There’s more to great lyrics beyond the rhymes; they connect and stay on repeat in the minds of listeners.
For your music to attract and retain fans’ attention these days, you must upgrade your pen game. A good beat alone no longer cuts it; your lyrics now have to have the right ingredients. This is the secret behind the biggest African hits in recent times.
So what are those ingredients that make your lyrics stick today? Let’s get to it:
1. Authenticity
Listeners can tell when an artist is being real. You may be singing about anything from love to struggle, or success, but your lyrics should come from a place of truth.
And this is not to say you must be philosophical or deeply poetic. But your lyrics should remind the fans of who you truly are. Think about Davido—he doesn’t stop at calling himself OBO (acronym for “Omo Baba Olowo”, which means “The Rich Man’s Child”). In his almost one and half decade career, none of his contemporaries has unreservedly sung about possessing wealth the way he does.
Ask yourself: Does this song reflect my true voice and story?
2. Relatable Emotions
People connect with emotions more than words. Lyrics that tap into universal emotions create a deep bond with listeners. Examples include the pain in Asa’s Jailer or the celebration in Wizkid’s Ojuelegba. Alwaysmake them feel something.
3. A Strong Hook
Every hit song has that one line people can’t stop singing. Your hook should be catchy, memorable, and powerful. Ayra Starr’s Rush (“E dey rush…”) is a perfect example. Keep it simple, emotional, and rhythmic.
4. Cultural Flavor
Your language, slang, and storytelling style should reflect your culture. Afrobeats and Amapiano artists don’t just sound unique because of beats—they infuse their lyrics with cultural identity. Burna Boy’s use of Pidgin and Yoruba makes his music instantly authentic and powerful.
5. Clear Storytelling
A great song should feel like a short film in the listener’s mind. We see Sarkodie narrating the hustle, and Tems telling tales that describe actions in the most vivid manner. Just like them, you should use vivid words that help your audience see, hear, and feel your message. Show, not just tell.
Always Make Every Word Count
The right combination of authenticity, catchy hooks, deep emotions, cultural flavor, and storytelling will make your music irresistible.
Want to ensure your songs reach every corner of the world? Highvibes Distribution helps independent African artists like you distribute their music globally—without restrictions. Get your sound heard today!
