Following an exciting 2024 with the release of his stellar two-packproject Adenuga x Concerning and an assist on “Dia Dia” by Chinese hip hop star Vinida Weng,Nigerian hitmaker, Joeboy is gearing up to shake up 2025 as well starting with his single,“SMH” set for release on February 7th, 2025. The release coincides with the first anniversary ofthe artist’s record label, Young Legend.
“SMH” sits as one of Joeboy’s most ambitious attempts yet. It samples “Neela Nilave” (a Tamilsong from the album “Mandhera Vasal”) backed by an intricate bounce and wispy production bylongtime collaborator, Tempoe (“Sip (Alcohol)”, “Don’t Call Me Back”, “Better”).
On the mid-tempo number, Joeboy enters a contemplative head space as he delivers soulfulvocals while directly addressing his love interest on the pitfalls of their relationship. Speaking onthe track, he said, “There’s a certain clarity of mind that hits you when you finally understandthat not all relationships are supposed to last forever. Some are better as phases with lessons tolearn. Simple as. Whatever seems to be missing no matter how hard you try is missing for areason.”
With “SMH”, Joeboy continues to showcase his abilities as an artist and businessman ofinternational repute with limitless drive and inspiration.
ABOUT JOEBOY
Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa-Donus (born May 21, 1997), better known as Joeboy, is an Afropopsinger from Ogun State, Nigeria. The youngest of four children, Joeboy grew up in a religioushousehold, often quiet and reserved. Surrounded by musically inclined parents and an olderbrother, as well as the vibrant sounds of the Nigerian church, Joeboy was immersed in a richblend of musical influences from an early age.
At 18, Joeboy began creating music privately before finally gaining the confidence to share histalent with the world. His cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” caught the attention ofAfrobeats superstar Mr. Eazi, which set the stage for his breakthrough. Joeboy quickly gainedrecognition with his hit single “Baby,” followed by a string of successful tracks, including“Beginning” and “Don’t Call Me Back” featuring Mayorkun. Since then, Joeboy has emerged asone of Africa’s top talents, making waves globally. Often called “Young Legend,” Joeboy hasamassed over 2 billion streams across major digital platforms, with his songs topping charts inover 20 countries. His discography includes over 60 songs (including collaborations), twoalbums—Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic and Body & Soul—and two EPs, Love & Lightand Body, Soul & Spirit. Some of his standout hits include “Alcohol,” “Nobody,” the remix of“Love Nwantiti” (with CKay and Kuami Eugene), “Baby,” “Beginning,” and “Celebration.”
Joeboy’s breakout hit “Alcohol” has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify, making him the17th Afrobeats artist to reach this milestone. At 27, Joeboy has spent six years at the forefrontof the African music scene and is poised to take his career to even greater heights.
