Remember the legendary mid-2000s R&B hit “Olufunmi” by the 1997 music group Styl-Plus. This song dominated the airwaves and established itself as a perfect Nigerian love anthem, especially on Nigerian radio stations.
Between 2004 and 2005, Styl-Plus’ singles “Olufunmi” and “Runaway” were some of the most requested love songs on major Nigerian radio stations.
This time around, music producer ID Cabasa has revived the classic with a “reimagined” version featuring a star-studded lineup, including Fireboy DML, OdumoduBlvck, Boj and Joeboy.
On Friday, Cabasa, a titan of Nigerian music production, unveiled the new version featuring contemporary Afrobeat heavyweights Fireboy DML, Odumodublvck, BOJ and Joeboy.
In an X post, ID Cabasa said: “We created new magic from a timeless classic. Styl-Plus gave us an unforgettable gbedu and we reinvented it with some friends.”
Fireboy DML added that he “had a great time” working on the album and expressed his gratitude to those who made the project possible.
ID Cabasa, known for his iconic productions, masterfully preserves the soul of the original “Olufunmi” while infusing it with contemporary sounds.
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The reimagined version brings a new perspective to the Nigerian love song. It attempts to fuse the nostalgic essence of the original with modern Afrobeat rhythms, creating an intergenerational musical bridge.
The new version keeps Styl-Plus’ vocals hooked, a nod to the song’s roots that cement the track in its classic foundation.
“Olufunmi” offers a mix of nostalgia and modernity. Its original meaning is “God gave me.” It is a typical Nigerian name with Yoruba cultural roots.
The addition of trumpets and strings, along with local Apala rhythms, enriched the soundscape, providing a lush, modern feel that complements the melody of the original.
vocal analysis
The remake retained its diverse vocal performances, with artists bringing their unique styles, offering a rich and familiar style to the videography.
Fireboy DML opens the song with a heartfelt verse that radiates longing and romantic commitment.
Fireboy’s smooth delivery stays true to the dynamic tone of the original, setting a nostalgic yet fresh tone for the song.
Odumodublvck introduces a stark contrast with his bold and daring approach.
The rapper’s verse is characterized by aggressive lyrics like “Strike am, pierce am, dagger am,” which adds a raw and unexpected intensity compared to the original love song.
While this may seem jarring, it provides a dynamic twist that shows off your unique style. But then when
BOJ offers a calming counterpoint with his distinctive voice, returning to the theme of longing and love.
His plea to his partner to stay and face the challenges together echoes the romantic desperation of the original.
Joeboy concludes the song with a short but impactful verse, asking for another chance at love.
Her high-pitched voice, reminiscent of Tunde’s iconic vocal style from the original, adds a touch of nostalgia and beauty.
Visual complement
The music video, directed by Clarence Peters, visually enhances the song’s narrative. Clarence has been known for his quality visual production; His work in “Olufunmi” was quality.
The image portrays each artist competing for the affections of the same woman, who ultimately chooses ID Cabasa, which symbolizes the bridge between the past and the present.
The modern aesthetic and subtle nods to the original further deepen the connection between the two versions.
The use of old phones to interact in the reimagined version conveys a nostalgic feel of the 90s love game.’
Intergenerational musical experience
“Olufunmi Reimagined” is more than just a cover; celebrates Nigerian musical heritage.
By combining the nostalgic melodies of Styl-Plus with modern Afrobeat rhythms, ID Cabasa creates a track that resonates with both old fans and new listeners.
This effort to unite generations is evident in the songwriting and the diverse vocal styles of the featured artists.
While Styl-Plus’ original “Olufunmi” remains a timeless piece with deep emotional impact, “Olufunmi Reimagined” stands out for its innovative production and diverse vocal performances.
It highlights the evolution of Nigerian music and shows how contemporary artists can honor and rejuvenate the classics.
This reimagined version also appears to be a testament to the enduring appeal of “Olufunmi” and its ability to inspire and connect listeners of different generations.
emotional depth
The new track features contemporary artists Fireboy DML, Odumodublvck, BOJ and Joeboy, and aims to bridge the gap between past and present musical landscapes.
However, how does the 2024 version compare to the original in lyrical strength and emotional resonance?
Olufunmi Classic 2006: A Plea for Love
The original “Olufunmi”, released in 2006, is a moving narrative of a man begging his lover to stay. The lyrics are deeply emotional, reflective and filled with a sense of vulnerability. The song begins with a direct address to the lover, capturing the listener’s attention immediately:
Hello
Hi honey, this is hard for me.
How can you be saying this? Understand
Listen to me a little bit right now.
I’m sorry, but I still have to leave and I won’t be back.
No honey, just listen…
These opening lines set the tone for a heartfelt conversation, drawing the listener into the emotional turmoil of a relationship on the brink of collapse. The verses delve deeper into the lover’s commitment and desperation:
Stop when I told you that I never want to love another woman, girl; that was true
So true; I wanted to marry you
When I did it, I wanted to take care of you.
Now you say you want to leave me, girl.
When I’m around you, I’ve built my world.
Whatever you heard about me, honey, it’s definitely crazy.
Please give me a chance to show…
The repetition of supplications and the expression of disbelief and sadness highlighted the depth of the lover’s feelings. The lyrics are a clear and powerful expression of love, commitment and desperation, which resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced a similar emotional struggle.
Olufunmi Reimagined Reinvented version: modern flavors and divergent themes
“Olufunmi Reimagined” introduced a more varied emotional palette with contributions from multiple artists, each bringing their unique style and perspective. The lyrics are informal and conversational and reflect contemporary expressions of love and relationships.
Fireboy DML opens the track with a call for proximity and connection in a modern digital age:
If you give me a minute
I’ll, like, give you just one reason
Why should you stay here with me?
Come closer. I don’t do long distance
Why do they tell me every time I call their line that they are not bothering?
Omoge sol mo mi joor
Call me whenever you want to connect.
Fireboy’s verse captures the frustration of modern communication barriers, a theme that many contemporary listeners can relate to. His lyrics are simple and less poetic than the originals, focusing more on practical and immediate concerns than on deep emotional pleas.
Odumodublvck introduces a radically different tone with his aggressive and boastful style:
If I give her my PIN code, she will have to decode it.
The greatest things cannot be left alone
She thinks I’m Baddo because of my parole.
The way I move, you can compare me to Sango.
Hit, pierce, dagger (Pow)
Use my bulala black man (Grr)
Kaluba, come in I’m
Oya quillas love my banana
His verses, full of metaphors that could be vulgar, differ significantly from the emotional sincerity of the original. While it adds a unique flavor, it only projects his distinctive style and energy; It may seem out of place in the context of a love song, in stark contrast to the heartfelt plea of the original.
BOJ and Joeboy recover a softer and more reflective tone:
How can I show my love if you are not with me?
I can’t stand it when you’re away from me.
Shey ka ma fẹr’awa, shall we be together?
Shomọ Lagbaja, konko down, oh?
No, do it like this, oh
I can’t let you go
Don’t tell me it’s over
Make us try again
Baby I need you forever
These verses resonate most closely with the original’s theme of longing and desire to make the relationship work. Joeboy’s use of falsetto in the chorus adds a nostalgic touch that recalls the emotional depth of the original.
Fan Perspectives
The collaboration has sparked important reactions. Don Jazzy, CEO of Mavin Records, expressed his excitement on social media, stating, “Over excited for this one. Heavyweights in a reinvented classic.”
This sentiment is echoed by fans who appreciate the effort to revive a beloved song in a contemporary style.
However, some listeners find Odumodublvck’s aggressive style out of place in a love song, suggesting that a softer, more polished rap voice like Ladipoe’s might have been more appropriate.
Despite these criticisms, many acknowledge that his verses add a unique flavor, reflecting the diverse landscape of modern Afrobeats.
Verdict
The original “Olufunmi” thrives on its emotional honesty and lyrical depth, capturing the heart of the listener with sincere and desperate pleas.
Each verse builds on this foundation, creating a cohesive narrative that resonates deeply with the theme of lasting love and heartbreak.
In contrast, “Olufunmi Reimagined” offers a more fragmented emotional experience. Fireboy and Joeboy’s verses align more with the feel of the original, while Odumodublvck’s aggressive approach introduces a discordant yet unique perspective.
Its lines move away from the original flow.
This diversity in lyrical style reflects the contemporary musical landscape, but can dilute the emotional coherence that made the original so impactful.
ID Cabasa has been actively reworking other classic Nigerian hits. In December, he released a reimagined version of 9ice’s hit single ‘Photocopy’, which he originally produced. The updated version features rapper Vector, which is classic and well-matched.
Going for the “reimagined” might have chosen the likes of Johnny Drille for emotional depth and Ladipoe for polished rap flow.
While “Olufunmi Reimagined” brings a fresh and modern twist to a classic, it falls short of the lyrical strength and emotional depth compared to the original.
Despite the notable presence of Fireboy, Joeboy and other talented artists, ID Cabasa’s “Olufunmi” remix fails to make the expected impact.
The 2006 version’s unified narrative and heartfelt pleas for love create a timeless piece that resonates deeply with listeners.
In contrast, despite being innovative and engaging, the “reimagined” 2024 version presents a more varied and less cohesive emotional journey. It shifts toward style and persuasion rather than a walk for love.
“Olufunmi Reimagined” has a rating of 6/10.
Watch the “Reimagined” music video here.
You can also watch the classic 2006 version here.