Zaki Amujei, the Nigerian-born producer and singer, takes another tour into his archive, fashioning out an eight-track extended play and naming it For the Ones I Hurt, a title that ignites more questions than answers.

Largely known as a music producer, Zaki has helmed tracks for artistes like Fireboy, Peruzzi, Skales and more. His singing side may come as a surprise to many, but not to this writer. Zaki has even been credited as a songwriter for some of the artistes he has produced for. At the end of some of those songs, you feel his imprint, his panache, splashed with just a minor recognition. Finally, he wants the flowers for himself, and like expected, he calls on some of his trusted allies on this project. Partly romantic, half party-enlivened.

“I don’t deserve you babe,” opens “High BP,” as Zaki wears his romantic garb. He solicits for reciprocation of love, the plea gets bolder as the song reaches its crescendo, with background vocals, crowd vocals and repetition adding multiple layers and meaning to the song. The crowd vocals continue on “Spider Man,” a budding track centred on a tryst. Love is beautiful, however, let’s have fun while I get going, Zaki seems to imply in the first verse of this song. By the time the second verse comes up, things get personal and more comfortable.

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The swirling voyage of romantic relationships seems to be the inspiration behind this EP. One moment, Zaki and his love interest are having the best time, the next second, they reach ground zero as they grapple with chaos. The velvety vocals of Zaki make it more alluring. When Tiwye and Zaki bounce around each other’s energy on “Beauty,” they embrace a conflict-resolution mantra. Who forgets his girlfriend’s birthday? Zaki.

Musta4a’s opening six lines lay a superb pass for Zaki to latch on to on “On My Way,” a hope-laden, pop-inflected tune. A solid standout track from this EP, Musta4a surely has a bright future in the music industry. On the fifth track, “Moreni,” Zaki celebrates having the woman of his dreams as he sings in Yoruba. It’s a good addition to a wedding playlist.

One of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister’s songs is interpolated on “Aje,” while the hook beautifully explores a Yoruba childhood song, with the second verse optimally levitating the song. Skales and Zaki embrace a mild hedonistic lifestyle on “Chop Am,” with the former EME signee tethering between a personal and solemn cut. The EP closer, “Koma,” is a highlife-bound track, a gyrating, upbeat timeout by Zaki.

Zaki Amujei has already made his mark as a music producer. Can he replicate the magic as a singer? The answers are scattered in between this EP. With consistency, dynamism and label support, Zaki will surely join the ranks of Pheelz, Young Jonn and others.