Bella Shmurda‘s first single since his debut album (Hypertension) has him wishing for more goodwill in his life endeavours. The Dagbana Republik flag bearer is all about living the fast life in Ara (Gen Gen Tin).
He kicks off Ara by acknowledging the gossip about his character and life’s flaws. Bella is aware of the naysayers talking about his academic failures, perceived dullness, and general struggle before fame. Nonetheless, he marches onward, praying for good luck from God to guide him as he focuses on the paper chase to keep enjoying his present lifestyle.
This he flaunts in the chorus, “Ara mon da ni (Gen gen tin) / Make I no dey beg for food (Gen gen tin) / Make my motor pim pim pim (Gen gen tin) / Anything I buy, I buy for two (Gen gen tin).” Bella ends the chorus with a salient prayer point against his enemies, “Kan ma lo koba mi (Gen gen tin) / Make their eyes no see me (Gen gen tin) / Make their arrow no touch me (Gen gen tin),” Shmurda petitions God.
The next verse is a follow-up to the first half of Ara‘s hook. It flexes Bella’s resilience to keep mute regardless of the gossip as he allows his snazzy lifestyle to do the talking.
In composing Ara (Gen Gen Tin), the singer uses some colloquial terms to drive his message home. Terms like “Shakti bobo” got from Olamide’s 2015 hit refer to Bella’s movement from one party to another in search of a new high; just like the actual dance which involves using one’s arms and limbs in a continuous upward-downward motion. Bella name-drops Rahman Jago, a designer and popular Nigerian lifestyle lord, to express his high-fashion outings. He also made use of the Islamic term “Lola Satira”, a popular prayer among Muslims to claim goodwill upon themselves.
LarryLanes (“Enta”) is responsible for the fast-paced production of the tune. You should listen: