In this article, Mp3bullet.ng explores the influence of Aliko Dangote on Afrobeats and how Nigerian artists name-drop him in a song.
The name Aliko Dangote is almost an eponym for success which is no surprise that Nigerian artists like to reference him in a song.
Although the Nigerian music industry is not new to singing praises to the rich or well-known, the manner these five ruling artists incorporate “Dangote” into their songs is distinctive.
Fuji or Highlife singers such as Haruna Ishola, Ayinla Omowura, Osita Osadebe, Oliver de Coque, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, and Yinka Ayefele were known for praising wealthy individuals who then bestowed money and other gifts upon them.
However, pop culture has changed the tone of the game in recent years. Instead of directly eulogising Nigerian financial titans, the new-age singers have converted their names into themes and melodies.
While names like “Otedola,” “Adenuga,” and “Adeleke” frequently appear, “Dangote” is the biggest “recipient.”
Given that he is the richest of the group, this makes sense.
‘Dangote,’ referring to the Head of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has emerged in the lyrics of various acts as a point of prayer for and celebration of fortune.
Dangote- Burna Boy
The song is as straightforward as its title. As you may expect, anything related to Dangote can be connected to wealth and riches.
In addition, the song essentially discusses hustle, teenage unemployment, everyday difficulties, and the never-ending desire for money.
While the billionaire referenced in the song is still working to get wealthy, we must all work harder.
“Dangote, Dangote
Dangote still dey find money o”
Pick Up- Adekunle Gold
Before Adekunle Gold became sexy superstar AG Baby, he was a budding musician pleading with God to ‘pick up‘ his call. Right from the beginning of the song, he already lists out the things he wants and the person he wishes to be like; Dangote.
He makes his case by stating that Dangote doesn’t have two heads (or maybe he does).
Lyrics;
“Baba God o!
Emi nor fe wa Range Rover Dangote olori meji
Na beg i dey beg o”
Case- Teni
While the majority of the songs on this list are motivational songs praying for God’s blessings and favour, Teni’s Case is more of a love song.
You might wonder how Dangote plays into this, well Teni tells her lover that while she might not be related to the Billionaire, she is quite contented as long as she is with her lover.
‘Cause my papa no be Dangote or Adeleke
But we go dey ok yea, yea
But my papa no be Dangote or Adeleke
But we go dey ok yea, yea”
Everything (Amen)- Timi Dakolo
Another prayer/motivational (Adura) song. In this song, Timi Dakolo acts as a prophet making declarations in the lives of his listeners and asking them to respond with “Amen” in return.
Ending the song, he prays that Dangote becomes the ‘guy’ for those who are believing with faith. I mean who doesn’t hope to be friends with one of Africa’s richest men.
“Dangote go be your friend (Amen)
Otedola go be your friend (Amen)
Adenuga go be your guy
(Amen, amen, amen)
Elumelu go be your guy (Amen)
Abdulsamad go be my guy (Amen)
Rabiu go be my guy
(Amen, amen, amen)”
Wetin We Gain- Victor AD
Victor AD had everyone in the feelings in 2018 with this song, even till now the song still evokes deep emotions in the ears of any listeners. “Wetin We Gain” is the song for anyone who is placed under pressure by responsibilities that look too much to carry and is asking God for some reprieve.
In verse 3, Victor deeply expresses the goals he needs to be achieved and gives insights into the responsibilities that have him thinking.
He goes on to reveal his desire to make a certain amount of money that catches the interest of Dangote alo.
“I need the kind money wey go make Dangote say
“Who be this black skin man wey dey worry am?”
Jogodo- Tekno
Just like Teni’s Case, Tekno sings to a love interest in Jogodo but in his case, he name-drops Dangote along other Nigerian moneymakers as a bragging point.
“Otedola oh baby (oh, yeah)
Fashola oh baby
Ambode oh baby
Say dem go come my party oh
Dangote oh baby (Dangote oh)
Tafida oh, Tafida oh (Tafida show)
All of dem come party oh”
Spotlight- Reekado Banks
Off his 2016 album, “Spotlight” Reekado Banks dedicates a full song to the Nigerian billionaire where he expresses hope about his hustle bearing fruits in the form of a lifestyle like the one Dangote enjoys.
Lyrics:
“We dey hustle everyday E don tey
When we don dey pray anything dem like let them say
We go make am like Dangote…”
Aboki- Ice Prince
Unlike the other guys, Ice Prince is asking God for prayers or singing to a love interest, he is showing off his net worth and network.
Ice Prince just wants us to know that he is that guy and has a lot of wealthy men including Dangote in his network.
“Sp Shagari is my guy
El Rufai himself is my guy
Dankambo is my guy
And Lawal Aroje is my guy
Dangote is my guy
And Falila Goje is my guy
My life rotate is my guy
Naira rotate”
Shugar- Oxlade
In his 2018 song “Shugar,” Oxlade declares his love for a woman and claims that in order for her to own an expensive chain (pendant), she must be related to Dangote.
“As I see you for entrance
Mo pariwo mogbe e
and with this your pendant
Shey you know Dangote?”
B.O.A (Based on Analysis)- DJ Voyst X Victony
This upbeat Amapiano song has Victony trying to impress his Lady love and from the beginning, he waits no time in bragging to be ‘Aliko Dangote” to her.
Draw me nearer, nearer to you
Tanamera, mera my su
Sunita, yeah
I bi Aliko Dangote now to you
As long as you go dance