So our employers expect us to return to work after the Christmas and New Year break?
After almost three weeks of sleeping and enjoying Detty December, it’s time for us to do the work we agreed to in our employment contracts. But how do you find ginger to work when what you really want to do is sing, “Uloma, I dey on my ten toes” in the club? Well, it’s time to update your playlist with hustle-friendly songs that’ll remind you why chasing the bag is important.
Stand Strong — Davido
Standout lyric: “Cause I stand strong. O.B.O no go minus.”
If you could survive 2022, then you have it in you to survive one more year. The best time to play Davido’s Stand Strong is on your first day back, just to remind yourself that no matter what happens, capitalism will not kill you. At least, not today.
Terminator — Asake
Standout lyrics: “Terminator, we don get agreement oh. No terminating.”
Play Asake’s Terminator every time you’re tempted to resign after attending a five-hour Google Meet “chat”. Remember, you’ve signed a contract with capitalism, dear. There’s no turning back now.
Money Before You Love — Portable
Standout lyrics: “God, abeg ooo. Who go help ooo?”
If we’re keeping it real, no one wants to resume work. But who will fund our soft lives if we don’t work for our salaries? Play this song and scream silently in your office bathroom, if that’ll help you get through the day.
Won Da Mo — Mavins All Stars
Standout lyrics: “Wake up in the morning, hallelujah. Chasing the money, chasing the bag.”
This song should be your alarm, so you remember that securing the bag should be your only goal at the end of the day.
Double Your Hustle — Orezi
Standout lyrics: “Alaye, double your hustle. No time for gbati gbati.”
Like they say in Nollywood, “A word is enough for the wise.” Double your hustle as you get back to work, so maybe, next year, you won’t have to work at all.
Rush — Ayra Starr
Standout lyrics: “Padi man, nobody like work. But you must hustle if you wan chop.”
Ayra Starr was spilling tea when she sang these lyrics on Rush. No one likes to sit through meetings or work on documents. But how will you move from mechanic to baller if you don’t work? These are the questions, dear.
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Common Person — Burna Boy
Standout lyrics: “I be common person, but my happiness o, still be my own.”
If you’re one of those people who spent the salary they were supposed to use to survive in January in December, then there’s a high chance you’ll relate to Burna Boy’s Common Person. After all, nothing humbles a man more than a severe case of January SAPA.
2 Sugar — Wizkid and Ayra Starr
Standout lyrics: “Shori nonsense, ma’gbe sun mo mi.”
Ayra Starr’s lyrics on Wizkid’s 2 Sugar translate to: “Don’t bring nonsense near me,” which makes it the perfect jam to play when that annoying co-worker starts being extra. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, we all have co-workers like that.
It Is What It Is — Adekunkle Gold
Standout lyrics: “If e no be money, do not disturb me, please.”
Why is anyone messaging or calling you in January, when there’s no money involved? Adekunle Gold was right. Please and please, don’t lose focus.
Never Stopped — BNXN
Standout lyrics: “I’ve never stopped in my life. So tell me, why will I stop now?”
While I can’t relate, I encourage you to draw ginger from BNXN’s Never Stopped anytime work gets really exhausting. Listen to this song, look capitalism in the face and say, “Me run yuh. Ya not fi run meh.” It works every time.
Gone Far — Zinoleesky
Standout lyrics: “More money, more respect. Give them what they don’t expect.”
Staying out all night to do Detty December is cute, but you know what’s more attractive? Having funds. In Gone Far, Zinolesky reminds us that money cancels nonsense, so unless you want to face nonsense every day, I suggest you get your hustle on.
