Renowned celebrity singer and entrepreneur, Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, popularly identified as Mr Eazi, recently unveiled the fascinating backstory behind his catchy catchphrase, ‘Zagadat,’ shedding light on the inspirational roots traced back to his esteemed senior colleague, 2face Idibia, and the illustrious Jamaican dancehall sensation, Beenie Man.
During an insightful interview with Capital Xtra, UK, Mr Eazi delved into the creative genesis of his widely recognized catchphrase, attributing its inception to the impactful lyrics of 2Face’s ‘Nfana Ibaga’ remix featuring Beenie Man. Expressing admiration for the collaborative effort of the two music icons, Mr Eazi emphasized that the specific part of the song, “And the Lord said let there be light. Zagazaga za,” served as the wellspring of his distinctive catchphrase.
In a nuanced clarification, Mr Eazi highlighted the originality of his rendition of the catchphrase, asserting that he didn’t replicate it verbatim from the song. He expressed his belief that this distinction would prevent any potential copyright issues, as he humorously noted, “I don’t have to give them royalties because I said, ‘Zagadat.’ I didn’t say, Zagagaza za.”
In giving credit where it’s due, Mr Eazi extended a heartfelt acknowledgment to Beenie Man and 2Face, acknowledging their profound influence on the birth of his catchphrase. The connection between artists, their creative expressions, and the evolution of language in the world of music serves as a testament to the intricate interplay of inspiration within the vibrant realm of the entertainment industry.