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Today (Friday 10th October 2025) – GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Lojay unveils his highly anticipated debut album ‘XOXO’, out now via Koratori. Blending Afrobeats, R&B, amapiano, and global rhythms, the 14-track project explores the complexities of intimacy, heartbreak, and desire, weaving R&B sophistication into a new palette of Afrobeats that feels both global and deeply rooted.
Speaking on the album’s creation, Lojay shares:
“‘XOXO’ is everything I couldn’t say in a conversation. It’s messy, emotional, sexy, and honest. I wanted it to feel like a late-night text you probably shouldn’t send… but do anyway.”
The project lands with a tender collaboration for focus track ‘Memories’ featuring SA superstar Tyla. Opening with soft piano chords, the song unfolds into a laidback love story, with Lojay and Tyla trading heartfelt verses about fleeting but unforgettable moments of intimacy. Their chemistry radiates across the track, blending smooth Afropop melodies with gentle R&B undertones to create a timeless duet that captures both vulnerability and allure. ‘Memories’ embodies the emotional heart of the album – a reflective and sensual journey through passion, longing and connection.
‘XOXO’ also includes recent singles ‘Tenner’, a bold 3-step-inspired love song produced by Black Culture (behind Davido’s ‘Be There Still’), ‘MWAH!’ with UK R&B talent Odeal, and the Sarz-produced ballad ‘Somebody Like You’. Together, they underline Lojay’s versatility and hunger to push Afrobeats into fresh spaces, while keeping his storytelling deeply personal.
The album opens with Salê, an atmospheric introduction that sets the emotional tone with layered gospel harmonies and soft percussion. ‘Tenner’s crisp beat and shimmering synths pledge devotion, before ‘MWAH!’ delivers a seductive London-meets-Lagos slow jam. ‘Shiver’ is emotionally raw, while keeping the energy high courtesy of a driving, cinematic production as Lojay casts his eyes on his one and only, while ‘Body (feat. Feid)’ takes centre stage with its club-ready cross-continental magnetism. Slowing the pace, ‘Miss Mariana’ drips with playful bravado and seductive lyricism over a smooth, bass-driven groove as Lojay delivers flirtatious lines about stamina, allure, and knowing how to keep the energy burning late into the night. Switching lanes, ‘Change You Up’ is an upbeat dance record brimming with euphoric, uplifting lyricism about wanting that special someone’s love, as a soaring backing choir declares “don’t let them change you up”, a romantic vow and rallying cry rolled into one.
Midway through, ‘Jerico’ lifts the mood with a breezy midtempo groove, warm guitar riffs, and a playful, feel-good energy. Lojay’s lyrics brim with admiration and cheeky charm as he likens love to “walking on river Jordan,” confessing that this connection has him second guessing his own composure. ‘Wanchu’ floats with airy production and heartfelt, sincere lyricism, while ‘Memories’ featuring SA superstar Tyla offers a shimmering Afropop duet about fleeting but unforgettable moments. ‘Somebody Like You’ is a sparse, yearning ballad with regular collaborator Sarz. ‘Sawa’ paints a charged picture of lust and desire over an infectious production with the assistance of fellow Nigerian Victony. ‘Suru’ brings a soulful Yoruba-infused prayer for patience, and closing track ‘Alright’ offers a hopeful and stripped-back, cathartic end to the journey.
The release follows a milestone year for Lojay, who became the only independent Afrobeats artist nominated for a GRAMMY in 2025, alongside Chris Brown and Davido for their multi-platinum hit ‘Sensational’. His past projects – 2021’s ‘Luv N ATTN’ with Sarz and 2023’s ‘Gangster Romantic’ – produced enduring hits such as ‘Monalisa’ (now GOLD in the UK with 400M+ streams), ‘Moto’ and ‘Leader!’, establishing him as one of the genre’s most innovative voices.
This October, Lojay will also embark on his debut headline North American tour, with dates across the USA and Canada,before heading to London’s Bush Hall on 18th November. Tickets for all the shows are on sale via Lojay’s website here.
XOXO Tracklist
- Salê
- Tenner
- Mwah! (feat. Odeal)
- Shiver
- Body (feat. Feid)
- Miss Mariana
- Change You Up
- Jericho
- Wanchu
- Memories (feat. Tyla)
- Somebody Like You
- Sawa (feat. Victony)
- Suru
- Alright
ABOUT LOJAY
Lekan Osifeso Jr., professionally known as Lojay, is a Lagos-born, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter redefining Afrobeats with his fusion of R&B, amapiano, and global sounds. Breaking through with his 2021 EP Luv N ATTN—produced entirely by Sarz and featuring the hit “Monalisa”—he has since collaborated with Chris Brown, Davido, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML, and more. His 2023 solo EP Emotional Gangster cemented his reputation for emotional depth and sonic innovation. The only independent Afrobeats artist to earn a GRAMMY nomination in 2025, Lojay continues to push boundaries with a sound that is as intimate as it is international.
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