There’s something intriguing about a song called ‘Okunkun’, the Yoruba word for darkness, that feels this full of life. Solana and producer Killertunes create a sound that pulls you in through its colourful blend of electronic pop and Afrobeats, but there’s more to it than an infectious rhythm. Beneath the bright production lies a song about finding your way through difficult moments and refusing to let the darkness take over.
What makes ‘Okunkun’ particularly interesting is the way Solana brings her Yoruba identity into the music. Rather than treating language as just another part of the melody, she makes it central to the song’s character. Her delivery feels effortless against the upbeat production, allowing the Yoruba lyrics to become part of the rhythm itself. There’s a real sense of freedom in the way she moves between contemporary pop sounds and the cultural influences that shape her as an artist.
Perhaps the most beautiful part of the story is that ‘Okunkun’ was originally written back in 2023. After facing doubts about the song and struggling to get others on board, Solana eventually trusted her own instincts. Now, years later, it’s finding an international audience. Months after its official release, the song is finally gaining momentum, with more and more listeners picking it up and helping it go viral. Among the artists showing it love are Tyla, SZA and Doechii. There’s something fitting about that journey. A song about moving through darkness has become the one bringing her into the light.