In March, Young Jonn released his body of work as a singer after signing with Chocolate City. The five-track EP ‘Love Is Not Enough’ is a collection of Afrofusion tracks that address matters of the heart. Off that project, “Dada” blew up, raising his profile in the catalogue of Nigerian producers turned artists: Maleek Berry, Kiddominant, Killertunes and Pheelz. Alongside showcasing his artist chops, he also produced some of the songs on that EP while inviting other producers to shape his sound.

Seven months later, Young Jonn returns with ‘Love Is Not Enough (Vol. 2),’ which he tags on Apple Music as “a further exploration of love’s highs and heartaches.” One song longer than the previous EP, Young Jonn uses the new project to push his brand of love-themed Afro-fusion music. Weeks after the release of ‘Love Is Not Enough,’ Young Jonn tapped Nigerian superstar Davido for the remix of “Dada,” where the latter brings his 30BG-tuned interpretation of love, singing, “I no dey fear billing.” On ‘Love Is Not Enough (Vol. 2),’ this track finds a new home.

During his days as a music producer under Olamide’s YBNL, Young Jonn was responsible for a good number of hit songs in Nigeria. From Olamide’s “Story for the Gods” and “Bobo” to Lil Kesh’s “Shoki” and “Efejoku” to Kizz Daniel’s “Mama,” Young Jonn’s handprints on contemporary Nigerian music are indelible. Despite his successes, he has fearlessly begun a new journey, eager to prove himself as a competent artist. Recently, he scored his first my first solo No.1 record with “Xtra Cool” on Apple Music’s Top 100 songs in Nigeria.

Released last month, “Xtra Cool” also finds its way into ‘Love Is Not Enough (Vol. 2).’ Over Reward Beatz’s upbeat production, which infuses elements of Amapiano, Young Jonn spills his feelings toward a lover. “You know I love you but I’m always on the road,” he sings. Despite his busy schedule, he acknowledges that his woman has a special place in his life. For him, distance doesn’t reduce his affection for her as he sings, “Omo, your ringing tone no wan comot for my head.”

“Xtra Cool” isn’t the only previously released song to reappear on the new project. “Normally” and “Next To You” featuring American R&B singer Vedo make a comeback from the first EP. The only explanation for this could be that Young Jonn feels those tracks deserve longer shelf life. The Afrobeats and Amapiano perfection that Young Jonn, MagicSticks and Niphkeys achieve on “Normally” is ever-present. It is the same on “Next To You” as Young Jonn pushes the track into Amapiano territory as Vedo provides a soothing verse.

“Sokoto” and “If You Leave” are the newest songs on the EP. The former revolves between the romantic and the sensual as Young Jonn praises a lover. “I wanna take a good look at you/Wanna love you times two/Ah every likkle thing you do/Make me wanna dey your body like tattoo,” he sings. Using the popular Nigerian play on words of Sokoto (a state in the country) and shokoto (a Yoruba word for trousers), he sings about needing no one else besides his lover because she has everything he wants. Producer Sochee offers Young Jonn a mid-tempo vibe for him to float in and out.

 

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Young Jonn and Reward Beatz seek inspiration from South Africa’s House music on “If You Leave” as the heavy bass drums merge seamlessly into the log drums of Amapiano. On the song, Young Jonn pleads with a lover not to ever leave his side. “I don’t believe in love but I dey gbadu your company,” he sings, highlighting his vulnerability as he reckons to lose her might mean the end of his hope of finding love again. It is an honest interpretation of some of the complexities that accompany romantic attachments.

‘Love Is Not Enough (Vol. 2)’ is another step in the right direction for Young Jonn. With the success of his previous EP, this new one is a sign that he has cracked a working formula. Coupled with the backing of Chocolate City and his astounding talent as a producer, Young Jonn—the singer—will continue to reap benefits as he adds his voice to the rising chorus of Afropop stars.

Listen to ‘Love Is Not Enough (Vol. 2)’ below.

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