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From Lagos to the World: DJ Neptune’s ‘Greatness IV’ Charts New Territory for Afrobeats
In the vibrant metropolis of Lagos, where Afrobeats pulses through every street corner, DJ Neptune has quietly been orchestrating a musical revolution. With the release of his latest masterpiece, ‘Greatness IV’, the veteran DJ and producer continues his legacy of shaping the sound of contemporary African music.
The fourth installment in his acclaimed ‘Greatness’ series arrives as a stunning 14-track collection that showcases both Afrobeats’ roots and its global ambitions. Primarily recorded in Lagos, with one track (‘Taliban’) created in Accra, Ghana, the album stands as Neptune’s most ambitious work yet, building on his impressive track record of hits like ‘Nobody’ with Joeboy and Mr Eazi, and ‘Wait’ featuring Kizz Daniel.
Speaking from his Lagos studio, Neptune reveals the evolution of his creative approach. “Greatness IV is about growth, legacy, and the global voice of Afrobeats,” he tells Peter Okhide. “Each album in the series reflects where the culture is at that moment, and this one shows how far we’ve come, global yet deeply rooted.”
What sets this album apart is its organic development. Unlike previous installations that followed a strict blueprint, Neptune allowed collaborations to breathe naturally this time. The result is a fresh sound that maintains the series’ signature quality while pushing boundaries.
The album features an impressive roster of both established stars and emerging talents, reflecting Neptune’s unique ability to spot tomorrow’s hitmakers. When asked about his talent selection process, he emphasizes five key qualities: “Originality, consistency, passion, hunger, and humility,” adding, “Without them, talent alone won’t carry you far.”
The geographical influence on the album’s sound is particularly fascinating. While most tracks capture Lagos’s energetic pulse, ‘Taliban’, recorded in Accra, brings a different flavor to the mix. “Environment has a big role in creativity,” Neptune explains, noting how each location adds its unique color to the sound.
The album’s opening track, ‘Amin’, holds special significance as both a prayer and testimony. “That’s why the project is called Greatness because it’s been divinely guided,” Neptune shares, revealing the spiritual foundation of his work.
Behind the scenes, a talented production team including Timbun, Ugly & Tough, NYRP, and Yo X helped craft the album’s cohesive yet diverse sound. Their collaborative effort created an album that feels both modern and timeless.
As Afrobeats continues its global ascent, Neptune’s role as a cultural curator becomes increasingly significant. ‘Greatness IV’ arrives at a crucial moment, balancing international appeal with authentic African identity. It’s a testament to Neptune’s vision that he can create music that resonates both at home and abroad without compromising either audience.
Looking ahead, Neptune remains characteristically thoughtful about future projects. “The Greatness journey isn’t over,” he says, while emphasizing the importance of letting the current work speak for itself.
As the sun sets over Lagos and Neptune’s studio, one thing is clear: in an industry often focused on quick hits, DJ Neptune continues to play the long game, crafting not just music, but a legacy that will influence Afrobeats for generations to come.
The album ‘Greatness IV’ is now available on all major streaming platforms.
