Collaboration is the melting point of ideas, vision and thought process. Artistes all over the world feature one another. It is a way of tapping from each other’s strength, fanbase, etc. While secular artistes always feature on each other’s songs, it is very rare to see this being replicated in the gospel industry.
Here in Nigeria, artistes are more into themselves, they rely solely on their strength and effort. However, some of the outliers come together to collaborate, this is just one out of hundred or less. When collaboration happens between gospel artistes, the industry is always on the lookout, checking them out. During the week, I listened to one such record.
It was named “Oyigiyigi,” the remix of the song featured Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter, Oluwatosin Alao. The original song was sung by the delectable Bukola Olubona.
Bukola Olubona is an already established worship leader in the gospel industry, she has performed in major gospel concerts and mega shows across Nigeria. In the original Oyigiyigi, the less than one-minute cut of the song can be found on YouTube, in this video, she is performing in the church, to a crowd of excited worshippers. The track switches between mid and up tempo.
Oyigiyigi”, which means “indescribable” or “uncontainable”, is a way of showing respect, or worshipping God. It is close to seven minutes long. Two or more songs are codified into this track. Bukola Olubona takes the first verse, it is centered on the beauty of God, how graceful it can be when one finds Jesus. Like expected, the lyrics are mostly delivered in Yoruba language. She smartly translates her word to English in the follow up lines, which are echoed by the choristers as they repeat what she sings.
At the two minute, thirty six second mark of the song, Oluwatosin Alao, comes through with his vocals. He sings in the English language, further amplifying the message of Bukola Olubona. It just shows the sonic range he possesses. His verse tally with the themes of the song.
Lines like “From the rising of the sun, unto the going of the man…your name is lifted high, Jesu, Alakoso Orunnioh, from the North to the south, we give you all the praise.”
By the end of his verse, Oluwatosin Alao started adding adlib, back note to the song; he turned to a backup singer. This exhibits how versatile he can be as musician; he is all out to make the best use of any sonic opportunity.
On “Oyigiyigi,” Oluwatosin Alao, shows how impactful he can be on songs. He further takes the message of the song to an elevated level, while he shows why he is the most sought after gospel artiste in Nigeria. He also makes sure to stay on topic, this way, it is winning for him and Bukola Olubona. I hope more gospel artists take a cue from them.
