Following weeks of heavy promotion for the sophomore single off her forthcoming project; Magic, during which she collated individual stories of Nigerian’s ‘Nigerian Dream’ ranging from visions of better governments to desires to live in a society that works, elite vocalist restablishes the chemistry she shares with budding singer-producer, Cheso in Nigerian Dream; an unexpected version which details a narrative not unique to the character she assumes in this emotion roiling track.
The surface penetrating ode to a chaotic life she tells of forms part of the Nigerian culture Nigerians are too afraid to talk about when we assume pretentious characters unique to us like Fela dubbed “suffering and smiling”. Efe Oraka is undaunting. She is unafraid to toe the lines of faux living and as she empties out her conscious over a sublime production of textured piano chords; the only instrument she seems to be leaning on backed by velvety adlibs, the sweet and sour journey her perfect vocals take us on awakens emotions that have been ‘swept under the carpet’ for the sake of peace and sanity. In 3 minutes and 30 seconds, she assumes the character of a town crier passing across a message ensuring everyone listens.
If you’ve been paying attention, every Efe Oraka offering is definitely one you should anticipate. Having already wowed us with sonorous covers of hit songs and a full version of her singing and writing proficiencies in Wonderland, the arrival of Nigerian Dream and Magic means our emotions and psyches should gear up for conscious altering journeys and quite frankly, we’re ready for anything the vocal powerhouse has to offer.
In the meantime, submitting ourselves to the kick her version of the Nigerian Dream brings about is key.