If you’re looking for escapist music that will zone you out and drown out the everyday noise, The Dice Kid is the artist to check out. Elijah Ntare Shema, better known as The Dice Kid, began his musical journey at 13 and released his first mixtape, Tunes For The Kids, in 2020. He was inspired by battle rap and his favorite artist, WizKid, from whom he borrowed part of his name. Since then, he has released two studio mixtapes and one EP. His talent even earned him the chance to rap for Kendrick Lamar during the MoveAfrika concert last year. Don’t we love to see it?
But let’s dive into what’s really got fans buzzing: his latest release, Heartbreak Radio. Dropped on August 16, it quickly became a fan favorite, and it’s clear why. Described by The Dice Kid as his “love letter to youthful cheerfulness and life’s wild ride,” the six-track EP blends healing with a dose of hedonism, showing that sometimes the best remedy is a good beat and a carefree spirit. The artist calls it a nod to those who might need a pick-me-up while everyone else seems to be celebrating. After hearing friends vent about relationship drama, he wanted to create something for the “toxic couples” out there. The result? An EP that’s as much about good vibes as it is about the ups and downs of love.
More interestingly, Heartbreak Radio is the 22-year-old’s first experiment with Afrobeats genre. In an interview with SENS, The Dice Kid revealed that when he stumbled upon an Amapiano sample on his laptop, he decided that he wanted to push his boundaries and step out of his comfort zone. This departure from his usual rap style highlights his desire to be versatile and not be limited to one genre.
When asked if there’s one track from Heartbreak Radio that he could perform for the rest of his life, The Dice Kid didn’t hesitate: it would definitely be “Taste.” “This song, the last one I made for the EP, came together quickly and was the most fun to create,” he shared. It perfectly captures the essence of the album, making it a standout for both him and his listeners.
The album also includes some surprising collaborations, with the most unexpected being Kivumbi King. The Dice Kid was shocked by how well their styles blended, especially since it was Kivumbi King’s first time on an Amapiano track.
Other features on the EP include Ring Ring with ET Ndahigwa, Overbros with Baby KUU, Mr. Infinity Pack with Baby KUU, and Urifite where he collaborated with KidFromKigali.
Every album has that one song that almost didn’t make the cut, and for Heartbreak Radio, it was the intro track. “After much consideration, I realized it was the perfect fit. The first lyric, ‘Guess who’s back, Mr. Infinity Pack,’ marks my return from a hiatus, making it an important part of the EP’s narrative,” The Dice Kid explained. The line that resonates with him most is, “Who’s gonna be there for me when times out here are still getting scary?” This lyric, from the intro song Mr. Infinity Pack, deeply reflects his thoughts on the importance of surrounding himself with the right people, both personally and as an artist.
Since the album’s release, fan reactions have been mixed. Some were disappointed by the shift in style, while others were thrilled to see this new side of The Dice Kid. “One fan even DMed me saying I went ‘pop’ and I’m ‘too Hollywood’ now,” he shared. But to The Dice Kid, these reactions only confirm that he’s successfully breaking boundaries and surprising his audience.
Through the process of creating Heartbreak Radio, The Dice Kid learned a valuable lesson: “Never put limits on your art.” He discovered a newfound love for the creative process, realizing that the key to great music is to create from the heart, without boundaries.
“This is my first Extended Play but definitely not my first body of work. Before Heartbreak Radio, I released two projects, Tunes for the Kids and Infinity Pack, which explored themes of anxiety and legacy. For this project, I wanted to tap into youthfulness and the thrill of life.”
As we wrapped up, we asked The Dice Kid what genre Heartbreak Radio would be if it were a movie, and how he would describe it using only emojis. Laughing, he said: “It would be a Nigerian drama, starring me and a bunch of exes, filled with funny encounters and a lot of cute moments.” As for the emojis, he said, “Each song on Heartbreak Radio captures electrifying energy, fiery passion, heartbreak, love, and maybe even a little bit of NSFW content. So the emojis would be ‘⚡️🔥💔❤️🔞.’”
So, if you haven’t already, Heartbreak Radio is out on all digital platforms. It’s an album full of surprises, just like the artist behind it.
All the songs were recorded and curated under 6 Records.
