If your tastes lean towards BNXN’s syrupy hooks, Burna Boy’s calmer sounds, and Falz’s faaji jams, you should probably add this album to your rotation.
Right from the opening tracks, it’s clear that Savage is not here to play on Melovia. The title itself (a fusion of melody and emotion) is a neat summary of what this record sets out to do: capture the highs and lows of personal growth through sound. Melövia reads like a sonic diary stretching across 13 songs; leaning into Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop, with detours into street-inspired rhythms and moodier, reflective cuts. The album feels like a balancing act: moments of vulnerability are often followed by tracks that remind listeners of Savage’s confidence and range. A prime example of this is the introspective Tongbolo leading into Follow Up, which would not be out of place on a Friday night street jam playlist. The production choices, alternating between lush, melodic backdrops and heavier, street-ready beats, amplify the mood shifts and help Savage’s story resonate.
One of Melövia’s strengths is its cast of collaborators. Features from Odumodublvck, Zlatan, Jeriq, King Perryy, Erigga, and BackRoad Gee give the album texture, each guest slot bringing a new layer of energy. BackRoad Gee injects raw grit into On Display, a record that feels like a rallying cry, while Odumodublvck lends his signature sound to Let Me Be, a song that straddles the line between minding your business and giving your opps a taste of their own medicine. Erigga’s turn on Hero is one of the album’s more upbeat moments, turning the record into an instant earworm. Rather than overshadowing Savage, these features highlight his ability to flow seamlessly between genres and moods.
The standout tracks on the project include Canopy, elevated by Jeriq and AttiFaya into a smooth song full of quiet determination: ‘hustle wey buy me benz still fit buy me jet’ (as AttiFaya raps) is a great reason not to give up just yet. Soji, featuring Laime, is guaranteed to get you moving, as is Concussion (with Zlatan), which is the album’s most-streamed track for very good reason. Gaga, featuring King Perryy, is another highlight of the project.
Melövia feels like a complete statement. While the album doesn’t reinvent Afrobeats or hip-hop, it refines Savage’s sound into something more intentional and cohesive. The blend of melody, emotion, and varied collaborations paints the picture of an artist who is maturing, not just musically but personally. It’s a project built less for instant virality and more for longevity: the kind of album that grows more on you with each listen. With Melövia, Savage proves he is not just riding the wave of Nigeria’s vibrant music scene but carving out his own reflective lane within it.
