In a stunning cross-continental musical endeavor, rising Nigerian artist Phaemous and UK DJ and producer DJames have teamed up to release new EP Boundaries. The five-track project, expertly crafted between the vibrant cities of Lagos and London, showcases a seamless fusion of R&B soundscapes with Afrobeats sensibilities, resulting in an exquisite listening experience.
The EP commences with the infectious “MIA”, where Phaemous soulfully laments the absence of his love interest over DJames’ enchanting saxophone arrangements. The captivating drum patterns of “What Is Love?” prompt introspection about the true essence of affection – do we seek love or money in this convoluted world?
As we progress further into Boundaries, we encounter the sensuous allure of “First Time”, adorned with jazzy keyboards and intimate lyrics. The EP reaches its climax with the smooth and dreamy “Dreaming”, a tantalising symphony of DJames’ seductive saxophone artistry intertwined with live keyboard elements.
Speaking about the inspiration behind Boundaries, Phaemous says: “The entire project is inspired by the love that DJames and I both have for R&B as well as Afrobeats, which is why we were able to infuse both genres to deliver such a satisfying listening experience. We wanted a chance to show our versatility, and I believe we did just that.” DJames adds: “As a DJ and producer, I love discovering new talent, so working with Phaemous is so exciting for me. I spotted his talent and thought this project would be the perfect opportunity to showcase what we could do together.”
Each track on Boundaries delves into themes of love and relationships, exploring everything from first-date jitters and unmet expectations to grappling with how best to express affection to a love interest. This emotive depth is one of the EP’s strong points, as it allows listeners to connect on a personal level with Phaemous and DJames’ lyrical and musical artistry.
The Boundaries EP, a thrilling testimony to the creative synergy between Phaemous and DJames, is out now via EMPIRE.
