Following his appearance at the recently held 17th Headies Awards, where he earned a nomination for Rookie of the Year but left empty-handed, rising Afrobeats artist Kaestyle has swiftly shifted focus to his music.
In a strong show of determination, the singer has now released a three-track extended play titled Rookies Don’t Sound This Good.
Rather than dwell on the loss, Kaestyle has used it as fuel, delivering a project that cements his confidence and talent in the fast-evolving Afrobeats landscape.
In an interview surrounding the release, Kaestyle expressed his gratitude for the nomination while emphasizing that it’s not accolades but the music that defines him.
“Awards are great, and I’m honored to be considered, but at the end of the day, it’s the work that counts,” he said. “Rookies Don’t Sound This Good is my response, my statement. It’s about showing that I’m more than a rookie—I’m an artist with depth, range, and staying power.”
The EP opens with Chineke, a vibrant collaboration with up-and-coming artist Starsamm. On the track, Kaestyle leans into vulnerability, singing about the overwhelming nature of love and how he needs divine intervention to navigate it.
“Only God can help me with this one,” he joked in a behind-the-scenes clip. “It’s fun, it’s real, and it’s me.”
The energy remains high in How Much, where he shifts between affection and temptation, crafting a relatable story of modern love over an irresistible beat tailored for dance floors.
Closing the project is a.o.m.g (Ahead of My Game), arguably the most personal track on the EP. Here, Kaestyle gets introspective, rapping about his early struggles and reflecting on how far he’s come. “I remember the days when nobody cared,” he raps, his tone calm yet assertive.
“Now I’m focused, and I know my path.” The track is both an affirmation and a promise, signaling that Kaestyle is not only aware of his potential but ready to exceed expectations.
Speaking on social media after the EP’s release, Kaestyle addressed his Headies loss with maturity. “Big congrats to the winner,” he wrote. “But let’s be honest—‘Blessings’ with Omah Lay should’ve gotten that Best Collaboration nod.”
While his statement was laced with confidence, it didn’t read as bitter. Instead, it came from a place of belief in his work and the ambition to claim his space in the industry.
With Rookies Don’t Sound This Good, Kaestyle isn’t just rebounding from disappointment—he’s turning it into a creative springboard.
The EP not only showcases his versatility and growth but also signals that he’s carving his name into Afrobeats, not as a one-hit wonder, but as a rising force ready to take the global stage.
