In an era where genre and form are becoming increasingly fluid, Nadeem Din-Gabisi is one uniquely creative artist. As a British-Sierra Leonean musician, poet, visual artist, and filmmaker, Din-Gabisi crafts immersive worlds that converge themes of Black identity, cultural displacement, and spiritual resilience. His work bridges sound and vision, creating a synesthetic language that resonates both emotionally and politically. In his second album Offshore, Nadeem channels his creativity to our ears with an intriguing delivery.
Kickstarting with ‘Intro’, Din-Gabisi crafts a brief yet compelling story, weaving cinematic strings and assertive rap flow into an interesting style. The track’s enigmatic allure leaves us yearning for more, beckoning a replay. Next up, ‘Enter Claim’ erupts with a nice fusion of saxophones, pulsating percussions, and stirring background vocals. Nadeem’s anthemic choruses amplify the track’s energy, but it’s the saxophone’s masterful dance with the vocals and percussion that truly steals the show, holding us in a rapturous grip.
Shifting gears, ‘B Happy’ greets us with a rich bassline, embracing an Afro-Salsa vibe. ‘Chariots’ unleashes a captivating and carefree rap flow that grabs the spotlight – a DJ’s delight. The playfully titled ‘I Land’ echoes a hint of J Hus, carrying a memorable chorus and groove-inducing instrumentation. ‘Icey’ marks a moment of poetic respite, cooling the energetic atmosphere built by previous tracks. The interlude ‘Libation’ gifts us with the album’s most inspiring instrumentals, revealing a refined sense of composition and arrangement.
Picking up the tempo, ‘Pub Lunch’ serves a lively mix of traditional percussions, infusing energy despite its unassuming title. ‘Auction’ sees Din-Gabisi returning to the album’s storytelling motif, elevating it to new heights. ‘New Wave’ funks up the atmosphere with an upbeat rhythm, although it may feel slightly lackluster amidst the album’s array of offerings. In ‘Gratis’, Din-Gabisi’s poetic storytelling prowess remains a cornerstone. However, removing some of the percussion elements might have better highlighted the song’s message, as seen in the interlude track. The album culminates with the raw and emotive final track, its opening hum reminiscent of Kid Cudi’s work, providing a poignant sense of closure.
Din-Gabisi’s rich personal history, marked by the convergence of British and Sierra Leonean heritage, forms the bedrock of his musical journey. His work is defined by a constant exchange between locations: the urban landscape of London, ancestral memories of West Africa, and the interplay between material existence and emotional or spiritual realms.
