It’s been a decade since Wizkid’s groundbreaking
hit “Ojuelegba” first hit the airwaves, and it remains a
strong anthem that captivated listeners worldwide. Released in 2014 as part of
his second album “Ayo,” the track tells the story of
Wizkid’s struggles as an emerging artist, hustling through the streets of
Ojuelegba, Lagos, to finance his recording dreams.
In this deeply personal
song, Wizkid reflects on how people in Ojuelegba knew his story of hard work
and perseverance, as he sings:
Ni ojuelegba
They know my story, for Mo’Dogg’s studio
I be hustle to work, eh
Named after the bustling
metropolitan area in Lagos Mainland, “Ojuelegba” became an instant classic.
Upon its release, it received massive airplay on all major Nigerian radio
stations and topped Capital Xtra’s Afrobeats Chart in February 2015. The track
won Song of the Year and was nominated for Best Pop Single at The Headies 2015.
It also bagged Hottest Single of the Year at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment
Awards.
A year after its release, the song received an international boost
with a remix featuring
Canadian rapper Drake and British-Nigerian
artist Skepta. The remix premiered on OVO Sound Radio in July
2015 and was ranked 12th on The Fader’s list of the 107 Best Songs of 2015.
The music video,
directed by Clarence Peters, paints a vivid
picture of everyday life in Ojuelegba. With scenes of a bus conductor calling
out for passengers and shots of Wizkid boarding the bus, the video captures the
spirit of the community. It also highlights Wizkid’s journey from humble
beginnings to international stardom.
Watch how Spotify Africa celebrates the 10-year anniversary of “Ojuelegba” and revisit the impact of this iconic song:
