Indian composer Tanishk Bagchi gives a nice flavour to the popular track. The Kerala setting adds to the overall visual appeal of the song.
By Mayur Lookhar
A few weeks ago, one was taken aback when T-Series had released the teaser of the Shut Up single. The song is a recreation of Ghanaian singer Dennis Nana Dwamena aka Kidi’s popular track Touch it. Original song composed by Kidi and Jack Knight. Perhaps a maiden Indo-Ghanaian/Afro collaboration. The five-second odd teaser was intriguing. Couple of weeks later, the song is finally out. No Kidi-ng but this is a fine fusion.
It is totally unfair to compare the original with the desi recreation, as both have their own unique flavours. Composer Tanishk Bagchi has naturally recreated the popular song keeping the 200 crore T-Series subscribers, largely desis in mind. The core essence of the song, its soul is retained. What changes is Tulsi Kumar having a more pivotal, local influence. Kidi naturally sticks to the original English lyrics. The Hindi lyrics by Bhrigu Parashar aren’t extraordinary but they sync with the music. The fusion brings a different Tulsi Kumar performance. Kidi and Tulsi – the two contrasting tones though gel well. The desi recreation seems slightly mellow vis-à-vis the original, but both are equally enjoyable tracks.
Shut Up stands out more for its visual story-telling. The Kerala setting works beautifully here. Kidi appears to be a tourist to the back waters. Soon, he is lost in the local culture. The ‘bend ‘over’ isn’t restricted to free-stye dancing, but we see the bend even in Kalaripayattu and other local arts. Kidi has embraced the Malayalam culture, wore traditional clothes, and even tried some desi moves. It’s cultural exchange though as Tulsi gets a taste of the African Bonnet Turban . The choreography could have been better but we always prefer singers over pretty dancers.
Kidi’s music is all about giving joy. This desi recreation by Tanishk Bagchi is a joyful number.
Watch the Shut Up song below.
