Nigerian Alternative R&B singer, Givens released highly anticipated sophomore mixtape Her Dark Instruments (a.k.a HDI) on April 7th after teasing fans with the release of two singles off the project – Vices and Unholy. The self-produced nine-track project features collaborations from reputable R&B artistes based in strategic locations – RnB Princess (Lagos, Nigeria), Brum3h (Abuja, Nigeria), and Yinka (Los Angeles, U.S).
Her Dark Instruments showcases Givens‘ unique sound, blending Afro-R&B, Alt-R&B, R&B/Soul, Trap and Rock. His vocal range and songwriting prowess takes listeners on a journey through the complexities of modern-day relationships. The project covers themes of love, lust and infidelity, using conversation-like scenarios over banging 808’s, overdrive guitars, and trap drums.
The mixtape opens with Believer a mid-tempo Afro-R&B track that sets the stage for the world of lust and debauchery that Givens explores throughout the project. The seductive Clockwork, the vulnerable Jealous, and the transitions throughout the project are just a few more highlights of the project.
The tape also includes voice note recordings from women who share true-life comments and opinions on love, lust, infidelity and jealousy. This was Givens‘ way of doing justice to the project title by making women (and the experiences around them) the central focus.
Since its release, the project has been garnering a great deal of organic and editorial support and Givens has backed this up by releasing a series of uniquely curated conversation-starter visuals that perfectly represent the project. The project is currently charting on the Apple Music Top 100 R&B Albums in Nigeria.
You can listen here: Her Dark Instruments.mp3
