Aside from the lyrics, K’Naan’s vocals over the tropical and triumphantly melodious sound present a passionate mood that attracts many types of listeners. The song Fatima uses instruments like the organ, piano, bass guitar, deep bass drums, shakers, the trumpet, and even some electrical harp sounds. This instrumental culmination combines together and the result is a well balanced pop ballad that is very inspirational. The organ riffs give the feeling of church, which is where most people identify inspiration and motivation with. This in turns gives the feeling of motivation to the audience. Then, the different bongos drums and tropical horns are true to K’Naan’s native background in Africa. By adding the grand piano on this track, mixed with the tribal sound, the artist also appeals to pop listeners. This western pop influence enhances the international diversity of the song’s overall potential.
To say the least, Fatima’s lyrics are vital to the overall impact of the song because it discusses a budding romantic relationship that is separated by the injustices of police brutality in Africa. The writer of Fatima vividly tells the story the creation, expectations, and even the downfall of the relationship. Even as a young kid, K’Naan knew that his neighbor’s daughter was the “good kid in a mad city” who happened to be his saving grace for humanity; she brightened up his day. In this sense, the first verse describes his whereabouts in Africa when with her; in the chorus, K’Naan addresses Fatima and asks her if her killer was aware of their future destiny as a couple. He proceeds this depictions with many other questions about future planned events. After he discovers her death, he proceeds to ask himself why she had to go.
The song appears to be very happy and cheerful when in actuality, the song describes a terrible event of murder and an abrupt disruption of a beautiful relationship. K’Naan does an excellent job of transforming the perspectives of listeners from grief into celebration for the undone. The song, as well as K’Naan, is truly inspiring.