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Sit with pain
Dance with joy
Okay is here
-安天美
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Rydm
In the heart of Lagos' bustling music scene, a new voice emerges with a song that speaks to both struggle and triumph. Rydm's latest release "Okay" under Alafia Collective isn't just another track – it's a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the beautiful coincidences that bring artists together.
The story begins in a kitchen, where a young Temitope, founder of Alafia Collective, first discovered his love for music. Alongside his cousin, amid the warmth of family and the aroma of baking, he found his rhythm through unlikely anthems – from Birdy's "Skinny Love" to Olamide's "Anifowose." These kitchen sessions, soundtracked by an iPad in a pink case, would later shape his vision for discovering and nurturing new talent.
I met Temitope at the African Leadership University and we have been inseparable. Ten years of friendship have taught me that "okay" means something different when you have someone who believes in you unconditionally. It means having a brother who celebrates your wins like they're his own. It means late-night calls that turn into morning conversations, shared dreams that turn into shared victories, and the constant, unwavering knowledge that whatever comes our way, we'll face it together. I’ve watched these lyrics shape his vision, his determination to make sure his family would be more than okay.
Years later, during countless hours of scrolling through TikTok, Temitope encountered Rydm – an artist whose 30-second feature left an indelible mark. "Oba Melody," as Temitope would come to save him in his phone, possessed that rare combination of melodic intuition and lyrical depth that couldn't be ignored. Their connection was instant, built on shared values: a hunger for success, strong family ties, and an unwavering faith.
"Okay," Rydm's debut under Alafia Collective, embodies this journey. The track opens with raw honesty: "Omo I dey find peace / But I no wan rest in peace" – a powerful declaration of ambition tempered by spiritual awareness. When he sings "If family don chop I dey okay," it's more than a hook; it's a philosophy that resonates with Alafia Collective's core values.
Sit with pain Dance with joy Okay is here
Okay album cover
These nine words capture the essence of Rydm's message – the balance between acknowledging struggle and embracing triumph, between sitting with pain and dancing with joy. It's a reflection of the artist's journey and the collective's vision.
"This collaboration was divine timing," says Temitope. From that first TikTok discovery to organising a music camp with producer PS10, every step has felt predestined. RYDM's lyrics in "Okay" speak to this providence: "God don dey view all my messages / When e ready e go message me."
Rydm with a bouquet of flowers
The track weaves together elements of afrobeats with deeply personal storytelling. When Rydm declares "Got not no rest in me / Demons try wan o le be si mi," it's both a personal confession and a universal battle cry for dreamers everywhere.
Alafia Collective has always been about more than just music – it's about building a legacy of authentic voices who can speak to both struggle and success. With Rydm's "Okay," they've found an artist who embodies this duality perfectly.
As the chorus echoes "I Dey Okay," it's not just a statement of current contentment, but a powerful affirmation of faith in the journey ahead.
For Rydm, Temitope, and the entire Alafia Collective family, this release marks not just a milestone, but a momentum that promises to carry them toward greater heights.
In true Alafia fashion, we end with a question that invites you into this journey.
We said:
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Okay is coming,
Okay is here.
Are you Okay?
-安天美
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https://open.spotify.com/track/1A4Mbspc7xRc68fVaTLb9o?si=2984dddeaf9b4aa9
https://music.apple.com/ng/album/okay/1788826521?i=1788826523
You are welcome ✨
Join the movement: alafiacollective.com | Contact [email protected]
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