Iferin Sets The Vibe With Shinzu For Kolaq Alagbo

Ezekiel Okpuzor

African women continue to stand up and be counted in our continent’s music space. They bring flair to our soundscape, displaying their colourful personalities and talents that span across production and songwriting. Just as we’ve seen world stars like Tems, Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr blossom in the public eye, there are many still making their way to the top. Enter Ifeoluwa Abodunrin-Oni, known more fondly through the moniker Iferin, who continues to spread her wings, blessing her collaborators with her production technique and songwriting prowess. It has been an experience watching her talent unfold through a series of consistent releases that are buzzing within different niches of the Afrobeats soundscape.

If you had never heard her work before, you would be inclined to have a good first impression of her when you hear Kolaq Alagbo, a record she worked on with talented artist Shinzu. A rather unconventional love song, Shinzu benefits from Iferin’s approach to the record as he puts up fun melodies to complement her slow burning production. She is also credited as a writer on the song, and when you listen closely to the way the lyrics sit in the pockets of the beat, you can tell
that it was written by someone who’s familiar with the song’s progressions. Iferin’s influence is littered all over Kolaq Alagbo.

Her idea for this song is simple. Some kicks, claps and guitar riffs set the tone for this record. The simplicity of the composition means that no element outshines the other, they all work together to carry the vibe of the record from start to finish. The beauty of the song is in its simplicity, because it gives the artist a clear message and almost makes the decision for them regarding the melodies to go with. Of course, this has an influence on the replay value.

Kolaq Alagbo feels the way it does because of its uncomplicated nature. Iferin perfectly understood the assignment and what the record needed; it shows in the way the song is written. The rhyme schemes are easy, even the words are playful; the combination of these results in the cool vibe that the song gives. It’s a perfect song to unwind to — the listener’s head bops and feet taps show that there is a vibe to be caught with this song.

Iferin’s heavy influence on Kolaq Alagbo doesn’t take away from Shinzu’s brilliant performance on the record. One thing that stands out here is his delivery. The song’s playful lyrics doesn’t stop him from singing his heart out in a way that compels you to join him, making an already catchy song even more fun to partake in. He’s strong with his backup vocals, and together with Iferin, they created a song that’s worthy of living on any playlist. Their collaboration is one packed with synergy, and this synergy that they share is evident as you listen to the song. Teamwork truly makes the dream work.

Collaborations like this one between Iferin and Shinzu has been the recipe for the birth of world stars. Iferin’s prowess as a producer and songwriter is sure to elevate her into the realm of the greats in due time. She is on the verge of establishing herself as a truly multitalented act whose influence will reverberate amongst her peers and the wider world.