"Kukere" (Efik: "Don't think/worry") is a song by Nigerian singer Iyanya. It was released as the lead single from his second studio album, Desire (2013). Upon release, the song peaked at number one on Top FM's May Chart, Soundcity's Viewers Choice, Rhythm FM, and The Beat 99.9 FM's Blackberry Top Ten Countdown. Moreover, it peaked at number two on Radio Port Harcourt.[2] "Kukuere" won Hottest Single of the Year at 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and Best Pop Single at The Headies 2012.
| "Kukere" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Iyanya | ||||
| from the album Desire | ||||
| Released | 4 December 2011[1] | |||
| Recorded | 2010–11 | |||
| Genre | Afrobeats | |||
| Length | 3:43 | |||
| Label | Made Men Music Group | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Iyanya Mbuk, Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo | |||
| Producer(s) | D'Tunes | |||
| Iyanya singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Kukere" on YouTube | ||||
Background
editCEO Dancers performed the song during their performance on Britain's Got Talent.[3] Cokobar and Iyanya organized the Kukere Queen Competition in order to better promote the album in London. The competition required participants to submit a dancing video of themselves along with three justifications for why they should win.[4]
Accolades
edit| Year | Awards ceremony | Award description(s) | Results | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Hottest Single of the Year | Won | [5] |
| City People Entertainment Awards | Most Popular Song of the Year | Nominated | [6] | |
| 2012 | Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) | Best Contemporary Afro (Live Beats choice) | Nominated | [7] |
| The Headies 2012 | Best Pop Single | Won | [8][9] | |
| Song of the Year | Nominated |
Kukere (Remix)
edit| "Kukere (Remix)" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Iyanya featuring D'banj | ||||
| from the album Desire | ||||
| Released | 20 August 2012 | |||
| Recorded | 2012 | |||
| Genre | Afrobeats | |||
| Length | 4:28 | |||
| Label | Made Men Music Group | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Iyanya Mbuk, Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo | |||
| Producer(s) | D'Tunes | |||
| Iyanya singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
The remix of "Kukere" was made available on August 20, 2012; it features vocals by D'banj and serves as the album's third single.[10] The track reprises the original song's hook and instrumental.[11]
Background
editIn an interview with Toolz, Iyanya said D'banj reached out to him to do the remix and that he was honored to work with the singer. Iyanya also stated that the remix would have a music video; however, the video was never made or published.[12]
Critical reception
editThe remix of "Kukere" received positive reviews from music critics. Jaguda's Ayo Jaguda praised Iyanya for releasing "one of the biggest dance track ever made" and commended D'Tunes for "the crazy beat".[13] Damilare Aiki of BellaNaija said the song "became a national anthem" after being released and that it was "a breath of fresh air".[14] Demola OG of NotJustOk characterized the song as a "huge national track" and commended both Iyanya and D'banj for recording the song.[15]
References
edit- ^ "New Heat: Iyanya – Kukere". 360nobs. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^ "Iyanya Mbuk Biography (Nigerian Music Artist)". Nigerian Music Network. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
- ^ "Booty-tastic! CEO Dancers shake the BGT stage – With Iyanya (Kukere) & D' banj (Oliver)". sndmag. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
- ^ "Iyanya Picks his Kukere Queen! Co-Hosts "Kukere Concert" With Tonto Dikeh on 9th June 2013 in London". Bella Niaja. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
- ^ "Full List Of Nigeria Entertainment Awards Winners". spyghana. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
- ^ Aiki, Damilare (19 June 2013). "Ice Prince, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Sarkodie, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Yvonne Okoro, Tonto Dikeh & BellaNaija Nominated for the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards - See the Full List". Bellanaija. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
- ^ "Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA 2012 ) Full Winners List". Tooxclusive. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
- ^ "Headies Awards 2012: Full List Of Winners". ModernGhana. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ^ "The Headies (Hip Hop World Awards 2012) Winners List". Hiphopworldmagazine. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
- ^ "World Premiere: Iyanya-Kukere Remix ft D'banj". Gidilounge. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2013.
- ^ "Iyanya – Kukere (Remix) (Feat. D'Banj)". BiGx Media Company. Archived from the original on 8 December 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2013.
- ^ "Ndani TV: Iyanya talks about Yvonne Nelson// his new single and shows..." YouTube. Retrieved 8 October 2013.
- ^ "New Music: Iyanya – Kukere [Remix] Ft D'banj". Jaguda. Retrieved 8 October 2013.
- ^ "New Music: Iyanya Feat. D'banj – Kukere Remix". Bellanaija. Retrieved 8 October 2013.
- ^ "PREMIERE: Iyanya ft. D'banj – Kukere (Remix)". Notjustok. Retrieved 8 October 2013.