Muse is the soulful and emotionally charged second EP from Nigerian Afrobeats artist Yarden, marking a significant artistic evolution from his 2023 debut, The One Who Descends . Known for his raw emotional delivery, genre-fluid sound, and ability to capture the intricacies of modern romance, Yarden has quickly become one of the most compelling new voices in Afrobeats. With this project, he delivers a body of work that explores the highs and lows of love with unflinching honesty and musical sophistication.
Released on September 26, 2025 under Etins Records, the EP showcases Yarden's growth as both a vocalist and storyteller . Across its tracks, he guides listeners through an odyssey of feelings—encountering rejection, elation, disbelief, and despondency at different turns. His world is one where emotions like desire, inhibition, and romantic acceptance are in constant communication, resulting in an always emotionally affecting take on Afrobeats .
The EP's emotional core is defined by Yarden's ability to weave between whispered confessions and bold, room-filling proclamations . The project assesses the cost of laying one's heart bare in the jagged landscape of 21st-century dating . On tracks like "Julie," he promises to go all-out for a partner despite them constantly toying with his feelings . "Joanna" features a flamenco-adjacent sound where he pleads "come make we groove baby" . "Soul" serves as a centerpiece of the EP, where he finally receives the love and attention he craves, even if he's too delirious to fully take it in .
The EP features carefully selected collaborations that extend the lovelorn narrative in unique ways . Fellow Nigerian rising star taves joins on "Ifeoma," serving as the perfect foil for a sulking reflection on being jilted . Mellissa lends her sirenic vocals to "ME & U," helping guide the project toward a hopeful resolution . The production, handled by ZARRTHEMAKER among others, creates lush sonic landscapes that complement Yarden's expressive vocal delivery . Tracks like "Busy Body" showcase his ability to shift effortlessly between silky-smooth verses and commanding hooks .
With Muse, Yarden delivers a powerful statement that cements his place as one of Afrobeats' most emotionally resonant rising stars. It is a celebration of vulnerability, artistic growth, and the enduring power of music to capture the complexities of love and heartbreak.
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