So far, 2019 has been a revelation for many new Nigerian artistes and a redirection of energy for many of the old, as they continue to dole out good music, exciting fans worldwide.
From time to time, eelive.ng provides a list of songs we’re feeling at the moment and want you to vibe to also. In no particular order, featuring Reekado Banks, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Blaqbonez, Peruzzi and more, here are some of our favourite songs of the month;
1. “49-99” by Tiwa Savage
The buzz behind this song was exceptional, an international release and then a Nigerian one, Tiwa Savage looks like she knows how to give fans what they want. Written by Olamide, produced by Pheelz and Tiwa Savage, “49-99” borrows its lead line, as well as its themes of survivalism, from Fela Kuti’s “Shuffering and Shmiling,” rendered tastefully in the current idiom of Nigerian pop. Tiwa’s ease of mashing R&B, pidgin, Yoruba and English is mirrored in Pheelz’ production which cleverly builds the vibe over an Afrobeat rhythm section.
2. “Shut Up” by Blaqbonez
Introducing himself to a crowded Lagos traffic with a loudspeaker to promote his new single. The song’s title refutes strong opinions about him recent claim to being the “Best Rapper In Africa.” The video serves up images of mean-mugging male models with machine guns in fluffy dresses, bringing to life the album cover for “Rare” by Odunsi in a most vivid fashion. “Everything big, everything fresh, everything clear” Blaqbonez proclaims on the Dancehall infused hip-hop number.
3. “Nana” by Peruzzi
Peruzzi doest fail in his rendition of love songs yet again as the song starts which a melodic lead line; “na, na, na” over soft synths, occasional strings, and drumming, but is also a name and has made for the near perfect pop song. “Strike a pose, it’s a perfect picture” Peruzzi sings, assuring his love interest.
4. “OGB4IG by Reminisce
This song is Reminisce’s career in retrospect as shows his vitality as rapper. With the solid production by Sarz, his long term collaborator, it’s quite difficult to rebuff his claim; “aged 38, still the best rapper off of these streets”. He probably is what he says he is on the track, with four full length albums and a near-decade of music-making in a genre that is obsessed with youth and fads.
5. “PXTA” by Naira Marley
An improvement from his “masturbation simulation” song, the song borrows propulsive drumming from Young John’s work on “Bobo” by Olamide but it is Marley’s drawl and developed song writing that remains the draw here. Whether as an aesthetic scene change or morality tale, the models in bathing suits in the video turn up in the second verse heavily pregnant and yet able to twerk without restrictions. “How water get into coconut” is the philosophical nugget Naira Marley is either puzzled by or asks rhetorically in the second verse of “PXTA.”
6. “Ghetto Love” by WizKid
This song sees Wizkid stay true to his dancehall-inspired sound. The track, which was produced by both Killertunes and Kel P, has an incredibly infectious beat and catchy lyrics you’ll be singing along to in no time. Fans don’t really care what Wizkid releases, as long as he releases something.
7. “Rora by Reekado Banks
Starting the year on a high note despite leaving Mavin, Reekado Banks disappeared for a while and came back with “Rora,” his first single of 2019 and the lead track from his upcoming album. “Rora” (translated from Yoruba as ‘Take It Easy’) is a highly-addictive production built on mid-tempo beat, highlife influences, and playful lyrics aimed at a love interest. The new single was produced by Tuzi and Altims.
By: The Arubayi Keme
