When Afrofusion collides with street Lamba, the result is a track overflowing with energy, culture, and pure movement—and Drela and Durella’s “Jekomo” is the latest testament to that synergy. Crafted with intent to fill both dance floors and hearts, this collaboration is rapidly resonating throughout Nigeria, Ghana, and the wider African music landscape.
CashBoy Records has officially rolled out “Jekomo”, the electrifying union between Drela (real name Mohammed Salisu)—who’s making waves as a multi-layered Afrofusion artist—and Nigeria’s enduring street music legend, Durella. The record arrives at a pivotal moment for Afrobeats and West African music, a scene that’s increasingly on the radar of both continental and international audiences.
“Jekomo”: The Power Behind the Phrase
The title “Jekomo” comes from the Yoruba expression ‘Jẹ́kó mọ́’, which translates to ‘let them know’. While concise, the phrase echoes themes of self-assurance, pride, and personal revelation. The artists channel this ethos throughout the track, infusing a celebratory mood with a sense of unity and perseverance—which many young Nigerians and Africans can relate to in daily life. Culturally, the word has become common lingo on the streets and in clubs, used by those who want to make a bold, unmissable statement.
A Sound that Crosses Borders and Genres
“Jekomo” isn’t just a song—it’s a fusion of sound, rhythm, and attitude. By combining elements of Afrobeats, Dancehall, R&B, and street Lamba, the track delivers a modern musical experience tuned to Nigerian and African tastes. It also taps into the ever-growing appetite for energetic, positive music that brings people together, whether at local parties, city hangouts, or through playlists on streaming platforms globally.
Music critics, including Lagos-based radio host Tolu Akinbileje, have noted that “Jekomo embodies the evolution of Afrobeats—blending local slang and melodies with crossover appeal, which is propelling artists like Drela into the limelight.”
Drela’s Musical Journey: From Plateau to Lagos
While Drela may be a rising star for some, he’s no newcomer to the grind. Having grown up between Plateau, Abuja, and Lagos, his life’s journey reflects Nigeria’s diversity of experiences—and so does his sound. Drela’s approach weaves together melodic hooks, coded street language, and layered storytelling, making his music relatable for those hustling in the city and those celebrating simple joys. His recent partnership with Ghana’s Stonebwoy on “Dem Dead” reportedly drew attention from both Nigerian and Ghanaian music journalists, helping bridge the West African music scene even further. With “Jekomo,” Drela continues this trajectory, positioning himself as a voice of unity and motivation in Afrofusion circles.
STREAM “JEKOMO” BY DRELA X DURELLA
The Collaboration: A Clash of Styles and Generations
Collaborations in the Nigerian music industry are nothing new, but “Jekomo” stands out for its blend of experience and youthful verve. As Drela described in a press interview: “Jekomo is Afro with that street bounce, a song about joy, connection, living fully in the moment and never letting struggles weigh you down. Linking up with Durella in the studio was pure energy and we wanted to make something the streets and the world can feel.” According to Drela, the creative process was as dynamic as the end result, with both artists feeding off each other’s energy.
Durella’s addition, meanwhile, brings hard-earned street credibility and signature lamba to the track. Known as the “King of the Streets” and respected for his longevity, Durella remarked: “The moment Drela played the beat, I knew it was heavy. He brought soul, I brought Lamba and together we made food for the streets. Jekomo is music for the block, the clubs and anyone chasing daily bread.”
Industry observers say this combination has given the song a multi-layered appeal, ensuring that it resonates with everyone from die-hard Afrobeats enthusiasts to casual clubgoers and fans in the diaspora.
Production, Sound, and Lyrical Appeal
The song’s soundscape is both infectious and complex. Built on a vibrant beat, “Jekomo” deploys coded slang, sharp hooks, and a “zanga-to-zanga” (street-to-street) vibe that’s instantly recognizable in Nigeria’s urban cultural fabric. Music producer Omo ‘Fresh’ Okafor told local press: “What you hear in Jekomo is the future of African pop—street-rooted but ready for global playlists.”
In fact, its appeal stretches from Lagos nightclubs to diaspora communities in London and Accra, mirroring the international recognition Afrobeats and its offshoots have achieved over the last decade.
CashBoy Records’ Vision for African Talent
Behind the scenes, CashBoy Records is reportedly doubling down on its mission to spotlight grassroots talent and raise the profile of authentic, street-inspired music. According to the label’s spokesperson, “Jekomo’s” release is more than a song—it represents our ongoing commitment to bringing diverse Nigerian voices to the world stage, especially those who connect with everyday realities.” Their efforts echo wider trends in the industry, with more labels investing in local talent and narratives likely to appeal beyond West Africa.
Industry data suggests Nigerian musicians now represent one of the fastest-growing music markets in Africa, with Afrobeats accounting for the biggest share of streaming on platforms like Boomplay and Spotify in 2023, according to a 2023 IFPI report.
Challenges, Competition, and Cultural Relevance
Despite widespread acclaim, the rise of hybrid genres like Afrofusion and the pressure to go global raises challenges—balancing local authenticity with international appeal, and thriving in a saturated industry.
- Competition: Nigeria’s music industry is packed with emerging talent striving for recognition, increasing the challenge of maintaining relevance.
- Authenticity vs. Commercialization: Listeners and critics sometimes debate whether “street” music risks losing its roots when aiming for mainstream or international fame.
- Impact on Youth: For many, artists like Drela and Durella represent more than entertainment; their stories resonate as symbols of hope for young Nigerians seeking to make their mark.
Regional and Global Impact
“Jekomo” not only reinforces the influence of Nigerian (and West African) music at home, but also adds to the soundtrack of a wider African resurgence on global stages. With its blend of street energy and polished sound, the track fits seamlessly into playlists heard from Accra to London and Toronto, reflecting the ongoing evolution of African pop culture.
Local music fans interviewed in Abuja said songs like “Jekomo” help keep Naija’s street culture alive for the next generation—even as more artists cross into global territories. One 21-year-old fan in Surulere said, “These are the tunes we vibe to every weekend. There’s nothing fake about it; it’s Naija to the core.”
What’s Next for Drela, Durella, and the Afrofusion Scene?
As “Jekomo” gains traction, fans and industry watchers are eager to see if this collaboration sparks even more innovation in Afrofusion—and if up-and-coming talents like Drela can reach similar heights achieved by stars such as Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid. With “Jekomo” now streaming on all major platforms, its journey is just beginning.
“Jekomo” is available on all major streaming services. For more music news, trends, and insights on Nigerian and West African entertainment, be sure to keep your eyes on our updates.
