It’s a damp, loud morning in Lagos, a city that never sleeps. As usual, the air buzzes with energy, and I’m stuck in traffic, letting music fill the gap. Then, a eureka moment hits me—could Victony’s Stubborn album be the most underrated Nigerian album of 2024?

Aside from a few tracks that broke into the mainstream, this project isn’t mentioned in the same breath as Morayo or Lungu Boy. Yet, listening to it now, I can’t shake the thought: this might be the best body of work a Nigerian artist put together last year. And I’m not saying this as a fan or through a lens of bias—it’s simply the brilliance of the album speaking for itself.

The 16-track journey opens with Oshaprapra, a rhythmically rich slow burn that sets the perfect tone. The song builds gradually, giving you ample time to soak in Victony’s lyrical genius—a foreplay for the ride ahead, no pun intended. It’s a masterful introduction that leaves you eager for more.

Throughout Stubborn, Victony flexes his abundant versatility. Tempo shifts keep the experience dynamic, making the album feel like a new meal with every listen. His ability to maintain replay value while showcasing artistic depth is remarkable. Tracks like Ludo and Stubborn highlight his range with their upbeat energy, and collaborations with Shallipopi and Asake provide a seamless blend of contrasting yet complementary styles—the perfect yin to his yang.

Overall, the album is a testament to Victony’s vocal prowess and artistic range. Outlaw Worldwide should be incredibly proud of this work. That said, Kolomental II slightly missed the mark for me—it lacked the punch I’d anticipated.

Still, Stubborn is a well-crafted project that deserves much more recognition. It’s time to acknowledge Victony as a master of his craft and give this album its rightful place in the spotlight.