Producer: Adeola Omooba
Director: Dammy Twitch
Video length: 3 minutes, 38 seconds
Release Date: July 19, 2024
The remix of “Ogechi,” featuring Afrobeats star Davido, arrived just before her wedding, turning the viral hit into an anthem.
Released on June 26, the remix enhances the song with Davido’s star power and personal touch. The original version by BoyPee, Hyce and Brown Joel debuted on May 10 and gained popularity on TikTok and Nigerian streaming platforms. The release perfectly coincided with the festive mood surrounding Davido’s marriage to Chioma on June 25.
The rising trio’s performance of the song at the Afrobeats star’s wedding, with Chioma dancing, added a fresh look to the song, elevating it and introducing it to new audiences.
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The music video, released on Friday, adds to the song’s appeal, making the remix a standout hit. “Ogechi” has seen remarkable success, with over 300,000 TikTok videos and top 10 spots on the Apple Music Nigeria chart and the TurnTable Top 100. The seamless blend of Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin in the song enhances its cultural resonance and wide reach.
Davido as a king in 'Ogechi'
Davido’s involvement is more than just a star-studded addition; it’s a strategic move that aligns with his track record of turning remixes into chart-topping hits. His verse celebrates his relationship with Chioma, which adds a personal and romantic dimension to the song – the song’s themes revolve around divine timing, love, cultural celebration, destiny and luck.
Lyrics analysis
The title “Ogechi,” meaning “God’s timing,” frames the song as a celebration of divinely destined love.
Davido’s verse praises his lover’s beauty and connection, comparing her to the mythical “Karashika” and expressing his commitment to making her his wife, which many believe is a reference to Chioma Rowland.
Hyce's verses focus on choosing his lover despite other options, addressing misunderstandings, expressing regret, and showing his dedication and loyalty.
BoyPee's verses combine sensuality with cultural pride, using references to traditional Nigerian food to express deep affection and hint at a future together.
Brown Joel's bridge and chorus, performed by all artists, emphasize the theme of divine timing, making the song a statement of faith in their destined union.
Maid selection process
Music video analysis
The set for the “Ogechi” remix music video was filmed in an Igbo village.
The video begins with an evocative image of a traditional Igbo town crier shouting in Igbo while ringing his bell: “Our people are listening, the king’s sons have returned and all the maidens are expected to be there for the selection of brides.” This announcement sets the stage for the traditional ceremony of selecting new brides for the royal family, giving the video a foundation of cultural authenticity.
Davido is portrayed as a traditional king, exuding royalty as he holds the Igbo fan “Akupe,” inscribed with his acclaimed title, 001. Dressed in a blue and white Igbo attire and a red cap, he sits majestically on a traditional throne. Elders greet him as he approaches the throne. He sits between two sculpted lions. This scene establishes Davido as a musical figure of importance and cultural authority.
The narrative progresses with BoyPee, Hyce, and Brown Joel depicted as the king’s sons and sitting with bodyguards. The visual hierarchy places them as princes under Davido’s rule, adding depth to their characters within the video.
Davido begins the musical journey with the lines “wa le le le, Ogechi don do me pon pon pon,” which perfectly blends the lyrical content of the song with the visual storytelling. He goes on to sing about beauty and the price he has paid for his love, “Ogechi,” which reflects themes of sacrifice and affection.
Following the musical introduction, the scene shifts to the arrival of the maidens for the selection of the bride. The ceremonial atmosphere is palpable as the king's sons, each carrying traditional fans, prepare to approach the beaded maidens.
Davido, BoyPee, Hyce, Brown Joel in 'Ogechi'
The maidens perform traditional dances to the sounds of flute players and drummers, displaying their grace and beauty. This scene is rich in cultural symbolism, reflecting the cultural criteria for selecting brides. The interactions of the sons with the maidens, each performing their musical lines, represent their search for connection and attraction.
In a display of cultural fusion, the King joins the mothers, dressed in traditional Yoruba scarves (“Igele”) and headdresses, in a dance. This blending of Igbo and Yoruba cultural elements reinforces the unity and diversity of Nigerian traditions.
The narrative continues with the sons choosing their chosen maidens, followed by scenes of traditional wedding rites. These rites are performed with attention to cultural details, emphasizing the sanctity and joy of the union.
The climax of the music video shows the king dancing with his children, signifying the parents' approval and blessing of their union. This is a joyous family moment, a traditional celebration, and a new beginning.
The video concludes strongly with Davido singing the universal Igbo anthem: “Igbo Kwenu! Kwenu Kwezo Nu ooo! Eeee!”, a call and response that reinforces community and cultural pride.
This ending affirms Davido’s connection to his heritage, leaving audiences with a relatable sense of identity and cultural unity.
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Verdict
The “Ogechi” remix is more than just a musical collaboration; it is a celebration of love and divine rhythm brought to life through Afrobeats.
This remix is a continuation of Davido’s tradition of enhancing Afrobeats songs with indigenous Igbo influences, as seen in previous collaborations such as KCee’s “Ogaranya,” Humble Smith’s “Osinachi,” and Larry Gaga’s “Doubting Thomas.”
The visual for the “Ogechi” remix featuring Davido is rated 6/10.
Watch the music video below.
More images:
A bride in 'Ogechi' A town crier in the 'Ogechi' video Mothers dance in 'Ogechi' Fathers watch their children perform their traditional marriage rites
Family rituals moment for Hyce, Brown Joel and BoyPee as Davido's sons
Davido gives his blessings to his children and his founded love.