Palaver is a song from Ify Otuya’s debut EP E.D.M.O, a 19-minutes 2010 release containing a total of 5 tracks. E.D.M.O means the Eclectic Definition of Miss O and was accordingly titled to depict the diversity in Ify Otuya’s music influences and the versatility of her rich music style and lyrics. Her influences on the EP range from RnB, Soul, Gospel, Pop and Afrobeat to Rap. The Afrobeat song Palaver is a sultry soulful spin on Fela Kuti’s song of the same title. It retains the original guitar line and closeness of instrumentals against the backdrop of vocals that serenade from beginning to the end. Consistent with the rest of the EP, it features Ify’s energetic vocals on both lead and backing vocals, intricately arranged. It was never released as a single but the song was performed several times by Ify in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, sometimes to a backing track and other times to live instruments and a band.
Lyrics
Intro
Palaver (x12)
Palaver palaver
Verse 1
I wasn’t looking for nobody when u came my way
swagging up in a steeze worth first place
U say na me u dey see when u sleep at night
And if I no go gree, I go give u heart attack
Prechorus
U said ur love for me would never hurt me
Never lie to me, ever console me
Na me be fool o, I don forget o
I don see ur kind before
Chorus
U think say u bad, u think say u bad
Tell me how u bad o, tell me how u bad o
When na palaver u dey find, Palaver u dey find
Na palaver u go get o, Palaver u go get o
Verse 2
I put aside me dreams and my friends for u
And with a word I gave my family up for u
People tell me say u no be the worthy kind
But to keep u satisfied I would never think twice
Pre-chorus…
Chorus…
Bridge
U want trouble I’m gonn give u till u satisfied
I no go rest till u get am make u bellefull
Allow me to be the fairy to the heartless
Give thanks as u receive ur harvest
I’m gonna take ur heart and put it in ur mouth
Until u get a taste of the evil deep inside
U go beg o, u go cry o
I no go stop till u drop
Chorus…
© Ify Otuya, 2009. All Rights Reserved.
Palaver can be streamed freely on online streaming platforms and purchased on iTunes and Amazon.
Submit your review | |
