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By Michael Chukwuka Chukwudera
It is easy to forget the importance of good writing in music. More producers are in the spotlight than ever before, and their influence on the record is immense. Since it is possible to enjoy a song without much lyrical substance, artists have, to an extent, deprioritised insightful writing and lyrical substance. However, that art is not lost because songwriters like Inpierre continue to leave their imprint on music, giving listeners food for thought wrapped in palatable language. “My city,” a record by IK Udofia on which Inpierre worked as a songwriter, perfectly encapsulates how substantial songwriting can influence the hearts and minds of its listeners in equal measure.
The record starts with an admission of ambition. Just like the title of the song, the artist expresses the influence of his hometown on his will to succeed in his journey. “I don’t do it for the gram” denotes that fame is less of a motivating factor for him. As the song wears on, we witness the emotional depth that goes on beyond this seemingly simple usage of words, as the artist sings about thoughts of mortality, supporting family and leaving a legacy on the world. Inpierre’s influence on this lyrical direction is telling; he ditches the temptation to overcomplicate the vocabulary, focusing instead on conveying emotion quickly.
“My City” holds a measure of relatability due to
the fact that the average Nigerian hustler is motivated by similar factors, with the end goal of making a name for themselves and taking care of their families. IK Udofia’s desire to create legacy is encapsulated by the line where he sings, “But what will they say If I die/If e happen, write for my grave say I try/But I pray you’ll never have to write that.” Here, Inpierre’s penmanship is top notch, as he tackles mortality as it exists with a search for legacy. Many Nigerians who began their dreams from a small place will feel a level of understanding for IK Udofia’s perspective, a perspective that is properly curated and presented through Inpierre’s dexterous writing.
Another element that enhances the factor of relatability in “My City” is the use of language. The record, while originating from a Nigerian artist, can’t necessarily be classified as a Nigerian story off the basis of shared reality. However, when the Igbo language is introduced in the second verse, it certifies the origin and target audience. The Nigerian perspective carries an added emotional element for both the artist and the listener; this effect is created through Inpierre’s delicate lyrical arrangement as two sides of a story are aligned as one.
Inpierre, through his composition, is able to open the listeners up to the kind of person that the artist is; this vulnerability offers a bridge on which the artist can let the listeners into his world. It is impossible to build a connection with an artist if they feel cold and distant, which should only be used selectively to create effects at certain times. The songwriting technique of easily palatable vocabulary, combined with the use of a native Nigerian language, creates a foolproof formula for a fun and substantial musical experience.
