Just Bunmi – “Coded” review: quiet confidence that speaks volumes

September 30th, 2025

By Yinka Olatunbosun

In a world of Afropop where everything is usually loud, flashy, and over-the-top, Just Bunmi’s new single Coded feels like a breath of fresh air. Released on September 27, 2025, the song doesn’t try to grab you with big energy or show-off vibes. Instead, it wins you over with careful details, perfect balance, and that calm confidence you only get from someone who really knows what they’re doing.

Right from the start, you get a simple beat and light, floating synths that make space for Bunmi’s voice. Her singing is warm, steady, and never rushed, every line feels thought out and full of feeling, but never too much. The production is clean and modern, letting her voice shine without piling on extra sounds. It’s the kind of clear, uncluttered sound that a lot of pop tracks could really learn from.

The lyrics are about those hidden messages we send when we’re scared or not ready to say how we really feel, that careful coded way of showing affection without laying it all out. Bunmi nails that push-and-pull feeling: close but still a little distant. There’s real vulnerability here, but it’s quiet and self-aware, never dramatic. The words are honest and easy to relate to, though I think a bit more storytelling depth could have made it even stronger.

Musically, Coded fits right into today’s global Afropop scene. The beat has those subtle West African rhythms we love, while the shiny mix and melody feel right at home on international playlists. You could easily hear this on Lagos radio or anywhere in the world, it shows how comfortable Bunmi is moving between both spaces.

What really makes the song special is how composed it is. There’s no chasing the latest trend or forcing a big hit. It’s just Bunmi doing what she does best: singing with taste, skill, and total control. She gets that real art doesn’t have to scream, sometimes a soft whisper can hold everyone’s attention even more.

At just over three minutes, it never drags. It leaves you with a nice, lingering feeling instead of a huge bang. If I had one small note, it’s that the energy stays pretty even throughout maybe a quieter bridge or a little surprise twist could have added more emotional lift. But honestly, even that steady vibe feels intentional, like it’s part of the song’s whole quiet personality.

For Just Bunmi, Coded is more than just a track it’s a clear sign of where she’s headed. It shows off her strong vocals, sharp songwriting, and professional touch. She’s definitely one of the most exciting new voices coming out of Nigerian music right now, and it’s easy to picture her sound growing even bigger with deeper stories and richer sounds in the future.

Coded isn’t loud, but it’s beautiful in a bright, glowing way, a confident step forward for an artist who seems ready for the world stage.