By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
LAGOS, Nigeria — Afrobeat fans in Lagos were treated to back-to-back nights of electric performances and rhythmic heat as rising star Harcher, the breakout artist from Bullion Records, premiered his latest singles — “Jo Si (Dance to It)” and “L.O.V.E” — across two energetic shows on April 9 and 10.
The first stop was the bustling Westend SportsBar in Akowonjo, where the crowd danced late into the night. But it was the second night — at Eagle’s Palace & Hotel in Abule Egba — that truly set the city buzzing. Not only did Harcher take the spotlight, but legendary Afrobeat hitmaker Oritse Femi joined him onstage, turning the event into a full-blown Afrobeat celebration.
Oritse Femi, famed for his bold remix of Fela Kuti’s “Double Wahala” — a track that swept music awards in 2014 — praised the young star after the show.
“Harcher is not just talented — he’s got that fire,” the veteran artist said. “His voice, energy, and lyrics are a fresh breath in the industry. He reminds me of when Afrobeat was still fighting for its space.”
He didn’t hold back his praise for the new singles either.
“‘Jo Si’ and ‘L.O.V.E’ are vibrant, soulful, and street-smart — exactly the kind of sound people connect with. With this kind of passion and proper backing, greatness is not far off.”
The two singles, officially released on all major streaming platforms on April 1, have already made waves.
“The reception has been massive,” Harcher said after the show. “The streaming numbers are beyond what I imagined. I’m so grateful for the love from fans and the constant support from Bullion Records.”
And the journey is just beginning. Harcher teased that music videos for both tracks will be dropping soon on major African and international platforms.
“We’ve got visual energy coming — something that will reflect our roots and reach global eyes,” he said. “Just like my debut track ‘Peace,’ these songs speak to where I’m from and where we’re going.”
The singer also announced plans for an EP dropping in July, followed by his debut album later in 2025 — a project he says will blend deep African rhythms with modern global sounds.
That strong backing comes from Bullion Records, a Lagos-based label making its name as a springboard for Africa’s next generation of musical stars.
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, CEO and Chairman of the label, described Harcher as a symbol of Afrobeat’s evolving future.
“He’s got the creativity and energy to speak to both the African soul and global audiences,” Ajadi said. “Bullion Records is more than just a label — it’s a cultural movement that lifts African voices onto the world stage.”
As Harcher’s star rises, one thing is clear: Nigeria’s Afrobeat scene isn’t just thriving — it’s exporting its energy to the world, and Harcher is among the new torchbearers leading the way.
