Kola Kehinde, known in the music community as ManiX, has spent years playing supporting roles,. He helped other acts achieve their creative goals. But with stories of his own to tell, he finally steps into the spotlight with his solo debut.
One might ask, “Is there space for a ‘heart-on-sleeve’ artist like ManiX in the vibey Nigerian music scene?” The instrumentation of ManiX’s debut single, “Like That,” answers with a confident yes — blending emotional expression with club-ready bounce. The production transports you to a Boiler Room-style event, blue lights flickering, as a DJ guides the crowd through the night.
ManiX composed the track himself, bringing his A-game to every field of his artistry — songwriting, vocal delivery, and music production. With “Like That,” each of these pillars shines equally.
The song is both a sonic and lyrical representation of emotion wrapped in musical excellence. The melodic choices evoke the thrill and vulnerability of young love, while the drum patterns — jarring in a good way — demand attention and refuse to be ignored.
Lyrically, ManiX doubles down on his desperation and raw feelings. Yet, even as he reveals emotional fragility, he simultaneously asserts his worth — both as someone deserving of love and as an artist with something to say. He’s not just making a plea; he’s planting a flag.
With “Like That,” ManiX claims his space in the ever-evolving Nigerian sonic landscape. It’s an intriguing place to start. We can only hope he stays the course, because in music, direction and quality always outweigh quantity.
On one hand, listeners are left eager for what’s next. On the other, one can’t help but wonder: can a solo debut this honest and polished be topped? ManiX now walks a path of his own — with only himself and the legacy of his past work to compete with.
