With over a decade in the game, Nigerian rap duo Show Dem Camp—comprising Tec and Ghost—have consistently delivered stellar projects. In recent years, they’ve begun releasing albums outside their signature Palmwine Music and Clone Wars series. Last year, they dropped No Love in Lagos, a collaborative project with The Cavemen and Nsikak. Now, they return with a 17-track body of work titled Afrika Magik.

Throughout their career, Show Dem Camp’s unique music series have served as time capsules, capturing the evolution of Nigeria’s soundscape and political eras. Known for their openness to collaboration and their pioneering role in the alte movement, they’ve built a loyal and far-reaching community of listeners that extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. In Afrika Magik—a project that pays homage to old Nollywood—they reunite with longtime collaborators while introducing new voices, blending storytelling, nostalgia, and introspection. The result is a sonically rich and culturally grounded album that reinforces their legacy as one of Nigeria’s most consistent and forward-thinking rap duos.

The 17-track album opens with the soulful and introspective record “Libations.” Over a rich blend of piano and soulful strings, Tec and Ghost deliver braggadocious lines that reflect on their journey so far. In Ghost’s verse, he draws a comparison between their current form and the golden eras of Nigerian greats like Victor Olaiya, 2Baba, William Onyeabor, King Sunny Ade, and Oliver De Coque. This reference isn’t just name-dropping—it’s a declaration of legacy, a statement of intent from an iconic duo solidifying their place among the legends of Nigerian music. With Ghost’s reflective tone, he recalls their early days, their struggles, and even the Headies snub. “Libations” is a fitting opener for their eighth studio album—an encapsulation of their journey, growth, and story, setting the tone for the listening experience that follows.

On the next track, they enlist Taves on the Afropop record “Pressure.” Here, Taves’ distinct vocals serve as a bridge for Tec and Ghost to serenade their lovers and reaffirm their star power while dismissing any form of pressure. The Spax-produced track provides the perfect backdrop for all the artists involved, making it both enjoyable and memorable.

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The rap duo continues their romantic streak as the album transitions into “You Get Me.” On this soulful R&B record, they are joined by Grammy Award-winning singer and producer Tems, who delivers a soothing and emotional chorus about her deep connection and compatibility with her lover. Tec and Ghost complement her energy with smooth rap verses that express their devotion. The record is enriched by warm percussion and delicate guitar licks that heighten its emotional pull.

What’s an SDC project without an interlude? Throughout their discography, skits and interludes have consistently elevated the thematic coherence of their projects while enhancing the overall listening experience. These interludes often serve as moments of comic relief or take on a didactic, performative tone — as seen in their previous Palmwine Music and Clone Wars series. Afrika Magic is no different, featuring several interludes, the first of which is “Nollywood Vixens.” This track pays homage to old Nollywood actresses and showcases the profound influence of classic Nollywood on the entire project. In “Nollywood Vixens,” a voice-over artist reflects on how old Nollywood actresses portrayed femininity and explored relationships.

In “Spellbound,” the rappers abandon their braggadocious grit that was evident on the previous records and are more vulnerable. Here, they wear their feelings on their sleeves and their yearning is palpable. South African rising R&B star, Lusanda joins them on the record, making it a more emotionally charged record. While they might not be ferocious on this record, their delivery is still as graceful and sharp as ever. Just as the record is titled “Spellbound,” their flow, the background vocals, Lusanda’s vocals, and the hip-hop beat that has a jazzy and R&B underlining all gel to truly show how the artists are “spellbound” by their partners.

In “Spellbound,” the rappers shed the braggadocious grit that defined their previous records and embrace a more vulnerable side. Here, they wear their emotions on their sleeves, and their yearning feels palpable. South African rising R&B star Lusanda joins them on the track, adding depth and emotional texture. Though they might not sound as ferocious this time, their delivery remains as graceful and precise as ever. True to its title, “Spellbound” blends their fluid flow, Lusanda’s soulful vocals, layered background harmonies, and a hip-hop beat laced with jazzy and R&B undertones—capturing how the artists themselves are “spellbound” by love.

Although “Normally” might have been released weeks before the album dropped, it remains a refreshing listen thanks to BOJ’s infectious lyricism, Tec and Ghost’s clever wordplay, Joey B’s short but memorable hook, the hypnotic production, and the undeniable chemistry among the artists. The laid-back energy of the production flows seamlessly into the next track, “Small Chops and Champer,” featuring Ajebutter22. On this mid-tempo record, the trio serve as preachers of enjoyment and the soft life.

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Nigerian Afro-inspired R&B/Soul artist Winny joins SDC on “Pele,” a record that opens with a reflection on unrequited love, setting the emotional foundation for the song. In her signature Dancehall-inflected patois delivery, Winny sings about the emotional support and other benefits she receives from a love interest, while apologizing if the relationship feels one-sided. The Reggae/Dancehall-inspired production gives their individual deliveries an eclectic edge, making the record stand out as listeners can hear both the sincerity in Winny’s voice and the longing for something deeper in Tec and Ghost’s verses. Another interlude, “One Chance,” ushers listeners into the second half of the album. Here, the voiceover artist reminisces about a scene from the popular Nollywood film Jenifa.

Moonchild Sanelly’s infectious delivery opens “Magik.” Here, the South African songstress teams up with the rap duo in a musical representation of the fusion between Kwaito and hip-hop. Moonchild Sanelly commands the record, while Ghost and Tec feed off each other’s vibrant energy. The solo guitar performance at the end of the track adds a smooth, enjoyable finish.

With the next track, “Lifestyle,” the rappers continue to champion hedonism as a way of life. This time, longtime collaborator Moelogo joins them to reinforce their message of indulging in life’s finest pleasures. In one of their many solo outings on Afrika Magic, SDC delivers “Italawa,” a title that loosely translates to the popular slang “We outside.” The record flows with effortless rhythm as Tec and Ghost offer a sultry and captivating performance. As with many tracks on the album, the guitar riffs stand out as a defining element, adding a groovy and irresistible charm—a hallmark of SDC’s discography. While the song celebrates the “outside” lifestyle, it also doubles as an ode to feminine allure and beauty.

In “Send a Text,” a thumping bassline kicks off before guitar riffs enter, and Ghost’s deep vocals take over the chorus, setting the stage for Tec to attack the beat with his signature confidence. On this track, the duo celebrate their journey, reminisce about those they have lost, and call out everyone who doubted them. If “Libations” served as a time capsule of their musical journey and a pat on the back, then “Send a Text” marks a new chapter—one where they shed dead weight and move forward. The next interlude “White Juju” is an hilarious take on AI aka white juju and voodoo.

American singer and rapper Mereba joins the rap duo on “Masterkey.” On this track, they once again express their longing to be with their love interests. The production—a seamless blend of R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music—perfectly complements their heartfelt conversations and Mereba’s whispery vocals. As the album approaches its finale, it takes an aspirational turn with “Rise Again,” featuring LULU. Her vocals are understated yet commanding as she rides the beat, setting the tone for Tec, who raps about personal challenges and the burdens of fame as he raps, “Still, I rise.” Meanwhile, Ghost reflects on the duo’s journey, rapping about living the dream rather than just dreaming it. Together, they inspire listeners who aspire to follow in their footsteps. “Rise Again” stands as both a survivor’s anthem and a tribute to those pursuing their dreams.

On the album’s closing track, “I’ll Wait,” Spak swaps guitar riffs for log drums and shakers, ending the record on a vibrant note. Beyond the production, the rappers deliver some of their most cohesive and heartfelt performances on the album. In his verse, Tec presents himself as a constant presence in his lover’s life. Yet, on closer listening, his words also seem directed at the audience—or perhaps even his long-time partner, Ghost. Ghost builds on this energy, delivering a breathtaking verse of his own while promising to remain a steadfast companion to the person he addresses. Together, they give Afrika Magik a worthy finale—one that signals they will continue to uphold the excellence they are known for. The track also serves as a dedication to their fans, their families, and to each other.

Across its 17 tracks, Afrika Magik clearly pays homage to one of Nollywood’s iconic hubs, Africa Magic. At the same time, the project showcases the duo’s intent to explore multiple genres within Africa’s vast music industry—or perhaps simply to highlight the magic of their African roots. Regardless, the album achieves one thing with certainty: it reaffirms that Show Dem Camp is always ready to deliver era-defining music. Their storytelling remains razor-sharp, their penmanship immaculate, their delivery top-notch, and their talent for curating an impressive roster of collaborators on each project is undeniable. These collaborations make every track a distinct experience, ensuring listeners are never subjected to a dull or repetitive journey.

With its diverse collaborators and genres ranging from Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, Highlife, Afrobeats, to Amapiano, the project remains remarkably cohesive, thanks to Spax’s expert touch. Afrika Magik is an enjoyable listen that explores various themes—love, longing, heartbreak—while still advancing the duo’s mission of celebrating hedonism. Their personal struggles along their journey are not left out, making the album as introspective as it is entertaining. The cohesiveness of the project cannot be overstated: from the homage to classic Nollywood reflected in the cover art, the interludes, and the album’s overarching theme, to the careful pacing of each topic, the production, the features, and the seamless link between tracks, Afrika Magik is a masterclass in cohesion.