British-Nigerian hitmaker Maleek Berry has finally dropped his much-anticipated debut album, If Only Love Was Enough, on June 13, 2025—more than a decade into his career as a producer and voice behind Afrobeats’ rise.
A Blast from the 2000s with a Modern Pulse
Berry dives back into the emotional richness of early-2000s Afropop, blending smooth R&B rhythms with warm percussion and heartfelt storytelling. Think nostalgia with a contemporary twist—a sonic canvas that’s both retro and refreshingly current.
Sobering Emotions, Fun Vibes
The album explores themes of longing and desire with both vulnerability and celebration. Tracks like “The Pain” tug at heartstrings, while “Lagos Party”, “Who Be This One”, and “Onyeoma” bring high-energy Afrobeats flair.
Knock-Out Collaborations
Berry calls on a stellar cast:
Tiwa Savage applies sultry flair on “4 My Body”
Wizkid pops in for an electrifying reunion on “Situation”
Ruger adds fresh edge to “Lately”
Zlatan boosts street credibility on “Biggie Man”
Plus, a strategic push with production help from Legendury Beatz, tying together the old and new school of Afropop.
Behind the Beats: Intentional Creation
Berry pulled back from the spotlight to rediscover his voice and purpose. In interviews, he emphasized his desire to craft “great songwriting” and stories that resonate, not just party tracks, but songs you can cry or fall in love to. Working closely with collaborators, he resisted current trends like amapiano to stay true to his signature sound.
A Statement, Not Just a Sound
This debut isn’t just an album—it’s Maleek Berry’s declaration of artistic independence. Partnering his own Berry’s Room label with FUGA ensures global ownership and supports his vision of nurturing emerging talent.
Final Take: If Only Love Was Enough isn’t just late—it’s worth every wait. Rich in nostalgia, brimming with quality songwriting, and elevated by powerhouse features, this album marks Maleek’s confident evolution—from legendary producer to artist with a story and sound that’s unmistakably his own.
Album highlights:
Emotional ballads: “The Pain,” “Mirror”
Party anthems: “Lagos Party,” “Who Be This One”
Powerful features: Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Ruger, Zlatan
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Why It’s Important: A revival of heartfelt Afropop, grounded in authentic storytelling and creative ownership.
If you crave an album that marries nostalgia with modern depth, If Only Love Was Enough delivers—and then some.
