The song begins with a muted, plucked synth arpeggio—almost like a music box winding up in a dimly lit room. There is no kick drum for the first four seconds. Just a soft, high-frequency percussive tap (likely a rimshot or a block) that acts as a metronome.
In the pantheon of modern Afrobeats, we often praise the lyrics, the video aesthetics, or the vocal chemistry. But every once in a while, a track comes along where the instrumental deserves a bow of its own. Falz’s Soldier , featuring the ethereal Simi, is that track. Download Instrumental- Falz Soldier Ft Simi
When you listen to Soldier next time, don't listen to Falz’s jokes or Simi’s angelic runs. Listen to the bass that mimics a heartbeat. Listen to the space between the snare hits. Listen to the war being fought in the low-end frequencies. The song begins with a muted, plucked synth
This negative space is crucial. By leaving the low-end empty at the start, the producer (the legendary , as confirmed by production credits) forces your ear to lean in. You aren't dancing yet; you are listening. This sonic restraint mimics the "cat and mouse" lyrical theme perfectly. The instrumental is teasing you, just as Falz teases Simi. The Bassline: The "Soldier’s" March When the bass finally arrives, it isn't the rubbery, melodic bass of Burna Boy or the log drum thud of Wizkid. It is a deep, almost dub-heavy sub-bass that sits squarely in the chest. In the pantheon of modern Afrobeats, we often
This is the genius of the arrangement. Falz’s verses are angular, supported by the bass and drums. Simi’s chorus floats on a cloud of reverb-drenched synth pads.