“Alcohol” by Joeboy

Joeboy’s “Alcohol” centers on the concept of the vocalist relying on the consumption of alcohol as a means of anti-depression. In the first verse, Joeboy presents himself as someone who is soundly blessed. But later on such a disposition comes off more along the lines of being a psychological defense mechanism, i.e. conscientious positivity thinking in light of all of the challenges he faces also. 

The said challenges, which seemingly fall into the social, professional and intrapersonal categories, often cause him to get depressed. And this is because Joeboy is the type of person who would rather just be dancing and chillin’ as opposed to having to contend with all of the BS.

So that is why the singer ‘sips his alcohol’. He doesn’t want his mind to dwell on the negative aspects of his life, as it seemingly does by default. So to counteract these thoughts the narrator, most simply put, relies on a hearty boozing.

Meanwhile, near the end of the track in the post-chorus, we find the phrase “ebelebe” being repeated a few times. This term, which sprang from Nigeria, most generally points to the notion of giving thanks. So as with the first verse, it can be ascertained that the vocalist not only relies on alcohol to keep his spirits up. But also, even amidst all the drama he has to deal with, Joeboy acknowledges his blessings also.

Who is Joeboy?

Joeboy is a singer from Nigeria who specializes in Afrobeats, aka Afro pop, African pop or what have you. This is a genre which has more or less dominated the Motherland’s musical landscape during the early 21^st century.

Joeboy (who as of the release of “Alcohol” is 24 years old) and has been active since 2017. He is well known in West Africa in particular and is in the process of making a name for himself more internationally. For instance, the first time many people overseas may have heard of him is when a track he participated on, the 2019 remix of “Love Nwantiti“. “Love Nwantiti” is a song by fellow Naija artist CKay. The song was a major hit in Europe and other parts of the world.

The “Alcohol” Song

Meanwhile “Alcohol”, which was written solely by Joeboy, came out on 24 September 2021. And it quickly proceeded to become “the most streamed song in Nigeria” during that timeframe.

As it often tends to go these days, the success of this track was buttressed by it being associated with a social-media challenge. Said concept is called the “Alcohol Challenge”. And it requires adherents, to ‘pour all sorts of substances on their bodies’, though said substance is apparently supposed to be drinking alcohol. 

Some practitioners have even taken the dare as far as to drink some of the aforementioned substances. This has resulted in one individual for instance basically making a fool of herself on social media after drinking Dettol – a liquid disinfectant/antiseptic – and spazzing accordingly. And reportedly some Nigerian netizens are even calling for Joeboy to be arrested as a result.

The producer of this track is named Tempoe. The sound was put out by a couple of labels called emPawa Africa and Banku Music.