DJ A-tech creates a very melodic composition on “Commando”, an Amapiano track rife with Afrobeats, Hip-Hop and a ting of reggaeton. Save for the monotonic flow-scheme on its hook, the song thrives for its lyricism, and party-starting groove.
Across the song, Nigerian singer Whalez vocalizes the song’s message from the first verse where he acknowledges being “a commando (typical Nigerian phrase for an action figure or ring leader)”. He continues self-affirming on the second verse, noting that “he’s original and not made in China (another Nigerian phrase to depict counterfeit products, thanks to the influx of inferior products from the Asian country into the Nigerian market).” Throughout the lyricism, the song alludes to “electrical energy”, “vibrations”, “high tension”, and “action”, creating an adrenaline-packed narrative that keeps the song vibrant from start to finish.
Another sweet-spot of the record is its code-switching between English, Pidgin and Yoruba languages, respectively. “Light up the flames on the m-i-c/ Show dem that thing wey dem never see/ Se bo Oluwa lon fi ino si (It is God that provides the energy),” the song easily switches from one language to the other, essentially emphasizing his narratives of self-preservation, belief in God, confidence and resilience. The song’s lyricism is marinated in optimism and self-development, a view-point that’s still steadily making a comeback across contemporary music in Afrobeats today.
The song’s Amapiano-leaning composition is also a notable pleasure point of the record, as it retains a soothing feel with the bassy piano chords and Afrobeats drum patterns. Its fading intros and outros, packed for easy transitions also reflect DJ A-tech’s creative priorities as a disc jockey, seeing as the record is obviously created with the dance-floor in mind.
The rest of the song’s shortcomings lie in the generally passive hook, and the sound mixing which lags with balanced harmonies between instrumentals and special audio effects, as well as with tempos. Nonetheless, the record’s overall melodic direction, lyricism, delivery and feel are all strong parts that glimmer across its composition. Poised to cull a strong replay value, “Commando” is not only a hit track prototype but is one that shows more possibilities with Amapiano-fused Afrobeats, especially as Nigerians continue to deepen their foray into the Southern African genre.
Born Ayomide Omonira, DJ A-Tech is a Nigerian disc jockey and music producer, with over seven years experience in Nigeria’s music scene. He is also an event promoter and curator behind the popular event series, TymOut with DJ A-Tech.
Over the years, he has performed at dozens of major events across Nigeria, and has worked in the city’s radio scene as a curator. Now based in the UK, DJ A-tech who is an alumnus of Cardiff Metropolitan University, in Wales, UK, also released an extended play dubbed “Percussion On Vibes (POV)”, in 2023, which reimagined popular African songs in Amapiano fusions.
