Music is a powerful force for connection within people. Music allows for people to connect through the use of lyricism and the relatability of life through the dark times and the great times. Music forms a deep message and memory through life’s experiences and moments. TerryTheVoice uses his vocals to show gratitude and praise in his new single ‘Alhamdulillah’ featuring Nigerian rapper Zlatan.
The experiences in this song range from Terry’s personal experiences within his personal journey in life, struggles and firm faith and belief in a higher power. The word “Alhamdulillah” is an Arabic phrase which means “praise be to God/Allah”, which is commonly used within the Islamic community. This song is a reference to the praises and faith towards his God through all the changes and circumstances in his life.
TerryTheVoice (born Ugochukwu Terrence Odenigbo) is a Nigerian singer, voice actor and Grammy member from Enugu, Nigeria. His major genres are Nigerian Hip Hop and Nigerian Altè. The Philadelphia-based artist translates his Nigerian sound to the world, starting his career as university radio presenter then made the move to music in 2021 with his debut EP ‘The Voice’. His accolades include recognition from major music platforms TRACE and MYV Base and his independence as an artist as he represents himself under no record label. TerryTheVoice has amassed over five million streams and continues to produce quality music overtime throughout his rising career.
‘Alhamdulillah’ was released in February 2024, serving as TerryTheVoice’s first release of 2024. The song features female harmonic elements which add to the “praise” component of the single. The duo speak about their humble beginnings stemming from experiencing not having any sense of financial freedom, such as having to go through having an empty bank balance. Despite the trials and tribulations, they consistently express that their lives will never stay stagnant and they will succeed and thrive.
The chorus serves the lyric: “I be no getty nothing my brother, I be getty nothing, Now we making money Alhamdulillah”, referring to the Pidgin dialect saying when one was not getting an income, but now they are making money, and so praise be to God. This song acts as a form of manifestation as many people can relate to the trials faced when trying to thrive in life but the situation will prevail and anything is possible through Christ.
The blend of Zlatan’s rap verse creates a unique feeling to the upbeat track as the song consistently stays upbeat to evoke a positive, faithful emotion rather than a negative, melancholic feel as the song aims to uplift, strengthen and motivate the listener.
Religion is mildly used as the main theme of the song. However, it is done in a manner that creates a sense of triumph and as a way for the listener to vibe to all the elements of the song, including the beats, lyrics and overall tone of the song without trying to create a sense of disenchantment to the battles one faces in life. The music video of the single starts in a classroom which shows the beginning of one’s life and continues to emphasise that we all start somewhere before we make it to where we want to be in life.
The message of ‘Alhamdulillah’ is to send the message of never losing your faith through the obstacles in life and also being able to praise yourself and your higher power for thriving to victory in life’s journey and pursuit. Faith, conviction and belief all form a part of your life and the message is to always stay positive.
