“Remain Myself” by Cactus Town Crew is a bold, defiant Afrofusion anthem celebrating identity, authenticity, and cultural pride. With its rhythmic bounce and raw lyrical delivery, the song offers a powerful statement on self-worth in a world that often demands conformity.
From the first verse, the track sets the tone: a clash between two worlds—one polished and refined, the other gritty and grounded. The narrative is personal yet symbolic: “New fine teacher, fresh from London town... Say I too dey talk with power like war.” Here, the artist confronts societal pressure to change, especially in romantic or cross-cultural dynamics.
What makes the song striking is its unapologetic tone. Lines like “She dey try to change me, ah / But I remain myself, every day” reinforce the core message: staying true to one’s roots, no matter the pressure to adapt or “refine.” The repetition of “I be lion” and “Cactus Town no dey play no game” adds grit and emotional charge to the lyrics.
The production features a fusion of Afrobeats percussion with a streetwise, almost spoken-word cadence. It's a modern sound with traditional echoes—mirroring the theme of embracing one’s native self in a globalized world. The beat is assertive yet melodic, complementing the intensity of the message without overwhelming it.
“Remain Myself” is more than a personal love story gone sideways; it’s a cultural anthem. It challenges colonial standards of propriety and confronts the idea that refinement must come at the cost of authenticity. Cactus Town Crew reminds us that pride in one’s heritage is non-negotiable, and self-respect is not up for trade.
This track is a fierce declaration of identity, and its message rings loud: “If you wan love me, love all of me.” It’s defiance set to rhythm — and it resonates.