Alvin M. Keeling 
During the week, a popular American RnB singer, Robert Kelly, aka R Kelly, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for using his celebrity power and financial strength to abuse women and vulnerable minors for years. .
Affectionately referred to as the ‘King of RnB’, a number of Kelly’s songs are popular in Nigeria. Saturday rhythm take a look at some of his music that still resonates with Nigerians
“Trapped in the Closet”
“Trapped in the Closet” is a musical series that tells the story of a one-night stand that set off a chain of events, gradually revealing a larger web of lies and deceit. The series of songs, which has 33 chapters, was released between 2005 and 2012. Although it has sine qua non explicit content, it was a big hit in Nigeria.
‘Step in the name of love’
Many wedding guests can easily identify with R. Kelly’s song, “Step in the Name of Love”, as it was a staple of many weddings.
The song, which encourages intimacy, notes that while love can be difficult, it’s still a wonderful feeling that can bring joy to those who experience it.
‘You saved me’
Contained in the album “Happy People/U Saved Me”, released in 2004, this song is both inspirational and gospel in nature. The song tells stories of how people in difficult situations have overcome them.
The song resonated with many Nigerians as it encouraged them to believe that despite all they might be going through, there was always light at the end of the tunnel. It also confirms the popular saying: “When there is life, there is hope”.
‘Best in the World’
Although released as a single in November 2001, it was used as the soundtrack in the movie “Ali”, which was about iconic boxer, Mohammed Ali (formerly Cassius Clay).
The song, which mostly contains positive affirmations about his life, was usually played at the end of sports competitions, graduations and other breakthrough moments. Some of the song’s lyrics say, “I’m that star in the sky, I’m that mountaintop, Hey, I made it, hmm, I’m the tallest in the world.”
‘I believe i can fly’
Recorded as the soundtrack to the 1996 film, “Space Jam”, “I Believe I can Fly” is the song that introduced R. Kelly to many Nigerians. The song, which is considered one of the singer’s most successful songs, has become something of a hymn, sung by old and young alike.
Some of the lyrics of the song are: “I believe I can fly/I believe I can touch the sky/I think about it every night and day/Spread my wings and fly away/I believe I can soar/ I see myself running through that open door / I believe I can fly…”
