Davido’s first single in almost a year… an answer to critics?

The wait is over. Davido’s first single in almost a year, ‘Gbagbe Oshi’, is here.

The song has the trappings of Afro-dancehall, Afro-pop and Afrobeats.

If you listen closely to the part where Davido sings “O fa agbaday/ o fa gele yo/ o fi ijo si o fe se mo”, you’ll notice the fela-esque vibe accompanying those lyrics.

From the pacy melody to Shizzi’s intricate work on the infectious beat, this appears to be Omo Baba Olowo (OBO) 2.0.

While the heavy bass, violin, and kicks all shout ‘scatter the dance floor’, O.B.O gives the song a Jamaican spin without trying to speak Patois or compete with the Jamaicans at their own sound.

Davido’s brand is built around his energetic displays, passion to his craft, and panache on songs – and this were evident in the new song.

On Gbagbe Oshi, he throws shots at critics, singing “no bagga pull out of the game/ we had to do it all over again.”

He boasts that despite his brief hiatus, no one has been able to dethrone him as the king of hits.

The singer also addresses the skepticism behind the universality of his sound which many believe might have delayed the release of new music since signing to Sony, saying his hard work and distinct talent will be appreciated across the world.

“Man don’t care if you no speak English/boy na tough in a da distinguish”, he sang.

Gbagbe Oshi proves that this not a new Davido but an upgraded version. It gives fans a lot to expect from the Son of Mercy EP which will be released on October 21.

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