Music groups may be be popular thing in Nigeria right now, but some guys dropped hits like Yori Yori, Olori Oko and many more. Which of them do you remember?
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Growing up, you may have heard the story of a Nigerian artist who made rain fall with a song. Or the one whose song was inspired by a mermaid.
We can’t confirm if these are true or not, but we can research other songs which also had myths attached to them.
Guitar Boy — Sir Victor Uwaifo
Sir Victor Uwaifo made ‘Guitar Boy’ in 1966. The late artist stated in an interview that he once had an encounter with a mermaid at the Bar Beach on Victoria Island, Lagos. True or not, the story has gone far, and many people think the song title is “Mami Water” instead of Guitar Song.
Send Down the Rain — Majek Fashek
The legend of Majek Fashek is hugely attached to his 1987 hit ‘Send Down the Rain.’ A year after the song’s release, Nigeria recorded an average annual precipitation of 121.6cm, making it the second rainiest year in the 1980s. The heavy rainfall came at that time the song was at its peak, so many people considered the song prophetic.
Esubiribiri Ebomi — King Sunny Ade
This song was King Sunny Ade’s protest anthem when he had label issues with Bolarinwa Abioro in 1974. The legend says that each time King Sunny Ade touched the guitar, he was “struck by madness.” And then on the record, he chanted incantations that hinted at defiance.
If I Die — Da Grin
After the success of Da Grin’s first album CEO (2009), the rapper went mainstream. While preparing to release his sophomore album, he put out ‘If I Die’ — a song about death.
A few months after the song’s release, the rapper passed away in a car crash. His death made the public believe ‘If I Die’ was Da Grin’s premonition of his own demise.
Osondi Owendi Remake — MC Loph
In 2011, rapper MC Loph did a contemporary remake of ‘Osondi Owendi,’ originally made by highlife music legend Osita Osadebe. There was a rumour that Osita’s family forbade MC Loph from using the song, but he did anyway. Although the song shot the rapper into the limelight, it wasn’t for long. He died in a car accident later in 2011, and many remarked it was a consequence of going against the Osadebe family.
If You Are Old Enough to Remember These Popular Hearsays About Nigerian Songs, Take This Quiz
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Let’s test your attitude to rumours.
Tiwa Savage once dedicated a sexy song called ____ to Jesus?
Hey! The third episode of our Valentine Special out. We brought back two best friends to share how their relationship has evolved in the last five years. Watch below:
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Psst! Have you seen our Valentine Special yet? We brought back three couples – one now with kids, one now married and the last, still best friends – to share how their relationships have evolved in the last five years. Watch the first episode below:
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Are you a big music lover and you think you’ve rinsed every album Nigerian artists have put out? Show us if you remember these guys’ debuts.
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Psst! Have you seen our Valentine Special yet? We brought back three couples – one now with kids, one now married and the last, still best friends – to share how their relationships have evolved in the last five years. Watch the first episode below:
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Another Friday, another day of fresh music releases. We handpicked the seven most chill drops to enjoy this weekend.
Listen here:
PALMWINE IN A BENZ — 02Morse
Don’t be disappointed if this song doesn’t welcome you with the Highlife guitar riffs we’ve come to associate with the palmwine sound. The rich flow, sandwich of bars and chorus make PALMWINE IN A BENZ highly digestible. IB City’s 02Morse signals to the rap scene that it’s open season as listeners throw their hands to the intoxicating bounce and hi-hats of this trappy song and its sticky lyricism.
No Gree for Anybody — Oladips ft. Otega
Drill music is one of the rap sub-genres that best documents crime, but the Nigerian spin to it takes it from fist fight and violent rhymes to relatable stories of dreams and money chasers. With this, rappers, Oladips and Otega, jump on Nigeria’s unofficial theme of 2024: “No gree for anybody” (meaning “don’t let anyone mess with you”). Since Oladips’ “Lazarus moment” in 2023, he’s made a consistent effort to prove he deserves as many ears as his contemporaries. His latest drops perhaps articulates this resilience.
IMAGINE SAY — AfroSelecta-BBK ft. Reeplay & Laxy-BBK
Reeplay opens this song with a chorus imagining if he was broke. This song implies that “You’re nobody till people speak highly of you”. Laxy-BBK performs alongside him on this song off the fourth installment of the Driller and Vanilla projects produced by AfroSelecta-BBK.
P.P.P (Puff Puff Pass) — Bahd Man Niko
P.P.P isn’t just a cannabis anthem. Bhad Man Niko is unapologetically a product of the trenches, delivering on sexual adventures with detailed imagery. His sonic connection with white garment churches and Islamic Yorùbá music offer melodies reminiscent of older Streep-pop artists like Oritsefemi, but he’s carving a niché for himself. True to his hunger to be in everyone’s faces, his latest EP, BOYAHNAH, is here 19 days into the new year and barely three months after his Off The Planet EP dropped in November 2023.
Skata — Funfillage ft. Adam Srae & Luka Pryce
Funfillage’s Skata is a song on their new seven-track Smile on Sofa (SOS) EP featuring artists from Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. Naija singer-songwriter, Adam Srae, and Mzansi’s Luka Pryce coast together to create a love atmosphere on this Afrobeats instrumental. Altogether, Skata is smooth, jazzy, groovy.
Lady Fiona — Cobhams Asuquo ft. Sauti Sol
Lady Fiona opens with guitar medleys that brew with Cobhams’ soft vocals. “I feel all my chains breaking, ‘cause since I met you, it’s been freedom from the start” is the kind of heartfelt line that distinguishes him not just as a talented singer and producer, but as a seasoned songwriter. Interestingly, the song features the defunct Kenyan music group, Sauti Sol.
50-50 — Vasa
Teenage singer, Vasa’s first song of 2024 is an emotional take on life’s possibilities. On 50-50, Vasa sings about the uncertainty that comes with being a dream chaser. The youngster is focused on climbing to the top and is ready to take his chances — goals realised or not. If you’re at a similar stage in your journey, you’ll vibe to this.
You Should Also Dive Into The Best Afrobeats Songs of 2024’s First Weekend
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To promote music and keep it alive, artists devise the most interesting stunts. While some create campaigns that build a great relationship between them and the audience, others push controversial, offensive and even morbid narratives.
We look at some Afrobeats artists who took their PR Stunts to the extreme.
Skiibii
On August 14, 2015, Skiibii Mayana was pronounced dead in a now-deleted IG post by his former manager, Soso Soberekon. Wizkid, Davido and other celebrities sent their tributes and condolences, but less than 24 hours later, Skiibii’s former record label, Five Star Music debunked the news, stating that their artist was hale and hearty.
Although Skiibii initially claimed he had a medical issue that made him blackout, he later revealed that the promotional stunt was Soso’s doing. This threw the once sympathetic public into a rage. Even Falz snuck him a diss on Soft Work: “You fit fake your own death, you still fit no blow”.
Image Source: GoldMyne TV Kogbagidi
Kogbagidi is the show promoter credited for discovering Portable. In 2018, he faked coming out of the closet after Snapchat videos of him and Bobrisky getting cozy together circulated online. Later, he revealed in an interview that it was a stunt to promote Whine 4 Me by Kadex — one of his artists. He laughed the tasteless joke off as a “normal thing”.
Adokiye
When the Chibok kidnapping and #BringBackOurGirls campaign was hot and at the top of every news story in 2014, a singer and self-acclaimed virgin called Adokiye offered to give her virginity to the Boko Haram terrorists in exchange for the kidnapped girls. Although her statement went viral, she didn’t enjoy much attention as a person. Neither did her music.
KCee
In April 2017, KCee shared a photo of banded $100 bills on his IG page and claimed he made all the money in a day. Unfortunately, a guy in America called him out for stealing his photo — which he’d posted two months before KCee — and lying to the public. In an interview, KCee stated that it was all part of the PR plan he cooked with his manager to promote his new song, Desire. Apparently, he’d reached out to the American guy for permission to use the image but got no response.
Hmmm, Mr. Ojapiano.
Image Source: GoldMyne TV Teni Makanaki
On November 14, 2023, a tracklist for Teni’s sophomore album set to drop on November 17 went viral due to the lineup of heavy hitters like Bruno Mars, Burna Boy, Justin Bieber. Apparently, it was a fake concocted by overzealous fans. But neither Teni nor her team has addressed the situation so far. Instead, they’ve rode the wave to build anticipation for the album.
Good or bad PR may still be PR, but when the album finally drops, will it be worth the hype?
Fave
Later that November 14, Fave also became the talk of the internet. On November 9, she announced a $2000 competition, inciting graphic designers in her audience to create the artwork for her next single. She announced a winner, but the public, who were disappointed with her choice, became convinced that the competition was just a stunt to create a buzz around her upcoming song.
Ladipoe
In June 2023, a “Where Is Ladipoe?” hashtag popped up on X and IG before taking to the actual street. Some “loyal fans” protested and marched to the MAVIN Records Lagos headquarters to demand for Poe’s whereabouts. Next thing we saw, Layi Wasabi had abducted the rapper. Guy Man dropped a few days later.
I wonder how much the fake protesters were paid.
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The sole aim of a remix is to stretch a song’s visibility and run in the market. But it must be done properly to ensure listeners get a fuller experience than the original song gave.
Here are seven key points our fave artists need to take note off for better remixes.
Remixes of “back in the days” were better
P-Square’s Bizzy Body Remix featured Weird MC, Terry G’s Free Madness had part one, two and three; Ay.com’s Pass Me Your Luv Remix with Timaya, Yori Yori Remix with 2Face and Banky W’s Mr. Capable Remix all have different beats and song structures from their originals. Afrobeats remixes these days lack variety.
Timing
Always strike the iron while it’s hot. Don’t wait till a song’s hype has withered, and people are on to the next popping track or sound, before you release your remix. Tell me why Oxlade’s Ku Lo Sa Remix dropped long after the original reigned? For how well-loved the song was, it was sad to see people not care when the remix suddenly dropped.
No budget
Perception is everything; if a record isn’t playing on every street, it won’t give “jam”. So don’t just spend all your budget on getting Chris Brown on a remix, save some on promotion too.
Valuable collaborators
Based on impact and social currency, Cardi B would’ve been a more valuable feature on Unavailable than Latto. Some songs deserve remixes, but others should be left alone if you can’t get the most suitable collaborator.
Obvious money grab
Today’s remixes are mainly money grabs or for reach. The evidence is the lack of sonic chemistry between collaborators. What was happening with Omah Lay and Justin Bieber on the Attention Remix?
Are local remixes no longer enough?
It’s understandable that everyone wants a western artist’s name on their song for global reach. But we shouldn’t overlook the possibility of great collaborations with fellow homegrown artists entirely. Or are we not our brother’s keeper again?
The features are too short
These days, the average song lasts around two minutes. But remixes are worse, giving little space for the featured artists to show themselves. Just look at Skiibii’s Baddest Boy with Davido. We can’t continue like this.
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Nigerian Hip-hop may not be mainstream yet, but it’s not dead or tired, you’ve just been looking in the wrong direction. While the OGs pop out once in a while, the new guys are making a loud noise. These are Naija’s most unique rap drops of the month.
Street Jam by Olamide
Olamide rhymes about his heavy bank account in street lingo, while having fun with the jiggy DMX/Ruff Ryder-esque flow. The sauce of the song — the last track on Baddo’s latest studio album, UNRULY, which came out on August 9 — is in its carefree attitude.
Pressure by Caleb Clay
Blowing up as an artist in this part of the world is a waiting game, and it’s even worse for rappers. Lagos-based Caleb Clay, and PH City emcee, Sknny, weaved some clever penmanship to express their underdog frustrations. Everyone who’s working hard for a good life would relate.
Air by Lifesize Teddy
Air is the opening track of Lifesize Teddy’s titular EP. On it, she displays her ability to deliver smooth hooks and clean-cut rap verses. It’s soulful as it effectively announces the arrival of a new rap chick in the +234, with lines like “Gat many women underneath this skin. They all fighting to be seen.” Don’t play with this babe.
E.N.K.R by Reminisce
If you know Reminisce’s music well, you’d know he never misses a chance to fire at his haters on any song. This track is no different. “E.N.K.R” is an acronym for “Eni kure”, which means “You won’t die well”. Alagba Ibile raps about performing daddy duties while maintaining his credibility in the streets and music scene. Braggadocious rap at its smoothest.
Boju Boju by D.S.6
Inspired by the local game also known as hide-and-seek, D.S.6 (Droxx and Slimsyxx) gives us a taste of their perfected afro-drill sound. Drawing an angle from the streets, Slimsyxx did his smooth sing-rapping on the chorus and first verse, leaving Droxx to finish off with an aggressive delivery and some details of his upbringing from Lagos to London and back to Lagos.
Run! remix
Abuja-based rappers Yôrkk and PsychoYP linked up for the remix of Run! off of Yôrkk’s two-song pack that came out in May 2023. It’s a trap song that warns other rappers to “japa” when these two guys step into the same space.
Operation Sweep by Falz
Falz confidently raps on his new single about his return to rule the airwaves and music charts. With a commanding title to match the theme, the rapper calls his guys up as he hits the streets.
[ad][/ad] 11:11 by Jeriq
It’s get-the-money o’clock. On this track, Jeriq is only concerned about his financial freedom. Whether 11:11 is his personal manifestation, or he made the song at 11 a.m. or p.m., the artist leads the comeback of eastern rap in a fashionable way, with heavy drill music and catchy flow patterns.
To the Moon by Tonee C
Listen to this one to witness the beautiful transition from singing to rapping as Tonee C reflects on his music journey. To The Moon is the dope hip-hop track that will get your head bumping and hand wagging in the air. Enjoy.
Dump All Your Worries on the Dance Floor by SGaWD
In two verses, hopping from flow to flow on GMK’s house music production, SGawD raps about her talent, hotness and unshakable confidence. After a long or stressful day, you can close your eyes, plug this to the ears and lose yourself like the extras in Party Rock Anthem.
My Way by Benjamz & Dremo
My Way is the last and best track on Tunnel Vision, a collaborative EP by music producer, Benjamz, and former DMW-signee, Dremo. On a dark, cinematic beat best for reflection or expressing pain, the rapper talks about paying his dues, doing things how he sees fit and his perceived setback since his disappearance from the mainstream. You’ll hear Dremo rap with that fierce energy reminiscent of Meek Mill’s Dreams and Nightmares.
Sure Odd by Gen Uru
For this song about being sure of success and respecting other people’s choices, members of Gen Uru (a south-east and south-south music group), Kolaboy and Kodopearl join forces. Using the betting term, “sure odd”, they express how certain they are that there’ll always be a way, whether they’re in Okuku or Kafancha. Gen Uru employs Igbo gyrate music with trap elements, another example of what Nigerian rap should sound like — easy to pinpoint its cultural origin with a beat that leans more towards African than conventional Western rap elements.
ENJOY.
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News hit the streets on August 24, 2023, that the newly appointed Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, announced her immediate plan to commission a national theme song for Nigeria. And our question is: Isn’t the national anthem the same as a national theme song?
Well, we’re collectively seeing shege, so the least we can do is sing in harmony. But not to curb the honourable minister’s enthusiasm, so many popular Nigerian songs are already doing the work well.
The Lijadu Sisters did it with Orere Elejigbo. So did their second cousin, Fela Kuti, whose music still accurately captures the daily life and nuances of the average Nigerian. The 2000s also gave us some of the best songs that express diverse Nigerian experiences, especially that of the common man.
African China’s 2003 Mr. President — the lead single on his debut studio album of the same title — is still a widely accepted theme song for life in Nigeria today. From the president to the governor to the policeman, the lyrics left none of the important positions of law and power out. Mr. President reminded them to lead us well, govern us well, there’s hunger in the street, stop police brutality — sound familiar? Everything has only gotten worse since. Perhaps to show us that songs change little.
Jaga Jaga, the controversial second track on Eedris Abdulkareem’s 2004 album of the same title, expressed some harsh realities in Nigeria — corruption, fuel scarcity, insecurity, unstable electricity and extreme poverty that leaves the poor robbing the poor. It’s a danceable jam, and while Obasanjo’s government banned the song from the airwaves, Jaga Jaga still resonates like it did both on and off dance floors when it first came out. Contrary to the remarks that Eedris is soiling Nigeria’s image, he was being a brave citizen demanding for better.
The same thing younger people like Oritse Femi and Vector tha Viper talked about on the Better remix in 2012. Two years before that, Sound Sultan and M.I Abaga teamed up on 2010 Light Up to shine some light for people to see road and stop following clueless politicians blindly. It gets realer on the song as late Sound Sultan compares Nigerians to the biblical Israelites under the tyrant, Pharaoh. Although the candles in 2023 are more scented, Nigerians still need to light up to see in the dark — because no light.
Using familiar analogies on Life Drama (2014), 9ice painted a large canvas on karma, the rat race, uncertainty of breakthrough and how bustling and hustling cities like Lagos rarely slumbers. The song also delivers subliminal messages to public office holders that attack one another over stolen public funds, appreciating hard-earned wealth and bemoaning the large responsibility that comes with it.
Although M.I Abaga had Jos in mind when he wrote Wild Wild West in 2010, it could also be about Nigeria in general. “Better get your gun, better get your vest…” reminds us of the unending violence and insecurity we suffer. With “Down here, everyone curse, no one bless”, he expresses the anger and frustration of the masses.
Songs like Oritse Femi’s Flog Politicians (Koboko) and Olamide and Terry tha Rapman’s Boys Are Not Smiling (B.A.N.S.) prompt the poor to react aggressively to the “anyhowness” of elected public servants as they keep pushing us to the wall. Falz scattered the internet in 2018 when This Is Nigeria, a cover of Childish Gambino’s This Is America, came out. Borrowing from the social consciousness expressed on Gambino’s record, Falz talked about SARS brutality, corruption, drug abuse, religion, murderous Fulani herdsmen, with a powerful music video that brought every line to vivid imagination.
Even though Burna Boy’s politics often feels performative, tracks like My Cry, Soke, Yawa Dey, Collateral Damage, Common Person, and notably, Monsters We Made, have touched on plights of the common people and the need to hit the streets and say “enough is enough”. For the days when Nigeria wants to take our lives, but all we want to do is sweat out all negativity, Rema’s Are You There? is what Minister Musawa should consider.
Clearly, we have bountiful songs fit to be the Nigerian theme song. So maybe the honourable minister should focus more on policies that’d encourage investment and other means of improving the creative economy?
