Coca-Cola Nigeria has released a 75th anniversary anthem performed by Johnny Drille, a track built around the phrase “E Don Tey, We Still Dey” and recorded with a 75-piece choir.
The song opens with ambient crowd noise, including talking and laughter, followed by the sound of a bottle clinking. The words “Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola” then enter. The company has operated in Nigeria since 1951.
Language and structure#
The verses move through Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and Pidgin before landing on English. A crowd can be heard cheering in the background as the music builds.
After the second verse, the song slows for a bridge with the line: “different tongues, different tribes, but with one voice we’re singing the same song.”
Artist background#
Johnny Drille sang in a church choir before becoming known nationally as a music artist. He appeared on Project Fame West Africa in 2013, and Don Jazzy signed him to Mavin Records in 2017.
His catalogue includes “Wait For Me” and “loving is harder.” His debut album featured a community choir. The anniversary anthem was recorded with a 75-piece choir, one voice for each year Coca-Cola has been in Nigeria.
Closing#
The track ends with crowd voices and the sound of someone drinking. The central message is “E Don Tey, We Still Dey.”
