“Christmas, my favourite time of the year (time of the year), when the jollof is always sweeter (sweeter), and the chicken is always bigger (bigger). Wait. But remember, just remember (just remember), love’s the bottom line at Christmas time.”
With this thrilling intro by Bisola Aiyeola, followed by a sudden bass beat drop, it appears Nigerians, and Africans now have her very own Christmas song in ‘Everyone Loves Christmas’, much like Americans with Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’, and that is thanks to Funke Akindele (aka Jenifa).
Hence, netizens, consisting largely of Nigerians and other Africans are giving Akindele flowers for this feat.
Produced by RnB talent and music producer, Cobhams Asuquo, and directed by Pink, ‘Everybody Loves Christmas’ is performed by Bangalee, Dbanj, Waje and the entire cast and crew of Akindele’s 2024 Christmas flick ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa The Movie’ which released on December 13.
What’s not to love about the song? It encapsulates all that Nigerians and Africans hold dear during the Christmas season – the food (rice) and chicken, the tradition of children expecting new clothes and performing from home to home, both to spread the joy of the season and for the money (wink, wink), which they end up giving to their parents, the coming together of loved ones both near and far after several months or years apart, while also reminding us that ‘love is the bottom line of the season’.
Dbanj and Falz bring their peculiar rapping styles, with cast members like Bisola Aiyeola, Sharon Ooja, Lateef Adedimeji, surprising fans with their vocals.
“We made a magical one! I hope you all love it,” said the song director, Pink.
The song itself is a testament of the camaraderie amongst the cast and crew of ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa The Movie’ which the actors have continuously talked about since its exclusive preview in November.
The song also fueled viewers anticipation of the movie saw netizens lauding Akindele’s talent and unique eye for the film industry.
“I am from Liberia. I just want to say congratulations to Africa for their own Christmas song. Wow! Just Wow! Beautiful song. If you agree with me, you will like this comment,” @agnesford2012
“I am not just giving Funke Akindele a flower ooo! I’m giving her the whole garden. Omoooo, she’s multitalented. Momma, loving you less is a crime. ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’, we are outside this December,” @AjayiBukola-xy7ol
“Can we all agree that Aunty Funke owns this industry? She’s just amazing and I love it?” @Mr_Beauty_Boi
“Like which other country can boast of this kind of diversity, proud to be a Nigerian,” said @petereboh4744.
“Funke Akindele is blessed. She is an example of education is not a scam cause she knows how to market her product more than other marketers. I love Jenifa,” @faithsunday5711
“Can this be our official Christmas song in Nigeria and make it trend every Christmas just like Mariah Carey’s Christmas song? This is too good. I was hoping it doesn’t end,” @jenniferdavid247
‘Everybody Loves Christmas’ has pulled 105,000 likes, and 1.1 million views post its release on December 3.
And while you are at it, also check out Yemi Alade’s new Christmas song Merry Christmas ooo!’
