Mr. Eazi Fuses African Art and Music into a Global Sensation with The Evil Genius
Mr. Eazi, the award-winning Nigerian artist, is blurring the lines between continents and genres with his groundbreaking project, The Evil Genius. This innovative fusion of contemporary African art and music, hosted at Gallery 1957 in the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast & Galleria Mall, Ghana, is captivating international audiences and redefining the boundaries of artistic expression.
In August 2022, Mr. Eazi launched a mini-documentary for his hit single Legalize. This served as a teaser for his then-unnamed debut album, now titled The Evil Genius. The single was his first step in merging the emotional depth of his music with the power of visual art.
“I see the instrumental as a canvas for the music I’m making,” Mr. Eazi explained. “I don’t know what I’m going to say when I hear the instrumental, but sometimes you perform a song and the emotions are lost. You perform a really sad song and you see people dancing to it and enjoying themselves. This new project is therapy for me. I’m being vulnerable, and I just know that some people will feel the vibration. So now, I felt like it’s good to have this in a visual form, which is the art.”
Fast forward to September 2023, and The Evil Genius album has come to fruition. Each song pairs with a commissioned art piece, telling the story of Mr. Eazi’s life journey—one art piece at a time.
This unique, multi-sensory experience combines African music and visual art. Mr. Eazi guides the audience through his life, crafting a narrative that resonates globally. The Evil Genius collection features 16 extraordinary pieces, each linked to a track from his upcoming album. Artists from eight African nations contribute, offering a stunning range of artwork from vivid paintings to intricate drawings.
During an exclusive listening session, Mr. Eazi delved into the album’s inspiration. “We all seek acceptance and validation. Facing criticism can be tough. This album is my journey toward self-acceptance. It allows me to confront and accept even the harshest opinions about me.”
The integration of visual art into the project adds a rich and multilayered dimension. Mr. Eazi emphasized, “I carefully selected these authentic and inspiring artworks in collaboration with talented artists from across the continent because art, for me, is the essential complement to the project. It serves as the visual embodiment of the music and the overarching narrative.”
Usher named top artist-songwriter in Q1 2024 by NMPA’s Gold & Platinum Program (based on RIAA certifications)
The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) has revealed the top songwriters in the US for the first quarter of 2024, recognizing the top artist-songwriter and non-performing songwriter for the period.
From January to March, a total of 1,159 Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum certifications were awarded.
American singer, songwriter, and dancer Usher, known for his smooth vocals and captivating performances, emerged as the top artist-songwriter, securing 20 certifications including the 5X Platinum U Got it Bad, the 4X Platinum I Don’t Mind, and the 3X Platinum Confessions Part II. Usher is published by Sony Music Publishing.
Usher has released nine studio albums throughout his career. His discography includes classics like My Way, Confessions, and Raymond v. Raymond. On Spotify, Usher has over 40 million monthly listeners.
Usher has an impressive award collection, having earned a total of eight Grammy Awards, 12 Soul Train Music Awards, eight American Music Awards and three Guinness World Records.
“Q1 was huge for Sony Music Publishing. Usher’s hits have lasting power and this proves the enduring popularity of his music. Once again, Ashley Gorley reigns supreme due to his phenomenal country crossover success.”
David Israelite, National Music Publishers Association
Meanwhile, Ashley Gorley claimed the title of the top non-performing songwriter in the Gold & Platinum Program, amassing eight certifications for songs such as the 7X Platinum Last Night, the 5X Platinum Crash My Party and the 2X Platinum Aw Naw. Gorley is also published by Sony Music Publishing.
“Q1 was huge for Sony Music Publishing. Usher’s hits have lasting power and this proves the enduring popularity of his music. Once again, Ashley Gorley reigns supreme due to his phenomenal country crossover success. We congratulate both of these exceptional songwriters,” said NMPA President & CEO David Israelite.
“I’m deeply grateful to be recognized by the NMPA. I’m especially thankful for their ongoing advocacy for songwriters and publishers, ensuring that our voices and contributions are always celebrated and protected.”
Ashley Gorley
Ashley Gorley added: “I’m deeply grateful to be recognized by the NMPA. I’m especially thankful for their ongoing advocacy for songwriters and publishers, ensuring that our voices and contributions are always celebrated and protected.”
Last year, Gorley’s Tape Room Music sold “over 350 exploited songs” from its catalog to Red Light Ventures and Firebird Music as part of a new strategic partnership.