By Sola Adepitan
When Nigerian newcomer SHON unveiled his debut EP Fantasizer, it arrived as more than just an introduction — it was a bold statement of intent. Across four tracks, SHON leans into the lush world of Afro-fusion, guided by some of the industry’s most exciting producers: London, Ozedekus, Thatsanedude, and Yendrik. Together, they deliver a project that is cohesive yet varied, intimate yet ambitious, grounding SHON’s voice in a soundscape built with precision and vision.
The EP opens with “Oh Baby”, produced by London, a name already synonymous with contemporary Afrobeats excellence. True to form, the production is sleek and groove-heavy, with rhythmic percussion and melodic flourishes that frame SHON’s vocals in a way that feels both radio-ready and deeply personal. London’s knack for balancing commercial appeal with sonic depth sets the tone for the project, pulling the listener immediately into SHON’s world.
“Runaway,” helmed by Ozedekus, brings a different energy — spacious and atmospheric, yet rooted in Afrobeat rhythm. The production is layered with soft pads and emotive chord progressions, creating a moody backdrop for SHON’s reflections. Ozedekus’s touch lies in how the track breathes: nothing feels rushed, every element has space, and the result is a song that feels cinematic in its pacing.
Then comes “Love and Affection,” produced by the rising duo Thatsanedude and Yendrik, arguably the emotional centerpiece of Fantasizer. Their collaboration is marked by restraint, crafting a soundscape that thrives on subtlety. Warm guitar tones, gentle basslines, and a soft percussive pulse allow SHON’s vulnerability to take center stage. It’s a track that doesn’t shout but lingers, showcasing the duo’s gift for building atmosphere rather than spectacle.
Closing out the EP is “Calculate,” produced solely by Thatsanedude. Here, the production is sharper, more deliberate, mirroring the song’s themes of intention and precision. A steady groove anchors the track, while clean synths and minimal layering give it a stripped-back sophistication. That focus on clarity — both in message and sound — underscores the producer’s reputation for tailoring music to an artist’s vision without drowning it in excess.
What makes Fantasizer compelling is the balance of heavyweight and emerging producers, each bringing their unique strengths while keeping the spotlight firmly on SHON. London and Ozedekus provide the gloss and atmosphere, while Thatsanedude and Yendrik deliver intimacy and nuance. Together, they craft a sonic palette that feels diverse yet seamless, proving that production is as central to SHON’s storytelling as the lyrics themselves.
As debuts go, Fantasizer is both promising and accomplished. It showcases SHON’s versatility as a vocalist and storyteller, but equally highlights the producers’ ability to shape a cohesive sound across different moods. If this project is a glimpse into what SHON can achieve with the right sonic architects behind him, then his future is nothing short of exciting.
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