Nigerian R&B songstress RUKMANI returns with her captivating sophomore EP SOFTIES VIBE, an eight-track exploration of desire, intimacy and self-discovery. Blending lush R&B, soul, afrofusion, dancehall and amapiano influences, the project showcases her effortlessly emotive vocals and deeply personal songwriting, embracing vulnerability without compromising confidence or self-worth.
Opening with the self-assured ‘MOG’, RUKMANI sets the tone before exploring flirtation on ‘Lock It In’ featuring Ema Onigah and irresistible attraction on ‘Down for It’. The seductive ‘Sneaky Link’ introduces a more complicated side of desire, while ‘Property’ featuring Tar1q and the intimate ‘Whine’ with F3line lean into romantic chemistry. Elsewhere, ‘Top 5’ finds her navigating emotional uncertainty while refusing to settle for anything less than she deserves, before ‘Check on Me’ brings the project full circle.
Building on the foundations of her previous releases, including Angel On The Run and debut album 3XL, SOFTIES VIBE offers a compelling portrait of an artist increasingly comfortable expressing every side of herself. Speaking on the project's underlying message, RUKMANI explains: “I think that’s the irony of being a Softie. We can be tender and emotional and vulnerable, and at the same time, we can be incredibly strong.”
With its rich production, infectious rhythms and heartfelt lyricism, SOFTIES VIBE further establishes RUKMANI as an exciting voice within contemporary African R&B, proving that softness and strength can coexist beautifully.
