The Nigerian singer Burna Boy has been making waves in the music industry with his latest hit song, “Last Last.” The song features a mix of West African Pidgin English and Yoruba language, with braggadocio, intoxication, and heartbreak themes.
The song’s title, “Last Last,” is commonly used in Nigerian speech to indicate “finally.” The chorus and lyrics tell the story of Burna Boy’s struggles and achievements and his relationship with Stefflon Don.
We’ll discuss the background and meaning and explain some cultural references to the song in the following sections. Let’s jump in!
Background of ‘Last Last’
Last Last was released in 2022 as a standalone single, shortly after Burna Boy survived a nasty accident in Lagos’ Lekki area with his new Ferrari 458. It was produced by Kel P, who has worked with Burna Boy on several other projects.
The song deals with several topics, including heartbreak and the struggles of everyday life in Nigeria. Burna Boy has been known for his ability to blend different genres, and ‘Last Last’ is no exception. The song features Afrobeat, reggae, and dancehall elements, among other genres.
Burna Boy recently explained in an interview that ‘chop breakfast,’ which is mentioned in the song’s lyrics, is slang for having a heartbreak.
Lyrics Interpretation
Burna Boy’s song “Last Last” discusses different themes. The chorus of the song goes,
“E don cast, last last, na everybody go chop breakfast,”
which means that ultimately, everyone will get their just reward.
The phrase “e don cast” is a slang phrase in Nigerian English that means “it’s over” or “it’s done.” “Chop breakfast” is also slang for having a heartbreak.
Therefore, the song’s chorus implies that after all the pain and heartbreak, everyone will eventually get what they deserve.
The song’s lyrics also reference the Igbo phrase,
“ti n ba ni ke juru,”
which means, “If you say you’re an adult, show it.” This suggests that people should take responsibility for their actions and not blame others for their mistakes.
The song’s lyrics also touch “shayo,” which is a slang term for alcohol. The lyrics suggest that alcohol can be used to manipulate people’s feelings and actions in a relationship.
Cultural References
I need igbo and shayo oo pic.twitter.com/NqGiCEvKQ9
— LERRY (@_AsiwajuLerry) November 20, 2022
In “Last Last,” Burna Boy makes several cultural references that add depth and meaning to the song. Here are some of the references and what they mean:
Baba Fryo
Burna Boy mentions Nigerian music legend Baba Fryo in the song. Baba Fryo is a veteran musician who was popular in the 90s.
He is known for his hit song “Denge Pose,” a dance craze at the time. His music was a mix of reggae and Afrobeat, and he was a pioneer of the genre known as galala.
Denge Pose
Burna Boy references “Denge Pose,” Baba Fryo’s hit song, in “Last Last.” Denge Pose was a dance craze in Nigeria in the 90s. The dance involved moving your legs and arms in a particular way, and it was popular in clubs and parties.
Lekki
In the song, Burna Boy mentions Lekki, a posh neighborhood in Lagos, Nigeria. Lekki is known for its luxurious houses, restaurants, and beaches. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Soboma
Burna Boy also Soboma George, a Niger Delta militant who was killed in 2010. He was a member of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), a group that fought for the rights of the people in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Igbo and Shayo
Burna Boy mentions “Igbo and shayo” in the song. Igbo is a language spoken in Nigeria, and shayo is a slang term for alcohol. The line
“Igbo and shayo, last last, na everybody go chop breakfast”
means that in the end, everyone will have to face the consequences of their actions, no matter how much they try to escape them.
Yoruba Language
The song is primarily relayed in West African pidgin English, intermixed with terminology from the local Yoruba language. The use of Yoruba language adds depth and meaning to the song and makes it more relatable to Nigerian audiences.
Overall, Burna Boy’s use of cultural references in “Last Last” adds depth and meaning to the song. The references help paint a picture of Nigerian culture and society, making the song more relatable to Nigerian audiences.
Music Video Analysis
The music video for “Last Last” was directed by TG Omori and Burna Boy. It features Burna Boy in various scenes, from sitting on a throne-like chair to dancing with his crew in a dimly lit room. The video also incorporates people going about their daily lives, including a woman selling fruits by the roadside and a group of friends hanging out in a bar.
One of the most striking aspects of the video is its use of color. The scenes are bathed in warm, golden tones, while the scenes of everyday life are shown in cooler, more subdued colors. This contrast helps to highlight Burna Boy’s star power and position as a larger-than-life figure.
The video also features several interesting camera angles and movements. For example, there are several shots of Burna Boy from below, which help to emphasize his power and dominance. The camera moves close to his face during certain moments, creating a sense of intimacy and connection with the viewer.
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