On Tiwa Savage’s ‘Gara’ being a Feminist Anthem

For my love of music.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

I’m not sure how to begin. I guess “hi” is safe? I hope you’ve been good.

I am actually glad about the EOY. I believe it’s a good time to rest, reflect and plan for the new year. Clarity is something I hope for in this period.

Sadly, I have not completed the article I began reading earlier on Labor Law. So, I cannot share my opinion. I am here today because I love my readers and I love to write. My motto is to just write. And here I am doing just that.

That said, a few days ago I was listening to select songs from Rema, the Nigerian artist and realized that I had some things to say, you know, to share. Maybe I’ll share my thoughts on that in the near future. Today, I want to talk about Tiwa Savage’s ‘Gara’.

As a woman, I always like to listen to female empowering songs. Songs were the women get to pay the bills, take their partners on trips, be dignified and live independent lives. Tiwa Savage’s song exemplifies that.

For one, I love the first line as Ayra Starr sings, “I fit no fit give you the lovin’ you want”. I feel that line deeply. To me, it articulates that I could try to love you but don’t be dependent on it. I am independent and I do not want to lose myself in any relationship.

“I dey for street if I no get money na war” she continues. I find this line so empowering. It implies a woman who is willing to take control of her life and her freedom.

“And I know you need someone to cuddle odo / Wey no go leave you commot, eh, I cannot be that girl”, she adds. I like to imagine myself as a bird, not too attached to anyone, but so authentically me. These lines show this. I want to be the woman who does not quit my dreams for anyone, for any man.

Tiwa Savage in the second verse sings, “It’s evidence I no get choice / I gatz to meet the daily target o / But if you go wait, I give you access o”. I see agency in these lines. It is saying, I am in control of my life. I’ve got to work to earn. It is only when I have my life in control, love myself, that I can truly love anyone else. In that case, when I do enter a relationship, I maintain my autonomy, I am in control of it and I am carrying my own weight.

Ayra Starr responds with “Too well, equality love”. I imagine that love is meant to be equal. While I understand that love cannot be quantified, I believe in equality in a romantic relationship, between men and women. I do not accept nor believe in rigid gender roles in such relationships.

And that’s a wrap! This was my first dig at lyric analysis so I am a bit anxious to share, but I am sharing it anyways. I hope you give the song a listen and come to love it as much as I do.