Leave grammar, leave metaphor, leave irony; in short, leave big English. I’m here for the ‘I said what I said’ cruise. I intend to be as plain as possible, because who no hear go hear. Before writing this, I had listened to the album over and over. I have read comments, reviews—a lot has been said. This collage of reactions prompted the making of this review, in which I intend to put forward my opinions, shed light, debunk opinions and by all means snatch wigs and drag one or two bunch of people.
Burna Boy always carries himself as someone that ‘knows his shit.’ Unapologetic, direct—he carries himself as though he is god-level good, maybe because he is. Twice as Tall, the album, has shown us that. Twice as Tall serves a purpose of reaffirmation, bringing to our attention why Burna Boy is tagged the ‘African Giant.’ For those who thought this title was just an empty phrase and undeserved accolades, this is your cue to reevaluate your stance.
From the cover art to the last word said in this body of work, purpose is embedded. After this analysis, I trust a lot of people will see this project in a new light. Burnaboy has gone beyond Nigeria, yet still deep in his roots, which is why he is the Afican Giant. I dare to say, if ‘Africa to the world’ were a person, it would be Burnaboy. For those wondering where the ‘Old Burna Boy’ went, he evolved. Twice as Tall is not just for Nigeria, it is for Africa. We might as well start getting used to this evolution, because it has become too clear that Burna Boy’s vision and scope is much bigger than just Nigeria.
Let’s dive right into the dissection of Twice as tall, shall we?
Listening to the album and looking at the cover instils a vibe; still on that god vibe, that superiority, with Burna Boy looking down at you from up there. It instils a feeling of awe and respect, of greatness, a feeling of one who is not afraid to be everything he is. It is significant of authority and strength. Looking closely, we see people standing on his shoulder. They represent Africa, our people, our struggles, thoughts, feelings, voices and more. Burna Boy in Twice as Tall, anchors all these, pulling them to the very centre of the stage, giving them audience and attention through his very own voice and self. If you do not see your life as an African reflected in this project, if you can’t identify with it, maybe you should look again. As a Nigerian and even more, as an African, I feel deeply represented with this. Also, let’s agree the cover also suggests Burna Boy is finally about to step on our necks with this one.
Level Up(Twice as Tall) is a very befitting introduction. It’s a perfect floor opener. The tempo sets the vibe. When I heard the beginning of it, I went, ‘Just what is Burna Boy up to?’ As it progressed, the vibe clicked. It has the vibe of one arranging chairs; as though setting the room for a show, for a long ride. Yassouni gave a rich flavour to this song. His verse has sunrise ‘Hakuna Matata’ vibes, a subtle call to wake up, a call to positivity, to a new era, to a new sound, to evolution. It says, ‘Africa, wake up! Let’s wake the world.’ Burna Boy speaks about past times, when his greatness wasn’t understood, and in verse two, he says ‘I’m a mother fucking legend and I say it proudly.’ Typical Burna, with his unapologetic confidence. There could have been no better welcome.
Level Up takes us into Alarm clock, a louder wake up call. Alarm Clock puts in pressure, just in case anyone was left sleeping even after the wake up call in Level Up. Like DJ Voyst would say, Sleeping is a crime. Alarm Clock is that song we use to wash our face after waking up, make eyes shine well well. Short, yes, but it served its purpose, which is to incite frenzy.
Way too Big is one of my favourites. This is the Burna Boy I love to see, the one that causes ‘pepper body’ for those that don’t like Burna Boy because of his ‘Pride.’ Here, Burna Boy is direct, openly declaring his greatness. He says, ‘I’m way too big to be fucking with you. I’m way too cool to be losing my cool.’ Burna Boy lets us know that he is way up there where he belongs, just in case anyone was thinking otherwise for one second. If you are on this ship, this is all the reminder you need to clear doubts. Burna Boy is not your mate. He said that.
Bebo is a nice vibe. Rexxie did a good job on it. Although it’s not in my top 5 favourites of this album, I don’t skip it. It’s a very nice vibe, more subtle, hence coming after the loud and weighted Way Too Big, it compliments it just fine, leading us into Wonderful. Wonderful is a familiar sound, yet the see finish effect didn’t exactly rub off on it. A number of people would have skipped it, not because it’s not great, but mostly because of the excitement to unbox the newer items, especially on the first listen.
I find Onyeka(Baby) very interesting. It’s that song you’d use to burst a palm wine joint. It’s favourite to a good number of people. The igbo vibe in it is our typical Burna Boy at work. He never spares any chance to add the spice of diversity to his works. It is also a nice sprinkle of love, amidst the many other conversations going on.
Naughty by Nature comes off nostalgic, it has a familiar 90s flow. Naughty by Nature’s footprints are very obvious in this track. Overall, the flow of the song is their style. Burna Boy blended into it perfectly, still finding a way to own it. As for Comma, Burna simply came to snatch wigs and throw shades, highlight questionable lifestyles, discourage fake life and promote originality. He says, ‘tell me why your skin so light and your elbow black, I dey see comma there.’ With this, the idea of what Comma symbolizes is vividly expressed. However, personally, I do subscribe to the idea, that people are free to do whatever they please with their bodies, and should not be judged for it.
No Fit Vex, for me, is the most typical form of Burna Boy in this work, probably why some people tagged it as regular. It is truly, your regular, good ol’ Burna Boy. It brought back Soke memories. Here, Burna encourages celebrating with those who celebrate, work hard, keep going, your turn will come. He speaks the Hustler condition, and for every Hustler out there, this should hit differently.
23 is also a favourite to a lot of people. For many that have foresight and understand Burna Boy’s inclines, the track title “23” should bring one thought to mind immediately—Michael Jordan. This analogy is the skeleton of this track, and it’s beautiful to see; Jordan the Basketball icon and Burna Boy the music industry icon. From excitement, Tolu Daniels says, ‘Give Burna Boy the Championship Ring for 23 please.’ 23 is definitely a great vibe, and the “Woro si Woro” at the background is a delightful spice.
One of the highlights of this entire album for me, is Burna’s hook on Time flies, the Zulu sent shivers down my spine. I felt my heart beating in sync to the rhythm. At my first listen to this, I felt so proud being African. It’s the Gbim Gbim vibes for me. It has Odogwu vibes. It reminds me of how beautiful Africa is, our culture, our energy, our diversity, nothing replaces that. We are amazing people all by ourselves. Sauti Sol on Time Flies is heart melting, his usual soft rhythm and flow is simply a beautiful mix, it never goes wrong with Sauti Sol, neither does it with Burna Boy. The two of them together? Perfection. The Spoken words at the end were just perfect.
Monsters You Made is undoubtedly my favourite track on Twice as Tall. Alongside the reggae roots and rock fusion, Chris Martin’s flow speaks to the heart. It makes the heart bleed, it sings the struggle, we feel it. This hook should awaken something in you, as an African, and as a human being. Monsters You Made is a cry, it’s a conversation: Police brutality, systemic racism, slavery, misuse of Africa’s resources, injustice, corruption. This is the Grammy song. This is the Twice as Tall’s reflection checkpoint. Chris Martins says, ‘There’s only so much you can take, we are the monsters you made.’ Something about this coming from him, makes it hit even deeper. Burna Boy said what he said in this song. When you say real things like this, you earn the premium rights to say, ‘I said what I said.’ I mean, he said, ‘Fuck Mungo Park and the Fool.’ He said that. Burna Boy is really the African Giant, He gives us energy, he speaks our condition with much empathy and passion. He helps us find our voices amidst so many efforts to silence it. Burna Boy says, call us monsters, we will revolt, we will speak. This is his truth, our truth. All of us.
On to Wettin Dey Sup; I’m particular about this song, especially as there’s growing misconceptions around it. The intro line says, ‘I no be one of those men that fear toto fuck yansh, check an na kpakorokpa.’ Some people have the idea, that this line is homophobic, and is a shade to Gay. It’s either an agenda or misconception. To my understanding, literally, Burna Boy is saying, I’m not one to have anal sex for fear of getting a girl pregnant through vagina sex. Figuratively, I interpret this as, Burna Boy saying, he does what he does ‘with his chest’, be it the hard way, he’s not one to cut corners. He does what he does without fear, and saddles to face whatever consequence. In summary, he’s saying, ‘I get liver.’
For the records, Burna Boy just released a song with Sam Smith, My Oasis, of which we very well know his sexuality. With this song, Burna Boy’s monthly listeners on spotify took an impressive jump from 7 million to 9.5 million monthly streams. If you’re somewhere thinking Burna Boy would compromise this, think again. Also, with Twice at Tall, the aim is the Grammys. If you think Burna Boy would joepardize his chances with a costly, homophobic song intro, you are wrong. Think again. So yes, Wettin Dey Sup is a jam, with strong statements.
At this point, I have to say I like the vibe Diddy’s intros and outros add to these songs. Some people are of the opinion it’s not necessary, but I think it’s a nice break and flavour, it gives the songs a more conversational feel. Real Life in Twice as Tall, is Burna Boy gradually signing out; talking about life, living, becoming, it feels like a conclusion. It is a breath of fresh air, a mini reflection piece, as the journey approaches a finish. Stormzy compliments Burna Boy just fine. From Own It, we already know them to be an outstanding duo. Bank On it, in contrast to Level up, has Sunset vibes. Hence, it feels like Twice as Tall took us through Dawn to Dusk. And now, the sun has to set, we have to say goodbye. It has a goodbye feel, the album sublimes into a beautiful exit. It has Dangote vibes, typical Burna Boy. It’s a perfect ending.
African Giant to Twice as Tall is a purposeful transition. When juxtaposed to the 19-track African Giant album, Twice as Tall serves a purpose of complimenting the former. In African Giant, Burna Boy made a huge statement, claiming the African Giant title, which caused a lot of uproar. With Twice as Tall, Burna Boy further affirms his stance. This is him implementing his African Giant statement. There are discussions centred about which is better of the two, I like to believe that, that’s not the point. Each one serves its purpose. With Twice as Tall, Burna Boy soars higher, spreading his wings wider, encompassing more of Africa. The diversity of the features in Twice as Tall prove this intention.
On Level Up, we have Youssou N’Dour, Senegalese singer-songwriter, composer and politician, singing in Wolof, a language local to Senegal. In the seventh track, Naughty by Nature, we have Naughty by Nature, an American Hip Hop trio, from East Orange, New Jersey. Time Flies has Sauti Sol on it, a popular Kenyan Afro-pop band. On Monsters You Made, Chris Martins, English singer-songwriter, musician, record producer and co-founder of the Coldplay rock band, expresses excellence. These are very thoughtful, relevant features; very intentional. It’s obvious Burna Boy knew what he was going for, judging by this combination.
On the sidelines, some people are pushing the agenda, that the production of Twice as Tall was taken away from Africans, specifically Nigerians. This has to be ignorance speaking, as eleven of the fifteen tracks were produced by Nigerian producers. If this isn’t enough to feed your entitlement, then I don’t know what will be.
In Level Up, Burna Boy says, ‘I remember when I couldn’t level up, ‘cos the Grammy had me feeling sick as fuck, throwing up.’ Burna Boy expresses his vulnerability and ambitions in Twice as Tall. To the Grammys, best be assured, Burna Boy is coming for the prize with this. He is twice as tall, thrice as large, and he is coming. Level Up is a very emotional moment for me, as a Burna Boy fan, who watched him grow. Burna Boy is one who stands firm, despite doubts, despite what people say, he always had to build a wall of confidence for himself. ‘Everyone has a story to write,’ he says. This is him telling his story, undiluted and real. Burna Boy has evolved, and it’s beautiful to see. If you refuse to appreciate this work of art, but rather, dabble in a futile quest, searching for the ‘Old Burna Boy’, where you didn’t keep him, then keep searching. Check your backyard, or your purse, maybe you will find what you seek. As for Burna Boy, the African Giant, he has evolved and the world will adapt. Catch up with the vibe when you’re ready.
The transitions between the tracks are just great, the songs compliment one another just fine and Twice as Tall has impressive replay value.
After scrolling through twitter, here are some tweets among a sea of tweets, which speak volume of the Twice as Tall album:
@kusssman: ‘You miss the Old Burna, then listen to the old Burna. Let artists evolve.
@TheToluDaniels_: ‘As you playing the album, just remember that Burna Boy really said “anywhere I go mo lati pada sile mi” and he did just that.’
@bizzleosikoya: ‘Track 1 has me in tears. #TWICEASTALL.’
@thisismanne: He might not be the biggest artiste in Nigeria, but with this album, he’s the biggest Nigerian artiste.’
@DjNeptizzle: ‘Just as I thought…Burna is going for that Grammy.’
@The_Octoberman: Burna Boy using his songs to talk about: Politics, Underdevelopment, Corruption, Police brutality, Fine girls, Personal motivation to greatness.’
@musicguides_: ‘Transition on Twice as Tall smoother than MJ’s moonwalk. Love how Burna’s vocals are totally in sync with the production.’
@estherclimate: ‘God bless @burnaboy! See how our spirits have been uplifted in the middle of the night, in a global pandemic. Real Life.’
@freshldrd: ‘1 thing about Burna is the content will never be compromised. The words, concepts and flows stay A1.’
@Oli_Ekun: ‘23 sounds like the host of heaven approved it. Burna is something else man.’
@Vader_Wildcard: ‘Most people are going to have different favourite songs on the New Burna Boy album. That’s how you know a properly crafted album. I really don’t see an overwhelming single, this na album in its truest sense. It was obviously made for a specific purpose. The Grammy’s. I LOVE IT.’
@Vibes__N: ‘An African Giant that is now twice as tall his height…Omo una no fit stop Burna again.’
@Omojuwa: ‘You’ve never met the Burna Boy on Monsters You Made on any song. And Chris Martin finished it off with his vocals.’
Burna Boy is now the first ever Nigerian artist to reach number one on the UK apple top Album. There’s more on the way. The truth is, if you think the title ‘African Giant’ is not befitting of Burna Boy at this point, nothing or noone can help you; you are entitled to your opinion—which does not in any way remove a single particle from Burna Boy’s greatness. It is just what it is—your opinion, period.
Burna Boy did come back standing twice as tall. He says, ‘I’m a Destiny Child. I’m a survivor.’ This album means much more to Burna Boy than it does to any of us out here. To Burna Boy, we love you, we appreciate your journey, we are here for you, we will testify to your greatness.
If you think this is a review only aimed at glorifying Burna Boy, justifying his bragging rights, explaining why he is way up in the clouds, debunking claims that oppose his African Giant status and stating how Twice as Tall is a complete success, then you are very correct. You are very correct. Africans all around the world must be raising their shoulders in unapologetic pride, because Burna has made us proud.
In summary, the Grammys may kindly prepare our award. And Burna, prepare your appreciation speech ahead of the Grammys.
