Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, and producer Mannywellz has released his latest musical offering, a 7-track EP titled Small Chops, distributed via Vydia. The project, which runs for just under 15 minutes, is a deeply personal and self-produced body of work that showcases his evolving artistry in modern R&B and soul. Released as a conceptual “starter” ahead of his upcoming full-length album, Small Chops serves as both a preview and a powerful statement of intent in his musical journey.
The EP explores the emotional nuances of romance, moving through stages of infatuation, desire, reflection, and longing. Mannywellz crafts an immersive listening experience using smooth vocal layering and warm, soulful production that blends contemporary R&B textures with subtle African influences. Every track feels intentional, reflecting his complete creative control as both writer and producer. This level of artistic ownership gives the project a cohesive and intimate tone that resonates deeply with listeners.
Guest appearances from Wale and Lekan add dynamic depth to the EP, enhancing its emotional range without diverting from its central theme of vulnerability and love. The collaboration with Wale, in particular, builds on the success of their recent visual for How It Feels, which surpassed one million views within two weeks of release. The track Holy Father, released in 2025, also played a key role in shaping the sonic direction of Small Chops, further anchoring the project in Mannywellz’s current artistic vision.
Conceptually, the EP draws inspiration from the popular Nigerian appetizer platter known as small chops, symbolizing a taste of what’s to come. It is positioned as the final EP in this phase of his career, marking a transitional moment before his next major album. The project not only highlights his musical growth but also reflects his personal journey as a DACA recipient who moved from Nigeria to the United States at the age of nine.
His immigration story continues to influence his music and advocacy, including his contribution to the Grammy-winning project American Dreamers: Voices of Hope, Music of Freedom. Through Small Chops, Mannywellz offers more than just songs—he presents a carefully curated narrative that balances emotion, identity, and cross-cultural expression with quiet confidence. As he prepares for the next chapter, this EP stands as a significant milestone in his journey toward global recognition.
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