Afropop and R&B artist CONSOL is taking our speakers by storm, offering listeners a deeply personal journey with his latest EP, Love from PortHarcourt.
Hailing from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and later relocating to the U.S., CONSOL is quickly becoming a standout voice in the Afropop scene. In 2019, he released his first single on major streaming platforms and has since continued to evolve, both as a songwriter and performer.
His latest EP, Love from PortHarcourt (produced by Tayo Txn), encapsulates the love, pain, and growth he’s experienced in his hometown, offering listeners a sound as diverse as his influences.
The EP opens with the 53-second "Love Lost (Intro)," setting a soulful yet melancholic tone with its reflective lyrics and smooth instrumental backing. It’s a heartfelt introduction to the EP, showing CONSOL's emotional vulnerability as he touches on themes of heartbreak and longing.
The second track, "Jara," picks up the pace, infusing a laid-back Afropop rhythm with catchy melodies that make it an instant earworm. CONSOL's voice flows effortlessly over the groovy beat, delivering a song about the give-and-take nature of love, where sometimes, you have to let go to find yourself.
Track three, "Industry War," brings a similar laid-back vibe, with its socially conscious lyrics touching on surviving in the music industry. Over groovy Afrobeat rhythms and spacey synths, CONSOL voices his frustrations to make for a powerful anthem of perseverance.
In "Indecisive ii," we're met with a mesmerizing collaboration featuring Cindyy's stunning vocal stylings. The combination of their vocals creates an irresistible back-and-forth dynamic, exploring the complexities of love and its uncertainties. Their chemistry is palpable, giving this song an emotional weight that sends chills down the spine.
Track five, "Lova Lova," lightens the mood from the get-go, diving into more traditional Afropop vibes with an ultra-danceable beat and the smoothest of vocals. It’s a feel-good love song that showcases CONSOL's ability to switch from introspective themes to more lighthearted and fun tracks. It's the perfect balance.
If you're looking for a good time, hit play on the sixth track, "I’m Available." It's a romantic, feel-good ballad that highlights CONSOL's sweet side with his "dream boy" approach and vibes. It's a tropical-sounding treat for the ears that takes you on a sonic vacation with its tender instrumentals and smooth rhythms.
Landing the EP's final track, "Too Nma Nma (Too Fine)," shines a light on the skilled production stylings of Tayo Txn, who also produced the entire project. It’s a captivating song that celebrates the stunning beauty of someone special, with a catchy hook and infectious rhythm that leaves listeners wanting more.
Each track offers something different, from introspective ballads to upbeat, feel-good anthems, making this EP a journey worth taking. Find CONSOL's Love from PortHarcourt on all digital streaming platforms.
Welcome to Buzz, CONSOL! We’re head over heels for your latest EP, Love from PortHarcourt. What inspired you to create a project about your experiences growing up in Nigeria?
Thank you so much for the love! And having me. "Love from PortHarcourt" is a deeply personal project for me. Growing up in Nigeria, especially in PortHarcourt, shaped so much of who I am today. The vibrant culture, the resilience of the people, and the rich history all left an indelible mark on my soul. I wanted to capture those experiences, the joys, the struggles, and the beauty of the town and share them with the world through my music. This EP is a love letter to PortHarcourt, with my personal story on different subjects and the memories that continue to inspire me every day.
The track "Indecisive ii" on Love from PortHarcourt features the beautiful vocals of artist Cindyy. What was it like working with her, and how did that collaboration come about?
So, on the OG version, listening to it felt like there was something else missing, and it hit me that, yeah, why don’t I just have a female for a remix to tell the story from a female standpoint, and this would be my first time featuring someone cause there’s always been the narrative that I don’t work with other artists. Working with Cindyy was an incredible experience.
My producer gave me a few options for female singers, and I was instantly intrigued by Cindyy’s voice and style. I knew right away that she was a superstar, though I have immense respect for the other singer as well. We actually made the song in two different places, so when she sent me her vocals, it was just so beautiful to hear. It all came together perfectly, and I couldn't be happier with the result.
Is there a particular song from Love from PortHarcourt that stands out as your favorite? What makes that song so special to you?
That's a tough one! Every song on the project speaks to me differently. If I had to pick, maybe “I’m available” cause of the fans; on the flip side, all the songs capture a lot of my personal memories and emotions. The lyrics and melodies really take me back to those moments, and I think it beautifully represents the essence of the entire EP. Plus, the response from listeners has been amazing, which makes it even more special to me. (Laughs) You see, why don’t I really have a favorite?
What moments or experiences did you enjoy most when creating Love from PortHarcourt? What was your highlight?
The moments I enjoyed the most while creating "Love from PortHarcourt" were those times when everything just clicked - the music, the lyrics, the vibe. It was like each piece fell into place perfectly. It was like how each song came at different moments at the right time to carve out a proper story; from the production from producer Tayo Txn to the post-production, the recording with my engineer Supamanley, we have the sickest synergy down to the feature on the project everything was a masterpiece that I’m really proud of.
What do you hope listeners experience when hearing Love from PortHarcourt? Is there a particular message or feeling you want them to connect with?
I really hope that when listeners hear "Love from PortHarcourt," they feel a sense of connection to the music and the stories behind it. I want them to experience a journey through the sounds and lyrics, to feel the emotions and memories that inspired each track.
Ultimately, I hope the EP brings a little piece of PortHarcourt into their hearts and leaves them with a feeling of joy, nostalgia, and maybe even a newfound appreciation for the city and its culture. From how i sound to my different approach of the topics discussed in this project.
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