Barry Jhay keeps flying the flag for Afropop mixed with Fuji on “Time (Asiko),” from his six-track EP GODFEARING GANGSTER. The title itself does plenty of work. “Asiko” is Yoruba for time or season, so the song wears its cultural identity openly.
It sits on the project beside “So Good,” “Messi,” “Done 4 Me,” “Angel Of My Life” and “This King God.” That tracklist points to range. Barry Jhay has built a name on expressive delivery and soulful melodies, and his habit of threading Yoruba expressions through contemporary Afropop is what sets him apart.
The writing respects where it comes from. Fuji-inspired vocal traditions run through the record, yet nothing gets dressed up or over-explained. He carries the language plainly instead of turning it into decoration. That choice gives the song its weight, because the subject matter and the sound move together.
If you gravitate towards records that honour their roots while still moving like today’s sound, this one belongs in your playlist. What do you think about “Time (Asiko)”? Drop your thoughts in the comment section.
