Meet Bimbi

We Made It - Chuka Royalty off Busta Rhymes and Linkin Park

2012-02-28T07:49:00.000-08:00

Following the successful release of Chuka Royalty’s ground breaking Go Hard Trilogy, he is back bigger and better than ever before!

His cover of ‘WE MADE IT’ (the song originally done by Busta Rhymes ft Linkin Park) shows his versatility as an artist. Royalty was able to blend Hip-hop/RNB and Rock Music . This is off his upcoming mixtape REFURBISHMENT so expect more original songs and covers.

This hard hitting, self proclaimed SWAPPER (Singer/Rapper/Songwriter) is want to watch closely. The 2011 BEFFTA AWARDS Nominee has once again amazingly managed to create the fresh and exciting hits off his forth coming project. If you were uplifted by GO HARD then you will be on Cloud 9 with his new materials!

The UK will not just float in the sky but will go higher than that... CR is definitely coming into this New Year with a bang.
Sound the alarm!!!

IBK Spaceshipboi reps Africa with the best Beyonce “End of Time” remix heard...

2012-02-27T04:36:00.000-08:00

The winner of the Don Jazzy Enigma beat competition is back and about to take on his next challenge which is the Beyonce “End of Time” remix competition.

His remix of this track can be defined as award winning awesomeness.
Trust me, I have listened to the other songs on the top list and this song killed every single one of them. That's why your vote is need to put this song on the top list, so that it can get the same opportunity amongst the few good ones to get its rightful judgement.

He is IBK Spaceshipboi, our African representative and we all know how talented he is so let us support him and get him to the Top 50.

Check out this link to listen and download – IBK End Of Time Remix

To vote for him, click on this link – End Of Time Remix

We can’t wait to see IBK at the top and we wish him all the best in this competition. He is a winner!
Enjoy his freestyle...

Sugar-boiz - SUGAR!!!

2012-02-27T03:19:00.000-08:00

Sugar-boiz {Wizzy-Wee and ChiFlow} who dropped the video for their award winning single (SUPERSTAR) has brought a new hot single (UR EYES) ft W4.
After a successful year for the duo and winning numerous awards such as Niger Delta Universities award for best group and most promising duo,Splash magazine award and currently nominees in 3catergories for PhC (ODUDU 2011 AWARD) with performances in high flying shows like (Fayrouz cocktail party, LAGOS, Jimmy-Jatt Jump Off, LAGOS, MTN fun-link PHC etc).

They have really established themselves as great talents from Port-Harcourt causing a stir in the south and having worked with great Lagos talents such as DJ HUMILITY, W4, DURELLA, ALLIENIEN (from DEM MAMA), DANTONIO,and couple of other rising stars..

The video for SUPERSTAR was directed by the youngest video director in Nigeria, 19yrs old EDDIE IZYCS in both PORT-HARCOURT and LAGOS...and features appearances by DJ HUMILITY, KONGA, NOMORELOSS and DANTONIO..

The single UR EYES which features former HYPER-TECK STAR (W4) is just too creative with a soft dance tune...and a video for it is already on d way.
Their video for "Superstar" and the single UR EYES is just an indication of their relentless, great talent and effort.

The SUGABOIZ OFFICIAL UNVEIL PARTY #S.O.U.P# which was packaged by MEDIA-WORKS ENT was held in December 2011 in both (PHC & LAGOS) and featured great talents from Port-Harcourt city, BRAND Executives, OAP's and house hold names such as DJ HUMILITY,W4,DEM MAMA ALL STAR, and DUNCAN MIGHTY.

(@wizzywee and @chikaharold)

My Wiki - Developing your online Community

2012-01-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

Don't rush in...Put your users at the core of your build: It is essential to take the time to fully ascertain the requirements of your community and what tools might be most appropriate to meet their needs. If you rush it and bang up some discussion forums overnight you may miss the point.

Don't underestimate the resource impact......particularly in the early, formative stages of building a community. It takes a lot of love and dedication, but mostly hard graft, to get a community up and running and to keep your users engaged and retained.

Do have clear and unambiguous moderation policies in placeYou will inevitably have thorny issues to deal with right from the off; you need to have a robust framework of rules and procedures in place so that your users feel that you are providing a safe and consistently managed space. That said, you neednít be too draconian!

Do get stuck in to driving the community yourself through your own interaction......but be sure to keep a professional distance; itís all too easy to get sucked in to the emotional tumble-dryer and start taking things far too personally!

Identify problem users early on and work out a strategy of how to deal with themIf they get rooted in they will become more not less problematic. Again have clear policies in place and take a judgment call on whether you should weed them out sooner rather than later.

Today's wiki focus on Developing your online Community is drawn from a resource training prepared by Nick Torday, New Media Manager at Breast Cancer Care at Media Trust,

Sarkodie Kills it on Tim Westwood...

2012-01-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

Watch Sarkodie as he rips the mic on Tim Westwood. This guy is a problem! The best part of his style is the fact that he reps Ghana/West Africa to the fullest by rapping in his local tongue, and doing it better than virtually every other rapper on the continent.

WizKid and Akon - No more false story...

2012-01-23T10:24:00.000-08:00

Akon stormed Lagos over the holidays and shared the spotlight with Wizkid at Jay Jay Okocha’s Club 10 as they performed this potential breakthrough remix contrary to widespread reports.

Akon has NOT signed Wizkid… or P-Square… or 2face Idibia. He simply said they’ll “rep” Konvict Music in Africa. There’s NO DEAL in place at this very moment with any of the aforementioned artists.

Who is Davido?

2012-01-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

He’s multi-talented, he’s young, he’s fresh, he’s the one everyone’s talking about. With two hit singles accompanied by solid videos, it’s safe to say 19 year old Davido has fully arrived...

"At first when I told my dad, “I want to come back to Nigeria” he was like, “for what, you better stay there and read” But after a while, you see for me, everything is action. You have to show them how much you want it. You have to show them that it’s working out. So I think that’s what lead him to understand what I’m doing because it was working out and he was seeing me on the TV, he’s seeing me at shows, I’m not asking for money no more. So his own is just that I have to stay in school which I understand. But it’s not easy balancing both, you know sometimes I’ll be in school and I have fans there so you know." - Davido

My Wiki - Blogging (How and it's Essence)...

2012-01-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

1. Do You Need A Blog At All?

Blog is a widely used word and its definition has become a little vague. It means a website that is designed to foster two-way dialogue among a community of people interested in each other or a specific subject. Does that sound like something that you might find useful? Then great. If not there are plenty of other ways to become involved in social media. A blog can be useful but only if it's going to be used in the right way.

2. What Will Your Blog Be For?

Having established that a blog might be useful, it's vital to understand what it might do - before you start. You don't need to go into too much detail. However, if you can't explain in a single sentence what the focus of the blog will be, then it's not likely that many people will want to join in.

3. Start A Conversation

Starting a blog is similar to starting a conversation or a debate. The good news is that we all know what a good conversation feels like - and that goes for a bad conversation too! The crucial aspect is you think it's a conversation that will still be of interest six months after you start. And most importantly one that will sustain your interest - as you'll be the one who has to keep it moving along. If, honestly, it's not something you feel very passionate about, then it's unlikely that anyone else will find it that interesting.

4. Keep It Small

It's not a good idea to start a blog expecting the world to arrive at your door. It will be great if they do, but make sure your expectations are realistic. A better approach is to try and target a few people who are interested in your area and are likely to spark a stimulating conversation that others will want to join. In blog world, conversation is king!

5. It's Not About You!

Blogs are not intended as a way to fan your ego! They are there to create a community of interest. So while your views are important don't forget to listen to what people are telling you. Indeed, you should look to promote the views of your readers before you promote your own.

6. Link, Link, Link

Linking is the lifeblood of the blogosphere. If your blog is going is going to be promoted by Google, other people will need to set up 'inbound' links pointing at it. And if you aren't linking out to anyone else, it's unlikely they will link to you! And you could end up talking to yourself which won't be much fun for anyone. Linklove is the name of the game!

7. Promote Your Blog

It's very likely that you already know a lot of the people that you would like to be leaving comments on
your blog. So tell them about it, but also, show them how it works and explain why you are doing it. Furthermore, ask people what they feel strongly about and if they would like to write something for you as a guest blogger. Although it should be noted that not every blogger blogs for comment feedback. One can basically also blog for promotional purposes only.

8. Half Of Blogging Is Reading

If your blog is going to be relevant and part of the bigger conversation, you need to know what other blogs are saying. That can be done by keeping an eye on twenty or so blogs (or more) that are covering the your specialist area. It's very likely that two or three blogs in each subject will be leading the agenda, so it's important to identify them and read them regularly. This is best done through a RSS reader such as Google Reader, Bloglines or Netvibes.

9. Leave Comments

A good way to raise the profile of your blog is to leave thoughtful comments on other popular blogs. This will signal to people that you are an active community member and not just an organisation looking to use the blogosphere as an advertising medium. You may even enjoy it!

10. If It's Not Working, Change It

The blogosphere is a lively place. However, it can be hard work keeping a blog going if the formula isn't quite right. If it feels like a drag, then try and change the recipe. Ask a few people what they think of it. Check out popular blogs and try and work out what they are doing well. Take a look at blogs like ProBlogger for tips. Or consider using a different way of building conversations such as video or podcasts. You need to find a style of your own that is effective and suits your particular situation.

I know this was explanatory enough, although quit short but next week I will be sharing little infos on 'Developing your online Community'. Till then...

Today's wiki focus on Ten Blogging Tips is drawn from a resource training prepared by James Cherkoff from the blog Modern Marketing at Media Trust,

Antar Laniyan: I was in the womb for 18 months

2012-01-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

Ace actor, film director and producer, Antar Laniyan, has sensationally revealed that his mother carried the pregnancy that produced him for 18 months due to spiritual manipulation.

The actor, who was recently nominated as one of the best four actors in Africa, also told us that he would have become a soldier. He also spoke on other personal issues.

Many Nigerians know you for your acting prowess, but not many know your history. Could you tell us a bit of yourself?

I am from Osogbo, in Osun State. The name, Antar, is Yoruba; it has to do with the story of my birth; that is why it’s unique; that’s why you hardly can or you may not find another person bearing that name. So, it has to do with the story of my birth. I overstayed in my mother’s womb. I stayed 18 months. At that time, there was this fear that my mother would die with the baby in her womb; so she had to run all over the place to seek help. During her sojourn, she met a great herbalist that revealed what was the cause of the abnormal delay. She found out that someone was behind it. An animal called iguana, which is awonriwon or Antar in Yoruba, had to be used. It ‘s bigger than lizard. It was added to some salt and a concoction was made for my mother to take. A few hours after she took it, she went into labour. On her way to the hospital, I came on. She didn’t, therefore, see anything wrong in naming me after the animal.

Is there any other name she calls you apart from that?

She calls me Babatunde and others, but she prefers that name to others. She preferred it. She said that as far as she was concerned I am Antar. (laughs)

When did you start acting?

My earlier stage acting was in 1976; it’s a long time now. However, I became a professional, under Ben Tomoloju, in 1980, June 18, 1980 precisely. It’s about 31 years today and am not 50 yet (laughs).

That means you started when you were just a boy?

Yes, I started early. My parents are dead now. My dad was enthusiastic about my acting career that he once nicknamed me Antar the Sango, on seeing my picture as Sango, in a stage play. He even took the picture to his office. I just showed him the picture and he collected it. I didn’t know that he would take it to the office. You know, he was so proud of me that he wanted everybody to see it. There was no television to show our performance then. My daddy was an educationist; he was working with the ministry of education; so he just took it to the office. When he returned it he had written, ‘Antar D Sango;’ yeah he wrote it there.

Can you remember your first payment as an actor?

I can’t remember. In any case, I remember RMD (Richard Mofe-Damijo) asking when were going to earn our first N1, 000. I remember that we where under the tree at the National Arts Theatre discussing and wondering when we were going to earn our first N1, 000. There was no money then; nobody was paying. Who would pay you that time? Nobody was paying anybody. Around 1976, I was less than 15. I was a small boy. I was a small boy running away from home, to help people carry props, in production stage. I used to abandon my mother’s wares to help them carry drums.

During FESTAC 1977, though, a small boy, I went to the theatre to watch a play I was really passionate about, but they did not allow me to enter because I could not afford the gate fee. I talked to a woman, who was a cleaner. I collected a drum and broom from the woman and helped her to sweep Hall 2 of the theatre. I will never forget that day. After the sweeping and everything, the woman said I should stay behind while tickets were being sold. So the audience came in and I just sat down on the rug there and I saw the performance live; that was 1977. I was desperate, my brother. I saw the promo on television. I saw their dance and all that. Everybody was talking about FESTAC 77, it was like an anthem. I was fascinated with the euphoria in the air. That was why I made up my mind to watch it, against any odd.

Could you tell us about your growing up?

I started very early in life, as I said earlier. I started when I didn’t know where I was going. At that time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I just saw myself around Ijora attending rehearsals with some elderly people. That was around 1976 or so. I was very small. I was a small boy, just one young boy moving around with other people. I was helping them to pack their stage props; some of the things were local drums, like Gangan, their gongs and Shekere, among others. They were also sending me on errands. I just saw myself following them all over the place. I was in my lower class, in secondary school. While I was in the secondary school, I didn’t see anything wrong in joining dramatic class, because primarily, I had thought that after my secondary school I would join the army; that was what I wanted to do. I loved the military. I still love them.

During my secondary school lower class, I used to represent my school in inter-school competitions; I mean drama competitions and we won laurels. Our seniors in school then, used to tell the principal that if not for Antar, we wouldn’t have won anything and all that. So when I was eventually made the president of the dramatic society in the secondary school, because of my contributions and activities, we were still wining laurels for the school. One day, my school principal, Chief M. O Alake, who was the father of present Alake, called me to his office and told me that he saw me excelling more in drama than any other thing in life. I don’t know why the man did that; he just asked: ‘Antar after your secondary school, what will your course be?’ I told him that I wanted to be a soldier. He laughed and said he would advise that I go into dramatic arts or theatre arts or anything like that. I told him that I can’t be, but he said he saw what I was doing during rehearsals and have seen the laurels we won and concluded that I would do well in acting.

He didn’t live to see what I have become because he died not long after that. I remember that I started appearing in the newspapers for first time in 1981 when I was with Ben Tomoloju’ Kakaaki. In 1979, we started Kakaaki performance and we started doing professional films in 1980. As at 1980, we were already on the pages of The Punch newspapers and there was this evening paper around that time too. Indeed, a year after leaving secondary school, I had started appearing in newspapers. It was like an encouragement.

After my HSC, I still wanted to be a soldier, but when I remembered the principal’s advice and also considered the fact that then, I had become popular in the town, as people recognise me in the streets, saying: Ah, that’s the boy actor. You see, I was a small boy but I was being recognised. There were not many artistes at that time, so it was easy for people to identify me. I decided to give full time acting a trial. There was this pressure from Ben Tomoloju too. He was always urging me to read theatre because he had gone to Ibadan to study Theatre Arts too.

Eventually, I succumbed to the pressure and enrolled for Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. When I got in there, I saw theatre in its quintessential nature.

Why did you nurse the dream of becoming a soldier initially?

As a small boy, I lived in the barracks. I once lived in the barracks with my mother. It was 202 Battalion at Ilaran. My mother was the chief mammy market woman. She started the market, so she was made the chief of that market and we were going to the barracks everyday to sell food. I was always a witness to the parade in the morning, parade in the afternoon and I fell in love with the uniform and I vowed that one day, I would wear the shining khaki uniform. Besides the uniforms, I loved the discipline being instilled in the soldiers in the barracks. It rubbed off on me, as that discipline is still in me till today. As a director and actor, it comes handy. I am always conscious of punctuality in my productions.

How was life in the barracks?

My life in the army barrack then was like six hours everyday because we were going there everyday. We were going there to sell. We close from school and go to meet mama in the market. I witnessed the discipline, as I said earlier. I knew about the guard room punishment, the hard looks of soldiers, the salute patterns and their ruggedness, among others. And I really loved them. What I think I gained from the barracks is discipline. The experience has instilled that discipline in me, such that now I usually realise that when you go to locations, it’s like you are going to a war front; you must go there and fight a war that you must win; you are not going to location to wine and dine. You only take a few minutes out to eat and go back to set. In fact, if you think you are coming to wine and dine at location, waste time around and play with the girls, you must be joking. With Antar as director, you can’t do that.

How was your parents’ reaction when you eventually opted for the stage?

When I chose the theatre, my mother was happy. A good mother she was. In any case, she didn’t want to have a soldier son. Therefore, when she saw the photographs of rehearsals of plays, she was happier that I wasn’t going to end up as a soldier after all. Even my daddy was enthusiastic about my choice of theatre. He even nicknamed me Antar de Sango, owing to a role I once played in a Yoruba epic.

So, when you got to Ibadan, how was your experience?

Once I got there, I saw people like me, those with whom I have been practicing outside, like Tunji Sotimirin, Shola Wasiu, and others. So we just continued like that and it was interesting. It was okay and very gratifying. I felt very happy, though there was no money.

What was your experience reading theatre Art at Ibadan?

Reading theatre Art at Ibadan was very challenging. Acting, especially, was highly challenging. You just have to do it and do it very well. If you don’t do it, you won’t leave the school (laughs). I remember Moremi, a play by Prof. Femi Osofisan. I remember it vividly. You have to memorise the lines, however long; if you missed the lines you missed that character, you missed the trace, because, the characters were like poets, and their lines were like poems and you had to render them the way they are. It was like when you are doing an Elizabethan play. You have to be in character and render those lines the way the way so that the white man there would understand. That was so challenging, very different from what we were doing outside then and nowadays. All our lecturers, in various capacities, were always present to watch the performances: the speech woman and acting teachers will be there and so will the directing teacher. They would all sit down there in the auditorium and watch you demonstrate what they had taught you; they wanted to see you make use of what they had taught you.

So you really have to be there. I found that very challenging.

Credit goes to Ben Tomoloju. He trained me from the scratch. I was already molded before I got into the university, but then the training in the university was the real thing; practical theatre thing was a departmental requirement. However, I give credit to Ben Tomoloju for picking me raw, discovering the talents and bringing the artiste out of me. People like Bayo Odunneye, Prof. Dapo Adelugba, Dr. Femi Fatoba and the rest of them, who also helped me, but on his efforts. Then, you cannot meet those giants and not make it. Plays like Murder in the Cathedral, Moremi, The Man who never Died, in which I played major roles, contributed, in no small measure, to make me and I thank God that I trained at the University of Ibadan.

We learnt that you were a radio presenter when you were in the university

While I was in the university I was still practising. There was no money. I was going to school on Monday morning and return to Lagos to make money, by Friday evening. My weekend was spent in radio Nigeria; that was where my voice and my speech were polished. There was opportunity in the station then, for radio drama and if you were not good in oral English, they won’t allow you; Radio Nigeria would not allow you to stand in front of microphone. So I had to attend their training school, for speech training and the rest of them. Even after school, I was still doing it, just to get myself polished.

How did Ben Tomoloju discover you?

Well, let me tell you that Ben Tomoloju picked me from secondary school. He was a teacher and he was one of those that judged who won what, among schools competing in drama then. This was because he was in charge of his own school too. Let me tell you how it started. During one of those competition, he asked me to see him the following Saturday at Saka Tinubu Memorial High School. When I got there, he told me that he wanted me, him and two other young men to start a drama group called Kakaaki Art. So after completing my secondary school, I started with him and we were meeting every Saturday. He wanted to know everyone’s area of specialisation. If you were a singer, then you sing, and if an actor, you act. Within a year, we had increased to over 60, 60 young men under Ben Tomoloju and we were in him media. We opened NTA Channel 7 in 1981; it’s the former Channel 7 that is now Channel 10.

Tomoloju was writing plays, we were acting. He also encouraged some of us to write and they were produced. The Revenge, which I wrote, was first produced when I was with Tomoloju. Tunji Sotiminri, my colleague, who he was working with LTV, then also, wrote plays for Kakaaki. Being part of Kakaaki drama group was really rewarding. We are still on and together, some how, although, everybody has gone to other places; some are abroad. Jahman Anikulapo is now Saturday editor of The Guardian. Tunji is lecturing at the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Lagos and all that. I am here, but I know that if anything big is happening, we will meet, link up with one another instantly and head for Tomoloju’s house.

What drives you in the profession?

Discipline, hard work and knowing that whatever praise you have now, whatever anybody is saying about you, is a product of what you have done. In any case, you don’t rely on the praises, because that same tongue can also say you are falling. So when they say you are good, you keep working. I still stand in front of the mirror to see if there is still an actor in me. You see that mirror there (in his office) is not for nothing; if you go now and I’m less busy, I close the door, I act and see myself in the mirror, to know if I am still an actor. I still rehearse. I still practice. I still read drama books, directing books. They are all here. I don’t praise myself. When I see other giants in the industry, I ask myself what these people are doing that I don’t know. I learn from them.

Are you fulfilled now that you are rated among the four best actors in Africa?

I think I will be fulfilled once I have an academy, where I will train people.

So, when are you going to start the school?

I am working towards it. I am gathering materials on it. Even now, I train people; there is a lady I am training on speech. When you came, I asked her to go out. She is coming again, to pick that script and continue. Most of the people I have trained are on location. People like Funso Adeolu came here for training. He started with me and so many of them, Aishat Omolara, and the lady they call Omo Campus and so many of them have been here. And they are not ashamed to say so.

So, why has the school not started?

It is a financial issue. If I have money and I can get a place, the academy will start and I will perform more than any other one outside because I’m going for the best materials. I will go into the university and bring the tutors I know that are capable, to participate. You see, people who are doing it presently do not have good hands. Since it’s not possible for everybody to go to the university, we will bridge the gap. It is good to go to the university, but then what if you don’t have the money to do that; it’s not everyone that could afford university education and you can get trained outside. Better hands can train you and you will achieve what you want to achieve. That is what I want to do with the academy.

What is your take on the $200million dollar fund from the Federal Government?

My brother, that $200 million they are talking about is not for the actors alone; the musicians are going to get out of it; so many other people are going to be part of that; it may not get to Antar . There are so many people out there. There are so many people with open mouths, waiting for it. I don’t know how they will do it, unless there is a way they can make sure that if A gets a certain amount of money, he returns the money within a certain period of time, so that another person can get that money; you know, if you give me N1 million and I turn it around and return the money, after making my profit, then that money can be given to another person and the cycle continues. That’s the only way it will work.

I also think it will be better if every actor stands under one umbrella and have one unique president, who will speak for everybody, not the kind of division we now have. If we stay under one umbrella, and speak with one voice, then we can know who is using that money and who will get next.

In many of the films, we have noticed errors in the English sub-title, which is common and therefore making the industry lose respect. What are you doing about it?

Actually, there are people specially hired to do the sub-title, but I think it is high time we looked into it because people have been complaining. That means we have to screen it before it s released to the public. It is truly giving us bad image. However, if you have any stupid thing, as far as subtitling is concerned, blame ANTP people, not that individual who has made that film. I think the case of the leadership is still in court and once they can get it done, once they get that thing out of the way and there is a government in place, I believe things will change.

What do you think is the lasting solution to the challenges of piracy, among others, facing the industry?

We cannot have a lasting solution unless the government is a part of the production itself. Once they start giving us money, they will police it, because they don’t want to lose too. If you are from the ministry of arts and culture and your ministry gave me money to produce my film, you will monitor that production, from casting to selling. Now that they don’t have anything at stake, government doesn’t care. If the government is involved in funding, they will fight piracy.

What is your happiest moment in life?

My happiest moments are so many. Any time I win an award, I am happy, because then I say to myself, Antar you are not wrong to come into this industry. Anytime you give me an award and I stand to say thank you before a crowd of admirers, I am so happy. These days, I don’t cry unlike before. In the past, anytime I win award I cry to thank God I have not made a wrong choice. Maybe if I had been in the army, I would have been involved in coup and (laughs).

Have you ever been close to death?

I can never forget the day I almost hit a nursing mother with her baby in the street of Lagos. It was a very terrible day. My car was a write off after the accident. I thank God that I did not hit the woman. She had crossed the road without properly looking side ways. You know it would have been a nightmare for the rest of my life if I had hit the woman with her baby. Even after I had found out that the woman and her baby were safe, it took me almost an hour to recover from the shock of almost hitting them. Whenever I remember this, I shiver.

Capital Dreams on Subsidy - Haaa F*%K UP!!!

2012-01-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

Now that the whole Subsidy craze is stabbed by our very own NLC, lets see what we have been able to do with in this industry.
The CAPITAL team started with the first episode of the “SUBSIDY” short film that hit the internet which garnered over 10,000 views in barely 2 days and turning the viral community bugging.

With television stations such as T.V.C., Channels & S.T.V. requesting for the short clip for airing, shows this short flick has touched the populace by depicting the social effects the subsidy removal act by the ruling government body can have in the society.

The buzz off the film has sent the production team back to the drawing board to cook up a follow up “The Fuel Doubler”, to further stress the social effects of the government act on its’ people.

The Fuel Doubler starring the usual suspects Tha Suspect (No pun intended, Lol) and Team Capital presents The Fuel Doubler.

TeamCAPital and CAPital Dreams presents a short film on “SUBSIDY”.Prepare to laugh your heart out.

My WiKi (Intro) - Digital Accessibility...

2011-12-31T12:45:00.001-08:00

Welcome to this beautiful loving season for which we have to show love, even if you don't intend to. In this celebration mood I have decided to start a new page I have titled 'My Wiki' (where as creatives' you would get a wide range of inspiring support information). In this age and time of our fast growing industry, competition has been a gain and more of a pain in the a*s.
Therefore we as up-coming (and also made) artists are forced to work and strive harder than we did a minute ago, cos someone else has just completed his reality that is still our dream.

Don Jazzy

Managing our creative businesses will therefore always be challenging especially when there are never enough resources to cater for present times, not to talk of the forced innovative steps and tensions we experience and have to take as generators of creative ideas. Imagine the pain 2face Idibia had to go through in the late 1990s in other to get his voice heard, or the amount of persuasive words and actions Ayo Shonaiya had to make just to convince every single person he met in the early years of the modern African music scene, and even the amount of cash spent on publicity by Don Baba J to prove D'banj was worth listening to10 years back. Just as we artists know that our products are intangible and risked high in working with other forms of institutions like banks... Hmm, now what's my plan?

Well, I am willing to share innovative ideas I have gained through formal and informal studies of the industry. Every week, covering one topic after the other on how we can help ourselves as artists, especially if we can't afford the creative products we intend to burst out as the internet have given us (cheap) power worth millions five years ago.

Freebies yea! And did you ask what I stand to gain from giving you these valuable infos for free? I guess you know who I am now :)

Now lets get down to today's wiki focusing on 'Digital Accessibility'. I will be drawing from a resource training with Jonathan Hassell (Director, Hassell Inclusion) at Media Trust, where we will see how to implement accessibility across our digital communications.

Digital Accessibility

Digital Accessibility is often a misunderstood concept.

It isn't just a form of billboard that would possible be ignored at every sight.

It’s about working to ensure your website, intranet, widget, workplace application, mobile site, mobile app, or IPTV app is able to be used by as many people in music, film, art, fashion or any type of creative audiences as possible.

It’s about recognising that no product is ever going to be usable to all users, and finding a reasonable, justifiable way of balancing the resource costs of inclusion against the benefits. And it’s about letting your users know when you’ve not been able to fully support their needs.

Fundamentally, it’s about understanding the challenges of inclusion, and solving them in creative ways, to gain a bigger audience so your product is more successful. To simplify the big inclusion grammar, 'make any of your on line product have a justifiable goal'. No matter how small, no matter how simple or useless you think it might be it should, have a measurable value its adding to you. And trust me, facebook, twitter, youtube or even photo bucket is not a while-away-time tool for we artists.
While the pirates try to take over our products within Africa, we have the power to control it internationally. As you can't compare the 6,840,507,000 world population to Africa's 1,022,234,000 in terms of market accessibility, and the good news is that its free!

Tips:

Be motivated by the benefits of inclusion: increased reach, minimised complaints & legal risk, CSR.
Appoint someone in your organisation (friend, brother, sister) to be ultimately responsible for it and champion it.
Ensure that the person directly responsible (could be you) know how the direct functionality and impact of the sites on the creative products you create and are trained and empowered to make justifiable decisions and document them. Even youtube has an incredible back end far above your imagination.
Don’t just do accessibility on projects, identify all your business-as-usual processes that could impact on the inclusion of your products and ensure they uphold it.
Ensure you are clear on the purpose of the product and its target audiences.
Do the best real-world user-research you can at the start of projects to help good decision making.
Where users’ needs diverge, feel free to use product variations and personalisation to help them.
Follow the best-practise technical, design and authoring guidelines for the platform you are developing on.
User-test your products iteratively during their production, testing for usability with non-disabled and disabled participants together, to the level your budget will allow.

I hope I am a little helpful today, as I know I should have expanded more on this if time permitted...

As a result of bulk requests I have been receiving on help on how to build a blog and its essence to better our creative products, next week I will be sharing how and Ten Blogging Tips. Till then...

African Kid Actor Who Rubs Shoulders With Hollywood Stars like James Bond, Queen Latifah...

2011-12-31T12:28:00.000-08:00

A young Nigerian who has become a shining star in the Zambian movie industry is Olutunji Ebun-Cole, popularly known as Tunji in Zambia’s film industry.

For his dazzling role as a young actor, in 2010, when he was 13 years old, Tunji emerged the winner of the Black Entertainment, Film, Fashion, Television and Arts Awards.

Tunji, a Zambia-based Nigerian ace actor was announced as the winner of the award, widely known as BEFFTA after he defeated seven other contenders, aged between 13 and 28 in the BEFFTA Young Achiever Award in the BEFFTA Special Awards Category.

The young ace actor has featured as lead actor in a number of films and television movies, popular among which is a short film entitled “New Boy” nominated for Oscar Awards in 2009, where Tunji played the role of Joseph.Born to a Nigerian father and Zambian woman, Tunji at 13 has become a world-class actor working with the likes of David Schwimmer, a famous American actor and director of television and film.

Tunji played the role of “Cola Kid” in James Bond’s “Casino Royale,” directed by Martin Campbell, who was once described by films analysts as someone who “knows how to entertain an audience when he steps behind the camera.”

Tunji was also a background actor in Paul Wieland’s film, “Sixty Six,” a 2006 feature film which is Wieland’s autobiographical comedy-drama, while also featuring as a “Child in Street” in David Corneberg film, “Untitled.”

In 2009, when Tunji was just 11 years old, he attended Oscars Awards for the role he played in “New Boy” nominated that year for Oscar Awards.

This opportunity, he said, availed him the opportunity to meet his hero, Daniel Craig, an English actor, whose early film roles include “Elizabeth,” “The Power of One” and “A Kid in King Arthur’s Court.”

He was also glad to hear Dana Elaine Owens, popularly known as Queen Latifah, an American singer, rapper, and actress, saying he had a good skin.

Speaking on his experience at Oscars, Tunji said: “I got to meet my hero Daniel Craig and Queen Latifah said I had beautiful skin.”

Besides his involvement in movies and films production, Tunji has featured in high profile advertisements by “Nickelodeon,” “Nickelodeon” being a term first used in 1888 by Austin’s Nickelodeon, a dime museum located in Boston, Massachusetts, United Kingdom.

Tunji has also featured in adverts sponsored by world-class agencies and kids’ channels such as BBC, BBC2, Sky News, ITV, JWT, CBBC, BBDO and AMV including
those for Scaletrix, Clarks, Sainsbury and Persil.

After the award presentation, Tunji’s proud mother, Jayne Mwondela said of her son: “I am very proud of Tunji. He is such an amazing child. He loves what he does, and he does not let it get to his head. I thank God for giving me a child such as Tunji.”

Usually, recipients of BEFTA are chosen through votes from the public for different categories of the award. But in the Special Award Category where Tunji became a beneficiary, he enjoyed the luxury of being chosen by a Special Panel of BEFFTA Members at a ceremony which held at Westminster Central Hall in London.

African 2011 Hottest Dance steps... Windeck, Azonto and Oliver twist

2011-12-31T10:23:00.000-08:00

Originally many African languages have no word to define music, as they were mostly expressed through dance in tribes or worshipping gods. These dances teach social patterns and values and helps people work, mature, praise or criticize members of the community while celebrating festivals and funerals, competing, reciting history, proverbs and poetry; and to encounter gods.

African dance utilizes the concepts of polyrhythm and total body articulation. Shoulders, chest, pelvis, arms, legs etc., may move with different rhythms in the music. They may also add rhythmic components independent of those in the music. There are said to be certain types of performances in which scantily clad females circle a sick male whilst incorporating suggestive movements in order to "excite" the man thus reviving the male to his previous good health. Very complex movements are then possible even though the body does not move through space.

Different parts of the body are emphasized by different groups. The upper body is emphasized by the Anto-Ewe and Lobi of Ghana. Subtle accent of the hips is characteristic of the Kalabari of Nigeria. In Agbor strong contraction-release movements of the pelvis and upper torso characterize both male and female dancing. The Akan of Ghana use the feet and hands in specific ways. Dancers are able to switch back and forth between rhythms without missing movements. It is extremely important that the dancers maintain clarity.
Dancers in Nigeria commonly combine at least two rhythms in their movement, and the blending of three rhythms can be seen among highly skilled dancers. Articulation of as many as four distinct rhythms is rare.

In 2011, three African dance steps topped the fun chat worldwide. 'Windeck' from Angola made popular by Cabo Snoop took the head start followed by Nigeria's MoHits 'Oliver Twist' which caused a viral quake on-line. Then the most talked about - 'Azonto' which is currently still on everyone's lips was brought into international lime light by both Sankondie and Fuse ODG featuring Tiffany.

The international artistic market didn't slack on this groove as well, as Beyonce took one of the first initiatives to tap into this Africa's exploding resource. I will start by showing you the fabulous work she did in its blend with her type of music in her run this world video, and will say that she shouldn't be criticised but praised for her marvellous creativity.

Enjoy the video views of Windeck, Azonto and Oliver twist as well... I am eagerly looking forward to more steps in 2012, probably i might get the opportunity to use a few for my videos as well :D

Windeck

Azonto

If you missed my post on Azonto dance step replacing Dougie, Click here

Oliver Twist

"For Coloured Girls" finally expressed in an African way...

2011-12-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

For Colored Girls made its international mark to the plain man in the 2010 drama film adapted from Ntozake Shange's 1975 stage play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. Written, directed and produced by Tyler Perry, the film featured an ensemble cast which includes Janet Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Thandie Newton, Loretta Devine, Anika Noni Rose, Kimberly Elise, and Kerry Washington.

Like Shange's play—which is considered to be a landmark piece in African American literature and black feminism—the film depicted the interconnected lives of nine women, exploring their lives and struggles as women of colour. It was Perry's first R-rated film, with a budget of $21 million. For Colored Girls was released on November 5, 2010, grossing $20.1 million in its opening weekend.

With generally mixed reviews, several critics have asserted that Tyler Perry failed to adequately translate the original stage play to film, while more supportive critics describe the film as his finest work to-date. Shange noted her apprehension in allowing Perry to adapt her work, but was ultimately supportive of the film.

After all the chatter, we get to watch the play expressed in an African way!The Nigerian stage play adaptation of “For Coloured Girls” will be opening on the 29th of December 2011. This is truly something to be excited about.

For Coloured Girls: The Nigerian Adaptation is directed by Wole Oguntokun and will premiere at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre.

For Coloured Girls brings some of Nigeria’s hottest and most prolific actresses together in what promises to be an emotionally powerful and thought provoking play.

Joke Silva brings years of theatre experience to the award winning play and will take the role of the Lady in Red. Tinsel favourites Iretiola Doyle and Matilda Obaseki will play the Lady in Brown and the Lady in Green. Studio 53 Extra anchor Marcy Dolapo Oni is the Lady in Blue, while Reanne Weruche Opia plays the Lady in Purple. Olajumoke Ladi Bello plays the vivacious Lady in Orange. Tiwa savage is also not left out.

Also enjoy part footage of the American "For Coloured Girls" film below...

Astro Is A Born Star, But He's got Nothing On The Royalpriesthood Family...

2011-12-09T11:28:00.001-08:00

My first words simply shows that I have mixed feelings about this. Music, Talent and Kids, what an inspiring connection. We are all born possessing certain gifts and talents, and parents play a vital role in harnessing these gifts. Of course, not all children who love music will become prodigies, and parents shouldn't let this be their goal. Rather, if a child seems to be interested in music, parents go a long way to stimulate their child's interest. Am not going to mourn about mine lol, so lets go on with my little story :).

These Royalpriesthood kids of the Iloyi family with parents as musicians themselves are nothing less than a bunch of talent coupled with passion. Most will say they look cute but I think not only that, they like to see people enjoy themselves through what they have to offer. There have been strong criticisms as some insist it is difficult to say if it's a good thing for children to try rapping and that they should concentrate on school and learning how to speak correctly before trying to rap because of their age.
Well, personally although I think part of that is true, but rapping makes ones vocabulary increase and the quality of ones speech is increased as well. It also helps people with self-confidence because it's not an easy task spitting bars in front of people you don't know, even harder in front of people you do know.

Is it possible that they will be the GREATEST brother duo EVER in rap? Some say the Clipse are gonna have a hard time with these shorties when they get older... The ability to stay on beat and switch up the flow is UNREAL for this child and his brother...
Big ups to the Royalpriesthood family "mom and dad", as it doesn't matter the words those kids are trying so hard to pass across lol, at their age I don't expect more. As the flow he already has for his age is so unreal and which many older rapper can not on a beat so easily

The Royalpriesthood family are members Smooflow (mc/producer) and Roucheon (mc/ singer), a dynamic duo who continue to earn respect with their consistent sound of authentic soul infused hip-hop. This team offer superb lyrics laced over bumping in-house production, and have recently added video / film production to their growing empire. Founded ten years ago and ten albums deep they have gained much experience and developed a passion to inspire both lyrically and musically.
The group have since been nominated for many awards. Smooflow won the MTV Show us what your made of competition in 2010 with the film Broken Silence.

...Now, just in case you haven't come across the young kid everyone calls a born star . X Factor's Blown out kid - Astro, then this is your opportunity as you can watch videos of Astro's mind blowing performances below and then decide if you are still planing on redirecting your kid's dreams from being a musician to a doctor or lawyer :).

Enjoy the videos below, although I learnt that khaliyl the older brother has stopped rapping for now. Hopefully he gets into it again. You'll watch khaliyl iloyi rapping at 2 years old with Alim Kamara, Roucheon iloyi with Khaliyl iloyi and kieyen iloyi, Khaliyl Iloyis older bro Kieyen at 3 years old rapping with mother Roucheon (This is off an old Royal Priesthood album village nation. 4 YEARS AGO - I wish I can can get hold of the studio footage), Reading with his son, and kieyen Rapping at 3 and 2 years old

Enjoy...

Baby-talk translator: If you listen carefully this is what Khaliyi is saying in his first verse:
0:03 - "I can do whatever!"
0:08 - "I can do it in my head"
0:25 - "What you do, I do better"

Baby-talk translator:
0:40 "Check the cards, Im a monster Ill bash you"...
1:20 it nuts, the power ranger, fight the Master kick the Master, Blacks the Master, feed the monster.... True revolutionary

ASTRO @ THE X-FACTOR

"I vowed never to attend the Grammy Awards 2011" - FEMI KUTI

2011-12-04T08:10:00.001-08:00

Femi Kuti's voice is featured in the videogame Grand Theft Auto IV, where he is the host of radio station IF 99 (International Funk 99, described as "playing a great selection of classics from West Africa, the US and elsewhere").

Afrobeat singer Femi Kuti has been nominated at the 54th edition of the prestigious Grammy Awards.

Femi picked up his third ever nomination in the World Music Category for his ‘Africa for Africa‘ album last night Wednesday, November 30, 2011 when the list was unveiled at the ‘Grammy Nominations Concert Live!!‘ in Los Angeles, US.

In 2003, Femi, eldest son of late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti picked up his first ever Grammy Award nomination but lost out to Panamanian salsa singer Rubén Blades. He similarly lost in 2010 when he was nominated in the same category. US banjo player Bela Fleck walked away with the award.

His recent nomination sees him up against Latin/Roots music band AfroCubism, South African male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Malian band Tinariwen.

Femi has vowed not to attend the Grammys again after losing out the first time he was nominated. Femi disclosed then that he regret attending the prestigious event.

Last year, he said;

"When I arrived at the red carpet, nobody came for me, my record company didn't come, I felt stupid and so I knew I could not win. I sacked my manager, a French man, and they sacked me too. The journey back home was very long. I felt sad. Since then I vowed never to attend the Grammy Awards again.

My father never went for any awards, and where they presented him an award, he didn't go personally and when they brought the award to him, he would send them back with the award. One day, I was at the World Music Awards and I brought the awards, he said did I send you? You better take it back. As I grew older, I understood what he was saying then."

NNEKA... A Heavy Soul!!!

2011-12-04T07:11:00.001-08:00

Pop music is a ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ world. A starburst of YouTube notoriety and then oblivion. Or at least it is for most. But when your journey has been as long and extraordinary as Nneka’s – when you’ve travelled 10,000 miles and are still only just starting out - then instant celebrity is the last thing on your mind.

When your heart is as big as your Afro, when your talents stretch from teardrop soul-singing to freestyle rapping to a first-class degree from a top Continental university, when you’ve got so much to say about so much, then you are in it for the long haul.

But this time around there’s more of the best ingredient – Nneka herself. Her first US release, Concrete Jungle is a collection of songs that put the singer/songwriter at the forefront. This album is an offering of love, hope and optimism dedicated to the people of Warri & the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Holding it all together is the emotional focus of her beautiful voice, located in a place somewhere between yearning and rage.

The daughter of a Nigerian father and a German mother, Nneka Egbuna was born in Warri, Oil City in the Delta region of Nigeria at the height of its new found wealth in the mid 70s.
But at the age of 19 this modest and hard-working young girl made the big decision to leave behind the African way of life. To further her education, she moved not just to Europe but to Northern Europe, to the industrial seaport of Hamburg in Germany. For the young Nneka, it was a dramatic change, and there remains an intangible quality in her voice that speaks of being a long, long way from home.

"The cultural differences between Germany and Nigeria were extreme," she says. "The way they dress, the way they carry themselves, their religion. So many things that were important to me are not important to them. For two years I was overwhelmed."

While love, hope and optimism form the bedrock of all Nneka’s recorded work, there’s a steeliness to her new material, the engagement of a highly developed mind on some of the tough realities of modern politics – both personal and international.

It takes no little courage – and insight – to write a song like ‘Africans’, which tells her people to stop blaming their colonial past for their problems and take responsibility for themselves. To then go back and sing it to packed houses in Nigeria – where the military rule with an iron fist - shows an extraordinary depth and strength of will. But that’s just what she did, making a triumphant return to her home country on tour with MTV-Award-winning Nigerian great 2-Face.

It’s a testament to the strength of Nneka’s talent that her success so far is based on word of mouth, on the quality of her albums and the intensity of her live performance. She is not a big-label product, forced down people’s throats by marketing dollars. Her audience now numbers hundreds of thousands across two continents, for Nneka now divides her time between homes in Lagos and Hamburg. Those listeners are people who have tracked her down, because there will always be a demand for music that does more than just entertain, but touches something universal. As she puts it herself: “I do it in a sweet way - but I sing to speak the truth.”

2face and Asa Voice out on CNN's African Voices

2011-12-01T14:20:00.001-08:00

With all his fame and fortune, Nigerian music star 2Face Idibia remains humble! This past weekend, 2Face was featured on CNN International’s African Voices along with the formidable Asa.

The interview was taped during his recent visit to London for a headline concert, where 2Face talks about bringing his unique sound and message to the world.

Also soulstress ASA was rocking her new blonde locks on her interview where she spoke to Ayesha Durgahee about her musical upbringing and her hopes for Africa. The feauture also sees her on stage and playing at the iconic Parisian book store, Shakespeare and Company.

Enjoy...

Yaylow joins 'Fresh in the Scene' League with #Enigma

2011-12-01T07:41:00.001-08:00

Some might say this is late, but i will join others to say witness the death of the Enigma instrumental by Yaylow.

He narrowly missed out on a Top 10 spot during the Don Jazzy #Enigma competition hosted by one of my favourite blog notjustOk.com but still made it on DJ Neptune’s “Battle of the Enigma” mixtape. Like NotjustOk says, 'This dude is crayzie, yo!' The way he switched from English to Pidgin is effortless. Only a few can do it like him.

As for me personally, he is worth joining the 'Fresh in the Scene' League. I have also added two of my many leaders in that league.
Enjoy...

Click on this link to enjoy more Fresh Killers

Calabar rocks Africa this Xmas with Rick Ross And Sean Kingston

2011-12-01T06:10:00.001-08:00

The year 2007 was the first time I experienced the glory of celebration, fun and most memorably - 24 hours non stop entertainment. What amazed me the most was that, the same amount of people in their hundreds of thousands (probably millions) I saw at noon, where still the same number I saw by 3am. Family, friends, children, and all sorts where on the streets of Calabar. There was also a carnival park and an entertainment functioning stadium (all in walking distance) where the known world stars of that year where giving performances in turns.
It got to a point right where I was standing enjoying my back stage pass, witnessing Nokia and MTN disputing over mounting both of their stages in regards to time slots for their individual performances. Never have I seen sponsors fight over a time space they both paid massively for lol. Trust me it was memorable.

In 2004 the Calabar Carnival Christmas festival tagged "Africa's Biggest Street Party", was created as part of the vision of making the Cross River State in Nigeria, the number one tourist destination for Africans and tourist all over the world. The carnival which begin on every 1st of December and last till 31st December (i.e. everyone in Calabar gets a compulsory one month holiday lol) has boosted the cultural mosaic of Africa while entertaining the millions of spectators within and outside the Continent.

The event has hosted top African musicians, Nolly-wood Actors, Politicians and international artists. Over the last 7 years international artists like, the late Lucky Dube, Akon, Fat Joe, Joe, young Jeezy, Nelly, Kirk Franklin, and many more has thrilled the large crowd of Nigerians and tourist from outside the country.

Fans of the famous Calabar Carnival will be thrilled this year as the organisers has gone a step further to make the tradition more exciting. Top American Rap artiste Rick Ross and Jamaican American singer Sean Kingston will grace the stage of this year edition to entertain their fans.

Sean Kingston is scheduled to perform at the U. J Esuene sports stadium on Reggae night December 16, while Rick Ross Rocks Calabar on the 28th of December alongside the likes of Psquare, Wizkid, Banky W, Ojb Jezreel, Stunts, and comedian Julius Agwu at U.J Esuene stadium.

Also to perform at the carnival is American Jazz, R&B, Soul and Funk group Kool and the Gang. They would be perfoming at the Governors masked fete on the 20th of December, at the Tinapa water parks dishing out their ever green old skool tunes like Get Down On It, Celebration and Joanna..

This year carnival promises to be bigger and better. So if you can make it down there, don't miss out. Life is short.
Enjoy some cool Calabar Christmas Canival 2010 videos and pics below. I also added Beyonce's video singing the Nigerian anthem...

The Return of Gino - "You don't know jack - you dey dull if you use work play"

2011-11-28T04:42:00.001-08:00

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"...

Tunde Kelani's African Cinema touch on Nollywood with MAAMi

2011-11-27T14:56:00.001-08:00

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...

Enjoy your evening with comedic love from South Africa (Trevor Noah)

2011-11-27T13:13:00.001-08:00

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...

Chuka Royalty going Hard - Repost...

2011-11-27T12:55:00.001-08:00

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...

African Talent - Bryan Ikenna Okwara...

2011-11-20T08:30:00.001-08:00

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.

Another possible misrepresentation of Africa on Hit TV Series Amazing Race...

2011-11-19T18:01:00.001-08:00

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.

Partly culled from Ghanapedia...

The Pain of Stardom - WizKid

2011-11-19T14:12:00.001-08:00

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...

In less than 15 seconds, the canopy is swamped, there are 200 phones in the air taking pics, crowd is overwhelming security.

MC is announcing for all to sit down… nothing. Wizkid's mum makes it through, she's scared and wants us to leave to their house.

Since all the security came to this one tent, they left the main gate free, Area boys have made it through. I'm hearing "Wizzy, Wiz, Baba Wizzo

"It's no longer safe, we need to go". We greet Wizkid's dad and make our way to our vehicle, there's at least 150 people around it. What?

So security guy carries Wizkid, one manages to open door, bundle Wizkid and BankyW in it. I manage to squeeze in, my clothes stuck in the door.

We try to get out, (I'm sure we ran over someone's feet), but it's Surulere's tight streets and so a mob starts chasing the vehicle.

So BankyW brings out cash and throws a wad out and they go for that instead. It gives us time to maneuver 5 mins to Wiz's Dad house.

I look at BankyW, I look at Wizkid and I feel completely sorry for these guys. I ask if this is how it is and they say even this is nothing!

Back in the domain of his father's house, a bit quiet, I look at the kid bb'ing, loosely surrounded by 4 hefty guys. He seems alone.

It's his father's 70th birthday and he can't attend it, because his name is Wizkid.

Emjay and Simi in #EPiGNOSIS Beat Competition

2011-11-19T13:09:00.001-08:00

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.

eLDee's Na Wash HIT with Lyrics, enjoy...

2011-11-14T12:17:00.001-08:00

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)

she say she no dey wear tailor lauren

ive never eaten amala
ive never tasted alomo or paraga
Me? ive never taken okada
ive never ever had pure water

i only wear human hair o
its from Dubai me i dont ever shop here o
i have four blackberry handsets
im goin to have my wedding in seychelles

noo i dont kiss on the first date
after clubbing i cant go to a guys place
without make-up i still have a fine face
im serious this is my first time nowwww

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 3:
Fashola is a close friend
dem show my video for CNN
o boy see as i dey pop rose
im a friend of aliko dangote

i no dye wear one shoe twice
when i dye shop i no dye ask for price
i only basmati rice
barack obama dey call me for advice

U see the lord sent me to you
it is well just sow a seed or two
the more you sow the more you reap
do more my guy dont be cheap

im a youth too i share your plight
thats why i'm here to fight for your right
vote for me and i will give you light
after we win everything will be alright

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

Chuka Royalty finally Goes Hard...

2011-11-14T11:43:00.001-08:00

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.

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

Obi Mikel's Valuable Life...

2011-11-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

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
agents were bypassed as the club persuaded the youngster to sign a 4 year contract without representation. Lyn Oslo allegedly sent a fax to his agents abroad, claiming their services were no longer required by Mikel. Reports said the deal was initially worth £4m, and would see the player arrive at Old Trafford in January 2006.

Rival Premier League club, Chelsea, later issued a counter-claim suggesting that they already had an agreement with Mikel and his agents, but Lyn Oslo denied this claim. However, subsequent reports indicated that Chelsea claimed to have been involved in arranging the player's original move to Europe with a view to signing him at a later date. Further substance was added to this claim after it was revealed that the player had impressed Chelsea manager José Mourinho while training with the club's first-team squad during the summer of 2004.

Mikel expressed his delight at joining United in a hastily arranged press conference, where he was pictured holding up a Manchester United shirt, which bore the squad number 21. Following his signing of the contract to join Manchester United, there were claims from Norway that he had received a number of threatening phone calls from unknown sources. Mikel was assigned a security guard and moved to a safe hotel. However, on May 11, 2005, the midfielder went missing during a Norwegian Cup game against Klemetsrud; he had not been selected for the match but had been watching from the stands. Whilst the player was believed to have left with one of his agents, John Shittu, who had by now flown in to meet Mikel, his disappearance sparked massive media coverage in Norway and also provoked a police enquiry after the Lyn Oslo director Morgan Andersen made claims in the Norwegian media that Mikel had been 'kidnapped'. These claims were later repeated by Manchester United's assistant manager Carlos Queiroz, who accused Chelsea of being involved in the alleged 'kidnapping'.

It subsequently emerged that Mikel had travelled to London with his agent John Shittu, who was working for Jerome Anderson's SEM group. Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson considered travelling to Oslo to visit Mikel, but decided against this after Mikel was reported to have left the country. Staying in a London hotel, and some nine days after disappearing, Mikel stated on Sky Sports News that he had been pressured into signing the contract with United without his agent present, claims furiously rebuffed by both Manchester United and Lyn Oslo. Mikel told the British media that Chelsea were the club he genuinely wanted to sign for. In response to these events, United made an official complaint to FIFA about the behaviour of both Chelsea and the player's agents, John Shittu and Rune Hauge, already infamous for his role in the George Graham bungs scandal. FIFA dismissed these claims in August 2005 stating there was insufficient evidence to bring a case against Chelsea.

Following the tournament, Mikel failed to return to Lyn Oslo, and the club lodged a complaint with FIFA. On August 12, 2005, FIFA ruled that Mikel should return to Lyn Oslo to see out his contract with the Norwegian club, whilst they would decide at a later date whether the contract he signed with United should be upheld or cancelled. After a delay of over a month, Mikel complied with the FIFA decision and returned to Lyn Oslo in early September 2005 after a three month absence.

Transfer resolved

Rather than leaving FIFA to determine the validity of the contract signed with Manchester United, Chelsea intervened by volunteering to settle the transfer saga through negotiation with Lyn Oslo and Manchester United.

On June 2, 2006, Chelsea, Manchester United and Lyn Oslo reached a settlement to resolve the future of the player. Mikel's registration was to be transferred from Lyn to Chelsea; Manchester United agreed to terminate their option agreement with Mikel. Under the terms of this agreement Chelsea agreed to pay Manchester United £12 million, half paid upon the finalisation of the contract and the other half in June 2007, and Lyn £4 million, half payable immediately and half in June 2007. As a result of this settlement, all claims in this matter were withdrawn. On July 19, 2006, Chelsea were granted a work permit for the midfielder after they completed the £16 million signing in June 2006.

This will most defenietly be a tale to remember.

[partly culled from wikipedia]

Star Entrant - Tiffany (Azonto Killer!)

2011-11-07T05:32:00.000-08:00

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...

Africa's Azonto Dance Step replacing Dougie...

2011-11-07T05:23:00.000-08:00

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...

Guinness Football Challenge... Amazing Jay Jay Okocha

2011-11-07T02:39:00.000-08:00

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...

(BET) Cypher Africa...

2011-10-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

Africa is fast becoming a HipHop nation with its own root attached. BET Cypher's disease is fast rising and dropping some of Africa's dopiest rap artist, as so much as been expected from all. Rating from my personal world best Cypher line "Hi Rihanna", i am presenting to you some of Africa's cyphered videos -rough and fair enough footage :)

Mode 9, M.I, Saucekid, Iceprince, Reggie Rockstone, Sakodie and Scientific were among my personal best, taking into account that they all blessed us with some of the sickest word-plays and punchlines ever heard.

Although twitter as been going crazy with tweet wars between sum fans and their artist who they think failed to represent. ‎Tweets like "@NaetoC: After all we were chosen 2 rep our country which is historical in itself, i'm d best @ wht i do, MI and Mode r the best at what they do etc." and "@NaetoC: Na ur papa wey no try RT @iamslimthin: Bros u no try for dat cypher oo "@NaetoC: Wow, i'm trending again today lol, whats going on?".....*smh*" where flying from one timeline to the other.

I still believe that they repped Africa arguably enough. At least acts like Mode 9, M.I, Sauce Kid and Ice Prince. made me personally overly proud of what we have got.Enjoy the brief video, shot behind the scenes during the taping of Naija BET Cypher (thanks to House of Naija) & last year’s Ghana’s Cypher below. Apologies about the quality of the video and the unavailability of the Female Cypher …hopefully a good Samaritan will put it up today or we’ll just wait till when BET puts up the HD versions.

Splash!!! Sasha, Kel, Eva and Muna's Lyrical NIGHTMARE... Choc Boiz might just not be left out!

2011-10-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

Even before i decided to put my fingers on the keys, my excitement level to write about this chic (Femcee) is already off the roof. I think the words "Up and coming" might be disrespectful to her lyrics which are destroyed by metaphors.

This Nigerian femcee named Splash has released a new video directed by Gozie Films for her single, ‘Efile Fun’ featuring hot budding Yoruba rapper, Pele Pele. She metaphorically destroyed this joint, even up to the outro which is meant to be ad-lips in its own form.Please Please, i don't think Sasha, Kel or even my favorite (well, before today) African femcees Eva and Muna should think twice before going back to the lyrical god to beg for a strong stake in this market.Even on her twitter bio @splashmusik she wrote, "I was born with a dick in my brain, my lyrics will f**k with your brain"... I guess my brain is already a victim now.

Little was i surprised when i heard Splash is a graduate of languages and linguistics. Seriously, languages and linguistics? At last, this generation will prove to our African Parents that educating ourselves in-line with our dreams is not a mistake after all. The Choc Boiz should better play fast by stealing this femcee from whatever record label she is currently signed to.

Formerly based in Abuja but moved to Lagos like every single aspiring artist because of her career, her first single ‘Ogini’ released about 7months ago was a huge success and already the young rapper has done tracks with artists like Kefee, Buckwylla, GT the Guitarman, Hman, Inyanya and so many others.

Abeg fill this track, as i myself hope i can be this metaphorically good...

Check out more FRESH acts here

Everybody Left IcePrince (ELI)... Album Launch

2011-10-11T02:58:00.000-07:00

Iceprince's Everybody Loves Iceprince Album Launch Party was held on October 9,2011 at Eko hotels and top industry stakeholders; music stars, and others in the entertainment industry attended the party as anticipated. Having been hosted by popular IK and Nollywood Actress, Funke Akindele, the slogan 'Everybody Left IcePrince' was generated on twitter as a result of the hall disappointingly been half empty, half full.

This eventually turned to a free show, where the people who paid for 'regular' had to be moved to VIP. I so much wished i was opportuned to go, so as to fill up every seat as possible as my love for the Choc Boi is unending. This also makes me wonder if most IcePrince's lovers missed all the webisodes pushed online or if the webisodes were only seen by his fans outside Nigeria or even outside Lagos.

Although no artist would love to be in such situation, I asked friends that attended the event and they all said it was an explosive and high energy show. I think IcePrince should be well aware that his standard, respect and love from everyone hasn't dropped a bit yet. And i very much hope the Choc Boiz never relent with their webisodes as i dont want to miss coming to click play and watching all the moves of the choc boiz then hurrying 2 meet my friends and gist about it.

Enjoy some of the launch pictures and webisodes of road to ELI...

JOZI is back Moving City with Diva...

2011-08-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

The Motherland Boys, Ishmael Morabe (aka Ishmiza) and Lesley Mampe (aka Da L.E.S), have grown over the past few years in the African scene amongst there African Hip Hop counterparts. They are back this time around with a slamming single they titled - Diva. This has come as a result from their recent T.V. concept they called - Jozi Moving City.

“The Moving City”, the show saw Jozi visit several villages in an attempt to find an authentic traditional sound. Jozi member Da Les told SowetanLive that during the show, a song would be created that reflects the sound of the chosen village, and it would be included in a compilation.

The show consists of 13 parts, and it would be aired toward the end of 2011. A second season of the show is planned, which would see the group travel to other African countries, such as Ghana and Nigeria, to discover “the roots of the motherland’s sound”.

Enjoy their new single 'Diva', behind the scenes and a snippet of Moving the City...

Jozi- Diva

Jozi Diva Video Behind The Scenes With ETV's Club808

Jozi Moving the City Episode 1

Lynxxx And Friends Campus Parade...

2011-08-25T05:07:00.000-07:00

The Lynxxx And Friends Campus Tour Diary finally hits the web. Here, we see Lynxxx storm Ilorin alongside Ikon, DJ Zeez, Sauce Kid, Tiwa Savage, A1 and other artistes as the 1st leg of the Campus tour kicks off.

Lynxxx, a PEPSI ambassador, has been rising steadily over the past 18 months. Now we get a chance to get a bit closer to “Mr Utunu”. You’ll enjoy watching all 3 videos below and just after that his popular Change your parade and Alabukun hit videos.

enjoy...

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

LYNXXX - CHANGE UR PARADE (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Lynxx Feat Banky W - Alabukun

2face feels good with Dbanj...

2011-08-25T03:32:00.000-07:00

In the last six months these two artists have swept news room across Africa and beyond, with breath taken jams, collabos and award shows. Recently been nominees in the on-going Channel O Music Awards 2011, these acts have proven that they can make your music playlist update worthy.

Haven received different opinions about what they have to offer, especially from an audition I just concluded with non-Africans, it is paramount to note that the best is yet to come with them. When 2face was asked in a recent interview if he has works with D’banj since they were BET winners he said they’ve got alot. Here is one of them titled “Feeling Good”. Dope track i must say. This is 2face ft D’banj.

Watch Nominees Videos for Channel O Music Video Awards 2011... Enjoy!

2011-08-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Channel O Music Video Awards have arguably become the pace-setters for Africa's Music Video Awards. It has been in existence since 2003. The awards represent and support music from artists across the continent. Winners will only be announced in November once all the votes are in and tallied.

On August 18, 2011, the nominees for the 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards were announced. But wait a second, is it just me or no one else also noticed that P-square for the first time in years are not nominated in this event? Although we know that they have monopolized and dominated the Best Group/Duo, Best Dance Video, and Best Video categories in every major awards in Africa starting with the Channel O's. Some of us still feel they still worth those category spots. Even with songs like I love you and Danger, hmmm... Anyways, the awards must go on, and surprise acts like Samkelf (Molowo Noni) are prancing in such spots. Good-luck to the nominees, they have all worked to the industry's standards and all deserve their nominated categories.

Both Cleo and Speedy spoke about the award and how they were feeling on the night

See who has cracked the list for this year’s Channel O Music Video Awards and enjoy the videos...

MOST GIFTED MALE VIDEO ARTIST:
1. D’Banj ft. Snoop Dogg- Mr Endowed (Remix)
2. Professor ft. Speedy- Lento
3. Navio- Keep Moving
4. Cabo Snoop- Windeck
5. Zakes Bantwini- Wasting My Time

MOST GIFTED FEMALE VIDEO:
1. Waje ft. Muna- So Inspired
2. Lizha James- Gotta Move On
3. STL- Lookie Lookie
4. Lira- Phakade
5. Tiwa Savage- Kele Kele

MOST GIFTED NEWCOMER VIDEO ARTIST:
1. Wizkid- Holla @ Your Boy
2. Keiko- How We Do
3. AKA- Victory Lap
4. Ice Prince/ Brymo- Oleku
5. Zone Fam- Shaka Zulu On Em
6. Kwesta- Take That

MOST GIFTED DUO, GROUP OR FEATURING VIDEO ARTIST:
1. HHP, Teargas & Liquideep- Born For This
2. Samklef ft. Wizkid, D’Prince & Ice Prince- Molowo Noni
3. Slikour ft. Various Artists- Dubala (Remix)
4. Ay ft. Ms Triniti- Good Look
5. Jozi- Electric Avenue
6. Paul G ft. Akon- Bang It

MOST GIFTED DANCE VIDEO ARTIST:
1. Oskido presents Black Motion/ Jah Rich- Banane Mavoko
2. STL- Lookie Lookie
3. DJ Cleo- Bhampa Side To Side
4. Darey- Ba Ni Ki Di
5. Black Coffee ft. Hugh Masekela
6. Lizha James- Gotta Move On

MOST GIFTED RAGGA DANCEHALL VIDEO ARTIST:
1. Samini- Dadiekye
2. Wyre/ Cecile- She Say Dat
3. Black Dillinger- Volcano Erupt
4. Nazizi- Take The People Away

MOST GIFTED AFRO POP:
1. Theo- Ukhona
2. J-Martins ft. Fally Ipupa- Jukpa (Remix)
3. Shaa- Crazy
4. Jaziel Brothers- Woza
5. Flavour- Nwa Baby (Remix)

MOST GIFTED KWAITO VIDEO ARTIST:
1. Brickz ft. Various Artists
2. The Dogg- This Is My Time
3. Howza- Hustler
4. Professor ft. Speedy- Lento

MOST GIFTED R&B VIDEO ARTIST:
1. Jamali- Incurable
2. G2 ft. Trez Agah
3. Loyiso ft. Khuli Chana- World Of Mine
4. Banky W. ft. M.I.- Feeling It
5. Leanne- Deal With It

MOST GIFTED HIP HOP VIDEO ARTIST:
1. Jesse Jagz ft. M.I. & Ice Prince- Nobody Test Me
2. ProVerb ft. Lungelo- The Beginning
3. Navio- Keep Moving
4. Collo- Chini Ya Maji
5. AKA- Victory Lap

MOST GIFTED AFRICAN SOUTHERN VIDEO ARTIST:
1. Liquideep- Settle For Less
2. Cabo Snoop- Windeck
3. Khuli Chana- No More Hunger
4. C.R.I.S.I.S- The Fire Inside
5. L-Tido ft. K.O- We Rolling

MOST GIFTED AFRICAN WEST VIDEO ARTIST:
1. Naeto C- 10 OVER 10
2. Flavour- Nwa Baby (Remix)
3. D-Black ft. Dr. Cryme- Get On The Dance Floor
4. Asa- Why Can’t We
5. 2 Face- Only Me

MOST GIFTED AFRICAN EAST VIDEO ARTIST:
1. P- Unit/ Mimmo- Kare (Acoustic version)
2. Jaguar- Kigeugeu
3. Ay ft. Ms Triniti- Good Luck
4. Radio and Weseal, Keko- How We Do It (Remix)
5. Cpwaa ft. Various Artists- Action

MOST GIFTED VIDEO OF THE YEAR ARTIST:
1. Khuli Chana- No More Hunger
2. Samklef ft. Wizkid, D’Prince & Ice Prince- Molowo Noni
3. Zakes Bantwini- Wasting My Time
4. STL- Lookie Lookie
5. D’Banj ft. Snoop Dogg- Mr. Endowed (Remix)
6. AKA- Victory Lap
7. 2 Face- Only You
8. Liquideep- Settle For Less
9. Navio- Keep Moving
10. Lira- Phakade

You may vote by SMS, by Web, by WAP and the MXit service.

SMS voting
To vote for your favourite artists in the 2011 Channel Music Video Awards by SMS, simply send a text with the relevant voting code to +27 83 920 8406. For example, to vote for D’Bang featuring Snoop Dogg in the category “Most Gifted Male Video”, SMS 1A to +27 83 920 8406. To vote for Professor featuring Speedy in the category “Most Gifted Male Video”, SMS 1B to +27 83 920 8406. Standard SMS rates apply.
Website voting
Online voting is available for web at www.channelo.tv. Online voting is free of charge, but you may online vote once per hour, per category.
Wapsite voting
Online voting is available for WAP-enabled phones at www.channelo.tv. WAP voting is free of charge, but you may online vote once per hour, per category.
MXit voting
To vote using MXit: open the browser on your WAP-enabled mobile phone, and type in m.mxit.com to download MXit for free. Then locate MXit on your phone in the applications or games section and register. Once in MXit, go to. Please note that voting on MXit is free and you can vote up to 10 times on MXit per voting period.

Don Jazzy's Enigma made Stars - IBK, Teeklef and Hoodini

2011-08-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am not writing about the 1,800 entries, 3 weeks of recording, screening, voting (34,410 votes from different parts of the world) and campaigns. It has been one hell of a record-setting ride, I must say. I am not also referring to the ten finalists that have emerged and how they went down with the Enigma beat.

With a first class job well done by his eminent and front-liner of this campaign, Don Jazzy himself, who took time out to listen to every entry received within the time frame. As expected, the list was dominated by rappers spitting bars like it’s no man’s business with the 1st place getting away with $2000, 2nd place $1000 and 3rd place $500.

I am writing today about those that this campaign have brought to the limelight, made famous, made distinct, brought their talents from underground and most importantly made stars. Only three of them have stood out ever since when 'IBK Spaceship Boi' (first place), 'Teeklef' (second place), and 'Hoodini' (did not win) released their Enigma tracks to the world. Most of us would have expected the buzz of third place (OPZY) everywhere, but this dude called Hoodini has ever since stolen the sight of everyone despite not winning.

IBK Spaceship Boi

Born and raised in the city of Warri in Delta State, this dude is the perfect example of genius! Good things do emerge regardless of geographical location. Starting right from his days in Covenant University where he schooled, the music producer, rapper, singer, song-writer, has decided to make his presence felt in the industry and add value to the world via his music. With the production name MARTIANSHIP and a genre of music that’s out of this world, he is gradually carving a niche for himself. He is the past, present and the future, “Amazing” is the word. This is IBK aka Spaceshipboi.

Engima - I have a Dream

Tongues

Teeklef

Born to Chief and Chief Mrs. Boniface Unogu of Owerri-Nkwoji village in Imo State, Teeklef developed into a sensational R ‘n’ B singer, rapper, producer, and songwriter. His dexterity on the piano and drums; alongside his uniquely sonorous voice has earned rave reviews from music pundits. Teeklef decided to take his music all the way. While attending the University of Indianapolis (UIndy) in the United States he made music in between doing homework and school projects. He then invested every dime he made from his nine to five summer job into his art. Eventually, he single handedly built his own recording studio. He wrote, produced, mixed and mastered his own songs in the comfort of his studio(s) on one hand while he studied on the other, creating a balance.

Teeklef - Oleku (The Klef Mix)

I'm Ready

Hala

Klef Records- In the Lab with TeeKlef

Hoodini

Born on the 24th of March in 1993 in Connecticut – USA, Chuma Nwokike (a.k.a. Hoodini), is a Nigerian hip-hop recording artist and record producer. He spent his early years in the city of Abuja, Nigeria and at the age of 13, drawing inspiration from Kanye West, he developed a fondness for music and other forms of creative art, such as fine art, where he won various accolades as a young artist in drawing and painting. In 2010, Hoodini released his first mix tape as a recording artist titled “Vaudeville”. The mix tape immediately grabbed the attention of fans boasting of production from worldwide producers such as UK based SlickMo, US based producer, G-LO, and Nigeria’s very own VC Perez. Later that year, Hoodini decided to pursue a B Sc. Degree in Electrical Engineering in the highly prestigious Cooper Union University in New York. After a year, Hoodini decided to pursue his dreams of a musical career and enrol in Full Sail University where he is currently majoring in Recording Art/ Audio Engineering.

Enigma (Nigeria)

Life Through My Eyes

Ready or not, these acts have proven themselves. From IBK's I have a dream to Teeklefs's Am ready, and finally Hoodini's through my eyes; lyrics on point, beat - wonderful and uniqueness never to be missed.

An official #Enigma mix tape featuring the Top 50 entries will be released online. Sure to catch here on meetbimbi when its out.

Downfall of KORA Africa Music Awards... Fraud Issues!

2011-08-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

The KORA All Africa Music Awards has carried the reputation of being the biggest and most sort after music awards to have ever come out of Africa. It was supposedly created to make money, and has since inception, been funded mainly by Earnest Adjovi, the executive producer of KORA Awards as President and Executive Producer, by 2005, to the tune of over US $14 million into the event.

Coming after protests from many African artists, political leaders and licensees in various African countries, requesting the moving around of the Pan-African awards ceremony, the organizers decided to move the event from South Africa where it has been staged for ten years to Nigeria.

That was the begining of Kora's tragic downfall.

It may have taken Earnest Adjovi, the executive producer of KORA Awards a longer time to fathom the thin line between fame and infamy, but by now, the music enthusiast knows better. Information has it that, he was arrested by the men of the Nigerian Police Force, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos recently. He was to be detained at the police station when his lawyer pleaded that he should be moved to a more conducive place to react to the allegation of fraud against him by the Lagos State Government in Nigeria.

His arrest was informed by failed contracts by at least, three different bodies who swore to high heavens that, he would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Adjovi had a deal to stage KORA Awards in Cross River State before the annulment of Gov. Liyel Imoke’s election in 2008. By then, he had already got an upfront of $2.5m but while the governor was up and about fighting to secure his mandate, Adjovi dumped the state for Lagos where he entered into a fresh deal. Again, he got an advance fee of $7.5m from the Lagos State Government and kept promising to bring down the heaven since 2008.

He was still to sort things out with the two states when advert of KORA Awards in BUrkina Faso rented hit the air. He fled Nigeria to host KORA Awards in Mogadishu, Burkina Faso where P-Square was named the Artistes of the Year and ought to smile to the bank with cash prize of $1m. It was the same year Reggea artiste; King Wadada won in the gospel category. Till now, not a dime had been given to the winners. That’s just one of the instances of his sharp practices.

After his lawyer’s intervention, he was moved to Lagos State Quarters in GRA, Ikeja. And there he was detained for 19 days. He was forced to turn in all the equipment used to stage the 2010 Awards in Burkina Faso.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, cops from Lagos State Police Command, X-Squad picked him up again. His sin this time was breach of contract against the management of Z-Mirage, one of his partners. He failed to redeem N11m he ought to have paid after the last event he contracted Z-Mirage for. Perplexed as he was, the only thing that crossed his mind at that time was to leave his Hummer Jeep as a collateral with another pledge of paying N3m in three weeks and pay up the rest later, but in installments.

From all indications, Adjovi, who is currently back to his home town in Ivory Coast, may have fled never to return to Nigeria. Sadly too, the government of Burkina Faso is also alleged to be on his trail.

I wish it is still possible to separate his personal problems away from the prestige the awards has built. As the Kora Awards have been known to be the only existing competition against big names like the MAMAs(MTV African Music Awards), Channel O Music video Awards and SoundCity Music Video Awards.

KORA AWARDS 2010: Ouverture

KORA AWARDS 2010: Extra Musica

Two massive Albums killing the chats - OUT! Psquare and Bez

2011-07-30T09:08:00.001-07:00

Two albums that are been talked about this week are none other but one of the biggest stars in Africa, 'Psquares's - The Invasion' and the fast rising African star 'Bez - Super Sun'. I have shared one of their tracks each below but was forced by my love for good music to purchase their albums.

My best track(s) featured on Psquare's album range from 'Forever', to 'Me and my brother', and the club banging 'Shake it down low Ft Muna & Eva'. Mark my words 'Shake it down low' is likely to make Psquare bigger than what 'Do me' made.

As for Bez's Super Sun, I could not resist but to keep repeating tracks like 'Technically' and my very best 'That Stupid song ft Praize'. All a song like 'That Stupid song' need now is a banging video, and my man Bez will go places he himself never dreamt of.

I plead with everyone to support African music and purchase these albums just to support the creative flow this industry has to offer. You can enjoy the listings of these albums and buy them on the very well respected notjustok music shop.

To buy Psquare's album, click
To buy Bez's album, click

Enjoy good ,music...

P-Square Ft. May D - Chop My Money

Bez - Super Sun Remix (ft. eLDee, Ice Prince & Eva Alordiah)

Big things for Genevieve, Basket Mouth and Psquare...

2011-07-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

This time of the year is looking pretty cool for African stars as I begin with the rumour flowing around about the Nollywood star actress GENEVIEVE NNAJI who was earlier said emerged the new Bond Girl but lost it by the whiskers to another Hollywood star, now has another set of grapevines that her career seems to be flying north - where she has been penciled down by yet another producer to star alongside American super star Angelina Jolie in another block buster movie.

Not only that, popular comedian, Bright Okpocha, better known as Basketmouth has cornered another mouth-watering endorsement. This time with Dana Air, an indigenous airline. Handsomely paid as a brand face of Dana Air, Basketmouth has officially started appearing on their adverts and other promotional products.

According to Basketmouth; It is true I have a deal with Dana Air. We have always had a good working relationship where I do a lot of things for them. We have formalized the partnership where I am now their brand face”. It has also been learnt that Basketmouth would also be enjoying a lot of free services from Dana Air. The airline, for instance, is the official carrier of his production crew whenever he is doing as event outside Lagos.

Now to the main reason for this post, where the sun is also shinning down on the duo Psquare.

Never has it occurred in African entertainment scene where many marketers line up to market an artist's product, especially in the midst of the handy-work of pirates. P-square's new album titled 'Invasion' is the first to make this happen, which its marketing deal has scattered the face of marketing business as many top mogul in the business join hands to bid for the marketing deal of the award winning acts.
Huge marketers, like Tjoe, Obaino and Abuh Ventures join hands together to gain the marketing from CM Media.

Psquare Album Concert Promo

2face's No Shaking on Monique Show

2011-07-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

For those who don’t know, “African Queen” trended worldwide on Twitter immediately after our very own 2face's performance was aired on thursday the 21st of July. He made his first appearance on National Television in America at the Mo’Nique show aired by BET.

Shout-out to 2face Idibia for repping Nigeria well. In the words of Mo’Nique, “No shakey”.

Wale reps Africa #TeamGreenAndWhite again with Psquare's 'No one like you'

2011-07-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

Top selling American rapper of Nigerian descent, Wale Folarin, who is soon hitting stores worldwide with his new album “Ambition” is known worldwide to show the world he’s a 100% Naija boy! As he would put it, #TeamGreenAndWhite.

Wale who has released hits songs like Chilling along side Lady gaga with over 4.8 million views on youtube and have futured artists like Rihanna, Rick ross, to mention a few have over the last 2 years, produced three “Nigerian” songs; “My Sweetie” being the first, and a remake of Naeto C’s “Kini Big Deal” as the 2nd, and soon recorded over P-Square’s “No One Be Like You” instrumental.

His new release: P-Square’s “No One Be Like You” instrumental, comes on the same week he’s expected to perform alongside A-List Naija acts M.I, 2face, Naeto C, Banky W, Wande Coal at the A.C.R.E Concert in Virginia. Gotta love the way Wale reps where his from.

Enjoy his hit song Chilling and his three “Nigerian” songs...

Wale - Chillin ft. Lady Gaga

Wale - No One Be Like You Freestyle

Wale- My Sweetie (Official Video)

Wale - Kini Big Deal

July gates way African Entertainment Craze...

2011-07-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

The month July has not had anything extraordinary itself, but has ended the earlier part of the year in style and is paving way for a whole lot of energy and expectation in Africa's entertainment scene. From the conclusion of 2face and D’banj BET Awards 'Best International Act Africa' glory to D'banj's GOOD music deal (enjoy their acceptance speech as they verbally accept their awards in the videos below).

Looking forward, just as we are preparing towards the 2011 Nigerian Carnival UK, holding on the 3rd of September 2011 at Leyton cricket Ground, Julius Agwu and his team are also working hard towards making our ribs crack next month with carnival Sunday not to be left out. Same goes to Sounds of Afrobeats, an entertainment show that chronicles the journey of Afrobeats genre and African Pop Culture with interviews, exclusive access and behind the scenes footage of some of Africa’s biggest and emerging acts, focused on promoting the Afrobeats festival which also comes up next month.

As Africa pushes out the most entertaining set of shows in the next two months, there will be an eight part series showcasing the best of African Entertainment with music, comedy, interviews and exclusive footage from around the world (enjoy Sounds of Afrobeats Bonus Episode ft. WizKid Album Launch, Hosted by Basket Mouth below). The series also follows Wizkid, the most exciting prospect of 2011 who has broken every record in the African music industry to date with the release of his debut album ‘Superstar’ on 12th June 2011 The album has reportedly sold in excess of 1.5 million album to date.
African television stations are also not left out as they will be broadcasting most of these events in the UK on BEN TV, OHTV and Nigeria broadcast dates to be advised.

Also not left out is the mighty Capital Dreams Pictures as they present 'Capital Hill Viral Series' (Debut Episode below), The series intent is a give-back-to-community-initiative from Nigeria’s most successful music video production franchise, CAPITAL DREAMS PICTURES.

Its debut video (as shown below) “HIGHER” was directed By multiple award winning filmmaker/CEO of Capital Dreams, Clarence Abiodun Peters, and features very bright and upcoming stars PHYNO (Producer), BOSSTA, BARON G, BIG MAXX (who I personally think, had some punch lines that got me of my feet cheering) and one of my most favourite African female emcee ZEE. The platform was designed to assist unsigned acts and give them the much needed nudge in the highly vibrant and expanding Nigerian music scene. Expect a new edition every 3 months. IF you’re an up and coming act, and you’re able to impress them one way or another, you just might get a call-up to be at a future series.

July is sure ending with so much surprises... Enjoy the videos below and make sure you don't miss out of all the fun ahead.

BET AWARDS 2011 Best International Act Africa winner, 2Face Idiba

BET AWARDS 2011 Best International Act Winner DBanj

WIZKID'S ALBUM LAUNCH - JOURNEY TO THE LONDON AFROBEATS FESTIVAL SUN 28TH AUGUST

CAPital Hill Viral

AFRICA'S 5 RICHEST ENTERTAINERS...

2011-07-20T05:09:00.000-07:00

A few decades ago, music was seen more as a passion than a profession. But not anymore. It has gone beyond passion and has become more than a vocation. In recent times, we see people actually going to school to study music. It has become a career through which not only those who are deft in the art, but even the government can generate revenue. With endorsement deals, sales of compact discs, shows, etc some musicians earn a lot of money, and respect too. Many of them are role models to the younger generation. In no particular order, Life&Beat lists the top six players in the industry who have made a success of showbiz.

Don Jazzy –Michael Enebeli, also known as Don Jazzy, is the founder of Mo’Hits. Reputed to be one of the best and most sought after producers, showbiz-savvy Nigerians don’t refer to him as a music producer but THE music producer. At age five, Don Jazzy already had eyes for the microphone, the music console and was always in the studio. He was a member of Good Morning Kids, a group created by his father. Don Jazzy is known for his business dexterity. Little wonder he successfully built Mo’Hits from scratch to become one of the biggest entertainment empires in the country. He recently signed a recording deal with international superstar, Kanye West – a move that not only boosted his reputation as an entertainer, but also his wealth.

Tuface –Born Innocent Idibia, the former member of the band, Plantashun Boyz, is said to be among the richest artistes in the industry. With two platinum records in his kitty, Tuface is speculated to be worth about N550m. It comes as no surprise as he has had endorsement deals with brands like Guinness, which earned him N20m and Airtel, which earned him N22m this year. He was also said to have earned N30m from the producers of Phat Girls movie, and charges between N4m and N5m depending on the show. The artiste has invested heavily in real estate and stocks, where he earns big bucks. He once said he was set to recover all the wealth taken from Africa.

BANKY W – Also known as Mr. Capable, Banky W has proved to Nigerians that he is capable of being among the richest entertainers in the industry. He makes the bulk of his wealth from gigs. He is said to charge between N2.5m and N3m per show and performs three to four times in a week. He is a brand ambassador of Estisalat, one of Nigeria’s telecommunications giants, where he featured in their popular commercial, 0809ja for life. He also featured in Coca Cola-Nigeria’s World Cup theme song and Microsoft’s Anti-cyber Crime Initiative. Banky W is an entrepreneur and has invested heavily in businesses that are fetching him good money. As a philanthropist, he founded the Mr. Capable Foundation, where he provides tuition fees for indigent and brilliant students.

D’banj – Popularly known as the Kokomaster or Mr. Endowed, D’Banj is one artiste that has a penchant for making money. D’Banj certainly has a passion for business. Apart from music, Mr. Endowed has other businesses, which include Koko Mansion, a TV reality show, Koko Lounge, an upscale hangout in Lagos and UK, Koko Foundation, a charity and the recently-launched Koko Mobile under his label christened, Koko. The bulk of his money comes from endorsements – his endorsement deal with Globacom telecommunications cost N70m. He has a multimillion naira endorsement with an energy drink, Power Fist; a deal with the makers of Virgin Colour soft drink; and another multi-million naira deal with a popular jeweller. He has a deal running into millions with Chris Aire, as the face of his watches and another one with UAC Foods. He collects between N5m and N7m as performance fee for local gigs; $80,000 to $150,000 for African shows; £40,000 to £60,000 for UK shows; and $50,000 to $60,000 for American shows. Like his boss, Don Jazzy, D’banj also bagged a recording deal with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music; this will not only boost his career, but also the fee he attracts. D’Banj once said, “I work hard so that money, awards, endorsements, bookings and kokolets chase me.”

P- Square – The singing and dancing duo, Peter and Paul Okoye, are unarguably among the richest in the industry. They won the KORA award for Best Africa Artiste 2010. The award came with $1m (N150m). Shortly after, the duo got an endorsement deal with Globacom telecommunications worth about N240m for four years. The hip-hop artistes had one of their greatest international gigs last year. Their American tour of seven cities earned them a whopping $1m (N150m). After a misunderstanding with their landlord, the duo built a house they named Squareville in the same neighbourhood. The house, which they completed in less than six months, is valued at N300m. They own Rayfield Hotel, Jos, and two multi-million naira factories in the same city, where they built a multimillion naira bakery and sachet water companies for their dad and mum, among other investments. The bulk of their wealth comes from concerts, especially in Africa. The duo have sold above 14 million copies of their CDs since 2005. They are said to charge about N2m per show.

Watch Ice Prince and Brymo Preform 'Oleku' at Big Brother Africa Eviction

2011-07-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

Watch Ice Prince and Brymo Preform 'Oleku' at Big Brother Africa Eviction

M.I. goes hard from M.I.2 comments... ft Loose Kaynon

2011-07-15T04:38:00.000-07:00

Finally, here is the 1st single off M.I’s iLLegal Music 2. He spits some bars and addressed some of the nay sayers saying that he went soft on MI2. Obviously this is a taste of what to expect from iLLegal Music 2 the Mixtape. If you are not familiar, iLLegal Music was the Most Popular post for over 9 months

Loose brought lovely lyrics and appears that he cleaned up his delivery. Comments have also been flowing about the Word Play and Punchlines in this joint. I personally think it was on Point! Overall Classic! And that Guy called Loose, He actually told us why he is called LOOSE!!!! (culled from notjustok).

Enjoy...

M.I ft Loose Kaynon - Lost (iLLegal Music 2)

Ready for Big Tings? Anuvahood.... Movie not to miss!!!

2011-07-15T04:22:00.000-07:00

Words can't be enough to describe how I felt when got the opportunity to see clips of 'UK's first urban comedy', from Adam Deacon, the star of Kidulthood and Shank. It brings out the day to day reality, comedy and street business of London in a way that British media have not engaged in, since the days of Frank Spencer, Aloh Aloh (if I spelt that right lol), Mr Beans and its likes.

From the mind of Adam Deacon comes the UK’s first HILARIOUS urban comedy, with a BIG cast including Femi Oyeniran, Jaime Winstone, Ollie Barbieri, Richard Blackwood & Ashley Walters, and featuring hot tunes from Tinie Tempah, Boy Better Know, Wiley and Dizzee Rascal, this movie without doubt is worth talking about and purchasing.

Meet Kenneth. He thinks he’s got the moves. He thinks he’s got swagger. He thinks he can spit bars. But in reality, he’s a WASTEMAN! lol

With the bailiffs banging on the door, parents screaming in his ear, and finding no luck with the ladies, he needs to FIX UP, and fast.

When our boy starts selling weed to get himself out of trouble, local badman Tyrone is VEX, opening up a world of hurt for Kenneth and his misfit crew. But he ain’t gonna go down without a fight. It’s time for him to get rich, or CRY TRYING!

This ain’t just any hood, it’s ANUVAHOOD!
Enjoy the snippets...

Official Trailer

Exclusive: Anuvahood - Fruitellas Are Bad Man's Sweet

Exclusive: Anuvahood - Tyrone's On The Throne

Exclusive: Anuvahood - Brand New Sample (HD) - Ft. Adam Deacon, Femi Oyeniran

Anuvahood "Laimsburys"

NEW! Reggae Reggae Rap - ANUVAHOOD

Flavour Magazine goes behind the scenes for this exclusive preview

Boy Better Know, JME & Adam Deacon - Hype Hype Ting

Wizzy Kid's Album launch kill! Watch here...

2011-07-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

Everyone’s favorite young star (or every hater’s easy target), Wizkid has finally released his highly anticipated album, Super Star. On first listen this is a solid album, and one that has all the makings of a major commercial success. The hope is that he gets to last the test of competition Africa has to offer.

The album features a nice selection of artists ranging from EME label mates, Banky W & Skales to Mo-Hitts magestars Wande Coal & D’Prince. Along with Samklef who produces 6 joints on this album, Wizkid works with E-Kelly, Jay Sleek, Shizzi, DJ Klem, Sunny Nweke & Q-Beats.

He's recent album launch was far above most people's expectation but the good news is, you can partially experience what many who were present enjoyed; a series of solid performances by WizKid, Skales, Banky W, D’Prince, D’banj, Olamide, eLDee, 9ice, Lynxxx, M.I, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Brymo, Flavour, Wande Coal, Samklef, Young6ix

Before you press the play button, make sure you have time to watch all the videos, it’s quite an experience and difficult to walk away from. Click here to Enjoy...

Dbanj on MTV 'RapFix Live' With CyHi The Prynce...

2011-06-30T05:51:00.000-07:00

Tags: MTV Shows

Catch the rest of the interview on the INTERVIEWS Page

D’Banj to Release All Future Records Under Def Jam

2011-06-29T04:48:00.000-07:00

Just after the success of D'banj's glory in the just concluded BET Awards were he was tied with 2face, my keys are already so engaged with typing different infos about this artist. Infos that can be tiring but must be said because of the weight it carries.

Not only that a foreign website (JEZEBEL) voted Dbanj as the best dressed at the just concluded BET Awards that took place on June 26 at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Where according to the writer, she said and I quote; "I'm not familiar with Nigerian singer/songwriter D'banj's work, but he's my pick for best dressed. Such attention to detail! His pants look like they were crafted out of some Italian nonna's tablecloth. And those aren't ruffles on his shirt—they're tasseled beads."

The big news among the known rest now is that D’Banj is set to Release All Future Records Under Def Jam Based On Deal With G.O.O.D. Music. Kanye West‘s label G.O.O.D. Music is now a subsidiary of Island Def Jam Music Group after agreeing to a “long-term worldwide label agreement,” according to an issued press release.

Under the terms of the deal, Def Jam will release future records from the label’s most recent signees – D’banj, Pusha T, CyHi da Prince and Big Sean. Big Sean’s debut LP – “Finally Famous” will be the 1st to drop; The LP hits stores today, June 28th, 2011. However, a rep for Def Jam confirmed that longtime G.O.O.D. Music members John Legend, Kid Cudi, and Mr. Hudson are not included in the deal.

Mr West will continue to record and release music under Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Recordings. Another big up to D'banj and the MoHits crew.

Behind The Scene With Snoop Dogg & D'Banj

Collision of Africa’s Biggest UK Events - Crack Ya Ribz vs Afro Beat Festival

2011-06-29T02:45:00.000-07:00

African entertainment, most especially its music and comedy has evolved in the last 5 years seeing it come to the forefront of popular culture and thus attaining world recognition- evidence of this is MTV Europe Awards, the just concluded BET Awards and the MOBOs having a Best African Act category and very recently Choice FM; the UK’s Number 1 urban radio station launching the first ever music slots dedicated to African music tagged Afrobeats with DJ Abrantee, a move which made Choice FM a trending topic on Twitter for the first time in the history of the station since the advent of social media.

Now, the fear is that the general problem associated with Africa as a whole has began to affect the success of this blooming industry in the UK. Or isn't it classified as a problem? Well, come Sunday (Carnival Sunday) 28th August 2011 an expected 5000 Afrobeat and Comedy lovers will converge at the world famous HMV Apollo featuring Africa’s biggest and brightest stars, and on this same day another fun-filled comedy night with a variety of popular performers and musicians that will also be entertained.

One is the AFRO BEATS FESTIVAL 2011 and the other the CRACK YA RIBz 2011. Both Event organisers have since the past 5years been seen to promote the industry with the best of their abilities. And the truth be told, they have successfully made it work. They have also both been referred to as the oldest and biggest in the UK. Rumour has it that both organisers failed to agree on a change of date for one of the party, as they have to be on the same time frame as a result of the traditional Carnival Sunday.

Now that African Pride and African Heritage are openly celebrated in the UK, the question now is, will this be a major problem for the same market that this event organisers hold. A market of Young people who now openly identify with their cultural heritage- a fete which 10 years ago encountered stigmatism. People who have dropped their fear of being ashamed to be African for fear of exclusion- a time where they are proud to be African and are thus expressing their pride in their music, movies, comedy and entertainment in general.

For the Crack Ya Ribs event this year, it will be a Ghana and Nigeria combo with confirmed guests on the night such as: I go die, Seyi Law, Gordons, Bauchi, Funny Bone, Osama, Senetor, just to mention a few. It will also include Artists like: Timaya, Flavour, 9ice, Sarkodie, Dr.Cryme and more, with Deejays like: Dj Jimmy Jatt (NG) and Osa Jatt( UK).

The Afro Beats Festival in its glory will take to the stage award winning Afro Pop sensations P Square, Wiz Kid, Ice Prince and many more to bring an electrifying event never before seen in the UK. A fusion of Music and comedy, the show will be hosted by Choice’s DJ Abrantee and also feature the best of UK and African comedians Basket Mouth and Elenu.

Julius Agwu (Crack Ya Ribs event host) and Ropo Akin (CEO Coko Bar, Afro Beats Festival organisers) have both made comments of showcasing the best of Africa, both working hard towards taking African entertainment to new heights.

Would you be choosing one of the event off the other, or would you be buying both and splitting your time in-between them? Well, make your decision as August the 28th 2011 is set to be jam packed with the best of African's entertainment in the UK.

For Bookings call:

Crack Ya Ribs: 07946811253, 07438340080, 0779488054
Afro Beat Festival: 07949806892, 02089531219, 07957489421, 07956367267, 07956385647

Crack Ya Ribs 2011

Afro Beat Festival 2011

RoofTop MCs - Eromplaini... Old Tune made New!

2011-06-28T02:44:00.000-07:00

Just heard this today and am so in love with it. Rooftop Mcs sound is an infusion of rock and hiphop.

The trio [Rooftop Mcs and Cohbams Asuquo] that brought you “Lagi Mo” now present “Eromplaini” – a song that reminiscences younger days when they dreamt of doing big things and owning big toys. This song goes to every young person with a dream. Their message is: pray hard, study hard, play hard, stay focused and your dreams would come true.

They deliver all the time. hot stuff, listen up and enjoy! This is a hawt one!

Finally Out - Chuka Royalty going HARD!!!

2011-06-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

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.

He has also worked on several projects with the world renowned producer Shabach who has now taken Chuka Royalty under his wing as part of his Beautiful Soundz Label. 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

The video for the original is out now and the videos for the remixes are coming soon!

UKGospel.com hails Chuka Royalty has been hailed as an artist to watch and by the looks things, this year he has opened for Sonnie Badu along side his Beautiful Soundz Label mates.

CHUKA ROYALTY'S GO HARD INTERVIEW

BEHIND THE SCENES - GO HARD AFRICAN REMIX

BEHIND THE SCENES - GO HARD UK RAPPERS REMIX

"Continent of Opportunity." - Chris Tucker

2011-06-25T03:39:00.000-07:00

Chris Tucker joins Andrew Young on an unusual trip to Africa in this Emmy-winning excerpt from the documentary "Continent of Opportunity."

Chris Tucker Goes To Nigeria

Enjoy the Best of Chris Tucker (MT)...

Dagrin Movie - FAKE!!!

2011-06-23T05:01:00.000-07:00

When it was announced that the late Dagrin's life was going to be captured in film (Getto Dreamz), with the foremost intention of ensuring that the life, works and ideals of the late award-winning popular rapper, is sustained for the future generations to learn from, we all were very excited with emotions, sympathy and passion.

Now that the movie is finally completed, controversies of its false intentions have began to surface. Popular music producer, Sosick last week for the first time opened up on the late Dagrin's movie "Ghetho Dreamz" put together by movie producer Ope Banwo's Stingomenia Records.

He was blunt when he was answering questions from across section of journalist last week about the movie.

When asked whether he has seen the movie, he says "no". "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" He opened up. "Somebody else just wanted to make money off that. Making a movie that you know nothing about? The story was FAKE.

They called me when they were wrapping up the movie and told me to come and be in it. I declined and they got pissed. I mean the whole concept was wrong. You can’t bring out a movie less than a year after somebody that special died. It feels like they are just trying to close his chapter". He opinioned. "People haven’t fully recovered and imagine them selling the car and displaying it. I wasn’t down with it at all.

When the guy behind the movie came to me and I was arguing with him because I told him “you don’t know Da Grin’s story, you don’t even know anything about him” and he told me he doesn’t care and he will make it fiction if he wants and that after all he is a movie maker, a film maker and he doesn’t want to know if the story is real or not but he just wants to make his own movie. He said he doesn’t owe me or any other person anything and that he will make his movie and that’s it.

Good luck with that though". He spilled.

Few months ago, revealing the reason for their taking up interest in the late rapper, Barrister Ope Banwo, the producer of the movie and CEO of Stingomania records, said "Dagrin was an emerging star in the Nigerian music scene, it is only imperative for stakeholders in the industry to do something about memorilizing his name in a CONSTRUCTIVE AND ENDURING MANNER, there is need for something to be done to keep his hopes and dreams alive for the next generation of struggling and upcoming artists".

The question I am putting across therefore is that; is this process of Film Making 'CONSTRUCTIVE AND ENDURING' as the producer had put it? Should a better and more generation/time lapsing movie that weighs the success of this late rapper and icon be made to displace 'Getto Dreams'? should money or fame be the aim for making a movie that will signify the life behind the memory of an icon?

Sosick also mentioned, "We didn’t really have time to work on his next album. We planned it out, we planned the blueprint".

He continued. "We were like so and so date we will start recording. I had got all the beats and all the hooks we hadn’t just recorded anything yet. I have maybe one or two; one of them is on Poor but I’ve got some other verses that he did with some other people. They brought them to me, they felt like it was only proper for me they gave them to me and see how I can make music with them. Those ones are chilling in the cooler.

Eventually there will be an album. Of course it’s a post-humous album so it will sound like Biggie Duets. That’s the plan for me. Depending on how much data I can gather I am going to just go back and dig up those verses and out put them on new beats and put people on them so that people can still feel him. I want to make sure the materials last because we don’t have like too much. We want it to have that impact and don’t waste anything"

Fresh ft Da Grin 2 Much Money

Y.Q Feat Da Grin - Efi Mile

Da Grin - Pon Pon Pon

Making of Dagrin's PonPonPon video

Stop the Pity. Unlock the Potential

2011-06-20T02:26:00.000-07:00

Stumbled on this video yesterday and couldnt resist posting it. It just proves to the outside world that African Children are far more than hunger, starvation, AIDS and diseases. Something the African press fail to document and potray to the outside world.

Despite the fact that only six (6) out of fifty two (52) African nations engage in war, Africa is still potrayed as a place of war, killing, kidnapp and the rest. As we all know that other countries in the world have their various problems, so do we. If the media in Africa cant step to show how beautiful and lovely Africa is, I think we as individuals can.

If the intention of the developed world is really to help poor and starving African countries (note the word 'POOR', because not all African countries are poor), then they should give them tools to produce and control their food, instead of giving them food and still having control of Africa's resources.

In this video, meet Alex! He is a happy, healthy, 9 year old boy from Tanzania. He is intensely enthusiastic, has a wild imagination and loves action movies. Does this sound like any 9 year old boys you know?

Lets all Stop the Pity and Unlock the Potentials. On this note I give kudos to the persons involved in the production of this shot documentary...

Enjoy this funny and educative video.
Funny african kid talks about the terminator

Dbanj & Kanye West vs 2face & R.Kelly… Competition or Competence?

2011-06-17T05:54:00.000-07:00

Two of Africa’s Finest Musicians have created a nitch for themselves that makes every other African musician work like there is never a limit to be reached in success. 2face Idibia and Dbanj have once again taken the reach of their success to as different and never before witnessed level. Apart from the fact that they are both recently been nominated for the forth coming BET Awards for the same category, they have also proven that their music (although different) can attract the attention of any one in the world.

Recently, it has been all about rumors on R.Kelly working on 2face’s next album and Kanye West signing a partnership deal with D’banj’s Mo Hits Records. Well, not anymore.

It is already official that 2face Idibia is recording his next batch of songs for his forthcoming album in the US at Robert Kelly’s personal studio. While this may sound strange to most people, it is actually true because ever since they became best of friends from One Eight project and the last year’s Star Mega Jam, their relationship has grown in leaps and bounds traversing music among other things, and don’t be surprised if another collaboration makes the next album of 2face which many close to him say is a banger.

As for Mo hits records, a press conference was held at Koko lounge earlier today 16th of June, 2011 certifying their collaborative partnership with Kanye West’s Good Music.
Although D’Banj and Don Jazzy are not relocating to United States of America, rather they would be shuttling between Nigeria and U.S.A but more of U.S working on his forthcoming album which would feature G.O.O.D Music artiste Kid Cudi, Wande Coal, including 2face Idibia etc.

Like the saying that you cannot relocate the captain of a ship and abandon his crew, the contract is between the two labels MoHits and G.O.O.D Music. The negotiations for the deal started since November 2010 and were concluded on 8th June 2011 (Kanye West birthday). MoHits part of the deal is up to the sum of $3, 000, 000 (three million dollars) which they have provided

The only untrue aspect of the rumor which Don Baba J debunked is the Numerous track list circulating on the internet about Kanye West forth coming album and said he is not yet certain any of his works or D’Banj would be on Kanye West album.

I personally have engaged in numerous discussions on who is better (2Face or Dbanj) or whose success is more worthwhile, but I will want to stress a point that these artists need our love and support. Despite the fact that I stay true to my number one idol, I believe that these two artists are doing us very proud, and that alone is enough for us not to compare them but praise their displayed and hard working competence.

Although artists like Knaan & Will.I.Am have showed that the prospects exists, it still is a blessing to see music achievers like R.Kelly and Kanye West appreciate our own very stars and grass root talent. We also hope that in the nearest future artists like M.I., Psquare, Wire, 9ice, Proverds, Naeto C and their likes will make this wide boundary between Africa and the rest of the world look like a mere music promo feature.

Enjoy the feature videos of 2face & R.Kelly, and D’banj & Snoop Dogg…

R Kelly + One8 [2Face,Ali Kiba,Amani,Navio,JK,Movaizhaleine,Fally

D'Banj feat. Snoop Dogg - Mr Endowed Remix

Africa's Biggest Movie showing to the World - The Mirror Boy!!

2011-06-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

The last four months of my life has been chock-a-block with life changing self-development experiences that have realigned the course of my life and career. From a two month jagged Lagos and Abuja experience, to the passing away of a very close friend who I was opportuned to spend his very last moments with (RIP Oscar MacDubus), to the kick off of my short-film/musical project titled “Forever” and a few other things crammed with love and emotions.

With so much learnt in a very short period without a single blog post, write-up, update or review, I am ecstatic to introduce what many say is one of the very best in a long line of movies that have been flowing out of the Nigerian film industry for the past few decades. The Mirror boy! It has its world premier this February at the world famous Empire Leicester Square.

Written, produced and directed by Obi Emelonye, an award winning UK based Nigerian filmmaker and starring Genevieve Nnaji and Osita Iheme – the biggest screen talents Africa has to offer.
The Mirror Boy is soon set to captivate global audiences and become the blockbuster that fans of Nigerian cinema have been waiting for.

The Mirror Boy is a universal family adventure film that tells the uplifting story of a young teenage African British boy taken back to the land of his mother’s birth, but then gets mysteriously lost in a foreboding forest and embarks on a magical journey that teaches him about himself and the mystery of the father he has never seen.

Shot in the truly beautiful terrain of the Republic of The Gambia and boasting high quality production values, despite its low (by international standards) budget, The Mirror Boy is said by many in the international movie business to be the Nollywood movie that can finally match it’s industry’s new found status,
The Mirror Boy’s much anticipated success is hoped will elevate and redefine Nollywood and turn international curiosity into a bold statement of cinematic identity, creating a landscape where new Nollywood will ‘crossover’ and become more widely recognised within mainstream channels.

It was in 2010 that the world finally became aware of the enormous growth in the fledgling Nigerian film industry, now popularly known as ‘Nollywood’, as it surpassed Hollywood to become the world’s 2nd biggest movie producer.
Nollywood already holds the position of being the No. 1 cinema art form across Nigeria, Africa and the global African Diaspora, with many millions of eager fans worldwide.

The Mirror Boy was produced by The Nollywood Factory in association with Akin Salami and Patrick Campbell of OH Films, the film arm of OH TV (SKY199), the UK’s fastest growing channel for African Caribbean audiences.

From June 10th, The Mirror Boy will be in showing in Nigeria, Ghana and in selected Odeon cinemas in the United Kingdom:
Odeon - Lee Valley / Odeon- Birmingham
Odeon- West Thurrock / Odeon- Milton Keynes
Odeon- Streatham / Odeon-Manchester
Odeon - Greenwich / Odeon- Dudley
Odeon- Liverpool / Odeon- Surrey Quays

For BOOKINGS Click here
or call - 0871 22 44 007

Enjoy the “Mirror Boy” Premier,,,

Two African films compete for Foreign Language OSCAR!

2011-02-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

Two African films, Outside the Law from Algeria and Life Above All from South Africa are among the 9 films that will advance to the next round of voting in the Foreign Language Film category for the 83rd Academy Awards. They were selected from 66 films that qualified in the category.

Notably is Rachid Bouchareb’s “Outside the Law,” the French-Algerian film that annoyed French Prime Minister Nicolas Sarkozy’s political party, who wanted the film banned at the last Cannes Film Festival, because “it denigrates France and the French military.”

“Outside the Law”, tells the story of three brothers who fought for Algeria’s independence from France after World War II. After losing their family home in Algeria, three brothers were scattered across the globe. Messaoud joined the French army fighting in Indochina; Abdelkader became a leader of the Algerian independence movement; whilst Said moved to Paris to make his fortune in the shady clubs and boxing halls of Pigalle. Gradually, their interconnecting destinies reunited them in the French capital, where freedom is a battle to be fought and won.

“Life, Above All” an emotional and universal drama about a young girl who fought the fear and shame that have poisoned her community. It was directed by South African filmmaker Oliver Schmitz who adapted the international award winning novel “Chanda’s Secrets” by Allan Stratton.

Chanda, 16, is a smart and determined South African girl on track to win a scholarship – but she’s suddenly thrust into an impossible situation, forcing her to adopt maturity beyond her years. When we first meet her, she’s making funeral arrangements for her year-old sister, Sara. If people begin to suspect Sara’s death was due to more than a passing flu, Chanda will be faced with shame and stigma, not only for the victim, but also for their entire family.

When Lilian’s (Chanda’s mother) illness becomes impossible to hide, their nosy, eccentric next-door neighbor, Mrs. Tafa, engages a spirit doctor to perform a startling ritual. The spirit doctor determines that a curse is hanging over her and her children. In order to lift it,
Lilian must return to the village from where she was banished decades before, leaving Chanda alone to care for her siblings.

Meanwhile, Chanda’s best friend, Esther, has turned to prostitution in a desperate attempt to survive and reunite her own family. Though the community shuns Esther, Chanda refuses to reject her friend. To the horror of those around her, Chanda opens her house to Esther at her friend’s moment of greatest need. That’s just the beginning of Chanda’s fight against convention.

When Chanda discovers that her mother may have gone away to die in order to spare her children shame, she ignores the cautions of the meddling Mrs. Tafa, and embarks on a fateful journey to bring her mother home. And in doing so, challenges the people around her to reject their prejudices and embrace the truth.

The 9 films, listed in alphabetical order by country, are:

Algeria, “Outside the Law”), Rachid Bouchareb, director;
Canada, “Incendies,” Denis Villeneuve, director;
Denmark, “In a Better World,” Susanne Bier, director;
Greece, “Dogtooth,” Yorgos Lanthimos, director;
Japan, “Confessions,” Tetsuya Nakashima, director;
Mexico, “Biutiful,” Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, director;
South Africa, “Life, above All,” Oliver Schmitz, director;
Spain, “Tambien la Lluvia” (“Even the Rain”), Iciar Bollain, director;
Sweden, “Simple Simon,” Andreas Ohman, director.

Asa describes her dream Man...

2011-02-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

Award winning musician, Bukola Elemide popularly known as Asa who rarely talks about personal issues, not to talk of the ‘marriage’ subject, has revealed the kind of man she could romantically be involved with.

On a recent edition of the ‘Teju Babyface Show‘, Asa says ‘a short man’ is a ‘NO’ for her – after the comedian quizzed her repeatedly.

9ice’s Manager In Face-off With Reporter... Why?

2011-02-06T07:48:00.000-08:00

Oladehinde Fajana, the gentleman who manages singer 9ice could not hold back himself when he spotted E-24/7 reporter Odu Black, yesterday at a popular hangout in Lagos.

Fajana, popularly called Mode F, told friends Mr Black, who anchors ‘The Reporter’ column in E-24/7, had written a lot of ‘damaging’ articles about him and 9ice in the journal.

In 2010, E-24/7 ran series of cover stories on 9ice and his many controversies – especially the issues of his separation from Toni Payne, his online and offline battles with Ruggedman, and all the drama with his producer ID Cabasa and other Coded Tunes acts.

But the magazine, owned by Biodun Kupoluyi was not alone in the reports. Many newspapers and magazines dedicated generous space to 9ice in 2010 – mostly for reasons other than his music.

When Black accompanied his boss to a meeting of contemporary artistes at ‘The Place’ yesterday January 31, he could not have expected the embarrassment that met him.

‘I walked up to greet someone whom Dehinde was having a conversation with, and I greeted him too, so it won’t look like I ignored him, and he started pushing me; saying I wrote damaging stories about 9ice’, Black, who was close to tears, told a fellow journalist.

‘He wanted to beat me. He kept pushing me!’, Odu says.

Eye witnesses say the young reporter was harassed by security as his boss and other colleagues took offense and lashed out at Fajana.

‘They’ve suddenly forgotten where they’re coming from’, E-24/7 Publisher Kupoluyi said during the incident.

‘Only a thug would act like that’, a Punch Newspaper correspondent tells us. ‘Only a thug. I mean, if you find a report malicious or damaging. Do a rejoinder; go to court, or call the attention of the editors. Don’t go about showing how much muscle you have or threatening to beat up reporters’

Our sources say Fajana and Odu Black had a relationship prior to now; and that the outburst could have been a result of other issues both parties know about but might be unwilling to share with third parties.

‘I do not see this as a case of artiste manager fighting with a reporter. I know they used to be friends and Odu used to roll with both 9ice and Hman. So I’m sure there’s more to this than meets the eyes’, an artiste who is close to both parties tells us.

However, after the uproar had been calmed, ID Cabasa had a private talk with the Black and Kupoluyi – the producer was obviously sorry for what 9ice’s right-hand man had done, and he apologised profusely…

Must Watch Robot Bollywood Movie...

2011-02-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

Trust me, i didn't know what to say when i watched this. lol... The is is Bollywood on another level - Nollywood, WAKE UP!!!

2face To Appear On Mo’nique Show...

2011-02-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

Its amazing to know how well Nigerian artists are doing around the world. Just has we ended last year with 2face's collaboration with Mary J. and this year starting with D'banj's collaboration with Snoop Dogg. This time around, one of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports, 2face Idibia will be hosted on popular American talk show, ‘The Mo’nique Show’.

The one hour talk show which airs on BET and is hosted by American comedienne and actress Mo’nique, will see 2face sharing his experiences on being a recognized African act.

Mo’nique stated that she wanted 2face on the show. We agreed and have arranged 2face’s appearance ’, 2face’s manger Efe Omorogbe said.

2face who is on holidays in the US will appear on the talk show on Tuesday, February 8 2011. You will recall that 2face’s smash hit, ‘African queen’ was a featured soundtrack on the movie ‘Phat girlz’ which starred Mo’nique in the lead role as Jazmin Biltmore.

Big ups to 2baba...

"The real Oleku video comes out next week" - Ice Prince Zamani

2011-01-24T02:31:00.000-08:00

News reaching us is that, the Chocolate City Camp aren’t happy about the allegedly premature release of Ice prince‘s ‘Oleku‘ video. Directed by MEX, the video was supposedly leaked a few days ago and received quite a number or views on various YouTube channels and blogs.

Through his twitter page(@Iceprincezamani), Ice Prince came out to say that the video circulating was leaked by an unknown individual who they might be taking legal action against and that additional shots were still being made for the official release.

‘Been doing a recording with Mtvbase allday and I jst got out to realise people are watching oleku vid. ……. Read my next tweet…The real Oleku vid comes out next week. Thanks to those that like what they see so far tho and to those that criticised it, thanks to you to…’, read the rappers tweets.

This controversial video has gathered a lot of comments from fans and critics as many expressed their reservation about the concept and quality of the video.

@Olgaarao ‘y doez the oleku video suck lyk dis…Disapointed!!!‘

@Zagondon ‘The video of Oleku wz actually below expectation.‘

@IkayBobby ‘#ok nw i agree-oleku video waz leaked’but it still sucks…‘

However, Chocolate City stand firm and insist that the video currently in circulation is an illegal leak and the official video will be released soon.

Ice Prince Oleku Unofficial video

Enjoy the stills from the upcoming official video...

Worst Nigerian Singers Ever

2011-01-24T02:07:00.000-08:00

You are about to experience some of Nigeria's worst ever singers of time. They have been all up in our faces all over the net, gracing over 11,000 to 30,000 to well over 230,000 views within its first month. Far more than the views of some big artist's videos in their first month.

Just like in the words of Olamid, "Hit the play button to torture yourself." lwkmd...

VIC.O - AFTER PARTY

Rihanna -Whats my name {Naija Remix}

Show Me Your Genitals

I Love You Nigeria... Vector's emotional Tale

2011-01-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

I vividly remember the way i felt when i wrote my first ever post on this blog, because of the feelings that was generated by this song by Vector. Since then I have written a lot about his growth and success. Now the video f that same touching and conscious song is finally out.

The Lyrics of the song, the script of the video and the general creativity they tried to portray in this video make us over-look its quality. Like i wrote in my first post "There's been a lot of BAD stories about my Country NIGERIA, but its about time i let the world know what we truly are - how we feel about us", I still end this by saying "We are Who we are, and We are What we are..." Be Proud of where you are from, because with no doubt - I am proudly NIGERIAN!!!

Vector - I Love You Nigeria Official Video:

Suli Breaks Finally Breaks into mainstream...

2011-01-21T08:35:00.000-08:00

It was not too long ago when Dj-Em, labelled Suli Breaks as the pioneer of “New-School” Poetry, a title which not only seems well deserved but seems to have stuck. Suli Breaks, has been hailed by many as one of the greatest poets to have graced the mic in Britain. He has fans of all ages, backgrounds. He is also currently considered one of the best performers within the UK, with his lyrical content unsurpassed by any. Having started 2009, in just over a year he has become one the biggest names both within the Urban and mainstream poetry circuit.
His accolades include:

· Featured on BBC ONE London 8pm News.
· Performances at over 40 universities all over the UK,
· 2ND place in the national UK Farrago Slam Championships 2009
· Featured in numerous publications such as national newspaper The Voice.
· As well as forerunning urban material Flavour magazine.
· Has been featured numerous times on Sky TV on Voxafrica channel, Sky channel 203 and Sky Community Channel
· Finalist in National competition Universities Got Talent 2009
· Participated in the “Yes We Can Tour” which featured Eddie Kadi and So Solid’s Swiss.
· Performed at live shows with the likes of Britain’s Got Talent’s Flawless, UK rapper SWAY.
· Performances at UK prominent theatres such as, Camden Roundhouse and the Hammersmith Lyric Theatre.

Hailing from North London, Wood Green, originally of Ghanaian descent, Suli Breaks uses his poetry to bridge gaps, engaging the youths while also educating those who are not familiar with the London culture. Suli Breaks poetry is something which has to been seen, to understand how he uses his creativity and uncanny ability with words to bring poetry to life at is has never been done before. Suli Breaks poetry is not limited to the stage, he uses a vast array of mediums from visual to audio, displaying them all in his debut DVD “Poetry Is Kool!!?!?!”

Suli Breaks R.I.P | Upshot Poetry

Youtube 2010 Top Nigerian Song and Video...

2011-01-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

YouTube has come to define the era of online songs and videos, so let's take a look at its most popular Nigerian song and video of 2010. Unlike their Western counterparts with Justin Bieber - Baby ft. Ludacris of over 428,187,622 views, Lady Gaga - Bad Romance with over 328,742,672 views, and Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) with over 272,647,538 views. The Nigerian music scene which reps Africa has been pretty IMPRESSIVE despite the fact of our lack of Internet availability and usage in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Youtube 2010 Top Nigerian Song and Video was therefore complied with the amount of views on songs and videos leveraged with the likes and dislikes, number of comments and finally date of release (number of months song or video has been on the net).
On this note two artists have been seen to top this list…

YOUTUBE 2010 TOP NIGERIAN SONG: 205,539 views (released on September 1, 2010)

Ice prince Amani ft Brymo - Oleku

Ice Prince‘s rap resume’ comprises a long list of songs he’s been featured on. From Banky W to YQ, eLDee and Naeto C to name a few, he’s worked with the biggest artistes in the industry.
The third member of the Chocolate City rap trio has taken his time to watch the crowd reaction to his predecessors. Even though the performance as seen from M.I and Jesse Jagz may put some unspoken pressure on him to deliver, he seems to have taken this in his stride. His new single Oleku bears that mark. To also crown it all, this is just his single with so much attention. Can’t wait to see what mark he makes from his album when it drops.

He crowned Youtube 2010 Top Nigerian Song with 205,539 views, released on September 1, 2010

YOUTUBE 2010 TOP NIGERIAN VIDEO: 1,427,551 views (released on May 16, 2010)

Psquare Feat. J Martins - E No Easy

Psquare – has always topped African music scene hits, since they ventured into posting their videos online. The duo are reported to handle most of their production/beat making in house. The band has been faced with many controversies for their habit of sampling western songs and popular hits in their records. They have addressed the issue many times in interviews as well as in the lyrics of their songs. Technically speaking, P Square does more in the line of reconstructing the drum patterns, chord progressions or lyrics of the sampled songs as against actually cutting parts of the song and directly sampling into their production. This accounts for the largely electronic feel of their sound.

The duo have then crowned Youtube 2010 Top Nigerian video with 1,427,551 views, released on May 16, 2010.

It’s not however surprising to see P-Square on the top spot, especially been one of the first ever African artists to hit the 1 million hit mark. This has majorly been because of their wide spread reach across and beyond Nigeria. This has also been seen has a major helping force for Ice Prince as my Ghanaian friends adore his single.

This then proves to our African government and stakeholders the importance of I.T and technology in general. The more infrastructures are put in place, the better our industries which in turn better the economy.
Kudos to Ice Price Zamani and P-Square. More hits to your views in 2011

Eva's music threats to Kel and Sasha...

2011-01-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

Happy New year peeps! I am excited to opening this year with this special and under rated artist who has been blowing up the Nigerian music airways home and abroad. The big question there now is, how fast is she catching up with the flows and music-sexiness of Kel? Also how will the prow of Sasha be able to stand and catch up with Eva’s force?

Some say that her work has made other female rappers in the Nigerian music scene look over-hyped. If there’s any female rapper who can shackle the monopoly of Nigerian Hip Hop by the males, it has to be EVA! Her catalogue of tough joints is one to envy. Her barz, hook, beat choice, all on point. And she’s proved, over time, that she can kick it with the best of them.

Her EP coming out early 2011 with a 5 track release is called –The GIGO EP- (pronounced guy-go).

I personally felt the track she did for the late Dagrin because of it’s real hiphop feel that gets you bobbing your head from beginning to end. Eva is the TRUTH; she is to be feared. Her lyrics and flow are certified.

After listening to Eva, I would suggest Sasha to work harder and Kel should watch her back…

Message from Eva to DaGrin:

“If i could say anything?? I guess this is all i can say – “It’s a gift, priceless gift to have worked with a genius like you and to experience the total bliss of your presence..this song is my prayer in Tribute to the one that lives forever in our hearts -CEO”
Gracias Boss!”

Enjoy her songs and brief interviews:

Eva - Happy Holidays Video

Let's Just Have Fun... Xmas Red this December!

2010-12-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

We all know how Christmas is in the UK and we all know what to do to have a blissful time with family and friends. 'Set Him Off' brings together the best of African and UK Gospel, geared for a Christmas that has to be interesting for you, your friends, university students, kids and family.

The 'GIVE IT UP' - CHRISTMAS RED concert which comes up on the 27th of December 2010 is set to be the biggest gospel music event in the UK this year.

Time: 1pm - 5pm

Location: KLM CENTRE, Unit 1a, Quebec Way, Surrey Quays, LONDON, SE16 7LQ

Gate: Students/Pre-bookings - £5, Regular/Door - £10, VIP - £25 (Access to comedy show/after party), FAMILY SPECIAL (Family of 4) - £20

TICKETS FOR THIS CONCERT CAN BE A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR A LOVED ONE, FAMILY OR FRIEND. Its a family affair, come celebrate with us.

Contact YEMI on +447534520598 for tickets, more details or visit the link www.sethimoff.com.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Rick Ross gets paid $100k to surprise 10 year old boy on his birthday in Abuja!

2010-12-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

AS if the MAMAs was not successful enough for the US rapper Rick Ross, he still ended up getting paid $100,000 (US) in a deal that was brokered on the night (11th Dec) of the 2010 MAMAs in Lagos, to perform at a 10 year old’s birthday party in Abuja.

100,000 big ones! Who are his parents?! The news was tweeted by his official DJ – DJ Sam Sneak, who accompanied him to Lagos for his MAMAs performance. Rick his entourage were flown to Abuja Sunday afternoon to surprise little Igho. I hope MTV cameras were on hand to capture it all go down…this is definitely one for Sweet 16 10 – Naija Edition!

As if that wasn't enough, on Dec 27, 2010 all roads will lead to the Eko Hotel, Lagos, where Kilimanajro Entertainment in association with Storm 360 are organising the “Lagos Shut Down Concert” with Rick Ross.

This concert is headlined by the Teflon Don himself - Rick Ross - ably supported by some of Naija's finest - two of the finest emcee's Africa has to offer back him up with MI locked and loaded and Naeto Super C primed to explode. Also on the bill are Dr. Sid who will bring his infectious hits to the table, “Oleku” crooner himself, Ice Prince, YQ and the emerging young superstar Whiz Kid. Also on the bill is Iyanya – the 1st MTN Project Fame West Africa winner performing his new release “I’m the One”

I guess Nigeria is the next treasure hunt for American artists, as Rick Ross is not the first and wont be last to reap more than what beats the eyes in few days from a country labeled as a third world country were 70% of the population lives below the poverty line, living on less than a $1 a day.

The image is provided by DJ Sam Sneak.

Casey Wins GLO Naija sings...

2010-12-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

27-year old Lagos resident Casey was announced as the second Glo Naija Sings winner on Sunday (5 Dec).

At the end of a spectacular grand finale in which he performed alongside resident judge Tosin Martins and soul-folk singer Bez, Casey beat out Da Brodas and Rasine to take the $100 000 cash prize, a Toyota Rav 4 and a Glo Ambassadorship.

After the show he told the press: "I had won in many stages prior to this time; I had competed against myself; I got out of my comfort zone by performing songs by Fela with my R ‘n’B style; I had to conquer that phobia."

He added; "I intend to invest with the money and get back to school and take care of my family. I want to learn something in a music school. I just don’t want to win this money and disappear into thin air. I want to do something big in music."

We're sure he will!

Here's Casey's favourite performance from the season, from the Top 8 show: Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing"...

2face, Banky W, Eldee and M.I. speak about the SMVA (Soundcity)...

2010-12-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

It is a known fact in Africa that entertainment companies that cut across television and radio broadcast, book and music publishing, awards company and privately set up outlets have at one point or the other tried to organize award ceremonies for the sole purpose of rewarding talents and individuals in the field of music or entertainment in the long run.

However, the entire purpose of owning and promoting a music video awards by Soundcity is to ensure that a divergent arena is used in rewarding artistes in that area of their career. Ultimately, it has now become an annual focus for the music channel to host the event for the large benefit of the continents entertainment sector in that area. This had led them to believe in the question; ‘who is better at critiquing videos other than a 24 hour music channel?

Now in its third year, Soundcity Music Video Awards (SMVA) is an award aimed at setting a standard in the industry of music videos in Africa. As a prestigious award, it takes into cognizance all the appropriate elements and forms that make the composition of genuineness in musical value, through music videos without undue favor. Big upps to Soundcity, they have done African Entertainment well...

SOUNDCITY MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS 2010 ft. TUFACE IDIBIA

SOUNDCITY MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS 2010 ft. BANKY W

SOUNDCITY MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS 2010 ft. ELDEE THE DON

SOUNDCITY MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS 2010 ft. M.I

CNN's Documentary on Nollywood - What's next for Nollywood?

2010-11-23T13:53:00.000-08:00

Some weeks back I wrote a feature on a new Nollywood movie about to be released titled 'The Mirror Boy'. CNN covering a story on Nollywood and using this movie as a point of reference focused on what is next for this fast growing industry.

I stumbled on a comment by 'beaut668' who said, "No matter what Naija remains the Gaint of Africa. we are the entertainment, we are the boss of Entertainment because we know how to make it juicy and real. Am proud to be a Nigerian. Am proud of Nigeria and I pray we will make it to the upper most top once again". I proudly second hand that statement. Naija 4 life!

Enjoy...

CNN - What's next for Nollywood?

Is it offensive to call Nigeria 'Naija'? Silly or not!?...

2010-11-23T13:21:00.000-08:00

The Federal government in Abuja condemned in strong terms the use of Naija in place of Nigeria saying such usage is uncharitable and unpatriotic. The Minister of Information Prof. Dora Akunyili frowned at the continuous use of the word especially by musicians, artist, advert managers and corporate companies.

“It is very offensive to call Nigeria Naija. We are making plans to write to companies to stop using the world Naija. I have heard the name Naija in adverts. I want them to go back and remove that word.If anybody says this is Naija, ask the person ‘Where is Naija?’ We have to stop this word because it is catching up with the young. If we do not put a stop to it’s usage now, it will continue to project us wrongly”, she said.

The Minister’s condemnation was prompted by a sentence in the presentation made by the participants of Heir Apparent Reality Show when they paid her a courtesy visit. In the presentation the sentence ‘Our World Is Naija” was used. She ordered that the sentence be changed to “Our World Is Nigeria.”

Personally, eradicating the word naija shouldn't be an issue. This word is actually a vernacular word (our very own broken English) that differentiates us from other countries round the world. This identity that is spoken on the streets and every corner of the Nigerian community round the world because it makes us stand out when we speak and proudly stands us out, just like how the Chinese and Indians stand out when they speak.

Whereas The minister should focus on other pertinent issues. Naija or Nigeria, we still have millions of people who are unemployed, starving, have no access to constant electricity and such. Or to say the least, in her Ministry Nigerians are still information starved. What is she doing about the Internet situation in Nigeria? What is she doing about the technological and technical improvement of her public institutions; THE NTA (Nigerian Television Authority). Or is it that she dose not watch the BBC? Eradicating the word naija from our vocabulary, which is pretty silly, is the least of our problems.

F Shaw – Moonlight Serenade Official Video and Behind the Making...

2010-11-23T13:04:00.000-08:00

The video for “Moonlight Serenade“ was shot in Johannesburg, South Africa by Fiendish Productions (same crew who did Banky W‘s “Don’t break my heart” video.

Loving the video concept which is loosely based around the 1942 American romantic drama Casablanca in its look and feel. The video focuses on 2 characters who are in love with the lady being the gentleman’s P.O.V. (hey! does anyone remember the group Point Of View) . The gentleman’s character resonates some form of braggadocio which the leading lady isn’t initially impressed by but eventually falls for. He serenades her perfectly from the park bench to dinner and to a final dance.

“c’mon naa, u already know the deal/ c’mon naa, i’m elevating the game/ c’mon naa, get up and roll with a boss I got u”

Enjoy...

F.SHAW- Moonlight Serenade [Official]

Making the Video... F Shaw - Moonlight Serenade

Making The Video - Shina Peters, MI, Nneka, Bez & Ice Prince - Like A Bottle

2010-11-23T12:46:00.000-08:00

Watch the unique making of the song and video for the Hennessy Artistry Nigeria 2010 Theme Song “Like a Bottle” which features some of the hottest names in the Nigerian Industry – MI, Nneka, Bez, the 2009 Hennessy Artistry Winner - Ice Prince & Afro Juju Legend – Sir Shina Peters & production from Kas (beats).

The video production is on point, artists... hmmm most of them are on point, but i cant still pin point why i feel there is something missing in the song. Is it that the artist did not blend with the beat or??? I really cant say.

Now that Sir Shina is back, with all due respect I want to relate his performance here with 2face's current performance when he made the statement that "he is sorry to say, 2face is empty". We can then compare his verse here with 2face's verse in the new song - Hands across the world with R.Kelly, to see if that statement was worth it.

Enjoy the making of the Like a Bottle video...

Official Video: Shina Peters, M.I, Nneka, Bez Ice Prince -- Like A Bottle

2FACE's VIDEO DIARIES - on ONE8 project with R.Kelly... Watch here!

2010-11-18T03:17:00.000-08:00

8 SUPERSTARS FROM ACROSS AFRICA UNITE WITH ONE MAJOR GLOBAL MEGASTAR TO FORM ONE8 – THE ALL STAR GROUP TO TAKE THE BEST IN MUSIC FROM AFRICA ONTO THE GLOBAL STAGE, CONNECTING MILLIONS OF FANS THROUGH THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF MUSIC

Through the power of the universal language of music and combining genres, sounds, voices and audiences - while breaking down stereotypes, geographical borders and divisions - ONE8 is the ultimate music force that is single-handedly changing the face of the African music industry.

Over the past few weeks rumours and speculations have been flying wildly across the internet as everyone tried to predict – or influence - who would be next join ONE8. The waiting is over; and it is a proud thing for us all to know that our very own 2FACE IDIBIA is one of the superstars making up this group

2Face started his musical career with BlackFace and the two of them formed the group Plantashun Boyz, a highly acclaimed group in their own right. However, 2Face has achieved most of his success as a solo artist and is now one of the most internationally recognized celebrities Nigeria has produced in recent years. 2005 saw 2Face become a household name when he took home an MTV Europe award for best African act, a Channel l Music Video Award for Best Male Video and Best African Video (both for "African Queen") and a Kora award for Revelation of the Year. Last year he took an MTV Africa Music Award for Best R&B and as he joins forces with the ONE8 project the sky is the limit for this amazingly talented artist.

Other artists in the ONE8 group include; JK: Zambia, Navio: Uganda, Amani: Kenya, Alikiba: Tanzaniak, 4x4: Ghana, Fally Ipupa: DRC, and Movaizhaleine: Gabon.

Enjoy 2FACE's Diary...

2FACE's VIDEO DIARY on ONE8 project

TANZANIA's ALIKIBA ONE8 DIARY with 2face Idibia

ONE8 - Hands Across the World (Official Music Video)

New Boy - A must watch... Watch here now!

2010-11-16T11:47:00.000-08:00

I am so fascinated with short films, but this particular film is different. So different that it caught my attention and I decided to share it for every one's taste. Based on a short story by Roddy Doyle and written and directed by Steph Green, this poignant and comedic short film deftly captures the experience of being the new kid in school through the eyes of Joseph, a nine year-old African boy.

CAST DETAILS:
•Joseph: Olutunji Ebun-Cole
•Christian Kelly: Simon O'Driscoll.
•Seth Quinn: Fionn O'Shea
•Hazel O Hara: Sinead Maguire.
•Teacher Lady: Norma Sheahan.

Be sure to expect more short films from me. Enjoy...

Watch New Boy Film

Reactions To The President’s $200 Million USD Loan for Nollywood!

2010-11-16T11:32:00.000-08:00

First of all, why wont the government focus on building a standing and self supporting structure for Nollywood, Secondly are loans not meant to be re payed? How do they intend on recouping this fund when there is nothing on ground to enable them recoup it. To me, this is just another method for corruption plus enslaved thinking.

Well am not the only homie taking about this. This are the reactions from Celebrities in the Nigerian Entertainment scene.

Don’t cause inflation —eLDee, musician

I don’t really know how they intend to release money to an industry that doesn’t have a structure. How did they even come by the figure? Some statements are just ambiguous. But if it’s true, it’s a good thing. The problem will be how to share the money. If they can work out a way that a few greedy people will not sit on the money, that will work. You don’t just give stimulus to people without a structure. They should put a structure in place and then tell us what you want to be done with the money. Don’t just cause inflation.

List out modalities– Bond Emerewu, CONGA president

We are yet to understand the modalities for accessing the fund. Therefore I cannot make any official statement in connection with the pronouncement by Mr. President at the moment.

Actually, I’m aware of the announcement but we want to keep our fingers crossed as we watch development before coming out with a statement.

Soft loans is the way to go — Cally Ikpe

The president has good intentions no doubt but I can’t trust the implementation. They’ve not shown me any sign of seriousness.

They need to work hard and convince us this is not a fluke. I know he means well. The mechanics that will be employed so that this doesn’t turn into a national cake is what we await. I’ll suggest that the money should be deposited in the financial institutions and disbursed in terms of soft loans without stringent conditions. Integrity is also key. We should work on ourselves.

Only elected excos should appropriate the fund — Emeka Ike

It’s a welcome development but only a democratically elected exectives can appropriate the fund. The said fund can only be useful to Nollywood when the crisis rocking the industry is resolved.

Actually, we welcome the gesture but the industry must be refocused and made to be crisis-free to enable us benefit from the fund.

It’s a blessing — Weird MC, artist

I think for once that we should be positive. I think it’s a good thing for the industry. It’s a blessing. I just hope the money gets into the right hands especially the upcoming acts.

Hope it’s not a political statement— Alex Eyengho

It’s no doubt a boost to the entire Nigerian entertainment industry. However, As members of the Association of Core Nollywood Producers(ANCOP) we hope this is not a mere policy or political statement.

In terms of utilization, the Nigerian entertainment industry must first be properly defined. Nollywood’s share of the gesture should be put on hold and kept in an escrow yielding account until MOPICON is put in place.

For now, the fund should not be handed over to any individual or group of self-serving individuals in whatever names, masquerading as representative of the entire Nollywood practitioners.

Nollywood promoted in award-winning 3D animation... Isn't it high time?!

2010-11-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

A Nigerian film company is gaining global attention by producing award-winning 3D animation titles made from an African perspective.

TransTales Entertainment was started in 2005 on a budget of less than 5 000 dollars by Nigerians Segun Williams and Obinna Onwuekwe, and is the first film company to produce African themed 3D animation films to fill the void in animation with myriads of authentic African stories.

The titles produced by TransTales are widely acclaimed by industry experts and the animated series "Mark of Uru" recently won the United Nations World Summit Award for the use of technology to promote African culture. The UN praised the series for its combination of digital expertise with local folk story, imagery and culture.

African accents
"Mark of Uru" is written and directed by Obinna Owuekwe and produced by Segun Williams. Owuekwe also lends his voice to two of the characters: The Warrior and Isi Agu. The costumes and makeup are authentically African and the series has a woman empowerment theme embedded in it. The voices also feature varied accents, mostly Igbo and Efik from West Africa.

At least this is a start, we expect more from them in the nearest future. Kudos!!! Enjoy the movie trailer and teasers...

Trailer

Teaser 1: Mark of Uru Teaser

Teaser 2: Business and Pleasure Teaser

A Bollywood with Nollywood Mix... 9ice!!!

2010-11-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

Ramesh Babu Raparthy is an Indian filmmaker who knows the geography of Nigeria more than most Nigerians. This charismatic young filmmaker has worked on several Yoruba film productions, had a stint at the D’Banj’s Koko Mansion Reality TV and the Jay Jay Okocha Show too. Currently, he is working with Lilian Bach on a Nollywood film to be shot majorly in Hyderabad, India.
“Tinapa is the film city of Nigeria,” he says. “I’m sure you don’t know there.” Ramesh talks about the beautiful landscape where the so-called film city is built and the man-made beaches. He speaks passionately about Nigeria; a country he says has a lot to offer to the world. “I find it appalling when you get onto forums for expatriates and people are saying, ‘Be careful in Nigeria. Nigerians are this and that.’ I feel like shutting someone up. These are foreigners who come here and go to work from their homes and know nothing about the country they live in.”

Nollywood, he says, is not known to Indians. He is going to introduce it to Indians in India very soon. He has encountered a lot of Nigerians who can sing Hindi songs clearly and that amazes him. He has met Nigerians who are huge fans of Amitabh Bachchan and Dhamendra and these Nigerians follow the lives of these Bollywood stars, including Shah Rukh Khan. “I have a lot of plans,” he adds. “I’m in touch with some Nigerians who have close ties with India to present a show or carnival titled, Namaste Naija. It will feature good dances and choreography from Bollywood stars, costume workshops and scriptwriting workshops too.” More of cultural exchanges? “More than that,” he smiles. “It will afford Indians the opportunity to know the good side of Nigeria. It will show Indians that Nigeria is not the country we read about in the media. A lot of good stuff dey come out from Naija.”

For him, The Figurine by Kunle Afolayan is a movie that challenged his sensibility and he believes that Nigerian filmmakers can do better. “You have your story,” he says. “What you should do then is to engage a foreign company for collaboration and from there, your story which transcends the screen gets an international appeal.” This is exactly what most Nigerian productions lack, but Ramesh is ready to bring in that flavour.

He has wonderful ideas to help Nollywood and Bollywood come together. He’s working on a Bollywood film too that will be entirely shot in Nigeria. His movie idea that will have Nigerian tourists in Bangkok sounds like a blockbuster already. For of course, the way he talks about the camera operation and handling, you know that Ramesh is a gem and is here to push the two countries forward.

Snoop Dog to Collabo with D'banj? WOW!!

2010-11-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

In recent weeks, D’banj has been constantly in the news for one controversy or the other. Notably was his scuffle with video director Clarence Peters few weeks back.

His outburst was reported to have resulted from the ‘ridiculous’ cost of N3m charged by Mr Peters for the shoot of his highly anticipated ‘Scapegoat’ video.

Sources say the ugly incident occurred on the set of MTV’s ‘REP NAIJA’ Video shoot, which the Capital Hill boss was directing. He walked Dbanj out of the set after the Scapegoat singer allegedly made some ugly remarks about him, Ill Bliss, MTV and DJ Tee.

Now the new buzz coming from the Mo’hits headquarters is the appearance of the Dogg father (Snoop) on Dbanj’s ‘Mr Endowed remix’. Fans, friends and the media are already asking questions – anticipating to know the truth about the collaboration as many are wondering if it’s not another alleged ‘doctored’ track like that of 2face’s ‘Flex’ with R.Kelly.

According to Don Jazzy’s Twitter status on Friday 29th October 2010, the collaboration is a fact.

‘Hi tweeps. So everyone is asking me about ENDOWED RMX ft snoop dogg. Good news is YES its true. Bad news is today is not the release date’, he Tweeted through his handle @donjazzymohits.

If this development is confirmed, then Mr Oyebanjo was with his right senses when he came out of the blues to declare his new nickname as Mr Endowed. And with the Koko Mobile, Koko Mattress and Koko Water still in the pipeline, it will be unfair to say D’banj’s newly acquired alias is not justified.

‘Mr Endowed remix should have been out last Friday but there are some internal issues being sorted out in Snoop Dog’s camp, that’s why it’s delayed. It will be released this week’, one of Mo’hits sons, D’Prince tells.

Snoop Dogg’s management has not still given any response to this.