Is BOJ Afrobeats’ Most Overlooked Loverboy?

BOJ stands out as one of Afrobeats’ most compelling yet underrated romantics. His gift lies in how he captures the many layers of love—its sweetness, its tension, its seduction, and even its contradictions—earning him a rightful place among the genre’s finest lover boys.

While revisiting his discography, it becomes clear that BOJ has a rare talent for expressing the emotional intricacies of romance. Love is often reduced to simple declarations of desire and devotion, wrapped in lush, slow-burning production. And though crafting infectious melodies about longing is part of being a romantic artist, it shouldn’t be the only measure. Real love is layered. It’s messy, thrilling, vulnerable, and sometimes self-destructive. BOJ’s music embraces all of that.

Perhaps he’s overlooked because he doesn’t fit the traditional image of a loverboy. His gravelly baritone, cool demeanor, and slight bad-boy aura don’t scream “hopeless romantic.” Yet that contrast is precisely what makes him fascinating. He’s a romantic shapeshifter whose catalogue reflects love in its many forms.

The Hopeless Romantic

To be a true romantic is to understand the vulnerability of falling deeply in love—and BOJ does this beautifully. On tracks like “Tungba” and “Mogbe” featuring Tiwa Savage, his Fuji-tinged R&B melodies express the emotional risk and potential heartbreak that come with devotion.

When he needs to plead his case, he leans fully into emotional honesty. On “Emotions” from Gbagada Express, he openly laments romantic turmoil. On “Unconsciously” with Victony, he reassures his lover of his willingness to fight for their bond. And on the stripped-back “Therapy Session,” he reveals a more conflicted side, admitting he may not be capable of giving the kind of love someone truly deserves.

Some clearly recognize this romantic depth. It’s likely why ID Cabasa enlisted him alongside Joeboy and Fireboy DML—two modern poster boys for Afrobeats romance—to reinterpret Styl-Plus’s classic “Olufunmi.”

The Seducer and the Hypeman

A complete lover must also know how to charm—and BOJ excels here too. He can be a smooth talker, blending silky melodies with suggestive lyrics that feel intimate and cinematic.

On “After Hours,” alongside Anaïs Cardot, he crafts an atmosphere of sensuality. With longtime collaborator Ajebutter22, he promises pleasure and excitement on “Rora” and “Gbemide.” Meanwhile, “Monica” featuring Blaqbonez leans boldly into dancehall-tinged sensuality.

His track “2 Bad” is another example of his ability to flatter and enthrall—delivering compliments and charisma with effortless style.

The Gangster Romantic

Then there’s BOJ’s rebellious side—the charismatic bad boy many can’t quite resist. In “Too Many Women” with Ajebutter22 and Falz, he embraces his playboy tendencies with suave melodies that charm rather than repel. On the cult favorite “Omo Pastor,” featuring Seyi Shay, he plays the temptress figure leading a preacher’s daughter astray.

BOJ’s brilliance lies in his versatility. He doesn’t present love as one-dimensional. Instead, he explores it from every angle—the devoted romantic, the flawed lover, the seductive charmer, and the mischievous rule-breaker. In doing so, he proves that being a true romantic isn’t about fitting a stereotype. It’s about embracing love in all its complexity—and BOJ does exactly that.