Young Jonn’s transition from “The Wicked Producer” to a frontline pop sensation has been one of the most satisfying arcs in recent Afrobeats history. With his sophomore album, Blue Disco, he sticks the landing and performs a victory lap. The 21-track album is a conceptual exploration of duality: “Blue” representing the introspection and emotional depth of his songwriting, and “Disco” delivering the euphoric, high-octane production that first made him a household name. It is a dense, ambitious body of work that aims to cement his status both as a hitmaker and a complete artist.
The album is star-studded, yet Young Jonn never lets the features overshadow his own presence. On Cash Flow, the chemistry with Wizkid is effortless, blending Starboy’s laid-back luxury with Young Jonn’s energetic bounce. Meanwhile, Che Che with Asake is the kind of chaotic, amapiano-infused banger that feels destined to dominate December party rotations. But the album shines brightest in its solo moments. Tracks like Full Control showcase his evolution as a vocalist, where he employs a smoother, more controlled delivery over shimmering synths that nod to the disco era while remaining firmly rooted in Lagos.
Production-wise, Blue Disco is immaculate, which is to be expected from a man who spent a decade behind the boards. The sound is a futuristic blend of Afropop, Amapiano, and electronic dance music. There are moments of genuine surprise, such as the orchestral flourishes on the “Blue” side of the album, which reveal a vulnerability we rarely see. He isn’t just making music for the clubs, he’s making music for the drive home, too.
However, at 21 tracks, the album does risk listener fatigue. A tighter curation might have made the “Blue” vs. “Disco” concept punchier. Yet, in the streaming era, Young Jonn understands the assignment: feed the fans. There is something here for everyone, from the street-hop lovers to the R&B listeners. Blue Disco is a statement of intent. Young Jonn is no longer just visiting the spotlight; he owns it.
Listen to Blue Disco here.
