Nigerian alternative music pioneer Cruel Santino returns with K.O.T.B. (The Bomberman Chronicles), a 14-track album featuring Jeriq, Mavo, Helena Gao, Zaylevelten and Indi.
Known for creating music that goes beyond the usual Afrobeats sound, Santino has built an entire creative world around his projects. This new album takes listeners further into the universe he introduced through Mandy & The Jungle and Subaru Boys: FINAL HEAVEN. However, there is something more personal behind this latest collection.
The album explores grief, friendship, survival and the search for purpose. Santino drew from the loss of a close friend who lived with him while he was developing his music career. That experience influenced the emotions behind the project and its wider storyline.
There are some interesting collaborations across the album. Nigerian rapper Jeriq joins him on “Oz.,” bringing his indigenous rap delivery into Santino’s alternative sound. Mavo also appears on “Siesta,” continuing their musical connection after their earlier collaboration. Helena Gao features on “Rolen,” while Zaylevelten joins him on “Big Drop.”
Other songs include “Bomberman,” “International Collector,” “Stubborn,” “Gypsyy Gowns,” “Nutty Duchy” and “Game of Death.” The collection also features “Benin Bounce,” a title that carries a familiar Nigerian connection.
One interesting detail is the fictional setting behind the album. Its storyline takes place 3,000 years before the events of Final Heaven, exploring warfare, shifting alliances and the relationship between humans and sea creatures.
Released through Native Records and Warner Records, K.O.T.B. (The Bomberman Chronicles) marks another chapter in Cruel Santino’s alternative music journey.
Cruel Santino – K.O.T.B. (The Bomberman Chronicles) Album Full tracklist:
1. Bomberman
2. International Collector
3. Stubborn
4. Gypsyy Gowns
5. Nutty Duchy
6. Oz. (feat. Jeriq)
7. Game of Death
8. Rolen (feat. Helena Gao)
9. Big Drop (feat. Zaylevelten)
10. Orcad Trust
11. Benin Bounce
12. Siesta (feat. Mavo)
13. Kentro
14. Heaven Is in Pain (feat. Indi)
Listen to K.O.T.B. (The Bomberman Chronicles) and tell us which collaboration caught your attention first.
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