Iyabo Ojo laments increasing hardship in Nigeria

 Social Media influencer and actress Iyabo Ojo has lamented the worsening living condition in the country, warning that if we don't get it right in the coming elections, Nigeria will be doomed forever.

In a tweet on friday, the actress said she's currently scared of opening her DM following a series of messages soliciting financial assistance from her.

“People are really suffering, It's a daily struggle. These days, I'm so scared to even open my DM's. Bcos 90% of the messages are depressing. My dear Country. If Nigeria gets it wrong again in 2023, this nation will bleed,” she tweeted.

10 years ago we predicted about African music taking over the world---Psquare

Nigerian singing duo, Peter and Paul of Psquare fame have recalled how they predicted that African music would take over the world music space 10 years ago.

The duo made this known, after their electrifying performance at the 8^th edition of the All Africa Music Award,AFRIMA, which was held in Dakar, Senegal last Sunday.

In a chat with Nollytainment, Mr P, as he's fondly called by fans, said what's happening today is not unprecedented as they warned African music 10 years ago that African music will take over the world stage.

"Look at what's happening today. We have put Africa music on the world map and we are happy to be among the pioneers," he added.

On missing those years of not performing together, Mr. P said "It's normal but the good thing is that even when we broke up, we kept the name and the team strong."

ClubHouse soaring in Nigeria

The social audio app, Clubhouse, is gaining in popularity throughout Nigeria and across the globe with millions of people jumping into a wide array of live discussions around music, movies, sports, business, food, and every other imaginable subject. 

More than eight million people have joined since the platform launched on Android and it’s growing rapidly.  Currently, more than 500,000 rooms are created daily, and the average Clubhouse user spends more than 60 minutes each day listening and chatting on the platform. “Clubhouse is focused on its vision of building an exciting, thriving, creator community in Nigeria and around the world.” Says its Co-Founder, Paul Davison.

The platform, which launched in 2020, is a free social media app powered by voice where people discuss an infinite number of topics in, “rooms.” The absence of video allows people to focus on speaking with one another versus talking at them. The moderators, who can speak freely, can also call on members of the audience who want to participate. You can tell who is talking by looking for a subtle halo around a participant’s photo. Anyone can start a room. The app also has “clubs” that can create recurring rooms and have members.

The company says the popularity of the platform has shown how universal voice is as a medium. 

In Nigeria, Clubhouse has seen an explosion of excitement around tech, job opportunities, Nollywood, football, and music, especially around Nigerian recording artistes.  

Rohan Seth, ClubHouse Co-founder adds, “we’ve seen first-hand what we’ve always believed—that the need to gather with other humans is universal.” Clubhouse is available for download on both Android and iOS devices. It’s currently in beta, but anyone can join with an invitation from an existing user.

Spotify inspires Moroccan singer, Rhita

 

Spotify recently launched its global initiative, the Equal Music Programme, to cultivate gender equality in music and support female creators.

Since then, Spotify has gradually grown its roster of African female creators to join the programme across the continent.

On Thursday, Spotify announced the addition of Rhita Nattah to the programme.

Rhita is a Moroccan singer, songwriter and composer who made her debut with the track ‘Not The Same’ in 2019. The self-taught, independent artiste is currently working with producer, Samir El Bousaadi on building her music catalogue and is dedicating her time to fulfilling her passion for music.

Inspired by Moroccan traditional music as well as the Reggae and Jazz genres, Rhita lists Amy Winehouse and Queen Omega as some of the voices she fell in love with. She describes her music as a new sound of traditional Moroccan music.

Rhita has been vocal about the challenges she has faced as a creator determined to pursue her music career in a market where the music Industry is almost non-existent. Having always wanted to study music but faced with limited opportunities, her passion and dedication were her driving force to learn more. She taught herself English, how to play the guitar, composing, singing and songwriting.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub Saharan Africa adds, “Working with an artist like Rhita , truly embodies what Equal is about. Presenting the diverse array of brilliant artists from every corner of the continent and the world! We remain committed to levelling the playing field for female creators by giving emerging and established artists equal opportunities on our platform.”

“Women in the music field are generally overlooked and under-appreciated, streaming platforms like Spotify make it easier for us to create freely and be recognized for the art we make as producers, singers, songwriters and sometimes our own managers as well. I can’t thank Equal Africa enough for being a big part of this development and for celebrating female musicians in Africa,” Rhita said.

Ini Edo on two decades of sojourn in Nollywood

Nollywood actress, Ini Edo has clocked 20 years in the industry since she made her debut in “Thick Madam.” Celebrating the milestone, the actress 

took to her Instagram handle to recount her journey in the industry.

Ini Edo who started her acting career as a teenager has grown to become one of the most talked about actresses in Nollywood.

In a lengthy post on IG, the actress recalled how she came out as a teenager struggling to find her feet in the industry.

She wrote: “I’ve been all kinds of mood today and these pictures, videos and all your beautiful comments just literally lifted my spirit . Thank you so much and yes it’s been 20 years of being in your faces. I came out as teenager struggling to find my true identity.”

“Made mistakes,made successes but what I never did was give up on myself . I will keep being in your faces so let me apologize In advance because I ain’t gonna stop improving on myself as a person, career wise, as an entrepreneur in every aspect of my life. Thank you all so very much .Cheers to many more years of awesomeness… This is also to all my brown skin girls … now this is a movement.”

Ini Edo began her acting career in 2000, featuring in more than 100 movies since she made her debut. In 2013, she was a judge for the Miss Black Africa UK Pageant. In 2014, she was appointed by the United Nations as a united Nations Habitat Youth Envoy.

Also Read:  Dancehall singer, Olakira follows up with ''4Play'' EP

In 2017, Ini made it clear that only hard work can get one to the top in the industry even as there are many distractions. But she encouraged that with determination, one would get there.

Dancehall singer, Olakira follows up with ''4Play'' EP

 

Hard on the heels of the release of his latest single 'Sere', Afro-Pop and dancehall sensation, Olakira unveils an incredible journey of sound in his next musical chapter chronicled in his EP titled ''4Play".

Strong, sensual and powerful are the words used to describe the musical genius in this EP. With producers ranging from SterryO, Drumatik, Simba Tagz, Mr Kamera, Qasebeatz, TBoy Daflame and Olakira himself and features from Tanzanian songstress, Zuchu, South African musicians, Sho Madjozi and Moonchild Sanelly, ''4Play'' is auditory gold!

Olakira's EP which opens with the fan favourite 'Sere' featuring Tanzania's Zuchu, offers four beautifully crafted songs and two bonus tracks. "Gotchu'' is the second track of the EP; produced by Drumatik, a love song through and through dipped in a splash of highlife, about reassurance and dedication to one's love; This is a simple melody that boasts of a truly beautiful song, strongly tipped to be another fan favourite.

With ''Hot Night'', the internationally recognized "Shinning Star" changes gear and switches things up while in ''Call On Me'' which features Sho Madjozi, Olakira shows his production skills alongside Tboy DaFlame in rhythms from the south of the continent akin to Master KG's 'Jerusalema' and Yvonne ChakaChaka's 'Umqombothi'. The bonus tracks of this brilliant body of work are 'For life' and 'Summer Time'

''4play'' is indeed a confluence of African sounds and the multi-instrumentalist is the genuine article. Sung in Yoruba, lbo, Pidgin and English, Olakira brings African sounds together in rich melodies that echo the heartbeat of the Motherland.

Olakira's 4Play EP dropped on Friday, May 14, 2021, on all digital  platforms

Nigerian Idol contestants thrill judges at first live performance

 

The first live performance of the widely acclaimed Nigerian Idol reality show Season 6, screened last Sunday signposts the numerous music talents that abound in the country, as the 11 contestants demonstrated they have the capability to outwit the other to clinch the grand prize.

The show, which will continue till the finale on July 11, will see the winner clinching a recording contract with a leading record label, including N50, 000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) worth of prizes.

It was an evening of excitement and display of musical prowess from the contestants who appeared on stage with their stunning outfits, thus making the show more colourful. They include Kingdom Kroseide, Akunna Okey, Faith Onyeje, Dotun Deloye, Francis Atela, Daniel Ikechi, Beyonce Ajomiwe, Clinton Francis, Comfort Alalade, Emmanuel Elijah, Faith Mac Ebiama.

And with the breathtaking rendition from the first performer, Akunna Okey, followed by Beyonce Ajomiwe, Clinton Francis and others, all made the reality show quite enjoyable.

Also, the performance of the contestants spurred the nice comments by Seyi Shay, one of the judges, to Emmanuel Elijah that sang “Remember Me” by Lucky Dube.

“Your stage performance today was electrifying and energetic; you have been able to hold the entire audience throughout your rendition,” she said.

Consequently, DJ Sose, who is also a judge at the show, applauded Faith Mac Ebiama, who sang a legendary song Jeromi by Victor Uwaifo, saying, “Indeed you are a superstar.”

The other judge, Obi Asika, could not hide his feelings with the smile on his face, commending the singers whose fates for the next show on Sunday, May 16, will depend on the numbers of votes attained, as two with the lowest votes will be evicted. Interestingly, the widely viewed reality TV show which is aired on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 29, is sponsored by Rite Foods Limited, a truly World-Class and Proudly Nigerian Food and Beverage Company, through its premium Bigi soft drinks brand.

U-Roy begins journey home!

 

Pioneer of toasting, Ewart Beckford, popularly known to the world as Daddy U-Roy, will begin his final journey home on Wednesday, May 19, when his remains will be laid to rest.

U-Roy died early in the year after a long illness.

According to U-Roy's partner of over 40 years, Marcia Smikle, there will also be a viewing at Perry’s Funeral Home for the 'Wear You to the Ball' singer beginning Monday, May 17 so that the public can say their final farewells to the singer. The burial will be at 1pm on Wednesday.

All the arrangements are being handled by Perry’s Funeral Home but there will be no traditional funeral service and the event will not be live streamed. Nonetheless, it promises to be an “exciting bashment event” befitting a musical icon of Daddy U Roy’s stature.

An original toaster from the 60s, often hailed as the Godfather of Dancehall, Daddy U-Roy was also known as The Originator and Hugh Roy. His melodic style of toasting, applied with a highly developed sense of timing, set him in a class by himself.

He helped transform Jamaican music through an innovative vocal improvisation process known as 'toasting' where he expanded the role of a DJ into someone who didn't just play and introduce records but added their own verve and vocal ability to the product. He was 78.

Cobhams, Timi Dakolo join Tuface as judges for Trophy Extra Special band season 2 show

Trophy Extra Special Stout today announced that multi award-winning artists, and producers 2Baba, Cobhams Asuquo and Timi Dakolo will serve as judges for the second season of the Trophy Extra Special Band show which will premiere on MTV Base DStv Channel 322 and GOtv, Channel 72.

In addition to the stellar cast of judges, this season will also see fan-favourite presenter and producer, Bolanle Olukanni share hosting duties with former Big Brother Naija finalist, Victoria "Vee" Adeleye. The hosts will guide the viewers through a 12-episode season, packed with electrifying performances from competing live bands.

Now in its second season, the show was created to give bands a platform to showcase their talents and further spotlight the intricacies and beauty of band music. Trophy extra special stout is fast becoming known to do only extra special things that bring out extra special talent and entertainment. With exciting new additions to the shows season 2, such as more music genres for the bands to perform, this season promises an exhilarating and thrilling show featuring some of the best upcoming bands in Nigeria.

Acknowledging the importance of platforms like the Trophy Extra Special Band to upcoming acts, 2Baba said, “Africa is truly blessed with immeasurable music talent and this has been highlighted by the cross-continental recognition our artistes are receiving. There is however a need to give not only solo acts a voice, but also groups who work very hard to perfect their craft. I am excited to once again serve as a judge and mentor on the Trophy Extra Special Band and I hope that we are able to give a voice to the next Alternate Sound, Lijadu Sisters, or even the Beatles. I can't wait to see the magic the bands bring this season."

Cobhams and Timi Dakolo will be serving as first-time guest judges on the show, supporting 2Baba, who served as a coach and judge in the first season. We will also be having a surprise celebrity judge this season.

Commenting on the show’s purpose and the selection of judges, Tolulope Tomori Adedeji, Marketing Director at International Breweries said, “International Breweries, through its various brands like Trophy Extra Special Stout, has been at the forefront of supporting Nigerian art and the creative industry for a long time. The Trophy Extra Special Band show is a unifier, bridging the long-existing gap between solo artists and bands. This year, we have a remarkable lineup of accomplished artistes as judges and we trust that they will draw on their wealth of experience in highlighting the next memorable indigenous band. The winning band will walk away with 10 million Naira cash prize and a complete set of Musical instruments."

D'banj’s newly signed Tanzanian artiste, Feza Kessy drops ‘Bless Me’

 Music heavyweight, D’banj has announced the signing Feza Kessy, a fast-rising Tanzanian artiste to his record label,  DB Records.

The award-winning musician and entrepreneur broke the news in his Instagram page  on Friday.

“I present to you @fezakessy; first lady of @dbrecordsofficial,” he wrote in a terse post alongside the picture of the newly signed artiste.

Kessy also shared her latest feat with her followers on social media.

“To my friends, family and ninjas across Africa and the world, meet my new family@dbrecordsofficial @iambangalee,” she wrote.

This comes as the Tanzanian singer also released the audio and visuals for ‘Bless Me’, her debut project for the record label.

Kessy started pulling the weight of fame after she emerged runner-up in the 2005 Miss Tanzania beauty contest.

In 2013, she contested for the Big Brother Africa reality TV show along with Nigeria’s Beverly Osu, Melvin Oduah, and 23 others.

DB Records has signed several artistes in the past including Tonto Dikeh, Nigerian movie star, during which she released songs like ‘Oti Ya’, ‘It’s Ova’, ‘Hi’, ‘Suger Rush’, and ‘Ekebe’.

Music industry a very tough terrain--- Don Carta

Fast-rising singer and entrepreneur, Nnakwuzie Raphael Ekene, a.k.a Don Carta is stopping at nothing to make a name for himself on the country's music scene, despite admitting that the industry is a very tough one.

Speaking on his foray into music while in a chat with NollyNow, the Doncarta Group of Companies henchman harped on the toughness of the Nigerian music scene.

“It hasn’t been absolutely easy. Music industry is a very tough terrain and one has to be very determined and focused to be able to make it in this industry. However, one thing about doing what you love is that you end up doing it for the passion. So, the experience has been bitter-sweet, in all, we thank God. The best part of this work is in the satisfaction that comes with the knowledge that you’re passing across a message to someone somewhere, without having to meet them face to face; and in the fact that the message is a timeless, one which will still be available for someone else to listen to even when you’re gone. Music has always been my first love; before I even thought of taking music professional, listening to good music had always been my escape route. It leaves me fulfilled and calm, so it was my undaunted love for good music that basically propelled me into making one.”

On the challenges he has had to grapple with since his debut, he stated; “I guess it should be the fact that I rap majorly in Igbo. But the fusion of English in some of my songs makes it a bit easier to understand, even for someone who isn’t Igbo. Also, there are other challenges; like releasing a new song and not getting the amount of love you thought the song will get, but we keep being steadfast, we keep trying because I for one won’t let little challenges stop me. The most predominant challenge would be the penetration of the southern/western market/audience. One might release a song and it would be so popular in the east but what about other places with other tribes, like Lagos.”

However, he admitted that despite the challenges, he has been able to record notable successes. “I have got people who love me and my music. My debut got a whole lot of positive responses. I thank God for that and I believe that I have been able to carve out a niche for myself.”