Date 2020-07-24
Category Lyrics, Naija Songs, New Music, Other Videos
Rising Nigerian artist, Tolani gives us summer vibes with her effervescent afro-pop single ‘Badman’. Released today independently, Tolani is set to bring her enriching afro-pop sound to the UK and beyond.
Singer-Songwriter Tolani’s new track ‘Badman’ highlights her distinctive, honeyed vocal that effortlessly flows on the mellow R&B, afrobeat production – a sound that’s also distinguished as altè amongst Nigerian natives. Self-written ‘Badman’ was sparked by a recent heartbreak, Tolani openly presents her vulnerable side on the song and encourages women to know their worth – she says: “that entire experience was so possessing it leaked into every day and every thought”.
On ‘Badman’ she adds: “’Badman’ is a song exploring the habit of getting caught up with the ‘bad boys’ so to speak… being drawn to that high. I feel like there’s this subliminal message that love isn’t love unless it’s turbulent in some way… and so, you get caught up in a cycle of looking for the wrong things in potential lovers.”
Tolani’s previous track ‘BA MI LO’ has racked up two million views on YouTube and her single ‘Liar’ has gathered over a million streams. While building her musical profile, Tolani has performed on many stages, including a pivotal set at the 2018 Lagos Fashion and Design Week and Pepsi’s Rhythm Unplugged. On Red Bull’s ‘Artist To Watch’ feature, legendary Nigerian artist Reekado Banks says: “Tolani’s music is different and she’s solemn with it. She’s not an everyday artist, she’s very intentional with her art and I like to unwind with that type of vibe. I also like to see her perform.”
“Badman’ is a song exploring the habit of getting caught up with the ‘bad boys’ so to speak…
Tolani – Badman (prod. Big Fish)
Watch Visualizer
VERSE 1
Why do I like it so loud
A love that is pinning me down
Spinning me round and around
Up on the ceiling then down on the ground
Wish I could love politely
The ones that are nothing like me
Should make some better choices
Choosing the ones that will treat me nicely
But every time a badman pull up
Watch my heart get beat up
Even though I should know better
I buckle up, rollercoaster
Every time a badman pull up
Temperature de burn up
Even though I should know better
I’m down for the ride, whenever
Every time a badman, every time a bad, every time a badman oh (x4)
VERSE 2
Why do I make it so hard
Maybe I’m broken; I’m bad
Because when he looks like trouble
That’s when I’m catching a buzz
Wish I would learn my lesson
I’m needing a new direction
But I no de like to listen
I like the ones that will keep me guessing
Every time a badman pull up
Watch my heart get beat up
Even though I should know better
I buckle up, rollercoaster
Every time a badman pull up
Temperature de burn up
Even though I should know better
I’m down for the ride whenever
Every time a badman, every time a bad, every time a badman oh (x4)
BRIDGE
Cocky and I’m like that, Yes like that
On the edge of my seat , and I like it so far
Then it all falls down and leaves me sober
And I swear it’s over.. But then I do it over
Every time a badman pull up
Watch my heart get beat up
Even though I should know better
I buckle up, rollercoaster
Every time a badman pull up
Temperature de burn up
Even though I should know better
I’m down for the ride whenever
Every time a bad man, every time a bad, every time a badman oh (x4)