There are songs that grab you by the collar and demand your attention. Then there are songs like “Olivia,” the latest offering from Nigerian-born, UK-based artist and producer BeatsbyMayor.
This track doesn’t shout; it doesn’t need to. Instead, it extends a warm, inviting hand, pulling you into its gentle current of affection and sweet, melodic promises.
In a music scene often saturated with high-energy bangers, “Olivia” stands out for its quiet confidence, a testament to the power of a simple, well-told love story.
BeatsbyMayor, whose real name is Emmanuel Mayowa Fatokun, is not a newcomer to the art of crafting infectious tunes.
With a background as a sound engineer and a string of releases that have steadily built his reputation, he has been honing a sound that is both personal and deeply rooted in the traditions of Afrobeats.
His music often speaks of hustle and ambition, but with “Olivia,” he shifts his focus to matters of the heart, and the result is a song that feels both intimate and universally relatable.
The track opens with a soft, swaying rhythm that immediately sets a relaxed and romantic mood. It’s the kind of music that feels like a late-night conversation, full of easy silences and unspoken understanding.
The production is clean and uncluttered, allowing BeatsbyMayor’s smooth vocals to take center stage. He sings of a love that is a “remedy,” a source of peace and stability in a chaotic existence.
The lyrics, a mix of English and Yoruba, tell a story of a cross-cultural romance, with his “Olivia” being a woman who offers not just affection but also a partnership.
He sings of her promising to be his “pillar,” to help him “figure it out,” and even to help him come to Africa. This is not a song about fleeting passion; it’s about building a future together.
One of the most compelling aspects of “Olivia” is its emotional honesty. The artist doesn’t shy away from his own imperfections, admitting, “Even though I don mess up before.” This line, delivered with a sense of humble sincerity, adds a layer of depth to the song.
It’s a recognition that love is not about finding two perfect people, but about two imperfect people choosing to build something beautiful together.
This theme of redemption and growth is a powerful one, and it elevates “Olivia” from a simple love song to a more nuanced and mature reflection on modern relationships.
The use of Yoruba, with phrases like “Koselomi” and “Omoladun,” adds a rich cultural texture to the track. It’s a reminder of BeatsbyMayor’s Nigerian heritage and his ability to fuse it with contemporary pop sensibilities.
This is a song that could only have been made in this moment, a product of a globalized music scene where artists are free to draw from a wide range of influences. It’s a far cry from the days when a song’s geographic origins strictly defined its sound.
Today, an artist in the UK can create a track that feels deeply connected to Lagos, and a listener in any part of the globe can feel the warmth of its embrace.
In a way, “Olivia” feels like a response to the often-cynical and detached nature of modern dating. It’s a song that dares to be sincere, to be openly romantic without a hint of irony.
It’s a reminder that, for all our technological advancements and social complexities, the human heart still yearns for connection, for a sense of belonging.
This song is a quiet rebellion against the noise, a gentle insistence on the enduring power of love.
As the song fades out, it leaves you with a feeling of warmth and contentment. It’s a track that doesn’t overstay its welcome, clocking in at just over two minutes.
But in that short time, it manages to create a complete and satisfying emotional arc. “Olivia” is a song you’ll want to return to, a track to add to your playlist for quiet moments and long drives.
It’s a beautiful addition to BeatsbyMayor’s growing discography and a promising sign of what’s to come from this talented artist.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful statements are the ones spoken in a gentle voice.
