In Afropop, the lives of the rich and famous are often transmogrified into aspirational anthems, think: YCEE’s “Jagaban”, Casper Nyovest’s “Thuto Mboweni”, AKA’s “Fela In Versace” amongst others. On Burna Boy’s new single, the singer subverts that trope for a more human, not so larger than life view of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. “Dangote still dey find money” the singer croons, using Mr Aliko’s capitalist grind to justify his own never-ending strife for more money.

Burna Boy’s less than overt Fela interpolations have been a major feature of his Afro-fusion career. In the same manner “Ye” was built with inflections of Fela’s “Sorrow Tears and Blood”, “Dangote”, subtly borrows from Fela’s 1972, “Palaver”. “When I dey move from place to place, wetin I dey find? Na the dollar, I dey find” Burna grumbles, subtly nodding the Abami Eda classic.

“Dangote” is a reminder that if the rich are still trying to make more money, the have-nots will always have to sleep with one eye open at all times.

You can stream it here:

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/burnaboygram
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

Toye is the Team lead at Native Nigeria. Tweet at him @ToyeSokunbi

ICYMI: See the music video for Burna Boy and Zlatan’s “Killin Dem” here