Love Like Mr Bassey is the deeply personal new album from Nigerian Afrosoul singer-songwriter Beekay, marking a significant chapter in his decade-long musical journey. Known for his velvety vocals and his role as a prominent figure in Nigeria's alternative soul scene, Beekay—born Bassey Kenneth—has built a reputation as both a recording artist and a curator of live music experiences through his AFTERDARK concert series and Vibe Therapy Sessions . With this project, he delivers a 10-track concept album that traces the full arc of a romantic relationship, from its hopeful beginning through heartbreak to eventual healing .
Released on June 19, 2026 under Bluedreams Entertainment, the album arrives as what Beekay describes as a "glimpse" of a larger project titled Tales of Mr Bassey, which is planned for 2027 . The title carries profound personal meaning—"Mr Bassey" is his father, and the album serves as a precursor to a fuller exploration of his family's story, tracing his father's journey from Calabar to Lagos and back to Port Harcourt, and Beekay's own path from Port Harcourt to Abuja and finally Lagos .
Love Like Mr Bassey is rooted in Beekay's signature Afrosoul sound, which he himself has described as "vintage heavenly" . The production, handled primarily by Johnson Clinton Gift with additional work from Andy Amadi and Archibong Victory Kokoete, creates a warm, soulful sonic palette that supports the album's emotional narrative . The project is a raw encapsulation of Beekay's own lived experiences, serving as a sonic diary that documents what he calls "the fire and the flowers, the hurt, the healing, and the messy grey areas in between" .
The album traces a familiar boy-meets-girl arc, exploring the challenges that inevitably follow . The standout track "Another Man" captures the crushing realization of a one-sided relationship—the moment someone discovers they have built an entire vision of a shared future around a partner whose plans never included them . Beekay has described the song as "a glimpse of my experience and my journey through love" . "Ufan," featuring J'Dess, incorporates soulful tributes to his Ibibio heritage, while "Mellow," featuring Dotti the Deity, is described as a more settled, peaceful record .
Beekay began his career in Port Harcourt, where his "Beekay Live" concert series first gained recognition . He relocated to Lagos in 2016 and has since released projects including Afro Soul Therapy (2019), 7TH CRUSH (2022), Road Trip with legendary producer Tee-Y Mix (2024), and All Men Are The Same (2024) . His 2021 record "Light" notably featured in the multiple AMVCA-winning film Breath of Life (2024) . He has also worked extensively behind the scenes, serving as Davido's lead background vocalist for several years and contributing songwriting and backing vocals for artists including Teni and Asake .
With Love Like Mr Bassey, Beekay delivers a powerful statement that cements his place as one of Nigeria's most thoughtful and emotionally resonant soul artists. It is a celebration of vulnerability, artistic growth, and the enduring power of love in all its complicated forms.
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