I AM THE BLUEPRINT

What if the blueprint is you? a guide and a ghost, proof that something existed before it was ever built.”

By Nana Yaa S.A Agyemang

The music scene in Nigeria has seen an influx of talented rising stars over the past few years, but Qing Madi’s rise, in particular, has been special. Seeing her journey unfold has been nothing short of incredible. From recording covers, going viral, and reeling in milestones to performing on the biggest stages in the world, she’s not just another rising star, she’s a force to reckon with.She made a statement with her self-titled EP, Qing Madi, and now, with her debut album I Am the Blueprint, she challenges the notion of industry standards. If anyone thought they were the benchmark, they thought wrong. The title – striking and audacious – declares that she isn’t following a pre-existing playbook; she is the playbook.

The album comprises 13 songs: an alternative R&B album that fuses R&B with genres such as afrobeats, soul, dancehall, pop, and reggae. The production is minimalistic yet profound, permitting her vocals and emotions to be the main character of the show. She effortlessly blends soft, acoustic-driven melodies with percussive Afrobeats rhythms, showcasing her range across different moods and tempos.

Songs like “Bucket List” express a testament to fighting for something greater than the present. It’s not entirely personal; it’s an invitation for her listeners to dream, to seek a future beyond limits, to hail the individuals who uplift us, and to trust that every step forward is guided by something bigger than ourselves.

“Ali Bomaye,” inspired by the legendary resilience of Muhammad Ali, re-envisions a different kind of fight, not one of uppercuts, but one where vulnerability is a safety net and trust is prevalent. It’s a fight song for those who have found love or who seek a love that feels like a warm hug on a Sunday morning.

I think we may have the wedding song of the year with “Akanchawa”, which loosely translates to “good hands” in Igbo. It’s the song you want played at your African traditional wedding as you dance toward your prospective husband. It’s an ode to how the very sight of your lover enthralls your thoughts, body, and soul.

On “Damn It All,” she taps into her inner Shenseea, finessing a flawless dancehall delivery that adds a layer of dynamism to the project. She tells her listeners: choosing you is never a loss, know when to walk away from what no longer serves you.

In “Pressure,” fame can be a turbulent sea when it rushes in too soon. Yet, she calls on Ọlọhuṅ, knowing His love will see her through. The brilliance of Pressure lies in its wordplay, where “All on” phonetically mirrors “Ọlọhuṅ”.

In “Favourite Psycho,” the guitar riff is reminiscent of Sting’s Shape of My Heart and Juice WRLD’s Lucid Dreams. It’s a declaration of unconditional love and unwavering loyalty, even in the face of deception and mixed signals.

“Right Here” starts off invitingly with a melodic guitar riff. The bass guitar joins in unison, adding a layer of depth to the beat just before her vocals are introduced. A faint siren dub is accompanied by steppers, while a striking staccato reggae strum is heard throughout the song. Right Here is a reminder to stay devoted to the cause, even when there’s no motive to keep going. Life is worth living and celebrating. C’est la vie.

Trick question: Brandy’s Right Here or Qing Madi’s Right Here? It’s easy to lose track of what the goal is when our demons creep up, and just like the perfect ending to a fairy tale, Qing says:“Focus on the needed, and believe me, you gon’ have it all.” Ultimately, I Am The Blueprint is evidence of her vision and artistry, As her story continues to unfold, this debut sets the pace for even greater things to come.

Listen to ‘I am the blueprint” below: