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.”

I don’t like wearing bras---Eva Alordiah

Popular rapper, Eva Alordiah caused stir on social media during the week, when shared a bra-less photo with her nipples pushing against her see-through top and expressed how much she hates to wear bras.

The talented rapper spoke about nipples and questioned what it is about them that makes men aroused.

She revealed that she's not a fan of bra and she only wears them to impress her relatives.

She wrote; ““Nipsey hustling. I don’t like bras. Generally, I just think Bras are so uncomfortable. For me. And I am not the only woman who feels this way.”

”My breasts are a part of my body, not just singular entities separate from me.”

”So when I am locked in and strapped under the sore clasping of the hooks and cups of a bra, it is my entire body in subjection to that discomfort. Of course, there are women who need extra support and could do with a support garment.”

”This is no discredit to that fact. But if I had to choose every day, I would walk free, with my breasts dancing wildly and unassuming in front of me, my nipples announcing me in the room before I do.”

The rapper admonished men to practice self-control and quit reprimanding women for flaunting their breasts online.”Can someone, a man, please explain to me what it is about the nipples that make them such a crave and a catalyst for sexual arousal? I can hardly understand it. Or maybe I do and I’ll just really love your candid opinions.

”Subconsciously however we women know that it is, and so we will go through the pain of been clasped in a bra.”

Aristokrat Group signs partnership deal with UMG

Universal Music France,UMF, a company of Universal Music Group,UMG, the world leader in music-based entertainment has announced a strategic partnership with The Aristokrat Group, a prominent African entertainment company known for discovering and developing one of the biggest acts in the African music scene, Burna Boy.

With over a decade of experience in developing young African talents, Aristokrat represents the spirit and the sound of new Afrika.

This strategic partnership consists of a label deal and a publishing deal. The label deal intends to discover and develop African talent, and give them the opportunity to reach a global audience, thanks to the worldwide network of Universal Music Group companies. The first signings of the label deal are Kel P, Jujuboy Star and Tneeya. Kel P is a Nigerian producer, who worked with Burna Boy on his Grammy nominated album African Giant, and recently worked with Wizkid on his Starboy, The Soundman Vol 1 EP. Jujuboy Star, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer. Tneeya, is a Cameroonian singer and songwriter. All Aristokrat Records artists will be signed via Caroline France, a Universal Music France label.

The publishing deal intends to discover and develop African artistes, songwriters and producers, in order to give them the opportunity to access the global market. The first publishing signings are Kel P, Jujuboy Star and Saszy Afroshii.

Announcing the partnership, Olivier Nusse, CEO, Universal Music France, said, “I am very proud that Aristokrat Group has chosen Universal Music France as its strategic partner to reach a global audience!”

The journey of my life by Busola Dakolo

Busola, wife of Nigerian pop singer, Timi Dakolo went down memory lane during the week, reliving the sour and sweet story of her life journey.

In a post on her Instagram page, the celebrity photographer and mother three kids, recounts with nostalgia how she has been able to weather the storms of life to become what she is today.

According to her, “ From being a working professional to becoming a stay at home mum, kept my hands busy doing different things and taking some online courses to equip myself.”

Busola said while she was struggling to survive, resilience, not being afraid to fail, willingness to continue learning, the invisible hand of God helped her through the years.

“As a mother of three, I keep on learning how to maximize my time. The journey highlighted in this paragraph alone was very tough, a journey I had no script about but I am looking at the script today. Now, I can look back and smile,” she wrote.

The celebrity photographer revealed that the idea of starting an online skills development platform @skillskitchen was conceived when she started getting photography training requests from people.

“It’s so amazing when you see how far you’ve come through stumbling and getting up. It's so encouraging to see how far I have come. The push to keep on doing and remain optimistic.”

“It feels ... to see how through stumbling in the darkness of my soul trying to find a beam of light led me to the great light that has not only illuminated my soul but now extending to the world.

Building a legacy starts from being true to yourself. Your thoughts form your life and if your soul lacks light, your world will lack illumination. Authenticity is what I love to talk about. Just be authentic about where you are, your next move reveals itself as you live in authenticity. You become well-guided,” Busola advised. The celebrity photographer has truly come a long way. Recall last year, when she dragged Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly on account of her alleged rape experience at his hands.