Brymo

{{Infobox musical artist

| honorific_prefix =

| name = Brymo

| honorific_suffix =

| image = Brymo NdaniSessions image 1.png

| image_size =

| landscape =

| alt =

| caption = Brymo performing "Let Us Be Great" for Ndani Sessions in November 2018

| native_name =

| native_name_lang =

| birth_name = Olawale Ashimi

| alias =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1986|05|09}}

| birth_place = Okokomaiko, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria

| genre = {{hlist|Yoruba music|alt-rock|R&B|afro-soul|folk|pop|afrobeat}}

| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|sonic artist|author|actor}}

| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|keyboard}}

| years_active = 1999–present

| label = Independent

| website =

}}

Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ (born Olawale Ibrahim Ashimi; 9 May 1986),{{cite web |url=http://fabmagazineonline.com/?p=150090 |title=FAB Entertainment: Brymo Spends His Birthday Morning Getting A Spa Treatment |publisher=Fab Magazine |date=9 May 2014 |access-date=5 June 2014 |author=Ade-Unuigbe, Adesola |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606233357/http://fabmagazineonline.com/?p=150090 |archive-date=6 June 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.nigeriamusicnetwork.com/articles/read-brymo-biography-nigerian-artist_97.html |title=Brymo Biography (Nigerian Artist) |publisher=Nigeria Music Network |date=24 March 2014 |access-date=5 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113160739/http://www.nigeriamusicnetwork.com/articles/read-brymo-biography-nigerian-artist_97.html |archive-date=13 November 2013 |url-status=live }} better known as Brymo, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, sonic artist, actor and author who was born and raised in Okokomaiko. Brymo started recording music in 1999 while in secondary school. He signed a recording contract with music label Chocolate City in 2010 but was accused of breaching his contract in 2013.{{cite web|author1=Osagie Alonge|title=NET Special Report: Chocolate City Vs Brymo, see you in court guys!|url=https://thenet.ng/net-special-report-chocolate-city-vs-brymo-see-you-in-court-guys/|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|access-date=22 May 2016|date=25 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513203215/http://thenet.ng/2013/10/net-special-report-chocolate-city-vs-brymo-see-you-in-court-guys/|archive-date=13 May 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://thenet.ng/i-know-the-court-cant-save-me-brymo-says-he-left-chocolate-city-over-breach-of-contract/ |title='I know the court can't save me', Brymo says he left Chocolate City over breach of contract |publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today |date=20 June 2013 |access-date=22 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621191917/http://thenet.ng/2013/06/i-know-the-court-cant-save-me-brymo-says-he-left-chocolate-city-over-breach-of-contract/ |archive-date=21 June 2016 |url-status=live }} Brymo released his debut studio album Brymstone in 2007. His second studio album The Son of a Kapenta was released in 2012, and was supported by the singles "Ara", "Good Morning" and "Go Hard". His third studio album Merchants, Dealers & Slaves, which was released on 20 October 2013, received positive reviews from music critics and yielded the singles "Down" and "Eko".

In October 2014, Brymo released his fourth studio album Tabula Rasa; its lead single "Fe Mi" was described as a "soft traditional ballad". His eight-track compilation album Trance was released on 8 December 2015. It was primarily targeted at audiences in the U.S., and includes songs from Merchants, Dealers & Slaves and Tabula Rasa. Brymo released his fifth studio album Klĭtôrĭs on 9 May 2016; it was nominated for Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2016 and for Album of the Year at The Headies 2018. In March 2018, Brymo released his critically acclaimed sixth studio album Oṣó, which includes a mixture of alternative folk and Yoruba music, and spawned the singles "Heya!" and "Bá’núsọ".{{cite web |last1=Adeleke |first1=David |title=Brymo's 'Oṣó' is a palette of brilliant songwriting and masterful instrumentation |url=http://venturesafrica.com/brymo-oso-album-review/ |publisher=Ventures Africa |access-date=17 January 2019 |date=28 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117154407/http://venturesafrica.com/brymo-oso-album-review/ |archive-date=17 January 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Abimbolu |first1=Debola |title=Essentials: Brymo's 'Oso' is perfect once you get past the melancholy |url=http://thenativemag.com/music/essentials-brymos-oso-album/ |publisher=The Native Magazine |access-date=19 January 2019 |date=6 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120043226/http://thenativemag.com/music/essentials-brymos-oso-album/ |archive-date=20 January 2019 |url-status=live }} Brymo teamed up with three members of Skata Vibration to form A.A.A, an alternative rock band whose eponymous debut Extended Play (EP) was released in August 2019.

Brymo's seventh studio album Yellow was released on 1 April 2020; it was nominated for Best Alternative Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2020. Brymo released his debut EP Libel on 5 November 2020. The five-track EP was produced by Bigfoot and includes guest vocals from Deborah Prest. In September 2021, Brymo simultaneously released 9: Èsan and 9: Harmattan & Winter as his eighth and ninth studio albums, respectively. His tenth studio album Theta was released on 27 May 2022; it has 10 tracks and is sung entirely in Nigerian Pidgin. Brymo exhibited Mansa, his eleventh studio album and debut as a sonic artist, at KAP Hub in March 2023. He has released books Oriri's Plight (2018), Verses (2020) and The Bad Tooth (2022), and starred in the films Price of Admission (2021) and Elesin Oba, The King's Horseman (2022).

Life and career

=Early life and career beginnings=

Olawale Ashimi was born and raised in Okokomaiko, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria; his father is an Awori carpenter and his mother is an Egun petty trader; he is his parents' only child. Ashimi grew up in a multi-faith household and learned to recite the entire Qur'an after being enrolled into an Islamic School.{{cite web|last1=Camara|first1=Mamasa|title=A Nigerian Star Finds His Voice: A Skype Call With Brymo|url=http://www.okayafrica.com/news/brymo-nigerian-star-finds-voice-skype-call/|publisher=OkayAfrica|access-date=30 April 2016|date=22 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402084257/http://www.okayafrica.com/news/brymo-nigerian-star-finds-voice-skype-call/|archive-date=2 April 2016|url-status=dead}} Ashimi attended Aganju Aka Primary School and later enrolled at Japual Primary School.{{cite web|author1=Damiete Braide |title=I need a wife now! –Brymo |url=http://sunnewsonline.com/new/entertainment/i-need-a-wife-now-brymo/ |work=The Sun |access-date=30 April 2016 |date=12 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115172212/http://sunnewsonline.com/new/entertainment/i-need-a-wife-now-brymo/ |archive-date=15 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}

Ashimi was initially interested in pursuing a career in football after graduating from secondary school.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/brymo-i-would-have-been-a-footballer/130864/ |title=Brymo: I Would Have Been A Footballer |publisher=This Day |date=17 November 2012 |access-date=30 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121213409/http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/brymo-i-would-have-been-a-footballer/130864/ |archive-date=21 November 2012 }} In 1999, while in secondary school, Ashimi recorded his first song and titled it "Future". In 2002, Ashimi and some of his friends formed a group called The Aliens; they were active between 2004 and 2005, and disbanded in 2005.{{cite web|title=Brymo Releases Album|url=http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/11/21/brymo-releases-album/|publisher=P.M. News|access-date=30 April 2016|date=21 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617185812/http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/11/21/brymo-releases-album/|archive-date=17 June 2016|url-status=live}} Ashimi was inspired to create music after listening to his mother singing fuji songs.{{cite web|last1=Olonilua |first1=Ademola |title=Dad was furious about my choice of career – Brymo, Arambe exponent |url=http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/life-beat/dad-was-furious-about-my-choice-of-career-brymo-arambe-exponent/ |publisher=Punch |access-date=27 March 2016 |date=5 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601041230/http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/life-beat/dad-was-furious-about-my-choice-of-career-brymo-arambe-exponent/ |archive-date=1 June 2012 }} Ashimi gained admission to Lagos State University (LASU), where he studied zoology, but after his second year he left to pursue a career in music.

=2007–2012: ''Brymstone'', "Oleku" collaboration, and ''The Son of a Kapenta'' =

Brymo released his debut studio album Brymstone in 2007; its lead single "Shawty" was accompanied by a music video.{{cite web |author1=Wilfred Okiche |title=Profile: BrymO isn't the greatest to ever do it. But he's pretty damn close |url=https://ynaija.com/profile-brymo-isnt-the-greatest-to-ever-do-it-but-hes-pretty-damn-close/ |publisher=YNaija |access-date=13 October 2019 |date=18 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013231822/https://ynaija.com/profile-brymo-isnt-the-greatest-to-ever-do-it-but-hes-pretty-damn-close/ |archive-date=13 October 2019 |url-status=live }} He told Damiete Braide of The Sun, he chose Rhythm and Blues (R&B) after being influenced by the work of R. Kelly and the Backstreet Boys. He also told Braide he sold more than 2,000 copies of the album within six months of its release. In a 2013 interview with The Sun, Brymo said management problems prevented him from getting a marketing deal for the album and that he had a one-million naira offer that failed because of technical issues.{{cite web|author1=Tony Ogaga Erhariefe |title=Brymo's burst of fire and brimstone |url=http://sunnewsonline.com/new/entertainment/brymos-burst-of-fire-and-brimstone/ |work=The Sun |access-date=30 April 2016 |date=28 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705041951/http://sunnewsonline.com/new/entertainment/brymos-burst-of-fire-and-brimstone/ |archive-date=5 July 2013 }} Brymo also said Brymstone is his worst body of work but credits it with helping him enter the music business.

Brymo appeared on the hit single "Oleku", which was released as the lead single from Ice Prince's debut studio album Everybody Loves Ice Prince (2011). Brymo told The Sun his inspiration for recording the hook of "Oleku" came from the passion and energy around him, and from hunger and desperation. He also said the song did not generate money but gave him exposure. In 2010, Denrele Edun, whom Brymo met a few years earlier, asked Brymo if he knew the rapper M.I, who was interested in talking with him. In 2010, Brymo signed to the label Chocolate City after talking with M.I. Prior to his record deal with Chocolate City, Brymo worked with rapper Jesse Jagz on the song "Love You", which appeared on Jagz's debut studio album Jag of All Tradez (2011).{{cite web|title=I left University 'cos' my parents couldn't afford the fees – Brymo|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/i-left-university-%E2%80%98cos%E2%80%99-my-parents-couldn%E2%80%99t-afford-the-fees-brymo/|publisher=Vanguard|access-date=27 March 2016|date=24 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327053825/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/i-left-university-%e2%80%98cos%e2%80%99-my-parents-couldn%e2%80%99t-afford-the-fees-brymo/|archive-date=27 March 2016|url-status=live}}

On 15 November 2012, Brymo released his second studio album The Son of a Kapenta, which includes guest appearances from Jesse Jagz, Pryse, M.I, Ice Prince and Efya.{{cite web|last1=Tayo|first1=Ayomide|title=Brymo proves he's more than hooks on #TheSonOfaKapenta [Album Review]|url=https://thenet.ng/brymo-proves-hes-more-than-hooks-on-thesonofakapenta-album-review/|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|access-date=30 April 2016|date=14 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124203432/http://thenet.ng/2013/01/brymo-proves-hes-more-than-hooks-on-thesonofakapenta-album-review/|archive-date=24 January 2016|url-status=live}} The album was recorded in English and Yoruba. On 18 September 2011, Brymo released the Legendury Beatz-produced track "Ara" as the album's lead single.{{cite web|title=New Music: Brymo – Ara|url=http://jaguda.com/2011/09/18/new-music-brymo-ara/|publisher=Jaguda|access-date=30 April 2016|date=18 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625085119/http://jaguda.com/2011/09/18/new-music-brymo-ara/|archive-date=25 June 2016|url-status=live}} Aje Filmworks directed its music video, which was released on 31 December 2011.{{cite web|title=VIDEO: Brymo – Ara (Wonders)|url=http://notjustok.com/2011/12/31/video-brymo-ara-wonders/|publisher=NotJustOk|access-date=30 April 2016|date=31 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625110054/http://notjustok.com/2011/12/31/video-brymo-ara-wonders/|archive-date=25 June 2016|url-status=live}} Brymo told The Sun "Ara" is a slang word that loosely translates to "wonder". In a July 2012 interview with Adeola Adeyemo of BellaNaija, Brymo said he recorded the song while being under pressure from Chocolate City to submit a single.{{cite web |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2012/07/bn-saturday-celebrity-interview-the-son-of-a-carpenter-climbs-up-the-ladder-of-fame-success-all-the-interesting-details-of-the-rise-of-choc-boi-brymo/ |title=BN Saturday Celebrity Interview: The 'Son of a Carpenter' climbs up the Ladder of Fame & Success – All the Interesting Details of the Rise of Choc Boi, Brymo! |publisher=BellaNaija |date=14 July 2012 |access-date=30 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701045358/https://www.bellanaija.com/2012/07/bn-saturday-celebrity-interview-the-son-of-a-carpenter-climbs-up-the-ladder-of-fame-success-all-the-interesting-details-of-the-rise-of-choc-boi-brymo/ |archive-date=1 July 2016 |url-status=live }} He also said "Ara" was written six months after he recorded "Good Morning".

On 16 April 2012, Brymo released "Good Morning" as the album's second single.{{cite web|title=New Music: Brymo – Good Morning|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2012/04/new-music-brymo-good-morning/|publisher=BellaNaija|access-date=30 April 2016|date=16 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701034135/https://www.bellanaija.com/2012/04/new-music-brymo-good-morning/|archive-date=1 July 2016|url-status=live}} Its music video was directed by Aje Filmworks and released on 30 July 2012.{{cite web|title=VIDEO: Brymo – Good Morning|url=http://notjustok.com/2012/07/30/video-brymo-good-morning/|publisher=NotJustOk|date=30 July 2012|access-date=22 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625115158/http://notjustok.com/2012/07/30/video-brymo-good-morning/|archive-date=25 June 2016|url-status=live}} In a 2012 interview with newspaper The Punch, Brymo said his father's carpentry profession inspired the album's title, described The Son of a Kapenta as a summary of his life and said each song is a reflection of his energy. Brymo also said he recorded the album to be identified by his body of work as a lead artist rather than as a featured artist.{{cite web|last1=Lawal |first1=Kemi |title=I'm no longer a 'hook master' – Brymo |url=http://www.punchng.com/spice/culture/im-no-longer-a-hook-master-brymo/ |publisher=Punch |access-date=30 April 2016 |date=2 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615013007/http://www.punchng.com/spice/culture/im-no-longer-a-hook-master-brymo/ |archive-date=15 June 2015 }} In January 2013, newspaper The Nation included The Son of a Kapenta on its list of Albums that failed commercially in 2012".{{cite web|last1=Boulor|first1=Ahmed|title=Albums that failed commercially in 2012|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/albums-that-failed-commercially-in-2012/|publisher=The Nation|access-date=30 April 2016|date=13 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624224719/http://thenationonlineng.net/albums-that-failed-commercially-in-2012/|archive-date=24 June 2016|url-status=live}}

=2013–2015: ''Merchants, Dealers & Slaves'', ''Tabula Rasa'' and ''Trance''=

On 20 October 2013, Brymo released his third studio album Merchants, Dealers & Slaves,{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/ng/album/merchants-dealers-slaves/id722744979 |title=Merchants, Dealers & Slaves by Brymo |publisher=iTunes |date=20 October 2013 |access-date=22 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818135609/https://itunes.apple.com/ng/album/merchants-dealers-slaves/id722744979 |archive-date=18 August 2016 |url-status=dead }} which was produced by Mikky Me and includes guitar work from David.{{cite web |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/157705-nigeria-entertainment-roundup-brymo-releases-new-album.html |title=Nigeria Entertainment Roundup: Brymo releases new album |work=Premium Times |date=29 March 2014 |access-date=22 May 2016 |author=Abimboye, Micheal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715200249/http://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/157705-nigeria-entertainment-roundup-brymo-releases-new-album.html |archive-date=15 July 2014 |url-status=live }} Hard copies of the album were released on 26 March 2014. On 18 October 2013, Brymo revealed the album's track list on Instagram.{{cite web|title=Brymo reveals album tracklist|url=http://www.mtvbase.com/news/brymo-reveals-album-tracklist/p72md5|publisher=MTV Base|access-date=22 May 2016|date=18 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625101143/http://www.mtvbase.com/news/brymo-reveals-album-tracklist/p72md5|archive-date=25 June 2016|url-status=live}} The album's lead single "Down" was released on 1 October 2013, the day after its music video had been uploaded to YouTube. Brymo dedicated the song to his family and country.{{cite web|title=VIDEO Premiere: Brymo – DOWN|url=http://notjustok.com/2013/09/30/video-premiere-brymo-down/|publisher=NotJustOk|access-date=22 May 2016|date=30 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625121111/http://notjustok.com/2013/09/30/video-premiere-brymo-down/|archive-date=25 June 2016|url-status=live}} In May 2014, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported undergraduate students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale had examined the lyrics of "Down" as part of a case-study project.{{cite web|last1=Sanusi|first1=Hassan|title=US University students study Brymo as project course|url=https://thenet.ng/us-university-students-study-brymo-as-project-course/|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|access-date=22 May 2016|date=29 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401053459/http://thenet.ng/2014/05/us-university-students-study-brymo-as-project-course/|archive-date=1 April 2016|url-status=live}} Brymo was invited to the school to attend the case study presentation. On 21 October 2013, "Eko" was released as the album's second single.{{cite web |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2013/10/brymo-releases-his-third-album-merchants-dealers-slaves-listen-to-his-new-single-eko/ |title=Brymo Releases His Third Album "Merchants, Dealers & Slaves"! Listen to his New Single "Eko" |publisher=BellaNaija |date=21 October 2013 |access-date=22 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701044401/https://www.bellanaija.com/2013/10/brymo-releases-his-third-album-merchants-dealers-slaves-listen-to-his-new-single-eko/ |archive-date=1 July 2016 |url-status=live }} Critical reception to Merchants, Dealers & Slaves was positive. Ayomide Tayo of Nigeria Entertainment Today described the album as a "soulful masterpiece that is emotionally charged with amazing production".{{cite web|author1=Ayomide Tayo|title=ALBUM REVIEW: Brymo's Merchant, Dealers and Slaves is about broken promises, deception, hypocrisy and unfaithfulness|url=https://thenet.ng/album-review-brymos-merchant-dealers-and-slaves-is-about-broken-promises-deception-hypocrisy-and-unfaithfulness/|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|access-date=22 May 2016|date=27 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515020642/http://thenet.ng/2013/10/album-review-brymos-merchant-dealers-and-slaves-is-about-broken-promises-deception-hypocrisy-and-unfaithfulness/|archive-date=15 May 2016|url-status=live}}

On 14 October 2014, Brymo was announced as an ambassador for the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.{{cite web |url=https://thenet.ng/2face-kunle-afolayan-vector-and-brymo-unveiled-as-lagos-chamber-of-commerce-ambassadors/ |title=2face, Kunle Afolayan, Vector and Brymo unveiled as Lagos Chamber of Commerce ambassadors |publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today |date=14 October 2014 |access-date=23 May 2016 |author=Showemimo, Dayo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601115758/http://thenet.ng/2014/10/2face-kunle-afolayan-vector-and-brymo-unveiled-as-lagos-chamber-of-commerce-ambassadors/ |archive-date=1 June 2016 |url-status=live }} He released his fourth studio album Tabula Rasa on 30 October 2014; earlier that month, his manager Lanre Lawal announced plans for the release during an interview with The Punch.{{cite web|last1=Olonilua |first1=Ademola |title=Brymo set to release album |url=http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/saturday-beats/brymo-set-to-release-album/ |publisher=Punch |access-date=22 May 2016 |date=4 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004200209/http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/saturday-beats/brymo-set-to-release-album/ |archive-date=4 October 2014 }} Lawal told The Sun the album would be a fusion of African folk and popular music.{{cite web|title=Brymo back in the studio for Tabula Rasa |work=The Sun |access-date=22 May 2016 |url=http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=66850 |date=8 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611073432/http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=66850 |archive-date=11 June 2014 }} Brymo told The Nation he recorded the album to move on from his controversial split with Chocolate City.{{cite web|title=Brymo speaks on new album, Tabula Rasa|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/brymo-speaks-on-new-album-tabula-rasa/|publisher=The Nation|access-date=22 May 2016|date=25 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625031529/http://thenationonlineng.net/brymo-speaks-on-new-album-tabula-rasa/|archive-date=25 June 2016|url-status=live}} He decided to name the album Tabula Rasa after hearing the judge use the term in a speech.{{cite web|last1=Adeniyi|first1=Adewoyin|title=Brymo set to drop fourth album|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/brymo-set-to-drop-fourth-album/|publisher=The Nation|access-date=22 May 2016|date=25 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624215259/http://thenationonlineng.net/brymo-set-to-drop-fourth-album/|archive-date=24 June 2016|url-status=live}} "Fe Mi" was released as the album's lead single on 18 September 2014;{{cite web|title=Brymo – Fe Mi|url=http://notjustok.com/2014/09/18/brymo-fe-mi/|publisher=NotjustOk|access-date=3 November 2014|date=18 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103055913/http://notjustok.com/2014/09/18/brymo-fe-mi/|archive-date=3 November 2014|url-status=live}} Ayo Onikoyi of Vanguard described the song as "a soft traditional ballad".{{cite web|last1=Onikoyi|first1=Ayo|title=Brymo returns with Femi|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/brymo-returns-femi/|publisher=Vanguard|access-date=3 November 2014|date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103081127/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/brymo-returns-femi/|archive-date=3 November 2014|url-status=live}} On 6 March 2015, Brymo released a documentary about the song "1 Pound" that was directed by St. Immaculate; a teaser of the documentary was released four days earlier.{{cite web|title=Brymo releases trailer for latest music video|url=http://www.news24.com.ng/Entertainment/News/Brymo-releases-trailer-for-latest-music-video-20150305|publisher=News 24|access-date=3 April 2015|date=6 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406165155/http://www.news24.com.ng/Entertainment/News/Brymo-releases-trailer-for-latest-music-video-20150305|archive-date=6 April 2015}} On 30 March 2015, Brymo released the music video for the song "Ję Lé O Sinmi"; Godson KC Uma of MaadKreativity Inc directed the video, which runs for 3 minutes and 59 seconds.{{cite web|title=New Video: Brymo – Ję Lé O Sinmi|url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2015/04/01/new-video-brymo-je-le-o-sinmi/|publisher=Bella Naija|access-date=2 April 2015|date=1 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402182728/http://www.bellanaija.com/2015/04/01/new-video-brymo-je-le-o-sinmi/|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=live}}

On 3 December 2015, Brymo released "Waka Waka", the theme song to the stage musical Wakaa! The Musical.{{cite web |author1=Yinka Olatunbosun |title=Brymo: All the Way Up! |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/09/25/brymo-all-the-way-up/ |publisher=This Day |access-date=23 April 2023 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423193617/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/09/25/brymo-all-the-way-up/ |url-status=live }} In an interview with newspaper This Day, Brymo said the project's script inspired the song and that he was interested after Wakaa{{'}}s production team contacted his management. Brymo also told This Day he recorded the song "Viva", which later appeared on the 2016 soundtrack album Wakaa (The Musical). On 8 December 2015, Brymo released an eight-track compilation album titled Trance.{{cite web|title=Trance by Brymo|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/trance/id1056591178|publisher=iTunes|access-date=9 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418005932/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/trance/id1056591178|archive-date=18 April 2016|url-status=dead}} It was released by American record label and publishing firm Tate Music Group, and was originally scheduled for a September 2015 release. Trance was primarily targeted at audiences in the U.S., and contains songs from the albums Merchants, Dealers & Slaves and Tabula Rasa.{{cite web|last1=Akan|first1=Joey|title=Singer to release international album "Trance" in September|url=http://pulse.ng/buzz/brymo-singer-to-release-international-album-trance-in-september-id4102223.html|publisher=Pulse|access-date=9 May 2016|date=25 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421035747/http://pulse.ng/buzz/brymo-singer-to-release-international-album-trance-in-september-id4102223.html|archive-date=21 April 2016|url-status=live}} Brymo described Trance as a medley of thoughts based on his experiences. The album contains elements of African folk, soul, pop, and afrobeat.{{cite web|last1=Showemimo|first1=Adedayo|title=Brymo drops 8-track medley compilation 'Trance'|url=https://thenet.ng/brymo-drops-8-track-medley-compilation-trance/|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|access-date=9 May 2016|date=3 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511030551/http://thenet.ng/2015/11/brymo-drops-8-track-medley-compilation-trance/|archive-date=11 May 2016|url-status=live}}

=Chocolate City departure=

In May 2013, Brymo announced on Twitter he had left Chocolate City.{{cite web|title=Brymo leaves Choc-city label|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/05/brymo-leaves-choc-city-label/|publisher=Vanguard|access-date=22 May 2016|date=28 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805215042/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/05/brymo-leaves-choc-city-label/|archive-date=5 August 2016|url-status=live}} Audu Maikori, who was CEO of Chocolate City, refuted Brymo's claims during a press conference at the label's office in Lekki. Maikori said Brymo still had three years left on his contract and still needed to record two albums. According to newspaper Vanguard, during the press conference, Maikori said Brymo had committed an act of insubordination when he refused to remove a picture he posted on Instagram.{{cite web|last1=Ogunjimi|first1=Opeoluwani|title=Brymo still with ChocolateCity, says label boss|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/brymo-still-with-chocolatecity-says-label-boss/|publisher=Vanguard|access-date=22 May 2016|date=1 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316230215/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/brymo-still-with-chocolatecity-says-label-boss/|archive-date=16 March 2016|url-status=live}} While speaking to journalists in June 2013, Brymo said Chocolate City cheated him when it to explain how his second studio album was leaked, and that there was no accountability in the way his album was being sold and distributed.{{cite web|author1=Adeoye Keme Arubay|title=Though angry, Brymo may return to Chocolate City|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/though-angry-brymo-may-return-to-chocolate-city/|publisher=The Nation|access-date=22 May 2016|date=23 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806172803/http://thenationonlineng.net/though-angry-brymo-may-return-to-chocolate-city/|archive-date=6 August 2016|url-status=live}}

In August 2013, Brymo signed a distribution deal with digital media company Spinlet, enabling it to distribute his next album online.{{cite web|author1=Osagie Alonge|title=BrymO gets new manager, boycotts Chocolate City to sign new deal|url=https://thenet.ng/brymo-gets-new-manager-boycotts-chocolate-city-to-sign-new-deal/|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|access-date=22 May 2016|date=7 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319101638/http://thenet.ng/2013/08/brymo-gets-new-manager-boycotts-chocolate-city-to-sign-new-deal/|archive-date=19 March 2016|url-status=live}} Nigerian Entertainment Today reported Spinlet discontinued the deal after Chocolate City made them aware of the label's existing contract with Brymo.{{cite web|author1=Osagie Alonge|title=Brymo boycotts Chocolate City, Spinlet, drops new album on iTunes|url=https://thenet.ng/brymo-boycotts-chocolate-city-spinlet-drops-new-album-on-itunes/|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|access-date=22 May 2016|date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226124533/http://thenet.ng/2013/10/brymo-boycotts-chocolate-city-spinlet-drops-new-album-on-itunes/|archive-date=26 February 2016|url-status=live}} On 14 October 2013, Chocolate City filed an interim injunction against Brymo, restraining him from partaking in musical ventures beyond the confines of his contract.{{cite web |url=https://thenet.ng/net-special-report-chocolate-city-vs-brymo-see-you-in-court-guys/ |title=NET SPECIAL REPORT: Chocolate City Vs Brymo, see you in court guys! |publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today |date=25 October 2013 |access-date=24 May 2016 |author=Alonge, Osagie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513203215/http://thenet.ng/2013/10/net-special-report-chocolate-city-vs-brymo-see-you-in-court-guys/ |archive-date=13 May 2016 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|title=Brymo/Chocolate City Feud Deepens|url=http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/10/30/brymochocolate-city-feud-deepens/|publisher=P.M. News|access-date=22 May 2016|date=30 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701223222/http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/10/30/brymochocolate-city-feud-deepens/|archive-date=1 July 2016|url-status=live}} Six days later, Brymo released his third studio album despite reports about the injunction.{{cite web|title=Brymo announces new album 'Merchant, Dealers and Slaves'|url=https://thenet.ng/brymo-announces-new-album-merchant-dealers-and-slaves/|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|access-date=22 May 2016|date=15 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128025134/http://thenet.ng/2013/10/brymo-announces-new-album-merchant-dealers-and-slaves/|archive-date=28 January 2016|url-status=live}} On 21 October, a judge at the Federal High Court of Lagos restrained Brymo from releasing and distributing any musical work pending Chocolate City's lawsuit against him.{{cite web|url=http://www.punchng.com/news/court-vacates-order-restraining-brymo-from-releasing-albums/ |title=Court lifts injunction on release of Brymo's music |publisher=Punch |date=4 March 2014 |access-date=28 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305142039/http://www.punchng.com/news/court-vacates-order-restraining-brymo-from-releasing-albums/ |archive-date=5 March 2014 }}

According to The Nation, Brymo and his management met with Chocolate City representatives in October 2013 to discuss mutually-agreeable terms.{{cite web |url=http://thenationonlineng.net/brymos-aide-speaks-chocolate-city-brawl/ |title=Brymo's aide speaks on Chocolate City brawl |publisher=The Nation |date=14 November 2013 |access-date=24 May 2016 |author=Medeme, Ovwe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806171700/http://thenationonlineng.net/brymos-aide-speaks-chocolate-city-brawl/ |archive-date=6 August 2016 |url-status=live }} Chocolate City asked Brymo to sign an agreement during the meeting but failed. On 11 November 2013, Premium Times reported the legal teams of both parties met in court for a hearing and that the case was adjourned to 5 December 2013.{{cite web |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/149398-chocolate-city-vs-brymo-court-adjourns-suit-december-5.html |title=Chocolate City vs. Brymo: Court adjourns suit to December 5 |publisher=Premium Times |date=11 November 2013 |access-date=24 May 2016 |author=Abimboye, Micheal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826091333/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/149398-chocolate-city-vs-brymo-court-adjourns-suit-december-5.html |archive-date=26 August 2016 |url-status=live }} Between December 2013 and March 2014, the case was adjourned four times for several reasons. In March 2014, the Federal High Court of Lagos lifted the restraint it put on Brymo.{{cite web |url=http://thenationonlineng.net/court-lifts-injunction-on-brymo/ |title=Court lifts injunction on Brymo |publisher=The Nation |date=6 March 2014 |access-date=29 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806163124/http://thenationonlineng.net/court-lifts-injunction-on-brymo/ |archive-date=6 August 2016 |url-status=live }} In May 2014, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported the judge presiding over the case withdrew after he was accused of bias.{{cite web |url=https://thenet.ng/chocolate-city-vs-byrmo-judge-drops-case-due-to-accusation-of-bias/ |title=Chocolate City vs Byrmo: Judge drops case due to accusation of bias |publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today |date=8 May 2014 |access-date=29 May 2016 |author=Dede, Steve |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513203233/http://thenet.ng/2014/05/chocolate-city-vs-byrmo-judge-drops-case-due-to-accusation-of-bias/ |archive-date=13 May 2016 |url-status=live }} In a radio interview with Toolz in May 2016, Brymo said he did not win the case against Chocolate City, saying: "we had the opportunity to iron it out in court but they fried it up. I don’t know what they did but they definitely spoke to the judge and spoke to the lawyers and scrapped the case, they are lawyers; they can do it."{{cite web |url=http://ynaija.com/brymo-chocolate-city-klitoris/ |title='Every time I try to make peace, they grow an erection' – 6 things Brymo revealed about Chocolate City |publisher=YNaija |date=9 May 2016 |access-date=29 May 2016 |author=Igboanugo, Ada |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612023834/http://ynaija.com/brymo-chocolate-city-klitoris/ |archive-date=12 June 2016 |url-status=live }}

=2016–2018: ''Klĭtôrĭs'', ''Oṣó'' and ''Oriri's Plight''=

File:Brymo NdaniSessions image 4.png

Brymo's fifth studio album Klĭtôrĭs was released on 9 May 2016.{{cite web|title=Klĭtôrĭs by Brymo|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/kl%C4%ADt%C3%B4r%C4%ADs/1102578034|publisher=iTunes|access-date=30 April 2016|date=9 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823031053/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/klitoris/id1102578034|archive-date=23 August 2016|url-status=live}} It was made available for pre-order via iTunes prior to its release. Eleven tracks comprise the album, whose release was preceded by that of the lead single "Happy Memories". Brymo's wife Esse Kakada, who was his girlfriend at the time of the album's release, is featured on the song "Naked".{{cite web |title=Brymo's New Album Title "Klitoris" Is Highly Controversial |url=http://urban96.fm/brymos-new-album-title-klitoris-is-highly-controversial/ |publisher=Urban 96 FM |access-date=19 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119230927/http://urban96.fm/brymos-new-album-title-klitoris-is-highly-controversial/ |archive-date=19 January 2019 |url-status=dead }} Georgi Georgiev of Moonring Art Design designed the album's original artwork.{{cite web|last1=Solanke|first1=Abiola|title=Singer set to drop fifth studio album "Klitoris"|url=http://pulse.ng/buzz/brymo-singer-set-to-drop-fifth-studio-album-klitoris-id4956254.html|publisher=Pulse|access-date=30 April 2016|date=25 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429052014/http://pulse.ng/buzz/brymo-singer-set-to-drop-fifth-studio-album-klitoris-id4956254.html|archive-date=29 April 2016|url-status=live}} Duks created an edited version of the artwork because iTunes refused to use the original artwork. In an interview with Nigerian Entertainment Today, Brymo said the album's title means key in the Greek language and that the album is an expression of love and the uncertainty of it. He said; "the album is the key to a certain door I have knocked on for years; and yes it was meant to be sensual, there ought to be two sides to the coin".{{cite web|last1=Showemimo|first1=Adedayo|title=Brymo tells THENETNG the meaning of his new album KLĬTÔRĬS|url=https://thenet.ng/brymo-tells-thenetng-the-meaning-of-his-new-album-klitoris/|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|access-date=30 April 2016|date=25 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430122928/http://thenet.ng/2016/04/brymo-tells-thenetng-the-meaning-of-his-new-album-klitoris/|archive-date=30 April 2016|url-status=live}} Klĭtôrĭs was nominated for Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2016{{cite web|title=FULL LIST OF NOMINEES FOR THE 2016 HEADIES AWARDS|url=https://ynaija.com/full-list-of-nominees-for-the-2016-headies-awards/|publisher=YNaija|accessdate=2 May 2017|date=9 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105131322/http://ynaija.com/full-list-of-nominees-for-the-2016-headies-awards/|archive-date=5 January 2017|url-status=live}} and for Album of the Year at The Headies 2018.{{cite web |author1=Billy Praise |title=The HEADIES 2018: Full List Of Winners. |url=https://guardian.ng/life/music/the-headies-2018-full-list-of-winners/ |publisher=Guardian Life |accessdate=16 March 2019 |date=5 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328042759/https://guardian.ng/life/music/the-headies-2018-full-list-of-winners/ |archive-date=28 March 2019 |url-status=live }}

In November 2017, Brymo said on Twitter plans were underway for his sixth studio album, whose title he announced as Oṣó (Yoruba: The Wizard), and launched a website titled theosoproject.com dedicated to the project.{{Cite news|url=http://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/brymo-singer-announces-6th-studio-album-oso-the-wizard-id7639117.html|title=BrymO: Singer announces 6th studio album "Oso (The Wizard)"|last=Akan|first=Joey|access-date=28 March 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328102528/http://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/brymo-singer-announces-6th-studio-album-oso-the-wizard-id7639117.html|archive-date=28 March 2018|url-status=live}} In August 2017, he released the Jazz-infused Afrobeat single "Do You Know Me".{{Cite news|url=http://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/brymo-do-you-know-me-ode-to-the-independent-african-lady-id7178281.html|title=Brymo – "Do you know me?" ode to the independent African lady.|last=Solanke|first=Abiola|access-date=28 March 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328102730/http://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/brymo-do-you-know-me-ode-to-the-independent-african-lady-id7178281.html|archive-date=28 March 2018|url-status=live}} Oṣó was released on 27 March 2018; it has 11 tracks, and was produced and mixed by Brymo's frequent collaborator Mikky Me Joses.{{cite web|last1=Akan|first1=Joey|title=Singer releases 6th album "OṢÓ"|url=http://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/brymo-releases-6th-album-o-o-id8114204.html|publisher=Pulse Nigeria|access-date=18 April 2018|date=14 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418161243/http://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/brymo-releases-6th-album-o-o-id8114204.html|archive-date=18 April 2018|url-status=live}} The album was mastered at Metalworks Studios in Canada. The following day, Brymo released the lead single "Heya"{{'s}} music video, which was filmed and directed by NVMB3R Production. The video features Brymo exposing his buttocks while wearing a loincloth to hide his genitals.{{cite web|title=Brymo Released A 'Nude' Music Video And Nigerian Twitter Is Going Crazy|url=http://www.okayafrica.com/brymo-heya-video-nude/|publisher=OkayAfrica|access-date=18 April 2018|date=28 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418092947/http://www.okayafrica.com/brymo-heya-video-nude/|archive-date=18 April 2018|url-status=live}} The video received mixed reviews; in an e-mail to Pulse Nigeria, Brymo defended his decision to expose his buttocks, saying; "I decided to appear how my forebears dressed before the arrival of civilization to Nubian continent".{{Cite news|url=http://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/why-brymo-wore-g-string-in-his-new-heya-video-id8179834.html|title=Why Brymo wore G-String in his new "Heya" video|last=Akan|first=Joey|access-date=29 March 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330143532/http://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/why-brymo-wore-g-string-in-his-new-heya-video-id8179834.html|archive-date=30 March 2018|url-status=dead}}

In September 2018, Brymo released Oriri's Plight, a self-referential fictional novel centred around a young Nubian man of the Dark Ages. The digital version of the book was published worldwide on all digital book platforms and the physical version was published in Nigeria on 4 October 2018. Clockwyce Publishing published and distributed Oriri's Plight.{{cite web |last1=Okare |first1=Fisayo |title=Brymo debuts a seemingly self-referential fictional book, 'Oriri's Plight' |url=http://thenativemag.com/communities/brymo-debuts-seemingly-self-referential-fictional-book-oriris-plight/ |publisher=The Native Magazine |access-date=19 January 2019 |date=20 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119230851/http://thenativemag.com/communities/brymo-debuts-seemingly-self-referential-fictional-book-oriris-plight/ |archive-date=19 January 2019 |url-status=live }}

=2019–2021: ''A.A.A'', ''Yellow'', ''Verses'', acting debut, ''Libel'', ''Èsan'', and ''Harmattan & Winter''=

In 2019, Brymo teamed up with three members of Skata Vibration to form A.A.A, an alternative rock band that also included guitarist Jad Moukarim, drummer Adey Omotade, and bassist Laughter.{{cite web |author1=Notiki Bello |title=Brymo Teams up with Skata Vibration on new "A.A.A" EP |url=https://filterfree.ng/music/brymo-skata-vibration-aaa-ep/ |website=Filter Free Nigeria |access-date=25 January 2020 |date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=14 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114103602/https://filterfree.ng/music/brymo-skata-vibration-aaa-ep/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Michael|last=Bamidele |title=Brymo Unveils New Band, Releases New E.P "A.A.A" |url=https://guardian.ng/life/brymo-unveils-new-band-releases-new-ep/ |publisher=Guardian Life |access-date=7 September 2019 |date=6 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807153342/https://guardian.ng/life/brymo-unveils-new-band-releases-new-ep/ |archive-date=7 August 2019 |url-status=live }} The band's five-track eponymous debut EP was released on 5 August 2019; it is a fusion of African folk and psychedelic rock. Mikky Me Joses mixed and mastered the EP, which was recorded at Blackstar Studios in Ikoyi, Lagos.{{cite web |title=Brymo – AAA (EP) |url=http://jaguda.com/music-mp3/alternative/brymo-aaa-ep/ |publisher=Jaguda |access-date=7 September 2019 |date=5 August 2019 |archive-date=7 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190907211633/http://jaguda.com/music-mp3/alternative/brymo-aaa-ep |url-status=live }} Music critic Kolawole Michael said: A.A.A is a "decent experimental piece, a litmus test that foretells what Brymo’s next project may sound like. It's a show of Brymo tenacity, a testament to his songwriting skill and vocal phrasing."{{cite web |author1=Kolawole Michael |title=Brymo's EP AAA is a decent experimental piece |url=https://medium.com/@kolawole_m/brymos-ep-aaa-is-a-decent-experimental-piece-fd2b7cfad6f0 |publisher=Medium |access-date=7 September 2019 |date=28 August 2019 |archive-date=25 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125204240/https://medium.com/@kolawole_m/brymos-ep-aaa-is-a-decent-experimental-piece-fd2b7cfad6f0 |url-status=live }}

Brymo's seventh studio album Yellow, whose cover art and track list were unveiled in March 2020, was released on 1 April 2020.{{cite web |author1=Olabimpe O |title=Brymo Unveils Tracklist For Forthcoming Album "Yellow" |url=https://tooxclusive.com/brymo-unveils-tracklist-for-forthcoming-album-yellow/ |website=TooXclusive |access-date=31 March 2020 |date=19 March 2020 |archive-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222031247/https://tooxclusive.com/brymo-unveils-tracklist-for-forthcoming-album-yellow/ |url-status=live }} Brymo said Yellow is about "love and survival", and that it would be an alternative pop and electronic record.{{cite web |title=Happiness is Coming in April! Brymo is Finally Dropping New Album "Yellow" |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2020/03/brymo-album-yellow/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=3 March 2020 |date=2 March 2020 |archive-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303023957/https://www.bellanaija.com/2020/03/brymo-album-yellow/ |url-status=live }} Yellow incorporates elements of sentimental ballad, trap, sophisti-pop, shoegaze, rock, synth-pop, and folk music.{{cite web |author1=Motolani Alake |title=Brymo releases 15-track 7th studio album, 'Yellow' |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/brymo-releases-15-track-7th-studio-album-yellow/l8g0npl |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=1 April 2020 |date=1 April 2020 |archive-date=4 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404024217/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/brymo-releases-15-track-7th-studio-album-yellow/l8g0npl |url-status=live }} The album's cover art is Insight and Frustrations 2020, a painting by Nigerian artist Samuel Olowomeye Ancestor.{{cite web |author1=Garnish M |title=Brymo Unveils Album Cover for "YELLOW" |url=https://jaguda.com/music-news/brymo-unveils-album-cover-for-yellow-album/ |website=Jaguda |access-date=1 April 2020 |date=15 March 2020 |archive-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319080346/http://jaguda.com/music-news/brymo-unveils-album-cover-for-yellow-album/ |url-status=live }} On Instagram, Brymo said he was drawn to the painting after having several conversations with his friends. Nigerian singer Lindsey Abudei is the only artist featured on the album. With the exception of "Abụ Ya", which was co-produced by Nsikak David and Abudei, Mikky Me Joses produced and engineered Yellow. The album explores topics such as love, heartbreak, socio-politics, and mental health.

Yellow spans three sides and was initially composed of 17 tracks, six of which were recorded in English, five in Nigerian Pidgin, five in Yoruba, and one in Igbo.{{cite web |title=Brymo unveils Artwork for his forthcoming album |url=https://thelagosreview.ng/brymo-unveils-artwork-for-his-forthcoming-album/ |website=The Lagos Review |date=17 March 2020 |access-date=1 March 2023 |archive-date=1 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301215831/https://thelagosreview.ng/brymo-unveils-artwork-for-his-forthcoming-album/ |url-status=live }} The album's three sides were numbered in Arabic, Roman and English numerals, respectively. On 24 March, Brymo cited technical reasons for omitting the tracks "Iya Awele" and "Ife" from the album.{{cite web |author1=Olabimpe O |title=Brymo Announces Removal Of Two Songs From Forthcoming Album "Yellow" |url=https://tooxclusive.com/brymo-announces-removal-of-two-songs-from-forthcoming-album-yellow/ |website=TooXclusive |access-date=1 April 2020 |date=24 Mar 2020 |archive-date=13 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813023424/https://tooxclusive.com/brymo-announces-removal-of-two-songs-from-forthcoming-album-yellow/ |url-status=live }} Yellow was nominated for Best Alternative Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2020.{{cite web |author1=Motolani Alake |title=Fireboy, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Davido lead 2020 Headies nominations [Pulse Exclusive] |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/here-is-the-full-list-of-nominations-for-the-2020-headies/9nnld5x |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=1 March 2023 |date=December 4, 2020 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007073222/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/here-is-the-full-list-of-nominations-for-the-2020-headies/9nnld5x |url-status=live }} In May 2023, the album was removed from streaming platforms; according to Brymo, Abudei was unhappy with how he handled her involvement in the project.{{cite web |author1=Ovwe Medeme |title=Brymo’s Yellow Album Pulled Off Streaming Platforms |url=https://independent.ng/brymos-yellow-album-pulled-off-streaming-platforms/ |publisher=Independent Nigeria |access-date=16 February 2025 |date=May 15, 2023 |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515082606/https://independent.ng/brymos-yellow-album-pulled-off-streaming-platforms/ |url-status=live }} "Abụ Ya", a track recorded and written solely by Abudei, was excluded from the track list when the album was reinstated on streaming services.{{cite web |title=Yellow by Brymo |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/yellow/1688339322 |publisher=Apple Music |access-date=16 February 2025 |date=April 1, 2020}}

In April 2020, Brymo released the e-book Versus, which is alternatively titled Verses (Musings, Notes and Prose).{{cite web |title=Verses (Musing, Notes And Prose) by Ọlawale Ọlofọrọ |url=https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1016948 |website=Smashwords |access-date=1 March 2023 |date=April 20, 2020 |archive-date=1 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301221722/https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1016948 |url-status=live }} Brymo made his acting debut in Udoka Oyeka's 2021 short film Price of Admission, in which he played Kola, a musician who struggles to get a record deal and attain fame. The film was screened in Lagos on 24 January and premiered on YouTube in June 2021.{{cite web |author1=Kunle Daramola |title=WATCH: Brymo makes acting debut in 'Price of Admission' |url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/watch-brymo-makes-acting-debut-in-price-of-admission/ |website=The Cable Lifestyle |access-date=11 February 2023 |date=June 28, 2021 |archive-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211051408/https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/watch-brymo-makes-acting-debut-in-price-of-admission/ |url-status=live }} Brymo's debut EP Libel was released on 5 November 2020;{{cite web |title=Libel - EP by Brymo |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/libel-ep/1560095542 |website=Apple Music |access-date=1 March 2023 |date=November 5, 2020 |archive-date=1 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301202849/https://music.apple.com/us/album/libel-ep/1560095542 |url-status=live }} the five-track EP was produced by Bigfoot and includes guest vocals by Deborah Prest.{{cite web |author1=Stephen Kenechi |title=Listen: Brymo talks relationship scars in 'Libel' EP |url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/listen-brymo-talks-relationship-scars-in-libel-ep/ |website=The Cable Lifestyle |access-date=1 March 2023 |date=November 5, 2020 |archive-date=5 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105113629/https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/listen-brymo-talks-relationship-scars-in-libel-ep/ |url-status=live }} Its cover art depicts a pair of women's panties, blood, and a broken glass. On the record, Brymo addresses a rape accusation made on social media by a woman.{{cite web |author1=Kola Muhammed |title=Review: Brymo uses new EP to fight off 'Libel' and depression |url=https://ynaija.com/review-brymo-uses-new-ep-to-fight-off-libel-and-depression/ |website=YNaija |access-date=1 March 2023 |date=November 9, 2020 |archive-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126085755/https://ynaija.com/review-brymo-uses-new-ep-to-fight-off-libel-and-depression/ |url-status=live }} In a review for YNaija, Kola Muhammed said the EP is a "musical diary bearing tales of anguish" and that Brymo "sought to heal himself from the pain of defamation". Pulse Nigeria's Motolani Alake awarded the EP a rating of 8.2 out of 10, saying it is "largely about Brymo's journey back to life, as aided by love".{{cite web |author1=Motolani Alake |title=Brymo documents his healing process and issues a response on 'Libel' [EP Review] |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/brymo-libel-ep-review/x9zngyj |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=1 March 2023 |date=November 6, 2020 |archive-date=10 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810015807/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/brymo-libel-ep-review/x9zngyj |url-status=live }}

In September 2021, Brymo simultaneously released 9: Èsan (Yoruba: Revenge) and 9: Harmattan & Winter, as his eighth and ninth studio albums, respectively.{{cite web |author1=Motolani Alake |title=Brymo releases double album, 'Esan' and 'Harmattan and Rain' |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/brymo-releases-double-album-esan-and-harmattan-and-rain/jr2w9w4 |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=1 March 2023 |date=September 9, 2021 |archive-date=18 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918201631/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/brymo-releases-double-album-esan-and-harmattan-and-rain/jr2w9w4 |url-status=live }} Both albums have nine tracks, and include a mixture of alt-rock, R&B, sentimental ballad, and folk music; and are dedicated to Brymo's romantic partner.{{cite web |title=Brymo releases '9' a Two-part Album Dedicated to His Love {{!}} Listen to "Èsan" & "Harmattan and Winter" |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2021/09/brymo-drops-album-9/ |website=Bellanaija |access-date=1 March 2023 |date=September 10, 2021 |archive-date=16 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116202022/https://www.bellanaija.com/2021/09/brymo-drops-album-9/ |url-status=live }} Brymo said both albums are an “ode to every 1, to every SIGMA, woman and man, to order!". He also said both records pay homage to karma and to the seasons. All of the songs on Èsan were recorded entirely in Yoruba, and were produced and mastered by Mikky Me Joses. 9: Èsan was nominated for Best Alternative Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2022.{{cite magazine |author1=Darlene Aderoju |title=Wizkid Leads 2022 Headies Awards Nominees: See Complete List |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/headies-awards-2022-nominations-1235118266/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=1 March 2023 |date=July 26, 2022 |archive-date=29 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729002531/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/headies-awards-2022-nominations-1235118266/ |url-status=live }} Bigfoot produced 9: Harmattan & Winter, which was recorded entirely in English; its title symbolizes a transition from insufficiency to sufficiency.

=2022-present: ''Theta'', ''Ethos'', rebranding, ''Mansa'' and ''Macabre''=

Brymo's tenth studio album Theta was released on 27 May 2022, along with his third book The Bad Tooth.{{cite web |author1=Nana Tenadu |title=Brymo Announces Release Date for Forthcoming Projects |url=https://www.unorthodoxreviews.com/brymo-release-date-forthcoming-projects/#:~:text=Brymo%20took%20to%20his%20official,' |website=Unorthodox Reviews |access-date=3 March 2023 |date=May 12, 2022 |archive-date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525192946/https://www.unorthodoxreviews.com/brymo-release-date-forthcoming-projects/#:~:text=Brymo%20took%20to%20his%20official,' |url-status=live }} Ten tracks comprise the album, which was recorded entirely in Nigerian Pidgin.{{cite web |author1=Fareedat Taofeeq |title=Album Review: Brymo is versatile, unique in 'Theta' |url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/album-review-brymo-is-versatile-unique-in-theta/#:~:text='Theta'%20is%20a%20great%20piece,Theta%20gets%20a%207%2F10. |website=The Cable Lifestyle |access-date=19 February 2023 |date=June 22, 2022 |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219223413/https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/album-review-brymo-is-versatile-unique-in-theta/#:~:text='Theta'%20is%20a%20great%20piece,Theta%20gets%20a%207%2F10. |url-status=live }} Brymo announced the album's track list in a Twitter post;{{cite web |author1=Dahunsi Olabode |title=Brymo Releases Track-list Of His Upcoming Album (See List) |url=https://novice2star.com/2022/02/21/brymo-releases-track-list-of-his-upcoming-album-see-list/ |website=Novice 2 Star |access-date=19 February 2023 |date=February 21, 2022 |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219223418/https://novice2star.com/2022/02/21/brymo-releases-track-list-of-his-upcoming-album-see-list/ |url-status=live }} he described it as a "study of humanity's struggles—and a view into what it might have been". Bigfoot produced, mixed, and mastered all of the album's tracks.{{cite web |author1=Bomi Anifowose |title=Review: Brymo's 'Theta' Album |url=https://digimillennials.com/music/review-brymos-theta-album/ |website=Digi Millennials |access-date=19 February 2023 |date=June 6, 2022 |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219224429/https://digimillennials.com/music/review-brymos-theta-album/ |url-status=live }} In a review for The Cable Lifestyle, Fareedat Taofeeq awarded the album seven stars out of 10, calling it a "great piece" and commending Brymo for "maintaining his style and music direction over the years". In a review for Pulse Nigeria, Motolani Alake rated the album 8.2 out of 10, calling it simplistic and noting it often "feels like a fly on the wall".{{cite web |author1=Motolani Alake |title='Theta' continues Brymo's run of impressive albums, albeit with a different approach [Pulse Album Review] |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/review-brymo-theta-album/f50p5lm |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=19 February 2023 |date=June 23, 2022 |archive-date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129052611/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/review-brymo-theta-album/f50p5lm |url-status=live }} Alake also commended Brymo for not "forcing his opinions, thoughts and views down anybody's throat".

On 12 August 2022, Brymo and rapper A-Q announced on Instagram they would release a collaborative album titled Ethos.{{cite web |author1=Ademoye Afeez |title=AQ & Brymo Announce Collaborative Album |url=https://notjustok.com/news/aq-brymo-announce-collaborative-project/ |website=NotJustOk |access-date=19 February 2023 |date=August 4, 2020 |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219215257/https://notjustok.com/news/aq-brymo-announce-collaborative-project/ |url-status=live }} Ten tracks comprise the album, which Bigfoot produced. Primarily a hip-hop record, the album contains additional elements of afrobeat, jazz, folk, and R&B.{{cite web |author1=Adebayo Adebiyi |title='Ethos' is a philosophical musing on Self, Love, and Loss [Pulse Album Review] |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/pulse-review-a-review-of-a-q-and-brymos-ethos/kbf2ln2 |website=Pulse Nigeria 57 |access-date=19 February 2023 |date=August 15, 2022 |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219215301/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/pulse-review-a-review-of-a-q-and-brymos-ethos/kbf2ln2 |url-status=live }} A-Q described the album as "personal stories about life, loss and love". Motolani Alake of Pulse Nigeria rated the album 9.9 out of 10, praising its production and acknowledging both artists for "assuming the positions of philosophers who examined the meaning of life as it relates to self, love, and loss".

In 2022, Brymo starred in Biyi Bandele's Elesin Oba, The King's Horseman, a Yoruba-language Nigerian film that is based on Wole Soyinka's 1975 stage play Death and the King's Horseman.{{cite web |author1=Chinelo Chikelu |title=Netizens Excited For Brymo In Netflix's The King's Horseman Trailer Release |url=https://leadership.ng/netizens-excited-for-brymo-in-netflixs-the-kings-horseman-trailer-release/ |website=Leadership |date=20 August 2022 |access-date=11 February 2023 |archive-date=21 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021072730/https://leadership.ng/netizens-excited-for-brymo-in-netflixs-the-kings-horseman-trailer-release/ |url-status=live }} He sang the background music in the film's trailer. The same year, Brymo rebranded himself as a sonic artist. Mansa, his eleventh studio album and debut as a sonic artist, was exhibited at KAP Hub on 3 March 2023.{{cite web |author1=Stephen Kenechi |title=Interview: Alt-rock hitmaker Brymo is rebranding as sonic artist |url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/interview-alt-rock-hitmaker-brymo-is-rebranding-as-sonic-artist/ |publisher=The Cable Lifestyle |access-date=28 March 2023 |date=March 26, 2023 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326123459/https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/interview-alt-rock-hitmaker-brymo-is-rebranding-as-sonic-artist/ |url-status=live }} He revealed the album's cover art the previous year and said Mansa would be released in the first quarter of 2023.{{cite web |author1=Talib Kama |title=Singer Brymo to release only one copy of new album for N350M |url=https://www.dockaysworld.com.ng/singer-brymo-to-release-only-one-copy-of-new-album-for-n350m-photo/ |publisher=Dockaysworld |access-date=28 March 2023 |date=December 22, 2022 |archive-date=1 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101174330/https://www.dockaysworld.com.ng/singer-brymo-to-release-only-one-copy-of-new-album-for-n350m-photo/ |url-status=live }} He also said only one copy of the album would be available for purchase and that it would be sold for $500,000. In an interview with The Cable Lifestyle newspaper, Brymo said Mansa is the first of a three-part sonic project he plans to release in the next three years.

Brymo's twelfth studio album Macabre was released in December 2023. He made the announcement about the album's release on 8 September 2022.{{cite web |author1=Ademoye Afeez |title=Brymo Announces New Album Titled 'Macabre', To Be Released In... |url=https://notjustok.com/news/brymo-announces-new-album-macabre/#:~:text=According%20to%20Brymo%2C%20who%20made,to%20be%20released%20this%20year. |publisher=NotJustOk |access-date=28 March 2023 |date=September 8, 2022 |archive-date=2 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002230658/https://notjustok.com/news/brymo-announces-new-album-macabre/#:~:text=According%20to%20Brymo%2C%20who%20made,to%20be%20released%20this%20year. |url-status=live }} Macabre is composed of fourteen tracks and was described by the singer as a "reggae album sung in English".{{cite web |author1=Taiwo Okanlawon |title=Brymo drops twelfth studio album 'Macabre' |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2023/12/01/brymo-drops-twelveth-studio-album-macabre/ |publisher=PM News |access-date=27 April 2024 |date=1 December 2023}}

Artistry

Brymo's music is a blend of alternative rock, afro-soul, folk, fuji, R&B, reggae, pop and rock.{{cite web |title=Annotations on Brymo's "Yellow' – Dami Ajayi |date=12 April 2020 |url=https://thelagosreview.ng/annotations-on-brymos-yellow-dami-ajayi/ |publisher=The Lagos Review |access-date=27 April 2024}} He told Damiete Braide his music can be called pop due to its ability to communicate with people. Brymo's albums Merchants, Dealers & Slaves and Tabula Rasa comment on social injustice and chaos that are prevalent in Nigerian society. In a 2016 interview with OkayAfrica, Brymo said; "Although my songs reflect many issues which are relevant in my society, I believe that human relations is the site where all issues emerge". Music critic Michael Kolawole said Brymo's music has doses of "profanity couched in intellectualism and philosophical thoughts".{{cite web |author1=Michael Kolawole |title=The Righteous Profanity of Brymo |url=http://culturecustodian.com/the-righteous-profanity-of-brymo/ |website=Culture Custodian |access-date=1 April 2020 |date=1 April 2020 |archive-date=2 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402001943/http://culturecustodian.com/the-righteous-profanity-of-brymo/ |url-status=live }}

Controversy

In January 2023, Brymo announced on Twitter his support for Bola Tinubu in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election and said an Igbo presidency will remain a fantasy as long as there are talks about Biafra in the country's South East. Many of Peter Obi's supporters on Twitter called Brymo's comments offensive and tribalistic.{{cite web |last1=Osadebe |first1=Ada |title=Brymo under fire over remark on Igbo presidency |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/brymo-under-fire-over-remark-on-igbo-presidency/ |website=Vanguard |access-date=12 January 2023 |date=5 January 2023 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110184746/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/brymo-under-fire-over-remark-on-igbo-presidency/ |url-status=live }} Brymo garnered public support for Tinubu in May 2022.{{cite web |last1=Edeme |first1=Victoria |title=2023: Singer Brymo under fire for supporting Tinubu |url=https://punchng.com/2023-singer-brymo-under-fire-for-supporting-tinubu/ |website=Punch |access-date=12 January 2023 |date=31 May 2022 |archive-date=12 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112014902/https://punchng.com/2023-singer-brymo-under-fire-for-supporting-tinubu/ |url-status=live }} A petition that was launched through Change.org and signed by over 40,000 people called for Brymo's nominations at the eighth annual All Africa Music Awards to be revoked.{{cite web |author1=Babatunde Lawal |title=Brymo says he doesn't blame Igbos for AFRIMA loss |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/brymo-says-he-doesnt-blame-igbos-for-afrima-loss/7kcc2pt |publisher=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=28 March 2023 |date=March 27, 2023 |archive-date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327135531/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/brymo-says-he-doesnt-blame-igbos-for-afrima-loss/7kcc2pt |url-status=live }}

Personal life

Brymo has a son who was born on 27 March 2015.{{cite web|title=Singer welcomes son with lover|url=http://pulse.ng/celebrities/brymo-singer-welcomes-son-with-lover-id3609369.html|publisher=Pulse|access-date=30 April 2016|date=28 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622160613/http://pulse.ng/celebrities/brymo-singer-welcomes-son-with-lover-id3609369.html|archive-date=22 June 2016|url-status=live}} On 12 November that year, Brymo uploaded pictures of his son to his Instagram account for the first time.{{cite web|title=Singer shares 1st full picture of his son|url=http://pulse.ng/celebrities/brymo-singer-shares-1st-full-picture-of-his-son-id4353293.html|publisher=Pulse|access-date=30 April 2016|date=12 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624062141/http://pulse.ng/celebrities/brymo-singer-shares-1st-full-picture-of-his-son-id4353293.html|archive-date=24 June 2016|url-status=live}} Brymo is married to his son's mother, Esse Kakada, who was featured on the song "Naked" from Klĭtôrĭs.{{cite web |author1=Michael Kolawole |title=Review: Brymo's 9 tells fascinating human stories |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/review-brymos-9-tells-fascinating-human-stories |publisher=Music in Africa |access-date=16 March 2024 |date=4 October 2021 |archive-date=16 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116202036/https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/review-brymos-9-tells-fascinating-human-stories |url-status=live }} On multiple tracks from the albums Èsan and Harmattan & Winter, Brymo opens up about cheating on his wife and talks about their brief separation.