BANTU and Nigerian rapper Jesse Jagz have teamed up for a new single titled “Gorilla,” described as “a defiant anthem against suppression.”
The track, released on May 15 under Soledad Productions, blends Afrobeat, Afro-fusion and conscious hip-hop, combining the socially conscious style of the BANTU collective, led by Ade Bantu, with Jesse Jagz’s reflective rap delivery and politically charged themes.
According to information released alongside the single, “Gorilla” is “fuelled by driving percussion, a ferocious brass section, and Jesse Jagz’s razor-sharp lyricism,” serving as “a rallying cry for every silenced voice on the continent.”
The track opens with a verse from Jesse Jagz, who frames themes of resilience and resistance through metaphor-driven lyrics, before BANTU’s frontman, Nigerian-German musician and producer, Ade Bantu, delivers a direct critique of “gagging, arresting, and bullying,” anchoring the song firmly within Nigeria’s political climate.
Driven by heavy percussion, brass instrumentation and politically conscious songwriting, the song also draws on the resistance proverb: “No forget say na small axe dey cut down the big tree.” The artistes say the track is intended as a rallying cry against oppression and a reminder that “truth cannot be banned.”
Led by Ade Bantu, the BANTU collective is known for blending Afrobeat with activism, often using music to address governance, social justice, corruption and human rights issues. Over the years, the group has built a reputation for fusing live instrumentation with outspoken political commentary, while also helping shape alternative music and live performance culture in Nigeria.
Jesse Jagz, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential rappers and producers, rose to prominence through his work with Chocolate City before establishing himself as a respected solo artist known for introspective lyricism and genre experimentation. Often referred to by fans as “The Emperor,” he has earned acclaim for projects that merge hip-hop, reggae, Afrocentric themes and socially conscious storytelling.
“Gorilla” was produced by BANTU and mixed and mastered by Manu Schlindwein.
