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Benin Boys
Benin Boys
SONG BACKGROUND

“Benin Boys” is a vibrant song that pays homage to Rema and Shallipopi's shared roots in Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. The song celebrates their success, resilience, wealth, and their journeys from humble beginnings to fame. It highlights themes of pride, loyalty, and the lavish lifestyle that comes with success.

Lyrics
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<input type="checkbox" id=toggle1><label for=toggle1><span class="annotate-lyric"> They call me Shallipopi<br/>Pluto presido <br/></span></label><div id=content1 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> Pluto Presido is a name he calls himself and his signature intro. He refers to himself as the President of Plutomania, an imaginary planet for him and his fans </div></div><br/> Say, say, say <br/> Say, say, say <br/> Say, say, say <input type="checkbox" id=toggle2><label for=toggle2><span class="annotate-lyric"> Say, say, say (Another banger) <br/></span></label><div id=content2 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This is Rema's signature intro. He announces that this song is another hit.  </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle3><label for=toggle3><span class="annotate-lyric"> Touchdown Benin boys, gen-gen-gen <br/></span></label><div id=content3 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text">  "Touchdown" refers to the arrival of the Benin Boys - Rema and Shallipopi. "Gen, gen, gen" is a Nigerian onomatopoeic expression indicating something powerful or significant happening.  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle4><label for=toggle4><span class="annotate-lyric"> Money yapa, money repete (Confirm) <br/></span></label><div id=content4 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> "Yapa" and "repete" are Yoruba words which mean plentiful in this context. Rema and Shallipopi boast about having a lot of money  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle5><label for=toggle5><span class="annotate-lyric"> Remy Ekehuan road, Shalli Sapele (Ayy) <br/></span></label><div id=content5 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> "Remy" refers to Rema himself, and he mentions specific locations in Benin City. Rema is from Ekehuan Road, Shallipopi from Sapele Road, both in Benin City. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle6><label for=toggle6><span class="annotate-lyric"> Santa Monica touchdown, shekens (Clear road) <br/></span></label><div id=content6 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> They are taking over globally, even in Santa Monica, California, and the ladies (shekens) love them. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle7><label for=toggle7><span class="annotate-lyric"> They dey like to dey dance the legbeegbe (Eh?) <br/></span></label><div id=content7 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> People love to dance the legbegbe, a popular Nigerian dance move. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle8><label for=toggle8><span class="annotate-lyric"> Na we dey bully, na we dey pepper (Say) <br/></span></label><div id=content8 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> They are in charge, dominating and setting trends. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle9><label for=toggle9><span class="annotate-lyric"> If you play with the boys, you go collect <br/></span></label><div id=content9 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> They warn people not to mess with them or they'd face the consequences. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle10><label for=toggle10><span class="annotate-lyric"> See doings, you no fit talk say we no get (Oh, ayy) <br/></span></label><div id=content10 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> "Doings" in Nigerian slang means efforts or achievements. They emphasize that they have achievements and their success is undeniable </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle11><label for=toggle11><span class="annotate-lyric"> E get why dem dey call us Benin boys (Confirm) <br/></span></label><div id=content11 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> There's a reason they're called Benin boys (because of their pride, swagger, etc.). </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle12><label for=toggle12><span class="annotate-lyric"> We no dey make too much noise (Clear road) <br/></span></label><div id=content12 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> They don't boast excessively. Their actions speak for themselves </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle13><label for=toggle13><span class="annotate-lyric"> Na we dey pull up with convoy (Eh?) <br/></span></label><div id=content13 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> They arrive in style with a fleet of cars, a sign of wealth and influence.  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle14><label for=toggle14><span class="annotate-lyric"> You know the billings wey we dey chest (Okay) <br/></span></label><div id=content14 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> Shallipopi boasts about their ability to manage and afford expensive lifestyles, not only for them but for the people around them too. "Billings" is a Nigerian slang that means "unnecessary expenses from third parties". </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle15><label for=toggle15><span class="annotate-lyric"> Many fishes in the river but na you I wan taste (Say, say, say, say) <br/></span></label><div id=content15 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> There are many options, but I'm choosing you. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle16><label for=toggle16><span class="annotate-lyric"> Chop you and clean mouth, eat you for lunch (Eh)<br/>Have you for dinner, unto the next (Confirm) <br/></span></label><div id=content16 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This is a Nigerian Pidgin phrase meaning that they'd enjoy someone's company thoroughly (most likely a woman's company), and move on to the next woman when they're done.  </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle17><label for=toggle17><span class="annotate-lyric"> See money, see am, see, see, see money, oh<br/>See money, see am, see, see, see money, oh<br/>See money, see am, see, see, see money, oh<br/>See, see, see money oh, wahala<br/>See money, see am, see, see, see money, oh (Say, say, say, say, say, say, say)<br/>See money, see am, see, see, see money, oh (Eh? Confirm)<br/>See money, see am, see, see, see money, oh (Say, say, say, say, say, nor go dey) <br/></span></label><div id=content17 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> They ask people to see how much wealth and success they have amassed. "Wahala" means trouble  </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle18><label for=toggle18><span class="annotate-lyric"> Na we be the pride of Benin, Oba sef suppose give us medal oh, give medal oh <br/></span></label><div id=content18 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> They refer to themselves as the pride of Benin City and believe that the King of Benin City (referred to as an 'Oba') should recognize their achievements  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle19><label for=toggle19><span class="annotate-lyric"> Na my Benin brothers I go call before I call olopaa oh, if anything kpa oh <br/></span></label><div id=content19 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> "Olopa" is a Yoruba word for "Police". Rema states he will call loyal friends from his city before involving the Police in any dispute he has </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle20><label for=toggle20><span class="annotate-lyric"> Remy boy you can paste me your location (Confirm) <br/></span></label><div id=content20 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> Shallipopi asks Rema to share his location with him. To "paste" a location or "bank account details" comes from copying and pasting information over text.  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle21><label for=toggle21><span class="annotate-lyric"> What is your next destination? (Say)<br/>Should I give you my direction? (Say, say, say) <br/></span></label><div id=content21 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> Shallipopi inquires about Rema's next destination, continuining the theme of movement and adventure. Shallipopi also offers to share directions, implying a willingless to lead or meet up.  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle22><label for=toggle22><span class="annotate-lyric"> Touch Benin boy, you don touch the full nation (Say, say) <br/></span></label><div id=content22 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> "If you deal with a Benin Boy, you're dealing with the entire nation". This line emphasizes the strong network and influence of Benin boys.  </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle23><label for=toggle23><span class="annotate-lyric"> Touchdown Benin boys (Ki-), gen-gen-gen (Eh) <br/></span></label><div id=content23 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text">  "Touchdown" refers to the arrival of the Benin Boys - Rema and Shallipopi. "Gen, gen, gen" is a Nigerian onomatopoeic expression indicating something powerful or significant happening.  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle24><label for=toggle24><span class="annotate-lyric"> Money yapa, money repete (Confirm) <br/></span></label><div id=content24 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> "Yapa" and "repete" are Yoruba words which mean plentiful in this context. Rema and Shallipopi boast about having a lot of money  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle25><label for=toggle25><span class="annotate-lyric"> Remy Ekehuan road, Shalli sapele (Way) <br/></span></label><div id=content25 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> "Remy" refers to Rema himself, and he mentions specific locations in Benin City. Rema is from Ekehuan Road, Shallipopi from Sapele Road, both in Benin City. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle26><label for=toggle26><span class="annotate-lyric"> Santa Monica touchdown, shekens (Nor go dey) <br/></span></label><div id=content26 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> They are taking over globally, even in Santa Monica, California, and the ladies (shekens) love them. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle27><label for=toggle27><span class="annotate-lyric"> They dey like to dey dance the legbeegbe <br/></span></label><div id=content27 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> People love to dance the legbegbe, a popular Nigerian dance move. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle28><label for=toggle28><span class="annotate-lyric"> Na we dey bully, na we dey pepper <br/></span></label><div id=content28 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> They are in charge, dominating and setting trends. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle29><label for=toggle29><span class="annotate-lyric"> If you play with the boys, you go collect <br/></span></label><div id=content29 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> They warn people not to mess with them or they'd face the consequences. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle30><label for=toggle30><span class="annotate-lyric"> See doings, you no fit talk say we no get <br/></span></label><div id=content30 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> "Doings" in Nigerian slang means efforts or achievements. They emphasize that they have achievements and their success is undeniable </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle31><label for=toggle31><span class="annotate-lyric"> E get why dem dey call us Benin boys (Confirm) <br/></span></label><div id=content31 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> There's a reason they're called Benin boys (because of their pride, swagger, etc.). </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle32><label for=toggle32><span class="annotate-lyric"> We no dey make too much noise (Eh) <br/></span></label><div id=content32 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> They don't boast excessively. Their actions speak for themselves </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle33><label for=toggle33><span class="annotate-lyric"> Na we dey pull up with convoy (Okay) <br/></span></label><div id=content33 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> They arrive in style with a fleet of cars, a sign of wealth and influence.  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle34><label for=toggle34><span class="annotate-lyric"> You know the billings wey we dey chest (Say) <br/></span></label><div id=content34 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> Shallipopi boasts about their ability to manage and afford expensive lifestyles, not only for them but for the people around them too. "Billings" is a Nigerian slang that means "unnecessary expenses from third parties". </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle35><label for=toggle35><span class="annotate-lyric"> Many fishes in the river but na you I wan taste (Say, say, say, say, say, say, say) <br/></span></label><div id=content35 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> There are many options, but I'm choosing you. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle36><label for=toggle36><span class="annotate-lyric"> Chop you and clean mouth, eat you for lunch (Eh)<br/>Have you for dinner, unto the next (Nor go dey) <br/></span></label><div id=content36 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> This is a Nigerian Pidgin phrase meaning that they'd enjoy someone's company thoroughly (most likely a woman's company), and move on to the next woman when they're done.  </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle37><label for=toggle37><span class="annotate-lyric"> Oya, spekele, spekele, dun gbaga dun <br/></span></label><div id=content37 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> A playful line that mimics the sound of drumming or dancing, adding to the song's lively feel.  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle38><label for=toggle38><span class="annotate-lyric"> Benin boys no dey rest, oya ji ma sun (Ayy) <br/></span></label><div id=content38 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> "Benin boys don't rest, let's keep going". Rema highlights the relentless hustle and energy of Benin boys. </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle39><label for=toggle39><span class="annotate-lyric"> Say we see opportunity we no fit zuzu (Eh) <br/></span></label><div id=content39 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> "When we see an opportunity, we can't waste it." Emphasizing that they are quick to seize opportunities presented to them.  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle40><label for=toggle40><span class="annotate-lyric"> Small thing come out use am buy 4matic <br/></span></label><div id=content40 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> "Small profits are used to buy a [Mercedes-Benz] 4Matic. A reference to quickly turning profits into luxury purchases. A  4MATIC is the marketing name of an all-wheel drive system developed by Mercedes-Benz. </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle41><label for=toggle41><span class="annotate-lyric"> Small circle, big money, dirty money <br/></span></label><div id=content41 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> Shallipopi describes a tight-knit group that handles large sums of money, hinting at possible street activities.  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle42><label for=toggle42><span class="annotate-lyric"> Chubby body wanna gum me, ah (Confirm) <br/></span></label><div id=content42 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> A voluptuous girl wants to stay with Shallipopi  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle43><label for=toggle43><span class="annotate-lyric"> New Benz oh, incoming (Eh?) <br/></span></label><div id=content43 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> He has a new Mercedes Benz car on its way, further emphasizing wealth.  </div></div><input type="checkbox" id=toggle44><label for=toggle44><span class="annotate-lyric"> Sexy body, tell me what time that you coming (Eh? Wahala) <br/></span></label><div id=content44 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> Inviting someone to spend time with him, with "wahala" indicating trouble or excitement. </div></div><br/><input type="checkbox" id=toggle45><label for=toggle45><span class="annotate-lyric"> See money, see am, see, see, see money, oh<br/>See money, see am, see, see, see money, oh<br/>See money, see am, see, see, see money, oh<br/>See, see, see money oh, wahala<br/>See money, see am, see, see, see money, oh (Say, say, say, say, say, say, say)<br/>See money, see am, see, see, see money, oh (Eh? Confirm)<br/>See money, see am, see, see, see money, oh (Say, say, say, say, say, nor go dey) <br/></span></label><div id=content45 class="annotate-explain"><div class="annotate-text"> They ask people to see how much wealth and success they have amassed. "Wahala" means trouble  </div></div><br/><br/> Yo, X <br/> Ki-

Lyric Breakdown Video
Credits
Produced by
Rema, Producer X
Written by
Agada Prince Oyada, Rema, Shallipopi
Release date
June 20, 2024