Midnight is my favorite time of the day. When everything slows down, the noise outside, the world gets quiet, and it is just me, my thoughts, and my playlist. I really don't know what it is about that hour, but it has a way of calming me. Sometimes, it feels like time stands still, and I can finally "breathe" after a long, busy day.
If you know me very well, then you already know that music is my truest companion at that hour.
The moment I slip into my "legendary red dress" and start vibing to some tunes. It is like my own little world comes alive.
I have many songs that I listen to during those late nights, depending on my mood. My playlist changes according to my mood, which is why picking one favorite song is almost impossible. I have songs for when I'm happy, in deep thought, stressed, and even those I listen to when I just want to feel something...anything.
But there is one song that never changes, no matter what mood I am in or how my day went. The one song that somehow always finds its way into my midnight playlist. It is "Don't Call Me" by Lil Kesh featuring Zinoleesky." That song just does something to me. It gives me this rush of motivation and energy, like a reminder that I am still in control of my life, no matter how messy things get.
I know a lot of people might wonder how I manage to draw motivation from Afrobeat. Most people see Afrobeat as "good vibes," something to dance to, something to light up a party. And yes, it is that, full of rhythm, life, and movement. But if you really listen beyond the beat, there is something deeper in there. The song is not just about dancing or flexing. It is about focus, boundaries, and staying true to your hustle.
The song tells a real story of transformation, the journey from being a nobody to finally becoming somebody. It paints a picture of someone who came from a humble beginning, faced rejection, and still pushed through until success found them. You can almost feel the hunger, the determination in every line.
What makes it so beautiful to me is how real and honest it sounds. The reminder that behind every win, there were nights of doubts, failure, and times when nobody believed in you. It just makes you start thinking about your own life, the dreams you are still chasing, those moments when you felt like all your efforts didn’t matter.
I feel like everyone has been in that place where they are trying so hard, but no one seems to notice. You are showing up, putting in effort, doing your best, but it feels like nothing is changing. That is the exact feeling this song puts into words. It captures that stage in life where you are still in the background, still working, still becoming. It doesn’t make you feel bad about it, instead, it reminds you that every big story starts small, and it is okay to be in that “not there yet” phase.
Sometimes when I listen to it, it feels like the song understands exactly what I can’t even say out loud. It is comforting in a way like having someone pat you on the back and say, “I know it’s hard, but don’t stop.” The beat makes you want to move, but the message hits differently.
And no, it is not a sad song. It is full of energy, but somehow, it still speaks to that part of you, the part that is tired but still hopeful.