One Year Later: Does Young John’s “Jiggy Forever” Meet the Expectations?

The rise of producers-turned-artists is nothing new in the music world. Tekno, Pheelz, and others have successfully made the leap from behind the scenes to center stage. But Young John is a different story. Known as “the wicked producer,” he was the mastermind behind hits like Olamide’s “Bobo,” Naira Marley’s “Mafo,” Kizz Daniel’s “Mama,” and even the well-loved “Dada” with Davido. When Young John was in the mix, you could almost guarantee success.

When “Jiggy Forever” dropped in April 2024, anticipation was high. Fans and critics alike were eager to see if Young John could transfer his production brilliance into the realm of vocal artistry. A year later, the answer is still a bit unclear.

What Worked Then…and Still Does

“Jiggy Forever” is ambitious, filled with themes of love, hustle, and grief. The album gives us a raw look into Young John’s personal journey as a 29-year-old navigating life. The expressionist album cover is a perfect visual representation of the emotional weight he carries throughout. While it might not hit the same way as his production on earlier hits, the album still does a decent job of capturing his artistry.

Tracks like “Aquafina,” “Stronger,” “Hold On,” “Pot of Gold,” and “Bahamas” remain standouts. Let’s talk about “Pot of Gold”—the fusion of Chinese folk music with Amapiano beats was a bold move, but it paid off. It’s one of the more unique sonic moments on the album, though the track’s lyrics don’t quite match the musical experimentation. Lines like “Ikebe be like Tsunami” feel out of place in a song that’s meant to focus on perseverance and success. Still, with his producer genius, Young John makes it work and it remains memorable.

On the topic of love, “Aquafina” stands out. It’s emotionally poignant, with solemn strings that heighten the track’s introspective nature. Compared to “Bahamas,” “Aquafina” feels more refined, capturing emotional assertiveness in a way that resonates with the listener.

In the middle of the album, we hear more Amapiano with tracks like “Jeje” and “Stronger.” Both are strong, but “Stronger” takes the lead. The track is Young John’s tribute to his late mother, Pastor Mrs. Comfort Udomboso, who passed away in 2018. The lyrics are raw, expressing his grief and longing: “Mummy can you see me now / Water pour down for my eyes / Many, many times I dey miss you.” The Amapiano influence might seem odd for a song like this, but it works. The music video adds to the emotional weight, making this track one of the album’s highlights.

Then, we have “Hold On.” This track brings a dancehall vibe, with Sean Paul’s Jamaican flow complementing Young John’s delivery. The result is an almost sensual atmosphere that makes you want more. But then, “Maya Maya” follows, and while it’s decent, it doesn’t quite match the emotional depth or artistry of “Hold On.”

What Didn’t Age Well

As the album progresses, the energy starts to dip. The party tracks like “50 Billion” and “Zlatan’s” adlibs get you excited at first, but it doesn’t last. The final third of the album offers tracks that feel uninspired. “Shine Shine,” “Sharpally,” and “Go Hard” carry good intentions, but they lack the lyrical spark that made the earlier songs stand out. While they try to emphasize Young John’s hustle and resilience, the delivery feels flat. And with the heavy reliance on Amapiano—once a fresh sound now oversaturated—the tracks fail to hold your attention.

Young John’s Career Post-“Jiggy Forever”

Commercially, “Jiggy Forever” did well. It stayed in Spotify Nigeria’s Top 10 for 40 consecutive weeks—the longest-charting album of 2024. Several tracks even made it onto the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, and the album got a nod for Afrobeats Album of the Year at the 2024 Headies. But despite the accolades, the album didn’t redefine Young John. He’s still widely regarded as a genius producer who occasionally sings, rather than a fully evolved artist.

There’s a noticeable influence from artists like Asake and Seyi Vibes in “Jiggy Forever”, but it’s not as pronounced as you might expect given their recent successes. Lyrically, the album is a bit of a mixed bag. Producers aren’t necessarily known for their lyrical prowess, and Young John certainly tries, but some tracks could’ve used a little more work.

This all points to a simple truth: Producers tend to shine brightest when they have the freedom to create standalone tracks or short EPs. Full albums can sometimes stifle their creativity and limit their ability to fully showcase their potential.

As Young John’s journey continues, his future projects will determine if he can truly make the leap from hit-making producer to a front-running artist. For now, “Jiggy Forever” remains an important, albeit imperfect, milestone in his career. It may not have been the definitive shift many hoped for, but it could serve as a valuable reference for other producers looking to take the same step.