Asake teams up with Wizkid on this introspective, spiritual track titled MMS (Mr. Money Sound). The song shows how Asake and Wizkid found a way to carve a niche for themselves and their music, even when no one believed in them. It guides us through the lesser-known sides of these two Afrobeat giants. The track delves into philosophy, highlighting the futility of human pursuits, as reinforced by the lyrics:
“Ki la mu wa aye?” (What did we bring to this life?)
“Ko soun ta mu w’aye.” (We brought nothing to this life.)
“Ko si nnkan ta ma mu lọ.” (We won’t take anything back.)
The quicker people accept this truth, the sooner they’ll realize that chasing material wealth is pointless. The opening skit emphasizes this:
“See this life thing, yeah?
It’s all about understanding, bro.
You gotta understand what you’re doing.
You need direction, bro.”
Asake Shows God’s Role in Human Fate
The song also highlights the importance of leaving everything to God, who directs man’s fate. The opening lines in Yoruba say:
“O ye Ọlọhun, o ye Ọlọhun.” (God understands, God understands.)
“Gbogbo nnkan ma lo ye Ọlọhun.” (God understands everything.)
Asake Reveals the Human Side of Superstars Before Fame
The song touches on their lives before fame, showing that despite their success, they are still human, facing struggles like everyone else. Mr. Money, as Asake is popularly called, reflects on his early career struggles, dancing alone to his songs:
“When I just dey try, when I just dey try (dey try),
When I drop a song, I go need to dance (dance, dance).
I dey waka kurukere, I dey pay my price.”
Wizkid Shows His Islamic Roots and Grieves His Mother
Wizkid reveals his Islamic faith and integrates its teachings, highlighting God’s role in human destiny:
“Wabillahi Taufiq gan-an” (Allah is the One Who brings success).
“Mo dupẹ lọwọ Ọlọhun for my city gan-an” (I thank God for my city).
“You no fit run from who you are.
Man, wetin go be, man, is cast in stone.
He also addresses the recent loss of his mother, saying:
“Why mama leave me, yeah, e no long. Lost myself and I found my purpose.”
The Song’s Beat and Instrumentals Reflect Its Reflective Nature
The song’s reflective tone is echoed in the instrumentals, blending piano and electric guitar. The saxophone and bass guitar create a jazzy, midnight feel. A single drum beat, supported by bass guitar notes, ties it all together. Backup vocals enhance the spiritual ambiance, making it feel like a choir in a vaulted church. The song’s simple lyrics make it suitable for anyone, from a five-year-old to a sixty-year-old, to sing along.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the song teaches gratitude, reminding listeners that only God can change their fate. We eagerly await the video release, if there will be one, and trust it will be amazing.
