AJEBUTTER: REMEMBER (AFROMERGE MIX) AUDIO-VISUAL EXPERIENCE..
Unofficial video for the "REMEMBER Afromerge Mix"
Ajebutter is the debut EP from Nigerian singer/songwriter MARENIKAE. An eclectic mix of rich African culture meshed with Western European subtexts and overtones, the project is a refreshing journey into the mind of a Nigerian millennial with womanist roots. The pace is familiar, marked with African drumbeats and patterns, yet complemented by MARENIKAE’s signature sound which is rooted in a blend of neo soul and afropop with electronic and AC nuances throughout. Her vocals range from sultry, to passionate; flirtatious to bold; transitioning between tracks and sometimes verses. Besides its cultural influence, it’s evident Ajebutter is the product of the millennial mindset challenging age old beliefs and cultural norms.You can hear all Marenikae’s musical influences in this mini album ranging all the way from OG Nigerians artist like 9ice & Styl-plus to 70’s rock god Freddie Mercury and 90’s girl group Spice Girls
The term Ajebutter is an American derivative of the slur Ajebota which seeks to devalue affluent Nigerians, pitting their privilege against their authenticity. MARENIKAE recalls being taunted with the term throughout childhood. After growing into her independence as an artist she jumped at the opportunity to reclaim the cultural label that creates a socioeconomic division that prohibits inclusion.
AJEBUTTER (AJEBOTA) means "I eat butter" and it's a derogatory name for privileged kids. You are made fun of cause u maybe have a slight western accent or u can't really speak your language or pidgin as fluently.
“I've been called that all my life and I'm at this point just embracing the term and telling my story the best way I know how because AJEBUTTER stories are still a part of the Nigerian story and they matter. So I will not continue to be silenced for the way that I grew up. Hence the Nigerian currency on the album cover.”
Like many iconic musicians, MARENIKAE uses her pen to entertain while subtlety addressing political and social issues wrapped in a musical tapestry that represents both her homeland Nigeria and her transplant home Atlanta, GA.
"GIDI", "SMOOTH OPERATOR" & "REMEMBER" available for download everywhere!
CONNECT WITH MARENIKAE:
Website: www.marenikae.live
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iTunes: HERE
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Soundcloud: HERE
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Spotify: HERE
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Tidal: HERE
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Instagram: @marenikae
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Facebook: @marenikaemusic
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Twitter : @marenikae