From the bustling streets of Nigeria, a singular voice is emerging, one that defies easy categorization and demands attention. Glory Agbebaku, better known as Waymi, is not merely a musician; he is a vibrant tapestry of personality, eccentricity, and unyielding dedication to his craft. With a journey that began in the hallways of high school, memorizing and performing entire songs for his captivated classmates, Waymi‘s path to musical prominence has been a winding one, yet always guided by an undeniable gravitational pull towards sound. Despite forays into international relations and personal training, music remained the unwavering constant, culminating in his solo debut in 2023 with the alluring track “Calling”. This initial offering wasn’t just a song; it was a potent declaration, a clear signal of Waymi‘s ambition to transcend borders and connect with souls across the globe. “Calling” left an indelible mark, posing a lingering question to all who heard it: What more could this extraordinary artist offer?
The answer is now unequivocally clear, resounding through the airwaves with his current sensation, “Gangster.” This track isn’t just making waves; it’s creating a sonic undertow, pulling listeners into its enigmatic depths. “Gangster” unfolds over a hypnotic mid-tempo beat, a rhythmic pulse that grounds the listener while skittering percussion adds a layer of restless energy. This intricate percussive work, far from being a mere backdrop, acts as a subtle narrator, hinting at the introspection and questioning that lie at the heart of the song. Paired with Waymi‘s moody, yet remarkably engaging, vocals, the track constructs an atmosphere of intriguing ambiguity.
The true genius of “Gangster” lies not only in its compelling sonic landscape but in the profound lyrical introspection it invites. Waymi, with the precision of a seasoned storyteller, delves into themes of perception, identity, and the masks we wear in a world quick to judge. The opening lines immediately set the tone: If I told you my beginning. Conversation wouldn’t finish. Shit I did before you knew me. John the sinner you can see me.
This raw, confessional opening immediately establishes a sense of vulnerability, inviting the listener into a private dialogue. It challenges preconceived notions, hinting at a past far more complex than any casual observer might assume. The reference to “John the sinner” is particularly potent, evoking a sense of past transgressions or experiences that have shaped him, yet remain unseen by others.
The narrative quickly pivots to a direct confrontation of assumptions: Heavy duty doors we pushing. Do you know me or you assuming. Did you think you really knew me. Nah nigga nah nigga.
Here, Waymi directly questions the superficiality of external perception. The “heavy duty doors we pushing” could be interpreted as the weight of past struggles or the relentless effort required to navigate life. The repeated “Nah nigga nah nigga” serves as a blunt and powerful rejection of facile judgments, a defiant assertion that true understanding lies beyond mere observation.
The chorus, a deceptively simple yet profoundly layered statement, becomes the anchor of the song’s central inquiry: I might be living like a rasta. Do you think that I am a gangster. I am used to taking all the 5 stars. So make you blame me if i nor calm.
The juxtaposition of “living like a rasta” with the question, “Do you think that I am a gangster,” is brilliant. “Rasta” often connotes a sense of peace, spirituality, and a rejection of materialism, while “gangster” carries connotations of toughness, street credibility, and a life outside conventional norms. Waymi masterfully plays with these archetypes, challenging the listener to reconcile them. Is he embodying one, the other, or neither? The line “Am used to taking all the 5 stars” adds another layer of complexity. This could refer to a life of luxury and comfort, or perhaps a metaphorical “five-star” standard of excellence he holds himself to, irrespective of external perceptions. The closing “So make you blame me if i nor calm” is a subtle yet powerful statement of self-acceptance, a tacit acknowledgment that his demeanor is a result of his experiences, not something to be judged.
The song then delves deeper into the internal fortitude required to navigate such misperceptions: Have been low body and soul. I can cope try me and know. You been nice don’t make me show. My other side my other side poison on code.
These lines reveal a resilience forged in hardship. The “low body and soul” speaks to past trials, while “I can cope try me and know” is a quiet yet firm challenge, a testament to his inner strength. The chilling “poison on code” suggests a darker, perhaps more protective, facet of his personality, a side he rarely displays but is always present, ready to emerge if pushed too far.
The bridge offers a moment of poignant vulnerability amidst the defiance: Before you go tell me tell me. You lemme know tell me tell me. Coz am alone i need i need. Another soul body body.
This unexpected plea for connection cuts through the stoic exterior, revealing a human need for understanding and companionship. It’s a powerful reminder that beneath the layers of perception and self-preservation, there is a desire for genuine connection.
“Gangster” is more than just a song; it’s a compelling psychological portrait set to a captivating beat. Waymi demonstrates an extraordinary ability to articulate the intricacies of identity and the often-misleading nature of surface appearances. His raw honesty, combined with the hypnotic allure of the music, creates an experience that is both thought-provoking and deeply resonant.
Waymi‘s journey, from a high school student performing for classmates to a burgeoning international artist, is a testament to his unwavering passion and distinctive vision. With “Calling” setting the stage and “Gangster” cementing his unique voice, Waymi is not just poised to make an impact on the music industry; he is actively reshaping it, one introspective, infectious track at a time. He invites us not just to listen, but to truly hear, to look beyond the labels, and to embrace the rich, multifaceted narrative of a truly authentic artist. Are you ready to challenge your own assumptions and dive into the world of Waymi?
