On the sleeves of our Ilé jersey in collaboration with Nike, tattooed on a surprising number of inked creatives, and prefixing the mesmerising 234Jaydaa’s birth name, Nigeria’s country code, +234 is worn as a badge of honour by her country people, especially by the creative class who seek to represent our home, and their national pride to the world.

The most recent airing of this Nigerian boastfulness appears on none other than 234Jaydaa’s debut single this year. Nicknamed the “23”, 234Jaydaa’s latest is an ode to her home, Lagos, Nigeria – globally renowned for its wild exuberance.

“23” opens with orchestral tones – characteristic of the fantastical instrumentals 234Jaydaa typically works with – before dropping into the R&B proclivities signposted on the record’s genre description, as the siren-like songstress chants our proudly embellished country code. 234Jaydaa’s unmistakable intonations bring the ‘Soul’.

Verse one on “23” describes the tropical climate Nigerians both loathe and appreciate. Singing affectionately about the radiant palm trees and vigorous bamboos, 234Jaydaa inadvertently questions the globally dominating Western seasons by asking “is it taboo” for the people of Nigeria to tan whilst its “winter”? Closing the verse with “fall in love with the heat by the end of the year”, the answer, of course: it isn’t.

“Never met people more fly”, begins the infectious chorus, redirecting focus from Nigeria’s sunny disposition to the people who inhabit her most captivating metropolis. Narrating Lagosians’ troublesome addiction to partying till dawn, each day re-energised for a repeat of last night’s tempestuous activities, 234Jaydaa sings reverently (emphatically non-judgemental) of her fellow “slaves to the moon” who refuse to relent during the infamous December in Lagos.

Nigerians are an industrial people. With few recourses at our disposal, living in Nigeria requires an industrial spirit, a hustler’s creativity and a willingness to veer outside your comfort zone in order to tap into whatever winning formula is available at the time. On this track, 234Jaydaa not only tips her hat to this “rise and grind” disposition of the Nigerian population, but even employs the same virtues by experimenting with a different style of song-making, as she raps her way through the second verse over the trap-influenced DJ Lolu beat. And just like her people (to whom this song is dedicated), 234Jaydaa comes out triumphant.

‘23’ out now !!! i hope you like it ✨

produced, mixed & mastered by @_L0lu
cover art by @fortunelago_ @AmarDikko https://t.co/poK55LMRec pic.twitter.com/yCuPVHqf93

— mami wata (@234jaydaa) July 17, 2020

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/234Jaydaa 

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Wojumi is a bad bitch & she’s going to brag about it. Tweet her your latest cultural exploits @dewoju