– Disclaimer: The article is a personal observation of the author according to his taste in music. Your own opinion may differ.
On July 26, the Afro-fusion sensation singer Damini Ogulu who is better known as Burna Boy blessed the world with his album “African Giant”.
The 19- track album celebrates everything African. It can be seen as a tribute to the Afro-Beat legend Fella Anikolakpu- Kuti.
The album opens with the first track “African Giant” like a teaser to tell you to seat back and enjoy the masterpiece. The song talks about the futility of life and how what will be, will be. The Igbo chorus tries to say that “the world is quiet and anticipating the Giant” .
The second track “Anybody” which was released before the album is a remark for the kill-joys and gold diggers. The singer admonishes that life is by turns and his turn is now and so anybody who is not willing to enjoy with him should be hit with something… interesting…
“Wetin Man Go” is a rhetoric for the hustles and bustles in a man’s life. He’s saying that too much work and little rest is for the good of the family.
In “Dangote” the singer asserts his resolve to continue making money with no relent. He’s saying that with him there is no end to making money.
“Gum Body” is a serenade from a jilted lover who regrets letting the lover go. The song is meant to woo her back so they will be together. The lover in the track is Jorja Smith who is the collaborated act.
“Killin Dem” is a dance hall piece that goes with the famous Nigerian dance step “Legwork“, this is no doubt one fast paced track in the album. And it features Zanku master, Zlatan
“Omo” celebrates African feminity. It celebrates rich African ladies who know what they want and go for it without anyone telling them. The track also celebrates beauty as a metaphor using Nollywood actress, Omotola.
“Secret” is more of an instrumental interlude with Serani on the background voice. The song is meant to seduce the lover to bed and make her cum.
In “Collateral Damage” the singer decries the high rate of looting by political leaders while the people suffer. It enjoins the masses to fight them without fear.
“Another Story” is the track with brief historical background of Nigeria and the the story of perpetual colonialism of Nigeria by the British and the overlords who hold the country to ransom.
In “Pull Up” Burna Boy gives a cool and steady love song, it brings out the lover in Oluwa Burna. He tries to woo his lover outside the song.
“Black Ryno” is an interlude in the album.
“Destiny” has a slow trap and electrical up beat. Burna discusses the inevitability on one’s destiny.
“Different” is the track I’ve been longing to hear in the album. Here, Burna and Damian Marley discusse divergence and how it affects our lives every day, I wish I could understand Kidjo’s language but I guess she’s concurring with them. At the end, the track mirrors different human philosophies in an intelligent way.
“Gbona”– If you’ve been sleeping for the past forty years like the fairy Sleeping Beauty and woke up to this this song, you’ll think Fela has released another song. Gbona is Burna at his best in Afro-fusion. The beat is something that will get you dancing immediately.
“On The Low” is another groovy song in the album. Burna seems to be always checking out ladies in the club just like in “Gum Body“. The song is a dance hall piece that brings the best in the singer.
“Show & Tell” is the joint with Future. This is a dope rap piece, that brings out the rapper in Burna Boy. Yes you’ll know he’s well grounded.
“This Side” is the track where Burna Boy asserts that music is his forte and calling, ain’t no body to drag it with him.
“Spiritual” is a beautiful track to wrap the beautiful album. The track itself is beautiful in a spiritual way. The singer shows his originality to his music and how dedicated he is to the art. It also reminds the pride in being African before anything else.
You can STREAM AND DOWNLOAD the tracks. Go to the comment box and tell us your best track(s) in the album. Share this review with friends too.
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