Ibi Han Launches Self Exploration Series with “THIS TOO SHALL PASS” and “VIBE TINGS”
BY OLIVIA LEON
Nigerian singer-songwriter Ibi Han just released her latest single “VIBE TINGS” on January 13. The single continues a series of releases that Han plans to release each month until June, with “THIS TOO SHALL PASS” serving as the first. The series takes inspiration from the artist’s Afrobeat and pop influences, most recently leaning into Afropop soundscapes.
Starting the series off with “THIS TOO SHALL PASS,” the song pushes a deeper bass, lighter syths, and melodic vocal tracks, developing an atmospherically grounding sound. The track delves into a more introspective space as the artist speaks to the feeling of getting yourself out of a state where you feel stuck and at your lowest. It’s a feeling many people can relate to and the song offers a glimmer of hope and consolation in the relatability of such difficult emotions.
“I wrote the song when I felt my lowest and was inspired by conversations with friends and strangers. I originally titled the song doubts. However, I thought it needed something hopeful upon finishing the piece, so I changed the title to this too shall pass and added the ending hook. When people listen to this song, I want them to feel as though there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Whatever struggles they face, they can overcome them,” Han says.
The track begins the series on a strong note, but it doesn’t stop there. With “VIBE TINGS” as the second track to the series, Han creates an absolutely electric single from its entracing rhythm to the upbeat vocals. The track begins with the artist talking about everything she is worried about, giving listeners a space to let go of their own worries and just fall into the music. The single, while more free flowing and energetic than the first of the series, continues on its introspective note allowing the artist to channel her thoughts, emotions, and energy of the moment into her music. “My music is like my dairy and manifestations, and I hope that when people listen to my songs, they feel it is okay to be themselves,” Han explains.
The series is far from over and is guaranteed to take listeners on a journey of self-exploration similar to that of the artist herself. “What People don't know is that the songs that I've released so far and the new ones to come are all connected. I wrote most of them at the end of last year. And all the songs together tell the story of a girl trying to find herself and having fun while chasing her dreams, and that girl happens to me,” she says. Catch up with the story so far with “THIS TOO SHALL PASS” and “VIBE TINGS,” and stay tuned for upcoming releases to follow along.
