“Alubarika” is Zlatan and Buju’s second collaboration.
Their first link-up came in 2019 when Buju was still an upcoming artist working hard to make a name for himself.
But that was a while ago, and it’s Buju’s season now. Honestly, that’s the only reason a song like “Alubarika” exists, in the first place.
Zlatan Ibile has not had it easy, either. Even though the street rapper-turned-singer has been on a roll since the shaku-shaku wave of 2017.
Four years down the lane, he’s now more than just a one-hit-wonder, and he’s proven that he has what it takes to be out here ‘dancing with the stars’ — he is himself a star, a pop star.
Moreover, Zlatan Ibile is a different breed; we all know that. He has risen against all odds to become an authority in the music industry. He’s had his “Mr. Eazi era” too, where everyone wanted him on their song. And, he almost won a Grammy for that thing!
But that’s way back in 2019. His last impressive project was the “Zanku” LP, which is actually one of the best albums from any rapper, in recent years. There are a few like Olamide who have topped it, but only a few.
Since then, Zlatan has gone on to become a certified hitmaker, putting out numerous bangers as he wanders across the industry leaving his mark here and there. A few anthems and a couple of elite guest performances are not enough, though. Not for someone like Zlatan.
Zlatan is always hungry, looking for what next to cash in on, what wave to ride, what trend to jump on. The guy’s always working. You can see from his work that he wants more and he won’t stop until he gets it. He’s definitely got something great in the works, and “Alubarika” is just the beginning.
“Alubarika” immediately stands out in Zlatan’s collection. Yes, once in a while, he’s done conscious stuff but in recent times he’s focused on just putting out bangers that will trend for a while, mostly enough time for him to put out another one — rinse and repeat. But this is different.
The song has solemn afro-pop vibes, reminiscent of some of Buju’s best performances, of course. Maybe the tempo’s a little bit too low for Zlatan Ibile, but Buju fits just perfectly.
Really, I can understand why Zlatan wanted it that slow; he wasn’t trying to be that street rapper he’s always been on this one and although he did drop a few bars, he kept his cool all through.
The concept isn’t much different from what he’s known for; he sings about the hustle and life. But how he alternated between talking about hustling and giving a girl assurance is applaudable.
It’s Zlatan, so the adlibs were on point. This is also the murkiest Buju‘s voice has ever been. “Alubarika” might not become a bigger hit than “Lagos Anthem,” but it is a solid jam. If this is the first single off a forthcoming album, that’s a classic coming, I tell you!
Rating: 8/10
Listen below:-
Let’s hear what you think.
On A Scale Of 1 — 10, How Would You Rate “Alubarika”?
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The post NL Review!! Is Zlatan and Buju’s “Alubarika” A Hit Or Just Another Average Song? appeared first on Naijaloaded | Nigeria's Most Visited Music & Entertainment Website.
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