Praiz’s foray into music has been generating debate in R‘n’B circles, and his recent release of ‘Mercy’, a single, has further added to the discussion.
The debate pits Praiz, whose real name is Praise Adejo, against Banky W and Darey Art-Alade. Discovered at the annual MTN Project Fame music talent show, Praiz has had a steady release of hits like ‘Jekalo’, ‘A Woman’s Need’ and ‘I Love You’.
His latest, ‘Mercy’, will give songs like ‘Jasi’ by Banky W and ‘Special Fever’ Darey Art-Alade said to be contending for the R‘n’B king title, serious competition. There is no doubt that the debate will continue.
Mercy is a fast-paced R‘n’B song based on the attraction between a boy and a girl, and how the boy is completely head-over-heels in love with the girl. It is about how Mercy has taken over the singer’s mind and he wants to show how much he loves her. It is a love song that would definitely stay on repeat at wedding receptions.
The lyrics, rendered smoothly, take on a higher octave at the chorus, making sweet melody. Mercy’s very danceable beats that will predictably rock the party and club scenes also draws the listener in.
Produced by Password, who is responsible for Darey’s ‘Style Na Style’, Davido’s ‘Gobe’, among other popular musical works, ‘Mercy’ is a deviation from the style embedded in Praiz’s previous works that blend R‘n’B with copious Afrobeat rhythms and elements of soukous.
The over four-minute song draws on an appropriate dose of jazz on the piece. The back-up singers’ modulation borrows from Don Jazzy’s pattern to add the classic chorister edge, while the energy infused in the whole piece boosts it as a dance party favourite in a Terry G-like manner.
The rhythm guitar riffs splashed all over the song add soukous flavour to it, reminding everyone of Praiz’s recent hit, ‘Oshey’, where he featured Congolese big hitter, Awilo Longomba.
In all, it is a brilliant mix that combines the entire element that would lift the spirit anytime.
Praiz, who says pop legend, Michael Jackson, and 2Face inspire him, also released the video for ‘Mercy’ less than 24 hours after the single directed by Patrick Elis. The video features heavyweights like KCee, Iyanya, new MTN ambassadors, Timaya and Sean Tizzle; as well as hot rapper, Vector, showcases the talent of Praiz in a way music lovers have never seen it before.