Gbeke is a talented artist who almost didn’t follow her dream to become a singer. For the longest time she didn’t think she was good enough, as her music didn’t sound like that of other Afro singers. However, when she realised that she didn’t have to fit into a particular mould, it freed her up and gave her the confidence to do what her heart told her. Her latest single, ‘Afro Bells’, is a Christmas pop/Afrobeat track that will not only bring a smile to your face, but will also give you a glimpse of what it’s like to celebrate Christmas under Nigerian skies.
With the music video for ‘Afro Bells’ Gbeke assembles all the memories she has of Christmas in Nigeria. From going to the airport to her forever home in Naija, the weddings, parties, concerts, and days at the beach, all take on their own life as Gbeke gives her take on the classic, ‘Jingle Bells’. It’s not a cover by any means – it’s a complete rewrite set to the same tune, and captures the very essence of the season in a way that’s never been done before.
Originally released just after Christmas Day last year, ‘Afro Bells’ was very well received by Gbeke’s fans, and was added to an editorial playlist on Audiomack and garnering more than 5,000 streams. ‘Afro Bells’ deserves much more though – and so when Christmas comes around this year, let’s join with Gbeke to make it a holiday classic.
Both song and video are well worth playing over and over. The clip is filled with beautiful sentimentality, with Gbeke rocking a Santa suit, as well as sharing videos and photos of her friends and family. She directed the video herself, and made sure her actions matched the lyrics. She even decorated her house to ensure the themes matched. The highlight however must be the candid kitchen scenes with Gbeke and her mother cooking jollof rice. True love and community is in every scene, and we’re all here for it!
Watch the music video for ‘Afro Bells’ below and follow Gbeke online on her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
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