Vanilla

Burna Boy's song "Vanilla" is a vibrant and rhythmic exploration of attraction, desire, and the intoxicating effects of beauty. The lyrics revolve around the protagonist's interactions with two women, Falila and her friend Jamilah. Falila offers the protagonist 'vanilla,' a metaphor for something sweet and desirable, which he eagerly accepts. However, Jamilah's physical allure, particularly her 'bum bum,' causes his 'medulla'—a reference to his brain or rational thinking—to malfunction, indicating that her beauty is overwhelming and distracting.

The repetition of the lines about Falila and Jamilah emphasizes the cyclical nature of the protagonist's experience, caught in a loop of desire and distraction. The use of Nigerian Pidgin English and Yoruba phrases adds a cultural richness to the song, grounding it in Burna Boy's heritage. The references to 'mami water' and 'Yemoja,' both water deities in African mythology, further highlight the almost supernatural allure of the women, likening their beauty to something otherworldly and powerful.

Burna Boy also touches on themes of wealth and status, as seen in lines like "Mo n spending all my money, money" and "Love it when she's calling me Alhaji," a title of respect in Islamic culture. These elements suggest that the protagonist is willing to spend lavishly to win the affection of these women, further complicating his feelings of desire and the impact on his rationality. The song's infectious beat and catchy chorus make it a danceable track, but the underlying message is one of the powerful and sometimes overwhelming nature of attraction and beauty.