soso

"Soso" is a profound exploration of mental and emotional anguish, capturing a deep sense of pain, depression, and the desperate yearning for relief. The song is a standout track from Omah Lay's debut album, Boy Alone, which delves into his personal struggles with fame, loneliness, and mental health. The central plea of the song, "Soso take my pain away," functions as a mantra for deliverance from suffering.

The identity of "Soso" is multifaceted. In interviews, Omah Lay has explained that "Soso" can represent different things. It is the name of a real person, a Kalabari girl from Port Harcourt. However, he also extends the meaning metaphorically, stating that at times "Soso" could be money, or a "very fine girl." This ambiguity allows the listener to interpret "Soso" as any person, substance, or concept that one might turn to for escape or healing. Some interpretations also suggest "Soso" could be a spiritual entity, a deity, or a goddess, given the spiritual undertones of the song and its music video, which features a masquerade.

Ultimately, the song is a vulnerable confession. Omah Lay speaks of breaking commandments, feeling restless, and trying to cope through drinking ("Ten shots, high rise"). The lyrics convey a state of desperation where traditional prayers feel insufficient, leading to a direct and raw appeal for help. It's a raw and honest portrayal of someone battling inner demons, making it a relatable anthem for anyone who has faced similar struggles with their mental well-being.

The narrative of the song unfolds as a deeply personal and desperate plea from an individual grappling with immense emotional and psychological pain. The singer feels besieged by negativity and gossip, symbolized by the phrase "all of the things dem talk," but he is trying to numb himself to it, claiming he doesn't hear it. There's a palpable sense of being overwhelmed, with thoughts of disappearing crossing his mind. In this state of turmoil, he calls out to a figure named "Soso," begging her to take his pain away. This plea is not just a casual request; it's a profound cry for help that stems from a place of deep suffering.

He confesses his transgressions, admitting to having broken a "commandment" and feeling restless, unable to stay in one place. This suggests a sense of guilt and inner conflict contributing to his anguish. His prayers seem to have gone unanswered, leading him to turn to Soso as his last resort. The pain is so intense that he's engaged in self-destructive behaviors—taking "ten shots," which leads to a feeling of being high, and even cutting off his dreadlocks, a significant act that can symbolize a desire for change or a moment of crisis. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has tried various means to cope but finds no relief.

The central recurring motif is the desperate, chant-like appeal: "Soso take my pain away." This repetition underscores the depth of his suffering and his singular focus on finding solace. He believes Soso is the only one who truly understands and can feel his pain, viewing her as a unique source of healing. He metaphorically asks her for "vitamins," a cure that can alleviate his suffering. The song is a raw and honest depiction of a person at their breaking point, candidly expressing their struggles with mental health, loneliness, and the heavy burden of their emotional state. It's a journey into a dark place, where the only glimmer of hope is the possibility of Soso's intervention to bring relief and peace.

"Soso" was released on July 15, 2022, as a track on Omah Lay's debut studio album, Boy Alone. The album itself was created during a period of significant emotional turmoil for the artist, which he described as a "dark place." He began recording the album in 2021, and it marked a shift from the more carefree energy of his earlier EPs. Omah Lay has been open about his struggles with depression and insecurity while making the album, and "Soso," along with tracks like "I'm a Mess," embodies the core themes of these mental health battles. In fact, he felt the album wasn't truly complete until "Soso" was finished.

The song was written by Omah Lay and produced by Tempoe, a notable Nigerian producer who has worked with artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy. Omah Lay mentioned that when creating the song, the name "Soso" was the only thing that came to his mind as a source of relief, choosing it over more obvious palliatives like alcohol or drugs. He was in a state of deep pain during its creation and used smoking as a coping mechanism. The melodies of the song are influenced by Highlife music, with Omah Lay stating he wanted to connect with his ancestors and tap into the spirit-like quality of old Highlife singers.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Soso" are crucial to its melancholic yet captivating feel. The song's rhythmic foundation is rooted in Afrobeats, characterized by a swung, polyrhythmic groove that is subtly danceable. However, the tempo is mellow and laid-back, which creates a somber atmosphere that aligns with the lyrical content about pain and desperation.

The lyrical rhythm is conversational and flows smoothly over the beat. Omah Lay's delivery is fluid, often blurring the lines between singing and a melodic rap. This enhances the song's confessional and intimate tone. The rhyme scheme is not strictly formal but utilizes a mix of techniques to create cohesion. For instance, in the first verse, we see near rhymes and assonance: "All of the things dem talk, I no dey hear, hear / Try wetin I do if you no dey fear, fear / One mind dey tell me to disappear, 'pear'." This repetition of the /ɪər/ sound creates a hypnotic, incantatory effect.

The chorus is simple and rhythmically consistent, making it a memorable and powerful hook. Its repetitive, chant-like quality ("Soso take my pain away") makes the plea feel like a desperate mantra. The interplay between the gentle, rolling rhythm of the music and the weighty, pained rhythm of the lyrics creates the song's signature duality: a track that can be felt in both the body and the soul, reflecting the conflict of masking internal chaos with a calm exterior.

"Soso" employs a blend of musical and literary techniques to create its powerful emotional impact.

Musical Techniques:

• Genre Fusion: The song is a masterful blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and Pop, creating a mellow, soulful soundscape that contrasts with the lyrical intensity. This sub-genre has been described as 'emo-Afropop' for its focus on introspective and emotional lyrics.
• Vocal Delivery: Omah Lay's vocal performance is smooth and emotive, conveying a sense of vulnerability and desperation. The repetition of the chorus feels like a haunting chant, emphasizing his urgent plea.
• Highlife Influence: Omah Lay intentionally incorporated melodies inspired by traditional Highlife music, aiming to connect with a more spiritual and ancestral sound. This gives the song a timeless, soulful quality.
• Rhythmic Contrast: The track features swung, polyrhythmic Afrobeats percussion that provides a gentle groove, yet this danceable rhythm is layered with somber and melancholic lyrical themes, creating a deliberate duality that mirrors the internal conflict of appearing fine while suffering internally.

Literary Techniques:

• Repetition: The recurring plea "Soso take my pain away" acts as the song's central refrain and hook. This repetition drills the core message of desperation into the listener's mind, functioning like a mantra.
• Metaphor and Symbolism: As detailed previously, the song is built on powerful metaphors like "Soso" as a savior, "Oshimiri" (the ocean) as overwhelming trouble, and "vitamins" as a cure for pain.
• Direct Address: The song is a direct address, or an apostrophe, to the figure of Soso. This creates a sense of intimacy and personal appeal, as if the listener is overhearing a private, desperate prayer.
• Confessional Tone: The lyrics are deeply personal and confessional ("I don break, commandment"), which fosters a strong connection with the audience by revealing raw vulnerability and relatable human flaws.

"Soso" has had a significant cultural impact since its release in 2022. As a standout track from the critically acclaimed album Boy Alone, it quickly became a fan favorite and one of the biggest Afrobeats hits of its era. The song dominated streaming platforms, radio rotations, and social media, particularly on TikTok, where it became a viral sensation.

The track's success has been both commercial and cultural. In the United States, "Soso" became eligible for Gold certification after selling over 500,000 units, marking a major milestone for Omah Lay in the region. Its popularity led to a remix featuring Puerto Rican singer Ozuna, further extending its global reach.

Perhaps most importantly, "Soso" has been praised for its open and vulnerable discussion of mental health, a topic often considered taboo. The song's raw portrayal of depression and the search for relief resonated deeply with a global audience, solidifying Omah Lay's reputation as one of Afrobeats' most honest and introspective storytellers. It cemented his status as a key voice in the 'emo-Afropop' subgenre, which focuses on emotional and confessional themes. The song's success highlights a shift in Afrobeats, showcasing the genre's capacity for deep emotional complexity alongside its characteristic vibrant rhythms.

"Soso" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that convey the depth of the artist's emotional turmoil.

• Soso: The central figure of "Soso" is the most significant symbol. While Omah Lay has stated she is a real person, she primarily functions as a metaphor for any source of salvation or relief from pain. She represents a sanctuary, a form of therapy, or a desperate cry for help disguised as romantic longing. Depending on the listener, Soso can be a lover, money, a deity, or even a personified representation of hope.
• Water (Oshimiri): The line, "Water no get enemy, 'til you fall for Oshimiri," is a powerful metaphor. It interpolates a famous line from Fela Kuti, meaning water is harmless until you find yourself drowning in the deep ocean (Oshimiri). This symbolizes how something seemingly benign can become dangerous and overwhelming, likely referring to his own emotions, fame, or life's challenges.
• Cutting Dreadlocks: The lyric "Offshore, cut my dreadlocks" is a symbolic act. In many cultures, hair holds significant meaning. Cutting it can represent a moment of crisis, a desire for a drastic change, a break from the past, or an attempt to shed a heavy burden.
• Vitamins: When he pleads, "Give me vitamins wey go take these pains away," the vitamins are a metaphor for a cure or a healing agent. He isn't asking for literal pills, but for an emotional or spiritual remedy that only Soso can provide.
• Masquerade: In the music video, Omah Lay is seen bowing before a masquerade figure. In many West African cultures, masquerades are not just dancers but can represent ancestral spirits or deities. This imagery reinforces the interpretation of "Soso" as a spiritual plea for intervention from a higher power.

The most prominent and significant recurring phrase in the song is the chorus: "Soso take my pain away." This line is the central thesis of the entire track, repeated multiple times with slight variations in delivery to convey escalating desperation and longing. Its function is threefold: it's a memorable hook, a desperate plea, and a mantra-like chant that expresses the singer's singular focus on finding relief. The repetition emphasizes the overwhelming nature of his pain and his dependency on "Soso" for salvation.

Another recurring lyrical motif is the confession of wrongdoing and restlessness: "I don break, commandment / I can't stay for one place." This couplet appears in both verses, reinforcing the theme of internal conflict and guilt. It suggests that the singer's pain is not just from external sources but also from his own actions and a troubled conscience, adding a layer of complexity to his suffering.

The invocation of "Maami" (a term of endearment, often for a mother or a respected woman) when he prays is also repeated, adding a touch of childlike vulnerability to his plea. It suggests a deep-seated need for comfort and guidance in his moment of crisis.

Musically, the gentle, looping guitar melody and the steady Afrobeats rhythm serve as a recurring motif, providing a consistent, melancholic backdrop for Omah Lay's emotional vocals.