There has been an astronomic rise in the volume of hit songs being churned out by Nigerian artistes in recent years. In fact, so stiff is the competition music buffs argue that the average life span of a hit song in Nigeria is just three months. Consequently, this week, Showdown features two of Nigeria’s currently raving singles; P square’s Shekini and Oritsefemi’s Double Wahala, two of Naija’s most popular tracks as at last count.
P-SQUARE:
Fraternal twins, Peter and Paul Okoye aka P-Square hail from Ifite-Dunu, Anambra State, but were born in Jos, Plateau State. They started off as members of Literary & Debating Society at St Mulumba Secondary School, Jos, Plateau State, mimicking popular acts like Michael Jackson, MC Harmer and Bobby Brown. They formed groups such as MMMP and later MMP aka Smooth Criminals before founding P-Square. In 2001 they emerged winners at the Grab Tha Mic competition sponsored by Benson & Hedges. This culminated in the release of their debut album entitled Last Night. To date they have dropped six studio albums and won several awards and nominations. Shekini is a song from their sixth studio album entitled Double Double, released late 2014.
ORITSEFEMI:
Self styled Musical Taliban and indigene of Delta State, Oritsefemi Majemite Ekele aka Oritsefemi, was born in Ajegunle, Lagos State, to a polygamous family. Oritsefemi grew up on the streets and today the act says all those experiences have become inspiration for his music. He started out playing the bass guitar for the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ajegunle and later served as their lead vocalist. Later on, he formed the now defunct Junglist but after two albums, the Itsekiri act decided to go solo in 2006 and released his debut album entitled Elewon. He has four albums to his credit namely Flog Politicians, Wicked World, Unfadeable and Musical Taliban. Double Wahala was the track that took the Ajegunle musician to the main stream.
…And the people’s verdict:
It’s Double Wahala –Vitalis Ighabor, businessman
Double Wahala is more popular than Shekini. It is currently a must-play for disc jockeys at major events and on radio across Africa and it has even won awards and nominations for Oritsefemi so I prefer it to Shekini. Besides its message is more meaningful.
It’s Shekini –Ekanem Glory, undergraduate
Shekini is more popular because it is one of the songs trending across Africa currently. One thing About P-Square is that there is always something seductive about their songs. Apart from the fact that they are talented and hardworking, they usually drop seductive songs which people are forced to listen to because the songs are addictive.
Like Double Wahala like Bianu Le –Kyrian Anazodo, Civil Servant
As for me, I can only compare Oritsefemi’s Double Wahala to Samsong’s Bianu Le and not P-Square’s Shekini. However, I cannot not recognise any re-mixed song as being good enough to win award no matter the effort.
Double Wahala more popular – Peace Opara, banker
I can agree that Double Wahala is more popular as we speak. Shekini on the other hand is not yet well known because it is a new song unlike Double Wahala that has been there for a while.
Double Wahala isn’t original
–Ajibade Femi
We shouldn’t compare Double Wahala with Shekini because Double Wahala is a remix of an existing song done by another artiste. But Shekini is original in beat, lines and overall concept. So, no matter how popular Double Wahala seems to be, Shekini is better.
Shekini more danceable –Okon Emmanuel, entrepreneur
Shekini and Double Wahala are very popular songs especially among teens and radio stations. And-
The truth is that Shekini has an edge over Double Wahala. Shekini is more danceable and is suitable for clubs, parties and other ceremonies unlike Double Wahala. And more importantly, Shekini is an original song by the popular twin acts while Double Wahala is a copied version of Fela’s hit.
Too early to rate Shekini –Titi Abiodun, undergraduate
I think that it is too early to rate Shekini, especially as regards comparing it with an existing hit song. I may have played both songs but I am sure that many Nigerians are not yet aware of Shekini. One thing about the song is that even if you are not cut out for secular music, you will find yourself nodding away from the beginning of the song till the end because it is warm, crispy and lively all the way. I am sure that it will win several awards and nominations before the end of the year.
No basis for comparison –Mileke Bisola, student
Double Wahala and Shekini do not have the same tempo and shouldn’t be compared to each other. However, I am much more concerned about quality rather than popularity.
