Davina Oriakhi has come a long, long way since she recorded her first song, honing her craft, perfecting her sound and imbibing the expansive experiences needed to effect transformative songwriting. It seems that Oriakhi is finally ready to make her name in the Nigerian music industry with a new era of music and an EP that showcases her best song writing yet, dropping “Silence Father Have Mercy” earlier in April to great critical feedback. She isn’t letting us get too comfortable though, because she’s already put out a follow up single “F.S.L.S”. 

Seek truth my dear, I say it one time for you to hear

This is the rousing call that Oriakhi starts her new single with, a real inspirational bop, echoing many of the Black female greats like India Arie and Jill Scott, foregoing songs with more lucrative subject matters, and choosing instead, to explore ideas of self worth. Oriakhi gives some of her best vocal work on this song too, her notes sure, crisply taking charge of the song’s single percussion and guitar solo that seems to exist as a non-verbal, complementary bassist. Oriakhi even references Beyonce’s Lemonade taking a phrase from Warsan Shire’s poetry, and pronouncing the phrase in such a way that it stays a hidden gem that only true fans of the album and genre will immediately recognize. Them and journalists.

Two excellent songs back to back almost seems like a fluke, but we are all for it continuing. If the new music continues to grow in creative dexterity and diligence, then it will be life affirming and we appreciate that.

Listen to “F.S.L.S” here.

Get all four songs off Nonso Amadi and Odunsi’s ‘War’ EP here