An intriguing element of unveiling the details of an album or song as a teaser is the amount of or lack thereof of vocal features. Once features are spotted, anticipation builds, and minds begin to project what a combo will potentially offer.
Regardless of whether the artists involved are tilted towards homogeneity or diversely split in musical directions, every collaborative effort has the chance of being a gleaming highlight or a middling to disappointing dud. Results could range from talents combining effectively to create a shooting star, to being mismatches from which a terrible song that the world would’ve been better off being shielded from springs forth. High risk or low risk, well done collabs are always welcomed aural presents.
If wishes were fishes, everyone would cast their nets. Throwing our net into the universe with this article as bait, below are 8 yet-to-be-heard collaborations that we believe should make great presents, along with producer(s) who would adroitly assist with perfect musical wrapping.
Poe x Lord Vino (Produced by Spax)
Two rappers exuding inimitable composure and confidence from every bar, Poe with the lifelines, Lord Vino with the punchlines. What this track will lack in aggression, it will more than augment with surefire, dazzling writing and measured delivery. Set these two rappers on top of a Spax drum-and-groove soundscape, and a sophisticated rap song with immense appeal is what should emerge – a treat and a half, even if we don’t celebrate Halloween in Nigeria.
Bez x Banky W x Timi Dakolo (Produced by Juls)
Getting three married men, all amazing singers, who also happen to be well versed in the art of writing about love is the three peat for a song filled with scented, sweet nothings. Although their vocal timbres vary, Bez, Banky and Timi is the type of combo that is destined to deepen the red essence of love for couples around Nigeria. Scene: Juls helming a neo-highlife beat built around two interlocking guitar riffs and subtle percussions, accentuating the mush from these three voices. Guess a new song to add to wedding and intimate dinner playlists should be the outcome.
Wizkid x Niniola (Produced by Sarz)
Niniola caught a wave last year, and Sarz was an integral part, producing “Maradona” amongst others. Wizkid further spread into international ears with Sounds From The Other Side, and Sarz was an integral part, producing “Come Closer” amongst others. With Sarz definitely dropping a throbbing beat behind Wizkid and Niniola, the lewd and lascivious imagery both singers will conjure will crank the heat on dancefloors to obscene levels.
Boogey x Show Dem Camp x A-Q (Produced by Kid Konnect & Ikon)
Do I really need to do this? Who wouldn’t want to listen to four rappers with razors beneath their tongues subject a beat to death by a million cuts? Stop me, I’m having a wet dream. Pause. Kid Konnect and Ikon behind the boards is definitely the combo to create a smug beat that will both withstand the impending lyrical assault and also spur each rapper into bring their sharpest swords forward. Guess Steve Kerr and Golden State Warriors aren’t the only ones capable of building a lineup of death.
Burna Boy x Santi (Produced by Chopstix)
There’s a possibility that mere mortals (like me) won’t hear a word if Burna Boy and Santi link up for a song. The “vibe” – as it will be always described – from both artists will be heavily indebted to their patois handling abilities and probably a couple of joints to move proceedings to otherworldly levels. Thankfully, Chopstix’ unmatched penchant for binding afro-pop and dancehall/ragga will at least help tether grounders to the vibes of the sky people. And because many of us won’t be able to learn the lyrics to the song, we’ll just chop our mouths – word to Rooftop MCs – and everything will be just fine.
Asa x Simi (Produced by Cobhams)
Two distinctly soothing voices, two undeniable songwriters with the pristine ability to write from their own female essence. One a living legend, the other well on her path to greatness. One flowery song from two generational talents, orchestrated by Cobhams, one of the greatest minds in music. Cross-pollinate a Dahlia and a Rose, and the beauty of their offspring will probably not match what this song would potentially display.
M.I Abaga x Vector That Viper (Produced by Reinhard)
They did feature on Tha Suspekt’s “I No Send You (remix),” but everyone would’ve been excited to hear M.I and Vector go one v one on a bars only basis five years ago. These days, it’s difficult to actually believe people championed Vector as a really good rapper, deciding to become a cop out before fighting through the tides to be considered a rap great. M.I is still considered top of the food chain, but he’s widely regarded to not be in his peak era, but you would expect a man who came out with his head held high on cuts with Cassper Nyovest and AKA to blow out Vector without breaking a sweat at the moment. Maybe Reinhard bringing a slapper of a beat would serve as motivation – besides working with M.I – for Vector to show some fire. You never know, this is football, anything can happen.