Lagos, Nigeria-based singer and producer Olúwadámilọ́lá Adédọlápọ̀ Amínù, professionally known as Minz popped on our radar a while back with a couple of powerful singles featuring Blaq Bonez and Tekno respectively. Now he is back with his debut album By Any Means. The album is a culmination of late-night sessions spanning Nigeria and Germany with Minz collaborating with several producers like French producer BGRZ, Grammy-nominated producer Rugged, Ozedikus, and German production duo 255.
The album opens with the solemn "Revelations" with Minz inviting us on his journey so far as he reflects on his musical aspirations. "Shadow" follows with rich highlife melodies and defiant lyrics against the naysayers, while "Wo Wo" reveals a grateful and introspective Minz over soulful chords courtesy of BGRZ. ON The guitar-driven "Diallo," the German production trio 255 lace Minz with the perfect summery backdrop to pour adulations on African women and how they inspire him. Minz set the tone with a playful interpolation of Wyclef's song of the same name but bear in mind, that is the only connecting thread between the songs. Also along for the ride is fellow Nigerian singer Tekno who shares his 2 cents on the beauty of the African woman. "Ja" captures the euphoria of love and infatuation with its surreal textures, infectious maracas, and shakers, and Minz showcases his versatility on "Do" featuring Blaqbonez as they usher us to the dancefloor with its vibrant Lagos nightlife vibe, while the Moliy-assisted "Drama" offers an escape from the chaos of the real world.
The latter half of By Any Minz is punctuated by Minz’s heartbreak anthem "Lon3ly" driven by melancholic saxophone, and more of BGRZ’s soulful chords, as well as "F.U" featuring Projexx and Yo Trane, with its raw passion and afro R&B flavour. "Low" sees Minz introducing us to what he calls the “new sound of Lagos,” while "Sokoto" sees him making a spiritual call to the dance floor over EDM rhythms. The album closes out with the powerful hip-hop track "Disembark" as Minz takes shots at naysayers once again, and the triumphant "Mo De Ma (By Any Minz)" declares his arrival and indomitable spirit.
