When Zikoko decided to turn their stories into films, they didn’t just bring drama; they brought a soundtrack that charged every scene with raw emotion and agency, pointing out that Nigerian women don’t just fall in love; they make it sound iconic.
Something Sweet and My Body, God’s Temple, recently released on Zikoko’s YouTube channel, can be considered cinematic love letters to Nigerian women who are owning their stories, heart, body and soul. The soundtracks from both short films feature bangers like Ogranya’s Serenade, Swing, Imperfect, Vulnerable; Stay the Night by Dwin the Stoic, Grown Ass Girl by Aylo, Kotrell’s Safe and WurlD’s Show You Off.
These songs fit perfectly with the mood of each film, resulting in modern Nigerian romance anthems!
Something Sweet: Ziora’s Love Anthem for Defying the Rules
In Something Sweet, directed by Dika Ofoma, Ziora (played by Michelle Dede) is a 40-something woman who decides that ‘Age is just a number’ when she falls for a younger man, ignoring society’s side-eye and judgment. The film is all about choosing desire and love over societal expectations, and its soundtrack is a playlist for every woman who has ever been told to ‘act her age.’
Ogranya’s Serenade easily sets the tone of the film with its sultry alternative sound: “I’m tryna have a conversation with you tonight / About things that I think you could like.” The song is carefree yet intentional, and this is just like Zikoko Love Life stories, where Nigerians share stories on their romantic choices. With this catchy beat that introduces Leke of Something Sweet, you just know you’re up for a good time!
Then there’s Swing, also by Ogranya, with its infectious “Swing like Jangolova / If I catch you baby issolova.” It’s the sound Ziora is internally dancing to as she embraces her desires. The song’s playful energy dips and sensual undertones celebrates a woman who knows exactly what her body wants. Swing is the perfect soundtrack for Ziora’s rebellion against the script society wants her to follow.
Grown Ass Girl by Aylo is the ultimate clapback. The lyrics are just like a WhatsApp group chat full of girls’ girls hyping Ziora up. It’s peak Love Life energy, bold and unapologetic when it says “Grown Ass Girl / Get what you want ass girl / Go on, backup / Next ain’t a no, is that so?” It yells possibilities and agency as Leke confesses his feelings for Ziora and his willingness to explore them with her.
Imperfect by Ogranya comes with its fair share of vulnerability, with lines like “Sometimes I feel the different sides of me slipping / Don’t neglect that I’m imperfect.” It’s a great poster picture for Ziora’s inner conflict as she loves fiercely while wrestling with self-doubt. This is just like the raw honesty that Ziora brings to life. It shows that agency isn’t only about bold moves, it’s also about embracing your flaws.
Finally, Stay the Night by Dwin the Stoic adds a somewhat nostalgic feel to the film. It’s a perfect end to the film, and it pulls at heartstrings when it asks, “Won’t you rather take a chance than have regrets?” It’s as urgent as it is romantic, showing the film’s theme of seizing love before it slips away. Life is too short, so love hard.
My Body, God’s Temple: Omasilu’s Soundguide to Trust and Triumph
My Body, God’s Temple, written and directed by Uzoamaka Power, who also plays Omasilu, is a vivid story about a newlywed couple struggling with vaginismus and sex-related religious guilt. It’s a real and deeply personal story, and this is why the film’s soundtrack, featuring Kotrell’s Safe, WurlD’s Show You Off, Serenade and Vulnerable by Ogranya, builds a safe space for Omasilu’s journey towards intimacy and self-acceptance.
The emotional backbone of My Body, God’s Temple is Safe by Kotrell. The lyrics are a warm hug for Omasilu as Zion provides a truly safe space for her in his life, despite all they’ve been through: “I feel safe here in your arms / there’s no judgement for my scars.” The gentle rhythm and heartfelt words are enough to make anyone swoon. It’s a romance anthem that prioritises trust over passion, displaying agency through vulnerability.
With the lyrics of Show You Off by WurlD, Walshy Fire and Shizzi, “You’re so beautiful / Do you mind if I show you off?”, the singer captures the admiration and patience of Omasilu’s husband, turning their love story into one that is worth flaunting, despite initial struggles. As Omasilu dances with her husband in the presence of her friends, this song proves to be a perfect crowning. It’s a celebration of Oma’s self-assurance as she finally sees herself fully, revelling in the comfort of her supportive friends and husband. The upbeat energy of the song feels really good.
Why These Songs Are Nigerian Romance Anthems
These songs aren’t just background music; they’re the new Nigerian romance anthems. Ogranya’s alternative cool, Aylo’s fierce confidence, Dwin’s nostalgia, Kotrell’s empathy and WurlD’s swag create a world of sounds that feel like joy, honesty and spice! For Ziora and Omasilu, these songs are perfect for agency. They literally tell you to ‘choose your love, own your body and tell society to mind its business.’ Nigerian women are writing their own rules, one beat at a time, and it’s exciting.
So grab your earphones and head on to Spotify to listen to these carefully curated sounds that are sure to serenade you into feeling all the feels. And if you’ve not seen the films in the anthology, runnnn, don’t walk, to Zikoko’s YouTube channel for a good time.
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