Can I See You Tonight? How Fireboy DML Got Stabbed in Obaa Sima
Chopped and shot in Ghana, West Africa, Fireboy DML’s Obaa Sima is a sensory lovesong finely interpreted by Jyde Ajala in a 3-minute music video. You see, the culture-driven visual is a homage to the Gold Coast.
How?
First, Fireboy DML wears variants of the 2022/23 Ghanaian Black Stars jersey — a very intriguing choice of wardrobe that lapses with the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), picturesque sights of streets and nature in the form of waterfalls are plentiful, and most beautiful of melanin-goodness femmes are handpicked for Obaa Sima.
It’s a joy to watch!
The clip is a celebratory convergence of Nigeria and Ghana, two brothers often at war on who’s got the better Jollof.
As the song begins, a soft-spoken female voice asks, “What does it feel like loving you?” And then melodic hums of Ooooh follow. The background is dreamy as our protagonist approaches a love interest from an open street alighting from his Vespa motorcycle.
He shares a special handshake with a teenage girl and then is stunned as his love descends from the balcony through a set of stairs within.
But there’s some danger.
In between, we are shown shots of waterfalls with a vixen clad in a pink bikini. It’s a visually appealing combo regardless.
The film continues with Fireboy DML real name, Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (b. February 5, 1996) currently singing to his love interest, “Story of my life / Without you I no go fit complete am / Don’t leave me Odo / Oya open your door” it all rhymes perfectly.
Again, it’s not the first time the artiste uses Ghanaian-borrowed Odo in a track. He did in track 6 of LTG — Like I Do where he choruses, “Odo Yewu I know you bad oh,” but someone with bad intentions is right there!
Danger stares.
In Ghana, “Odo Yewu” is a catchphrase that literally means “love is death”. It can also mean that when you say you love someone, you must be willing to sacrifice for the relationship.
Their presence is quickly noticed by a buff man dressed in a black singlet and jeans with a white handkerchief dangling off his back pocket. As we watch, we can deduce that Fireboy DML is being reported to the femme’s supposed to-be man. And there’s instantly more substance to the story.
Away from the usual dreamy eye-staring and singing and dancing of romantic genres, Obaa Sima explores the storytelling archetype of dangerous love. The phrase “Obaa Sima” in itself is a Ghanaian term that means Woman of Substance. It’s why the decision to shoot in the Gold Coast is the best touch of a scenario-inspired story by Jyde Ajala.
Back to the looming danger, it turns out that this “to-be man” is the Leader of a Biker Gang. They’re smoking, clad in leather jackets, and bear a very unwelcoming look. The chase for Fireboy DML’s head kicks off with the group assembling on their two-wheelers.
We can see shots and angles of them riding skillfully. There are wheelies alongside other motorcycle stunts in the progressive scenes while we anticipate what’s next for the talented YBNL musician behind Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps (LTG) 2019 EP.
To merge both parties, Jyde Ajala infuses Fireboy DML and Gang Leader at the same locations.
While the latter puffs on cigar and dangerously toys with a dagger (probably the murder weapon?), Adedamola stands tall like a Champion, playfully dancing amid the bikers unbeknownst of his demise.
In the backdrop, the bikers ride through the streets of Ghana. They’ve now become a focal point of the video just like the waterfalls.
As he sings the chorus to the Amapiano-dotted song, “We won’t be here forever / So love me now or never, baby / I know the truth is bitter / So give me something sweeter when you… / Bend it over!” four female dancers move in sync with the wordings.
Danger temporarily seems to be far as the sun sets in Ghana. Are we okay?
Maybe.
It’s dark.
There’s a colourful outdoor party where jovial attendees grind against each other’s bodies. It’s also reflective of the lyrics at the start of the song, “Can I see you tonight?” as Fireboy DML affirmatively spots her, his love interest wearing a dazzling red dress in the distance.
His smile is ear-to-ear and infectious.
Shuck! Fireboy DML gets stabbed in an instant by none other than the same Gang Leader threat. He is also at the party.
While our screens go black, the soft-spoken female voice asks again, “What does it feel like loving you?” She continues, “Like a campfire in the cold night. Just promise me that this is forever,” but it’s tragic and short in an instant, not eternal!
We’re thrown into panic.
Odo Yewu, it’s over
My baby sweat all over me
Obaa Sima murder me (Ooh, ooh)
Obaa Sima murder me (Ooh, ooh)
Obaa Sima murder me
Jyde Ajala takes us back from his campfire and lovey-dovey montage to Fireboy DML’s current predicament.
The award-winning artiste grapples with his wounded stomach while the female runs to his aid.
In a jiffy, the video awakens with some joyful dancing, fire breathing, and waterfalls display. Yes, it’s still in the shots!
Obaa Sima ends with Fireboy DML’s love interest crying loudly while no one comes to her aid or rescue. The partygoers choose to dance away, a striking jab at how unbothered we’ve largely become in the world.
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Obaa Sima music video is an acute message that love is not forever. It’s very refreshing how Jyde Ajala of Old Soldier is not driven by lip-syncing or ambiguous effects but leads a good story.
What does it feel like loving you?
Originally Published on Thursday, January 18, 2024
