In the rhetoric of conscious music, few artists truly step beyond intention into action. Many speak of telling stories that matter, but only a handful consistently create music that embodies those convictions. For Ghowst, Ashes to Crown is not just another body of work. It feels like a declaration of purpose. This five-track EP represents his commitment to staying true to himself, his art, and his message.
I first encountered Ghowst when he reached out a few weeks ago. After a few conversations, he shared his music and asked for an honest opinion. My expectations were modest, but from the first listen, it was clear that this project deserved attention. What follows, though however a review, is entirely my point of view: if you haven’t already, you can listen to this EP while reading along.
For those discovering him for the first time, Ghowst (real name Deyvid Deyvid) is an Afro-fusion singer, rapper, songwriter, and poet from Benin City, Edo State. His earliest steps into music came through battle rap, where he sharpened his lyrical edge before transitioning fully into recording. Influenced by Brymo’s depth and Vector’s consciousness, with Olamide as his favorite artist, he began experimenting with poetry, Afrobeat, hip-hop, and soulful melodies to craft a sound uniquely his own. His debut project, Pains Are Different, positioned him as a storyteller with emotional grit. With Ashes to Crown, he expands on that foundation, delivering a body of work that is both introspective and versatile.
Now that we know a bit about Ghowst, we can proceed to our point of view on the project. Again, if you haven’t yet, this would be a good time to listen along.
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The project opens with Tension x Pressure, produced by Songsmithpro, which immediately sets the tone. A bold instrumental lays the foundation for calm, measured vocals that carry both weight and restraint. Lyrically, Ghowst addresses the pressures of striving for a good life with an honesty that makes the track accessible and relatable. His choice to begin with such direct storytelling feels deliberate, pulling listeners into his world while hinting at a different creative approach than many might expect.
On Dollar Dreams, Naira Mistakes, he reimagines one of TikTok’s most recognizable sounds with poetic lyricism and controlled delivery. The shift in sound from the opener is noticeable, but it doesn’t feel disjointed. Instead, it underscores his versatility and reinforces his identity across genres. His presence is steady and unshaken, reminding the listener that experimentation does not dilute his voice.
The title track, Ashes to Crown, serves as the project’s thematic centerpiece. It leans into simplicity: sparse, calm, reflective, but carries an undercurrent of depth that lingers. Here, Ghowst’s vocals shine as the main instrument, weaving a narrative of struggle, survival, and self-discovery. Of all the songs, this one most clearly embodies the EP’s title, elevating personal battles into an anthem of resilience.
With Genesis, featuring Parpae, the energy shifts. Parpae’s golden-toned presence complements Ghowst’s more forceful delivery, creating a dynamic push-and-pull. The contrast between the previous track’s restraint and Genesis’s energy makes it one of the standout moments of the project, and it has all the makings of a fan favorite.
The closer, Lettas, shows the full extent of his range. The beat moves at a faster pace, yet he never loses composure. His vocals remain steady and deliberate, demonstrating his ability to adapt without being overwhelmed. It’s a fitting end, leaving the listener with both satisfaction and curiosity about what he will do next.
After several listens, what stands out most about Ashes to Crown is its willingness to experiment without losing focus. Each track carries its own weight, but together they form a cohesive story of tension, mistakes, resilience, and renewal. Some might expect the title track, Ashes to Crown to appear first to frame the story, but the chosen order ultimately works, unfolding the EP in layers and drawing the listener deeper with each song.
As a follow-up to Pains Are Different, this project is a clear step forward. It reveals an artist unafraid to stretch across genres while keeping his storytelling at the center. For fans of range, introspection, and conscious music, Ashes to Crown is a project worth more than one listen.
