here are love songs, and then there’s Arike. When Nigerian artist Kunmie dropped the original on Valentine’s Day, it didn’t take long for the soft, soulful ballad to catch fire. It quickly became a fan favorite, popping up on playlists and flooding social media with covers, duets, and heartfelt reactions.
Now, just when it felt like we’d fully soaked in the song’s magic, Kunmie’s back with a remix—and he’s brought reinforcements. Arike (Remix) features powerhouse vocals from Simi and UK R&B star Mabel, and it takes the song to a whole new emotional level.
Simi opens with that signature softness and strength we’ve come to love her for:
“Fine boy say it again, make I record am… If you no stable baby, baby o ma lewu…”
She’s firm but warm—playing the role of someone in love, but not willing to settle. Her vocals float over the beat, weaving in gentle harmonies and silky adlibs that bring new texture to the track.
Then Mabel steps in, delivering her verse with cool, measured elegance:
“Fine boy I can hear you calling out for me / Way you say my name, a symphony…”
She leans into the vulnerability of the song, offering a dose of hesitation and introspection that balances out its romantic core. It’s London meets Lagos, with Mabel and Simi giving two distinct takes on love: one cautious, one open, both completely captivating.
Kunmie holds it all together. His voice—tender, pleading, emotional—still sits at the center of the song. But this time, it feels less like a solo plea and more like a three-way conversation about what it means to really show up for love.
