Format Digital download Genre Afropop Label Mavin Records | Recorded 2014 Length 04:26 | |
Released May 1, 2014 (2014-05-01) | ||
"Dorobucci" is a song by The Mavins, a collective composed of Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Dr SID, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Di'Ja and D'Prince. The song was released on May 1, 2014 to critical acclaim. Upon its release, the song received generally positive reviews from music critics. Positive remarks went towards the song's production, instrumentation and composition. The music video, on the contrary, received mixed reviews. While some critics described the video as brilliant, others felt like it was dull and not up to par.
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Background and ambiguous meaning
"Dorobucci" was recorded in early 2014. Prior to revealing details about the song, Don Jazzy tagged several of his Instagram pictures with the hashtag "#DOROBUCCI". When the song was released, the uncertainty of its meaning made few people brand it an occultic song. Don Jazzy has since debunked the occultic reference made about the song. In May 2014, Don Jazzy explained the meaning of the song; he said that the latter part of the song means "anything that is fun, cool, awesome, or fantastic."
The Channel O Mavin Super Fan competition
Fans of Mavin Records were given an opportunity to compete in the Channel O Mavin Super Fan competition, which required participants to explain why they are the ultimate Mavin fan. Participants were told to follow Channel O Africa on Twitter and Instagram; they were also told to add the "CHOMavinSuperfan" hashtag to their social network posts. On July 11, 2014, Don Jazzy announced Natalie Pitswe as the winner of the competition.
Music video
The music video for "Dorobucci" was shot and directed in South Africa by Nick Roux of Molotov Cocktail Productions. It was released on July 23, 2014 and uploaded onto YouTube at a total length of 4 minutes and 41 seconds. Natalie Pitswe, the winner of Channel O's Mavin Super Fan competition, made a cameo appearance in the video. The video portrayed The Mavins living a lavish lifestyle: exotic cars and Gatsby-style parties. There were shots of the Empire State Building and White House, as well as shots of a golf ball traveling from Ikoyi to Washington DC. The music video received mixed reviews from music critics. Although some saw it as a flop, others felt like it was top notch.
In popular culture
On June 23, 2014, DB Records released Tonto Dikeh's single "Sugar Rush" featuring D'banj. The song was criticized for sounding like "Dorobucci". A contestant on the seventh edition of Project Fame West Africa performed a humorous rendition of the song. The video of the contestant's performance went viral.
Critical reception
"Dorobucci" received positive reviews from music critics. Chi Ibe of YNaija, commenting on the audio and video, said that "the point that may have been overlooked remains that Dorobucci is an average song at best. It may well turn out to be one of Don Jazzy's biggest hits but it is certainly not one of his best, not by a long mile. The video has its bright spots. It looks expensive, with lots of colour, lots of class and images of the Mavin crew balling out of control. Everything is set to a maximum gloss but this cannot conceal the fact that it is a big bore."
Akintayo Opeoluwani of The Daily Times of Nigeria stated, "it's Makossa beat is enough to make the hard-to-please dancer get to his feat and rock. Then it's seemingly meaningless lyrics makes it even more exciting as you could mix "Dorobucci" with just any word of your choice and would still blend with the beat." He also said that the song could have been better with D'banj's vocals and wordplay.
Joey Akan, a writer for Pulse, said that "in the mid-tempo feel-good song, Don Jazzy gave us the fatherly feel, Reekado Banks took us on a chorus of some sort. Tiwa Savage made us hit certain notes. Dr Sid established proceedings, with a reminder of his 'Siductive' delivery. Korede Bello, found joy and unrestrictive happiness in this song. Dija played safe."
Toni Kan of This Day said that "On the surface, as with most Don Jazzy produced songs, Dorobucci sounds like something you would hear from inebriated kegites on a lazy Friday night but the difference is that while the melody might sound commonplace, Don Jazzy has sprinkled his sound and song with the revitalizing ash of novelty thus elevating this simple ditty into a national anthem."
Charles Novia said that "the cinematography was cool, concept was skewed. Video only sizzled at the beginning when Donjazzy had his bit. A song composed and hitting all nooks in Nigeria gets its video shot in South Africa. There was a lack of charisma too in the ensemble segments. Only Don Jazzy and Tiwa Savage had screen presence, others looked overwhelmed. It was a good visual effort for a fantastic audio hit but it could have been better. Maybe a Sesanor Clarence could have interpreted better."
Gbenga Adeniji of The Punch described the song as "funny, artistic and extensive".
Live performances
Dr SID and Tiwa Savage performed "Dorobucci" for the first time during Star Music Trek's visit to Ekwulobia in May 2014. On May 30, 2014, the aforementioned collective performed the song at the Road To The MAMAs concert.
Accolades
"Dorobucci" won Best Pop Single and was nominated for Song of the Year at The Headies 2014. The song was nominated for Hottest Single of the Year at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.