Joeboy, the Afrobeats frontrunner and sultry crooner, shares his vibrant third album, Viva Lavida, and takes Wonderland through the work, track-by-track.
Everyone should take the advice of Joeboy’s third album’s title. Viva Lavida – which translates to ‘Live Life’ – is the brand new record from the Afrobeats mainstay, shared via his own imprint Young Legend under the bracket of Warner Music Africa.
The 13-pronged opus is a sprawling and scintillating selection of songs that push the artist’s sound into new sonic lanes whilst solidifying the core identity of his giving and gregarious style. Boasting an eclectic and engrossing array of features that stretches from Olamide to Wizard Chan and Qing Madi, the LP is a triumphant and chiselled body of work that further solidifies Joeboy as a leading force in the Afro musical sphere and beyond.
Speaking on the album, Joe told Wonderland: This album is my most personal and intentional body of work I’ve ever created. It’s a journey, through love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and faith. I wanted to be as real as possible, to express every emotion honestly, whether it’s the highs of love, the pain of loneliness, or the reassurance that no matter what happens, we’ll be okay. Sonically, it’s a mix of everything that makes me who I am, the vibes, deep storytelling, and music that makes you move but also makes you feel. Every song has a purpose, every lyric comes from a real place, and the features just take it to another level. Big shoutout to all the amazing artists and producers who helped bring this vision to life. This is me and I’m happy the world gets to experience Viva Lavida now.”
Listen to Viva Lavida…
We asked Joeboy to put together an exclusive track-by-track analysis to celebrate the album.
“Innocent”
This is me at my most vulnerable, talking about a time when love was pure, how it was supposed to be. No games, no second-guessing, just loving someone wholeheartedly and expressing that love without fear.
“Abena”
This one is pure energy. The sound is a futuristic record that’s all about movement. It’s me telling Abena to dance, to feel the music, and just let go. From the beat to the vibe, everything about this song is made to make you move. If you listen closely it is also about a man that would move heaven and earth to get his woman’s love and attention.
“Streets Are Lonely”
This is me talking about how lonely it gets out there when it comes to love and relationships. The streets are cold, everyone’s guarded, protecting themselves from heartbreak. But love requires vulnerability, and that’s something a lot of people aren’t willing to embrace.
“Taxi Driver”
This song is about heartbreak and that feeling of being left alone with your thoughts in the backseat of a taxi. You know those moments when you’ve had a rough day, and everything just hits you at once? That’s the emotion I poured into this song.
“SMH (Something Missing Here)”
Sometimes, love alone isn’t enough to make a relationship work. There’s that feeling that something is missing, and no matter how hard you try, it just won’t fit. This is a special, unique song I created with Tempoe, and it captures that realization perfectly.
“Magdalene”
This is an upbeat song about being obsessed with someone you know isn’t good for you, but you just can’t help it, sometimes the heart wants what it wants. It’s that toxic pull, that irresistible attraction, where logic takes a backseat and desire takes over if you know what I mean…
“Sunset” ft. Elana Dara
This song captures the honeymoon phase of a relationship, when everything feels fresh, rosy, and effortless. No stress, no trials, just pure bliss. It’s that warm, golden feeling… like watching the perfect sunset with someone and realizing how deeply in love you have gotten
“Adenuga” ft. Qing Madi
This song is all about going all out for love, no limits, no holding back. It’s me expressing how far I’d go for my lover, especially when it comes to spoiling them. If I have it, they have it too, it’s an expression of love and desire
“Free of Charge” ft. Olamide
This is me expressing my unconditional love, no conditions, no strings attached. I’ll do anything for my woman, no questions asked, free of charge. Special shout out to Olamide Baddo for the fire verse, he has always been a supporter of my journey from the very beginning, I’m glad we’re finally on a song together.
“Hey Father”
This song is a prayer, a conversation with God. It’s me asking for guidance, for direction in my purpose, and for strength in everything I do. In a world full of pressure and expectations, I know I can’t do it alone, I always need God to lead the way
“Osadebe”
This song is a reflection of my mindset and how I navigate life. I follow my own path, move at my own pace, and don’t get caught up in trends or the noise around me. In an industry where there’s constant pressure to conform, I choose to stay true to myself, doing things my own way, on my own terms, you know, no competition, no distractions, just me and my journey.
It’s also a homage to the legendary highlife icon Chief Osita Osadebe, who sang Osondi Owendi, meaning ‘to each his own.’ That was me indirectly referencing his philosophy, everyone has their own path, and I’m staying on mine
“Sinner”
This song is me acknowledging my imperfections, the fact that I’m human, I make mistakes, and I’m not always going to get it right. But despite all of that, God’s grace still finds me. It’s a reminder that even in our flaws, we are still blessed, still loved, and still given chances to grow and become better. No one is perfect, but what matters is learning, evolving, and staying true to the journey
I’ll Be Okay” ft. Wizard Chan
This song is a declaration of faith and resilience. No matter what life throws at me, I know I’ll be okay because God’s got me. It’s a reminder that no matter the struggles, the ups and downs, in the end, we’ll all be okay, you, me, everyone. Everything will fall into place.
