There are love songs, and then there’s “Arike.” When Kunmie released the original on Valentine’s Day, it landed softly but surely in listeners’ hearts — a romantic ballad that was delicate yet resonant, and quickly became a social media darling. With duets, covers, and heartfelt reels, “Arike” wasn’t just a song — it became a moment.
Now, Kunmie revives that moment with even more emotional weight in the official remix, featuring Simi and UK R&B artist Mabel. What could’ve been a simple rework becomes an elevated dialogue on love — its joy, its risk, and its emotional labor.
Simi opens with her signature glow, wielding a voice that’s equal parts grace and strength. Her verse is poised:
“Fine boy say it again, make I record am… If you no stable baby, baby o ma lewu…”
She reminds us that affection without consistency isn’t enough. Her delivery isn’t just melodic; it’s wise. She frames love with boundaries, adding lush adlibs that twine through Kunmie’s melody like light through lace.
Mabel’s entrance is understated yet moving.
“Fine boy I can hear you calling out for me / Way you say my name, a symphony…”
Her voice carries a softness that contrasts Simi’s grounded tone, bringing an international R&B polish that blends effortlessly with the Afro-soul core of the song. There’s tenderness in her phrasing, but also caution — a reminder that vulnerability is a gamble.
Kunmie’s original hook remains the heartbeat of the track, but now it pulses harder, fuller. He’s the thread holding the perspectives together — a man both hopeful and haunted. His tone is filled with longing, but this time, it feels like he’s not just singing to win love, but to understand it.
“Arike (Remix)” is more than a duet. It’s a narrative — three hearts in dialogue, harmonizing through the messy, magical terrain of love. Kunmie proves once again he’s not just crafting songs; he’s building soul stories, with all the fragility and fire they require.
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