Hey everyone, the calendar says it’s the 20th of January as I write this, but rumor has it that today is actually the 40th of January, 2023. The month marks the beginning of every new year and, for some people, “New Me”. Also, many people dread the month of January because it is always perceived to be longer than every other month.
Besides being a time of rededication and setting new goals to be achieved for the rest of the year, the January period is considered to be one of financial drought, mental exhaustion, and lack of motivation. This is probably the aftermath of the spending and bills that characterize the stretch of festivities in December. It is usually the time to “guide” (be prudent), bob, and weave any form of billing and extravagant spending.
However, for me, this month has been a bit fast this year and now that I have mentioned it, I probably have jinxed it. Don’t worry, it’s just about 20 days to go. In a bid to help you stay motivated and afloat under the stress that comes with the new year and new responsibilities, we at Soot Africa have put together a list of songs to help your January feel shorter.
On a more serious note, the year must have started on a rough note for some, therefore making them less productive and stressed. I have personally compiled a list of 10 songs below that can help massage your mental temples and relieve the stress experienced so far this year.
M.I Abaga ft BNXN- Oil
This song is a declaration of faith in yourself and a manifestative declaration of grace upon yourself. I highly recommend this for motivation. “Oil dey my head, I can’t lie” and you? Don’t let your oil dry up this month. Keep declaring!
Reminisce ft Bnxn & D-Smoke- Hustle
If this song doesn’t motivate you to grind harder to enjoy a softer life this year, you can hold my shirt when you see me in public. And if anyone is about to bring any bad energy around you this period, hit them with the first 2 lines Bnxn dropped on this song.
Teni- Hustle
And when the going gets tough, hold the fort with Teni’s ‘Hustle’. It might seem like the world is against you at some point but don’t fold, don’t break (mafo). Protect your energy and space this year!
Magixx- Motivate Yourself
This is one song you should wake up and listen to. Motivate yourself because you’ve got yourself and your God (if you believe in one) to help you out sometimes. Anytime I listen to this song, it makes me strive for excellence in everything I do. You should add this to your January playlist too.
Chike- Please
This song is a reminder of where you are coming from and where you want to be. ‘Please’ by Chike is a cry for grace, a plea to God to make the whole hustle and bustle worth it at the end of the day. It is also a request for wisdom to handle the rewards when the rigorous labor eventually pays off.
Black Sherif- Soja
Are you ready for the war against SAPA? Are you ready to face your challenges and beat the odds? Listen to Black Sherif’s ‘Soja’. This song gives me the confidence of 10 men. A reassurance that I can do all things I set my mind to. Don’t let them catch you off guard or worse, sleeping!
Omah Lay- Safe Haven
You might not appreciate this song properly if you are currently a remote worker, especially in Lagos. This song comes in handy to be added to your Lagos traffic playlist, especially with the terrible traffic this January. This is for my 9-5 people who spend most of their mornings and evenings in Lagos traffic sandwiched with fellow 9-5ers returning from work. This is not a jab in any way but an encouragement that things will be better soon.
Adekunle Gold- Win
Adekunle Gold’s ‘Win’ is a reminder that I have to win at all costs. According to him, “Win so hard and make a scene”. Listen to win for morale boosting and vision foresight. This song helps you picture yourself in the nearest future away from current struggles. Use am guide this January too!
T.I. Blaze- Try
You really thought I was going to make a list of hustle songs to ginger the January spirit without Afro-Adura? This is one of my all-time favorite Afro-Adura jams. The bop on this song and vibe might put you in a groovy mood but beneath that lies an important message. T.I. Blaze encourages us to keep a front-sight focus and avoid see-finish that’s why you must keep trying to do better.
Seyi Vibes- Billion Dollar
Seyi emphasizes the importance of time and chance. You should work hard to reach your goal while you pray for the grace to fulfill what has been declared concerning you. Trust me, this is a very deep message. Don’t give up! Rise to the occasion, face your fears, and claim that which is yours this year.
I’m beginning to feel like a motivational speaker at this point. I just hope with these few songs of mine, I have been able to help you reduce your January to 35 days instead of 62. Don’t say I have not tried for you.
Stay glued to Soot Africa for your regular music updates.