Rema, a Nigerian afrobeats sensation and staple artist on MandyNews, consistently wows us with his lyrical prowess and unique musical style.
His song, “Charm,” is no different. Let’s take a deep dive into the lyrics and extract the meaning behind this fan-favorite track.
“Charm” is a love song that blends elements of Afro-pop and dancehall, all glazed with Rema’s signature vibes. The lyrics are a blend of English and Nigerian Pidgin, a testament to Rema’s Nigerian roots.
“Come here, wetin dey worry you? Bring body make I rock am, yeah, yeah”
The pre-chorus above is a plea to the love interest. ‘Wetin dey worry you?’ is a Pidgin phrase which means ‘What’s bothering you?’. Rema, in this line, is trying to comfort his partner, suggesting they get closer, perhaps to dance or for comfort.
“I know you senior me I get money pass your papa”
In this context, ‘senior’ refers to someone older. The lyrics suggest that even though the lady is older, Rema possesses enough wealth to take care of her, even more than her father could. This is quite a common theme in popular music, the ability to provide and cater to a partner’s needs.
“Shey you be Kizz Daniel ni? You better drop your body armor”
This line is playful and metaphorical. It insinuates that the lady is being protective or playing hard to get. ‘Shey you be Kizz Daniel ni?’ loosely translates to ‘Are you Kizz Daniel?’ – an allusion to a fellow Nigerian singer known for his love songs. Rema suggests that she should drop her defenses and allow him in.
“Soco, ah Sofry with this body Make we run am on a lowkey Baby you know me”
“Soco” is a popular slang term in Nigeria, often used in songs to depict a relaxed or chill atmosphere. The chorus further emphasizes Rema’s intentions to have a low-key, relaxed relationship with the lady in question.
“Come make I drive your mhm Come make I drive this your jalopy Baby allow me Tip you off with alawi”
This excerpt serves to further illustrate the previous point. The word ‘jalopy’ is slang for an old car, and here, it could be used as a metaphor for taking control of the relationship or guiding its direction. ‘Alawi’ refers to a small allowance or tips, and in the context of the song, it could mean that Rema wants to shower her with gifts.
Intro
London Another banger
- London: A common tag in Afrobeat and Afropop songs by a Nigerian-British Platinum record producer, and disc jockey, widely known for his tag “London”.
- Another banger: Rema is declaring that this song is going to be another hit.
Pre-Chorus
Come here, wetin dey worry you?
- Wetin dey worry you?: A Nigerian pidgin phrase meaning “What’s bothering you?” Rema is asking the woman what’s on her mind.
I know you senior me I get money pass your papa
- Senior me: A term used in Nigeria to imply someone is older or more experienced.
- I get money pass your papa: Rema confidently states that he has more money than her father, implying that he can provide for her.
Shey you be Kizz Daniel ni?
- Kizz Daniel: A popular Nigerian artist known for his confidence and swagger. Rema playfully compares the woman’s attitude to Kizz Daniel’s.
Chorus
Soco, ah
- Soco: A Nigerian slang term that means to dance or vibe to music.
Sofry with this body
- Sofry: A Nigerian pidgin word meaning to take it slow or be gentle.
E get as you go move wey I no go ‘gree
- E get as you go move: Nigerian pidgin for “There’s a way you move.”
- I no go ‘gree: Nigerian pidgin for “I won’t agree” or “I won’t be able to resist.”
Come make I drive your mhm Come make I drive this your jalopy
- Drive your mhm/jalopy: A metaphor for taking control of her body or driving her crazy.
Tip you off with alawi
- Alawi: A Nigerian slang term for money or allowance. Rema promises to spoil her with money and gifts.
Verse
You too dey stiff, dey do like say your waist no dey eh, e no dey bend
- You too dey stiff: Nigerian pidgin for “You’re too stiff” or “You’re not relaxed.”
- Your waist no dey bend: Rema playfully teases the woman for not loosening up and dancing.
Gimme boom-baka-boom
- Boom-baka-boom: A playful, rhythmic phrase that emphasizes the lively and energetic nature of the song.
Refrain
Egba mi oh
- Egba mi oh: A Yoruba phrase meaning “Please help me” or “Save me.” Rema is asking for help because he’s overwhelmed by the woman’s charm.
E dey burst my bololo
- E dey burst my bololo: A Nigerian pidgin expression meaning “It’s blowing my mind” or “It’s driving me crazy.” Rema is expressing how the woman’s allure has a strong effect on him.
Rema Charm Lyrics
[Intro]
London
Another banger
[Pre-Chorus]
Come here, wetin dey worry you?
Bring body make I rock am, yeah, yeah
I know you senior me
I get money pass your papa
Wetin you want wey I no fit do for you?
Why you wan dey buga wọn?
Shey you be Kizz Daniel ni?
You better drop your body armor
[Chorus]
Soco, ah
Sofry with this body
Make we run am on a lowkey
Baby you know me
E get as you go move wey I no go ‘gree
Come make I drive your mhm
Come make I drive this your jalopy
Baby allow me
Tip you off with alawi
[Refrain]
See body oh (See body, see body oh)
Egba mi oh (Egba mi, egba mi oh)
E dey burst my bololo
E dey burst my bololo (E dey burst my bololo)
Please help me oh
Me I don jam wetin pass me oh
[Pre-Chorus]
Come here, wetin dey worry you? (Worry you, uhh)
Bring body make I rock am (Yeah, yeah)
I know you senior me (Me)
I get money pass your papa (Pass your papa, oh)
Wetin you want wey I no fit do for you? (For you)
Why you wan dey buga wọn? (Wọn)
Shey you be Kizz Daniel ni? (Mhmm)
You better drop your body armor
[Verse]
You too dey form with this love of a thing baby eh, lend me, lend
I get pounds for you, you wan dey do like say eh, naira no dey end
You too dey stiff, dey do like say your waist no dey eh, e no dey bend
Oya follow my command baby do like I do
Baby front and back
Gimme boom-baka-boom
[Chorus]
Soco, ah
Sofry with this body
Make we run am on a lowkey
Baby you know me
E get as you go move wey I no go ‘gree
Come make I drive your mhm
Come make I drive this your jalopy
Baby allow me
Tip you off with alawi
[Pre-Chorus]
Come here, wetin dey worry you? (Worry you, uhh)
Bring body make I rock am (Yeah, yeah)
I know you senior me (Me)
I get money pass your papa (Pass your papa, oh)
Wetin you want wey I no fit do for you? (Wetin you want wey I no fit do for you?)
Why you wan dey buga wọn? (Buga wọn)
Shey you be Kizz Daniel ni? (Mhmm)
You better drop your body armor
[Chorus]
Soco, ah (Ayy)
Sofry with this body
Make we run am on a lowkey
Baby you know me
E get as you go move wey I no go ‘gree
Come make I drive your mhm
Come make I drive this your jalopy
“Charm” beautifully captures the essence of young love, fused with the richness of Nigerian Pidgin English, making it relatable to many of his fans. The song has surely added to Rema’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most promising young artists.
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Source: MandyNews.com
Anonymous
October 21, 2023 at 8:59 PM
Nice song👍🥇🥈🥉🇳🇬 Nigerian style