Every child of a legend faces the impossible burden of legacy. When your father is a global music icon like Wizkid and you also happen to be an artist, the world is likely expecting the next “Soco” or “Ojuelegba” from you. However, the true mark of an artist is the ability to carve a space that is entirely their own. Champz, Wizkid’s son, is doing just that.
With the release of his debut EP, Champion’s Arrival, he has unveiled a sonic world that stands completely apart from the Afrobeats rhythms and loverboy melodies that defined his father’s era. Champz delivers something utterly impressive with introspection and existential themes.
This is a quick song-by-song breakdown of the EP and look into his execution of a precise but vogue style of rap music, presented by a teenager’s mind and experiences.
“Champion Montana”
Track: 1
Duration: 1m 56s
Producer: Karnz
This is the EP opener and it sees Champz drawing influence from the tough-guy gusto. With the song’s title and opening lines: “Say hello to my little friend / My nigga call me Al Pacino, ‘cause I’m really him”, Champz likens the toughness of fictional mobster, Tony Montana, to how he sees himself.
He goes on to reference 50 Cent, whose tested mortality and early branding was a reflection and capitalisation of his gangster days. But the fascination is less about crime life itself, and more about the fantasy of rebellion and success, status and identity, control and agency.
Through his bars, Champz defines himself as not just a tough guy, but a dream-chaser and money-getter: the one who either gets it or dies trying. The one not deterred by teachers’ comments and knew the way before he was taught geography.
It’s clear that a certain style of art is an influence on Champz: street art. Street raps and street (gangster movies). Though he’s a sweet 14-year-old boy who promises to keep grinding until he puts his mom in a Lambo, he aspires to operate in a boss position — perhaps a tough one like the men he references.
Standout lyrics: “I ain’t Jesus Christ, but don’t say my name in vain.”
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“Grind”
Track: 2
Duration: 2m 32s
Producer: Lxcid
Champz agrees he’s a nepo baby, as labelled by many (hard agree), and doesn’t want any disrespect to his talent. He acknowledges privilege but makes it clear he isn’t stuck on his parents’ wealth.
He’s also amused by the public’s surprise at his talent, bragging that he could make music in his sleep. The beat bounces after each bar, cushioning up his flows from an impressive non-threatening to a high-alert but controlled cadence.
In the same infectious energy Wizkid states in “No Lele” that, “See I go be number one / As a born champion, no lele” — Champz also declares, “If you ask people what is the latest / They’ll tell you, “Alaye, Champion Montana ti debe.”
Standout lyrics: “Give me five years, I’ll be riding on my high horse.”
“Superstar”
Track: 3
Duration: 2m 8s
Producer: Lxcid
Champz opens this song rapping about pressure, perhaps that of carrying on his father’s legacy as his first son and also as an artist. In the lines that follow, he expresses his desire to be a present parent, saying: “When I’m older, I’m gonna show love to all my kids / ‘Cause these niggas take a piss, life taught me all this.”
Without throwing a dig, what life has taught Champz about family time most likely hits close to home. He also throws shots at fake friends and hopes to one day be able to reveal his true feelings without pretence.
Interestingly, this song title is his dad’s, Wizkid’s debut album title too — but Champz’s version leans more on family, loyal circle and freedom of expression, than the allure of party and celebrity lifestyle.
Standout lyrics: “They keep saying I can’t rap, I need to have it worse.”
“Champion Sound”
Track: 4
Duration: 1m 58s
Producer: TNIA and Hosanna
If you heard his snippet when it went viral a few weeks back and liked it, your jam is ready. Champz channels his Afro-swing swag with a lukewarm but head-bopping delivery to brag about his arrival on the music scene.
With a strong and grounded conviction enough to convert an unbeliever, he consistently calls himself a champion. He talks big and will have to back it up with the consistency of a champion. It’s truly an impressive song from a 14-year-old.
Standout lyrics: “Shout to the OGs in the game, but it’s time to pass the baton to the champion.”
“Champiano”
Track: 5
Duration: 3m 26s
Producer: Hosanna
This is the closing track and he jumps on Amapiano here. Champz takes a break from the good bad guy bars, smug brags, spotting fake friends, and carrying societal or family pressure on his shoulders. Here, he’s only about having a good time.
He urges listeners to move and have a good time to his tune, the Champion Sound. If you’re not feeling him or just standing still in Champz’s party, he feels sorry for you. If fans like, they can call this Champz’s “What You Wanna Do?” or “Pakuromo” without booty-worship and name-drops.
Standout lyrics: “I can’t kill myself, man I’m just 14 / Step to the party, move your feet.”
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