Meet Bimbi

Let me start by saying if you are a lover of African rap, you will absolutely love GINO! Already classified as one of the top 5 conscious Nigerian rappers, GINO is one rapper who is 100 percent hardcore and 100 percent commercial; putting out tracks that appeal to lovers of good music… period! Who can forget “No Be God” (and its sick video) or “Farabale“? His 2007 album “Pain Plus Work” is a classic in the books of most rap fans, and it looks like we should expect another excellent body of work from this monster of a rapper in 2012.

Nigerian rapper Gino is making a comeback, known as the guy who changed the game with one video - the video for his first single “No be God?” was shot in 2005 and was acclaimed the best thing to happen to the Nigerian music Industry when it was aired, and gathered a lot of attention from all around because of its story line and depiction of street life.
A business man and CEO of MO’BB Records, Gino was born and raised in Lagos. The quintessential Gino is usually laid back rap and witty lines – sometimes gangsta, sometimes coming soul touching. He is also an accomplished singer/songwriter/ghostwriter. His style of music is a blend of Rap, R&B, Reggae, and African. He loves to experiment.

After releasing his last single that hit the air in 2005, Gino is stepping back into the scene and he has just shot a music video to accompany his big return. The video is for the song NO BE TODAY.

The song was produced by Sossick (the same producer for the late legend - Dagrin) and the video was shot at locations in Lagos and Benin City, even though it looks like it was shot in New York. Gino was noticed and featured on Jay-Z’s diary on MTVbase and his music video was played to show that rap in the U.S wasn't much different from what he saw on his trip to Nigeria.
In recording his album, Gino put together most of his experiences on the mean streets of Lagos and Benin, his relationship with God, Women, Money from songs he had written over the years. Question now is……Is he gon eva fall off?

Enjoy his new 'No Be Today' with killing punchlines like: "Jack dey dull with all work and no pay, You don't know jack - you dey dull if you use work play"
"Now if you don't make dollars, you don't make sense. They say I shouldn't make sense if I wanna make dollars... see am a role model, so I gat to make sense, I don't wanna raise dullards"...

I am writing with so much joy and expectation knowing that Africa's very talented film director is back. After many years in the African Film Industry as a Cinematographer, he now manages Mainframe Film & Television Productions, an outfit formed to document Africa’s rich culture.

Tunde Kelani has worked on most feature films produced in Nigeria alone in his capacity as a Cinematographer and Director.
Some of his 16mm feature films include: ANIKURA, IREKE ONIBUDO, PAPA AJASCO, KANNAKANNA, OGUN AJAYE, IYA NI WURA, TAXI DRIVER, IWA, FOPOMOYO.
In the area of Video productions he has to his credit award-winning feature videos. TI OLUWA NILE (Part 1 - 3) - This film in particular opened my inner mind to Nollywood as a kid, AYO NI MOFE (Part 1 & 2), KOSEGBE, O LE KU, SAWOROIDE and now THUNDERBOLT

Now back to his latest movie, MAAMi. Single parent, MAAMi, and her young son are desperately poor. Gifted with a living heart, enterprising spirit and brave soul, she is the centre of her son’s world, until he longs for the father he has never known – a man with a terrible secret.

Set over a two-day period, leading to the 2010 World Cup, MAAMi is an inspiring story of a poor, conscientious single parent’s struggles to raise her only child, Kashimawo who eventually, rises to intrnational stardom in an English football club, Arsenal, and becomes a national hero.

Adapted by Tunde Babalola, from Femi Osofisan’s novel of the same name, this film about love, perseverance and fate unfolds through Kashimawo’s reminiscences of his hardscrabble childhood in the southern Nigerian town, Abeokuta.
Enjoy the trailer along with a Masquerade scene during last day of shooting in Abeokuta, arugba Open air film and Tunde Kelani directing Funke Akindele on the Abeokuta set...

Trevor has been performing for a little over 2 years but is already recognized as one of the top comedians in the country. His rise in the comedy realm has been nothing short of meteoric. His attributes as a comedian - sharp wit, intelligent commentary, unmistakable charm and clinical delivery have made Trevor Noah a very popular performer in South Africa.

His career highlights already include opening for international superstar Russell Peters on his South African Tour, charming audiences with his comedy opening for Julio Iglesias on his tour of the country and being the only comedian in South Africa to have made the cut for the international audition of NBC’s Last Comic Standing.

Recently he was also chosen to represent his country as the only local act at the Jozi International Comedy Festival that included 6 other headlining acts from 6 other countries. In doing so, he got to share the stage with Latino comedy legend Paul Rodriguez, Australia’s biggest selling comedian Carl Barron and top UK ventriloquist Paul Zerdin and managed to hold his own earning rave reviews.

He has already had 3 television shows on national television with more in the pipeline. With numerous corporate and event bookings under his name, the Trevor Noah phenomena has taken Africa by storm.

Get a glass of wine (or soft drink lol), call your friends and loved ones together and enjoy the rest of your day with this sizzling comedy.
Enjoy...

I have received few complaints about my last post of Chuka Royalty, and would like to apologise for the videos cant presently cant be viewed due to few technical hitches. 


But without any further doubt, I love re blog it as many times as I can and this time would start of by emphasizing... What do you get when you fuse smooth old school vibes, with new wave sound and seasoned with Afro – beat spice?... 


You get the high energetic, passionate, challenging yet encouraging music of Chuka Royalty. Mr Royalty has stepped out fearlessly speaking about his faith, Life, experiences and thoughts. You may also be interested to know that during 2011 Chuka Royalty has released three videos, been nominated for a BEFFTA Award, became a BEFFTA Youth Ambassador, He also released the hugely successful ‘Go Hard’ followed by two equally successful remixes the African remix and UK remix featuring Multi-award winning artists. 


2012 is due to be a year of surprises from Chuka Royalty! 
If you missed he's videos, you still have the opportunity to enjoy it below...
 

OK, now i have decided to blog a little more about individual Africans who are out there making waves and doing their friends proud. Bryan Ikenna Okwara, I guess isn't a new name on the lips of some. The African supermodel from Nigeria, is best known as the first Mr. Nigeria and for his distinguishing chiseled cheekbones, piercing stare and sticking muscular physic.

Bryan began modelling in 2007 after he won the first Mr. Nigeria pageant, organized by the Silverbird Group, holding the title from 2007-2009. At the time he had a job as T.V presenter for NIGEZIE, a Nigerian entertainment program. He represented Nigeria at the Mr. World pageant and made it to the 10th position at the semi finals stage. Bryan didn’t stop there as he contested at the 2010 Best African Model of the world competition, where he shone and won.

Bryan is a fashion model and actor who with his distinct looks secured his place in a world of fashion largely dominated by females. He has worked for a number of top designers including Carducci, Deola Sagoe, Dakova, Mai Atafo Inspired, House of Jolla, Due-j, Artistic soul, David Tlale, Cristina Ntopi and Soucha. He has opened various fashion shows and walked the runway in different countries around the world during fashion weeks from Thisday Fashion Week Lagos and South Africa, to Audi Fashion Week Johannesburg, and Sanlam Fashion Week Johannesburg, to New York Fashion Week and Washington DC Fashion Week.

He has graced the cover of the prestigious WOW magazine and has appeared in various publications including, Thisday, Genevieve magazine, Today’s Woman and many others. He also took part in a Nigerian celebrity dance reality show “Celebrity Takes 2” where his incredibly sexy, yet strong dance moves are still being talked about years after the show ended.

Bryan showed he is a young man with vast talent when he featured in his first film, a South African movie, “Heart to Heart.” He recently featured as the male lead actor in yet another blockbuster, “I Will Take My Chances,” Nigeria’s first dance movie set to hit the cinemas in August 2011.
Bryan was the face for several brand commercials including Audi, Guinness, Knorr and Globacom. The 6feet 1 model, hosted Nigeria’s Next Top Model competition, as well as the Big Brother welcome party in one of the states in Nigeria, and Rhythm Council.

He currently works as the C.O.O for Amped Concepts, an events management company, and he is also a director for Isis Models in Johannesburg. He won the award for MOST OUTSTANDING AFRICAN MALE MODEL at the Nigerian Models Achievers Awards 2010 and he also has to his credit the award for MODEL OF THE YEAR in the Mode Men Awards 2011.

The TV Hit Series Amazing Race, a popular western television show features competing pairs of contestants racing through countries, using orienteering skills to make their way through challenges arranged in each country.  Africa featured in 2.5 episodes of the series where the contestants had to fly from London to Accra, Ghana. Whiles in Ghana, they were sent to different places including the famous Makola market.

In Ghana, they met different people and you can see different sort of expressions on the faces of the contestants as they went through Accra. They were made to sell sun glasses in Accra…LOL

According to Ghanapedia few criticisms of this show have been made, like the producers limited themselves to the Greater Accra Region, and showed areas that were not so flattering to Ghana, so it was somewhat misrepresented.

Some also thought that the government would have allowed them to film and obtain visas, but would regulate the areas they wanted to show in order to promote Ghana. Instead, the positive points seemed to be a flash of the Golden Jubilee House, and some filming around the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial. Although we can see why Teshie/Nungua was selected (the ceremonial Ga coffins), some feel that they should have taken the challenge across country, perhaps to the Central or Volta regions (or even the Northern Region), and shown areas of historical or ecological interest (St George Castle in Elmina, Kakum National Park, or Larabanga and Mole N/P spring to mind).

Instead, two of Accra's biggest markets - Kaneshie and Makola - which are more orientated for local trade, rather than international trade (the National Cultural Centre probably would have been better, as it shows local crafts and products). Some also insist that a reasonably regular traveller to Ghana generally doesn't go to either of these markets much, unless there is something particular they are after.

Then the producers took the show to Nsawam. While this is a typical Ghanaian town, and trying not to upset any locals to that town, but some think that there were better options within an hour or two's travel from central Accra (Aburi and Mampong are close and each have significant points of interest, and Winneba, Senya Beraku, and Apam are all easily reached west of Accra, and Atimpoku/Akosombo is easily reached to the east, and features some of the most recognizable landmarks of Ghana - the Akosombo Dam and the Adome Bridge).

The fighting school thing was another thing some also didn't get, and yet the Mantse Palace, the WATO Club, or the Accra Lighthouse were all right in this area and of greater importance as landmarks. Anyway, this is what we got, and the government probably should have advised a little better, so we just have to enjoy what I consider a bit of an unflattering view of Ghana.

The demerits that come with success is something we all don't want to think about on our journey, as focus is what fuels our passion in time of challenges. But it is still something to look forward to, most especially for some of us that have dreams of making our creative products heard.
Ayodeji Balogun a.k.a Wizkid kicked off his singing career as early as 11 when he recorded his first song with one of Nigeria’s celebrated music icons, OJB Jezreel. He went on to record a 7-track album, which he released in his church in Lagos, under the name of Lil’ Prinz; this was just a stint that earned him a remarkable deal of encouragement and recognition from family, his church and other artistes. 


Years later in 2006, with a new name, which he picked up from a very funny armed robbery incident, Wizkid got into the studio to record again; this time with HMan (OJB’s younger brother) and Ugly on a song titled ‘Naija Boy’, produced by OJB Jezreel. From that time, he continued to hone his singing skills with influences from OJB Jezreel, Ruffman, Naeto C, Ikechukwu and many others. By 2008, he had developed a unique reggae style and had worked with some of the finest artistes in Nigeria such as Sound Sultan, Ruffman, Nyore, Durella, Kel, TBase etc. 


The 19 year old’s collaboration with M.I on “Fast Money, Fast Cars” on the Talk About It album, drew a lot of attention to his distinct voice and singing style. He also voiced the seasonal Barcelos radio jingle which was released in December 2008. In 2009, Wizkid got signed to Banky W’s label, Empire Mates Entertainment and has since then go on to perform and record with Banky W, who is one of Nigeria’s most sought artistes. 


Ever since he burst into stardom on the heels of his monster hit single, 'Holla At Ur Boy,' life has never been the same. Within a very short space of time, Wizkid suddenly became a household name as millions of music fans across the globe celebrated the glaring success of his musical exploits.
Like a falcon digging its talons into an unsuspecting prey,Wizkid sunk his teeth into the very epicenter of the Nigerian music industry and before you could say Freddie Kugar, his musical identity shone like a super- star.





Few days back, Banky W's manager, Segun Demuren tweeted the experience he had with his client, banky W and Wizkid while at surulere for wizkid's dad birthday party. Segun described how wizkid was mobbed through hundreds of eager fans at the party. And at the end of the day, he couldn't spend more time with his dad.

Segun shares the experience;


"Sunday was special. Wizkid's father's 70th birthday, in Surulere, Shitta Bey area. We came prepared we thought… 10 Mopol… We thought wrong! 


BankyW and I arrived around 6am, plan was to stay for an hour. We called Wizkid, thinking he would be partying with his Dad and dude is sitting in a car surrounded by like 6 Mopol. And he has been this way since 2pm, at his own Father's 70th gig. I couldn't believe it. 


So we get him out and walk into the event (at a school playground by the way), so he can sit with his father. Big Mistake... 

Club X Magazine is already widely recognised as an outfit dedicated to connecting you with the finest, most excellent material in Naija and Foreign Gospel Entertainment that there is. They are finally out with one of the finest African Gospel music competition.

A while ago, Club X Magazine called for entries after dishing out a banging beat to the public, which they called the #EPiGNOSIS Beat Competition. The review panel, consisting of Bouqui, Sokleva (of RoofTop MCs), and DJ Gosporella and the beat's producer OSH himself, took time out to listen to all entries sent in within the time frame. They also announced that the winner will take home 1,000 dollars price win.

After reviewing all the entries for the #EPiGNOSIS Beat Competition in the space of one week, 10 finalists have been selected to battle for the cash price with your votes. .
Two artists (Emjay and Simi) out of these 10 finalists have led to this write up, as I personally believe they are artists to watch out for.

Michael 'Emjay' Johnson as he is personally known has been an underground rapper to look out for, and i believe it is high time he is out for the public to feel what he has installed in him.

Simi on the other hand is a shining star. Ever since she released her debut album 'OGA JU' in 2008, she's been getting positive reviews and regular airplay on "Naija" airwaves.

Enjoy their take below on the #EPiGNOSIS Beat...

simi


emjay




The voting process has officially begun. To cast your vote click on this link and scroll down the page for the voting WHITE BOX. Please please please, let all friends of 'meetbimbi' together make Emjay and Simi top on that list as the poll will be open from now till Friday, December 2nd, 11:59pm Naija time.

If you loved Jah Bless's Jor o hit, you will most defenietly love eLDee the don’s new hit ‘Wash wash’ in his newly retitled album, ‘Undeniable’. Record is produced by Sarz, who would be producing a handful of records on the album. new hit titled 'Na wash'.

I personally fell in love with this track so much that i had to put up the full lyrics.

Enjoy...



INTRO:
eldee the don, sarz on the beat, it's Trybe records, Oshe! You see this chemical, if you use it to wash this paper, it will turn to dollars..hehehee

VERSE 1:
3k BIS?
they say dem don turn am to 1-5
20kobo for phonecall?
contract line na sign say you dey ball?

me? I dont go to the mainland
I stay close to banana Island
excuse me what is BRT
when in the club i chill in VIP

huh, Im going to feature wyclef
jonathan dey pick my call himself
ooooh jay-z too dey ping me jor
i been dey follow messi play before

see me, i only fly first class
na me wey produce fimile for kas
this my new gbedu na him sure pass
ask my mom i came first in every class…in every class

CHORUS:
we dey wash
everybody's always tryna be posh
pretending like say we dey floss
but if u really check am na wash we dey wash

we dey lie
to look better than the next we try
and everybody is a balling guy
but if u really check am na wash we dey wash

VERSE 2:
louis vuitton
fendi gucci prada ferragamo
she say her shoe na chris lobu-ton (louboutin)

Chuka Royalty is a Rapper/Singer/Songwriter and Instrumentalist. Formerly part of the gospel rap group ‘Young Disciplez’, the lyrical rapper has grown since the group’s successful release of the promotional CD ‘The Triumphant entry”. The launch of the CD was featured in many publications including ‘Street Band Magazine’ and the group were pushed to a higher level. However during the year 2008 the group made the difficult decision to embark on solo careers. The split lead to the transition from True Royalty member of Young Disciplez, to Chuka Royalty the solo artist.

Chuka began rapping by following the footsteps of his brothers whom he would watch daily string together flows about everyday life. He nurtured his gift by writing and rapping along to music. Along the way Chuka Royalty’s love of music stretched beyond the limits of rap and he developed other musical talents including playing keyboard, drums, singing and more.

“Music is a way for me to channel my thoughts, feelings and attitudes”. Through music Royalty finds a means of expression not otherwise voiced in everyday speech. Accompanying his deep desire to bring people into a relationship with God.

During the last year CR has grown from strength to strength, he managed to squeezed in time to present a special Nigerian Independence feature on OHTV’S AFRIKA RISING last year. He has also been able to collaborate with a number of artists including Ejiro, Faith Child (Mobo award Nominee and GMA Award Winner) GK REAL’S own Karl Nova and African UK Based gospel artists like Esther Adeyemi and Remi Odumesi just to name a few. On his upcoming project he has worked on a number of songs with Shabach, the sensational producer/ artist Shaun ‘Hypertone’ Collins, J Swizz Entertainment, V Man Productions and more!
Chuka Royalty Currently has a single out on iTunes, Amazon and other good online store titled GO HARD


The Go Hard project gives a whole new meaning to collaboration
GO HARD Original
GO HARD UK rappers remix (produced by Vman Productions) featuring: Ejiro, Faith Child, J Maino, GL and Mighty
GO HARD The African Remix (produced by Shabach of Beautiful Soundz) featuring: Andrew Bello, Karl Nova, Shabach, L Dubzy and True O’zee

  

Mikel currently earns about N17.5M / Week at Chelsea, am sure that's no news but if you have not seen the video below here is your chance.

During preparations for the 2003 FIFA Under-17 World Championships, the Nigerian Football Association mistakenly submitted "Michael" as "Mikel" for the tournament in Finland. He decided to keep the new name, saying that it had a special ring to it. On July 31, 2006, he stated that he prefers to be called Mikel John Obi instead of John Obi Mikel, as he had most commonly been called.


Although not many players are so composed, so good at tackling and passing the ball as Mikel. Only 24 years of age but a real pest for the opponent. He might not get 20 goals a season but he does an invaluable job for the team - although it is not as noticeable to everyone.

In the other video, watch Peter Cech and John Mikel Obi when they recently took part in the first Chelsea' cook-off'!




Controversial transfer to England 
On April 29, 2005, a few days after Mikel turned 18, Premier League club Manchester United announced that it had struck a deal with the Norwegian club Lyn Oslo to sign the player. United's website also claimed that they had done a deal directly with the teenager and that he had signed a contract to join them. Mikel's

Now back to the girl that made the Azonto dance international...
I am so certain that Tiffany will FLY up soon amongst her African femcees, dominated by Nigerians (the likes of kel, eva, mo'cheddah and new entrant splash).  Tiffany's swag is deeply on point and above all, it seems she loves to death what she is doing with her musical talent.
It as also been reported that R&B star Mario fancies this Ghanaian rapper, as some reports suggest that the singer showed interest in the Ghanaian female rapper, while he was in Africa to perform at the Ghana 233connect concert where she was also on the bill.

Signed to Leo Boy Entertainment which is based in London and would be the first female artist on the record label alongside fellow countrymen Echo. The relentless artist was voted as the 5th Hip hop princess of Africa on the Studio 53 pick. The 24 year old has graced shows like the Fat Joe in Ghana Concert, Rick Ross in Ghana, 020Live, 4syte Music Video awards to mention but a few. She has done collaborative works with the likes of Asem, Sarkodie, Mugeez, Chase and Captain Planet

Enjoy clips from Tiffany on Dueces FREESTYLE (Chris Brown Cover), Fake London Boy and Last One ft. Castro...

Click here if you missed Tiffany's fun take on AZONTO




Also enjoy Afropulp EXCLUSIVE interview with TIFFANY...

Just at the very moment we were all getting over the captivating 'dougie' dance step (especially now that I am just getting to understand the moves *sad face*), another step is in the air craving the attention of everyone on the streets. But this time around its not from the US, its coming straight out of Ghana, Africa. The 'AZONTO' dance...

According to Wikipedia, Azonto is a form of dance which mainly involves moving of all the joints in your body in a rhythmic fashion without taking any or very little steps. Just like most African dances bending your knees and hip movements are rudiments to learning it. The dance originated from the southern-most part of Ghana during the early parts of the 2000s. The dance has evolved with the fast pace dance culture of modern West Africa. A closer observation of the various performers also reveal break dance moves being incorporated to it and the skinny jeans/tight shirts movement being adapted to it also.

African Rap Diva Tiffany Hayden who has been leading the ladies in the Ghana Rap movement has given the last blow to the AZONTO dance craze by contributing to the popularity of the dance. The name Azonto gained popularity from a section of Tema based musicians like Sarkodie and the Ghanaian football star Asamoah Gyan.

I would be writing a little more about Rap Diva Tiffany in my next post but before that, I would like you to enjoy what has been made possible by Tiffany teaming up with Fuse ODG to add more colour, fun and take AZONTO all the way to the international scene. When you see the white chick next door doing AZONTO, remember Tiffany has made it possible… And just right after that the very embarrassing clip (lol) of zenden trying to do the Asamuah gyan's Azonto dance celebration along with the dance craze in Ghana's senior high schools.

Till my next post...

I usually do not write much about football, but I couldn't resist when I stumbled on this awesome cut. Talent is definitely something everyone must have and I must say these lot in the video below still have a lot to spare even after their shiny years.

 An unbelievable moment was caught off camera during the filming of Guinness Football Challenge's new season. African footballing greats Marcel Desailly, Kalusha Bwalya, Jay Jay Okocha and Rigobert Song were just messing around between takes and then this happened...

Expect that with the likes of okocha, you don't need post production. Watching this guy play just makes me smile, and I believe if he had the media by his side he would have been given the deserved credit.

Enjoy...



Also enjoy some of the best clip of Jay Jay Okocha in the video below...