Omah Lay, the Nigerian Afrobeats prince, has a knack for weaving soul-stirring melodies and introspective lyrics into sonic tapestries that resonate deep within the listener’s core. His latest offering, “soso,” is a prime example of this artistry. Released in 2022 as part of his critically acclaimed album “Boy Alone,” “soso” transcends genre boundaries, existing in a space where raw emotion and infectious rhythm collide.
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Unpacking the Meaning of “Soso”
“Soso,” a word in the Igbo language, translates to “hurry” or “quickly.” However, within the context of the song, it takes on a deeper meaning, representing a yearning for solace and a swift escape from emotional turmoil. Omah Lay paints a picture of a protagonist grappling with heartbreak and longing, desperately seeking refuge from the pain that consumes him.
Some has stated that soso is a name of a water goddess and a story has evolved around that. Just go through the story below :
Once upon a time, in a small coastal city nestled between the rolling hills and the vast, shimmering sea, there lived a gifted music artist named omah. He was known throughout the land for his mesmerizing melodies and soul-stirring lyrics. Omah was a man of unique style, his trademark being the long, flowing dreadlocks that cascaded down his back like waves of midnight.
Little did the villagers know that his connection to music ran deeper than the chords he played. He was a devotee of the water goddess, Soso, whose spirit was said to reside in the depths of the ocean. Omah believed that his musical prowess was a divine gift from Soso herself, and in return, he adorned his hair as a symbol of his devotion to the water goddess.
One day, as Omah strolled along the sandy shores, he received a mysterious message in the form of a haunting melody carried by the sea breeze. It was a call from Soso herself, urging him to journey to the sacred underwater realm where she resided. Intrigued and somewhat nervous, Omah knew he had no choice but to heed the goddess’s call.
Guided by the ethereal music, Omah set sail on a small spiritual voyage, the moonlight casting a silvery glow upon the water. As he approached the heart of the ocean, the waves seemed to dance in harmony with the rhythm of his heartbeat. Suddenly, a majestic figure emerged from the water – Soso, the water goddess, adorned in shimmering white and smokey robes that mirrored the depths of the sea.
“Omah,” Soso’s voice echoed in the ocean breeze, “your music has pleased me, but a change is needed. To truly embrace the connection we share, you must offer a sacrifice – the symbol of your devotion, your dreadlocks.”
Omah hesitated, his fingers instinctively reaching for his cherished locks. The goddess’s request seemed like a paradox, as if sacrificing his hair would sever the bond they shared. But deep down, he understood that it was a test of his commitment.
With a deep breath, he organised a cleansing ritual to cut his hair. As he cut through his first dreadlock, a soft melody resonated in the water, harmonizing with the ebb and flow of the tides. Each strand he severed added a new layer to the enchanting symphony, and Soso herself swayed to the rhythm, her eyes reflecting the moonlit waves.
As the last dreadlock fell, Omah felt a surge of emotions – a mix of sadness, liberation, and an overwhelming connection to the water goddess.
“You have passed the test, dear musician,” she spoke, her voice a gentle whisper in the sea breeze. “Your sacrifice is a symbol of your devotion and willingness to change. From this moment forth, your music will carry the essence of both land and sea.”
With those words, Soso, the music was born. As Omah sailed back to the city, the breeze seemed to sing the song, and the wind carried his melodies far and wide.
From the first whisper of piano keys, “soso” casts a melancholic spell. The melody, a slow and steady pulse, mirrors the protagonist’s racing heart, lost in the shadows of despair. Omah Lay’s voice enters, raw and vulnerable, painting a picture of loss and longing:
“My head is spinning, can’t find my place / Lost in the darkness, searching for your embrace.”
The lyrics pierce through the sonic veil, each word a shard of shattered glass, reflecting the fragmented state of the protagonist’s heart. As the melody builds, subtle percussive elements emerge, mimicking a frantic heartbeat, amplifying the sense of urgency and desperation.
A Melody that Tug at Your Heartstrings
The song’s opening is a masterclass in setting the mood. A melancholic piano melody, laced with the gentle hum of strings, washes over the listener, creating an atmosphere of vulnerability and introspection. Omah Lay’s voice then enters, soft and raw, weaving a tapestry of heartache with lines like:
“My heart is racing, can’t seem to find my place Lost in the shadows, searching for your embrace”
The melody gradually builds, incorporating subtle percussive elements that mimic a racing heartbeat. This perfectly encapsulates the protagonist’s escalating anxiety and desperation.
Listen or download the song here.
Lyricism that Speaks to the Soul
Omah Lay’s songwriting prowess shines in “soso.” His lyrics are both deeply personal and universally relatable. He delves into the complexities of heartbreak, capturing the gut-wrenching pain of lost love and the desperate desire for healing. Lines like:
“Baby, come take my pain away Make the darkness fade away I need you, soso, soso”
resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the sting of love gone wrong.
A Fusion of Genres, a Symphony of Emotions
“Soso” defies categorization. It seamlessly blends elements of Afrobeats, R&B, and neo-soul, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. The use of traditional Igbo instruments like the udu and ekwe adds a touch of cultural authenticity to the sonic landscape.
The song’s bridge takes an unexpected turn, incorporating Latin influences with the introduction of Ozuna’s reggaeton verses. This collaboration between the two artists injects a new energy into the song, while still remaining thematically cohesive.
A Song for the Brokenhearted and the Hopeful
“Soso” is not simply a lament; it is also a song of resilience and hope. Despite the protagonist’s pain, there is an underlying yearning for healing and the possibility of new beginnings. The lyrics:
“I know the sun will shine again I’ll rise above the pain, my friend And when the darkness fades away I’ll find my way back to the light of day”
offer a glimmer of optimism, reminding the listener that even in the darkest moments, there is always the potential for renewal.
“Soso”: A Testament to Omah Lay’s Artistic Growth
With “soso,” Omah Lay has cemented his position as one of the most gifted and versatile artists in the Afrobeats scene. This song is a testament to his incredible vocal range, his ability to craft poignant lyrics, and his willingness to experiment with different musical styles.
“Soso” is not just a song; it is an experience. It is a journey into the depths of human emotion, a sonic tapestry woven with raw vulnerability, soulful melodies, and a flicker of hope. It is a song that will stay with you long after the last note fades, leaving you pondering the complexities of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Lyrics that Cut to the Core:
Omah Lay’s songwriting prowess shines in “soso.” He doesn’t shy away from vulnerability, delving headfirst into the complexities of heartbreak. He paints vivid pictures of a love lost, capturing the gut-wrenching pain of fading memories and the haunting echoes of what once was. Lines like:
“The memories keep playing on repeat Your ghost is dancing in the streets Every corner whispers your name And I’m drowning in this endless rain”
resonate with anyone who has ever loved and lost, finding solace in the shared experience of heartbreak.
From Darkness to Light: A Journey of Hope:
While “soso” is drenched in sorrow, it’s not devoid of hope. The lyrics, despite their despair, hint at the possibility of healing and renewal. Lines like:
“I know the sun will shine again I’ll rise above the pain, my friend And when the darkness fades away I’ll find my way back to the light of day”
offer a glimmer of optimism, reminding the listener that even in the darkest moments, there is always the potential for a new dawn.
With “soso,” Omah Lay has cemented his position as one of the most exciting voices in Afrobeats. He has created a song that transcends genre and language, resonating with listeners across the globe. It’s a song that will stay with you long after the last note fades, leaving you introspective and hopeful, forever changed by its emotional journey.
So, the next time you need a song to soothe your soul, to validate your pain, and to remind you that you are not alone, turn to “soso.” Let Omah Lay guide you through the shadows, towards the light that awaits.
So, the next time you need a song to soothe your soul, to validate your pain, and to remind you that you are not alone, turn to “soso.” Omah Lay has crafted a masterpiece that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved and lost, and who continues to believe in the power of healing and hope.
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