Kidi 4PLay EP Album Review. Kidi 4Play EP Flows on Melody Dynamism

Dennis Nana Dwamena, popularly known by fans all over as KiDi, is on sonic exploration. As a Ghanaian high-life and afrobeat singer-songwriter who is signed to Lynx Entertainment in Ghana. It's hard to differentiate whether he's a Nigerian or a Ghanaian from the style of music he makes.

Having scored a viral song in 2017 titled "Odo", - The remix features Nigerian superstar Davido and Mayorkun. KiDi has never relented on proving his mettle as one of Ghana's most promising young artists. He has since then churned out amazing records that got recognitions and awards in Ghana and outside Ghana.



Several months after the "The Golden Boy" album release, there is no doubt that Kidi has grown and explored different sounds. On Sunday, the 23rd of September 2022, Kidi released another project - an extended play of four tracks, which he titled "4Play".

The 4-song E.P. is a portfolio of sorts, introducing you to the artist's versatility. Sonically, Kidi's style of music is something of a marvel. A melody explorer, his sound is a cornucopia of melodic influences.

This project set up Kidi to join the class of contemporary Afro-pop musicians/artists in Africa who combine songwriting and melodies to deliver a sonic delight. The E.P. is a sprawling array of Afro-influenced sounds, including Afrobeat, Afro-Soul, and Afro R&B. An exploration of the different shades of Love. The 4- Track relationship/Love themed E.P. takes the listener on a musical roller coaster of Love from start to finish.

The E.P. kick-started with the song titled "Champagne", a white sparkling wine used in parties and clubs to wine and dine. It sends the message that it's a party song without the disappointment of some sort. In this song, Kidi is gleefully enthusiastic. A mid-tempo song with heavy percussion.



The club-ready track will get you foot-tapping or head-bopping if you are not already doing so. He sings: "Champagne for my pain, I stay in my lane, Every day is my birthday, Wetin we gain, Champagne for my pain, I dey in my lane, Every day be my birthday, E be we dey reign." Kidi is pouring libation on his pain, a pragmatic way of explaining to us that the times of his pains are over, and it's time for fun and partying.

On "Habibi", the hypnotism begins the chorus; a simple refrain of the titular phrase is almost trance-like. If there were ever a successful attempt at "Afro-dream pop", this song would be it. It is simply enchanting.

He drops a quatrain that shows intricate songwriting. He sings sensuality whilst professing his Love for the woman. He begs for some kisses in the chorus. The saxophone and bass guitar towards the end of each chorus and hook give an emotional feeling.



On the third track, "Zombie", Kidi depicted himself as a guy who's acting foolish for Love. It's a guitar-drenched ballad and a demonstrative tune spiced with an open confession. Sonically, it shares similarities with the flow of Fireboy's "Like I Do."

Kidi is in his most reflective mode. As expected, it's filled with a lot of questions. He begs for clarity: "Baby you for know, Say you're the one my darling, If you ever leave, Oh, wetin man go do? Baby you for know, Say you're the one my darling, If you ever leave Oh, wetin man go do?"

This track is a dreamy Love/R&B song built on a dreamy pop beat. The moment which defines this song starts from its bridge and ends on that layered, multi-sonic ambient which forms its hook. What Kidi did with this song is deftly build expectation and deliver brilliantly as he yearns for the girl's Love and attention and reveals how he's bending his rules for the Love to show us the degree of the Love and how it has hypnotised him.



The E.P. started with a party tune and ended with another party tune titled "Shakira" featuring Prince Bright. There's something spectacular when there's a combination of Highlife melody with R&B's juggernaut. You expect nothing but the best. And without a doubt, they both delivered smoothly. Prince Bright becomes the sauce to Kidi's pie on "Shakira".

This song shines on hedonism as Kidi talks about the lady's body. He sings: "Oh, Shakira, your hips don't lie, You're sexy and you know it, I love dem thighs, Oh, you know say you bad o, Bad bad bad o, Would you be my lover I"

The song is a declaration of Love, a total submission to love. "Make you no leave me for this place o, I go die o, Make you no leave me for this place o, I go die o" - an assurance of faithfulness to a partner and a resolution of commitment. It is a record created especially for weddings.

Kidi just proved to his fans that he's truly a master at creating beautiful melodies. On this "4Play" E.P., Listeners too will revel in the melodies melding into an enticement of sounds as the tracks are digested in sequence for an eargasmic experience.



The production is in synchronism with the singing in the sense that it was successful in bringing out his pristine vocals and superb songwriting. It's truly a perfect project, albeit very short, which is deliberate for replay value and streaming. Four perfect songs, and we can't get enough. There's a feeling that yearns for more on this project.

What do you think about the "4Play E.P."? Do you think the E.P. should have had more songs than the four tracks? Let's know your thoughts.