... the Life Cycle of a Song?
In biology, we study the life cycle of insects—from egg to larva to pupa to adult. But what about songs? When does a track begin its journey, and when does it reach its peak before it starts to decline?
Unlike biological organisms, songs don't follow a predictable lifecycle. Some are barely out before they become the rave of the moment, while some are born dead on arrival, never finding their audience. Others hibernate for decades before suddenly springing to life. And a rare few seem to possess an almost supernatural ability to regenerate, finding new life with each generation.
Remember, Nigerian Davido’s Fall (2019), Lojay & Sarz’s Monalisa (2021), or Burna Boy’s Last Last (2022). Those songs were the rave of the moment while they were trending. The same with Ghanaian Black Sherif’s Kwaku the Traveller (2022) or South African Uncle Waffles’ Yahyuppiah (2023) and Shaunmusiq and Ftears’ Bheba (2023) ... but happened to them?
Examining the stages in the life cycle of a song will provide us with a better understanding.
Every song begins as an idea, a spur-of-the-moment thought, a melody hummed in the shower, a rhythm tapped on a steering wheel, or lyrics scribbled on a napkin. This is the conception and gestation phase. At this phase, nothing is certain yet, as the song goes through iterations until it becomes the refined sound ready for release. A good example is Nomcebo Zikode's words on what inspired the popular Jerusalema. She said her struggles with depression and the desire to find solace in a spiritual home were the genesis of that song.
The next phase is its release. At this phase, the song is quite vulnerable, with uncertainty hanging over it. The question of whether it would be accepted or not lingers as it gets the required exposure. Some songs never take off at this stage, while others are instant hits or start to build momentum. Davido's Fall exemplifies this crawling phase perfectly. It began as a regional success in Nigeria, gradually gaining popularity throughout West Africa, then among the diaspora, and ultimately achieving worldwide recognition.
Then, the following phase is the Peak Performance one. There’s a sudden growth spurt—viral fame, chart domination, cultural moment capture, or new opportunity for collaboration. At this stage, the song is like a youth, in its prime, and it continues to grow until it plateaus. Diamond Platnumz's Number One (ft. Davido) experienced explosive growth as it became the soundtrack for numerous East African celebrations, eventually dominating charts across the continent.
After the initial excitement comes the maturity phase. A great example of this is Lucky Dube's Different Colours. This song evolved from a reggae hit into a powerful anthem for unity, illustrating this phase well. During the maturity phase, a song establishes its long-term place in the cultural landscape. It may become a wedding favorite, a workout anthem, or a nostalgic throwback. Additionally, it could develop a cyclical nature, becoming associated with specific seasons or occasions. Another example is Brenda Fassie's Vulindlela, which has become a symbol of wedding seasons in South Africa.
Some songs move beyond their original context to become timeless standards, entering what is often referred to as the Legacy phase. Nigerian artist Fela Kuti's Water No Get Enemy has attained this immortal status, thanks to its philosophical lyrics and captivating Afrobeat rhythms. The song continues to inspire musicians across various genres and generations, influencing everything from jazz interpretations to hip-hop samples.
Finally, we arrive at the Extinction and Rebirth phase. Some songs experience a natural decline, gradually fading from the airwaves until they exist only in the memories of those who experienced their peak. For example, consider Nigerian X-project’s L’orile Odi Gobe or Plantashun Boiz’s Don’t You Know. Unlike biological organisms, songs don’t die; instead, they are often remastered, sampled, or remixed. A notable example is Nigerian Tems' Love Me Jeje, which samples a classic by Seyi Sodimu.
We can go on and on with the digital revolution taking place in the music industry. The reality is that the lifecycle of a song is not linear but cyclical, not predictable but beautifully chaotic. While biological organisms inevitably die, songs possess an almost supernatural ability to regenerate, adapt, and find new life in unexpected places.
Next time you listen to a song, consider tracing its lifecycle. You might be in for a surprise!
Yours in African Music
Librarian