“Buga”, a song by Nigerian singer, Kizz Daniel, was one of the global highlights of Nigerian music in 2022. The song enjoyed massive success not just in Nigeria and Africa, but across the world. Buga was a global anthem, with trending challenges on TikTok, Instagram and other popular social media platforms. However, it seemed some fans did not pay much attention to the meaning of “Buga”, rather they preferred to dance to the song’s wonderful beats.
The year 2022 was not an easy year for Nigerians, especially amid economic woes and insecurity. But “Buga” seemed to make people feel better by reminding everyone that there is more to life than just being weighed down by suffering. In gratitude for how the song touched our lives, let us discuss the meaning and other amazing aspects of the song.
Buga meaning
When “Buga” was released, fans vibed to the song but many could not help wondering what the song means. In August, Kizz Daniel had an interview with popular American on-air personalities, Lenard McKelvey, a.k.a. Charlamagne Tha God, and Angela Yee on “The Breakfast Club” morning show on Power 105.1 in the US state of New York. The Nigerian singer revealed that “Buga” means unapologetically flaunting one’s success.
Buga song
“Buga” is a feel-good song that encourages you to enjoy your success no matter how little. The song, which also featured another popular Nigerian singer, Tekno, was first released on May 3, 2022, and became the most popular song in Nigeria. It also became the number one song on Apple Music’s Top 100 Chart in Nigeria and one of the top five afrobeat songs in the world.
In addition, “Buga” was the most shazamed song in the world at the time it was released.
Buga lyrics
Below are the full lyrics of the song:
{Intro: Kizz Daniel}
Hey!
Don’t Sleep
Don’t Sleep
Wake up
Collect your money
Collect your money
Wake up, eh!
Collect your money
Collect your money
Wake up
Giddem
{Verse 1: Kizz Daniel}
Gbera, gbera
Gbera go get that mullah (wake up)
Mo ni ko kala
Kala gbowo yen o
Kala gbowo yen lowo dealer
You don work, you don try (try)
You suppose to dey jaiye (jaiye)
Kilo kan mi kan pesin matter o
Person wey don mad, oh
When I land, I land softly on a sofa floor
So far, so good, ko ni baje
{Chorus: Kizz Daniel & Tekno}
Let me see you
(go low low low)
Let me see you
(go low low low)
Buga wọn, lemme buga won
Lemme see you dey buga
(go low low low)
Lemme see you
(fo low low low)
Buga won, lemme buga wọn
Lemme see you dey buga o
(go low low low)
Lemme see you
(go low low)
Buga won, lemme buga won
Lemme see you dey buga o
(go low low low)
Lemme see you
(go low low low)
Buga won, buga wọn
Lemme see you dey buga
{Verse 2: Tekno}
Gbera, Oh Ai
Gbera o
Gbera
Go get the dollar (wake Up)
Go baller, kala gbowo yen o
Kala gbowo yen lowo dealer
You don work, you don try
You suppose dey high
Ki lo kan won, o se fun won
Person wey don high
When I land, I land softly on a sofa floor
So far, so good, koni baje
{Chorus: Kizz Daniel & Tekno}
Let me see you
(go low low low)
Let me see you
(go low low low)
Buga won, lemme buga wọn
Lemme see you dey buga
(go low low low)
Lemme see you
(fo low low low)
Buga won, lemme buga won
Lemme see you dey buga o
(go low low low)
Lemme see you
(go low low)
Buga won, lemme buga won
Lemme see you dey buga o
(go low low low)
Lemme see you (go low low low)
Buga won, buga won
Lemme see you dey buga
{Outro: Kizz Daniel}
Go low low low (let me see you)
(Go low low low)
(Go low low low)
You don work, you don try
You suppose to dey fly
Buga dance
Kizz Daniel – Buga (#bugachallenge) Loicreyeltv https://t.co/bQgwkrXkzU via @YouTube
— jesse maputo (@JesseMaputo) January 16, 2023
One of the best highlights of “Buga” is the dance. According to a publication in The Voice, the “buga” dance is in many ways comparable to the Baka dance of the Tiv people. It is danced by people of all ages and statuses. As in, it does not matter who you are; you can “buga” anyhow you want. Presidents, Prime Ministers and even religious leaders have been filmed doing the “buga” dance.
The dance is easy. You can freestyle any dance step you like and when you hear “go low low low, you gradually bend your waist until you hear “Buga o”. That is when you are supposed to be straight on your feet with your arms curved like a proud peacock.
Conclusion
Kizz Daniel is, no doubt, a genius artist. Not only does he know how to sing, he understands how to capture his audience. Although “Buga” was tailor-made for Nigerians, the song has surprisingly surpassed expectations by becoming one of the most celebrated songs of 2022 globally. “Buga” may be a feel-good song, but it also inspires people to not just enjoy success but work hard for it. As long as your hustle is legit, go ahead and “Buga” as much as you want.
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