VIP admission at the premier dance club in Abuja, Nigeria, mixing and mingling with Naija (Nigerian) celebrities, and posh 5-star hotels: I was living the good life.
The guy and I met through a mutual friend during my stay in Abuja. A socialite, he was pretty popular around town; held prestigious job title at a well-known company, and had that “it” factor that would attract any woman.
Time spent with him was always something to look forward to. He had a good sense of humor and a charming personality. I had only been in Abuja for 4 weeks but he was becoming a good friend.
Besides his personality, I enjoyed the fact that when we were together, I always had a good time. He granted me VIP admission in Abuja’s nightclubs, introduced me to local celebrities, and treated me to meals at the nicest restaurants in town.
“Yaa, can you make me a playlist of your African music, please?”
“The music on your alarm clock; I love it. Please send it to me.”
“I heard that track on your iPod yesterday. Kinda unique. Play that for me again”
I receive comments like this on a daily basis now. My love for international music is no longer a secret. I listen to music from Africa, Haiti, and Jamaica more than I listen to music from American artists. I prefer an international clubbing scene more than a hip hop one. I have an eclectic taste in music. Some of these tracks are old, while some of these tracks are a recent. See my playlist below:
Watch My Ting Go by Lola Rae
Try to sit still when this beat drops. I bet you it cannot be done. My Ghanaian sister has a lot of potential to take over the international pop music scene. I cannot see what’s next in her future.
Yes/No by Banky W
Released in 2012, I am sorry that I am only discovering this track and this Nigerian artist one year later! The lyrics are relevant, the dance routine is on-point, Banky is sexy, and the beat is catchy. I’m hooked. This song has been on repeat for three weeks now. I have no plans of removing it from my playlist.
Kilon Poppin by Ms. Jaie
They call her the African Beyoncé. With catchy dance beats and killer dance moves, they may be onto something here…
Carry Me by Carimi
My Haitian friend posted this song on her wedding website and that was my official introduction to the Haitian band, Carimi. She gave me their 2009 album Buzz, and I have been a fan ever since. This track is almost 5 years old, but it still gets my hips swaying.
Vibes Cyah Done by Machel Montano
Released in 2011, I discovered this song during Atlanta CaribFest in May this year. My cousin is heavily resolved in the party-planning and entertainment detail for the three-day, so I frequented many a parties. Whenever the DJ dropped this track, everyone in the arena started dancing. I love songs that have that effect on the crowd.
I dialed her number for what had to have been the upteenth time from my hotel in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja. Each call would be dropped after a few seconds of conversation and we were both becoming extremely frustrated. Continue reading →
VIP admission at the premier dance club in Abuja, Nigeria, mixing and mingling with Naija (Nigerian) celebrities, and posh 5-star hotels: I was living the good life.