Recorded 2013 Length 03:45 | Label Vth Season | |
Released February 28, 2014 (2014-02-28) Format CD singledigital download | ||
"Congratulate" is a song by South African rapper and record producer AKA, released as the third single from his second studio album Levels. It was sent to radio stations across South Africa in March 2014. Upon its release, the song debuted at number 1 on Metro FM, 5FM and YFM. It peaked at number 1 on the South African iTunes Hip Hop Chart. Moreover, the song peaked at number 2 on South Africa's official music chart. "Congratulate" was produced by Tazzy, a member of the funk band Muzart.
Contents
Composition and meaning
"Congratulate" samples Harrison Crump's "Ride". An electric piano chord was played simultaneously with the sample. The song is made up of three verses and a hook. The bassline of the song fluctuates throughout. On "Congratulate", AKA raps about his journey to success. In early 2014, AKA sat down with SABC and spoke about the single. He said that the song is about one celebrating the positive milestones in their lives. AKA also said he recorded the song to relate with ordinary people. In May 2015, Congratulate was certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa.
Cover art and music video
AKA shared the artwork for the single prior to releasing it. He posted the cover art on Twitter and tagged it with the hash-tag "#AKACongratulate". On May 1, 2014, the music video for the single was released. It was uploaded onto YouTube at a total length of 4 minutes and 2 seconds.
Accolades
The music video for "Congratulate" won Most Gifted Hip-hop and was nominated for Most Gifted Southern as well as Most Gifted Video of the Year at the 2014 Channel O Music Video Awards.