For over fifteen years, the Nigerian hip hop duo Show Dem Camp has established a reputation as innovative artists who seamlessly blend genres and narratives. Comprising Wale Davies, known as Tec, and Olumide Ayeni, called Ghost, the pair has consistently evolved, moving from socio-political commentary in their Clone Wars series to the romantic, highlife-infused sounds of their Palmwine Music collections.
Their latest offering, Afrika Magik, marks another ambitious conceptual leap. Released as a 17-track album, it serves as a cinematic homage to the Nollywood film industry and a celebration of the indefatigable Nigerian spirit. The project reframes African creativity as a form of magic born from resilience, memory, and sheer determination.
The Muse and Magic Behind the Music
In an exclusive interview, Tec revealed the layered inspiration for Afrika Magik. The album is, first and foremost, a tribute to the pioneers of Nollywood. "They created this magic where Africans are consistently creating in spite of little or no infrastructure," Tec explained. He describes this 'magic' as the alchemy of vision, talent, and persistence that allows Africans to excel globally against all odds, whether in music, sports, or film.
The concept extends to championing indigenous value, much like their previous work did with palmwine. "It's equally trying to show the value in these Nollywood stars and these household names that we grew up on," Tec added, highlighting how these cultural touchstones shaped a generation.
Sonically, Afrika Magik represents an evolution. It allows the duo to connect their various artistic worlds, enabling more musical experimentation. The album features a vivid pan-African soundscape, from emo-RnB duets with artists like Tems and Mereba to Naija street-hop flows with Boj and Ajebutter 22, and even house music inflections with South Africa's Moonchild Sanelly.
Collaboration Chemistry and Creative Synergy
Show Dem Camp is renowned for its strategic and meaningful collaborations. For this album, the selection process was deeply rooted in genuine connection. "More recently, it has actually become more about the people that we actually vibe with on a human level," Tec stated. Many features, such as those with Ghana's Joey B and Moonchild Sanelly, stemmed from real friendships and shared studio sessions.
A pivotal figure in their sound is producer Spax, who has been instrumental since the inception of the Palmwine Music series. Introduced by Ladipoe, Spax helped define the duo's direction. "Since then, Spax has given our careers a very clear direction," Tec acknowledged, noting how the producer's input created balance and synergy in their creative process.
The Foundation of a Lasting Partnership
The enduring partnership between Tec and Ghost, spanning over a decade, is built on a foundation of genuine friendship and trust. "Music might take up only about 30 percent of our shared time. The rest is just life," Tec revealed. This deep personal bond allows for honest, ego-free creative criticism.
Their musical tastes have diverged over time—Ghost remains a dedicated hip-hop purist, while Tec explores a broader range of genres—yet their core alignment pushes them both. "If he's delivering at a certain standard on a track, I have to step up and match it," Tec said, describing a healthy, challenging dynamic that elevates their work.
Looking forward, the vision for Show Dem Camp is to continue having fun, exploring new sounds, and pushing boundaries. Tec hinted that Afrika Magik could explore more themes inspired by Nollywood's rich storytelling tapestry, such as betrayal, success, and family. "The legacy, I feel like it's for others to decide," he mused, though he hopes they are remembered for consistently delivering quality music and opening doors for the next generation of African artists.
With Afrika Magik, Show Dem Camp has once again proven their mastery of conceptual artistry, crafting a project that is both a nostalgic tribute and a forward-looking testament to the magic inherent in African creation.
