Kizz Daniel’s “Police,” featuring Angelique Kidjo and Johnny Drille, is a compelling fusion of Afrobeat rhythms and soulful melodies that delves into the complexities of modern relationships, emotional vulnerability, and societal expectations. The collaboration brings together the distinct musical styles of the three artists, resulting in a track that is both sonically rich and thematically profound.
The song opens with a depiction of conflicting schedules between two partners: “On a Sunday morning / She won do something / I wan go work o.” This scenario sets the stage for the recurring theme of misaligned priorities and the challenges they pose to romantic relationships. The repetition of such instances throughout the song underscores the emotional distance that can arise when partners are not in sync.
The chorus introduces the metaphor of theft to describe the emotional impact of love: “Police / She don thief my heart dey go.” This vivid imagery conveys the sense of helplessness and vulnerability that often accompanies deep emotional connections. The plea to the “Police” serves as a metaphorical call for intervention, highlighting the intensity of the protagonist’s feelings.
The song further explores the theme of conditional love with the lines: “Will you marry me my baby / If money no dey.” This inquiry challenges the societal norm that equates financial stability with marital readiness, prompting listeners to consider the true foundations of lasting relationships. The repetition of “Baba nla nonsense” dismisses materialistic expectations, advocating for love that transcends economic considerations.
Angelique Kidjo’s contribution, sung in Fon, adds a layer of cultural depth and authenticity to the track. Her verses, rich in traditional rhythms and melodies, bridge the gap between contemporary Afrobeat and traditional African music, reinforcing the song’s exploration of universal themes through a culturally specific lens.
Johnny Drille’s influence is evident in the song’s introspective tone and melodic structure. Known for his soulful ballads and folk-inspired sound, Drille’s presence infuses the track with a sense of earnestness and emotional sincerity. His contributions complement Kizz Daniel’s Afrobeat sensibilities, creating a harmonious blend that enhances the song’s emotional resonance.
The recurring mention of “Abena” serves as a focal point for the song’s narrative, personifying the complexities of love and desire. The name, common in West African cultures, adds a layer of authenticity and relatability, grounding the song’s themes in a specific cultural context. The repeated admonition, “Abena no move this way,” reflects the protagonist’s internal conflict and longing for emotional reciprocity.
The song’s structure, alternating between verses that depict everyday scenarios and a chorus that encapsulates the emotional core, mirrors the oscillation between mundane routines and profound emotional experiences in relationships. This juxtaposition underscores the tension between external circumstances and internal emotional states.
Another angle worthy of exploration in “Police” is its subtle critique of modern-day romantic relationships and the expectations that surround them. Through lines like “Will you marry me my baby, if money no dey?”, the artists confront a long-standing societal pressure particularly in African society where financial stability is often a precondition for commitment. Kizz Daniel questions whether love can genuinely stand alone in the absence of wealth. By repeating the inquiry with different conditions, including “if body no dey,” the song subtly examines not just materialism but the fleeting nature of youth and physical allure. This presents a reflection on what sustains love beyond superficial or temporal attractions.
Musically, the synergy between the three artistes is nothing short of captivating. Kizz Daniel, known for his silky vocals and playful lyricism, maintains a steady Afrobeat rhythm that acts as the bedrock of the song. Johnny Drille, with his alternative folk influence, introduces softness and sincerity that enrich the emotional layers of the track. Meanwhile, Angelique Kidjo’s contribution, especially her verse delivered in Fon (a Beninese language), injects the piece with rich African heritage. Her lines not only act as a bridge between the modern and the traditional but also elevate the song to a pan-African anthem. Her presence alone is symbolic, reinforcing the idea that love—and heartbreak—are universally understood themes, transcending language, age, and culture.
Furthermore, the motif of “Police” as used in the song functions as a metaphor for the uncontrollable force of love and attraction. To say “she don thief my heart dey go” and to call “Police” isn’t just a playful exaggeration; it highlights how powerless one can feel when love takes over, much like a victim of theft who urgently calls on authorities for help. This metaphor becomes even more potent when you consider the social undertones—how we often seek external validation or intervention in matters of the heart, and yet emotional theft cannot be resolved by law enforcement. The song doesn’t offer a resolution, which mirrors real life, where romantic longing often goes unanswered, or ends in ambiguity.
Also notable is the song’s structural progression. The narrative unfolds in scenes, from Sunday morning to Friday night, subtly presenting love as a full-time occupation, one that doesn’t adhere to a 9–5 schedule. This technique reinforces the central theme of emotional tug-of-war, where each partner’s desires often clash due to lifestyle differences. In a world of hustle and distraction, the song subtly asks: How do two people find balance when their rhythms are constantly offbeat?
The repetition of the name “Abena” is another interesting aspect. As a culturally significant name in Ghanaian tradition (typically for females born on Tuesday), Abena becomes the face of an entire archetype—the elusive lover, the one who steals hearts without warning. By personalising the character, Kizz Daniel turns the abstract idea of love or heartbreak into someone relatable and tangible. This is a brilliant songwriting technique that makes the listener emotionally invested.
Finally, “Police” is a celebration of collaboration done right. Each artist brings a unique strength to the table—Kizz Daniel’s commercial appeal and melodic craft, Johnny Drille’s emotional depth, and Angelique Kidjo’s gravitas and ancestral flair. The result is a song that not only explores love but also reflects the evolving soundscape of African music, where genres, languages, and generations converge harmoniously. It offers commentary on love, identity, and personal agency while delivering a track that is both rhythmically engaging and lyrically rich.
Added by
Lyricssphere
WRITE A COMMENT
WRITE A COMMENT
Erina
April 13, 2025 at 9:11 pm
I love the song.