Rema – Don’t Leave (Single Review)

“My name is going to be in Afrobeats bible”, said Rema, not too long after he held the bastion of world unity with one song called ‘Calm Down’. That song was most of the world’s introduction to who he was and his artistry, but for me and most Nigerians, we go back single before single, when he was D’Prince's talented apprentice who cultivated his melodies with a slight hijaz scale flair.

What does it imply, if it embodies most Middle Eastern as well as Flamenco music? Well, Rema’s artistry and musical choices always oscillate between these genres, even if conscious or subconscious. No surprise there, ‘Don’t Leave’ delivers the same tango between the genres.

The renowned producer London, known for collaborating with Rema often, also has to have some credit in this genius infusion of a song. It starts off with tender chords, with slightly off-sounding strings- almost reminiscent of ragtime piano, and a beat syncopated similarly to bossa nova. It provides the song with a delectably subversive and seductive feel, but also with accents of tenderness.

Rema then enters the track with verses in an almost monotone, ‘matter-of-fact’ style, before descending into his signature melodic maqam style for the chorus. In a way, it reflects the emotional tone of a relationship, just like how the song describes his love interest’s desire for him to not leave.

We often recall events and memories as a matter-of-fact, but fall prey to the possibility of loss or desertion when faced with evaluating how long these memories will last. What I also find interesting about this song is the slight elements of futurism displayed by the darkwave synthesizers, which I presume is inspired by the 80s-retrowave and vaporwave futurism repopularised by The Weeknd’s last known release, ‘Dawn FM’.

Overall, I think this song does an amazing job at sticking to Rema’s musical proclivities as well as exploring the concept of yearning a partner that leads you to a sensual and intoxicating wormhole.

Rating/Excellent – “Don’t Leave” is a perfect combination of Rema’s artistic brand as well as his musical proclivities, and a delectable song that completely draws you in.

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