With ‘Gold Water’, Obiwon has earned the right to be taken seriously

By Kolapo Olapoju

Album- Gold Water

Artiste- Obiwon

Guest Appearances- Frank Edwards, Eben, Kenny K’ore, Mike Abdul, Madarocka, Tbos, Recky D

Producer- Phat-E, Obiwon

Record label- 3 Music

Duration- 48 minutes

Obiwon is in a good place musically.

For many artistes, the curse of the sophomore album follows them like ant does sugar, but not for Obiwon, as his second gospel album evidently betters his debut effort by a landslide. Obvious from start to finish is his impressive vocal and composition maturity, coupled with improved production.

‘Gold water’ starts with an infectious solemn theme music which sets the tone for the album, and later serves as the instrumental for the final track.

Obiwon then mouths some Igbo praises to get down to business on ‘Hail my king’, an outstanding collaboration that has a underlying marching band kick, which sounded better than some recent mainstream songs, quality-wise. It featured Frank Edwards, Eben, and Kenny K’ore of the gospel group ‘Infinity’, who was the sole let-down of the track with an unnecessary rap verse.

Enters ‘Testify’, a somewhat forgettable cliché-like upbeat track which has Mike Abdul of ‘Midnight Crew‘ on it as a guest artiste. The maturity and richness of his vocal capability is obvious on ‘Father 2.0′ which makes up for the shortcomings of ‘Testify’, as Obiwon masterfully delivers a praise medley that would surely make God swoon with love.

‘Pour your love’ is a passionate spiritual song in which he bares his soul to God. Here again, it is confirmed that Obi has become a rounded singer, especially with the right supporting back-up.

Who would ever think this Hip-Hop head that used to drop punch-lines and spit bars with the likes of Modenine, Ill-bliss and Elajoe could pull a ‘John Legend’ on us?

Just when you thought he couldn’t love God enough, he sang what seemed like a lullaby for the Creator in ‘Good to Me’.  It was a relief when ‘Father 2.0‘ which was an averagely okay track burst on to replace it. ‘When I say I love you’ is a love song possibly inspired by Obiwon’s wife. He raps and sings on the decent effort, which got the album back on track.

Obiwon bared his conscious side in ‘One voice’, a song with melodies and sounds of the South African region, urging all Africans to raise one voice for change in the continent, so they can attain their rightful position in the world. ‘Holy Spirit’ is a classic ballad that could make a deaf man cry, which is a welcome surprise rendition by the 6-foot-plus easy talking man.

Then comes ‘The price’, a worship song where Obi goes into pastor mode. It was preceded by arguably a nominee for the best gospel song of the year, ‘The overflow’, which borrowed the opening theme song as its instrumental for the sublime song that had both flawless production and immaculate vocal delivery.  His peers need not go further to learn how to bring a record to a fitting climax.

With his more matured vocals, and with a terrific Producer like Phat-E on board for the long haul, it can only get better for Obiwon gospel music career. He is in a good space and should try to hold on to it for as long as he possibly could.

Obiwon with ‘Gold Water’ has earned the right to be taken seriously as a bonafide gospel singer who’s ready to rub shoulders with the best.

Rating- 3/5

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