"Lagos Lullabye" is the lead single taken from SIJI's forthcoming and long awaited album, 'Home Grown', available this spring.
From 'Captain Rugged' (Keziah Jones') chicken scratch guitar licks to Laron Land's bristling horn arrangements, this funky Afrobeat laced ode, chronicles typical events that unfold in the bustling metropolis of Africa's most densely populated city, Lagos.
lyrics
(Chat)
VERSE
Danfo tires screeching
Okada rider bleeding
Area boys stand by watching
Another scene in Lagos
Bus packed full to bursting
Go slow lines unending
“Repent or die”, someone’s screaming
On the bus to Lagos
Mosquito sirens are wailing
On my blood they’re feeding
Generator noise never ceases
Sleepless nights in Lagos
BRIDGE
U’d Better watch your back, hold your nerve – (dem dey come)
They’re gonna stop ‘n search u for a buck – (comot for car)
Chop and quench, look and laugh – (chop and quench)
Chase those dreams, don’t you fuss – (adjust yourself)
U better climb that bridge to beat that rush – (go slow time)
Stare and stare but don’t you touch – (comot your eye)
Talk the talk and swagger your strut – (swagger your waka)
Here in Lagos town
VERSE
The twilight calls to prayer
On my soul so soothing
Count me worthy, make me strong to last yet
Another day in Lagos
My sister’s broke and scheming
Their big fat nyashes swinging
Another Gucci bag needs filling
She’s breaking hearts in Lagos
Big men standing tall and oppressing
On the streets of Lagos
Holy Rollers preaching and a singing
On the streets of Lagos
Everybody’s hustling to survive
Yet another day in Lagos
AD LIB
Someone take me to Lagos ....
PERSONNEL
Lead Vocals, Wurlitzer, Minimoog, Organ, Drums, Sekere, Agidigbo & Percussion; SIJI
Opening Chat; Jahstix Dadson & Kunle Ade
Background Vocals; Des Gordon, SIJI
Bass; Bill Lee
Drums; Siji, Bill Lee
Congas; Kunle Ade
Electric Guitar; Keziah Jones, Femi 'Smart' Saani
Tenor Saxophone; LaRon Land
Trumpet; Kafele Bandele
Trombone; Mark Williams
Horns Arranged by LaRon Land & SIJI
Recorded at Bill's Haven, NJ
Bashiri's Sanctuary, NY
GPK Studio's, Lagos
credits
from LAGOS LULLABYE REMIXES (EP),
track released March 18, 2014
Written, Arranged & Produced by SIJI & Bill Lee
2014 IVY Records
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