A long-term favourite of mine, British-born Nigerian Joshua Idehen is back, but this time with his debut release as a solo project.
When I first heard Don’t You Give Up On Me, I didn’t know it was by Idehen, an artist whose work I am very familiar with. All the same, the emotive, honest and soulful performance caught my attention. Idehen’s vocal performance provides a grounded honesty — an authentic and poetic flow that could only come from British streets. The gospel chorus that gives the song its chorus surrounds the listener in a calming determination and optimism.
Idehen’s work has always struck an emotional chord for me — thoughtful and compassionate, modern yet timeless. The importance of compassion, for each other and for ourselves, was clearly on Josh’s mind when he wrote this piece, as he explains:
“This was the first beat Ludvig (the producer) sent me, and I pretty much finished the lyrics by that day’s end. It’s a poem about second chances and forgiving yourself. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel people are too quick with each other these days: I know I’ve been guilty of it at times. This is a plea for a bit more patience with each other, and for me to be a bit more patient with myself.”
Let’s all have a bit more compassion, for each other, and for ourselves.