A couple of millennials and a genZ walk into the studio. All old enough to have experienced the sonic beauty of Olufunmi when it first hit the airwaves in 2003. Their mission? To reimagine the timeless classic. They love the idea. They embrace it. They start to cook.
Did they understand the assignment? Let's examine the result of Olufunmi Reimagined.
First, what does it mean to reimagine?
Dictionary definition says “Reimagine” is “to produce (a film or television show) that is a remake of an earlier version, but which approaches the story from a refreshed or new viewpoint.” It can also mean “to think about again, especially in order to change or improve.”
Point being to is to look at a work from a different angle, asking yourself, how will I reproduce this? What elements of the original would I love to maintain? What unique flair would I add? Understanding this, we can approach a review of Olufunmi Reimagined.
The Original Version: Olufunmi Styl Plus
Remember we listed Olufunmi as one of the most influential Afrobeats tracks you'll ever listen to in your entire lifetime?
The release of Olufunmi raised the bar for Nigerian music so high that many began to believe top-notch quality could break out of the country. It laid the bricks for the foundation of the modern entertainment powerhouse that we have now. This is thanks to the lyrical depth, emotional resonance and conceptual relatability.
The music video coincided with the releases of ending episodes of F.R.I.E.N.D.S— a popular American sitcom many millennials would remember.
The last episodes of F.R.I.E.N.D.S had two of the characters— Ross and Rachel— trying to navigate an impending distance that could put an end to love forever. Rachel was to travel for work as we saw the lady in the Olufunmi video. And Ross would hurtle to meet her at the airport to save their relationship. The good-byes were hard to say, but unlike Rachel who came back, Olufunmi left despite all the pleading.
“I still have to leave, and I'm not coming back.”
These were the words from Olufunmi. It was easy to find stark similarities and rationalise why Olufunmi would blow up to become an astonishing, timeless and beautiful track.
"Olufunmi ooo, ma pa mi l'ekun ooo, Olufunmilola…"
While some might have drawn this connection, many others only got immersed in the lyrics, acknowledging the beauty in the music this R&B quartet has created. It was the anthem for anyone who's going through a bad breakup. And it was enjoyable for everyone who loves a dose of emotional connection. Everyone loves deeply vulnerable stories.
“now, you say you wanna leave me, girl / when around you, I have built my world / whatever you heard about me, baby / it’s definitely crazy / please give me one more chance to show”
Shakespeare who? Again, Indomie generation doesn't have access to this lyrical depth. 5 minutes of undiluted artistry!
Right from opening lines to the last drop of the beat, you hear the desperation. You're pulled into the riverie of a shattering relationship. Plea upon plea, you can hear the hearts of lovermen breaking into lyrics.
…That's why when I think about you leaving / I find myself grieving / Though it seems deceiving / I'm still believing / girl / you'll stay with me forever / and I'll remain humbly kneeling / while your heart is healing / Tear drops revealing / the way that I'm feeling / girl, please, stay with me forever…
This original Styl Plus version of "Olufunmi" is pure honesty laid bare in the lyrics, and it grabs you by the heart with those cries for another chance.
The Reimagined: 21 years later. . .
In May 2024, Music producer ID Cabasa rekindled the classic with a reimagined version featuring a star-studded lineup, including Fireboy DML, ODUMODUBLVCK, Boj, and Joeboy.
This reimagined version highlights the struggles and uniqueness of contemporary relationships while infusing contemporary Afrobeats sounds into the soul of the original Olufunmi. This creates a
a cross-generational musical bridge.
Specifically, Olufunmi Reimagined flips the script on the original love ballad. Instead of a harmonious track where each person stick to the same heartbreak and plea theme, we get a whole crew of artists hammering in with their own takes on love. This reflects the growing need to express individuality, not only in lovescape and generally but also on music collaboration. People would jump on songs together today, and you'll hear nothing tying them together in the lyrics except for the hook and instrumental.
Moreover, the Reimagined lyrics ditch the flowery language for a more casual vibe, reflecting how love is articulated today. While millenials would have enjoyed handwritten notes, poems to blow your lover away, and deeply resonant word, the current lovescape features a different approach. Abbreviated sentences, filler words, and surface-level expressions are all you have today. Congratulations to those who did love before 2015.
“...come close i don't do long distance / why e be say anytime i dey call your line e dey do not disturb…”
First up is Fireboy DML, laying out the struggles of love in our digital world. It's relatable for anyone who feels like texting just isn't the same. Noticeably, he has the longest verse on the track, spotlighting the artists knack for expression albeit less deep than the original yet fit for current audience.
“...call me anytime you wan link up…/ I got two bottles of 1942 and a table for two…”
And his lyrics highlight a central feature of current talking stages— you want to be vulnerable, but not too much. Don't be dramatic, but don't be too macho. Just in between. If they love you enough, they'll come around for a date.
“if I burst out my pin code, she gats to decode”
Then, in comes ODUMODUBLVCK with a completely different, energy— brash braggadocio. While this is unexpected on the track, it is not unexpected from the rapper who's known for his wild & crude metaphors.
“strike am, pierce am, dagger am, use my black my bulala” [tears]
His total shift from the heartfelt essence of the original song have been a major talking point. However, while it doesn't exactly fit the love song mood, it's what it means for ODUMODUBLVCK to reimagine the song. That's what you often get today— individuality.
Offering a calming counterpoint, Boj and Joeboy's verses bleed into each other. Although the former hints on longing, the latter sticks to the original theme of romantic desperation, pleading for a second chance in love. It's like they're two sides of the same coin— pining and desperation.
[Boj] How can I show my love if you no dey with me?/ I cannot take it when you're far away from me /Shey ka ma fẹr'awa, make we dey together? / Shomọ Lagbaja— [harmony] konko below oh?— [Joeboy] No, do me so, oh / Me, I can't let you go / Don't tell me it's over /Make we try again /Baby, I need you forever
A Bridge Between the Past and the Present
A lot of things about the song shows you what it means to reimagine a song. The length of the Reimagined version is shorter, reminding you of current trend. The lyrics shows that current generation of artists aren't as heavy on lyrical depth as previous generations. Today, it's more about sonic appeal with a few words.
Beyond that, the individuality on the tracks remind you of the diversity of current pool of artists. Each artist bring their unique self into a track not always minding what the track is about. Although this in itself isn't bad for the market— it's worked so far— it speaks volumes about the lyrical quality of contemporary Afrobeats. People nowadays just want to vibe, so they pay less attention. Still, the occasional backlash mean that anyone with superior lyrical prowess has a ready audience in today's market.
The music video, directed by the legendary Clarence Peters also brings the individuality on the song to life. Each artist is shown in a different setting unique his lyrical direction. That shows attention to details.
It also highlights a fusion between the past and present, showing each artist going after the same girl, who ends up picking ID Cabasa— somewhat saying the older generation always wins. They throw in some modern touches but also keep some nods to the original, making the connection between the two even stronger. The use of old brick phones specifically is nostalgic.
Conclusion
This attempt proves that Olufunmi is a timeless song, resonating with people of all ages, no matter when you first heard it. And we think it's a success. 7.5/10.
To reimagine as we've said, is to make differently. Despite the critiques, each artist on the reimagined version can be said to have understood the assignment and delivered to the best of their ability.
And to acknowledge the millennials’ concern—nostalgia is why you want the story to remain the same lovey dovey song.
Olufunmi Reimagined is great in its own unique way. What it misses lyrically, it makes up for in visual and sonic production. It also shows how Nigerian music keeps evolving, with new artists giving respect to the old jams while still keeping things exciting
Funnily enough, the only GenZ in the lineup for the reimagined version is the one who tied his lyrics back to the original, maintaining the “mapamilekun (please don't make me cry) theme. Eventually, the GenZs are safe from the blame.
Which song would you love to see reimagined next?