The path to making popular music is often divided along the moral lines of how much pop culture referencing is allowed before it becomes illegal and plagiarizing. However, Nigerian music’s reputation for unapologetic sampling makes it particularly difficult to defend the nostalgic appendage as a form of art or creativity. But every now and then, artists like Wande Coal who have been around long enough to understand the traitorous moral terrains, deliver songs like his recently released “Funkeh”. Reminding us that popular culture should be reflected in pop music and if sampling is what it takes, then so be it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaXfN9onRlB/?hl=en&taken-by=wandecoal

Perhaps because the allure of “Funkeh” is Wande Coal’s all too familiar vocals and his penchant for sexually exciting songs, his reference to popular “Funke!” meme only heightens the already catchy number. Plus with the distinctly sounding upbeat guitar riffs, piano samples and drums Killertunes produces, the song listens fresh and devoid of samples save for the occasional chants of “What?” and Falz’s “Wehdone Sir”, used here as adlib.

Though “Funkeh” is released as Wande Coal’s gift to fans for his 32nd birthday celebration, the song’s narrative is classic humorous love declaring Black Diamond—“I Say Shout Out To Your Daddy Oh Ah/ Awon Lo Fun Eh Ni Idi Nla/ To Fe Ma Sako Funwa.”

There’s no denying that the meme-ification of music helps in its dissemination. But given the song’s release on Wande Coal’s birthday and his widespread appeal, “Funkeh” is more than a scheme. It is his appreciation of the viral trends in Nigerian popular culture. Stream the catchy new single below.

https://soundcloud.com/user-391678699/funkeh

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/wandecoal

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