This is Nigeria
This is Nigeria
(Why not?)
Sitting atop the charts in Nigeria is “This is Nigeria,” a revamp of Childish Gambino’s “This is America.” An entire post can be devoted to the video, which keeps the AKs, but trades the handguns for machetes. Should you want to dissect it: NPR already covered it.
This playlist is an inconclusive, biased compilation of some of the top Nigerian-born artists dominating charts around the globe. Some names you’ll want to familiarize yourself with: Mr. Eazi, our opening track, “Come Closer” with Drake is reason enough to get to know this man’s shit. If you missed his album “Songs From the Other Side” that featured everyone, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We love the break-up track “Bad Vibe” with M.O. The refrain: “Go away if you’re only gonna bring bad vibes.” Amen. He has another dismissal song with RAYE “Decline,” which steals a hook from Ja Rule and Ashant’s “Always on Time.” We support this.
On track 2 meet Maleek Barry who teams up with RAYE on “Confidence,” which is a snappy little tune to get bounce in your step. Next but not least is Burna Boy who has been making music since the age of 10—didn’t Stevie Wonder start then too? His album “Outside,” is worth a full listen and has interesting collabs with folks like Lily Allen (track 14). We include “Ye” at the end of our playlist—don’t worry it’s pronounce/refers to the word “Yeah” and not Yeezy.
Other notables: Ycee a smooth male vocalist whose remix “Juice” has been sitting top 10 for weeks, pairs divinely with Ghana-born Efya on “Ride With You,” for one of the sweetest love songs we’ve heard in quite some time. We’re always in support of ride or die love and this is an anthem for it. A close contender for top love song on the list is the flute-y “Get It Now,” by Tiwa Savage and Omarion <—remember him?
In short, listen if you want to take a break from the holiday tunes and get mixed up with a sound that’s addictive (for a perfect example go to :48 on “Miss You Bad,” by Mr. Eazi and Burna Boy track 7).
Track List
“Come Closer” Wiz Kid, Drake
“Confidence” RAYE, Maleek Berry
“Lagos Vibes” WizKid
“Sisi Maria” Maleek Berry
“Bad Vibe” M.O., Lotto Boy, Mr. Eazi
“Decline” RAYE, Mr. Eazi
“Miss You Bad” Mr. Eazi, Burna Boy
“Sweet Love” WizKid
“Naughty Ride” WizKid, Marjor Lazer
“One for Me” WizKid, Ty Dollar $ign
“Red Handed” Mayorkun, Peruzzi, Dremo, Yonda
“My Love” Wale, Major Lazer, Wizkid, Dua Lipa
“Soco (Remix)” Slim Prince, Starboy
“Heaven’s Gate” Burna Boy, Lily Allen
“Nowo” DJ Spinall, WizKid
“Get It Now (Remix)” Tiwa Savage, Omarion
“Skin Tight (feat Efya) Mr. Eazi, Efya
“Ride With You” Funbi, Efya
“Desire” Odunsi, Funbi, Tay Inwar
“Adore Her” Poe, Funbi
“Juice (remix)” Ycee, Joyner Lucas
“My Side” Ycee
“Ye” Burna Boy
“Gbona” Burna Boy