If Victony’s debut album Stubborn was the introduction to his resilient nature, his new EP Very Stubborn takes it further. Released as a surprise eight-track follow-up, the project eschews the polished, radio-friendly gloss of his previous work for something far more textural and gritty. Victony has always possessed a unique ability to blend melancholy with rhythm, but here, he leans heavily into the Outlaw persona he has been cultivating. The production is cinematic, utilizing heavy orchestral swells and distorted 808s that mirror the chaos of his journey from the streets of Ojo to the preparation for global stardom. I, personally, can confirm that Very Stubborn is a sonic diary of a man who refuses to bend.
One of the EP’s standout tracks is without a doubt, the previously released Tanko, a raucous collaboration with the ginger-haired veteran of the streets, Terry G. It is a passing of the torch moment that feels electric; Terry G’s erratic energy surprisingly complements Victony’s controlled, melodic delivery, creating a bridge between the chaotic street-hop of the late 2000s and the refined Afrobeats of 2025. The track serves as a reminder of the energy that Nigerian music was built upon. Victony uses this collaboration to ground himself, proving that despite the international acclaim, his sound remains deeply rooted in local soil.
Lyrically, Very Stubborn finds Victony in a pensive mood. On tracks like Way Home, he grapples with the isolation that comes with rapid success. He isn’t just singing about overcoming physical challenges anymore, he is dissecting the mental fortitude required to stay relevant in a notoriously fickle industry. The songwriting is sharper, more direct, and less reliant on metaphors than his previous outings. He speaks plainly about betrayal, loyalty, and the sheer stubbornness required to keep one’s head above water.
The project creates a cohesive listening experience that demands to be consumed in order. There are no filler tracks here, only chapters in a larger narrative. The transition between the high-energy Tanko and the sombre, piano-led closer is jarring by design, representing the duality of his life, the public party and the private pain. It is a bold artistic choice that pays off, solidifying Victony as a hitmaker and an album artist who understands the importance of sequencing and mood.
Ultimately, Very Stubborn is a declaration of permanence. In a year crowded with fleeting viral moments, Victony has planted his flag with a project that feels substantial. He is telling the world that he is not going anywhere, and if you thought he was stubborn before, you haven’t seen anything yet. This EP is the sound of an artist who has fully accepted his identity,
