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.”

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.

Ycee drops new single, “ Dakun” off his debut album

Award-winning rapper, Oludemilade Martin Alejo, better known by his stage name, Ycee releases a brand new song, ‘Dakun’, off his highly anticipated debut album set to be released in November titled “YCeevsZAHEER”.

‘Dakun’, which is a Yoruba word for ‘please’ is a pulsating easy-to-learn single which embodies a message to a beautiful lady, who is presumed to possess a charming personality laced with high moral standards and values.

The enchanted male character in this story pleads that she allows him a place in her heart and the chance to prove that he is nothing like the other men she has met.

Dakun last Friday on all music platforms. The song which is accompanied by amped-up Afrobeat resonances and hip-hop beat structures was produced by Krizbeatz.

YCee announced the release of the album via his social media handles on Twitter and Instagram on Wednesday, October 16,  putting out the album art and song listing for the 15-track body of work. Within 24hours of the announcement, the #YCeevsZAHEER hashtag had reached 2.2million people on Twitter and Instagram across Nigeria, United States, United Kingdom, Canada & France.

NFC hosts 1st Berlin-Lagos archival film fest

NFC boss, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe

The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has announced its preparedness to host the first Berlin – Lagos Archival Film Festival DECASIA. The festival which will run from Thursday, October 24 – Sunday, October 27th, 2019 takes place at the NFC Lagos office/cinema complex of the Corporation, located beside Voice of Nigeria, Obalende-Ikoyi road. This was contained in a press statement issued in Jos, on Friday, October 18, 2019 and signed by Brian Etuk, Head of Public & Intergovernmental Affairs of NFC.

According to the statement, the Archival Film Festival will feature the daily screening of films that have deployed the unique power of archival footages to drive their narratives. The objective is to also sustain the global conversation on the impact of digital technologies as well as the relationship between archives and festivals.

Other major events lined up for the four day film festival include the presentation of the draft National Film Archive Policy, Update on ZUMA Film Festival, 2019, (scheduled to take place in Abuja, December 1-7, 2019), Stakeholders Interactive Forum and workshop on Distribution Strategies & Preservation Challenges in a Digital Era, Etuk further said.

The statement quotes Dr. Chidia Maduekwe NFC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive as saying that, Nigeria was in dire need of an archival policy due to its rich cultural heritage and developmental history. The nation, he maintained, is imbued with residue of information that must be secured and documented. He lamented that, despite the volume of films produced in Nigeria, several of those films have either been lost or destroyed, and that “the emplacement of a national film policy will address these anomalies, amongst others”.

Maduekwe, on behalf of the Federal Government commended the German Government and its institutions for partnering the Nigerian Film Corporation to mount the four day event, saying that “the conversation on national archiving, kick started, with Zuma Film Festival 2018, themed Archiving for Creativity, is positively yielding the desired result and meeting its objectives”. Partnering institutions are Goethe University, (Frankfurt) Deutseches Film Institute & Film Museum, Arsenal Institute for Film & Video (DFF) Frankfurt, Arsenal Institute for Film and Video Arts Berlin, Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), Germany, and the Lagos Film Society.

The presentation of the Draft National Policy on Archiving, as well as that on ZUMA FILM FESTIVAL 2019, will take place during the opening ceremony (DAY ONE, Thursday, October 24) of the Four Day event. Attendance and participation which is free, is open to all filmmakers and enthusiasts, creative industry stakeholders, the academia, government agencies, the media and the general public.