BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Some songs transcend time, etching themselves into the fabric of culture. ID Cabasa’s Bere Mi was one of those records–a deeply emotive track that resonated with hustlers, dreamers, and everyday Nigerians navigating the complexities of survival. Now, the legendary producer has reimagined this classic, fusing nostalgic sentiment with contemporary street-hop energy. Featuring Zlatan, TI Blaze, 9ice, and the original voice of 2Phat, Bere Mi (Reimagined) is a sonic bridge between eras, a masterstroke that reminds us why ID Cabasa remains a cornerstone of Nigerian music.
TI Blaze sets the tone with a melodic and heartfelt delivery, unraveling the dangers of misplaced trust. His lyrics, “Trust me bro, you can’t trust anybody,” hold a weight that lingers, carrying the wisdom of hard-earned experience. He paints a picture of struggle, a time when hands stretched out for help met only emptiness. “Nobody go dey if you try collect am,” he laments, a poignant nod to the solitude of hustling. Yet, amidst the wariness, there’s a prayer–a plea to God for blessings so vast they’d be impossible to count. His voice, rich with emotion, glides over the instrumental like a solemn vow, giving Bere Mi (Reimagined) a soulful opening that grips the listener instantly.
Then comes Zlatan, charging in with his signature energy, turning introspection into a full-fledged declaration of triumph. His verse is a raw, unfiltered story of resilience–of nights spent hungry, of empty pockets and dashed hopes. He resurrects voices from his past–the doubters who scoffed at his dreams, who declared that his future was dim, that he was nothing. But Zlatan flips the script, countering those voices with the hard-earned success he now revels in. It’s a street poet’s testimony, delivered in a seamless blend of Yoruba and Pidgin, amplifying the record’s authenticity. He embodies the very essence of Bere Mi–the rise of the underdog, the journey from suffering to success.
A major highlight of this reimagining is the return of 9ice and 2Phat on the chorus, both of whom were integral to the original Bere Mi. 9ice, known for his poetic Yoruba lyricism, adds a layer of depth that ties the old and new together. His voice, weathered with experience, reinforces the song’s message of perseverance. Meanwhile, 2Phat’s presence brings a wave of nostalgia, serving as a direct connection to the version that once dominated airwaves in the early 2000s. Their contributions ensure that while Bere Mi (Reimagined) embraces evolution, it never strays too far from its roots.
The beauty of Bere Mi (Reimagined) lies in its ability to stay true to its roots while embracing evolution. Cabasa’s production is delicate yet robust, allowing each artist to shine while maintaining the essence of the original. The beat fuses traditional Afrobeat percussion with modern street-hop elements, creating a soundscape that feels both familiar and refreshing.
The accompanying music video, directed by Wisdom Fortune, brings the song’s themes to life with visuals shot in the bustling streets of Lagos. It captures the essence of hustle and survival, showing Zlatan and TI Blaze in raw, unfiltered moments that reflect the song’s powerful message.
The synergy between these artists makes Bere Mi (Reimagined) more than just a remake. The seamless fusion of melody, introspection, and raw storytelling elevates the track, giving it a rare depth that few collaborations achieve. With its gripping narratives, emotive delivery, and masterful production, Bere Mi (Reimagined) stands as a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the streets. It’s a song for the dreamers, the hustlers, and the believers–those who know the weight of struggle but also the sweet taste of victory.
