Afro-fusion singer Idris Lawal is preparing to drop his debut EP, Young, Black & Blue and in the interim, he teams up with fellow Toronton-based Nigerian producer Razaq El Toro for the remix of his single “Fools.”
The original version was the second single released last year and showed us a glimpse of what to expect from the eclectic Afrocentric act. The track is an Afropop ode to those who are senselessly in love and sees Idris deliver his lines in both English and Yoruba. In his native Yoruba tongue, Idris sings “…we’re fools whether we dance or not, baby please let’s keep having fun” interpolating the classic line from Nigerian juju legend, Ebenezer Obey.
Lawal’s melodic style is unassuming and offbeat in a stylish way which makes him stand out for the most part. While the original is more atmospheric and leans towards experimental Afropop, Razaq El Toro goes for a more rhythmic driven party vibe. Inspired by 90s Lagos, Nigeria Razaq makes use of an infectious drum break, lush textures, and a throbbing bassline to offset the drowsy effects on Lawal’s vocals. Razaq El Toro makes a wonderful job of crafting something totally different from the original that begs the question: Is this remix better than the original?
