I am most definitely not alone in my choice of favourite music. In fact, Burna Boy’s Twice As Tall album has millions of downloads across most online platforms since its release a few days ago.
Almost 10 years after he released his first album, “L.I.F.E” with the hit track “Like to Party”, Burna’s recent album which is his fifth, is a delight to his many die-hard fans and even to critics like you, yes, I mean you! The savvy, fast-paced afro-fusion tracks on the album is special, not because it was produced by Diddy and Mama Burna but because its beat is groovy and the lyrics are relatable. A gloriously melodious and head-nodding album, Twice As Tall lyrics carry emotional weight.
Behind the delightfully catchy afro-fusion melodies that his music is known for are stories of the dark and gloomy side of life in 3rd world countries like Nigeria. Many tracks exposed the struggles of the hard-working black person and the attendant bitterness and anger they feel as life is no longer what they pray or live for. The song ‘No Fit Vex’ for example, is about the struggles of people in the cities to make ends meet, who cannot keep in touch with family and friends, due to their daily hustles to survive. Everyone needs to understand this and cut each other a slack.
While ‘Monsters You Made’ tells the story of marginalization and injustice by the government on its people, resulting in restiveness and civil disobedience as highlights of the failing government. The ‘Track Time Flies’ seems to be a response to the ‘Monster You Made’ track; for it urges all especially the youth not to hold back despite all they are going through to do what they got to do to turn the tables and take back their place. Politicians have had their days of looting and embezzling public funds and the youth should pay attention to holding public office holders accountable. Asking them Wetin dey sup?
“Sometimes, in a situation you have no choice but to fight. Fight, my people”, he said in one of the tracks. It is not hard to see that the artist is channeling real life experiences of the ordinary people. The album will leave you in no doubt of the thoroughly agreeable and sweet talent of the African Giant who has proven to be twice as tall among his peers in the music industry. Unlike many other best-selling album artists who focus on releasing fast-paced, danceable partying songs with wacky lyrics, Burna Boy’s Twice As Tall is rhythmical and particularly pathetic and still one of the best albums of 2020!
Burna Boy has carved a niche for himself in the music sphere and this album is a proof of his uniqueness and classic style. This young hard-working man tells of the fundamental issues ravaging us as a people with many struggles. It gives hope for a better tomorrow, though. When you listen to Twice as Tall, you will easily relate and connect to the stories as experienced by the ordinary people on the street in Africa.
I will like to know what you think about this album if you have listened to it.
Written By Isaac Egboja (@egbojalaughter on Twitter)
