Back in 2021 we sat down with young Nigerian talent Crayon who stormed onto the scene with his debut project Cray Cray. The So Fine singer was officially signed by Mavin Records in 2019 and after spending time in the studio watching and learning from established co-workers, developing and refining his sound over the past few years, Crayon’s debut album Trench to Triumph is here.
The project takes listeners on a journey from the expectant and welcoming introduction of Calvary Kid to the party-starting chop life anthem The One (Chop Life). Crayon and his collaborators certainly set out to leave his mark and assert his presence across the powerfully dominating Afro scene. The stream-busting Ijo (Laba Laba) is a famed single with a super fun video. But even without the visuals accompanying the track, it puts listeners into a fun colourful setting where you just want to groove.
On first listen, I hailed Modupe as the gratitude and chop life anthem, but its succeeding track The One (Chop Life) takes the cake. The Amapiano infused track injects a burst of energy into the latter half of the project, whilst vocalists proclaim they're “oga [and] the one who shut down the bar.” -Mozambican trio the Yaba Buluku Boyz serve as a fitting feature for the track.
Super Woman is slightly reminiscent of one of a late 2000s/early 2010s Afrobeats tracks, it definitely transported me back in time. I’d almost say he went young Banky W on us, but with the more modern/contemporary Amapiano drums & synths. The vocal layering towards the end of the song is also a standout feature.
Shoutouts are due for Ngozi (ft. label-mate Ayra Starr), as well as the most recent single, the sweet song Belle Full- someone saying ‘only your love makes my belly full’ can only make you feel special. Also, the gorgeous outro that is Good Day deserves a mention. One would think that final track was recorded live because of how fantastic it sounds.
Crayon and team enlisted a number of producer-turned-friends on the project including Mavin-signed Andre Vibez, Babyfresh, Sarz, Ktizo, Ozedikus, Sarz and more. It’s been great to hear them all speak about the process but also the growth Crayon has made over the past few years before their eyes, both musically and personally. When speaking on the album Crayon shared "Trench To Triumph is a carefully put together body of work where I have poured myself. When you listen carefully, you will hear my story as it's unfolding, my relationship with Calvary and how it's been instrumental in my growth.”.
Recorded over the better part of a year, Crayon’s Trench to Triumph is a great listen with a storyline that’s easy to follow and makes you want this hard-working talent to win. He sets the scene in the beginning and shares his humble beginnings, then takes us to the triumphant current day where he’s finding love, chopping life & everyday is a Good Day. Executively produced by the esteemed super-producer and Mavins CEO Don Jazzy, the album is a welcome debut and demonstration of what to expect from Crayon next as he continues to grow and master his artistry.