Apala king Terry Apala heads to the streets of Lagos on a proud new record titled “Mushin,” which names a busy Lagos district. Mushin has long been known for its energy, its hustle and its musicians. Apala, a Yoruba tradition built on talking drums and call-and-response, has deep roots there, so a Mushin tribute from Terry fits naturally. No guest is listed on “Mushin,” so the pride belongs to him alone.
Expect talking drums, rattling percussion and a bass that rolls with a bounce. A thin guitar or keyboard line probably weaves through, while a chanting chorus keeps the rhythm tight. The sound should feel like a street party that has spilled onto the road. Terry sings in a warm, raspy voice that carries plenty of swagger, and he leans into praise-singing.
Each line sounds like a salute to a person or place, while his timing against the drums stays sharp. Because the title doubles as the hook, the crowd can shout it back with ease. Apala keeps finding new streets to walk through, and this one leads straight home.
Have you heard “Mushin” yet? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below.
