VIDEO PREMIERE: AKS "HOUSE CALLED HOME"

Emerging South London emcee AKS, unveils the official video for “House Called Home”, taken from his debut EP release The Bus Stop. Making use of some strategically placed censorship bars; the Robin Bharaj directed visuals see AKS immersed in a world of people without an identity.

Chillingly kicking off with an exert from Enoch Powell’s politically controversial “Rivers of Blood” speech, the Chemo-produced track explores AKS’ take on attitudes towards immigration, his identity as a British-Born African and a sense of belonging. Flowing effortlessly over a resounding kick drum, AKS uses his trademark lyrical musings to paint a socially aware picture of life through the eyes of a young member of UK’s ethnic minorities, emotively expressing the displacement and seclusion felt. This track is bound to provoke some conversations revisiting the immigration issue on both sides of the fence - and it definitely sets the tone for the type of material found on The Bus Stop EP.

Hailed by many as a needed addition to the shrinking breed of credible UK Hip Hop artists known for staying true to the artform and culture, AKS has been on a steady rise over the last two years with the release of consistently excellent music and moving live performances, refusing to compromise musically in an increasingly commercial environment.

His 2009 mixtape, A Miracle in the Making, boasts fan-favourite ‘This 80’s Baby’ - as featured on BBC Radio 1Xtra and his groundbreaking performance on the popular online music platform The Cordless Show - culminating in significant co-signs from several veterans and key names in UK rap including TY, Swiss and 2009 Mercury Music Prize winner Speech Debelle. Definitively putting his mind, body and soul on the line for you with this intimate record, AKS invites you to join his musical journey at The Bus Stop with his heart on his sleeve – all you need to do now is press play.

http://vimeo.com/25689269

The Bus Stop EP is OUT NOW via Less Is More Music, available on iTunes and all good digital record stores with limited edition physical copies available via TheBusStopEP.com. (Review copies available on request).

Music Meets Runway Reveals:

The Music meets Runway project is underway and moving at a pace of 10 in delivery for fashion, sound and... most likely food (smiles) in what they tag "The New Era Of Fashion" The 10 Designers to hit the runway are: Tsemeya Binitie, Vonne Couture, Meena, Viv La Resistance, Toju Foyeh, Babuhska, Grey, Virgos Lounge, Obsidian, Republic Of Foreigner The 10 Musical Performers to also grace the runway are: Naeto C, Duncan Mighty , Dr Sid, D’ Prince, Shank, Show Dem Camp, Tiwa Savage, WIZKID, Dotstar from the UK and New Act: Davido CELEBRITY HOSTS: Amber Rose and Banky W

Ticket Locations Sliverbird Cinema Galleria – VI Ozone Cinema – YABA The Hubs @ The Palms – ONIRU GET Arena – ONIRU Paris Deli – AKIN ADESOLA VI MUD MAKE UP STUDIO – LEKKI ALL SWEET SENSATION OUTLETS. For more information please visit http://www.musicmeetsrunway.com

PURPLE: Diary Sessions and Grey songs

The gang is chatting about Bubbles' friend in the next set of the series... issues that bother on domestic violence into marriage into parental honour and consent; SuperLady and Messus B share very touching stories about their lives with the gang; this one should get you gripped... enjoy!!!

Friday…

Mz Robyn: ‎​Pls kindly answer this question and pass it around, between naija police and naija girls who like money pass

Oba K: Naija

Messus B:Police

        No the girls

        No police, the girls, police, girls.

        O I dunno! Tooo many choices to make!

Lady Alba: I feel you Messus B, that’s why I didnt bother

 

Mz Robyn: D hardest question ever

Messus B: ha ha ha

 

Bubbles: Dis na Post-Jamb na (confused look on face)

Oba K: Na him make I just talk the answer Naija; ha ha ha

Bubbles: Ha ha ha; Nice wan

BlaqueStone: Gyels jor; he he he

Saturday…

Bubbles: Hey people... A friend of mine got beat by her dad recently; she's turning 30 ds year... As in he beat her because she and he got talking about stuff and they weren't in agreement - her own position was that she isn't a child and he should let her decide for herself; I think they were talking about marriage. She's been dating someone from another tribe who is also of a different "sort" of religion - Jehovah witness actually and they are Catholics. Well, she wants to go report to the police... I and some people have been arguing about how extreme the police will be... What d'u guys think? Cos you know this is another form of domestic violence oo; it’s not only when a girl is raped or incensed by a relative – that’s someone's position...

SuperLady: Naija police or another country?

Bubbles : And to be frank with you, some of us are still facing tribal marriage challenges... Lol @ Superlady..

SuperLady: Cos if it's Naija police, money would settle the matta depending on who swings first and how high the amount.

Bubbles: I for one; I don dey drag back and forth with ma folks - lol

 

SuperLady: My thots...keep on dragging, they'll agree soon enough

 

Lady Alba: But dis one d thing don enter beating, water don nearly pass garri

 

Oba K: Hmn, inter tribal marriage?

 

Lady Alba: I believe if this chic is convinced he is the one, she shld try and make her parents see it, Cos as much as we hate to admit this inter-tribal marriage thing is still here

 

Bubbles: Lol @ S’lady... Yes Ma; na to dey drag dey go oo...

 

Oba K: Seriously, not to say, look at it, parents still want to impose spouse on us like say them do am for head?

 

SuperLady: I'm with you on dat L.Alba, but how far wit daddy beating her???? That’s sooo wrong...if no b Education, she for don born teenager..Haba!

 

Bubbles: Hmmmm... Ds intertribal thing is funny, I used to be all about marry my tribe but as time come pass... Tins come change and now na wahala espesially because I am d 1st; but this my friend ehn, na she be last born and you know what that means; all 3 of her older siblings are married, The chics are married to same tribe as they; but her brother was "allowed" to marry a chic from another tribe; Cos they are 3 gals... And I don’t know why it’s ok for the guy to marry who he wants but the girls have to be spoken for… Lol @ teenager Super L... Am still in shock

 

SuperLady: Thing is, these days hardly do you ever see same tribe marriages...our parents should wake up and smell the coffee joor, NYSC has really worked on our generation, d country is fused...apart from Messus B in this group, don't think anybody married their tribe and even those dating are hardly dating their tribe.

Lady Alba: Wow, that’s a diff level, that one is just ridiculous, double standards Bubbles if you ask me...

 

Messus B: My husband is from Okene (Kogi), I am from Lagos

Bubbles: People are doing it... My people are especially drawn to that... they'd tell you the girl can marry away but the boys should stay; as opposed to this chic's parents

SuperLady: Oh ohhhh, you see, I was even wrong about madam B...her children are half caste too!

Bubbles: When I think of the challenges, I imagine if my parents had Kevon like dis wey go mari East African... Dem fit faint… (Bless U Kevon*); yes ooo No b small half caste

Messus B: Inter tribal marriage has never been an issue in my family o. My grandpas' were way before their times & allowed their daughters marry from any part of d world

Bubbles: But it’s funny, I always wanted to marry same tribe as me oo... But after time went I come dey wonder "e b like say I go decide manage less because I want to marry ma tribe by force" - am sure there are good men but as I no see dem, I stretch ma neck go

SuperLady: are the chic’s paternal Grandparents alive? Reason I ask is I know someone who had d same problem, after 3yrs n her dad still refused, her grandfather (father's father) gave her the go-ahead and the church accepted his consent… years down d line, her father is now happy. So if her grandad wasn’t alive, I wonder wetin she for do? There are only 2 tribes in d world " Good pple n Bad pple"

Messus B: I am Lagosian by birth pple. My maternal grandpa is Togolese while my Paternal grandpa was from Sierra Leone... My paternal grandma was from Benue while my maternal grandma was from Cross River. My mother-in-law is from Benin Republic while my maternal grandpa's mother was from Ghana… So let's just call my kids cocktails

Allie: Bubbles I feel you...very well sef. Me too been wan marry from our side oh. Always wanted to anyway… God answer my prayer join.

SuperLady: Loooool @Messus B....Lurv dat ..Cocktails

 

Bubbles: Jisox Mrs B...

Messus B: I agree. Good & bad is what the issue should be. I even have a direct aunt who married a hausa man. A Muslim @ dat & though I keep praying he knows Christ which is the faith I grew up with, I must admit that he could teach some Christian bruvs about kindness & love.

Bubbles: What are you? (shock) ... Maan, I should tell my parents this story; they'd flip

 

Lady Alba: O Ms B, na wa for dis combo!

 

Bubbles: Yea Al... I know you go feel me; especially cos you are from my side na and you know what this tribal thing is like ba? Dayuuum Mrs B... Means technically, you aren’t Nigerian; that’s so coooooooool

TO BE CONTINUED...

SOSSICK SLAMS DA GRIN MOVIE

One of Nigeria’s top music producers Sossick has gone on record to slam the movie made on the life and times of his friend and artiste Da Grin.

In an interview with music blog Pop Off Central, the producer stated that the movie had nothing to do with Da Grin and the producer was just in it for the money. “It was a home-video; it had nothing to do with Da Grin. It was just a bunch of producers that wanted to make money with the name that a young hustling hardworking boy made for himself, somebody else just wanted to make money off that. Making a movie that you know nothing about? The story was fake” says Sossick.

He further went on to reveal that the producers wanted him to be in the movie but he declined. “They called me when they were wrapping up the movie and told me to come and be in it. I declined and they were upset. I mean the whole concept was wrong. You can’t bring out a movie less than a year after somebody that special died.”

Sossick who worked with Da Grin in his classic second album C.E.O is getting ready to drop two new videos; I Git It and Jor which features the late rapper.

STORM RECORDS TO PARTNER WITH AMERICAN PRODUCER’S RECORD LABEL

Storm Records is the latest Nigerian record label to partner with an American recording label. Not wanting to be outdone by Mo’ Hits whose premier artiste D’Banj and producer Don Jazzy were sighed by Kanye West a few weeks ago, the CEO of Storm Records Obi Asika struck a partnership deal with the CEO of Next Selection Lifestyle Group, Ryan Leslie.

Ryan Leslie became a household name in America in 2005 when he produced pop singer Cassie’s   biggest hits till date “Me and You” and “Long Way To Go”. Since then he has gone on to produce other hit tracks for many artistes in America.

The details of the deal haven’t been revealed yet but it seems that the maverick producer will be obviously working with some of Storm’s finest talents such as Naeto C, Pype and Sasha.  

Bez Idakula’s debut album "SUPER SUN" out this July

After a long period of barely concealed anticipation, fans of Nigeria’s rising Alternative Soul artiste; Bez Idakula can finally heave a huge sigh of relief as the bespectacled, whiz-on strings musician has concluded arrangements for his album release this summer. The hugely anticipated Super Sun album, a career debut from the incredibly talented artiste is set to be officially released in July 2011.

The 13 track album which was entirely produced by the enigmatic Cobhams Asuquo, with the exception of one track produced by IBK, captures the rare and un-distilled essence of Bez. He experiments with new upbeat and groovy sounds, drawing from fresh acoustic influences as he takes the listener on a journey of self discovery, love and inspiration. Featuring hits such as ‘Zuciya Daya’ (One Heart), ‘More You’ ‘Stop Pretending’ and the self titled ‘Super Sun,’ listeners get the feel of an artiste who gently fuses an understated and unusual hybrid of soul, jazz, R&B and Hip-Hop music that sets him well apart from the main stream Afro-hip-hop movement.

According to a statement from the artiste’s record label and management team, CAMP (Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions); ‘The Super Sun career debut from Bez is an album that the world needs to listen to. The vocal prowess and verbal dexterity of the artiste, exquisite musical arrangement and superb production are elements which would ensure that this album is a keep-sake.’

A natural performer with a charismatic and playful stage presence, Bez has already opened for international acts like Asa, Angie Stone and Yolanda Brown in a series of high profile shows and events like the Lagos Jazz series, Smooth FM’s ‘Love Music, Love Life’ luxury concert and Sax Appeal 2. He has also performed alongside Africa’s premiere entertainers like Nneka, Tuface, Mike Aremu, South African based Judith Sephuma and M.I. From big band shows with his swinging five man band, to intimate acoustic showcases led by his masterful guitar playing, Bez is a performer to behold. Singles from his forthcoming album have been released to overwhelmingly positive reviews from the public and the video to his much loved and celebrated ‘More You’ single has met with national and international approval and was only recently nominated for the ‘Video of the Year’ at the forthcoming Nigerian Entertainment Awards New York.

Way to go Bez!!!

MORACHI LAUNCHES NEW VIDEO + THE #godofpassion SERIES vol. 1

The entertainment industry sure has missed him and the creativity that revolves round his work, but barely before the reality of his comeback dawned on some people, he's starting to make bold statements again

Morachi, on Wednesday night -  June 22, 2011 – at an event hosted by INDUSTRY NITE in his honour, launched his brand new video IBU ONYE (shot by BERYLS) which features several elements of the traditional Nigeria as it relates to the East where he's from. Some of these elements include masquerades, a 150yr old tortoise, 2 live ostriches, a live python, etc.

On the night, he also performed for the 1st time, his new single "Bend Down Touch Your Toes" featuring LYNXXX, thrilling fans, friends, the media and other attendees at the well attended event. Now that the new video and even a newer single have been pushed out, Morachi's label II-Flame Ent. is ready to introduce his new brand "The godofpassion" which is an encapsulation of how sexy and sensationally passionate his personality is.

Watch IBU ONYE (the video)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cObrDAKC9Hw

Download "BEND DOWN TOUCH YOUR TOES" http://www.4shared.com/audio/2G_xTzss/Bend_down_touch_ur_toes-Morach.html

TUPAC COMES TO LAGOS!

Hip-Hop is now a culture! An avenue for young people to express themselves and a platform that allows them to dream without limits. This summer, one of the forces in hip-hop will be resurrected in Lagos!

The Makaveli Music Group, LLC and the Tupac Shakur family are set to release a double CD family tribute album this summer. To promote the tribute album, the Makaveli Music Group is organizing ‘The Official Tupac Shakur Family and Friends Tour 2011’ – a tour aimed at celebrating the life of Tupac Amaru Shakur who would have been 40 years old on the 16th of June 2011. The CEO of Makaveli Music Group, Kendrick Lesane (Tupac’s cousin) has been in talks with One Management, a leading Nigeria based Talent Management and Entertainment Events Management Firm, to hold a Hip-Hop Summit and Concert in the heart and soul of Nigeria - Lagos State, in September 2011. The Tour will be a 2 day event consisting of a Hip-Hop Summit and the Tupac Tribute Concert.

The Summit is aimed at promoting Youth Development and Empowerment. Features of the Summit include a talk shop which will have close knit members of Tupac’s family talk about his life, his contribution to the hip-hop culture, lessons learnt and the effect of one of hip hop’s greatest rap icons on the average Youth and on the Nigerian side, Artistes who have been influenced by Tupac’s music, talk about the impact of the hip hop culture in the Nigerian context. Other features will be a showcase of   underground talents, giving them a platform to showcase their individual talents through judged cipher sessions (rap battles).

Emem Ema of One Management says, one of the major objectives for the summit is to send out a strong message to the Nigerian Youth about channeling their energy and talent positively through the medium of music as hip hop is a platform that encourages creativity and entrepreneurship. Tupac was not just a rapper; he was a poet, writer, actor, activist and legend who used his talent to create a whole movement. Kendrick Lesane of the Makaveli Music Group said “the Tupac family is excited about promoting in Nigeria, Tupac’s legacy of the youth, creating something positive out of dire circumstances. It will be our first time in Africa and we are looking forward to it.”

The concert will consist of performances from an international hip-hop act, members of the Tupac Family; and some of Nigeria’s leading Hip Hop Artists who in addition to performing their own tracks will bring an African flavour to some of Tupac’s renowned songs. The Tour hopes to Provide an avenue for young individuals to show the depth of their imagination and creativity (in terms of writing and even dance), and to help promote critical thinking through hip-hop.

Music Meets Runway 2011: 'Lights. Camera. Action'

Le Reve Events announces the arrival of one of the most anticipated events of the year, “Music Meets Runway” scheduled to be held on the 9^th of July, 2011 at the Eko Hotel EXPO CENTRE, Lagos.

Music Meets runway is an industry event fusing performances by some of the hottest artists and runway expose featuring some of the finest up and coming designers that Nigeria has to offer, with diverse styles from lingerie wears to Haute Couture.

The aim for this event is to create awareness for some of the amazing new talents we have including up and coming fashion designers, music artists, international acts, stylists, make-up artists and more…

La Reve Events also plans to promote networking among the fashion industry professionals including educators, retail buyers, fashion journalists, trendsetters and consumers.

EKO HOTEL EXPO CENTRE will experience one of the most amazing events of 2011 with International guest stars (yet to be revealed), 10 music artists, 10 fashion Designers, The Sexiest Hosts, and One Major event…MUSIC MEETS RUNWAY (MMR).

The event is supported by MTN, Samsung Mobile, SKYY Vodka, Bella Naija, Style House Files, MUD Make Up, Perfect Lash and more

There will be pre-parties and post parties surrounding the event and a FASHION VIP Lounge

Interesting read... from Y!

Every now and then, I snoop around the internet... searching for notable write-ups and feature articles that regularly inform me. I also do a bit of survey on artiste I work with as well as other 'important" entertainment people who have made the news for some reason or another. Well, I came across some piece I think everyone should read, not only because it was brilliantly written but also because of who wrote it. You will recall sometime ago, there was some story about the "lunch with the president" and "envelope exchange" series; only this writer managed to convince me that he went to speak and exit as it should have been no matter what, hence my new found extra respect.

The note also borders on a lot of thoughts at the moment, things we are saying silently; stuff we want to share but dont know how to or where to go ranting... Then again, sometimes it just helps to know that certain people are feeling some bit of emotion you are feeling towards a certain subject especially if before now, you had no idea they were of the same opinion... Yes, we are worried for national security; I for one am disturbed about those five Youth Corpers who are still in custody of... 'strangers"...

Please click below:

http://ynaija.com/searching-for-a-vote-of-confidence/

The Jazz Show of the Year

...Will feature American Saxophonist Kenny G alongside Nigerian Saxophone sensation Mike Aremu at Mike's pouplar Jazz concert "Sax Appeal". The show's billed for Sunday July 3 and is happening at the only event centre in Lagos at the moment... oops, what gave that away - lol. seriously, I imagine what will happen to our events if something went wrong with Eko Hotels banquet halls; sighs!

Acts will come from across the globe - Nigerian Kunle Ayo who is a notable South African based guitarist, South African Judith Sephuma and England's Yolanda Brown (MOBO Award winner); other acts will come from the United States. Songstress Waje is set to feature while Tee-A is set to anchor the evening. 

picture picks for the week...

I am looking forward to the new week, mainly because I see money being made... and plenty of businesses being consolidated. Last week was overtly eventful, on a personal and general note and as usual I have my picture picks for the week, ranging from real life issues to ordinary blackberry views and the randoms... enjoy!!!

Team Captain BRF at the Kanu testimonial match; D'Guvno sure does love footbal doesnt he?

One word - DETERMINATION

Shocking flames that rose from the Police HQ in Abuja after Boko Haram struck

This star of Blackberry - notably "Ugly BB Man" is out in a new picture; this time with a beautiful bride to depict the "beauty in the eye of the beholder" bit; Choi, what photoshop has enabled us accomplish shaaaa...

Water... and Lagos!!! Kinda like "Rain... and PHCN" - LOL

Eedris Abdulkarim with wife and daughter... how this popular man kept his private life well so, is beyond me. truely a lesson for all these 'come and see me' people... including me sef - lol

Information about the Nigerian Entertainment Awards billed for New York in Sept 2011. Voting is online

The new face of Dancehall...

Very few artistes quit the scene for one reason or the other and still return with their talent and charisma intact. In fact it takes a thoroughbred artiste to return after a long hiatus to find a place in today’s breakneck music scene. Perhaps, one has to be a Daniel D Prince to quit the scene to pursue an entirely different endeavour only to return with a mindboggling repertoire ready to explode. The truth is, if Daniel delivered good music a while back, this time around, like a bait, he seems to be dangling an exotic, irresistible and princely body work.

Born Daniel A. Ikodor, the Edo State native was born and bred in Lagos. As a youngster, he became fascinated with the art of music and dance, with particular bias for dance. Eventually, he found his way into a dance group called L.X.G at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Ketu a suburb of Lagos, where he became group leader.

After a while, his singing talent began to beckon and the young Daniel soon gave in as he started recording vocals on instrumentals for the group. The group went on to become area superstars around their hood, Ketu and even beyond. After a while, the appeal of the dance group began to dim, and as time pronounce him ripe enough for bigger things. In 2005, he suddenly found himself writing his own songs and behold a recording career was born. In 2006, he invaded the scene when he released 4 singles which was on its way to making a deserved impact when he suddenly bowed to pressure to acquire formal education. He moved to Edo State, University of Benin to be precise, where he graduated as a Computer Scientist.

While in the University, he still found time to assuage his musical yearnings by performing in lots of gigs within the South South, Southeast and Southwest. Not satisfied with his academic accomplishments, the vibrant and talented Afro/Raggae act had to travel to far away Malaysia where he took a course in Information Technology while doing music full time. Now the prince is back, itching to unleash his wealth of experience garnered over the years on the Naija music scene by dropping his brand new single titled “Blow Up”. And to give the new single adequate push, the artist has enlisted the support of photon solutions as his management, while the single is dropping under Street Hype Entertainment imprint.

It's a girl for Omawunmi...

The pop sensation was delivered of a baby girl on Friday June 17, 2011 in far away United States. She had her baby at the Rockdale Medical Centre Atlanta... Congratulations to the new mum.

PURPLE: Diary Sessions and Grey songs

This is the story of a group of real life friends - 20 in number - who have shared a growing up experience; one which was mostly cultivated off a spiritual connection formed from University days till present. Still very much in touch with each other and still a part of each other's worlds; these friends share views on politics, socialism, capitalism, friendship, the world at large and of course "Spirituality"; the very chord that binds them. Men and women, who have come a long way through life's challenges share fun and create fun off every topic placed before them. Some are married, Others are making their way through the process... some are believing God while others are still searching - a typical world of people.

The first of these series comes as an interesting joke shared amongst them... interestingly, a topic only the women discuss. The series promises to be interesting, educative and informative as well as intriguing. This should be a fun read - Welcome to "PURPLE: Diary Sessions and Grey songs"

** Jun 16 Thu 18:41 **

Lady Alba: A woman buys a new sim card, puts it in her phone to surprise her husband who is seated on the couch in the living room.She goes to the kitchen, makes her voice sexy & calls her husband with the new number "hi darling", the husband responds in a low tone "let me call you back later honey, that pig is in the kitchen":O

Bubbles : Hmmmm...#:-s... All I can say is that, the meal for the night will be salty, with plenty of undone palm oil and live sugar ants as accompaniments; Lord have mercy

Lady Alba : And ota pia pia

 

Bubbles: Most definitely otapiapia... With a little mix of alabukun

 

Mz Robyn: With agboniki as sauce....that guy don die be that

Bubbles  : Ahn ahn... (Long hiss) Lol

SuperLady   : With some battery water for juice>=)

 

Mz Robyn: Haha!..love the battery water!! Nice one laced with cocaine! One way ticket to hell he's bought himself

 

Lady Alba: :O. See criminals minds here!=)) Haba robyn with cocaine again, the battery water is enuff na #:-s

Mz Robyn: =D ...he had the nerve...to call his wife a PIG!!..he needs to hung upside and lashed 70 strokes of d cane!

Bubbles  : Buh the woman sef... "Surprise new number"??? Wich wan be that wan na? She no try for hersef. Which man like surprises wey she know... Her papa been like surprises?

  

SuperLady   : Haba Bubbles,she was tryna spruce up the romance in the marriage,I feel her joor,d guy is just a goat.

 

Mz Robyn: Ewu..*in churgurl voice*

 

Bubbles : Lmao, No be small romance... See the kain massive love wey she get in return=)) Mwhyl, I agree with that battery water juice well well... Robyn, the cocaine go be desert option, E go pick cocaine ice cream, or cocaine flavored cake... Or caramel and cocaine coatings... Yeye man

SuperLady   : U notice how all d guys zip mouth for dis mata? Very wise of them.

Mz Robyn: Lol

Bubbles  : Dem wise gaaaaAan*

(Identities are fictional and names that seem familiar are only coincidental) 

INSIGHTFUL REVIEWS AND COMMENTARIES... Culled from "thenetng"

I came across a very interesting read off http://www.thenetng.com/, one of the many sites i regularly follow in my career as a Publicist, and pretty much because I, like many people want to be like the maestro who runs it. A very interesting read sampling Nigerian music and alligning it in the manner that we industry background peoplke tend  to do mostly. The most interesting thing about this piece is, I read it right after having a discussion with Djinee - one of Nigerians brilliant alternative/ breakthrough artistes - and one who I think the writer should have also made reference to... He shared some great insight with me and seemed to understand my plight as far as "promotions" and 'publicity" on the Nigerian Music scene is concerned; especially with reference to alternative music*

Will Ibiyemi, Bez, CON.Tra.diction, Ese Peters, Eben And Others Ever Really Blow?

...When we talk about new Nigerian music nowadays, we tend to focus largely on the success of Hip Hop, Pop, Rap and R&B. Outside these genres however; many Nigerian artistes are doing great works that deserve our attention. Their stories do not often make major headlines; they do not headline major concerts and they don’t get signed as ambassadors of major brands, yet the difference and divergence they provide is perhaps more indicative of the true growth of new music in Nigeria. Guys like Age Beeka, Bez, Etcetera, Fadabasi, Ese Peters, Threadstone, Sista Soul, Ibiyemi, Nikki Laoye, GT the Guitarman, Jeremiah Gyang, Con.Tra.Diction, Christine, Eben etc defeat easy classifications but we may agree that their different sounds provide an alternative to popular brands of new Nigerian music listed above. To be clear; while the kinds of music these guys make appeal to me, I do not subscribe to the notion that there’s something called ‘real’ music, therefore, I do not think that these artistes are doing ‘better’ music compared with their Hip-Hop and Rap counterparts. I am fascinated by the difference they bring to the music scene in Nigeria and I’m equally afraid that we may not have a big enough audience for their kinds of music in Nigeria at the moment.
While thinking about this some days ago, it occurred to me that the way marketing and distribution of music works in this country at the moment, these guys are a hard sell. What Alaba Market distributor wants to pick up an album without owanbe-like dance tracks, weddings songs or club-bangers? What brand wants to hold a concert of soft rock or artistes or soul singers? While I know that there’s an audience for every type of music, I wonder if these audiences are of a commercially viable quantity. Since record labels are dead and we do not have concert venues that generate their own programmes, to whom does the ‘alternative’ artiste turn to for the much needed collaboration that will  get the music to its audience, even if it is a niche one, and bring forth success? Those who are quick to point fingers at some artistes and accuse them of selling out need to consider that fact that the options are cruelly limited due to an abject lack of structures that may guarantee even minimal success. Truth is; if you are doing new Nigerian music, the farther you move away from the mainstream, the closer you move to poverty and starvation.
It is of course easy to whip up Asa as the exception to the rule, and she truly is. I mean, who can explain this amazing young woman’s success? Yes, we all probably knew as early as 2004 that there was something special about her but how do we explain her commercial success, both at home and abroad? Who ever thought that her brand of music could go this far in Nigeria? Till date, no one has successfully explained to me why Asa is as successful as she is. Some have called it a freak occurrence, which is a safe assumption. Others have said hard work but I know too many hardworking yet ‘unsuccessful’ artistes. Yet, others have said talent; take a look at the list of artistes above and tell me who amongst them is untalented. Some others have even said luck, but I do not believe in luck. We probably will never know but I have loved her since that faithful evening in 2004 when I watched her perform with a travelling French band at the Arts Theatre of the University of Ibadan.
It certainly would be preposterous of anyone to think that commercial viability is the hallmark of every artiste’s musical journey. Material desires are not the raison d’être of a career in music for many artistes, contrary to what many of us may think. I just wish that these new Nigerian artistes would be in a position of power to make that choice and not have to make it because the situation in this country has forced them to do so.
*Ihidero is a Lagos-based writer and filmmaker

Read full article - http://www.thenetng.com/2011/06/14/will-ibiyemi-bez-con-tra-diction-ese-peters-eben-and-others-ever-really-blow/

SASHA IS SAYING 'DON'T STOP"

First Lady Sasha knocked me over with her collaboration on the single with Mozambican Songstress Dama Du Bling, I can amost rap the lines over and over. In addition to "makingmoneythisyear" Sasha P has been busy and the newest single is out with a video, Check this one out - "Don't Stop" was shot in Lagos and directed by Bobby Boulders

Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbPVcwqUxGA&feature=player_embedded

Production credits for the track go to Jesse Jagz; the Storm Records Femcee is clad in her "Ecclectic" fashion line for this one; It's all Sasha P... and a credit worthy move too (wink wink***).

HEADIES 2011 MOVED TO SEPTEMBER

Information I gathered from "hush hush" news states that there are strong indications the Hip Hop World Awards now known as “Headies” has been moved to the month of September. The shift in the date must be due to the fact that the brains behind the huge awards ceremony are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that this year’s edition is second to none.

Headies which normally holds in Lagos will be hosted in Calabar city this year. In 2009 the award ceremony was also taken outside Lagos and moved to the capital city of Abuja. The team have nominated Hip- Hop artiste eLDee as host alongside popular Nollywood actress Rita Dominic for this year’s ceremony. The pair arrived at the Headies secretariat last week Wednesday - June 8 -  for an official photo session with ace photographer Shola Animashaun. Meanwhile the theme song for Headies 2011 will be composed and performed by Waje, Wizkid and Ice Prince. The song will be produced by Samklef. check out the pictures...

Rita Dominic's looking "FLYYYYYYYYYYY"

They also kinda look cute together... #jussayingoo