From Nigerian Idol Runner-Up to Sad Boys: Manuwa Drops Emotional Afro-R&B Project

 

Nigerian singer-songwriter and guitarist Manuwa has officially released his much-awaited project, the Sad Boys EP, marking a bold new chapter in his evolving musical journey.

Known for his heartfelt blend of Afro-R&B, Afropop, and Afro-fusion, Manuwa continues to captivate listeners with mid-tempo sounds that speak directly to romantics and storytellers. The EP, which dropped in early March 2026, features tracks such as Super Power, Melody, Toxic, and Jailer, showcasing his signature vulnerability and emotional depth.

Formerly known as Paul Scholes and Paul Rayven, Manuwa first rose to national prominence as a runner-up on Nigerian Idol 2015. Since then, he has built a solid reputation as a seasoned live performer, gracing major stages including opening for Adekunle Gold in 2022 and Ruger at the Beach in 2024. He has also performed regularly at popular Lagos venues like Live Lounge and Wantan Signature Restaurant, delivering unforgettable sets of original music and carefully curated covers.

Beyond performing, Manuwa has written the theme song for the animation Gammy and the Living Things and collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Johnny Drille. His music has earned features in The Guardian Nigeria, further cementing his place as one of Nigeria’s most distinctive mid-tempo voices.

Speaking on the new project, Manuwa described the EP as a collection born from “months of emotions, late nights, and honesty,” exploring themes of love, romance, longing, and that lingering feeling that something is always missing.

The Sad Boys EP is now available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Audiomack. Fans can expect more live performances and acoustic sessions as Manuwa takes his global sound to new audiences.

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