EP Review: Ola Kira’s ‘Wakanda Jollof’ finds strength in ‘Money Groove’

A ‘wash’ dancehall song with good strings that idolizes
an unnamed woman.

On July 12, 2019, Nigerian singer, Ola Kira released his 7-track EP, ‘Wakanda Jollof.’

Here is a review of the EP;

Ma Cherie Coco

A ‘wash’ dancehall song with good strings that idolizes an unnamed woman. Its lyrics aren’t really progressive or traceable, but it’s overall gist is noted - the woman is good and the artist likes her.

Summer Time

Imagine being in sunny Havana, Cuba on a Thursday afternoon in July. Imagine seeing a carnival coming through, led by beautiful scantily clad, bedazzled women with giant figures on their heads as they dance. This is the kind of sound they will be rumbling and swaying to – maybe not its lyrical content though.

The beat is tempting, but Ola Kira’s cadences and flows – though commendable – don’t match the beat.

Till Dawn

Again, the beat is good. A percussion straight from al-kayida/pon pon movement of 2015. Lyrically, it’s not entirely about love, it’s mostly about ‘showing a woman out’ with the goodies of life.

Aya Mi (My Love)

This time, it’s vibe music that sounds like Del B. Lyrically, this is ‘wash’ music for all intent and purposes and Ola Kira appraises the love of his life. In a way, he sings like a man in love and in severe need of reassurance from his love interest.

Money Groove

For the first time on this EP, Ola Kira desists from the ‘wash’ music and overt fixation on love theme. It’s a welcome diversity that seems like the single on Wakanda Jollof. Not only is the beat good, for the first time since this EP started, Ola Kira finds a balance between a great beat, great cadence and impeccable flows.

Oh, this hook is really good. It’s so good. Best song on this EP so far.

Wakanda Jollof

Like clockwork, we’re back to the ‘wash’ brand of music. This is a blend of hi-life and vibe. How he tried to work ‘Wakanda Jollof’ also seems forced or an afterthought. “Give me your love, wakanda jollof o…” seems fundamentally disjointed.

But again, the beat is good.

Flirty Signal (Refix)

The final song on Wakanda Jollof is the second best song on the EP. Again, it’s about love, but from a different perspective. Instead of the perspective of a man in love that Ola Kira has treated us to since this EP started, this is exciting. It’s about his admiration for a girl he hopes would ‘strategically position’ herself so that he can pounce and make a move.

He killed it.

Verdict

Commercial music is not about lyrics, but the standards are changing. Even Wizkid is feeling the heat. Even though Ola Kira has more linear storytelling than most afro-pop acts, he got beset by slightly too generic topics and repetition. He focuses excessively on love and ‘wash.’

That said, the production throughout Wakanda Jollof is excellent. Its two best songs are ‘Money Groove’ and ‘Flirty Signal (Refix).’ ‘Money Groove’ is a particularly beautiful track. Another commendable detail on Wakanda Jollof is its track listing which aids segues and transitions.

Why Wakanda Jollof?

This is not clear. Ola Kira should have found a different title for this EP. Not that it matters, but conformity of everything in a project helps the audience.

This EP is by no means excellent, but Ola Kira’s talent is apparent. He needs to keep recording as he’s not there yet.