Davido is back in position where he belongs, his new record “If” is off to a fast start on the charts. In less than 2 weeks after its release, the Tekno-produced heater is now the number 4 in the country.
Playdata Charts – Most Played Songs in Nigeria – 2017 Week 10
The new single is a return to the pop star’s native sound after the experimental Son of Mercy EP didn’t work out. His ‘Back to Basics’ campaign served as a precursor to the record but “If” was also notably influenced by a number of other artistic elements. Not only does it sound like a record that Tekno produced, it sounds like a record he could have performed as well. There was also a casual reference to Lagbaja’s 2000 hit song “Gra Gra” which added a nostalgic touch but apparently, the biggest influence on the record wasn’t any of those 2 artists – Davido recently explained that Duncan Mighty was the actual inspiration behind the record.
'IF' was inspired by Duncan mighty ??… don't mind a remix later on with him … ??
— Davido (@iam_Davido) March 4, 2017
Stylistically, it’s not immediately apparent what parts of Duncan’s rhythmic sounds from the South-South that inspired OBO but if you listen closely, on the refrain of “If”, just like with Duncan several years ago, a certain Obianuju seems to be the object of affection.
Girl you’re beautiful too
My number one tuntun
Sipping burukututu, for your love itutu
I go chook you chuku chuku o
Biko Obianuju, shey you do me juju
Cos I’m feeling the juju
7 years ago, Duncan ruled the airwaves with the hit record “Obianuju” off his sophomore project Ahamaefuna (Legacy). It was an important record for Port Harcourt 1st Son’s career and helped him overcome the dreaded sophomore jinx.
Listen below:
Obianuju, love gi di egwu
When I think about the things you do
Something dey tell me to marry you (to marry you)
Davido has thrown an open invitation to Duncan to hop on an “If” remix. If that happens, then Obianujus round the world would be winning in 2017, just like they were in 2010.