Like a thief in the night, Kunmie arrives with an emotive song that caters to a market whose demand allowed hits like Fola’s ‘Alone’ to thrive. ‘Arike’ marks Kunmie’s first official release as an artist, and while it’s rare for an artist’s debut single to be their breakout moment, much like Fido’s ‘Awolowo‘, Kunmie’s ‘Arike’ is undoubtedly poised to announce his presence in the Nigerian music scene. His vocal ability and masterful command of it conjure emotions that border on heartbreak, the collapse of a relationship, or the premature loss of a lover. With ‘Arike’, Kunmie makes the listener feel these emotions—or something close.
Opening with choral harmonies, Kunmie blends melodies whipped in Yoruba and Nigerian English over a mellow production, forming a heartbreak elixir meant to sway his muse ‘Arike.’ Produced by The Kazez, Kunmie gets melodramatic on the chorus, suggesting that this is a heartfelt plea, not just a guilt trip. With a melodic choral backing, he rides on their harmony: “Oh Arike o ah, if you leave me before my time o I’ll die, if you leave me I might die before the sun sets and shines in the morning, girl before you wake up.” As he sings, slow and steady violins swell, amplifying the song’s emotional weight.
Kunmie’s ‘Arike’ is an earworm and the perfect love ballad for this clime—one that naturally invites multiple replays due to its duration, the repeated take, and the irresistible pull of its chorus. It’s the kind of song that markets itself, embedding its melody into the listener’s ears and lingering in their mind.
With ‘Arike’, Kunmie presents himself as an emotionally vulnerable artist. Whether or not his musical journey will continue to explore themes similar to his debut, we anticipate answers in his upcoming releases. This writer isn’t thirsty for a project just yet—I’d rather he take his time.
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