One year ago, Victony rallied 14 of Nigeria’s finest artistes, Victony rekindled the lost art of posse cuts, reminding us of the power of community in an increasingly individualistic industry.

Victony has built a reputation as one of Afropop's most versatile talents. Before “Ohema,” he had already struck gold with hits like “Holy Father”, “Apollo” and “Soweto,” showcasing his ability to craft emotional and commercially viable tracks.

But “Ohema,” was different. It wasn’t just another hit—it was a strategic statement, a celebration of community at a time when individualism often reigns supreme.

“Ohema” arrived at a pivotal moment. 2023 saw a resurgence of experimental sounds, as artistes like Asake and Rema pushed the boundaries of the genre. Yet, the year also experienced the fleeting nature of fame, with cultural shifts and hyper-short attention spans challenging even the brightest stars. “Ohema” stood out, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the hyper-individualism often seen in Afropop.

The making of “Ohema” was as ambitious as its final form. In an interview on Zero Conditions Podcast, Victony credits Kzito a long-time duo-collaborator for the vision, Kzito who had inquired about his record with Crayon, Victony had responded that the record was “Cool…I think the record is cool…I need to complete the song” Kzito suggested to not complete the verse but rather get different artistes to chime in”

To ensure the vision comes to life, Kzito called Victony notifying him of Ayra Starr being in the studio and asking him to pull up. Victony pulled up to the studio and waited for Ayra to finish her session. Upon finishing, Victony approached her with the idea, she bought into the vision and recorded her part.

However, the process wasn’t without challenges. Last-minute changes and clearance issues meant some voices were left out, raising questions about the industry’s logistical readiness for such ambitious collaborations.

As we look back a year later to Ohema, there are two things to take away,

One. The Role of Strategic Marketing: “Ohema”’s rollout deserves its applause. From its nostalgic Street Fighter-inspired cover art to strategically teased snippets, Victony’s team executed a campaign that resonated deeply with fans. The result? A track that wasn’t just heard but felt.

The numbers don't lie. The song debuted at No. 13 on the Official Nigeria Top 100 with 767,000 on-demand streams and 12.3 million in radio reach in just three days. It climbed to No. 5 on the chart and spent two weeks in the top ten of the official singles chart. To date, it has amassed over 19 million on-demand streams in Nigeria and achieved platinum status in the country. 

Beyond statistics, social media was sent into a frenzy with fans and critics sharing their excitement, the song sparked conversations about the importance of collaboration in an industry that often prioritizes solo success.

While "Ohema" succeeded in many respects, it wasn’t without its limitations. Some listeners felt that certain artistes in the lineup didn’t receive enough room to shine, while others questioned whether the song’s length diluted its impact.

Two, The Need For More Posse Cuts: “Ohema” showed us how much we’ve missed posse cuts in Nigeria and the need for it as it fosters a sense of community. Lately, Afropop leans towards solo hits and international collaborations, the track rekindles the spirit of collective artistry.

Despite Ohema’s strong reception, the posse cut format remains rare in Afropop. Why haven’t more artistes followed Victony’s lead?

While we have yet to see more posse cuts, we’ve seen more collaborations among peers, more support and cheers for peers release. A page many artistes can emulate.

The late Chinua Achebe once wrote “When we gather together in the moonlit village ground it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his compound. We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so.”

This ethos of unity is what makes "Ohema" amazing. It is a call for more posse cuts, shared victories, and celebrations of community. Victony has set the stage; now it’s up to Afropop’s brightest stars to carry the torch.