I have to admit that I learn a new thing everyday about how this thing called feminism works. Like the other day, I even learned that there’s a difference between feminism and femininity. Permit my ignorance in not knowing the difference before then, while women stoop to conquer their porcelain throne, I’ve always stood up to pee in mine.
Because I lack first-hand experience on these matters, I always rely on women to help explain them in their own words. BankyOnDBeatz has just released a new project that gives them ample room to do so but this time, to a beat. He’s released a 10 track EP that preaches gender equality and women empowerment, it is fancily titled Fuego Senoras, which means ‘fire ladies’ in Spanish. The EP is a powerful statement both creatively and ideologically, there’s no better way to see feminism and femininity than through the lenses of a woman like Sippie Wallace (who has a skit on Fuego Senoras) who fought for women’s rights in the 70’s and from 7 of the brightest ladies in Nigerian music, all fighting for their own right to be recognized in a male-dominated industry. But men can be feminists too, perhaps Banky sees himself as one and that’s where the desire to put out a project like Fuego Senoras comes from.
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Steve Harvey has been described as the ultimate feminist, putting women on to the games men play has made the menfolk feel like Steve consistently sells his own out. This project begins with a skit from his show and a piece of advice for ladies dealing with men who cannot handle a woman’s success. Being that she’s tasted success at an early age, Munachi Abii (a.k.a Muna) might have met some of those kinds of men in her life and should be able to relate. She’s the first lady on the project and takes the listener on a ride on “New Things”, a sensual record about experimenting with her lover after an evening date ends.
Munachi recently declared that she’ll continue to pursue music in the new year, even though she hasn’t been able to transfer any of her success on the pageant circuit to the rap circuit. The former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria could be doing a lot of things with her stardom, it’s always amazed me how hip-hop still interests her so much that she keeps trying to be successful at it. This must be what true love feel like and it’s very admirable to see. One other thing, in Banky she might have found a producer that works for her. Banky’s trademark dingy, heavily-synthesized production suits Munachi to a T. This isn’t the first time she’s working with Banky, if “New Things” wouldn’t be the last time, then I’m all ears.
Niniola, Muna
The other big name on this project is Niniola, the rising Afrohouse starlet. Her record “Ago Alago” preaches contentment and patience, waiting for your own time. One of the challenges a lot of women face is constant comparison, society pits women against each other. In music, for instance, we are always given a sense that there can only be one head chic at a time. And when there’s more than one, there’s a tendency to constantly want to compare them rather than enjoy the different spices they bring. That’s why it’s so frustrating to see that, even when they aren’t made to compete against each other by society, women somehow find a way to compete amongst themselves. Niniola’s message on this song to those kind of women and to society in general is simple – face your front, mind your business.
Niniola and Muna are some of the more recognizable names on Fuego Senoras but the other ladies on the EP are also worth their place. AT is a pitbull of a femcee who’s gotten cosigns from no less a legend than MI Abaga. She shows some of that potential on “Pensive”, a dark record where she documents her struggles and how she relies on a combination of God and the good herbs He created to fight them. It’s probably the least focused song on the album thematically but it’s so damn edgy and honest that it feels okay.
AT, Eli, Deena O
Canadian-based singer Eli delivers a rousing vocal performance on the sensual “Come Through”, an invitation so good that the notoriously difficult Canadian immigration authorities would have to honor if her lover was to submit it as part of his visa application to go see her. Deena O lives in Germany, her invitation is far less subtle than Eli’s. As a matter of fact, on “Take Over” she masks her desire to reverse roles and dominate so well that you might not even notice. On a project that is about chilling out and vibing, “Take Over” is the most danceable song. But if you try to shoki to the gentle drums and delicate brass fittings of the production, you’re guaranteed to look like a damn fool.
DJ Yin provides, perhaps, the closest thing to a radio-friendly record on “Heart Desire”, a song about love and longing that feels slightly overproduced. DJ Yin is a singer and DJ based in Lagos, she adds a certain rhythm to the project. All these ladies bring something fresh and exciting, to be honest. They all handed the world some gems through BankyOnDBeatz but Filter Free favorite Lady Donli provided arguably the jewel in Fuego Senoras’ crown.
DJ Yin, Lady Donli
Sounding eerily similar Erykah Badu on “Fale Comigo”, the singer talks as candidly, as she always does, about the struggles of trying to fit in. The singer bares so much on wax, part of you wants to feel like she’s making it up but the other part of you knows betters. By the end of the record, you truly can feel her joy and her pain through the studio microphone. The singer has been working on her Portuguese, “Fale Comigo” is the outcome – the song adds to the Iberian flair of the project.
Fuego Senoras is a bold idea brought to life by BankyOnDBeatz. The producer was able to bring seven ladies from hip-hop, house, soul, neo-soul and R&B together on one EP but without deviating too far from the edgy sounds and dingy vibes that listeners of his own music have come to know and love. Each lady takes her turn to sing about femininity and feminism, from their own point of view, each one never once sounding like they were doing so while standing on a soapbox.
Banky, you’re crazy for this one.