When an artist releases a debut project, the real test often begins with the follow-up. That second body of work usually reveals whether the artist is still experimenting or deliberately shaping a sound identity they intend to own. With Solace, Kunmie answers that question clearly. Rather than pivoting for attention or chasing a wider audience, he chooses to deepen the emotional and sonic world he introduced in his previous EP.
Doubling Down on a Clear Sound Identity
Kunmie’s earlier EP leaned heavily on slow-tempo Afro-inflected percussion, giving his music a grounded and rhythmic warmth. On Solace, that element is deliberately stripped away. In its place is a sparse, soulful arrangement driven largely by a single electric guitar. The guitar does not overpower the song. Instead, it moves gently, almost conversational, giving the track a subtle country-soul texture that feels both intimate and intentional.
This decision signals growth. Kunmie is no longer hiding behind familiar Afrocentric structures. He is confident enough to let space, restraint, and melody carry the weight of the song. The result is music that feels personal rather than performative.
A Soulful Pivot That Feels Earned
What stands out most in Solace is how fully Kunmie commits to soul as a language rather than a stylistic accent. His vocal delivery is calm, controlled, and emotionally exposed. He does not force dramatic moments. Instead, he allows vulnerability to surface naturally, which gives the song its quiet power.
The absence of heavy percussion shifts the listener’s focus to his voice and the emotional story being told. This choice may limit immediate dance-floor appeal, but it strengthens the song’s emotional clarity.
Lyrical Themes of Vulnerability and Emotional Dependence
Rather than presenting confidence or bravado, Solace explores uncertainty, emotional exhaustion, and the fear of losing stability. Kunmie frames himself as someone navigating internal chaos while clinging to the idea of one person as emotional refuge. The song moves through images of falling, drifting, and running from inner shadows, all pointing to a mind searching for peace.
There is also a recurring question at the heart of the song. If everything else falls apart, will love remain? That question gives Solace its emotional tension and makes the song relatable to listeners dealing with quiet personal struggles rather than loud heartbreak.
Echoes of Adekunle Gold’s Early Strategy
Kunmie’s artistic approach here mirrors a familiar path in Nigerian music history. Like Adekunle Gold in his early years, Kunmie appears more interested in consolidating a loyal core audience than chasing mass appeal. Adekunle Gold built his foundation by committing fully to his sound, even when it did not immediately translate to mainstream dominance.
Solace feels like that kind of record. It may not drastically expand Kunmie’s audience overnight, but it reinforces trust with the listeners he already has. That kind of consistency often proves more valuable in the long run.
Mainstream Reach Versus Artistic Longevity
The question many will ask is whether Solace pushes Kunmie closer to mainstream success. The honest answer is that it probably does not in the immediate sense. However, it strengthens something arguably more important: artistic credibility.
Listeners who connected with Kunmie’s earlier work will find reassurance here. He is not abandoning them or reshaping himself to fit trends. Instead, he is refining what makes him distinct. That approach tends to age well.
A Lullaby for Adults
Solace works best as a personal listening experience. It feels like a song meant for late nights, quiet rooms, and moments of reflection. There is a softness to it that makes it suitable for emotional unwinding rather than public consumption. In that sense, it functions almost like a lullaby for adults, offering comfort without escapism.
Final Thoughts
With Solace, Kunmie confirms that he understands the value of sound identity and emotional honesty. The song showcases growth, restraint, and a willingness to sit with vulnerability rather than mask it. While it may not immediately broaden his audience, it strengthens his artistic foundation and positions him as an artist playing the long game.
If Kunmie continues on this path, recognition may come not from loud moments but from consistent emotional resonance, both within and beyond Nigeria.
