Jaiye Jaiye

Updated on Feb 01, 2024

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Released May 2, 2013 Recorded 2013 Length 3:47		Format Digital download Genre Afrobeat
Label Star Boy Entertainment Empire Mates Entertainment

"Jaiye Jaiye" is a song by Nigerian recording artist Wizkid, released on May 2, 2013 as the first single from his second studio album Ayo (2014). It features Grammy nominated Nigerian musician Femi Kuti. The song peaked at number 2 on WorldCrunch, and at 6 on Haba Naija Top 10 Music Chart. Moreover, it peaked at number 10 on Afrobreakers September 2013 Chart. The song was produced by Sarz and mastered by Foster Zeeno.

Background and recording

According to a behind the scenes video uploaded onto YouTube on May 13, 2013, the recording process started when Wizkid called Femi Kuti's sister and asked her if she could get her brother to collaborate with him. Yeni Kuti said she was shocked and surprised when she got a phone call from Wizkid. When she told her brother, he agreed to work with the young CEO. Femi Kuti said he was busy with Nigerian Idol and other projects at the time; he specifically told Wizkid to postpone their recording session. Wizkid and Femi Kuti ended up doing subsequent recording sessions. Femi Kuti went on to say that he puts his best into his music and it's only right that he continues to do that when the likes of Wizkid come around.

Music video

The music video for "Jaiye Jaiye" was released onto YouTube on October 26, 2013, at a total length of 4 minutes an 11 seconds. The video was shot and directed by Sesan in Lagos at the historic shrine. It features a creative cameo from Fela Anikulakpo Kuti.

On October 2, 2013, Wizkid uploaded several behind the scene photos of the video shoot onto his Instagram account.

Criticial reception

Upon its release, "Jaiye Jaiye" was met with positive reviews. Ovie O of NotJustOk praised the song, adding: "Everything about this song speaks volumes. The beat progression, Femi’s Sax, Wizkid’s delivery… near-perfect. Wizkid is the present and the future." OkayAfrica added, "In 'Jaiye Jaiye,' Wizkid gets some staccato saxophone lines from Femi Kuti, riding out the brass melody and Sarz beat with his signature high-pitched croons."