Nigerian Afro-pop sensation Joeboy continues to tug at the heartstrings with his latest single, Taxi Driver, a soul-baring track that boldens his reputation as a master of emotive storytelling. After releasing his earlier single, SMH, with Tempoe—a brooding reflection on a love turned sour—Joeboy doubles down on the heartbreak narrative with Taxi Driver. Dropped just weeks before his highly anticipated third studio album, Viva Lavida, set to arrive on March 28, 2025, this new single offers a poignant glimpse into what fans can expect from the forthcoming LP. With his recent releases steeped in themes of betrayal and emotional wreckage, it’s clear that heartbreak will be a central thread weaving through the album.
Taxi Driver finds Joeboy at his most exposed, channelling the pain of a fractured romance into a haunting plea. The song’s lyrics: “Taxi driver can you take me home, I can’t feel my soul, this feeling I’m better on my own,” captures the depths of his despair, painting a vivid picture of a man broken by the games and heartaches inflicted by his lover. His voice, tender yet weighted with sorrow, drifts over a minimalist yet evocative beat made by the talented producer Xtofa. Known for his intricate sounds, Xtofa layers subtle percussions and melancholic chords, allowing Joeboy’s emotive delivery to take center stage. The production balances understated and powerful, amplifying the song’s intimacy without overshadowing its lyrical heft.
The release marks a continuation of Joeboy’s exploration of love’s darker side, a trajectory that began with his earlier songs, and most recently SMH, and now deepens with Taxi Driver. Where SMH simmered with frustration over a soured relationship, Taxi Driver dives headfirst into the aftermath—loneliness, disillusionment, and a yearning for escape. The track’s narrative unfolds like a late-night confession, with Joeboy pleading for a ride away from the emotional rubble, his soul too battered to stay.
As one of the songs from his upcoming album, Taxi Driver hints at a project that will lean heavily into personal introspection. With two heartbreak-themed singles already in the bag, the LP—Joeboy’s third since his 2021 debut album Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic—promises to be a cathartic journey through love’s trials. Scheduled for release on March 28, 2025, the album is poised to show his evolution from the upbeat romantic of hits like Baby to a more seasoned artist unafraid to bear his scars. Produced by Xtofa, Taxi Driver sets the tone with its melancholic beauty, blending Afro-pop’s melodic warmth with a stark emotional edge.
Joeboy’s knack for turning pain into art has always been a strength, and Taxi Driver is no exception. It’s a heartbreak tune that doesn’t just wallow—it searches for solace, even if fleeting, in the hum of a taxi’s engine. As the album approaches, this single stands as a powerful prelude, signalling that Joeboy is ready to peel back more layers, inviting listeners into the tender wreckage of his heart. Whether you’re nursing a breakup or simply drawn to soulful music, Taxi Driver is a ride worth taking.
