds to the visuals.”
During an exclusive listening session for the album, Mr. Eazi took his audience on a compelling journey through ‘The Evil Genius.’ The first part of the album delves into profound reflections on family, life advice, beginnings, and endings, as well as defying societal pressures.
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The sixth track, “Panadol,” introduces a contrasting theme, delving into the realm of love and intimacy. The album’s later stages express gratitude to a higher power, acknowledge the sacrifices of fathers, critique the harsh realities of societal systems and celebrate the vibrancy of nightlife.
Mr. Eazi’s ‘The Evil Genius’ is poised to be a groundbreaking release, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and showcasing the richness of African talent. This visionary fusion of music and art will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, inviting fans to embark on a journey of self-acceptance and artistic exploration.
By: Jude Tackie // @KobbyLavish
