Two years since the release of his fourth studio album, Timeless, which debuted his name on the Grammy nominations list the year after, Nigerian singer-songwriter David “Davido” Adeleke is approaching the landing strip as he makes his descent with his forthcoming studio album, 5ive. Having already released his lead single “Awuke” at the end of October, the “Unavailable” maestro has unwrapped his second offering for his fifth LP titled “Funds”, alongside his countrymen Chike and Odumodublvck.
Produced by Ucee, “Funds” is a tender afrofusion ballad which borrows elements from amapiano with cautious reservation, infusing the sound into the primarily afrobeats production. The beat’s thumping yet soft rhythm marches with a steady tempo, accompanied by hollow log drums – a stylistic variation of the piano signature that Davido seems to have grown fond of braiding into his music – sporadic cultural chants, and joyful harmonies.
Davido | SUPPLIED
“Funds”, self-explanatory as the name suggests, sees Davido upending his wallet and counting the zeros of his bank balance as he waxes lyrical about his financial muscle. Though he expresses himself in pidgin-staggered songwriting, he makes no mistake about letting it be knowing how much he is willing to spend money on his muse (“Girl, make I go show you my bank account / Two face, I got plenty to go around”), with the hook taking a hyperbolic turn as he declares that he’ll “mismanage my funds on you.”
Odumodublvck and Chike’s contributions take on the shape of cameos rather than features, with their parts flitting by with such alacrity, it’s only the change of voices which tells on the guests.
Davido | SUPPLIED
One of the song’s standout features is the bookending sample of the late Brenda Fassie’s iconic “Mamgobhozi”. Haunting the beginning of the song, making ghostly appearances through the verses as though she were a feature, and marking the end of the song when the beat fades to oblivion, the South African icon’s inclusion in the song is a sublime touch.
Sure, Adeleke has planted firm roots in Mzansi soil and paid enough dues and homage through his respectful interpretation of amapiano; however, MaBrrr’s vocal drop is more than a tribute. It’s an acknowledgement of the reach of South African music and its importance in shaping the landscape of the African sound. The recognition is a confirmation, on Davido’s part, of the influence gleaned and factored into growing his musicianship.
Listen to “Funds”:
