How Jidayi’s ‘Count My Blessings’ confronts Pressure, Faith and Perseverance

In Afrobeats, gratitude is both reflective of the struggles navigated and a victory lap of the battles won. On ‘Count My Blessings’, rising Nigerian artist Jidayi embraces a broader expression that gives listeners his deeply personal interpretation of gratitude. While most artists celebrate their wins, shame their detractors, and beckon well-wishers to the dance floor, he expresses gratitude as a deliberate act of reflection, an exercise in faith, and a foray into the uncertain.

Like most musicians, Jidayi’s love for music started at a tender age where he interacted with the records that shaped different eras of the 2000s. In 2016, this love for music became a hobby of writing songs, and he would continue to hone his skills until he began pursuing music professionally in 2023. His single ‘Count My Blessings' explores the delicate balance between preparing for an uncertain future, navigating independence, and staying grounded in faith.

Built around three central pillars of family, friendship, and spirituality, he combines infectious melodies with warm production to create a mid-tempo Afrobeats record that offers a sobering atmosphere that propels his message of introspection rather than a party-starting production that discards reflection for pleasure.

Using his personal experiences and a desire to honestly share his thoughts allows the songwriting to convey the required clarity, vulnerability, and relatability. When he sings about taking a leap of faith, it’s with the conviction of a man whose words are shaped by the complexities of the struggles that precede his triumph. There are moments, however, when the lyricism drifts into familiar inspirational territory common within contemporary Afropop. While not enough to derail the song, sharper and more distinctive details could have strengthened his narrative voice further.

The emotional weight of the record rests heavily on Jidayi's vocal performance, which he delivers through melodies that flatter his range. He doesn’t sing to impress, neither did he stretch his vocals for cosmetic surplusage. His delivery is clear, relaxed, and reflective of an artist with a personal message rather than one creating his version of a trending pop sound.

Musically, the production creates enough space for the song's message to breathe. Warm chords and subtle percussion combine to produce an intimate atmosphere that aids the song’s introspection. While the simple progression carried listeners throughout its runtime, it robs the production of the dynamism that could have been achieved through more vibrant elements required in pop music.

The song reaches its emotional peak in its closing moments through the inclusion of a voice note from Jidayi's mother. Her words of encouragement, love, and prayers for his life and career add an even more personal touch to the song and allow listeners to appreciate the range of emotions from which it was created. Arriving after a song centred on perseverance, gratitude, and faith, her prayer serves as a reminder of the relationships that continue to anchor him.

Jidayi's journey is that of survival. After escaping a terrorist attack, he has a deeper appreciation of life, purpose, and the need to keep taking leaps of faith. This mindset is captured in the recurring themes of resilience and faith. ‘Count My Blessings’ stands as a promising statement from an artist still finding his footing. The record showcases a vocal identity that is becoming increasingly defined, alongside a personal songwriting approach built on sincerity and relatability. However, if Jidayi wishes to operate in Afrobeats' crowded pop scene, he must embrace a bit more cultural context in his writing and add some pomp to his production.

Nevertheless, ‘Count My Blessings’ is a meaningful step forward. It demonstrates Jidayi's ability to transform personal uncertainty and spiritual conviction into relatable and enjoyable music, marking him as a rising artist finding his voice and drawing listeners to his corner.