Nigerian producer-turned-superstar Pheelz is pushing the boundaries of what an Afrobeats project can be with his latest release, the 8-track EP A Rii Set. This isn’t your typical streaming-era compilation designed for algorithm-friendly playlists. Instead, Pheelz—who also operates under his producer alias Rii—has crafted something far more ambitious: a live-performance-centered body of work that merges his production genius with his undeniable star power.
Sonically, A Rii Set refuses to be boxed in. The EP pulls from bebop jazz, hip-hop, zouk, and 3-step house, creating a sound that’s as experimental as it is accessible. Collaborations drive the project forward, with Young Jonn appearing on the infectious GONGO ASO and Shoday and Oshamo joining forces on the street anthem OGA. The disco-flavored DIRTY DIANA RIDDIM—named after Pheelz’s favorite guitar—showcases his playful side, while tracks like I’M OK featuring Tiwa Savage dive into themes of mental health and self-affirmation. It’s a track that resonates on a spiritual level, offering listeners an anthem for resilience.
But perhaps the most powerful moment comes at the end. RIDE OR DIE, featuring South African vocalist Ami Faku, closes the EP with deep Afro-soul emotion that lingers long after the final note. With A Rii Set, Pheelz proves he’s not just chasing commercial wins—he’s creating art that speaks to the soul, reminding us why music matters beyond the charts.
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