It’s been four days since the gathering of all the names that matter on the music scene in Nigeria and most parts of Africa, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. It was, without a doubt, a colourful night that marked victory for many artistes and set a number of others on the path to harder work and more dedication to the craft.

Two of the latter group being FalztheBahdGuy and Aramide, who won Revelation of the Year and Best Female Africa (West Africa), respectively.

A number of us here were doing our best to recount the events of the award night to other friends who were unable to attend. As we gave out the names of some of the winners, we got to Aramide but was stopped short by the question, “Who is Aramide?” and silence followed.

Let’s start from the most recent, Aramide was nominated in the Best Female (West Africa) category with top Nigerian female artistes, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Seyi Shay and upcoming Niniola. And she won! To her own surprise and that of most of us who know her. For those who do not know Aramide, her win has raised more questions.

Aramide calls her genre of music, Afro-soul – the fusion between the African sound and soul music. This genre is the type that resonates mostly with lovers of jazz music and those who just care for strong vocals fuelled by the singer’s emotions. It’s deep stuff, not your everyday ta’ka su’fe kind of music. Artistes like Aramide are able to enthrall their audiences when they perform on stage, they may not get you dancing on your feet all through the show but they make sure to speak to your soul, they draw you in and take you through that inexplicable journey. It’s usually hard to forget.

In this part of the world where we’re sad about most things (recession, forex and stuffs) already, many argue that they do not need “depressing music”. They just want to dance and have fun. Aramide realises that so she made “Fun Mi Lowo” and featured another upcoming but equally talented act, Sir Dauda. She incorporates Rihanna’s famous chorus “Bitch better have my money, pay me what you owe me”, so some of you RiRi loyalists can sort of get that feeling, you know. And it worked.

Aramide won a Headies in 2015 in the Best Female Vocal category and that was totally deserving, but this regional award? Well, we’re not quite sure.

Just look through the names on that category again. Successful artistes who have been on international stages and with great content, too. At least, we’re pleased with Seyi Shay and Tiwa Savage’s incredible effort. As for Yemi Alade, well here’s how most of us feel.

Nonetheless, we appreciate AFRIMA for giving Aramide this opportunity. And in YNaija lingo, it’s time for these big names to start getting afraid. Tables turn and do pretty fast in this clime, most music lovers here don’t know the word “loyalty”. AFRIMA has reintroduced Aramide to us and we’re ready to stick with her as long as she delivers, anything to rescue us from the fangs of all these “Gucci Ferragamo” bullshit some people keep throwing at us.

No vex!

Tolu

Your pop culture/entertainment go-to. Music head. Wallflower. I do not like to write. On a mission to decipher covfefe.