written by Oluwatise Benson

Ọlawale “Ọlọfọrọ” Ibrahim Ashimi, also known as Brymo is an enigmatic and sometimes controversial Nigerian singer and songwriter who does not shy away from passing societal, political comments, and also expressing human emotions through his music. With the birth of “Klĭtôrĭs” (a greek word for ‘key’) brymo delivers thought provoking collection of songs that criticizes society and also talks about love, lust with raw poetics and honest lyricism.

The album was released on the 9th of May, 2016 and it caused a bit of stir due to its album cover and title but in an interview, he called the album a key to a certain door he’s been trying to open and said the album art “is just art.”

The opening song, “Naked” featuring his girlfriend and mother of his child Esse, talks about the kind of love that consumes everything in its path leaving nothing behind, which also sets the tone for the album.

“The Son of a Kapenta” showcases his ability as a storyteller, painting a realistic image of love, heartbreak with expressive language and songs like “Ko Ṣ’aya Mi” & “Happy Memories”. Tracks like “Something Good Is Happening” and “Alajọ Ṣomolu” did justice to his ability to bring stories to life as they explore the complexities of a romantic relationship with a blend of nostalgia and melancholy, while “Dem Dey Go” is a parable on the tribalistic and fragile state of the country, Nigeria.

Klĭtôrĭs blends different elements of Afrobeat, folk, jazz and soul into a compatible categorization. Brymo’s distinctive vocals and songwriting compliments the outstanding production of the album and even though this article is 8 years late, it feels like the album dropped recently.

Finally, the album is a bold and rigid artistic statement from Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ, showcasing his talent and vision as a songwriter. With its rich musical production and thought-provoking storytelling, Klĭtôrĭs is sure to resonate with listeners even after “The Way the Cookie Crumbles” stops playing. It is an album with great replay value.