In this article, Poet and writer Tola Bolaji
analyses Olamide’s mega hit song Shakiti
Bobo and gives a whole new meaning to
the song.
It is often believed that Nigerians are
musical illiterates. We care less about the
lyrics of those songs we love so much; we
rather prefer rhythm and melody. No
wonder Project Fame, Nigerian Idol and
Naija Got Talent winners rarely make it big
in the musical world unless they go the
way of the auto-tuned world of Sarz on the
beat, its Young John the wicked producer
or Don Jazzy again.
Don’t forget that rap is rhythm and poetry.
Permit me to refer to Olamide as a Poet.
The Poet opens up with the call to the
‘Wobes’, his cronies. He explains that he
has been a victim of some wrong
accusations on social media that he is a
drug addict with specialty in marijuana
and cocaine. He passionately exclaims
that success in life is nothing but an
insane venture requiring a commitment
that demands daily and nightly exertions.
He further explained that now that he has
found out that the path to success is hard
work, he has chosen never to be a fool
sitting at the backstage of life.
‘Oya Shakiti Bobo’ is a revolutionary call:
‘O awake my brother, fasten your trouser
belts and get ready to work hard.’ To own
a Ferrari, to drive around in a Bentley and
to fly to Paris in your air-bus requires a
mad commitment to do what no other will
be sane enough to do. In the next stanza,
he passionately challenges his accusers
who attribute his successes to internet
fraud (Yahoo Yahoo), he attacks their
envious claims as they persistently refuse
his apparent right to musical leadership, a
product of sweat, tears and blood.
The Poet beautifully describes his lowly
upbringing, highly motivated by his hard
experiences on the street of Lagos and its
attendant temptations to do evil. He
explains that his decision to ignore the
path of evil is borne out of his mother’s
positive influence in his life and his
determination never to disappoint her. She
must have influenced his resolve to make
it against all odds, sacrificing normal
meals for the garri-soaking non-delicacy.
Then he faces his so-called successful
pals, verbally pushing them away; guys
and ladies who have forgotten their
upbringing and the people that contributed
to their successes in life. ‘You dey live a
flashy lifestyle but your mother dey soak
Akamu’ was his ferocious accusation of
his musical buddies with no contribution
to their families, who are still cramped in
the slums living in abject poverty. He begs
them to turn a new leaf and bring home
some cash to soften the blow of poverty
on their parent’s faces.
Then he throws a cheap one, he
concludes that even the so called
graduates cannot measure up to him.
Many will still say his reference was Omo
Gravity but to some it is more of a pun as
it achieves the dual effect. This song
obviously goes beyond the leg jumping to
meet the hand rhythmic dance steps. It
has a message.
Next time take more time to listen to the
message of Nigerian songs. You might just
be lucky to meet – just like a song writer
in Naija said – one in a million. Awake my
Brother… Oya Shakiti Bobo…

Op hat off to ya!
FP Pls

Nice

Lalasticlala, have u seen DISS? If u have, then do the needful.

Nice lyrics! But, why was the song banned?

Front page material.

Nuellah02:
Nice lyrics! But, why was the song banned?

Cos the song is some awesome bullshit,need I say more ?

I really don't understand Yoruba so I Neva really got the meaning....would really love to understand Yoruba.

WoW, nice lyrics