Du Malai – Heart Bus Despair [EP]

Du Malai‘s newly dropped EP Heart Bus Despair, bustles listeners through a wildly eclectic blend of musical styles and themes – reflecting his versatility and ability to blend genres such as Afrobeat, pop-soul, and trap while still addressing pressing issues with sincerity. Being a world traveler who was born in Lagos, grew up in the Bronx, and currently lives in Texas, Du isn’t afraid to experiment with his sound and intermingle musical genres.

Opening with the poignant “Wayo,” (which translates to “deception” or “trickery” but in this instance refers to “wayyo” which is more like a sincere “awww”) Malai employs his gentle tenor to shed light on the glaring disparity between the rich and the poor. Set to a floating Afro-pop backdrop, the song strikes a balance between confronting harsh realities and inspiring strength in listeners. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of wealth disparity and the apathy of those in power. Lines like “A man bleeds on the floor, while the rich men get some more” highlight the irony and insensitivity of the privileged class. The chorus features the repeated phrase “Wayo! Wayo!” which serves as a rallying cry for listeners to stand up and demand accountability from those in power.

The album’s tone shifts dramatically in the second track, “Insecurities,” as Du and guest emcee L-Dizzy take shots at attention fiends who seek validation from social media likes and shallow posturing. This trap-leaning hip-hop track showcases a bold and blunt attitude in its beats and rhymes, with both men playing up their “no-fucks-given” state of mind. The lyrics focus on calling out people who put up a facade, hiding their insecurities behind a mask of fake success. “Why you gotta front like that? What is it you wanna prove?” they ask on the hook before declaring that they’re done with the BS.

A refreshing change of pace is introduced with “Another Star,” as Du Malai blends ballady pop-soul with Afropop leanings. The mood is bittersweet and tender, as the lyrics tell a moving story of two individuals who have embarked on separate journeys, leaving behind their loved ones in search of answers and fulfillment. This is quickly followed by a cut called “Yum,” – which is a high-energy, Afrobeat-meets-EDM number that’s bound to get listeners moving. The celebratory and vibrant mood highlights the artist’s versatility as he effortlessly switches between two distinct vocal styles. Du takes on the role of a gravelly voiced “soundbwoy”, using a heavily accented voice to liven up the crowd while also singing and adlibbing in a lighter, airier tone that contrasts beautifully with the bright synths and pulsating drums. And the tracks lyrics – which are quite literally a list of traditional Hausa ingredients and dishes – pay beautiful homage to Du‘s African heritage as well as the joy and pain that can surround food in every culture.

Exploring the struggles and hardships of life, the album’s title track, “Heart Bus Despair,” features a somber trap-soul sound. Malai‘s emotive singing and sobering raps create a reflective and downcast mood, as the lyrics delve into the harsh realities of life. The album comes to a close with “Amygdala“, a piece that underscores Du Malai‘s ability to convey raw, heartbroken emotions through his light and tender voice. This heartfelt ballad uses the concept of the amygdala—a part of the brain responsible for processing emotions—as a metaphor to examine the difficulties of coping with overwhelming feelings.

Overall, Heart Bus Despair is an impressive and engaging album that demonstrates Du Malai’s versatility and talent. The album successfully combines complexity and variation in its lyrics and arrangements, providing listeners with a well-rounded and satisfying musical experience. Although concise in its presentation, the project showcases an impressive diversity in sound, highlighting Du Malai‘s ability to navigate various genres and styles with finesse. From the rhythmic pulse of Afrobeat to the soul-dipped melodies of pop-soul and the edgy vibes of trap, Heart Bus Despair offers a kaleidoscope of sounds that keep listeners engaged and intrigued.

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