Kwaku the Traveller by Black Sherif, produced by Joker Narnah, is an ode to the treacherous journey of success. The song starts off with an almost mournful piano tune that is followed by soft percussion and the raw, rough vocals of Black Sherif.
The lyrics are relatable. He starts off talking about his determination to become successful and how he has fumbled the bag multiple times. In one of the most recognizable lyrics of the month, he says: “Of course I f—ed up. Who never f—ed up, hands in the air. No hands?” He is almost tongue-in-cheek with his delivery of those lyrics, practically daring the listener to lie that they have never fumbled. It’s reminiscent of the aphorism, “the sinless one among you, go first: cast the first stone”.
He often reiterates throughout the song that he knows that the people he left behind to chase the ever-elusive success miss him. He misses them too, he admits but promises to be back much better than he was before. One of this song’s unique selling points is that Black Sherif is telling a coherent story through the lyrics as opposed to just creating a danceable tune. There are deep lessons in there on the power of resilience as he casts himself as Kwaku the Hustle who has sacrificed so much, including his home, and is finally having those sacrifices pay off.
Kwaku the Traveller is a deep reflection on the never-give-up-until-you’ve-made-it African spirit. Black Sherif might be a new voice but he has the authenticity that ensures he’ll be here for a long while.
Didi Dan-Asisah is an art enthusiast and critic. She lives in Lagos.
Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.
