Alright, let’s talk Zaza.
When L.A.X first emerged from Starboy’s camp over a decade ago, many assumed he’d remain a footnote in the ever-sprawling Afrobeats canon. But slowly and surely, he’s carved out his own lane. With Nobody Like Zaza, his fourth studio album, released on April 9th, 2025, L.A.X invites listeners into a world that feels at once familiar and slightly expanded — an effort that doesn’t scream for attention but quietly commands it.
Split Soundscape, One Voice
This is a project in two movements. The first is kinetic and groove-heavy — a salute to the log drum. South African house music influences run deep, energising the earlier tracks with Amapiano bounce and relentless shakers. Halelu featuring Niniola feels like a standout here, not only for her signature finesse but for the chemistry between her and L.A.X. MVP plays with his moniker — “Smoke some zaza” — cheeky, yes, but also quite self-aware.
Then comes the pivot.
The album’s second act leans into slower tempo storytelling — highlife revivalism, R&B textures, and a surprising flirtation with dembow. It’s in this slower, more reflective space that L.A.X’s husky vocals get room to breathe. There’s an old-soul quality to his delivery, perhaps rooted in his Yoruba musical heritage. He slides into romantic metaphors on Dr. Love (featuring Young Jonn) with casual flair, while 35th Floor hints at emotional depth rarely tapped in club-leaning Afrobeats albums.
Collaborators with Purpose
One thing Nobody Like Zaza doesn’t lack is features — Fireboy DML, Pheelz, Ajebo Hustlers, Joeboy, Niniola, Young Jonn and more. The tracklist reads like a who’s who of Afropop today, but unlike many feature-heavy projects, this one largely avoids the trap of disjointedness. Collaborators feel well-integrated rather than thrown in for name value.
Still, the themes — mostly romantic — occasionally play it safe. There’s an over-reliance on love-centered lyrics, which, while pleasing, sometimes lack the lyrical tension to fully land. You get the sense L.A.X is capable of going deeper, but perhaps he’s saving that for another season.
Public Response & What’s Next
The reception so far has been generally positive. On TikTok and YouTube, fans are vibing to Nzaza, Kante, and Davido’s much-loved intro. There’s appreciation for the album’s range, and casual listeners seem pleasantly surprised at the project’s cohesion. One YouTube comment even described the album as “actually good” — a backhanded compliment, but also revealing of the low expectations some may have had.
As for what’s next? If L.A.X can continue refining this duality — balancing club anthems with more textured, emotive storytelling — his relevance could outlast many of his peers. He’s not shouting the loudest in the room, but he’s moving with purpose, and with the right visual strategy, live performances, and possibly a deluxe version of this album, 2025 might mark the year Zaza solidifies his seat.
Nobody Like Zaza isn’t a headline-chasing album. It’s not trying to shock, nor is it obsessed with viral formulas. Instead, it leans into groove and growth — and in doing so, gives us a portrait of an artist who may not always be in the spotlight but has certainly earned our ears. We recently sat down with Zaza himself in Madrid to discuss the making of the album, his collaborative process, and what’s next for his journey.
