Korede Bello must be on cloud nine. His song Godwin is currently Nigeria’s most popular song. So popular is it that some have even gone as far as saying it is now the de facto anthem of Nigerians all over the world. With this one song, he has achieved what every musician actively aims for. It is also important to note that this song is actually Korede’s second or third single as a professional musician. With this, he has joined the likes of Davido, Kiss Daniel and Patoranking as musicians who through one single attained ‘superstar status’ or in his own unique case, ‘mega superstar status’.
I did not fully appreciate how popular the song was until almost all politicians who emerged victorious during the just concluded elections adopted it as their ‘unofficial victory anthem’. Akinwunmi Ambode, governor elect of Lagos state is said to be especially fond of the song. In fact, it was the song of choice when he and APC party stalwarts gathered at the party headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos to celebrate his victory at the polls.
With all the plaudits the song has gotten, I would like to sound a note of warning to Korede and Mavin Records. Leave the song as it is. Please do not remix it. Do not get me wrong, I’m not saying remixing the song will be a bad thing, I just feel it would be unnecessary to make a Godwin remix. Some might argue that a remix might actually make the song last longer in the minds of music lovers. An example to support this case would be Patoranking’s Girlie O ft. Tiwa Savage. The remix was so good that most people forgot about the original. But let us also not forget that major hit songs like Oritsefemi’s Double Wahala Iyanya’sKukere, Davido’s Damiduro, Olamide’s First Of All, and Kiss Daniel’s Woju had remixes that were considered outright failures in every sense. Even though they all featured ‘A list’ musicians like Akon, Dbanj, Tiwa Savage and Davido.
Though Korede might not realise it, he has made a song that would be around for a long, long time. You know your song is a hit when you are invited to perform it in churches. Though some pastors might consider it a ‘secular’ song.
Also in all this, one must not forget Don Jazzy’s input in all this. He remains like the proverbial wine that gets better with time. 3 of his new school artistes (Korede, Reekado Banks and Di’Ja) all have songs topping the charts currently. Other acts signed to his Mavin records like Tiwa Savage, Dr Sid and D Prince are also doing well. Kudos to him.
One can only hope Korede develops on the success of Godwin and keep giving us good music. We wouldn’t want him to turn into a ‘one hit wonder’.
This article was written by ‘Bisola Alawode. ‘Bisola is a journalist and PR consultant. He can be reached at
ab************@ya***.uk
