Monalisa

"Monalisa" by Lojay and Sarz is a vibrant and sensual Afrobeats track that revolves around the themes of intense desire, admiration, and the captivating allure of a woman. The song's core meaning is an ode to a woman whose beauty and presence are as mesmerizing as Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting. Lojay uses the name "Monalisa" not just as a name, but as a powerful metaphor for a woman who is a masterpiece—enigmatic, beautiful, and worthy of admiration.

Lyrically, the song is a direct address to this woman, filled with bold, flirtatious, and possessive language. The artist expresses a deep yearning for her, both physically and emotionally. Lines like "Follow my commanding like zombie" and references to her "coca body" are expressions of his overwhelming attraction and his desire for her to submit to their mutual passion. The repeated chorus, "Ma jo Monalisa" (which translates to "Keep dancing, Monalisa"), serves as the central hook and encapsulates the song's celebratory and hedonistic spirit. Dancing here is a metaphor for freedom, seduction, and the physical expression of their connection.

The song also contains a rich blend of English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba, which adds layers of cultural context and meaning. Phrases like "this your miliki for front na for me" are unapologetically direct, claiming a sense of ownership over her affection and body, which is a common trope in Afrobeats love songs. Ultimately, "Monalisa" is a celebration of feminine beauty and the intoxicating feeling of being utterly captivated by someone, expressed through the energetic and dance-driven lens of modern Afrobeats.

The song unfolds as a direct and impassioned address to a woman who has completely captivated the singer. He begins by demanding her absolute devotion, using the metaphor of a zombie to illustrate the level of control and obedience he desires. He wants her to follow his every command without question, particularly in a physical and intimate sense, as he directs her to “go down on me” with her “coca body,” a comparison to the curvaceous shape of a Coca-Cola bottle. This sets a tone of confident, almost arrogant, desire.

The central theme is the singer's possessive admiration for her physical attributes. He explicitly claims her body, referring to her breasts as “miliki for front” (your milk in the front) and insisting they belong to him. He is so enamored that he declares he would surrender in any fight for her affection, signaling a vulnerability beneath the commanding exterior. The chorus is an infectious and repeated instruction for her to dance, using the name “Monalisa.” This isn't just a simple request to dance; it's a command to move with the same enchanting, mysterious, and captivating quality as the famous painting. The dance becomes a metaphor for their intimate connection and her expression of her allure.

He continues to praise her, calling her “Omalicha,” an Igbo word for beauty, acknowledging the stunning effect she has when she enters a room. He playfully asks if she will bring him both “sugar” (sweetness and pleasure) and “Wahala” (trouble), recognizing the intoxicating and potentially complicated nature of their relationship. The lyrics are a blend of English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba, creating a rich, textured narrative that feels authentic to its Lagos origins. The singer’s words are a mix of compliments, commands, and declarations of his intentions, portraying a man who is overwhelmed by a woman's beauty and is using the language of dance and desire to express his deep attraction and to persuade her to be his entirely.

"Monalisa" was born out of a collaboration between Nigerian artist Lojay (Lekan Osifeso Jr.) and renowned producer Sarz (Osabuohien Osaretin). The track was created during the 2020 lockdown when Lojay, then a relatively unknown artist, was introduced to Sarz. This introduction led to the creation of their joint EP, LV N ATTN (Love and Attention), which was released in June 2021.

The song itself was a surprise hit from the EP. According to Lojay and Sarz, they initially overlooked "Monalisa," with Sarz even considering leaving it off the project because he feared it would overshadow the other tracks—a premonition that ultimately came true. The intention behind the song was simply to have fun and create something upbeat and danceable. The beat, which Sarz had made some time before, was infused with Amapiano log drums at a time when the South African genre was beginning to gain significant traction in Nigeria. This fusion of Afrobeats and Amapiano became a key element of the song's appeal.

Lojay has stated that his main intention with the lyrics was to hype up a female character he had developed for the song, to make her feel beautiful, confident, and free to express herself through dance. The song quickly gained viral momentum, becoming a continental smash hit with over 100 million streams globally. Its success led to a high-profile remix in May 2022 featuring American superstar Chris Brown, who was chosen for his effortless ability to blend with Afrobeats sounds. Lojay noted that Brown sent his verse back quickly and seamlessly, elevating the track to a new international level.

The rhythmic structure of "Monalisa" is its most defining characteristic, built upon a fusion of Afrobeats and Amapiano. The song has a tempo of approximately 113 BPM, creating a mid-tempo groove that is perfect for dancing. The foundation is laid by Sarz's production, which features the signature Amapiano log drum, providing a deep, resonant bassline that is both hypnotic and rhythmically compelling. This is overlaid with the syncopated percussion typical of Afrobeats, creating a polyrhythmic texture that is complex yet easy to follow.

Lojay’s vocal delivery flows melodically over this rhythm, often weaving between the beats rather than strictly adhering to them. His lyrical rhythm is conversational and fluid, which enhances the song's sensual and relaxed feel. The rhyme scheme is relatively simple and effective, often relying on couplets and repeated refrains to create a catchy structure. For example, in the pre-chorus, "corner" is rhymed with "enter," and "Wahala-hala" creates an internal rhyme that adds to the musicality of the lyrics. The chorus itself is a simple, repeated phrase that acts as a rhythmic and melodic hook, prioritizing catchiness and danceability over complex lyrical structures. The interplay between the driving musical rhythm and the smooth, flowing vocal rhythm is key to the song's infectious appeal, making it a staple on dance floors worldwide.

"Monalisa" employs a blend of musical and literary techniques that contribute to its infectious and memorable quality. Musically, the song is a prime example of Afro-fusion, skillfully blending Nigerian Afrobeats with the distinct log drums and percussive elements of South African Amapiano. This hybrid sound, curated by producer Sarz, creates a rhythmically complex yet smooth and danceable foundation. The instrumentation is layered with catchy melodies and a prominent bassline that drives the track forward. Lojay’s vocal delivery is a key stylistic feature; his voice is smooth, sultry, and melodic, effortlessly switching between English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba. This code-switching makes the song culturally specific while remaining accessible to a global audience.

Literarily, the lyrics utilize vivid imagery and direct metaphors. The central metaphor, comparing the woman to the "Monalisa," is a powerful device that frames her as a timeless piece of art. Similes like "follow my commanding like zombie" and describing her figure as a "coca body" are direct and impactful, creating memorable lyrical hooks. The song's structure is built around repetition, particularly in the chorus ("Ma jo Monalisa"). This repetition, combined with the catchy melody, makes the song incredibly memorable and perfect for radio play and club settings. The use of slang and colloquialisms ("miliki," "Wahala," "Omalicha") adds a layer of authenticity and relatability for its primary Nigerian audience while introducing global listeners to the nuances of West African languages.

"Monalisa" has had a significant cultural impact since its release in 2021, marking a pivotal moment in the global ascent of Afro-fusion. The song was a commercial success, becoming one of the most-streamed tracks in Nigeria and across Africa, amassing over 100 million streams globally for the original version alone. It charted successfully in multiple countries, including peaking within the top 20 of the UK Afrobeats Charts and hitting number 1 on Shazam's Global Afrobeats chart.

The song's fusion of Afrobeats and Amapiano was particularly influential, helping to popularize the hybrid sound and solidifying its place in the mainstream. It became a viral sensation on social media platforms like TikTok, where countless dance challenges propelled its reach far beyond traditional media.

The song's legacy was further cemented by the 2022 remix featuring American R&B superstar Chris Brown. This collaboration was a major crossover moment, introducing Lojay and the track to a massive international audience and demonstrating the increasing appeal of Afrobeats to global music icons. Chris Brown's verse, which included him singing in Nigerian Pidgin, was seen as a respectful and well-executed nod to the culture, further bridging the gap between African and Western music markets. The remix peaked at number 8 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, highlighting its success in the American market. Ultimately, "Monalisa" stands as a landmark track in Lojay's career and a testament to the global power and influence of contemporary African music.

The central and most powerful symbol in the song is the "Monalisa" herself. By comparing the woman to Leonardo da Vinci's iconic masterpiece, Lojay elevates her beyond mere physical beauty. The Mona Lisa is renowned for her enigmatic smile and timeless allure, suggesting the woman in the song possesses a mysterious, captivating quality that is both intriguing and deeply attractive. She is not just a passing interest; she is a work of art to be admired and praised.

Several metaphors are used to describe her physical attributes and the effect she has on the singer:

• "Coca body": This is a direct metaphor comparing her curvaceous figure to the iconic shape of a Coca-Cola bottle. It's a common and easily understood simile in pop culture used to praise a woman's hourglass figure.
• "Sugar and Wahala": When Lojay asks, "Will you give me sugar and Wahala hala?", he is using "sugar" to symbolize pleasure, sweetness, and affection, while "Wahala" (a Nigerian Pidgin word for trouble) symbolizes the intoxicating, possibly chaotic, and addictive nature of their relationship. This suggests he is aware that such a powerful attraction comes with both pleasure and complications.
• "Zombie": The line "Follow my commanding like zombie" is a stark simile for total submission and devotion. While potentially controversial, in the context of the song's playful and sensual tone, it's used to emphasize the depth of connection and control he desires in their intimate dynamic.

The most significant recurring phrase in the song is the chorus, "Ma jo Monalisa." This simple command, which translates to "Keep dancing, Monalisa," serves as the song's central hook and thematic core. Its constant repetition drills the song's primary message into the listener's mind: a celebration of movement, beauty, and hypnotic allure. It's an instruction, a plea, and a chant all in one, making it incredibly memorable and effective in a dance setting.

Another key recurring phrase is "Follow my commanding like zombie." This line, appearing in the verse, establishes the power dynamic and the intense, almost hypnotic control the singer wishes to have. Its repetition reinforces the depth of his desire for her complete attention and submission to their shared passion.

The reference to her "coca body" is a recurring image that reinforces the theme of her physical perfection and curvaceousness. Similarly, the use of affectionate, culturally specific terms like "Omalicha" (beauty) and descriptive words like "miliki" (milk, referring to her bosom) are repeated motifs that paint a consistent picture of his adoration. These recurring elements provide structural cohesion and continuously emphasize the song's main themes of desire, admiration, and the captivating power of the woman he calls Monalisa.