It’s only been five months since the release of his critically acclaimed sophomore album Body & Soul, which was championed by the likes of BET, UPROXX, The Native, Afropunk, and The Times, and helped him break past three billion total streams, but global music sensation and Nigerian pop star JOEBOY is not resting on his laurels, and is ready to go again, as he unveils an evocative new single titled ‘Only God Can Save Me’, as featured in Projext Liquid, set to be released on November 3. Alongside the new single, the award-winning musician is excited to announce the forthcoming release of his sophomore EP and second project of 2023 titled Body, Soul & Spirit, arriving on November 17 via emPawa Africa.
As the title suggests, Joeboy’s Body, Soul & Spirit EP is picking up exactly where he left off on his Body & Soul album, with the upcoming EP serving as the perfect antithesis to the recently released album. Feeding off the emotional undertones of the last song on the Body & Soul album, ‘Halle’, where he is troubled, unhappy, and looking to God and family for succour, Joeboy carries forward this introspection with the new EP’s lead single ‘Only God Can Save Me’. Produced by Debo.x, this heartfelt track is an embodiment of the age-old saying, “Let go and let God”. Over moody synths, dark piano arrangements, and looming drum patterns, Joeboy delves deep into the realization that humans are fallible and can often leave us disappointed. When those around him were nowhere to be found, Joeboy turned to a higher power for solace and guidance, emphasizing that ‘Only God Can Save Me’.
Originating from a place of raw vulnerability, ‘Only God Can Save Me’ paints a vivid picture of Joeboy’s revelations about the transient nature of human relationships and the undeniable essence of divine intervention. During a period that challenged his perspectives and beliefs, Joeboy captures the feeling of desolation that many experience, emphasizing that in moments of true despair, one might find solace only in the Divine. In its moody, yet poignant tone, ‘Only God Can Save Me’ opens the thematic tapestry of the Body, Soul & Spirit EP seamlessly. The solitude Joeboy experienced while crafting this song– just him, a mic, and a pen – adds a layer of authenticity, making it an evocative piece that resonates deeply with listeners. Through this single, Joeboy offers a window into his journey navigating an emotionally charged phase, standing as a cornerstone for the entire EP’s narrative.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Only God Can Save Me’, Joeboy says, “The song came from a place of realization over a strange two-week period that had me questioning everything and everyone. I discovered a lot of negative things going on around me, and I started seeing people around me for who they truly were. I needed certain people to be there for me, but they disappeared on me, I truly felt alone, and it became obvious to me that human beings are not reliable, and most people are only there for you on the condition that they can gain something from you. I came to the realization that you are really and truly alone on this earth, and God is the only source of strength and succour. All we can do is cast all our worries on God, and he will handle it, hence the title ‘Only God Can Save Me’.”
ABOUT JOEBOY
JOEBOY stands out prominently in the world of global music and afrobeats as a shining beacon of Nigerian music. Propelled into the limelight with his 2019 EP Love & Light, he quickly rose to become a teen idol and was fondly christened the “African Pop Star”. This meteoric rise was punctuated with hits that dominated charts across Africa, reaching number one in over ten countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, and notably, his homeland, Nigeria. ‘Baby’, the lead single from the EP amassed a staggering 80 million views on YouTube. Further successes on the EP included the chart-topping ‘Blessings’ and the massive ‘Don’t Call Me Back’ featuring Mayorkun. Joeboy also contributed to DJ Neptune’s viral hit ‘Nobody’ alongside Mr Eazi, which not only made waves on the video-sharing app Thriller, but also clinched the number 5 spot on the Billboard Digital Song Chart.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Joeboy’s accolades paint a picture of an artist at the zenith of his craft. He’s bagged awards like ‘Best Artiste in Africa Pop’ at the All African Music Awards, ‘Song of the Year’ at The Headies Awards, and ‘Best International Collaboration’ at the Vodafone Music Awards, among others. 2021 marked a significant chapter in his journey with the release of his debut album Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic, which resonated globally, charting in over 25 countries. The album, featuring hits like ‘Focus’, ‘Show Me’, and ‘Door’, rapidly became one of the most streamed African albums of the year, accumulating over 300 million streams. The album was Boomplay’s most played album of 2021, and saw Joeboy finishing the year as the most streamed artist on Audiomack.
Joeboy has established himself as one of afrobeat’s biggest hitmakers, with critical acclaim coming from tastemakers such as Rolling Stone, Billboard, The FADER, Complex, VICE, and COLORS, among others, and essential afropop classics like ‘Baby’ and ‘Beginning’, massive global collaborations with the likes of Diplo, Mr Eazi, CKay, and Major League DJz, under his belt, as well as sold-out tours across Africa, Europe, and North America. Driven by the multi-platinum single ‘Sip (Alcohol)’, Joeboy released his sophomore album Body & Soul in May to rave reviews from fans and critics alike, and he returns to round out 2023 with the exceptional Body, Soul & Spirit EP. To date, Joeboy’s musical footprint boasts over three billion streams, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in global music.
CONNECT WITH JOEBOY: Instagram – Twitter – Tiktok
MEDIA & PRESS: Please direct all inquiries to Ayo Adepoju: [email protected]
