The Inspiration Behind “HEY JAGO”- It All Started When NEPA Took The Light, Shoday Spill The Tea

In a recent interview, Afrobeats rising star Segun Solomon Shodade— popularly known as Shoday—revealed the hilarious and unexpected story behind his viral hit “Hey Hey Jago.” And yes, it all started with a classic Nigerian blackout.

He said he liked it, yet we didn’t really talk much more about it.

“I recorded Hey Jago around September or October 2024,” Shoday said. “I didn’t plan it at all. I just vibed with my producer after something funny happened at a party.”

At the party, Shoday saw popular dancer Poco Lee and hypeman Jago. When the lights suddenly went out, Poco shouted, “Hey Jago!” It was something Shoday had joked about before, and the line stuck with him.

“When I got home, that moment kept replaying in my head,” he explained. “I freestyled to a beat, recorded the song, and sent it to Poco.

He said he liked it, yet we didn’t really talk much more about it.

Afterward, they recorded another track called Sancho, which Shoday assumed would come out first. However, out of nowhere, Poco called and announced he was dropping Hey Jago. He then previewed it on Snapchat and Instagram — and just like that, it went crazy.

Shoday emphasized how organic the song’s rise has been. “We didn’t pay any influencers — besides, who would we even pay? Poco and Jago already run the streets. In fact, they are the influencers!”

Since then, Hey Jago has dominated social media, becoming one of the most talked-about Nigerian street anthems of 2025. Moreover, it continues to enjoy heavy play across streaming platforms and local clubs.

Laughing, Shoday added, “Shout out to bad electricity. Honestly, if NEPA hadn’t taken the light, Hey Jago might never have happened. Clearly, Nigeria literally inspired this banger!”

Watch the full interview on youtube