Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ (born Olawale Ibrahim Ashimi; 9 May 1986),[1][2] better known as Brymo, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, sonic artist, actor and author who was born and raised in Okokomaiko. Brymo started recording music in 1999 while in secondary school. He signed a recording contract with music label Chocolate City in 2010 but was accused of breaching his contract in 2013.[3][4] Brymo released his debut studio album Brymstone in 2007. His second studio album The Son of a Kapenta was released in 2012, and was supported by the singles "Ara", "Good Morning" and "Go Hard". His third studio album Merchants, Dealers & Slaves, which was released on 20 October 2013, received positive reviews from music critics and yielded the singles "Down" and "Eko".
Brymo | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Olawale Ashimi |
Born | Okokomaiko, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria | 9 May 1986
Genres | |
Occupations |
|
Instruments |
|
Years active | 1999–present |
Labels | Independent |
In October 2014, Brymo released his fourth studio album Tabula Rasa; its lead single "Fe Mi" was described as a "soft traditional ballad". His eight-track compilation album Trance was released on 8 December 2015. It was primarily targeted at audiences in the U.S., and includes songs from Merchants, Dealers & Slaves and Tabula Rasa. Brymo released his fifth studio album Klĭtôrĭs on 9 May 2016; it was nominated for Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2016 and for Album of the Year at The Headies 2018. In March 2018, Brymo released his critically acclaimed sixth studio album Oṣó, which includes a mixture of alternative folk and Yoruba music, and spawned the singles "Heya!" and "Bá’núsọ".[5][6] Brymo teamed up with three members of Skata Vibration to form A.A.A, an alternative rock band whose eponymous debut Extended Play (EP) was released in August 2019.
Brymo's seventh studio album Yellow was released on 1 April 2020; it was nominated for Best Alternative Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2020. Brymo released his debut EP Libel on 5 November 2020. The five-track EP was produced by Bigfoot and includes guest vocals from Deborah Prest. In September 2021, Brymo simultaneously released 9: Èsan and 9: Harmattan & Winter as his eighth and ninth studio albums, respectively. His tenth studio album Theta was released on 27 May 2022; it has 10 tracks and is sung entirely in Nigerian Pidgin. Brymo exhibited Mansa, his eleventh studio album and debut as a sonic artist, at KAP Hub in March 2023. He has released books Oriri's Plight (2018), Verses (2020) and The Bad Tooth (2022), and starred in the films Price of Admission (2021) and Elesin Oba, The King's Horseman (2022).
Life and career
editEarly life and career beginnings
editOlawale Ashimi was born and raised in Okokomaiko, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria; his father is an Awori carpenter and his mother is an Egun petty trader; he is his parents' only child.[7] Ashimi grew up in a multi-faith household and learned to recite the entire Qur'an after being enrolled into an Islamic School.[8] Ashimi attended Aganju Aka Primary School and later enrolled at Japual Primary School.[2][9]
Ashimi was initially interested in pursuing a career in football after graduating from secondary school.[10] In 1999, while in secondary school, Ashimi recorded his first song and titled it "Future". In 2002, Ashimi and some of his friends formed a group called The Aliens; they were active between 2004 and 2005, and disbanded in 2005.[11] Ashimi was inspired to create music after listening to his mother singing fuji songs.[12] Ashimi gained admission to Lagos State University (LASU), where he studied zoology, but after his second year he left to pursue a career in music.[7]
2007–2012: Brymstone, "Oleku" collaboration, and The Son of a Kapenta
editBrymo released his debut studio album Brymstone in 2007; its lead single "Shawty" was accompanied by a music video.[13] He told Damiete Braide of The Sun, he chose Rhythm and Blues (R&B) after being influenced by the work of R. Kelly and the Backstreet Boys.[9] He also told Braide he sold more than 2,000 copies of the album within six months of its release.[9] In a 2013 interview with The Sun, Brymo said management problems prevented him from getting a marketing deal for the album and that he had a one-million naira offer that failed because of technical issues.[14] Brymo also said Brymstone is his worst body of work but credits it with helping him enter the music business.[13]
Brymo appeared on the hit single "Oleku", which was released as the lead single from Ice Prince's debut studio album Everybody Loves Ice Prince (2011). Brymo told The Sun his inspiration for recording the hook of "Oleku" came from the passion and energy around him, and from hunger and desperation. He also said the song did not generate money but gave him exposure.[14] In 2010, Denrele Edun, whom Brymo met a few years earlier, asked Brymo if he knew the rapper M.I, who was interested in talking with him. In 2010, Brymo signed to the label Chocolate City after talking with M.I.[12] Prior to his record deal with Chocolate City, Brymo worked with rapper Jesse Jagz on the song "Love You", which appeared on Jagz's debut studio album Jag of All Tradez (2011).[7]
On 15 November 2012, Brymo released his second studio album The Son of a Kapenta,[10] which includes guest appearances from Jesse Jagz, Pryse, M.I, Ice Prince and Efya.[15] The album was recorded in English and Yoruba. On 18 September 2011, Brymo released the Legendury Beatz-produced track "Ara" as the album's lead single.[16] Aje Filmworks directed its music video, which was released on 31 December 2011.[17] Brymo told The Sun "Ara" is a slang word that loosely translates to "wonder".[9] In a July 2012 interview with Adeola Adeyemo of BellaNaija, Brymo said he recorded the song while being under pressure from Chocolate City to submit a single.[18] He also said "Ara" was written six months after he recorded "Good Morning".[18]
On 16 April 2012, Brymo released "Good Morning" as the album's second single.[19] Its music video was directed by Aje Filmworks and released on 30 July 2012.[20] In a 2012 interview with newspaper The Punch, Brymo said his father's carpentry profession inspired the album's title, described The Son of a Kapenta as a summary of his life and said each song is a reflection of his energy.[21] Brymo also said he recorded the album to be identified by his body of work as a lead artist rather than as a featured artist.[21] In January 2013, newspaper The Nation included The Son of a Kapenta on its list of Albums that failed commercially in 2012".[22]
2013–2015: Merchants, Dealers & Slaves, Tabula Rasa and Trance
editOn 20 October 2013, Brymo released his third studio album Merchants, Dealers & Slaves,[23] which was produced by Mikky Me and includes guitar work from David.[24] Hard copies of the album were released on 26 March 2014.[24] On 18 October 2013, Brymo revealed the album's track list on Instagram.[25] The album's lead single "Down" was released on 1 October 2013, the day after its music video had been uploaded to YouTube. Brymo dedicated the song to his family and country.[26] In May 2014, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported undergraduate students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale had examined the lyrics of "Down" as part of a case-study project.[27] Brymo was invited to the school to attend the case study presentation.[28] On 21 October 2013, "Eko" was released as the album's second single.[29] Critical reception to Merchants, Dealers & Slaves was positive. Ayomide Tayo of Nigeria Entertainment Today described the album as a "soulful masterpiece that is emotionally charged with amazing production".[30]
On 14 October 2014, Brymo was announced as an ambassador for the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.[31] He released his fourth studio album Tabula Rasa on 30 October 2014; earlier that month, his manager Lanre Lawal announced plans for the release during an interview with The Punch.[28] Lawal told The Sun the album would be a fusion of African folk and popular music.[32] Brymo told The Nation he recorded the album to move on from his controversial split with Chocolate City.[33] He decided to name the album Tabula Rasa after hearing the judge use the term in a speech.[34] "Fe Mi" was released as the album's lead single on 18 September 2014;[35] Ayo Onikoyi of Vanguard described the song as "a soft traditional ballad".[36] On 6 March 2015, Brymo released a documentary about the song "1 Pound" that was directed by St. Immaculate; a teaser of the documentary was released four days earlier.[37] On 30 March 2015, Brymo released the music video for the song "Ję Lé O Sinmi"; Godson KC Uma of MaadKreativity Inc directed the video, which runs for 3 minutes and 59 seconds.[38]
On 3 December 2015, Brymo released "Waka Waka", the theme song to the stage musical Wakaa! The Musical.[39] In an interview with newspaper This Day, Brymo said the project's script inspired the song and that he was interested after Wakaa's production team contacted his management.[39] Brymo also told This Day he recorded the song "Viva", which later appeared on the 2016 soundtrack album Wakaa (The Musical).[39] On 8 December 2015, Brymo released an eight-track compilation album titled Trance.[40] It was released by American record label and publishing firm Tate Music Group, and was originally scheduled for a September 2015 release. Trance was primarily targeted at audiences in the U.S., and contains songs from the albums Merchants, Dealers & Slaves and Tabula Rasa.[41] Brymo described Trance as a medley of thoughts based on his experiences. The album contains elements of African folk, soul, pop, and afrobeat.[42]
Chocolate City departure
editIn May 2013, Brymo announced on Twitter he had left Chocolate City.[43] Audu Maikori, who was CEO of Chocolate City, refuted Brymo's claims during a press conference at the label's office in Lekki.[44] Maikori said Brymo still had three years left on his contract and still needed to record two albums.[44] According to newspaper Vanguard, during the press conference, Maikori said Brymo had committed an act of insubordination when he refused to remove a picture he posted on Instagram.[44] While speaking to journalists in June 2013, Brymo said Chocolate City cheated him when it to explain how his second studio album was leaked, and that there was no accountability in the way his album was being sold and distributed.[45]
In August 2013, Brymo signed a distribution deal with digital media company Spinlet, enabling it to distribute his next album online.[46] Nigerian Entertainment Today reported Spinlet discontinued the deal after Chocolate City made them aware of the label's existing contract with Brymo.[47] On 14 October 2013, Chocolate City filed an interim injunction against Brymo, restraining him from partaking in musical ventures beyond the confines of his contract.[48][49] Six days later, Brymo released his third studio album despite reports about the injunction.[50] On 21 October, a judge at the Federal High Court of Lagos restrained Brymo from releasing and distributing any musical work pending Chocolate City's lawsuit against him.[51]
According to The Nation, Brymo and his management met with Chocolate City representatives in October 2013 to discuss mutually-agreeable terms.[52] Chocolate City asked Brymo to sign an agreement during the meeting but failed.[52] On 11 November 2013, Premium Times reported the legal teams of both parties met in court for a hearing and that the case was adjourned to 5 December 2013.[53] Between December 2013 and March 2014, the case was adjourned four times for several reasons. In March 2014, the Federal High Court of Lagos lifted the restraint it put on Brymo.[54] In May 2014, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported the judge presiding over the case withdrew after he was accused of bias.[55] In a radio interview with Toolz in May 2016, Brymo said he did not win the case against Chocolate City, saying: "we had the opportunity to iron it out in court but they fried it up. I don’t know what they did but they definitely spoke to the judge and spoke to the lawyers and scrapped the case, they are lawyers; they can do it."[56]
2016–2018: Klĭtôrĭs, Oṣó and Oriri's Plight
editBrymo's fifth studio album Klĭtôrĭs was released on 9 May 2016.[57] It was made available for pre-order via iTunes prior to its release. Eleven tracks comprise the album, whose release was preceded by that of the lead single "Happy Memories". Brymo's then-girlfriend, now wife, Esse Kakada appears on the song "Naked".[58] Georgi Georgiev of Moonring Art Design designed the album's original artwork.[59] Duks created an edited version of the artwork because iTunes refused to use the original artwork.[60] In an interview with Nigerian Entertainment Today, Brymo said the album's title means key in the Greek language and that the album is an expression of love and the uncertainty of it.[60] He said; "the album is the key to a certain door I have knocked on for years; and yes it was meant to be sensual, there ought to be two sides to the coin".[60] Klĭtôrĭs was nominated for Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2016[61] and for Album of the Year at The Headies 2018.[62]
In November 2017, Brymo said on Twitter plans were underway for his sixth studio album, whose title he announced as Oṣó (Yoruba: The Wizard), and launched a website titled theosoproject.com dedicated to the project.[63] In August 2017, he released the Jazz-infused Afrobeat single "Do You Know Me".[64] Oṣó was released on 27 March 2018; it has 11 tracks, and was produced and mixed by Brymo's frequent collaborator Mikky Me Joses.[65] The album was mastered at Metalworks Studios in Canada. The following day, Brymo released the lead single "Heya"'s music video, which was filmed and directed by NVMB3R Production. The video features Brymo exposing his buttocks while wearing a loincloth to hide his genitals.[66] The video received mixed reviews; in an e-mail to Pulse Nigeria, Brymo defended his decision to expose his buttocks, saying; "I decided to appear how my forebears dressed before the arrival of civilization to Nubian continent".[67]
In September 2018, Brymo released Oriri's Plight, a self-referential fictional novel centred around a young Nubian man of the Dark Ages.[68] The digital version of the book was published worldwide on all digital book platforms and the physical version was published in Nigeria on 4 October 2018.[68] Clockwyce Publishing published and distributed Oriri's Plight.[68]
2019–2021: A.A.A, Yellow, Verses, acting debut, Libel, Èsan, and Harmattan & Winter
editIn 2019, Brymo teamed up with three members of Skata Vibration to form A.A.A, an alternative rock band that also included guitarist Jad Moukarim, drummer Adey Omotade, and bassist Laughter.[69][70] The band's five-track eponymous debut EP was released on 5 August 2019; it is a fusion of African folk and psychedelic rock. Mikky Me Joses mixed and mastered the EP, which was recorded at Blackstar Studios in Ikoyi, Lagos.[71] Music critic Kolawole Michael said: A.A.A is a "decent experimental piece, a litmus test that foretells what Brymo’s next project may sound like. It's a show of Brymo tenacity, a testament to his songwriting skill and vocal phrasing."[72]
Brymo's seventh studio album Yellow, whose cover art and track list were unveiled in March 2020, was released on 1 April 2020.[73] Brymo said Yellow is about "love and survival", and that it would be an alternative pop and electronic record.[74] Yellow incorporates elements of sentimental ballad, trap, sophisti-pop, shoegaze, rock, synth-pop, and folk music.[75] The album's cover art is Insight and Frustrations 2020, a painting by Nigerian artist Samuel Olowomeye Ancestor.[76] On Instagram, Brymo said he was drawn to the painting after having several conversations with his friends.[76] Nigerian singer Lindsey Abudei is the only artist featured on the album. With the exception of "Abụ Ya", which was co-produced by Nsikak David and Abudei, Mikky Me Joses produced engineered Yellow.[75] The album explores topics such as love, heartbreak, socio-politics, and mental health.[75] Yellow spans three sides and was initially composed of 17 tracks, six of which were recorded in English, five in Nigerian Pidgin, five in Yoruba, and one in Igbo.[77] The album's three sides were numbered in Arabic, Roman and English numerals, respectively.[73] On 24 March, Brymo cited technical reasons for omitting the tracks "Iya Awele" and "Ife" from the album.[78] Yellow was nominated for Best Alternative Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2020.[79]
In April 2020, Brymo released the e-book Versus, which is alternatively titled Verses (Musings, Notes and Prose).[80] Brymo made his acting debut in Udoka Oyeka's 2021 short film Price of Admission, in which he played Kola, a musician who struggles to get a record deal and attain fame. The film was screened in Lagos on 24 January and premiered on YouTube in June 2021.[81]
Brymo's debut EP Libel was released on 5 November 2020;[82] the five-track EP was produced by Bigfoot and includes guest vocals by Deborah Prest.[83] Its cover art depicts a pair of women's panties, blood, and a broken glass.[83] On the record, Brymo addresses a rape accusation made on social media by a woman.[84] In a review for YNaija, Kola Muhammed said the EP is a "musical diary bearing tales of anguish" and that Brymo "sought to heal himself from the pain of defamation".[84] Pulse Nigeria's Motolani Alake awarded the EP a rating of 8.2 out of 10, saying it is "largely about Brymo's journey back to life, as aided by love".[85]
In September 2021, Brymo simultaneously released 9: Èsan (Yoruba: Revenge)[86] and 9: Harmattan & Winter, as his eighth and ninth studio albums, respectively.[87] Both albums have nine tracks, and include a mixture of alt-rock, R&B, sentimental ballad, and folk music; and are dedicated to Brymo's romantic partner.[86][87] Brymo said both albums are an “ode to every 1, to every SIGMA, woman and man, to order!".[86] He also said both records pay homage to karma and to the seasons.[86] All of the songs on Èsan were recorded entirely in Yoruba, and were produced and mastered by Mikky Me Joses.[86] 9: Èsan was nominated for Best Alternative Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2022.[88] Bigfoot produced 9: Harmattan & Winter, which was recorded entirely in English; its title symbolizes a transition from insufficiency to sufficiency.[86][87]
2022-present: Theta, Ethos, rebranding, Mansa and Macabre
editBrymo's tenth studio album Theta was released on 27 May 2022, along with his third book The Bad Tooth.[89][90] Ten tracks comprise the album, which was recorded entirely in Nigerian Pidgin.[89] Brymo announced the album's track list in a Twitter post;[91] he described it as a "study of humanity's struggles—and a view into what it might have been".[89] Bigfoot produced, mixed, and mastered all of the album's tracks.[92] In a review for The Cable Lifestyle, Fareedat Taofeeq awarded the album seven stars out of 10, calling it a "great piece" and commending Brymo for "maintaining his style and music direction over the years".[89] In a review for Pulse Nigeria, Motolani Alake rated the album 8.2 out of 10, calling it simplistic and noting it often "feels like a fly on the wall".[93] Alake also commended Brymo for not "forcing his opinions, thoughts and views down anybody's throat".[93]
On 12 August 2022, Brymo and rapper A-Q announced on Instagram they would release a collaborative album titled Ethos.[94] Ten tracks comprise the album, which Bigfoot produced.[94] Primarily a hip-hop record, the album contains additional elements of afrobeat, jazz, folk, and R&B.[95] A-Q described the album as "personal stories about life, loss and love".[94] Motolani Alake of Pulse Nigeria rated the album 9.9 out of 10, praising its production and acknowledging both artists for "assuming the positions of philosophers who examined the meaning of life as it relates to self, love, and loss".[95]
In 2022, Brymo starred in Biyi Bandele's Elesin Oba, The King's Horseman, a Yoruba-language Nigerian film that is based on Wole Soyinka's 1975 stage play Death and the King's Horseman.[96] He sang the background music in the film's trailer.[96] The same year, Brymo rebranded himself as a sonic artist. Mansa, his eleventh studio album and debut as a sonic artist, was exhibited at KAP Hub on 3 March 2023.[97] He revealed the album's cover art the previous year and said Mansa would be released in the first quarter of 2023.[98] He also said only one copy of the album would be available for purchase and that it would be sold for $500,000.[98] In an interview with The Cable Lifestyle newspaper, Brymo said Mansa is the first of a three-part sonic project he plans to release in the next three years.[97]
Brymo's twelfth studio album Macabre was released in December 2023.[97] He made the announcement about the album's release on 8 September 2022.[99] Macabre is composed of fourteen tracks and was described by the singer as a "reggae album sung in English".[100]
Artistry
editBrymo's music is a blend of alternative rock, afro-soul, folk, fuji, R&B, reggae, pop and rock.[101][102][10] He told Damiete Braide his music can be called pop due to its ability to communicate with people.[9] Brymo's albums Merchants, Dealers & Slaves and Tabula Rasa comment on social injustice and chaos that are prevalent in Nigerian society.[8] In a 2016 interview with OkayAfrica, Brymo said; "Although my songs reflect many issues which are relevant in my society, I believe that human relations is the site where all issues emerge".[8] Music critic Michael Kolawole said Brymo's music has doses of "profanity couched in intellectualism and philosophical thoughts".[103] Kolawole also called Brymo's music "affirmations of deep-rooted personal ideology, enigmatic and beautiful lyrical poetry, equations of balanced ribaldry and cheekiness".[103]
Controversy
editIn January 2023, Brymo announced on Twitter his support for Bola Tinubu in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election and said an Igbo presidency will remain a fantasy as long as there are talks about Biafra in the country's South East. Many of Peter Obi's supporters on Twitter called Brymo's comments offensive and tribalistic.[104] Brymo garnered public support for Tinubu in May 2022.[105] A petition that was launched through Change.org and signed by over 40,000 people called for Brymo's nominations at the eighth annual All Africa Music Awards to be revoked.[106]
Personal life
editBrymo has a son who was born on 27 March 2015.[107] On 12 November that year, Brymo uploaded pictures of his son to his Instagram account for the first time.[108] Brymo is married to Esse Kakada, his son's mother; she was featured on the song "Naked" from Klĭtôrĭs.[102] On multiple tracks from the albums Èsan and Harmattan & Winter, Brymo opens up about cheating on his wife and talks about their brief separation.[102]
Discography
edit
Studio albums
|
Collaborative albums
Compilation and live albums
EPs
|
Filmography
edit- Price of Admission (2021)
- Elesin Oba, The King's Horseman (2022)
Books
edit- Oriri's Plight (2018)
- Verses (2020)
- The Bad Tooth (2022)
References
edit- ^ Ade-Unuigbe, Adesola (9 May 2014). "FAB Entertainment: Brymo Spends His Birthday Morning Getting A Spa Treatment". Fab Magazine. Archived from the original on 6 June 2014. Retrieved 5 June 2014.
- ^ a b "Brymo Biography (Nigerian Artist)". Nigeria Music Network. 24 March 2014. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2014.
- ^ Osagie Alonge (25 October 2013). "NET Special Report: Chocolate City Vs Brymo, see you in court guys!". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ "'I know the court can't save me', Brymo says he left Chocolate City over breach of contract". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 20 June 2013. Archived from the original on 21 June 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ Adeleke, David (28 March 2018). "Brymo's 'Oṣó' is a palette of brilliant songwriting and masterful instrumentation". Ventures Africa. Archived from the original on 17 January 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ Abimbolu, Debola (6 April 2018). "Essentials: Brymo's 'Oso' is perfect once you get past the melancholy". The Native Magazine. Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
- ^ a b c "I left University 'cos' my parents couldn't afford the fees – Brymo". Vanguard. 24 September 2011. Archived from the original on 27 March 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ a b c Camara, Mamasa (22 February 2016). "A Nigerian Star Finds His Voice: A Skype Call With Brymo". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 2 April 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Damiete Braide (12 January 2013). "I need a wife now! –Brymo". The Sun. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ a b c "Brymo: I Would Have Been A Footballer". This Day. 17 November 2012. Archived from the original on 21 November 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ "Brymo Releases Album". P.M. News. 21 November 2012. Archived from the original on 17 June 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ a b Olonilua, Ademola (5 May 2012). "Dad was furious about my choice of career – Brymo, Arambe exponent". Punch. Archived from the original on 1 June 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
- ^ a b Wilfred Okiche (18 May 2018). "Profile: BrymO isn't the greatest to ever do it. But he's pretty damn close". YNaija. Archived from the original on 13 October 2019. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
- ^ a b Tony Ogaga Erhariefe (28 June 2013). "Brymo's burst of fire and brimstone". The Sun. Archived from the original on 5 July 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ Tayo, Ayomide (14 January 2013). "Brymo proves he's more than hooks on #TheSonOfaKapenta [Album Review]". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 24 January 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ "New Music: Brymo – Ara". Jaguda. 18 September 2011. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ "VIDEO: Brymo – Ara (Wonders)". NotJustOk. 31 December 2011. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ a b "BN Saturday Celebrity Interview: The 'Son of a Carpenter' climbs up the Ladder of Fame & Success – All the Interesting Details of the Rise of Choc Boi, Brymo!". BellaNaija. 14 July 2012. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ "New Music: Brymo – Good Morning". BellaNaija. 16 April 2012. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ "VIDEO: Brymo – Good Morning". NotJustOk. 30 July 2012. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ a b Lawal, Kemi (2 December 2012). "I'm no longer a 'hook master' – Brymo". Punch. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ Boulor, Ahmed (13 January 2013). "Albums that failed commercially in 2012". The Nation. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ "Merchants, Dealers & Slaves by Brymo". iTunes. 20 October 2013. Archived from the original on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ a b Abimboye, Micheal (29 March 2014). "Nigeria Entertainment Roundup: Brymo releases new album". Premium Times. Archived from the original on 15 July 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ "Brymo reveals album tracklist". MTV Base. 18 October 2013. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ "VIDEO Premiere: Brymo – DOWN". NotJustOk. 30 September 2013. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ Sanusi, Hassan (29 May 2014). "US University students study Brymo as project course". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 1 April 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ a b Olonilua, Ademola (4 October 2014). "Brymo set to release album". Punch. Archived from the original on 4 October 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ "Brymo Releases His Third Album "Merchants, Dealers & Slaves"! Listen to his New Single "Eko"". BellaNaija. 21 October 2013. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ Ayomide Tayo (27 October 2013). "ALBUM REVIEW: Brymo's Merchant, Dealers and Slaves is about broken promises, deception, hypocrisy and unfaithfulness". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 15 May 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ Showemimo, Dayo (14 October 2014). "2face, Kunle Afolayan, Vector and Brymo unveiled as Lagos Chamber of Commerce ambassadors". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 1 June 2016. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
- ^ "Brymo back in the studio for Tabula Rasa". The Sun. 8 June 2014. Archived from the original on 11 June 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ "Brymo speaks on new album, Tabula Rasa". The Nation. 25 October 2014. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ Adeniyi, Adewoyin (25 September 2014). "Brymo set to drop fourth album". The Nation. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ "Brymo – Fe Mi". NotjustOk. 18 September 2014. Archived from the original on 3 November 2014. Retrieved 3 November 2014.
- ^ Onikoyi, Ayo (27 September 2014). "Brymo returns with Femi". Vanguard. Archived from the original on 3 November 2014. Retrieved 3 November 2014.
- ^ "Brymo releases trailer for latest music video". News 24. 6 March 2015. Archived from the original on 6 April 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
- ^ "New Video: Brymo – Ję Lé O Sinmi". Bella Naija. 1 April 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
- ^ a b c Yinka Olatunbosun. "Brymo: All the Way Up!". This Day. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
- ^ "Trance by Brymo". iTunes. Archived from the original on 18 April 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ Akan, Joey (25 August 2015). "Singer to release international album "Trance" in September". Pulse. Archived from the original on 21 April 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ Showemimo, Adedayo (3 November 2015). "Brymo drops 8-track medley compilation 'Trance'". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 11 May 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ "Brymo leaves Choc-city label". Vanguard. 28 May 2013. Archived from the original on 5 August 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ a b c Ogunjimi, Opeoluwani (1 June 2013). "Brymo still with ChocolateCity, says label boss". Vanguard. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ Adeoye Keme Arubay (23 June 2013). "Though angry, Brymo may return to Chocolate City". The Nation. Archived from the original on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ Osagie Alonge (7 August 2013). "BrymO gets new manager, boycotts Chocolate City to sign new deal". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 19 March 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ Osagie Alonge (20 October 2013). "Brymo boycotts Chocolate City, Spinlet, drops new album on iTunes". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 26 February 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ Alonge, Osagie (25 October 2013). "NET SPECIAL REPORT: Chocolate City Vs Brymo, see you in court guys!". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
- ^ "Brymo/Chocolate City Feud Deepens". P.M. News. 30 October 2013. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ "Brymo announces new album 'Merchant, Dealers and Slaves'". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 15 October 2013. Archived from the original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ "Court lifts injunction on release of Brymo's music". Punch. 4 March 2014. Archived from the original on 5 March 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
- ^ a b Medeme, Ovwe (14 November 2013). "Brymo's aide speaks on Chocolate City brawl". The Nation. Archived from the original on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
- ^ Abimboye, Micheal (11 November 2013). "Chocolate City vs. Brymo: Court adjourns suit to December 5". Premium Times. Archived from the original on 26 August 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
- ^ "Court lifts injunction on Brymo". The Nation. 6 March 2014. Archived from the original on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
- ^ Dede, Steve (8 May 2014). "Chocolate City vs Byrmo: Judge drops case due to accusation of bias". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
- ^ Igboanugo, Ada (9 May 2016). "'Every time I try to make peace, they grow an erection' – 6 things Brymo revealed about Chocolate City". YNaija. Archived from the original on 12 June 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
- ^ "Klĭtôrĭs by Brymo". iTunes. 9 May 2016. Archived from the original on 23 August 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ "Brymo's New Album Title "Klitoris" Is Highly Controversial". Urban 96 FM. Archived from the original on 19 January 2019. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
- ^ Solanke, Abiola (25 April 2016). "Singer set to drop fifth studio album "Klitoris"". Pulse. Archived from the original on 29 April 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ a b c Showemimo, Adedayo (25 April 2016). "Brymo tells THENETNG the meaning of his new album KLĬTÔRĬS". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 30 April 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ "FULL LIST OF NOMINEES FOR THE 2016 HEADIES AWARDS". YNaija. 9 November 2016. Archived from the original on 5 January 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
- ^ Billy Praise (5 May 2018). "The HEADIES 2018: Full List Of Winners". Guardian Life. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
- ^ Akan, Joey. "BrymO: Singer announces 6th studio album "Oso (The Wizard)"". Archived from the original on 28 March 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ Solanke, Abiola. "Brymo – "Do you know me?" ode to the independent African lady". Archived from the original on 28 March 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ Akan, Joey (14 March 2018). "Singer releases 6th album "OṢÓ"". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 18 April 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
- ^ "Brymo Released A 'Nude' Music Video And Nigerian Twitter Is Going Crazy". OkayAfrica. 28 March 2018. Archived from the original on 18 April 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
- ^ Akan, Joey. "Why Brymo wore G-String in his new "Heya" video". Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
- ^ a b c Okare, Fisayo (20 September 2018). "Brymo debuts a seemingly self-referential fictional book, 'Oriri's Plight'". The Native Magazine. Archived from the original on 19 January 2019. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
- ^ Notiki Bello (8 August 2019). "Brymo Teams up with Skata Vibration on new "A.A.A" EP". Filter Free Nigeria. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ Bamidele, Michael (6 August 2019). "Brymo Unveils New Band, Releases New E.P "A.A.A"". Guardian Life. Archived from the original on 7 August 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
- ^ "Brymo – AAA (EP)". Jaguda. 5 August 2019. Archived from the original on 7 September 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
- ^ Kolawole Michael (28 August 2019). "Brymo's EP AAA is a decent experimental piece". Medium. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
- ^ a b Olabimpe O (19 March 2020). "Brymo Unveils Tracklist For Forthcoming Album "Yellow"". TooXclusive. Archived from the original on 22 February 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
- ^ "Happiness is Coming in April! Brymo is Finally Dropping New Album "Yellow"". BellaNaija. 2 March 2020. Archived from the original on 3 March 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
- ^ a b c Motolani Alake (1 April 2020). "Brymo releases 15-track 7th studio album, 'Yellow'". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 4 April 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
- ^ a b Garnish M (15 March 2020). "Brymo Unveils Album Cover for "YELLOW"". Jaguda. Archived from the original on 19 March 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
- ^ "Brymo unveils Artwork for his forthcoming album". The Lagos Review. 17 March 2020. Archived from the original on 1 March 2023. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ Olabimpe O (24 March 2020). "Brymo Announces Removal Of Two Songs From Forthcoming Album "Yellow"". TooXclusive. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
- ^ Motolani Alake (4 December 2020). "Fireboy, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Davido lead 2020 Headies nominations [Pulse Exclusive]". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ "Verses (Musing, Notes And Prose) by Ọlawale Ọlofọrọ". Smashwords. 20 April 2020. Archived from the original on 1 March 2023. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ Kunle Daramola (28 June 2021). "WATCH: Brymo makes acting debut in 'Price of Admission'". The Cable Lifestyle. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
- ^ "Libel - EP by Brymo". Apple Music. 5 November 2020. Archived from the original on 1 March 2023. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ a b Stephen Kenechi (5 November 2020). "Listen: Brymo talks relationship scars in 'Libel' EP". The Cable Lifestyle. Archived from the original on 5 November 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ a b Kola Muhammed (9 November 2020). "Review: Brymo uses new EP to fight off 'Libel' and depression". YNaija. Archived from the original on 26 November 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ Motolani Alake (6 November 2020). "Brymo documents his healing process and issues a response on 'Libel' [EP Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f "Brymo releases '9' a Two-part Album Dedicated to His Love | Listen to "Èsan" & "Harmattan and Winter"". Bellanaija. 10 September 2021. Archived from the original on 16 January 2023. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ a b c Motolani Alake (9 September 2021). "Brymo releases double album, 'Esan' and 'Harmattan and Rain'". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 18 September 2021. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ Darlene Aderoju (26 July 2022). "Wizkid Leads 2022 Headies Awards Nominees: See Complete List". Billboard. Archived from the original on 29 July 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ a b c d Fareedat Taofeeq (22 June 2022). "Album Review: Brymo is versatile, unique in 'Theta'". The Cable Lifestyle. Archived from the original on 19 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ^ Nana Tenadu (12 May 2022). "Brymo Announces Release Date for Forthcoming Projects". Unorthodox Reviews. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- ^ Dahunsi Olabode (21 February 2022). "Brymo Releases Track-list Of His Upcoming Album (See List)". Novice 2 Star. Archived from the original on 19 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ^ Bomi Anifowose (6 June 2022). "Review: Brymo's 'Theta' Album". Digi Millennials. Archived from the original on 19 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ^ a b Motolani Alake (23 June 2022). "'Theta' continues Brymo's run of impressive albums, albeit with a different approach [Pulse Album Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ^ a b c Ademoye Afeez (4 August 2020). "AQ & Brymo Announce Collaborative Album". NotJustOk. Archived from the original on 19 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ^ a b Adebayo Adebiyi (15 August 2022). "'Ethos' is a philosophical musing on Self, Love, and Loss [Pulse Album Review]". Pulse Nigeria 57. Archived from the original on 19 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ^ a b Chinelo Chikelu (20 August 2022). "Netizens Excited For Brymo In Netflix's The King's Horseman Trailer Release". Leadership. Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
- ^ a b c Stephen Kenechi (26 March 2023). "Interview: Alt-rock hitmaker Brymo is rebranding as sonic artist". The Cable Lifestyle. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
- ^ a b Talib Kama (22 December 2022). "Singer Brymo to release only one copy of new album for N350M". Dockaysworld. Archived from the original on 1 January 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
- ^ Ademoye Afeez (8 September 2022). "Brymo Announces New Album Titled 'Macabre', To Be Released In..." NotJustOk. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
- ^ Taiwo Okanlawon (1 December 2023). "Brymo drops twelfth studio album 'Macabre'". PM News. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "Annotations on Brymo's "Yellow' – Dami Ajayi". The Lagos Review. 12 April 2020. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ a b c Michael Kolawole (4 October 2021). "Review: Brymo's 9 tells fascinating human stories". Music in Africa. Archived from the original on 16 January 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
- ^ a b Michael Kolawole (1 April 2020). "The Righteous Profanity of Brymo". Culture Custodian. Archived from the original on 2 April 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
- ^ Osadebe, Ada (5 January 2023). "Brymo under fire over remark on Igbo presidency". Vanguard. Archived from the original on 10 January 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
- ^ Edeme, Victoria (31 May 2022). "2023: Singer Brymo under fire for supporting Tinubu". Punch. Archived from the original on 12 January 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
- ^ Babatunde Lawal (27 March 2023). "Brymo says he doesn't blame Igbos for AFRIMA loss". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
- ^ "Singer welcomes son with lover". Pulse. 28 March 2013. Archived from the original on 22 June 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ "Singer shares 1st full picture of his son". Pulse. 12 November 2015. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.