After what feels like a lengthy hiatus, As Valet finally returns with a stunning new full-length in ‘Mawonaj’ for Oioji Records.
As Valet’s boundless versatility has long been a defining characteristic within his music – from the golden era hip-hop meets neo-soul aesthetic of his Electric Conversation origins to his electronic and club-centric release ‘Virgo Stellar’, and notwithstanding his penchant for instrumental hip-hop, As Valet has managed to steer his music into endlessly creative directions that showcase his vast musical palette. ‘Inner Journey’ (2020) and ‘Canne à Sucre’ (2022) however served as milestone releases within the Parisian DJ, producer and beat-maker’s catalogue as, in those records, lay the foundations for where he would ultimately find the most impassioned versions of his musical self.
Long showcasing an enthusiastic cross-cultural celebration of styles that finds his unique perspectives paying homage to his Caribbean roots while channelling his affections for hip-hop beat driven production. As a template and motivational construct for his music, it’s proven to be an astutely observed practice generating some eclectic and fiercely dynamic music as a result.
And not specifically all from the mind of As Valet.
We noted that it’s been some time since the artist’s last solo release with the delay largely attributed to the cultivation of Oioji Records.
Officially celebrating their first release in 2024, Oioji has managed to represent an incredible array of talent all seeking to wave the flag for their Caribbean heritage while each forging ahead with phenomenal soundscapes that take the music into unexplored labyrinths of sound. With the initial seed planted through the aforementioned As Valet projects, it’s inspiring to see how far the musical message has managed to spread through the subsequent Oioji releases by Rickysoul The C3PO, Eugene Neighbrs, Queen Ci and Gus La Tempête.
‘Mawonaj’ finds As Valet in a staggering return to form as he presents a thirteen-track selection alongside some world class collaborators.
Helping to establish the album’s core sound and providing excellent accompaniment for As Valet’s production are Oioji stalwarts in Sonny Troupé and Claude Saturne who provide percussion and drums on ‘Problèm An Nou’ and ‘Lambi’, respectively. Further Oioji representation comes from LaNote who mixes the album and from Dusty, who provides an exceptional remix of ‘Problèm An Nou’ to close the ‘Mawonaj’.
The sensational production for ‘Mawogany’ calls to mind some of the treasures from the Electric Conversation days with vocalist Lauriane Ludosky afforded valuable space to make the track her own. And of course Reginald Omas Mamode IV brings additional star power to ‘Chimin’ soaring over deliciously off-kilter production.
‘Mawonaj’ feels like the culmination of everything As Valet has been quietly building towards — a record where his love of rhythm, his Caribbean heritage, his affection for hip-hop and his instinct for adventurous production converge with remarkable ease. Yet for all of its individuality, there is a sense that this is no longer a journey being made alone. Through Oioji, the roots have grown outward, connecting As Valet’s own musical story to a wider community of artists carrying that same spirit into new and unexpected places. ‘Mawonaj’ is indicative of a narrative still being written – a record that connects the threads of his own journey with the ever-expanding Oioji family.
