I got an early listen to Mr Eazi’s “Maison Rouge,” and I can’t wait for you to experience this love-fuelled EP.
Mr Eazi returns to our speakers with his latest EP, “Maison Rouge”. Over the years, he has carved out a place as one of the most influential figures in contemporary African music, credited with pioneering the distinctive “Banku” sound — a seamless fusion of Ghanaian highlife rhythms and Nigerian Afrobeats energy.
Mr Eazi’s discography is rich with hits that have defined the modern Afrobeats era and earned him international acclaim. His breakout tracks like “Skin Tight” featuring Efya and “Leg Over” introduced his signature mellow rhythm and cross-cultural flair to a global audience. Songs like “Pour Me Water” further showcased his versatility and ability to blend Afrobeat, dancehall, and R&B influences. Collaborations with major artists — including “Miss You Bad” with Burna Boy, and “Oh My Gawd” with Major Lazer and Nicki Minaj — have solidified his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist. Each release reflects Mr Eazi’s knack for creating infectious, emotionally resonant music that transcends borders and continues to shape the global soundscape of Afrobeats.
Beyond his distinctive laid-back vocals and genre-fusing artistry, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the global perception of Afrobeats, bridging the attention of audiences across Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Through his independent label and platform, emPawa Africa, Mr Eazi has also empowered a new generation of African artists, redefining what it means to build sustainable music careers from the continent. His innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural vision continue to make him a driving force in the evolution of modern African sound.
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“Maison Rouge”, a seven-track EP reaffirming Mr Eazi’s Banku music legacy
Mr Eazi’s new EP, “Maison Rouge”, is a homecoming to his Banku Music roots, a heartfelt tribute to his earliest fans. The EP was named after the house in Cotonou where the project took shape. It also captures the nostalgic warmth of Mr Eazi’s signature sound while reimagining it for today’s listeners. Blending soulful grooves, palm-wine rhythms, and immersive storytelling, “Maison Rouge” channels the spirit of early favourites like “Skin Tight” and “Bankulize”. It also introduces fresh, contemporary textures that reflect Mr Eazi’s continued evolution and refined artistry. The result is a project that rekindles the intimacy and authenticity of his beginnings, inviting both long-time supporters and new fans into the evolving world of Banku Music.
The first track of the “Maison Rouge” project, “Violence” — produced by longtime collaborators P.Priime and E.Kelly — unfolds over a smooth Afrobeats groove, offering a romantic and effortlessly quintessential Mr Eazi sound. “Make E No Tey” follows with an uplifting, body-moving rhythm that radiates pure warmth. On the other hand, “Busstop” infuses vibrant Ghanaian hiplife energy into an irresistible afrofusion anthem crafted for dance floors, radios, and playlists everywhere. The project’s lead single, “Casanova”, produced by TXMO and Kel-P, is a playful yet sincere reflection on choosing love. The tender, stripped-back “Corny” and the heartfelt “Love Me Now” — each adds their own emotional dimension to the Maison Rouge story.
A return to essence
With over two billion streams, fifteen million social followers, and acclaim from outlets like The New York Times, Billboard, and Rolling Stone, Mr Eazi stands as one of Afropop’s most influential voices. “Maison Rouge” marks both a reaffirmation of his Banku Music legacy and a new chapter in his artistic evolution. The EP’s lush sonic palette fuses nostalgic instrumentation with refined modern details. Pocketed percussion, expressive guitar tones, and open arrangements give every emotion a powerful punch. Intimate, romantic, and authentically Mr Eazi, “Maison Rouge” is where the Afropop innovator reconnects with his roots and invites listeners to slow down and feel at peace.
