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"Ojuelegba" is a song by Nigerian singer Wizkid from his self-titled second studio album, Ayo (2014). Written by Wizkid and produced by the record producing duo Legendury Beatz, the song emphasizes the singer's hardships as an underground artist who wandered the streets of Ojuelegba to support his recording ambition. The song's title is derived from the metropolitan area of Lagos Mainland.[1] "Ojuelegba" received numerous airplay on all major radio stations in Nigeria, and peaked at number one on Capital Xtra's Afrobeats Chart for February 2015.[2]
| "Ojuelegba" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Wizkid | |
| from the album Ayo | |
| Language | Yoruba, English |
| Released | 17 September 2014 |
| Recorded | 2014 |
| Genre | Afrobeats |
| Length | 3:36 |
| Label | Starboy Entertainment |
| Songwriter(s) | Ayodeji Balogun |
| Producer(s) | Legendury Beatz |
The song's official remix features vocals by Canadian rapper Drake and English grime artist Skepta. It made its premiere on OVO Sound Radio in July 2015,[3] and was ranked 12th on The Fader's list of the 107 Best Songs of 2015.[4] Prior to its release, Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie released his rendition of "Ojuelegba".[5]
Background
The accompanying music video for "Ojuelegba" was directed by Clarence Peters and uploaded to YouTube on 5 January 2015.[6] The video features a scene of a bus conductor calling out to passengers to board his vehicle to Ojuelegba; Wizkid is seen boarding the bus. B-roll scenes of Ayilara and Itire roads were also included in the cut. The video depicts the dramatic and realistic perspective of community life in Ojuelegba. It also story-lines Wizkid's upbringing in the town of Ojuelegba and highlights his journey from grass to grace. Moreover, the video portrays the message of goodwill and family support needed to ascend during times of hardship.[7]
Reception
Critical reception to the music video was mixed. Pulse Nigeria's Joey Akan said the video is not a true representation of the song because it lacks inspiration.[8] On the contrary, Joda Afolabi of Nigerian Entertainment Today commended Clarence Peters for shooting the video and said it "depicts a thorough and true reflection of what the song preaches."[1] Writing for the Royal Times, Bukola Adegunle awarded the video 3 stars out of 5, extensively stating: "creativity was displayed, which gave meaning to the video. The scenes were well arranged and there was a great link in all the scenes."[9] Jim Donnett and Jimmy King both gave the video a 3.8 rating, commending its simplistic factor for standing out.[10]
Wizkid performed the song along with "Jaiye Jaiye" at the Indigo O2 Arena in London on 26 September 2014.[11]
"Ojuelegba" won Song of the Year and was nominated for Best Pop Single at The Headies 2015.[12] It won Hottest Single of the Year at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[13]
- Song credits
- Writing – Ayodeji Balogun
- Production – Legendury Beatz
- Mixing, mastering – Suka Sounds
- Video credits
- Director – Clarence Peters
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