| Kukere | |
| Cover: | Iyanya - Kukere cover.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Iyanya |
| Album: | Desire |
| Released: | 4 December 2011[1] |
| Recorded: | 2010–11 |
| Genre: | Afrobeats |
| Label: | Made Men Music Group |
| Producer: | D'Tunes |
| Chronology: | Iyanya |
| Prev Title: | Iyanya (My Story) |
| Prev Year: | 2009 |
| Next Title: | Ur Waist |
| Next Year: | 2012 |
"Kukere" (Efik: "Don't think/worry") is a song by Nigerian singer Iyanya. It was released as the lead single from his second studio album, Desire (2013). Upon release, the song peaked at number one on Top FM's May Chart, Soundcity's Viewers Choice, Rhythm FM, and The Beat 99.9 FM's Blackberry Top Ten Countdown. Moreover, it peaked at number two on Radio Port Harcourt.[2] "Kukuere" won Hottest Single of the Year at 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and Best Pop Single at The Headies 2012.
CEO Dancers performed the song during their performance on Britain's Got Talent.[3] Cokobar and Iyanya organized the Kukere Queen Competition in order to better promote the album in London. The competition required participants to submit a dancing video of themselves along with three justifications for why they should win.[4]
| Year | Awards ceremony | Award description(s) | Results | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Hottest Single of the Year | [5] | |
| City People Entertainment Awards | Most Popular Song of the Year | [6] | ||
| 2012 | Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) | Best Contemporary Afro (Live Beats choice) | [7] | |
| The Headies 2012 | Best Pop Single | [8] [9] | ||
| Song of the Year |
| Kukere (Remix) | |
| Cover: | Iyanya's Kukere Remix cover.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Iyanya featuring D'banj |
| Album: | Desire |
| Recorded: | 2012 |
| Genre: | Afrobeats |
| Label: | Made Men Music Group |
| Producer: | D'Tunes |
| Chronology: | Iyanya |
| Prev Title: | Ur Waist |
| Prev Year: | 2012 |
| Next Title: | Flavour |
| Next Year: | 2012 |
The remix of "Kukere" was made available on August 20, 2012; it features vocals by D'banj and serves as the album's third single.[10] The track reprises the original song's hook and instrumental.[11]
In an interview with Toolz, Iyanya said D'banj reached out to him to do the remix and that he was honored to work with the singer. Iyanya also stated that the remix would have a music video; however, the video was never made or published.[12]
The remix of "Kukere" received positive reviews from music critics. Jaguda's Ayo Jaguda praised Iyanya for releasing "one of the biggest dance track ever made" and commended D'Tunes for "the crazy beat".[13] Damilare Aiki of BellaNaija said the song "became a national anthem" after being released and that it was "a breath of fresh air".[14] Demola OG of NotJustOk characterized the song as a "huge national track" and commended both Iyanya and D'banj for recording the song.[15]