Citizen of the World is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter King Perryy. It was released on April 28, 2021, through DM Records. The album blends Afrofusion, dancehall, and Afropop elements and features guest appearances from Timaya Phyno, Mayorkun, PsychoYP, Kizz Daniel, and Oxlade, among others. it peaked within the top 20 of the Nigeria Apple Music Top 100 Albums chart, where it remained for six consecutive days. The single YKTFV (You Know The Fvcking Vibes) featuring PsychoYP became associated with the rise of Nigerian drill music and was referenced by The Native as part of the Nigerian drill movement's growing influence on contemporary African music culture.
Background and composition
Following his signing to Timaya’s DM Records, King Perryy released several singles, including Man on Duty and Murder, which helped define his “Continental Sound” a blend of African rhythms, Caribbean dancehall, and global pop. Citizen of the World expands on this identity, exploring themes such as love, self-discovery, unity, and ambition. In an interview with The Gleaner King Perryy described the album as a mind state, an identity bringing people together. But before you become a citizen of the world, you have to be aware of yourself, your environment."
Release and promotion
The album was preceded by singles including Work N' Grind, My Darlina and Waist featuring Kizz Daniel. Promotion included several digital campaigns and interviews in Nigerian and international media outlets including Rolling Stone.
Critical reception
Citizen of the World received generally positive reviews from critics. Reviewers praised its polished production, cross-genre diversity, and cohesive sound design. Many highlighted King Perryy's ability to merge Caribbean and African influences into a smooth and modern Afrofusion style. Some critics noted that while the album maintained commercial appeal, it also conveyed introspective and personal messages uncommon in mainstream Afropop releases. Pulse Nigeria describes it as an album that delivers a wide range of moods, emotions and genres and introduction to expansive continental sound, and Culture Custodian describes it as flexing his diversity.
Track listing Credits adapted from Spotify and album metadata.
Personnel Credits adapted from Spotify and album metadata.
Performers King Perryy – primary artist, vocals Kizz Daniel – featured artist Timaya – featured artist PsychoYP – featured artist Oxlade – featured artist Mayorkun – featured artist Phyno – featured artist
Production Teflon Zincfence - producer Yalababayala - producer Krizbeatz - producer Blaisebeatz - producer DJ Coublon - producer Chillz Made It - producer Soularge - producer TMXO - producer DJ Khayleb - producer S’Bling - producer Omezia - producer KDaGreat - producer
Management and distribution DM Records – record label Jones Worldwide – distribution and marketing
Release history Region Date Format Label Various 28 April 2021 Digital download DM Records Nigeria 28 April 2021
References