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Benin Boys

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2024 single by Rema and Shallipopi

"Benin Boys"
Single by Rema and Shallipopi
from the album Heis
Released20 June 2024
Recorded2024
Genre
Length2:50
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Rema singles chronology
"Pretty Girl"
(2023) 		"Benin Boys"
(2024)
Shallipopi singles chronology
"Trees"
(2024) 		"Benin Boys"
(2024)
Music video
"Benin Boys" on YouTube
Lyrical video
"Benin Boys" on YouTube

"Benin Boys" (stylized in all caps) is a song by Nigerian singer and rapper Rema featuring fellow Nigerian singer and rapper Shallipopi. Released on 20 June 2024, as the lead single from Rema's second studio album Heis. It features a prominent Afrobeats rhythm. The music video was released the next day.

Background

Following the song's release, Rema and Shallipopi shared a studio clip on social media on 30 January 2024. Produced by X and co-produced by Rema, the track is a musical celebration of Benin City culture. In an interview, Rema revealed his aim: to craft a song that showcases his cultural pride while connecting with his audience on a deeper level, fostering community and shared identity among listeners.

Composition

The song features a prominent afrobeats rhythm, accompanied by a range of percussion instruments, a driving bassline, and keyboard synths. The chord progression is centered around C minor and G7, creating a harmonic foundation that supports the song's energetic and celebratory feel. Lyrically, the song is an ode to pride and wealth, with Rema and Shallipopi delivering verses that celebrate their cultural heritage and affluence. The lyrics are written in a style that is both boastful and aspirational, with the artists expressing their pride in their roots and their achievements. The song's themes of pride, wealth, and cultural celebration are woven throughout the lyrics, creating a narrative that is both personal and universal.

Critical reception

Oumou Fofana, a music critic for BET, described the song as "a dynamic exchange of verses over heavy drums and electrifying background strings, showcasing Rema and Shallipopi's lyrical prowess and musical chemistry." Fofana's assessment highlights the track's energetic and infectious beat, which combines traditional drum patterns with modern string arrangements, creating a unique sound that blends cultural heritage with contemporary style.

Music video

A music video for the song was released on 21 June 2024. The video, directed by Director K, features the two artists in distinct settings, with Rema perched on an airplane flap and Shallipopi posing alongside a car. The visuals also incorporate elements of Benin culture, including the prominent display of the Benin Ancestral Bronzes. Additionally, the video features imagery of bats, which symbolize the Benin symbol.

Credits and personnel

  • Divine Ikubor – songwriting, composition
  • Crown Uzama – songwriting, composition
  • Agada Prince Oyada – songwriting, composition, production
  • Divine Ikubor – co-production
  • George Momoh – mastering

Charts

Chart (2024) Peak
position
Nigeria (TurnTable Top 100) 1
Top 50 Streaming Songs (TurnTable) 27
TCL Radio (TheCable) 1
US Afrobeats Songs (Billboard) 13

Release history

Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various 20 June 2024 (2024-06-20) Jonzing, Mavin

References

  1. "Benin Boys by Rema & Shallipopi on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  2. Kyle, Dennis (20 June 2024). "Rema & Shallipopi Returns With New 'Benin Boys' Banger Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  3. (anonymous) (1 February 2024). "See video of Rema and Shallipopi in studio". Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  4. "Nigerian superstar Rema returns with new track 'Benin Boys' featuring Shallipopi". Nigerian Tribune. 21 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  5. "Rema & Shallipopi unite for new single 'Benin Boys', Says he promotes his Benin Cultures". The Lagos Review. 21 June 2024. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  6. Adeayo, Adebiyi (21 June 2024). "Rema & Shallipopi celebrate their culture in historic hit collaboration 'Benin Boys'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  7. Zuladine, Ibrahim (21 June 2024). "Rema, Shallipopi New Song "Benin Boys" Is For Celebrating Their Roots". Okay Nigeria. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  8. (anonymous) (21 June 2024). "Song You Need To Know: Shallipopi & Rema, 'Benin Boys'". Citi Musik. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  9. ^ Oumou, Fofona (21 June 2024). "Rema and Shallipopi Shares Afrobeats Anthem 'Benin Boys'". BET. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  10. Matthew, Strauss (21 June 2024). "Rema and Shallipopi Share Video for New Song "Benin Boys": Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  11. Think Twice (21 June 2024). "Rema – Benin Boys (Music Video) Ft. Shallipopi". Vox. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  12. Mankaprr Conteh (21 June 2024). "Rema Doubles Down on His Culture With New 'Benin Boys' Music Video", Rema's Culture Was Demonized. Now, He's Doubling Down With New Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  13. Aaron Williams (21 June 2024). "Rema And Shalipoppi Salute Their Shared Hometown In The Opulent 'Benin Boys' Video". Uproxx. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  14. Adeayo, Adebiyi (26 July 2024). "Here are all the #1 songs of 2024 so far on Nigeria's foremost music chart". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
  15. Kunle, Daramola (16 July 2024). "TCL radio picks: 'Benin Boys' by Rema, Shallipopi". TheCable. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
  16. "Rema Chart History (Afrobeats Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  17. "BENIN BOYS - Single - Album by Rema & Shallipopi". 20 June 2024. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
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