Best And Most Watched Videos By Naira Marley
21 June 2020
By Kenneth Kiplagat
Born Azeez Adeshina Fashola, London’s underground legend Naira Marley is a key pioneer in the UK AfroBashment scene, fusing his inimitable Lagos accent with trap, bashment, grime and afrobeats to create a sound that has captured fans across Nigeria, West Africa and the UK.
1. Tesumole
This is one of the finest and earliest Videos with a feel-good tunes and a little deeper meaning. The crazy dance routine choreographed by Naira himself pokes to the fun of the ear with the chorus translates to him asking “aren’t you a child of Jesus, lift your food and step on the devil.” It’s the sound of young Lagos – of clubs that close whenever the party does, their tables supporting anything from bottles to dancing feet.
2. Soapy
With his repeated line of “do what I want because it’s my life,” Naira lives out the motto of his No Mannaz crew, questioning why he should have to ask for permission to do what he wants. Laden with punchy steel drums and accompanied by yet another viral dance.
3. Opotoyi
Opotoyi marked Naira Marley as an Artist to watch and stay across London and Lagos’ nightlife scenes. It’s an open call for Marlians, summoning them to the front of every crowd to do nothing but dance. Gbese (pronounced ‘beh-she’ and meaning ‘Lift your foot’ in Yoruba) is the assigned dance. Videos of his shows abroad proudly document him going at it with ease.
4. PXTA
Arriving in September 2019 to soundtrack autumn sundown parties, PXTA (pronounced ‘pu-ta’), is an easy bet for anyone who likes dancing without the showy factor of a finalised routine to follow. Reflecting Naira’s carefree approach to live, there are no set moves to PXTA – just ride in step with the rumbling beat and make it up as you go.
5. Mafo (feat. Young Jonn)
The opening of Mafo lands somewhere between the rainforest and the club. Shuffling drums carry Naira and Young Jonn’s vocals as they toast their successes and flex in luxurious surrounds. Naira’s conversational flow adds intimacy to a song that celebrates the solidarity shared between himself and his followers.
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