Nigerian street music scene has witnessed the emergence of numerous talented female artists, yet none have managed to sustain their presence as long as Candy Bleakz, the self acclaim as the Lady’s Dragon.
Having been the sole champion of female representation in Street music in recent times, the Lady’s Dragon has now evolved into the Dragon Queen, and it is her remarkable artistic development that defines her latest EP, ‘Better Days’.
Candy Bleakz, in her EP titled ‘Better Days’, effortlessly conveys a message of optimism and hope by delving into the delightful realm of Afrobeats. Through this musical journey, she wholeheartedly embraces the vast array of talent that thrives within the Nigerian music scene, showcasing its incredible diversity.
Candy Bleakz initiates her uplifting message in ‘Debe’ by transforming her personal struggles into a captivating melody, skillfully blending her vocals with the soulful pop melodies of Bloody Civilian, thereby infusing the track with even deeper emotions.
Candy Bleakz has always proudly displayed her religious beliefs as a devoted member of the Celestial denomination. Her latest song, ‘Celepiano’, pays tribute to the impact of white garment music on her unique artistic style. Once again, she has created a single that will undoubtedly resonate with inner-city listeners, especially those who are active on TikTok (known as Trench-Tok), where her presence is strong and influential.
Candy’s remarkable ability to adapt her voice to suit Bloody Civilian is a clear indication of her transformation into a superstar who can create music that resonates with a wide range of listeners and aligns with popular taste.
Although Candy incorporates a more sophisticated Pop style, the EP still maintains its foundation in log drums and lamba-driven flows, as evident in the track ‘Blessing’ where she skillfully crafts lyrics infused with urban slang. While the song’s lyricism, flows, and energetic production give it a street-oriented vibe, the addition of backup vocals brings a polished element that caters to a wider audience and ensures its appeal in the mainstream music scene.
DTG’s well-crafted verse enhances the familiar lyrics and flow scheme on the energetic track ‘Party after Party’, making it even more captivating. Likewise, Simi’s gentle melodies, her clever use of Jesse King’s timeless hit ‘Mummy’, and the incorporation of Highlife chords bring a delightful sonic diversity to Candy’s heartfelt tribute to her mother on the beautiful song ‘Wale’.
After enduring a challenging and arduous path towards achieving success, Candy Bleakz is now experiencing brighter and more favorable times. This newly discovered energy, optimism, and self-assurance are clearly evident in her latest EP, which presents her most accessible and appealing effort to a wide range of mainstream listeners.
