For years, he was the man with the cap, one of Afrobeats’ most essential DJs. Now, operating simply as SPINALL, he has delivered his most ambitious project to date. Èkó Groove is the result of over two years of meticulous work. It’s a sprawling sonic love letter to his hometown of Lagos. The project seeks to bottle the city’s unique, intangible rhythm—a formidable task for any artist. With a guest list that reads like a who’s who of global music, SPINALL’s Èkó Groove album is a profound statement on curation and collaboration.
The Blueprint: An Ode to Lagos, Old and New
The album’s DNA is rooted in history. A record from Juju pioneer Ayinde Bakare inspired SPINALL. This moment of clarity shaped the project’s entire direction. This isn’t just about the contemporary club scene. It’s about capturing the ‘actual groove’ of Lagos, the rhythm that has powered the city for generations. To reinforce this vision, SPINALL initially produced every track himself. He then invited a select few collaborators to add their final touches, making the album undeniably his.
The Highs: Moments of Curatorial Genius
When the formula works, it’s sublime. The album shines brightest when SPINALL’s curatorial genius is on full display. The smooth R&B of “Want You,” featuring JayO and Destin Conrad, is an early highlight. Meanwhile, “Aunt Mary” allows rising star Shine TTW to glide over Highlife-infused synths. The star-studded “Excited” is another triumph. Featuring Ami Faku and Niniola, the joyous Afro-House cut proves his ability to create pure, infectious energy.
The Paradox: When the Vibe Becomes Background
However, the album’s greatest strength is also its most fascinating paradox. As some online reviews note, its quest for an all-encompassing mood can be a risk. Some tracks can become “merely background noise.” This is the real tea of the project. While packed with A-listers, not every collaboration ignites. The public seems particularly divided on some of the bigger features. For instance, some have described the Wizkid collaboration on “Loju” as uninspired. The Omah Lay and Tyla link-up on “One Call” also feels like ‘lost potential.’ For some listeners, the combined star power doesn’t quite translate into musical magic. It’s a reminder that chemistry isn’t always guaranteed.
A Flawed, Fascinating Masterpiece
Èkó Groove is a sprawling and deeply personal project. It’s not perfect, but its flaws are as interesting as its triumphs. It’s a definitive statement from one of Afrobeats’ most important figures. In its quest to capture Lagos’s groove, the album is sometimes more of a mood than a collection of hits. But in doing so, SPINALL has crafted an honest and ambitious project. It feels uniquely his own—a flawed but fascinating testament to the city that made him.
