Lil Kesh has released a new three-minute single titled Anini (Thief), marking his latest return to the spotlight.

The song opens with a choral modulation of sounds and layered chords — “oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, wetin you do me” — repeated thrice before the singer fully settles into the beat.

While Lil Kesh is known as a hardcore rapper, his latest offering takes a slightly different route, leaning more into melody.

The title draws inspiration from Lawrence Anini, the infamous Nigerian robber of the 1980s. But contrary to what the name might suggest, the single is not a glorification of crime.

Instead, it is a metaphorical expression of romantic betrayal: likening a love interest to a thief who has stolen his heart.

After a period of relative quiet, ‘Anini’ signals a return to the energetic formula that made Lil Kesh a household name during his prime years with Olamide’s YBNL Nation.

The production stands out as one of the song’s strongest elements, with a fusion of vibrant chords and uptempo percussion creating a frantic yet controlled backdrop for his delivery.

Lil Kesh rose to prominence following the release of his 2014 smash hit ‘Shoki’ while signed under YBNL Nation.

In 2024, the artiste revealed that his early success denied him crucial life experiences and opportunities for personal development.

Listen to ‘Anini (Thief)’ by Lil Kesh here: