Godwin (song)

"Godwin"
Single by Korede Bello
from the album Beloved
Released28 January 2015[1]
Recorded2015
GenreAfropop
Length2:59
LabelMavin Records
Songwriter(s)Korede Bello
Producer(s)Don Jazzy
Korede Bello singles chronology
"Jingle Bell"
(2014) 		"Godwin"
(2015)
Music video
"Godwin" on YouTube

"Godwin" is a song by Nigerian songwriter and singer Korede Bello. It was released on 28 January 2015, by Mavin Records. The song features backup vocals from Don Jazzy.[2]

Critical reception

Audio

"Godwin" was met with positive reviews from music critics. A writer for Jaguda.com rated it 3.5 out of 5 adding: "On first listen, one can’t help but enjoy the totally positive and hopeful message about it.....Overall it’s a good song, and most importantly, a song that’s very simple but still very powerful with its message."[3] Chibuzor of 360Nobs commented on the song, saying, "This one is a feel good material by many standards, a song cutting across the various demographics and a potential hit given the needed plugging. The entire sounds and lyrical composition fuse in seamless beauty that oozes impeccability and style. God Win is full of cheeriness and drive; a cool number, indigenous, original, repeat-worthy and all."[4]

Music video

The music video of "Godwin" was shot and directed by Adasa Cookey. Filmed in Lagos, Nigeria, it was uploaded to YouTube on 3 June 2015.[5] The video amassed over one million views five weeks after its release. Moreover, it featured cameo appearances from Bovi, AY, Elenu, Yaw, Dr SID and Labi.[6][7]

Live performance and criticism

On 5 April 2015, Korede Bello was invited to perform the song at a church. His invitation to perform the song at the church didn't sit well down some people, who felt he was a secular artist and shouldn't have performed on a sacred altar. He voiced his opinion on Instagram, saying,

Mixed reactions about me glorifying God in the church! Am I not allowed to give my testimony?.[8]

Remix and covers

Clay, a female indie rock artiste from Nigeria did a cover version of "Godwin" in a rock style .[9]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Godwin (Rock cover)"ClayColdflames3:45

Awards and nominations

Year Award ceremony Prize Result
2015 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Hottest Single of the Year Nominated
The Headies 2015 Best Pop Single Won
Song of the Year Nominated
2016 MTV Africa Music Awards Song of the Year Nominated[10]

Personnel

Song credits
  • Writing – Korede Bello
  • Production – Don Jazzy
Video credits
  • Director – Adasa Cookey

References

  1. ^ "Korede Bello – Godwin [Prod by. Don Jazzy]". tooXclusive. 28 January 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  2. ^ "Korede Bello – Godwin (Prod. Don Jazzy)". notJustOk. 28 January 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  3. ^ "Review: Korede Bello – Godwin". Jaguda.com. 4 February 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  4. ^ Jordan Abiola (2 February 2015). "MUSIC REVIEW: Korede Bello [GODWIN]". 360Nobs. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  5. ^ "VIDEO PREMIERE: Korede Bello – Godwin". notJustOk. 3 June 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  6. ^ Dayo Showemimo (5 June 2015). "5 Nigerian comedians star in Korede Bello's 'Godwin' video". The NetNG. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  7. ^ Dayo Showemimo (13 July 2015). "Korede Bello's 'Godwin' video crosses 1m views in 5 weeks". The NetNG. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  8. ^ ""Am I Not Allowed to Give my Testimony?" Korede Bello Reacts to Criticism of Church Performance". BellaNaija. 10 May 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  9. ^ JimmyKing (15 July 2015). "Clay – "Godwin" (Rock Cover) (Prod. by Coldflames)". tooXclusive. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  10. ^ Base, MTV (3 October 2016). "News : final stage of nominations for mamas". MTV Base. Retrieved 25 May 2017.