“Otilo (Izz Gone)” is a banger by popular Nigerian artiste and professional dancer, Iwe Pascal Odinaka, better known by his stage name Poco Lee. The star of the day features a well-known artiste Moshood Adeola popularly known by his stage name HotKid to add the magic touch that makes it all pop.

Poco Lee is actually more famous for his dance moves than he is for music. He had his breakthrough in the entertainment industry when Tunde Ednut reposted a video of him dancing Zanku at an event at the Lagos State University. The clip quickly went viral, catching the attention of the originator of the dance move himself Zlatan Ibile, who reached out to him and had him feature in the video of the song. This led to Poco Lee being featured as a professional dancer in several other celebrity videos and ultimately led to his widespread popularity.

He went on to win the award for “Best Dancer” at the Naija Hype Awards (NHS) 2019. He has also worked with the likes of Tiwa Savage, Davido, Olamide and many more. He has danced at events like “One Africa Music Festival”, “Valentine’s Jamboree Concert” and “Naira Marley’s Concert”.

Though the artiste of the day may be more popular for his dance moves, he is quite the sensation in the Nigerian music scene as well. Having worked with the likes of HotKid, Portable, Olamide, Bella Shmurda and a host of other artistes, the hit performer is affiliated with jams like ZaZoo Zehh, YARD, Poco Dance, Chop Up and Comot Body Jor.

Otilo is a Yoruba word that loosely translates to “it’s gone”. It is often used in Nigeria as a slang to signify the end of something. The slang has grown in popularity in recent times considering the socio-economic climate of the country.

Amapiano all the way! The beat is an undeniably catchy Amapiano-esque bop with heavy percussions and oh! All that bass.

Poco Lee’s Otilo lyrics are catchy and easy to learn, which gives it a sing-alongy edge that goes quite well with listeners.

Generally, the artist used his melody to tell an inspiring tale. He reminds listeners to keep working hard and make moves no one will be able to live up to. He also tells listeners how he wants to live life to the fullest and simply enjoy himself.

The lyrics go thus:

‘Cause I go high, I go party ’til the night

Omo where my Hennessy o? (Omo where my Hennessy o?)

We in the club, all my people don dey

You can feel the energy o

The theme of this song is super relatable because it appreciates the headway individuals are making, the paths they are carving for themselves and most of all it reminds listeners not to pressure themselves and remember to enjoy life.

A song that motivates alongside its catchy beat? Just what listeners need to start the year.

Give it a listen.

Didi Dan-Asisah is an art enthusiast and critic. She lives in Lagos.

Ayodele Johnson

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.