By Nimusiima
Bobi Wine has always been branded ‘local’ by his arch nemesis, Bebe Cool. And his hordes of naysayers, of course. They have always said that he hardly crosses borders, that his music hardly escapes from Kamwokya to the nearest of towns like Nairobi. However, Bobi has always kept a deaf ear, steering clear from the criticism and controversies that have never dwindled.
But now, he has Paradiso to ride on. It is quite surprising to hear Bobi Wine sing in Kiswahili from start to end without sounding like a toddler learning its way through speech. He could use this to ask for a Visa to go outside countries. Is he now branded international? Perhaps! You listen obliviously to the Kiswahili song, trying to make sense of what the OmubandaWaKabaka is singing. If you don’t know Kiswahili, he will lose you. But don’t burst in rage because you never do the same when Chameleone or Bebe Cool sings in Kiswahili.
Paradiso is a typical Bobi Wine song. I say typical because the instrumentation seems to be largely cut off from most of Bobi Wine songs. It is not shabby, as you would think. It is catchy and danceable, trying to ignore the whole language barrier thing. I give Bobi Wine credit for the efforts. But most importantly, I give him credit for not bowing to pressure trying to follow what people say. He took his time and here we are; Paradiso might as well take him places. In his defense, he says it means Paradise, dedicated to his deceased parents. Now, there, that’s a man talking. His dedication is befitting to the dark times he’s endured. Paradiso will serenade you to a musical paradise. Good song.
Watch video here.
