| Applaudise | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Iyanya |
| Cover: | Iyanya - Applaudise.png |
| Released: | 19 September 2015 |
| Recorded: | 2014–2015 |
| Genre: |
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| Length: | 72:00 |
| Language: | Swahili |
| Label: | Made Men Music Group |
| Producer: |
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| Prev Title: | Desire |
| Prev Year: | 2013 |
| Next Title: | Signature |
| Next Year: | 2017 |
Applaudise is the third studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Iyanya. It was released on 19 September 2015 by Made Men Music Group.[1] The album features guest appearances from Olamide, Lil Kesh, Victoria Kimani, Kcee, Sarkodie, Diamond Platnumz, Don Jazzy, Patoranking, Efya, Harrysong, MC Galaxy, Seyi Shay, Mystro, Banky W., Tekno and Selebobo. Producers who worked on the album include Mystro, London Boys, Blaq Jerzee, Mr. Chidoo, Dr. Amir, Selebobo, Princeton, Spellz, and DJ Coublon.[2] The album serves as a follow-up to his sophomore project, Desire (2013).
According to Nigerian Entertainment Today, "Applaudise" means to be in a state of joy.[3] The album's lead single "Mr Oreo", formerly titled "Mr Orio", was released commercially on iTunes on 4 June 2014. The song was originally on the Made Men Music Group collaborative album, "The Evolution (2014) and was produced, mixed, mastered and engineered by Selebobo.[4] The music video for "Mr Oreo" was released on 23 September 2014 and shot and directed by Mega Boi in Brooklyn, New York City.[5] The album's second single "Gift" features Nigerian singer, producer, songwriter and record executive Don Jazzy and was released unannounced on 24 January 2015. The music video for "Gift" was released on 6 March 2015 and shot in South Africa by an uncredited director.[6] The third single off Applaudise is "Nakupenda (I Love You)" and features Diamond Platnumz. The song was produced by Mr. Chidoo and released on 19 February 2015. "Nakupenda (I Love You)" was first leaked under the title "Nakupenda (Remember)" on 17 February 2015.[7] The music video for "Nakupenda (I Love You)" was directed by Patrick Elis on 1 June 2015.[8] "Applaudise", the album's title track, is the fourth and final single off the album. It was produced by DJ Coublon and released on 19 April 2015.[9] The music video for "Applaudise" was released on 13 July 2015 and directed by Aje Filmworks.[10]
The album received generally negative reviews from critics. Oris Aigbokhaevbolo of Music in Africa’s review of Iyanya's Applaudise highlights the artist’s shift from R&B to a dance-focused sound, with tracks like "Macoma: praised for their production quality. According to Aigbokhaevbolo, "The album suffers from a lack of originality and coherence in lyrics," noting that while the production team excels, Iyanya’s vocal performance and lyrics fall short.[11] A review from the duo from Should You Bump This, Sho and Tunde, states that the album is “watered down and poor,” criticizing the production quality and lyrical content throughout. According to the review, "The good songs have already been put out as singles," and they suggest that Iyanya “needs to go and hit that reset button.” The album receives a low rating of 1.5 out of 5, reflecting their overall disappointment.[12]
Applaudise was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[13]
| Date | Format | Label | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 19 September 2015 | Made Men |