When reality hits: My three tunes for the week
The true story of the birthing of this classic is traced to the death of a Man named SURU who supported Ogah to do music while he was in secondary school. Rumor had it that SURU was killed in a terror attack by Bokoharam.
Beyond the graciousness and skillfulness of the song, collaborating with Adekule Gold and Simi (Now couples) was thoughtful because they added more beauty and grace to the song. Uncle Suru by Jon Ogah is relatable to every musician because for real “Musician life e no easy”.
Released in 2014, the Afrobeat song hits home, explaining the frustration of being a musician, with people promising to support your dream, and just when it’s time to support they suddenly bail out on you.
Uncle Suru resonates with listeners on different levels, especially with musicians, for him his passport to making it is meeting 2face, as a musician you’re devoid of support, you begin to lose Enthusiasm and you’ll get frustrated. Nothing empowers a musician as Support
People say, he sings of a struggle he doesn’t understand because he started making waves in the music industry at 18;
Ogah won the first edition of Glo Naija Sings, a musical talent hunt that rewarded him with $100 000. He produced a popular track with rapper Sasha titled ‘Gbedu'. Source
In the years following that win, he earned two degrees and released songs with a little buzz.
Stand is a song that reaffirms that life in Christ or life as a Christian can get very hard and draining. But even if your worst moment, let defeat or chickening out not be your responsibility. Come out every day looking victorious as tho you were not injured in the fight. Most of the time we think that maybe we are the problem or there’s something we ain’t doing right that is why things are falling apart, that might not be the case Pastor Donnie encourages, “After you’ve done all you can, Stand and watch the lord see you through”
Stand is a Christian/ gospel song that was Released in 1996 with lyrics and messages relevant in every season. The lyrics incite the need to trust God and his perfect plan, it encourages the need for perseverance too.
It was originally sung on A flat major by Pastor Donnie, quite a high range for a man but he delivered excellently
“I’m in chains you’re in chains too” is directed to a metaphoric prison warder in who thinks he is any different from the prisoner, so he tortures prisoners even the innocent ones, Forgetting that they are all humans and it could be anyone. In this song Asa is reminding us that we all with died and we’ll be buried the same way, so even if you oppress me, oppression beyond you Is coming to you too. The percussions, Acoustic guitars, and Asa’s powerful voice enhanced the emotional impact of the song.
The song Jailer was released in 2008, it’s an infusion of jazz and indie pop, as well as traditional Nigerian elements. The lyrics is introduces listeners to how she feels about the oppressive nature of society. It reminds listeners of the need to stand up against injustice and question societal norms
Some parts of the lyrics seem inspired by the Bible. It’s a wonder why Asa hasn’t been nominated for any Grammy award even when she has a solid and global sound. Jailer is a classic and a true representation of the saying “Old but Gold
And there we have it, my three songs for this week's three tunes Tuesday initiated by @ablaze. I hope you enjoyed them. Put your headsets on and have fun!
I love Jailer. Asa's songs to me are ever green. She is one rare type of artist. And I heard Uncle Suru but I never really paid attention to the lyrics.
I love Asa too. its true her songs are ever green. Well, you have the chance to pay attention now..lol. Thanks for visiting, deraaa
I really, really liked the acoustic beat to Jailer. It didn't take long for me to start chair dancing with that one. Awesome!
Lol. That song is a bomb... Hahaha.... I am glad you liked it. Thank you.
Very uplifting songs here, especially Stand, which is sang with such passion and belief. These three were all new to me and I must say I really enjoyed them. All quite different, but all good songs that I will return to.
Thank you very much, @ablaze.
Amen. Beautiful tunes. I like Asa's voice and rhythm.