MUSIC REVIEW: With Maison Rouge, Mr Eazi reclaims his place in Banku Hall of Fame

In 2013, Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music executive Mr Eazi introduced the world to Bankulize, a breezy, highlife-infused track that would later define his sound. The record laid the foundation for what he christened Banku Music, a fusion of Ghanaian highlife rhythms and Nigerian chord progressions, and positioned him as a bridge between both worlds.

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More than a decade later, after international tours, business ventures, and a long break from solo projects, Mr Eazi returns with Maison Rouge, a seven-track extended play released on 29 October 2025, under his imprint, emPawa Africa Music Services Limited. This project arrives two years after his last album, “The Evil Genius.”

Recorded during a quiet retreat in the Benin Republic, the EP finds Mr Eazi in his most relaxed and flirtatious mood yet, gliding between love, vulnerability, and nostalgia. The result is a body of work that reclaims his spot in the Banku Hall of Fame while reminding listeners why his sound once defined an era.

Recorded over an extended stay at a guest house in Benin Republic, this EP finds Mr Eazi at his most flirty, carefree mood, the lyrics are emotionally driven with the experimental production taking copious input from Ghana and Nigeria, the songs reminds the listeners of the 2010s Mr Eazi, who opens almost every song with the line “Zaga what, Zaga that,” even the songs on this EP springs up nostalgia.

Themes

The themes revolve around relationship issues, love, love making and more. A large chunk of the song is produced by P-Prime, with support from Selebobo, Kel P, TMXO, and longtime producer E-Kelly.

The carefree attitude of the singer hinders the EP from having a cohesive narrative; it is simply an unstructured sonic interlude. One moment, he is in love; the subsequent moment, confusion sets in.

‎ At the outset, “Violence,” Mr Eazi rues a love gone sour. While dealing with the situation, he drowned himself in alcohol. His palpable sadness is difficult to ignore as he keeps repeating, “Omo, na who send me, love don turn violence.” From the opening line, “I put my right foot, I hope say na him be the strongest,” it was apparent that he is having a bad time with love. The four-beat pattern of the production guides the artist’s vocals as he wears the garb of lamentation in this less than three-minute track. Starting the EP on the bitter side of love shows that Mr Eazi is not scared to show emotions.

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‎A twangy guitar heralds “Wait For Your Love,” with the guitar’s sound boosted by a drum, shaker, and bassline. It is a highly percussive production, with the artist exploring repetition, perhaps for emphasis. Even when he repeats “I dey wait for your love,” he sings it in an unworried, mild tone, not exhibiting any hint of exhaustion or desperation. While he sings about waiting, he is quick to reel out what the lady gets to enjoy: the food, life, and excellent Porsche cars. The production of this song shares similarities with the 2018 “I Miss You Bad.”

Casanova

‎Even when he gets caught cheating, he still finds his way around. He knows the right word to say to get his way out. On “Casanova,” he proudly embraces promiscuity as he claims he has enough love to go around. On this song, he gives reasons for cheating, urging his disgruntled girlfriend to stay, “Me I get Plenty Loving wey suppose carry all of you,” he sings.

His promiscuity continues “Make E No Tey,” as he urges a girl in a relationship to leave her boyfriend for him. It is a sensuous-themed track with Mr Eazi sweetly swaying the girl to his side. On the fifth track, “Corny,” he preaches reassurance, care, and loyalty; it’s a quintessential banku music with the periodic bounce punctuating the production.

Ghana Highlife has always been an integral part of Mr Eazi’s sound. On “Bus Stop,” he embraces the genre, delivering a wedding-worthy track filled with reassuring words. It is superbly suited for the dance floor. A blissful track, one of the few moments this happens on this EP.

On the coda “Love Me Now,” the artiste earnestly yearns for love in real time. Waiting doesn’t suit him; he wants love, affection and care right now. Beyond love, this track is themed around celebrating people while they are alive. It’s difficult to pinpoint if the artist is singing about love or just reminiscing about the death of his mother. Anyway, the message has been passed: Love me now.

On “Maison Rouge,” Mr Eazi returns to his roots, embracing his Vulnerability and flirtatious side. The artist effectively utilises the superb percussion-driven production. This EP restates his often understated status in the music industry.

Verdict

7/10

‘Maison Rouge’ is now streaming on Spotify and other streaming platforms.