BNXN and Sarz Reawaken Nostalgia on Back Outside

Back Outside: BNXN and Sarz Bridge Mali and Lagos

Cover Art 

Nigerian singer and songwriter, BNXN formerly known as Buju teams up with renowned beat maker and producer Sarz to release yet another record 'Back Outside'. 

The track is a lead single to their forthcoming joint EP, "The Game Needs Us". 'Back Outside' is an interpolation of Malian duo and blind couple Amadou & Mariam’s 1990 track "Ko Neye Mounka Allah La". Here, BNXN and Sarz reawaken nostalgia.

In the past, the studio chemistry and artistic synergy between the duo have achieved music stardom from topping charts to becoming a street anthem which is evident in 'GWAGWALADA' and 'Pidgin & English' tracks. This record has topped the Nigerian Apple Music chart at No. 1.

Produced by Sarz, the mid-tempo instrumental is adorned by a variety of elements in the production. Sarz modernizes the sample by adding more soulful synth while the mastering of the track illuminates it. The track glides across a spectrum of genres, fusing Malian musical elements and leaning heavily into Afro-pop. The choral vocals from the Malian children elevate the track. The guitar and flute unleash a soothing sonic foundation for BNXN's emotive nasalised vocals supported by subtle percussion that complements the soulful feel. The undertone tambourine interweaves throughout the chorus and verse and adds flavour to the cut.

Sarz x BNXN

The reflective track is bilingual in Pidgin and Bambara, a Mande language primarily spoken in Mali, as it references Almighty God. The notable lyrics, 

Onema dan ka tu meh na ke ta ge, wugoro

Ja du ye mo le ko a la fri a la yi, ye mu doh (Bambara), whose translation in English means:

It is God who gives, and what He has given, no one can take away.

No matter what happens we will keep going — don't worry.

The track's theme leans heavily on the original song's clear message while BNXN layers on it only in the first verse. He struggles to elaborate the theme in his later verses and flows with the Nigerian-contemporary vibe thereby diluting the concept.

Many Nigerian singers are skilled at sampling older records however, if they must, they should elevate the original not just sonically but with deeper lyrics and relatable images for today's audience. BNXN possesses the voice and platform to do exactly that — all that remains is a sharper pen.

Stream on Audiomack, Watch on YouTube.