"Pour Me Water" is a song by Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel, off his first EP Barnabas (2021). The song was produced by Blaisebeatz and released under Flyboy I.N.C and Empire Distribution.
| "Pour Me Water" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Kizz Daniel | |
| from the EP Barnabas | |
| Released | 19 November 2021 |
| Genre | Afro pop |
| Length | 2:26 |
| Label |
|
| Songwriter(s) | Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe |
| Producer(s) | Blaisebeatz |
| Music video | |
| "Pour Me Water" on YouTube | |
Meaning
editIn an interview with Guardian Life, Kizz Daniel revealed that "Pour Me Water" is rooted in personal experience, describing it as "like my reality." He explained that the song reflects a phase in his life when he desired someone who did not reciprocate his feelings. "At some point in a guy’s life, you get to want something that doesn’t want you back," he shared. "I wanted someone so bad that I kept ignoring the signs that this person doesn’t want me as much." He also noted that this experience occurred before he rose to fame as Kizz Daniel.[1]
Critical reception
editDennis Ade Peter, writing for the Native, in a review of Barnabas, observed that in Afropop, familiarity might not always be compelling, but it can be refreshing to witness an artist operating confidently within their comfort zone. He noted that "nearly everything Kizz Daniel offers on Barnabas has a predecessor or precursor in his catalogue." Specifically about "Pour Me Water," he wrote that it is "thankfully not as crass as the viral 'Fvck You,' choosing instead to offer a vulnerable perspective into dealing with an unfaithful romantic partner."[2]
Motolani Alake of Pulse Nigeria noted that while records like "Eh God (Barnabas)" showcase Kizz Daniel's classic style, blending killer adlibs, quasi-traditional Yoruba percussion, and catchy hooks, tracks like "Pour Me Water," "Addict," and "Lie" reflect a shift toward the demands of contemporary Nigerian pop music. He highlighted that the beat for "Pour Me Water" "might easily attract someone like Buju." Alake further remarked that "sonically, 'Pour Me Water' and 'Addict' also represent a slight evolution for Kizz Daniel," pointing to his reflective and contemplative approach across the Barnabas EP, as the artist explored themes of love, dreams, youth, and faith.[3]
Fatiat Saliu of Afrocritik praised Kizz Daniel's ability to create impactful intros, noting that "Pour Me Water" continues the trend seen in tracks like "New King" from New Era, "Gods" from No Bad Songz, and "Jaho" from King of Love. She highlighted the song's mid-tempo groove and its exploration of unequal love in relationships. Kizz Daniel sings about the pain of not receiving the same love and care he offers, promising to move on and warning his partner not to retaliate when he does. Saliu described the track as a heartfelt reflection on the desire for a relationship where "neither of them is hurting."[4]
Music video
editThe music video for "Pour Me Water" was directed by The Alien and shot in Lagos. It tells an unexpected story of broken relationships and the struggle to move on. Kizz Daniel delivers a captivating performance in sharp, clear frames that highlight his compelling presence. The visuals celebrate the artistry of the song, combining its intricate musical arrangements with the flawless texture of Kizz Daniel’s vocals.[5]
Charts
editWeekly charts
edit| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Nigeria (TurnTable Top 100)[6] | 20 |
| UK Afrobeats Singles (OCC)[7] | 15 |
Year-end charts
edit| Chart (2022) | Position |
|---|---|
| Nigeria (TurnTable)[8] | 21 |
Certifications
edit| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria (TCSN)[9] | Platinum | 100,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
edit- ^ Chinonso Ihekire (15 January 2022). "Kizz Daniel… Intimate Melodies Of Barnabas". Guardian Life. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
- ^ Dennis Ade Peter (26 November 2021). "Essentials: Kizz Daniel remains as reliable as ever on new EP, 'Barnabas'". The Native. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
- ^ Motolani Alake (23 November 2021). "Kizz Daniel's 'Barnabas' is experimental yet fresh [Pulse EP Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
- ^ Fatiat Saliu (30 November 2021). "Kizz Daniel Upholds His Excellent Staple in "Barnabas"". Afrocritik. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
- ^ Oreoritse Tariemi (17 December 2021). "Kizz Daniel Releases High Quality Visuals For Hit Single 'Pour Me Water'". Guardian Life. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
- ^ "Official Nigeria Top 100". TurnTable.
- ^ "POUR ME WATER – KIZZ DANIEL". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "End of the Year Charts — TurnTable Top 100". TurnTable. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ "Nigeria certifications". TurnTable. Retrieved 5 December 2024.