Amaka (song)
| "Amaka" | |
|---|---|
| Single by 2Baba featuring Peruzzi | |
| from the album Warriors | |
| Released | 27 June 2018 |
| Genre | Afropop |
| Length | 3:47 |
| Label | Hypertek Digital |
| Songwriters | |
| Producer | Speroachbeatz |
| Music video | |
| "Amaka" on YouTube | |
"Amaka" is a song by Nigerian singer 2Baba featuring Peruzzi. Released on 27 June 2018 through Hypertek Digital as a stand-alone single, it later appeared on 2Baba's 2020 album Warriors. Produced by Speroachbeatz, the track became one of Nigeria's most popular songs of 2018 and was nominated for Best Collaboration at the 2019 Headies Awards.
Background and release
According to producer Speroachbeatz, the collaboration began when Peruzzi invited him to Larry Gaaga's Lagos studio, where he met 2Baba for the first time.[1] The three artists built the song around a beat Speroachbeatz had created. In later interviews, he expressed confidence that the track would be successful once the recording was complete.[1] The single was released digitally in 2018 through Hypertek Digital.[2]
Composition and lyrics
The track blends Afropop rhythms with lyrics in English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Ibibio.[3] Its storyline follows a man's disappointment after being stood up by a woman named Amaka, with lyrical references to everyday Nigerian experiences such as power outages and social media.[3] According to Pulse Nigeria, the chorus line "Amaka disappoint me" resonated widely with listeners and became a catchphrase for disappointment in Nigerian popular culture.[3]
Reception
Ehis Ohunyon of Pulse Nigeria called it "the best song you will listen to this year," praising its melody and relatable subject matter.[3] The Native emphasised its cultural resonance, highlighting the way it spoke to contemporary issues of relationships and expectations.[4] Alexander Ndace of BellaNaija rated "Amaka" a 4.5/5, describing the song as "a joy, with an exploration of keys and notes that’s reminiscent of the best of pop music."[5]
At the 2019 Headies Awards, "Amaka" was nominated for Best Collaboration.[6] Daily Trust also included its music video among Nigeria's most popular at the time of release.[7]
Accolades
| Year | Award ceremony | Prize | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Soundcity MVP Awards Festival | Best Collaboration | Nominated | [8] |
| Song of the Year | Nominated | |||
| All Africa Music Awards | Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Pop | Won | [9] | |
| 2019 | The Headies | Best Collaboration | Nominated | [10] |
References
- ^ a b Ohunyon, Ehis (31 July 2018). "Watch the making of 2Baba's 'Amaka' ft. Peruzzi by producer Speroachbeatz". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
- ^ Salihu, Idoko (27 June 2018). "2Baba teams up with Peruzzi to share new single 'Amaka'". Premium Times. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
- ^ a b c d Ohunyon, Ehis (1 August 2018). "Why 2Baba's 'Amaka' is the best song you will listen to this year". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
- ^ "2Baba's "Amaka" Shows Your Rape Prevention Technique May Be Problematic". The Native. 28 June 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
- ^ Ndace, Alex (3 July 2018). "The Alexander Review: 2Baba, Duncan Mighty, Runtown & Vector… Let Music Heal You This Week". BellaNaija. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
- ^ Alake, Motolani (14 August 2019). "Headies 2019 Nominees: Davido, Burna Boy, Teni, Wizkid Lead Nominations". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
- ^ Abubakar Matazu, Hafsah (23 July 2018). "5 Nigerian singers with trending videos". Daily Trust. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
- ^ Njideka Agbo (13 December 2018). "Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Teni Nominated For The 2018 Soundcity MVP Awards". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ "AFRIMA 2018: Full list of winners". Music in Africa. 26 November 2018. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ "Headies Award 2019: Nominees and Winners". Vanguard. 19 October 2019. Retrieved 8 December 2025.