Workaholic is a fantastic EP that slots seamlessly into Xbusta’s growing catalogue, standing as a testament to the kind of artiste he is right now. His strengths are fully on display, and there are few, if any, weak points to note.
By Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku
Okafor Golden Chinedu, known professionally as Xbusta, has been steadily building his profile in Nigeria’s music scene since his breakout in 2020 with the album Discovery. A Lagos-born, Imo State-raised artiste who studied Estate Management at Imo State University, Xbusta first gained attention as a battle rapper before transitioning to singing; blending Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, Highlife, and Juju into a smooth, versatile sound. For a time, he was even signed to the Five Star Music Group but left in 2018 in the wake of departures by Skiibi and Harrysong.
Following Discovery, his early singles like 2022’s “Big Body Benz” and “Every Girl’s Boyfriend” helped establish his melodic style, later receiving a high-profile remix featuring Ice Prince in 2023. That same year, he self-released his full-length sophomore album, Xuper Xtar Xtatus (XXX), a 13-track spread of Afro-Pop and Rap that featured guest spots from Majeeed, Lynox, Singah, Jaywillz, Lyta, Duncan Mighty, and Slowdog, showcasing his growth as both a lyricist and collaborator.
Along the way, he has performed alongside heavyweight acts including Olamide, Phyno, MI, Davido, and 2Baba, sharpening his stage presence and cementing his versatility.
2024 saw him release standalone singles in “Work” and “Ma Pami” and now, Xbusta makes a pointed return in 2025 with his latest EP, Workaholic, a tightly packed four-track project clocking in at just over nine minutes.
Workaholic opens with “First Class”, a triumphant declaration of ambition underscored by bright gospel-style keys and rich, melancholic rhythm guitars. The sonic texture expands with synth flourishes and Afro-Piano percussion, an energetic fusion of Afrobeats’ clacking elements and Amapiano’s signature log drums and rattling shakers.
It is a genre-melding canvas that immediately captures the project’s themes: hustle, sacrifice, and relentless drive. “I been dey hustle like no man’s business/ I keep it strong and I show no weakness/ And I do many things wey I no proud of/ I attack and I still play defence”, Xbusta proclaims, detailing the duality of his grind, both commendable and, at times, morally conflicted.
The strong songwriting is elevated by his colourful melodic phrasing and brilliant use of group vocals, harmonies, and carefully placed ad-libs. It is a strong opener, sinking its hooks in musically and thematically, while setting a tone that balances motivation with introspection.
“Budget” flips the narrative of ostentatious Afrobeats bravado on its head, opting instead for a refreshing realism. Lively guitars lead the charge, backed by percussive Afrobeats drums and a steady groove. Xbusta walks the line between wit and wisdom as he sings, “Calm down calm down hypeman calm down o/ I no wan spend pass my budget o/ No dey overhype me/ Where my money stop na where person money start/ I no go overdo cuz I dey spend with sense”.
The concept is sharp, relevant, and grounded, but while the message is compelling, the execution falters slightly in moments where the flow feels clumsy and the rhymes uneven. Still, Xbusta’s signature breezy vocal charm carries the song forward, bolstered by yet another standout use of backing harmonies and expert vocal layering. It may not be the most refined composition lyrically, but its playful honesty and catchy hook give it staying power.
On “Pawon”, synthetic strings interpolate the haunting melody of Billie Eilish’s “lovely”, but the song wastes no time shifting into its own up-tempo lane. With pounding Afrobeats kicks, steady log drums, and driving percussive motion, this track is the EP’s certified dancefloor entry.
It is a party song that does not feel like an interruption to the narrative, but rather an extension, offering a moment to celebrate even amidst the hustle. “Eyy make that dough” the chorus chants with unrelenting energy, as Xbusta cheerleads for listeners chasing their bag. His pitch-shifted, high-energy hook is infectious, and the group vocals return once again as a crucial component in keeping the song lifted. “Pawon” plays like the motivational montage scene in the story of Workaholic.
Workaholic ends with “Love Language”, a return to emotional intimacy that blends romantic vulnerability with the ongoing theme of work. Sparkling pianos and gently strummed guitars sit atop percussion-heavy drums, creating a heartfelt atmosphere as Xbusta tells his partner, “I need to get this money/ That’s why I’m always working/ If I no get this money/ Na hunger wey go kill me and you for here”.
The emotional weight lands because the writing is simple but vivid, delivering a story that many listeners, especially breadwinners in tight economic systems, will find deeply relatable. His vocal performance and masterful layering are, again, a highlight, but it is the clarity of intention, the realism in the lyricism, and the cohesion of theme that make this closer such a compelling finish to the tape.
Quality over quantity is the watchword on Workaholic. Concise in runtime but deliberate and deep in its thematic exploration, the EP presents a cohesive dive into Xbusta’s understanding of the titular workaholic; the motivations, limitations, introspections, questions, sacrifices, and rewards—all packed into bite-sized, energetic songs that are as fun to listen to as they are revealing. Beneath the breezy production, Xbusta drops poignant gems and memorable lines with remarkable clarity.
What elevates this effort is the songwriting. Except for a few clumsy rhyme schemes on “Budget”, the writing remains sharp, focused, witty, and strikingly relatable. Xbusta manages to touch on different facets of the hustler’s reality, both internal and external, without veering into judgment or self-pity. He simply documents and expresses, and does so with a refreshing honesty that invites empathy.
Of course, none of this would land without the stellar production values that run through the project. While each instrumental is carved from a similar sonic cloth, they are still distinct enough to offer fitting canvases for Xbusta’s voice. These are rich, percussive, groove-laden backdrops that retain space for expression, and he makes full use of it with gentle, assured delivery and a knack for sweet, consistent melodies.
There isn’t a dull melodic moment to be found. His understanding of tone, voice, and musicality shines throughout, and is greatly enriched by the tasteful use of harmonies, group vocals, and ad-libs, each one engineered to elevate the emotion without ever becoming overwhelming. The mix is clean, deliberate, and spacious, allowing the performances to sit with clarity and impact.
Altogether, Workaholic is a fantastic EP that slots seamlessly into Xbusta’s growing catalogue, standing as a testament to the kind of artiste he is right now. His strengths are fully on display, and there are few, if any, weak points to note. The compact length means each song gets the attention it deserves, and the payoff is a project that feels crafted rather than compiled. It’s a compelling statement of intent and a sharp reminder that Xbusta is one to watch.
Lyricism – 1.5
Tracklisting – 1.5
Sound Engineering – 1.7
Vocalisation – 1.5
Listening Experience – 1.5
Rating – 7.7/10
Yinoluwa “Yinoluu” Olowofoyeku is a multi-disciplinary artist and creative who finds expression in various media. His music can be found across all platforms and he welcomes interaction on his social media @Yinoluu.