Review: Mayolee Documents Relationship Hassles With “Check Balance”

By Emmanuel Daraloye

Music, a form of arts, a form of expression would always ignite feelings. Most times, the fans are even unaware of the mood the artistes were in while recording it, it even becomes more difficult to ascertain if it was off a personal experience or it is just a combination of peoples experience.

When I listened to Michael Anthony Oluwole better known as Mayolee’s new song titled “Check Balance,” released on March 15, 2024, I had so many questions up for answers. The cool and sophisticated production, with the fantastic storytelling by the singer makes this song awesome to hear.

Perhaps, in aligning to the keep it short and simple mantra, Mayolee smartly keeps this song to less than three minutes. To be exact, the song lasted for two minutes, fourteen seconds. The artiste stern looking picture is splashed on the song art cover with him clearly folding his hand. The image shows an agitated soul, waiting for someone to do the right thing. Even before you press the first play, you clearly have an idea on what the song would likely be about.

The first second of the song find bouncy beat welcoming the listeners with the drums colliding with the synth, log dum and more, even before Mayolee’s vocals comes up, you are almost transmitted to an club like scene. The song which is titled “Check Balance,” is a bridge between Dancehall, R&B and Afrobeats. This shows Mayolee’s sonic dynamism. He skillfully brings more than two genre, score a hit track. It a brilliant execution.

The intermittent back up vocals on the song are beautiful to hear. On the first verse, Mayolee assures his better half of his love, loyalty, faithfulness, and more. Unfortunately for him, he was being lied to. His better half was not fully committed to the relationship. Although he wants the best for the relationship, his better half seems to want another thing.

Guitar, drums, log drum and synth remains the dominant instrument on this song, it a shade of beauty with the singer impeccably delivering his line. His neat vocals sit well on this song.

Mayolee clearly expresses himself on this song. He maturely maneuvers through the intricate beat patterns. Clearly, the change in sequence of the beat might make it more difficult or work around yet the artiste found a way. It shows how musically inclined he is.

Although “Check Balance,” is a sad song yet Mayolee still finds a way to make it fun to listen to. Thematically, it is a song that detailed how a once loving relationship went sour between him and his lover. While he is all out to make things work for better for him, the girl was having fun, lying and being dishonest about a lot of things. These painful experiences formed the bedrock of this song. And for clearly being able to articulate this and many more, Mayolee deserves praise and commendation.