Spinning into the radar of notable new Afrobeats jams is the Port-Harcourt based maverick, Light San, with his debut album dubbed, Es’Tape. With the 7-tracker record, the singer-rapper, born Christopher Arinze, introduces listeners into his talented artistry, whetting appetites for the utopian feel that colours his discography.
The record begins with breezy acoustics on ‘Say A Prayer’ as he slow-raps his inner reflections. It transits into a Drill bop in ‘Where The Money Dey’ as he pontificates about survival and his determination to find wealth. And by the third track, ‘Outside’, Light San wears his singing hat, as he takes a stroll down the lanes of RnB and reggaeton.
The album continues on a soothing slow-tempo, as he ignites the sensuality on the record with Rukmani in ‘XXX’. And the remaining tracks, ‘Island Girl’, ‘One For All’, and ‘Banter’ dribble between Pop, Drill, and Trap fusions with similar romance and hustle themes.
One thing that stands out with Light San’s catalogue, especially with Es’tape, is his brave sonic fusions. Melding diverse sonic palette with relatable themes, street lingo and catchy cadences all contributed to the high replay value that strengthens this album.
“Es’Tape was inspired by the likes of 1da Banton, Nasboi , Chief Obi and people who have made it out of the Agip Estate hood without giving back to the community or environment that made them. I made sure my debut Ep was a fusion of all those sounds featuring only Agip Estate made artists or creatives thus the name Es’Tape,” Light San says, detailing his muses for the record.
“Every song and session happened within this estate In portharcourt to maintain authenticity and Rukmani being the current princess of the Agip Estate creatives. I had to definitely bag her vocals on my XXX single.”
For the 24-year-old maverick, Es’tape is a laudable first steps into the realm of compilation pieces; it’s refreshing allure, and sinfully coherent production fatten its ultimate appeal to the Afrobeats-loving audience it is intended for.
And on where he intends to go from here, Light San declares, “I see my career going places internationally more than locally because my switch is a unique and rare feat only I bring to the industry. I really can’t wait for the world to see what the portharcourt youngins are capable of.”
