by Taiwo Damilola
Does anyone remember Eric Arubayi? I’m sure the ladies do - the tall, light
skinned, good looking guy who came off as 4th runner-up in West African Idol
Season 1. Since the show, he has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows,
touring with the entire cast of the first season of Idols West Africa. Eric
has also been a judge on The Centage Superstar Talent Competition and he’s
performed at several shows and events in a number of African countries.
Almost four years after his debut on the Idol TV show, Eric is set to do the
long overdue. While he adds last minute touches to his debut album, he has
officially released three singles: ‘I Go Make Am’, ‘Number One’ and ‘One
Love One Voice’. The album he says, speaks of hope and love, garnished with
some cultural beats in a style that is nothing short of international
standard - a blend that is sure to give his album nationwide appeal.
My favourite of the three singles is ‘Number One’, a love song with a retro
feel, where Eric proclaims his undying love to his one special woman. The
dulcet tunes of the song will make any listener start to sing along in no
time. Eric sings in Pidgin English and Igbo - a combination he pulls off
commendably. He’s not all soppy though. The artiste takes on social issues
in the inspiring songs ‘One Love One Voice’ and ‘I Go Make Am’
From his music, it is clear that R&B Legends like Brian Mcknight, Stevie
Wonder and Boyz II Men have greatly influenced Eric’s style of singing and
song writing. The artiste’s singles show a deep understanding of classic
R&B/Soul, and his music reminds us of why we love music - for the power it
has to inspire, guide and motivate as we continue to exist, to hustle, to
live.
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