When he was a young boy, Nigerian singer and songwriter, TAR1Q had lived in over four states in his home country. Sharing with the NATIVE, a few weeks after his debut EP’s release, the singer admits, “Growing up for me wasn’t the smoothest. I was born in Benin City, moved to Lagos, moved to Delta state then I moved back to Lagos again to finish up my school and then college a whole lot of movements with less time to settle down properly.”

While he never settled down in any of the places his family moved, he would turn to music instead, in those confusing times to uplift him from the funk of constantly moving. TAR1Q tells me that he was fond of writing songs he would hear over the radio station and then, rehearsing them until the words completely stuck. Soon after, he began writing his own original lyrics and ghost-writing for friends and colleagues, leading him to fall deeper in love with his craft.

 

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Raised on a musical diet of a diverse range of artists such as Frank Ocean, Ed Sheeran, K1 De Ultimate, Chris Brown and more, Tariq Oluokun, known widely as TAR1Q, is now making music that heals and uplifts his audiences in need of aural healing. Although TAR1Q was unveiled only a few days ago by NuTrybe — a development academy under Chocolate City Music as their first signee, he has been recording music for a year behind the scenes, studying the tactics of the game, as well as carefully crafting his sound.

Barely two years after graduating from the academy, the singer has amassed over 60 records under his belt, mastering his craft, and shaping it into what listeners are hearing today. His ecletic musical style, endlessly pushes the pocket and expands his range across a fusion of sounds such as Afropop, Hip-Hop and classic R&B and more. When I asked the singer about what informs his music and its themes, he shares with me, saying “It’s how I feel at that moment, how the room feels, what’s in my head. My music is completely in tune with how I feel. I ask myself what strand of me am I taking out to make it? How am I trying to make people feel when they hear it? These are the sort of things that inspire the music I make.”

A week ago, TAR1Q arrived with his debut EP ‘Son Of The Moon,’ a 5-tracker that spans topics and moods such as love and its complications, mental health and dealing with insecurities, becoming, money and fame. The debut project helps listeners understand the singer’s journey so far, told through anecdotes and relatable storytelling. Over the project’s 15-minute runtime, TAR1Q makes a case for his artistry by showing off his well defined vocals and his bold presence on each record.

‘Son Of The Moon,’ opens with the earworm track, “Emotions.” The catchy number finds the artist in a state of confusion as he tries to make sense of his feelings for two women at the same time. He opens the record, chanting the lyrics “this is illogical, I dey attached to different women, the show me different pattern” over the mid-tempo BMH production. While crooning about his romantic woes, he draws lyrical inspiration from the OG heartbreaker anthem, “Two Women” by Tony Tetuila.

On “Bad Intentions,” TARIQ casts clear statements about where he is able to go sonically. Over the catchy production, the singer serenades his muse with reassurance of his love for her and his willingness to go above and beyond to make her happy. He sings, “Girl I need one dance but it takes two to tango/I no be that kind boy we go give you love wey get plenty comma,” fusing sweet words with catchy and relatable pidgin. Across the EP, TAR1Q breathes a new and different life into each song, making each song a standout in its own right and imbuing the project with a level of cohesiveness.

 

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On the record “Be Mine” which features guest verses from Blaqbonez & Ria Sean, the artist draws inspiration from the song’s title to deliver another love song, this time with more salacious requests. With lyrics such as “I’m in the mood tonight, I’m feeling you tonight/Come in that big T-shirt or that snipping dress make we moan tonight/I want you be mine tonight,” the singer lets his intentions known with no hesitation. The track is bolstered by the incredible vocals of Ria Sean who adds her soulful distinct touch and rapper, Blaqbonez who delivers a memorable verse.

The project rounds out with the record “Dear Insecurities,” a more personal and honest record. Opening with violin strings, he sings “I never knew that sacrifice and fear will be heavy load, conversations with my demons happening on the go/My past no go define my future, I’m the son of the father oh,” delivering to listeners a piece of his inner self. Since the EP’s release, TAR1Q has gone on to dominate recent Afropop conversations, including amassing over 1 million streams across all platforms and earning a spot on Audiomack’s Most Streamed New Albums last week.

‘Son Of The Moon’ is a firm effort by an artist who’s ready to begin a long musical journey. As a newcomer in the music scene, TAR1Q’s debut EP is a clear indication of a stellar vocalist with an unquestionable voice, instantly commanding listeners’ attention. The topics on ‘Son Of The Moon’ may be dynamic but the project never feels restless.

Listen to ‘Son Of The Moon’ below

Featured Image Credits/Courtesy of the artist