There’s something weirdly uplifting about throwback Thursday. That trip down memory lane somehow just brightens your day, hear a piece of music from decades later and you are transported back to that particular moment, like stepping into a time machine. You can feel everything as if you were actually there. The relationship between music and memory is powerful.
Listening to an old favourite song can take you back years to the moment that you first heard it. Let’s take a look at five oldies that make us remember our favourite Nigerian artistes.
Seyi Sodimu- Love Me Jeje
Remember Love Me Jeje, the Afro-soul song by U.S based Nigerian singer Seyi Sodimu? Released in 1997 off his studio album titled Born in Africa, Sodimu‘s love themed song saw smooth vocals from popular Nigerian actress Shafy Bello.
Upon its release, Love Me Jeje was widely accepted by music lover thus gaining massive airplay. On 30 May 2016, Sodimu released the remix of the song with vocal appearance from American singer K. Michelle. Watch the video of the original Love Me Jeje below.
Lagbaja- Kon Ko Below
When Nigerian folk singer and songwriter Lagbaja released Kon Ko Below in year 2000, the song became one of the finest tunes to listen to just as soon as it was released. The airplay was regular and it was a song well enjoyed by everyone, without age limitation.
The use of the traditional drums and the saxophone sounds did a great justice in making the song an overall success. Bisade Ologunde better known as Lagbaja is Nigeria’s biggest secret according to social media. The 60-year-old singer may seem to have disappeared from spotlight but this groovy fusion is still endearing to the ears.
2Face Idibia- African Queen
2face‘s massive hit African Queen is one that will always be golden. Now called 2Baba Idibia, prior to 2014, his stage name was 2face Idibia. With over 2 decades in the music industry, Idibia remains one of the most decorated and successful Afro-pop artiste in Africa. A song that celebrates the beauty of African women, African Queen achieved international acclaim and is still currently being appreciated.
Most notably, it was soundtrack in the 2006 American comedy film Phat Girlz and has won several awards. In 2017, Idibia released new visuals for African Queen remix. The video was released to commemorate his fourth wedding anniversary with his wife, Annie Idibia, who featured in the 2004 original video.
Recall that in 2019, Blackface released his own version of African Queen after accusing his ex-band mate, Idibia for stealing African Queen.
Unlike Idibia‘s version, Black face‘s version did not cross the Nigerian boarder.
D’Banj- Socor
D’Banj’s debut album, No Long Thing, released in 2005 yielded massive hits like Socor, that was before the falling out and the lukewarm reconciliation between D’Banj and former partner, Don Jazzy. Socor is as much a jam, as it was back then.
Weird MC- Ijo Ya
Weird Mc‘s Ijo Ya produced by Don Jazzy and JJC topped all audio and video charts for months when it was released. It also topped No 1 on MTV Base. Born Adesola Adesimbo Idowu, Weird Mc was porpularly known for delivering her lines in English and Yoruba, reflecting her multicultural background. Weird Mc is also recognised as one of the Pioneers of “Women in Afrobeat.” A genre which has been male-dominated among Nigerian artistes since it’s inception because of her refreshing blend of Afrobeat and Hiphop fusion.
