Oscar Dice and Kaydeeikorin Share A Story of Reflection on “Kettle”

27 December 2024

Emmanuel Daraloye

Oscar Dice and Kaydeeikorin’s collaboration on “Kettle” provides a distinct message and mood when a listener presses play on the record. In the song’s first few moments, we are thrust into an introspective atmosphere that wells from a wealth of lived experience and real pressures. It sidesteps the banal aspects of life, as “Kettle” finds its strength in the sincerity of the messages and how they are relayed.
The instrumental carries a level of intrigue as it provides steady pockets for both artists to leave their mark. Like many great songs, the elements of the instrumental mirror the record’s emotional core, characterized by mid-tempo percussions. As a result, the record’s tempo gives the artist the best possible platform to leave their most important message — that life keeps moving and responsibilities don’t pause so neither can you. Overstimulation is not a worry for the listener as the production’s arrangement provides enough space to let each lyric leave a mark on the listener. Feelings of intimacy are felt through the record through a combination of these sonic choices.

“Kettle” is anchored by a single fact that rings through all facets of life — everyone is dealing with something of their own. The central idea behind the line “every aboki man with him kettle” is a metaphoric expression about all our individual journeys and battles. Oscar Dice and Kaydeeikorin approach this theme with bucket loads of worldly wisdom that is weaved into their verses as they comfortably between English and Yoruba. Portrayed in Nigerian language, the message is broad and universal, and will certainly connect with anyone familiar with the grind for a better life.

Kaydeeikorin leaves an artistic impression so strong that it reverberates through the song. Though only featured, he makes valuable contributions to the emotional landscape of “Kettle”. With controlled and gentle vocals, he reveals a calm assurance that serves as a gentle foil to the nature of the subject matter. His idea is not to impose emotions on the listener. Rather, by using this approach, he gives his verse a reflective quality, in a way that feels like he is sharing his emotional state out loud. When elements of confidence and self-belief surface, they come across as natural extensions of experience rather than exaggerated bravado.

Oscar Dice is no slouch on the record either, giving a sturdy performance that adds layers of feeling to Kaydeeikorin’s tone. His verses reinforce the song’s themes without getting monotonous, adding new elements of meaning to “Kettle”. They explore their easygoing synergy, trading lines to collaborate and not compete. The song benefits from this delicate balance; with no voice overshadowing the other, letting the song’s message land for this reason.

Beyond its technical strengths, “Kettle” leaves an impression on the listener due to its emotional honesty. It entertains without the need to deviate from its meaning, offering listeners an engaging yet reflective experience. While the pair do not claim to have all the answers, the song acknowledges the shared reality of striving for something better while acknowledging humble beginnings.

For all its strengths, “Kettle” presents itself as a quietly impactful record that asks for one’s ears and hearts while rewarding who listens. Through thoughtful production, sincere lyricism, and especially Kaydeeikorin’s nuanced performance, the song captures the complexity of everyday hustle with clarity and honesty.