When “Ozumba Mbadiwe” dropped on 20 October 2021, it immediately rose to the pinnacle of Nigeria’s music mainstream. Why? Well, for one, it serves as a reminder to the monstrous massacre of the #EndSARS protesrers a year prior, reminding the government of the vile grand saddening end to the peaceful protests that had erupted in the country a year ago (2020). The second verse focused mainly on that: “Well if you think say you be giant you be giant for your pocket / If you only fight for your pocket / For your pocket / October 20 2020 Something happen with the government / They think say we go forget / For where mmm / For Ozumba Mbadiwe“. The song’s catchy hook and head bopping rhythm also made for a sure party-popper, especially during the festive seasons last year (2021).
Today, 4 February 2022, sees the remix of the smash-hit “Ozumba Mbadiwe” hit DSPs, with Fireboy DML being the guest star on it and oh boy, it has been met with mixed reactions and heavy criticism by fans on the internet. While tonnes of considerable number of people consider it a necessary and “fire” remix in that Fireboy brought his special sauce and killed the P.Priime-produced instrumentals on “Ozumba Mbadiwe”, quite a crowd consider it unnecessary and underwhelming, especially coming from an artiste the caliber of Fireboy DML.
A few fans do point out the fact that Fireboy deviated from the main topic on “Ozumba Mbadiwe”, as he solely focused on singing about making money and his wins thus far in his career, with the only reference to Ozumba Mbadiwe (an actual place located at Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria) came on his last bar: “Oya oya oya send me my money / Oya oya oya wire my raba / Owo Io Ie gbe mi wa Ie / Owo Io Ie gbe me wa Ie / And in case the money enter / I go dey oriental for Ozumba Mbadiwe“. Check out some reactions:
It's a totally opposite of what the main song projects. And will kill the vibe I especially enjoy about the song. Songs like that most times don't need a Remix and if they do it should continue to preach what the preacher was preaching.
— Ogo Ogwuche (@OgoJrMatthew) February 4, 2022
Fireboy actual forgot the motive of that song… e didn’t talk about the event that occurred in Ozumba mbadiwe… e changed the whole thing to Money
— ♠️ACEPLUG_D_ GADGET PROF🔌 (@ace_de_plug) February 4, 2022
I thought Ozumba Mbadiwe is about Lekki Toll Gate Massacre. Fireboy no even care, bobo just dey hype himself con add Oriental Ozumba Mbadiwe at the end. Walahi, ko lo rara.
— Lola Okunrin (@lollypeezle) February 4, 2022
Fireboy verse on ozumba mbadiwe remix something else
As in, not even necessary#SaveAkungba— Gabby🟢 (@GabbyThaMan) February 4, 2022
This Ozumba Mbadiwe Remix no match the Original.
Fireboy DML forgot that there is a story on that song.
Talking about getting money in Lagos, get as e be for ear …
Reekado Banks Original piece still bangs! pic.twitter.com/mmM62oD2YK
— Obaino Chukwukadibia #FreeChikeIbezim (@ObinnaChukwukad) February 4, 2022
Others on the other hand, outrightly called the Fireboy DML feature on “Ozumba Mbadiwe” unnecessary, underwhelming and not up to par without giving a definite reason for being of such notions.
https://twitter.com/Day_veedd/status/1489489833856847874?t=ZEKSOOohW-9ZMI_OpAi0Rw&s=19
https://twitter.com/Just_Silva__/status/1489493735553576963?t=ZEKSOOohW-9ZMI_OpAi0Rw&s=19
https://twitter.com/vinz_matthews/status/1489482428699881477?t=ZEKSOOohW-9ZMI_OpAi0Rw&s=19
Ozumba Mbadiwe remix isn’t bad at all but I see no reason for a remix. Fireboy and Reekado Banks are two stupendously talented guys, a new track would have been better .
— OTUNBA (@ManLikeIcey) February 4, 2022
Was Fireboy really needed on that Ozumba Mbadiwe Remix??😒
— Fine Boy M. I. D. E (@i_am_olamide1) February 4, 2022
What do you think? Is Reekado Banks’ remix of “Ozumba Mbadiwe” really necessary? Was it worth it? Here’s a snippet:
Got @fireboydml on Ozumba Mbadiwe and he did some damages 🔥. Remix out midnight. Stay uppp 🚀 pic.twitter.com/jPQjZBwIHJ
— REEKADO BANKS (@ReekadoBanks) February 3, 2022
Stream the remix: