LAGOS/Nigeria: After nearly a decade of silence on the recording front, Nigerian-born jazz fusion sensation Johnson Mary-Ann Akalo, widely known as Comandrthyann or simply Comandr, has staged a triumphant comeback with the release of her long-anticipated debut extended play, Beautiful. Unveiled on May 30, 2025, the six-track project marks a significant artistic rebirth for the Lagos-born singer whose blend of Jazz, R&B, and Pop continues to set her apart in a competitive music landscape.
In a press statement personally signed and released on May 31, 2025, Comandrthyann described Beautiful as more than just an EP. “It is a statement of artistry, resilience, and rebirth,” she wrote—a declaration underscored by the emotional depth and technical brilliance woven into every track. From the vibrant rhythm of Dance With Me, the romantic undertones of Be Mine, the mysterious textures of Cook The Mystery, to the upbeat celebration in Celebration Time, the soul-lifting Happy, and the introspective groove of Play The Music, the EP is a sonic exploration of mood, meaning, and mastery.
The soundscape of Beautiful is sculpted by the seasoned hands of MajorKLASSIC, who produced five of the six tracks and also handled mastering duties. The standout Cook The Mystery offers a refreshing switch, with production by EX-O—adding a textured layer that complements Comandrthyann’s sultry, jazz-tinged vocals.
Set as a prelude to her forthcoming jazz concert slated for August 9, 2025, the EP marks a bold step forward in Comandrthyann’s journey—a musical odyssey rooted in originality and cultural identity. Born on August 10, 1989, she traces her heritage to Obudu in Cross River State and maternally to Okrika in Rivers State. Since her professional debut in 2010, Comandrthyann has remained committed to a sound that she proudly brands as “Authentic African Jazz.”
Her impressive trajectory includes collaborations with some of Nigeria’s top producers such as J’mo, TonyTonero, OmariD, Darice Etang, the late Dr Frabz, ObaK-Solo, Jokayne, Don Adah, the late OJB Jezreel, and more recently, MajorKLASSIC. A pivotal influence in her development was the late Nomoreloss, who mentored her during frequent performances at Lagos’ Rodizzio Lounge—where she began honing her jazz artistry in earnest.
Comandrthyann’s performance résumé is as colorful as her sound. She has shared stages with music giants at major concerts like the Ikeja Easter Mega Jam, which featured 2Baba and Reminisce, and the 2012 Calabar Carnival, where she performed with a live band alongside stars like Banky W, Bez, and Niniola.
Beyond public performances, Comandrthyann has remained a sought-after act for high-profile weddings and elite events, seamlessly balancing her career with motherhood. She is a proud mother of two daughters, Anastasia and Ariel, whose presence she describes as central to her personal and creative inspiration.
Prior to Beautiful, she released a collection of singles including Hypnotize Me, Party Party, Stay, Superstar, Let’s Get Down, Ololufe, and the original version of Cook The Mystery. She has also collaborated with emerging talents such as Dizzy, Spyro (Spyro Phreeze), and DamienOne (formerly Paparazzi) on the track Gohugtransformer, produced by Darice Etang.
Following a period of intense personal trials, including a major health challenge, Comandrthyann has returned with not just a new EP, but a renewed sense of self. Beautiful is both a personal and professional testament to her resilience, evolution, and unwavering devotion to her craft.
The EP is now streaming on all major digital platforms including Spotify, Boomplay, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Deezer, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and iTunes. With Beautiful, Comandrthyann doesn’t just make a comeback—she reclaims her place as one of the most original and captivating voices in contemporary African jazz.
