Soulful and dreamy production lays down an intoxicatingly mellow groove, as Nigerian artist and songwriter Makarihba sets up the equally smooth and seductive single got.
Leading with electric guitar fragments and a lo-fi production of bass and lashings of reverb, got introduces a nearly whispered, intimate vocal line, and a clear sense of intertwining genres that naturally lets the story and sentiments take precedent.
Decidedly personal and captivating in its realism, there’s a stream-of-consioucsnses style of writing to the verse of the song that emerges more as a rap than a melody. Makarihba delves straight into the experience and associated feelings, and this proves compelling as the centre-point of an otherwise rhythmically faultless and engaging RnB to soul-pop alternative.
Everything about got quite humbly breathes new life into the modern scene. The hazy production adds to the sleepy vibe of the opening vocal, and the organic guitar redirects things away from the easy programming of contemporary music. Then there’s the lyrics, so gentle and indistinct that it takes a few plays to get into the depths of this story. Certain ideas pierce through though, deeper and darker reflections strike with a profound sense of humanity and heart.
A fascinating style, soothing and provocative all at once, from an artist with a powerfully recognisable style and sound to both her performances and songwriting; not to mention the subtle but effective production. I look forward to hearing more from Makarihba.
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