NOMINEES FOR 9JAHIPHOP AWARDS 2010

STREET SINGLE OF THE YEAR

Banger – Skuki

Hustler - Durella

Oti Yan Yan – Slim Joe

Omoba – Da Prince

BEST R&B SONG BY DUO OR GROUP

Because of your love – Plus one

Jangolover – Jimmy Flamez/Dr Frabz

Best of the Best - Faze/Tuface/Blackface

Can’t Wait – C-Mion/Waje

BEST RAP SONG BY DUO OR GROUP

Feel Good Music – Eldee/Naeto C/Dr Frabz/Jimmy Flamez

Virus – Lord of Ajasa/Da grin/Suspect/YQ

Jooor (remix) – Jahbless/Ruggedman/Eldee/Durella/Reminisce/Ice Prince

Oti Ya Were – Terry da Rapman/MI

BEST COLLABO

Life Anagaga – Timaya/MI

Ko se Fo Wo Ra – Lord of Ajasa/Jemima/7^th Chord

Remember – Bracket/Tuface

Facebook Love – Jaywon/Essence

R&B SONG OF THE YEAR

Only Me – Tuface Idibia

Swagha yi Poju – SLV

Boom Boom – Durella

Mr Endowed –D’banj

RAP SONG OF THE YEAR

I am William – 2shotz

10/10 – Naeto C

Oleku – Ice prince

Koleyewon – Eldee

GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR

Infinity – Press On

Kefee – Thank you

KSB/Iceprince – Alaye

Ibk – Tongues

ALTERNATIVE SONG OF THE YEAR

Owusagi – Wizboy

Plus one love – Plus One

I celebrate – Wacomzy

In this place – Yemi Sax

CLUB BANGER OF THE YEAR

Implication – Tuface Idibia

Gbamu Gbamu – 9ice

One by One – Side 1/Terry G

Pop Champagne – Dr Sid/D’banj

SONG OF THE YEAR

Only Me – Tuface

Owusagi – Wizboy

Oleku – Ice Prince/Brymo

Because of Your Love – Plus One

R&B ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Red Light – C-mion

Unstoppable (International Edition) – Tuface

Beautiful Imperfection - Asa

One by One – Side One

RAP ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Is it Your Money Volume 1 – Eldee

Boyz are Not Smiling – Terry da Rapman

Third Avenue – Lord of Ajasa

I am William – 2 shotz

ALTERNATIVE ALBUM OF THE YEAR

De Rebirth – Timaya

Commercial Class – Plus One

Virtuoso – Yemi Sax

Legacy - Duncan Mighty

GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Eledumare – K’ore

Turn Around - KSB

Back at  One - Rooftop MCs

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Unstoppable (International Edition) - Tuface

Commercial Class – Plus One

Is It your Money Volume 1 – Eldee

Boyz are Not Smiling – Terry da Rapman

MIXTAPE OF THE YEAR

Da Freshness Mixtape – Teeto Ceemos

Phero da Great mixtape – Pherowshuz

Pay At-10-shun – Modenine/Alias

The First Impression Mixtape – Fecko

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Mr Endowed – D’banj

Sho wa Sexy – Klever Jay/Ruggedman

E no Easy – P Square

Kele Kele – Tiwa Savage

ALBUM COVER OF THE YEAR

Red light – C-mion

One by One – Side 1

Turning point – Dr Sid

Untouchable - Ruggedman

BEST NEW ARTIST

Plus One

Maye Hunta

Side One

Vector

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

J Sleek

Don Jazzy

Eldee

Sunny Smile

NIGERIAN ACTS LEAD THE WAY AT MAMA 2010

Nigeria’s 2Face, and Congolese artist Fally Ipupa led the winners at the third edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel (MAMA), each taking home two trophies at the music awards ceremony at the Eko Expo Hall, Lagos on 11 December 2010.

Nominated in four separate categories, Fally Ipupa scored wins for Best Video (“Sexy Dance”) and Best Francophone act while 2Face, a former MAMA winner from 2009, picked up trophies for Artist of the Year and Best Male.

P square, Sasha and Mo cheddah complete the list of Nigerian acts that won awards. below is the full list of winners.

MAMA 2010 WINNERS IN FULL

Best Anglophone – Daddy Owen (Kenya)

Best Francophone – Fally Ipupa (DRC)

Best Lusophone – Cabo Snoop (Angola)

Artist of the Year – 2Face (Nigeria)

Best Female – Sasha (Nigeria)

Best Male – 2Face (Nigeria)

Best Video – Fally Ipupa (DRC): “Sexy Dance”

Best Group – P-Square (Nigeria)

Brand New Act - Mo’Cheddah (Nigeria)

Best Performance – Big Nuz (South Africa)

Song of the Year – Liquideep (South Africa): “Fairytale”

MAMA Legend – Miriam Makeba (South Africa)

Best International – Eminem (USA)

JOOOR (REMIX) - 9JAHIPHOP'S MISSING VERSE.

How do you make a hot song hotter? Make a dope remix with the hottest artists around. Quite simple you might say, but if it was that easy, your favorite artist will have a hot remix out there, which kind of explains why Jahbless’s “joor (remix)” has been well received in all quarters.  You don’t get to hear a good remix like that all the time and believe it or not; it would have sounded better if my verse had made the final cut.  You know how me and Jahbless go way back, so when he was cooking up the remix, he hit me up and this is the story of how I missed out on what is gradually turning into the remix of the year.

When I got Jah’s call on my radio, I packed up my bags and went to the car park, but all the flights had been cancelled, then I ran to the airport but the only available ship didn’t have a conductor so I had to travel from PH to Lagos on a horse and as I am blogging on my nokia 3310, I just hope that when I get to Lagos, I can pay the cab drivers there with my ATM.

Get acquainted with my own verse and feel free to add yours (jooor)

Father u turn oni fe di pope

Timaya oni fe wa ni interscope

dj tee oni fe shoot video pelu webcam

Naeto c oni fe wa ni defjam

M.I oni fe feature jay z

Eedris oni fe gba grammy

Don jazzy oni fe shey beat bi swizzy

Pype oni fe fi dada e we ti weezy

Charlie boy oni fe join ruff ryders

Mohits oni fe shaye bi rocafella

D,banj oni fe shey porn bi justin slayer

Omotola oni fe jo bi shakira

Muma Gee, shey ole di bi Lady Gaga

Essence, ko rin ju Rihanna

Skuki oni fe lo abuja lo yin banger

Kollington oni fe pa ariwo swagger

Daddy showkey oni fe ko reggaeton

Tuface oni fe losi ewon bi akon

Weird Mc oni fe se sex tape

Wunmi Obe lo ri runway

kelly hansome shey ole fi we Drake

Modenine ati Dj Drama, shey won le se mixtape

Sauce Kid oni fe jabo pelu D-block

Teeto Ceemos, oleri lori Detox

9ICE VS RUGGEDMAN - THERE WILL BE BLOOD

 Like a meteorologist predicts the weather and a psychic stares into a crystal ball and tell you the future, I am about to tell you where the Ruggedman vs 9ice beef is headed.

No beef is good but the worst kind of beef is the one between friends, when this whole Ruggedy/9ice Brouhaha started, I could have sworn it was never going to degenerate to this level. From what I know about these dudes, they were once as thick as thieves. It was Ruggedman that gave 9ice his big break courtesy of his monster hit “Ruggedy baba”, some might argue that it was 2shotz “make them talk” that brought 9ice to the limelight, but even the alapomeji crooner himself will always tell you that Ruggedman made the most impact in his career. When the time came for 9ice to take someone to home to mama, who was there for him? Ruggedy again!

No sooner had Ruggedman introduced 9ice to Toni payne, it was “kutupa kutupa, eshin gan ga”, and they were at the altar, and they lived happily ever after (you wish), and then there was Zion. It was all good (or so we thought) in the alapomeji household until 9ice released “once bitten, twice shy” off his “tradition” album, then they announced their separation after which rumors of infidelity started surfacing, accusations and counter accusations started flying around and soon enough, all fingers were pointed in Ruggedy’s direction. In a bid to clear his name (so he said), Ruggedy went ahead to record his now infamous phone conversation with 9ice and then everything started snowballing.

Now that 9ice has taken the first shot via his weed carrier Seriki, I think it is time to ask the question that has been preying on our minds. Where is 9ice going with this? Is he trying to tell us that Ruggedy fathered Zion? Because it has become difficult to believe that all this noise is to boost album sales. With 9ice relying on Seriki to take care of his business, who will ruggedy call on? Is Jaffer still alive and where the fuck is Abounce when you need him?

Ruggedman is in the battle of his career right now; this is a battle he cannot afford to lose (not after the modenine debacle). If I say I know where this is going to end, I will be lying but one thing I know is that the odds are stacked heavily in Ruggedy’s favour, all he has to say to win this war is one sentence. “You claim to be a playa but I fucked your wife” and there will be blood.

EMBER-VAGANZA

It clearly looks like the year will go out with a big bang (musically speaking), just looking at all the albums that have been released since October and those that will hit stores before the year runs out is enough to make any naija music aficionado go crazy with joy. It’s not like 2010 has been terrible but it hasn’t been too good either. There is no hit song out there that we can proudly point to neither do we have any hot album that is worth putting on repeat.

Plus one’s Commercial Class is the closest you can come to a hot album and Tuface’s only me is the only song I can listen to repeatedly right now. It is really poor from any angle you look at it; Just take a look at all the artistes who already had albums out before the ember months rolled in. Timaya, Jesse Jagz, Eedris, Eldee, C-mion, House of Gingah, Dr Sid, Modenine, Maye Hunta, Duncan Mighty, Side one,  just to name a few all failed to score a nationwide hit. Actually I am not one to dwell on the past so I am staring at the present and looking into the future to see what we have in stock.

I am YQ –YQ

 Boyz are not Smiling – Terry da Rapman

Beautiful Imperfection – Asa

Me, Myself and Eyes – Omotola

Versus – 9ice

Untitled – Ruggedman

Made in Heaven – Tony Tetuila

Oga Boss – Illbliss

Mr Endowed – D’banj

One in a Million – Solidstar

The State of Surprise – Vector

I am William – 2 shotz

Untitled – P square

Super C Season – Naeto C

End of Discussion –Dat Nigga Raw

Names of Noise Makers – Kelly Hansome

Sasha Speaks – Sasha

Reconfigurated - Durella

Words ain’t enough – Waje

Franchise Celebrity – Mo cheddah

My Name is Essien – Freestyle

The Alliance – Ikechukwu

Broken Silence – Weird MC

Untitled – Darey art Alade

Frankly speaking, not all of these albums will see the light of day and of those that do, not all will be worth the wait. I hate to admit it but a P square album will be refreshing, although anything that sounds dangerous will not be tolerated. Freestyle and 2shotz will definitely come out with something hot, and Asa’s Beautiful Imperfection will most likely end up being a classic. I am going to resist the urge to talk about everybody on that list and wait to see if some of them can surprise me. Enjoy the ember music is what I always say.

WRITERS BLOCK 2 - RECESS IS OVER

I have been gone for a minute and it is starting to feel like an eternity, feels good to be back before you had the chance to miss me. Did you guys really think I wasn’t coming back? Think again!!! I just wanted to see what my contemporaries will do without me. As it turns out, they are nothing without me. So now I can do anyhow unto say nobody fit challenge me.

I went from site to site, blog to blog and it is clear to see that these dudes are miles behind me, in fact I am about to pass them twice. When I say writers block, it doesn’t mean that I don’t have anything to write or say. It means I have so much to say but so little time to say it. The other day I was thinking of writing an apology to my blog but I only got as far as “if I wasn’t married to my day job, it would be you”, I think that will suffice.

A lot of stuff has been going down while I was away (more like on leave), Terry G having an accident after an altercation with Side One (I think I missed that), Kel absconding from Capital (everyone saw that one coming), and the overly overhyped ruggedman vs 9ice beef, that I am not interested in discussing (yet). I heard from a reliable source that Ikechukwu was kicked out of mohits for being too parasitic (whatever that means), in short we ain’t getting that alliance album anytime soon.

Truth be told, the first time I heard Tuface’s “only me” (which wasn’t too long ago, believe it or not), I kept wondering who it was that could have oppressed Tu baba so much that he will make a song about it (now I know better), I mean it is Tu “DADDY” we are talking about here, the father of many children (at least he has something to be proud of). When you look at the naija music industry, you will be hard pressed to find any artiste richer (don’t mention Naeto C) or more famous (Including D’banj & P square) than Tuface Idibia. I am not going to jump to conclusions on this one because Mikel Obi just doesn’t strike me as a proud dude, so I will wait till I hear both sides of the story which will probably be when Mikel decides to release his album or Tuface goes on trial with a London club (where he might stand a chance of scoring an actual goal) and make his statement on the pitch. Until then the scores stands at 1-0 in favor of the super eagles’ captain-in-waiting.

Before I go on, I have a confession to make. I am increasingly finding it difficult to wrap my mind around anything that has to do with naija music (blame it on D’banj’s endowed and all the artistes that featured on Obesere’s supposedly hip hop album). The quality of naija music is steadily declining and most songs on the radio these days are uninspiring.  There are a lot of songs/albums out there that I won’t even listen to unless I was paid to (Trust me; money can make any music bearable). Looks to me like 9jahiphop is dying, before it reaches ICU, I will be onto the next one.

Don’t sleep on me homies, your boy don’t play, recess is OVER……………………………………………………………

TALK IS CHEAP 13

Everyday when I wake up, I realize that talk just got expensive over night. Nowadays it is so difficult for me to keep up with what is going on around me that I barely have enough time to talk about it.

MUSIC TALK

A lot of people won’t want to hear this but Konga has an album out titled “Eno Swagger King”.

Eedris Abdul Kareem’s album “Unfinished Business” is now in stores.

Durella’s album “Reconfigurated” is also available.

Although it has been long coming, fans of Sauce Kid now have something to smile about as his debut album hit stores nationwide.

Naeto C continues to whet his fans appetite as he recently released a new song off his upcoming album “Super C Season” titled “10/10”.

Modenine also dropped a new cut “lose you” off his upcoming mixtape “Pay Attention”.

Singer, YQ has re-established his buzz with the release of “efimile (remix)” featuring Naeto C, Banky W, Ice Prince, MI & Eldee which will be on his forth coming debut “I am YQ”. 

Lagbaja’s former back up singer, Ego has released a new single “fall in love” and is presently working on her debut album.

Pherowshuz who was featured on Terry da rapman’s “sample” just released a mixtape titled “phero the great”, it is available for download on notjustok.com.

Asa’s sophomore album titled “Beautiful Imperfection” is scheduled for release in October and the first single off it “be my man” has already been released.

VIDEO TALK

So many good videos are out right now, but these are the most recent that I can recommend.

2shotz ft MI – Make Some Noise

Timaya – Plantain Boy

Eldee – Ota mi

Chuddy K & Mo’cheddah – Shampoo

D’banj – Mr Endowed

Lagbaja – Bling Bling Panda

Waje – For a Minute

IN THE NEWS

P Square might not be putting out music but they are still making waves and they recently showed how easy it is by acquiring a range rover sports and a BMW X6 just after completing their 100 million naira mansion and to cap it all up, they are now officially Glo ambassadors.

Fans of Dat Nigga Raw might be in for a good time if he changes his name as that will make it easier for them to google his music, pictures and videos.

Ace producer, Terry G had a terrible car crash recently, no news yet on his state of health.

D’banj is preparing to unleash his customized phones Koko mobile really soon, keep your eyes peeled for that one.

POISONED PEN 6

Can freestyle successfully make a comeback?

What will people say if Tolu Maintain suddenly blows up and becomes rich?

Is kennis music trying to jeopardize Kelly Hansome's career because of Jaywon?

Would it be acceptable for Ruggedman to release his album without a Modenine diss track?

Since Faze is kinda like a mentor to Terry G, will he be getting free beats from him for his next album?

Am i the only one who thinks that Sauce Kid spends more time online than he spends in the studio?

Still on sauce Kid, are we going to wait for five years again to get another album from him?

What have we learnt from Da grin's death?

When will a hip hop artiste become PMAN president?

Where is Jazzman Olofin?

How many people actually bought Tuface's Unstoppable - international edition?

Did D'banj reignite his career by kissing genevieve in the video for "fall in love"?

With keke doing the adlibs on Eedris's album, isn't it just a matter of time before he decides to release an album?

Who is more deserving of a national award, P square or Aki of Aki & Pawpaw fame?

With Wande Coal's nude picture circulating all over the internet, is it safe to say that his beef with Kelly Hansome has gone viral?

When will someone tell Terry da Rapman that spending two hours in a police cell doesn't count as doing time?

Can 18 videos make tony tetuila's album more appealing?

Wasn't MI stylishly dissing Sauce Kid with his top 10 naija rappers tweet?

ONYEKA ONWENU COMMENCES TOUR

Nigeria’s soul singer, Onyeka Onwenu, began a nationwide tour aimed at publicizing her latest musical works – “Legends, Nigeria @ 50 and Inspiration For Change,” all of which were released three months ago. The tour tagged; “Inspiration for Change Tour” is part of the massive publicity strategy Onwenu and her management company, Ayollo Productions, have drawn up to get the three CDs across to as many Nigerians as possible.

According to her publicist, Toni Payne, the tour which will take the musician and her crew round the six geo – political zones in the country took off in Lagos last week..
“The idea of the tour is to tell Nigerians about the need for attitudinal change; Inspiration for Change Tour is to further educate her fans and Nigerians in general on the essence of ‘one man, one vote. It is about change in all facets of our nationhood,” Payne said.

“For the tour, a website, inspirationforchange.com has equally been opened where her fans can download songs contained in Inspiration for Change CD and pictures for free.
They will also get all the information the need about the tour from the website. They are also encouraged to make comments which will be responded to personally by Onwenu.”

P SQUARE UNVEILED AS GLO AMBASSADORS

Nigerian telecommunications giant, Globacom have formally signed on hip hop sensation duo, Peter and Paul of P-Square as brand ambassadors at a breathtaking ceremony which also saw the contracts for other Glo ambassadors renewed. The event, held at the Mike Adenuga Towers in Lagos, was another opportunity for the crop of Globacom ambassadors to reaffirm their commitment to the telecom icon for endorsing them and for taking such a commendable step to lift Nigeria’s entertainment industry to a higher pedestal.

P-Square, the newest addition to the classy list of Glo ambassadors, described the endorsement as a welcome recognition of the group’s contribution to the entertainment industry in Nigeria and indeed Africa, adding that this would spur the duo to greater achievements in the music industry.

Globacom’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr Mohamed Jameel said that the engagement of P-Square as brand ambassador and the renewal of the contract for others was a testimonial to the willingness of Globacom to always recognise the vast, shining talents that abound in the country.

“P-Square remains a well focused and popular music group and the youths of this country and this continent would find the group worthy of emulation. The choice of P-Square to join our brand ambassadors was therefore not misplaced. We have carefully selected our crop of brand ambassadors and we believe they represent the very best in their chosen professions,” he disclosed.

“We have been actively projecting enterprising Nigerians who have excelled in their fields of endeavor. We are of the firm belief that their faces would help fire the aspirations and dreams of many youths to reach for their goals and rule their world”, Mr Jameel added.

He also said that the feedback from the public largely influenced the renewal of the contracts of the ambassadors as there has been wide acceptance and recognition for the step taken by Globacom to lift the status of Nigerian stars.

Stars whose contracts were renewed at the event included Ramsey Nouah, Desmond Elliot, Jim Iyke, Mike Ezuruonye, Nuhu Aliyu, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal and Ini Edo-Phillip Ehiagwina. Others were Uche Jombo, Monalisa Chinda, Funke Akindele, Nonso Diobi, Sanni Denja and Mohammed Yakubu.
Also on the bill were Pasuma Wonder, Original Stereoman (Ekwe), Ego Ogbaro, Sammie Okposo and ace comedian, Basketmouth.

NOMINEES FOR THE 2010 CHANNEL O MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS ANNOUNCED

Nominees for the 2010 channel O music awards have been released and as usual Naija artistes didn't disappoint as they were nominated in various categories. Check below to see which one of your favorite artists made the list.

MOST GIFTED MALE VIDEO
WANDE COAL – BUMPER TO BUMPER
BANKY W – STRONG TING
ZEUS – CHAMPAGNE MUSIC
BLACK COFFEE FT.ZAKES BANTWINI – JUJU
K’NAAN – T.I.A

MOST GIFTED FEMALE VIDEO
WITNESS ATTENTION – PLEASE
KENNY SAINT BROWN FT DA GRIN – TURN ME AROUND
MO’CHEDDAH FT.OTHELLO – IF YOU WANT ME
THEMBI SEETE – FREE
LIZHA JAMES FT. LOYISO – VOU TE ATACAR

MOST GIFTED NEWCOMER
OCTAVE COUPLET FT. HYDRO – DO UR THANG 1C
DJINEE – OVERKILLIN’
L–TIDO FT.T-P – CALLING
GABRIELA MINA – NAWENA
M.I. FT. DJINEE – SAFE

MOST GIFTED DUO, GROUP OR FEATURING
M.I. FT. DJINEE – SAFE
TUMI FT.BRICKS & TRACY LEE – BAMBEZELA
OBITA FT.LOYISO – EVERYBODY DANCE
P SQUARE FT.J-MARTINS – E NO EASY
DEEP LEVEL – WE RUN THIS CITY

MOST GIFTED DANCE VIDEO
DJ CLEO – MZIMBA SHAKER
BIG NELO – HOJE E SURRA
BIG NUZ FT.DJ TIRA – UMLILO
DJ VETKOEK VS MAHOOTA/PROFESSOR – BAYETE
LIQUIDEEP – FAIRYTALE

MOST GIFTED RAGGA DANCEHALL VIDEO
GENERAL PYPE FT.NAETO C,VECTOR, SASHA, DA GRIN & GT – CHAMPION (REMIX)
SAMINI – SWEET MISTAKE
BUFFALO SOULJAH – TOO MANY OF ME
WYRE – UPRISING
KWELA TEBZA FT. VARIOUS ARTISTS – BETTER DAY (REMIX)

MOST GIFTED AFRO POP
D’BANJ – FALL IN LOVE
NTHANDO – NGIYOSEBENZA
NAMELESS & HABIDA – SUNSHINE
ANOGIRI -OYIBO
JOZI – PARTY TIME

MOST GIFTED RNB
JON GERMAIN – IN MY HEAD
TOLUMIDE – MY LOVE
GELLY – MZURI
URBAN REIGN – ADDICTED
ANSELMO RALPH – DOMESTICADO

MOST GIFTED KWAITO
GAZZA – SHUKUSHA
BIG NUZ/DJ TIRA – UMLILO
FISHMAN FT GAL LEVEL – LET’S HOOK UP
MZAMBIYA/HOWZA – BADALA
TKZEE – SDUDLA

MOST GIFTED HIP HOP VIDEO
K’NAAN – T.I.A
J.R FT. HIP HOP PANTSULA – SHOW DEM (MAKE THE CIRCLE BIGGER)
D-BLACK & KWAKU T – BREATHE
NAETO C – AKO MI TI POJU
TEARGAS – GO AWAY

MOST GIFTED SOUTH VIDEO
BUFFALO SOULJAH – EZANDHLA PHEZULU (HANDS UP)
PROVERB FT. HIP HOP PANTSULA – BREADWINNER
DAMA DO BLING – CASAR COM OUTRA
BIG NUZ FT. DJ TIRA – UMLILO
PRO – SEKELE

MOST GIFTED EAST VIDEO
WYRE – UPRISING
AVRIL – MAMA
NAMELESS & HABIDA – SUNSHINE
OBITA/LOYISO – EVERYBODY DANCE
SHAA – ZAMU YANGU

MOST GIFTED WEST VIDEO
2 FACE – IMPLICATIONS
BECCA/SAMINI – FIRE (REMIX)
DA GRIN – PON PON PON
J-TOWN – GUNS & ROSES
SASHA FT.NAETO C/SAUCE KID – MAKING MONEY (REMIX)

MOST GIFTED VIDEO OF THE YEAR
TEARGAS PARTY 101
D-BLACK &KWAKU-T – BREATHE
LIZHA JAMES FT. LOYISO – VOU TE ATACAR
M.I. FT. DJINEE – SAFE
TKZEE – DIKAKAPA
K’NAAN – T.I.A

ALBUM REVIEW - LEGACY - DUNCAN MIGHTY

Most people didn’t know Duncan mighty initially, not until after his hit single “dance for me” started impacting dance floors nationwide did people begin to pay attention and then his debut album “Koli water” began to get the recognition it deserved. With a totally different style like no other, it was no surprise that his sophomore album was one of the most anticipated albums of the year.

With mounting pressure, unbelievable expectations, and the musical burdens of the Port Harcourt people on his shoulder, Duncan mighty hit the studio for the follow up to his successful debut album “Koli water” knowing that he had no option but to deliver, hence the birth of “Legacy”. Without his friend & collaborator Sandaz black or any other artist for that matter on board, the Port Harcourt first son goes in all alone.

From the opening track “hand of Jesus”, one does not need to have the brightest mind to understand that Wene mighty was never alone. The lead single “ahamefuna” showcases the much more reserved and changed man Duncan mighty has become while “na God” sees him toeing the gospel line again. The pendulum swings into mainstream on “isimgbaka”, which is vintage wene mighty on a dancehall beat, proclaiming his love for the girl of his dreams.

The obligatory rep-your-hood song comes in the form of “port harcourt son”, but it is on “I don’t give a shot” where we catch a glimpse of the Duncan mighty we all know and love as he manages to score a hit with this one. With lines like “its another hit, get busy, if you dey kolobi your baby, you be junkie, it’s a portharcourt and lagos party, a collabo of tombo and henessey” wene quickly explains to the uninitiated what a PH/Lagos party is supposed to be like and on the second verse, he takes a dig at nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson, “one shot, mercy Johnson nearly touch my rod, I don’t know what to do cos I no fit talk, I come dey feel like person wey dey chop kolanut, could be sweet or bitter, whether yes or not, if you lovee me, I will lovee u, if you gbadun me, I will gbadun u, if you givee me, I go givee u, no dey carry ikebe dey television me”.

For an artist who has had incredible success, it’s hard not to try and recreate that, which is what wene tries on “I love u” where he uses the same beat he used for his hit single “dance for me”. On “same fire” he gets on his knees and pleads with the lord to give him power to conquer his enemies and if you run into wene mighty at any point in time, he will probably be armed as he claims that “the fire of God is his pump action”. The regrettable “golden ring” covers admirable subject matter but lacks execution while “obianuju”, “aroma” and “I no fit shout” all fail to lift the album on the back end. 

They say that heaven helps those who help themselves and wene mighty doesn’t help himself this time around, so it is easy to understand why “legacy” falls below expectation. On this album Duncan mighty becomes too predictable as when he is not praising God, he is wooing some girl. Duncan mighty might be a great artist but one thing that he certainly isn’t is a one man band

RATING – 5/10

PLAY – isimgbaka, I don’t give a shot, ahamefuna, same fire, goodluck jonathan

SKIP – I love you, golden ring, Indian girl, obianuju

                       

ALBUM REVIEW - THIRD AVENUE - LORD OF AJASA

Lord of Ajasa’s journey in the naija rap wilderness has been a long and arduous one. From his shaky debut “its too much” to his solid sophomore “second turning by the right” he has finally arrived on “third avenue”. For a pioneer of Yoruba inspired rap, staying relevant has become a priority and in the face of growing competition, Ajasa goes in real hard. With ID cabasa out of the picture, Ajasa pitches his tent with K solo and Yeankeys on the production tip and fills the guest spot on his junior album with the likes of YQ, Jemima, 7^th chord, the late Da grin, The suspect, Isolate, Klever jay, Reminisce and Pasuma.

The first single off the album “bo se nlo” featuring Pasuma finds them both going toe to toe flaunting their street connections and affiliations, lines like “mo mon ti mo le se, ma ma foju dimi, mo lenu ladugbo mi, mo mo eyan ladugbo keji” might come across as mere chest thumping but with every verse on the song dedicated to street credibility, it’s safer to give them the respect they deserve.

On “ko se fowo ra”, Ajasa teams up with songstress Jemima and together they deliver an outstanding love song that is bound to be every first time listener’s choice. The Klever jay assisted “its ok” keeps things ticking along smoothly but the joy is short lived as you encounter the unnecessary and unwanted “nigbatawa nikekere (remix)” which also paves the way for the instantly forgettable Yeankeys produced “swagger na swagger”.

The album’s most optimistic moment is also one of its saddest as Ajasa vibrantly swaps verses with the late CEO Da grin on “virus” with YQ on the hook. The album moves on with the mellow “moving on” where he raps with a lot of determination and struggles to convince us that he is the finished product but his claims sound more believable on “kon nse voodoo” where he lyrically murders the competition and proclaims himself the lyrical king kong of naija rap.  With witty lines like “min se rapper mo, mo ti di rap, to ba fe mo ona, wa fi mi she map, ajasa, baba agbalagba, on’le fe kuru ju laba, gbogbo ijaya. Music industry, tin ba ti wole, se ni won ma gbe ito mi, won ja ni ile keji, iyen o kan mi, mi o jo anybody, she ni won fe jo mi” such claims are definitely not outlandish.

Backed by K solo’s lush piano keys and saxophone, Ajasa changes tactics on “ojumo ire” where he sings and praises God for his trials, tribulation and successes. After which everything becomes a bunch of misses, from the agreeably cheesy and agonizingly schmaltzy “owo epo” featuring Isolate, to his cheap attempts at crafting a club banger on “bragaad” and “straight to the dance floor”, Ajasa succeeds in undoing all his good works.

With Third avenue, Lord of Ajasa successfully changes his sound and gets a lot of stuff off his chest but fails miserably at the most important mission of all, stamping his authority on the naija rap game. Hopefully by the time he gets to fourth close or takes the fourth turning on the left he will finally get it right.

RATING – 6/10

PLAY – bo se nlo, ko se fowo ra, its ok, kon nse voodoo, virus, moving on

SKIP – bragaad, nigbatawa nikekere (remix), straight to the dance floor

ALBUM REVIEW - TURNING POINT - DR SID

 Just when we were thinking that Mohits records couldn’t come up with a dud and Don jazzy couldn’t touch anything without turning it into gold, out comes Dr sid with his long overdue debut album “turning point” to prove us wrong. After cutting his teeth in rap with defunct rap collective Da trybe alongside 2shotz, Sasha, Timi & Del, Dr sid then moved on and pitched his tents with Don jazzy’s Mohits records and the rest as we all know is history.

After trying unsuccessfully to record and release a rap album, the multi talented artist finally switched lanes and decided to try his luck at R&B hence the birth of “turning point”. With major support coming from his Mohits fam (D’banj, Wande coal, Ikechukwu, K switch), Dotstar, MI, Sway & his mentor Eldee and with Don jazzy behind the boards, who is to say his transition from rap to R&B won’t be a smooth and easy one?

The prodigal son of naija rap first tests the waters with the catchy & clubby “when the song comes on” which sorts of wets your appetite but is quickly followed by the overly simplistic “over the moon” featuring K switch which suffers from cheap lyrics and poor delivery, the first single “something about you”, the lone glimmer shines like fools gold and with Wande coal on the hook, “winchi winchi” stands out in the midst of all these ramblings.

Although nothing calls for celebration, the D’banj assisted “pop something” comes on to put a little bit of life in the LP, “bamijo” which was supposed to be a posse cut featuring MI, Ikechukwu & Eldee turns out to be the most disappointing record on the album as Killz unabashedly jacks redman’s da goodness style while MI drops his weakest line till date with “we fly like helicopter”. On “e je ka jo” Don jazzy comes to the rescue as he does the hook in his trademark raspy voice and a couple of remixes later, the album comes to a close.

At nine original tracks and two remixes, this album doesn’t offer you much in terms of quantity and also fails in terms of quality. Dr sid gets an E for effort as he tries so hard to please everyone with this LP. With almost every song missing the mark, it is safe to say that Dr sid will never amount to anything musically in Nigeria and at this point in time no one will be clamoring for a second dose of Dr sid’s medicine.

RATING – 3/10

PLAY – when the song comes on, winchi winchi, pop something, something about you

SKIP – pillow, over the moon, bamijo

PROJECT FAME WEST AFRICA SEASON 3 KICKS OFF

As this year’s contestants gear up for the most exciting 90 days of their life in this year’s MTN Project Fame West Africa (PFWA) Season 3, the lucky 18 contestants selected for Nigeria’s biggest music talent competition were welcomed to the show by past winners of the competition - Iyanya and Mike, at the opening gala night.


The two gifted singers entertained contestants with their different hit singles and dished out tips and advice on how to conduct themselves in the Performance Academy. Speaking from experience, they taught the freshers how to be better performing artistes and how to maximize their potential while in the Academy.

Iyanya was the first winner of MTN Project Fame Season 1 in 2008. Shortly after his historic win he released his first single ‘Love Truly’ which was positively received. In 2009 he dropped his album ‘My Story’ which so far has been a critical and commercial success.

In 2009, Mike Anyasodo became the second winner of PFWA. His dazzling performances captivated the whole nation and it was no surprise when he was declared as winner. He has released three beautiful singles which includes fans’ favorite, ‘Fine Fine Lady’.


The 18 contestants who will be participating in Season 3 of Project Fame will be hoping to be this year’s Iyanya or Mike, but first they will have to undergo serious professional training from the Faculty and would have to survive many rounds of performances and eliminations.

AYANBINRIN, SSP GROOM TALENTS FOR FITS

Nigeria’s celebrated queen of drums, Tosin Olakanye, a.k.a Ayanbinrin is stepping out to groom her successors even as she was recently crowned the queen in the house of the forthcoming Fortune Instrumentalist Talent Show (FITS). The talent show promises to be exciting and seeks to take the country’s music back to the root. Ayanbinrin will be working with Afro-Juju creator king, Sir Shina Peters who was equally  appointed the king cum ambassador of the talent show.

At the unveiling of the musical talent hunt show that is being powered by D. Board Media, in Lagos, Ayanbinrin took out time to talk about the project, her reasons for accepting to be part of it and her musical career.

Ayanbinrin said, drumming comes to her naturally, having been born into a family of artistry.
According to her, her interest in Fortune Instrumentalist Talent Show is to I’ll help discover and groom stars by teaching them how to play musical instruments and grooming them on how to be good musicians and instrumentalists. “We are going to correct so many wrong things about our music with FITS” she said.
Forty eight selected contestants drawn from across the country will be trained by a team of seasoned musical icon in a natural setting in the rudiments of music making.

The regional auditions will hold in Ibadan, Lagos, Benin, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Abuja, and Kaduna respectively. The star prize for the first team is N6m and a recording contract worth N5m, while the first runner up team will get N3m and the second, N1.5m.

LANCELOT IMASUEN TO DIRECT DAGRIN MOVIE

Renowned director, Lancelot Imasuen has been drafted as the director of the film which is being produced by Stingomania Entertainment.

The film will chronicle the growing years of Dagrin, his struggles, rise to fame and death, while it is also part of the efforts put in place to immortalise the Pon Pon Pon crooner, who died on Thursday, 22 April, 2010, a week after he was involved in an auto crash.

Tagged Dagrin Memorial Project, proceeds from the movie will be given to the deceased musician’s family.

The memorial project will also provide a lasting structure and means to encourage upcoming, struggling and budding entertainers deal with the challenges and lack of resources limiting them from fulfilling their dreams.

MCSN SUES HITV OVER COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, has ordered Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria, MCSN, and the bailiff of the court,  with the assistance of a Police officer not below the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police, to enter into the offices of  Entertainment Highway Limited, HITV, in Ebute Meta and Ikeja, both in Lagos State, to impound copies and plates of musical recordings, equipment, machines and appliances used for the infringement of the plaintiff’s copyright material by HITV.


It will be recalled that MCSN had dragged HITV to court,  claiming over N1.2 billion from HITV in the suit, for  alleged copyright infringement of some Nigerian and foreign musical works.But while the trial judge in the matter, Justice Okechukwiu Okeke, ordered Mr Toyin Subair, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HITV to appear before him, Subair is yet to do so and for a pregnant staff among the workers of HITV, the court would have sent them to prison.

The court said since Subair was yet to appeal before it, that the plaintiff should at least be protected against HITV, consequently granting an interim order against the pay TV outfit.

The court said, “after reading the affidavit of urgency filed in this suit and hearing counsel to the plaintiff, it is hereby ordered as follows, “that the defendant respondent whether by itself, its agents, assigns, privies or howsoever permit a bailiff of this court, the plaintiff, its agents and assigns in company of a police officer not below the rank of an assistant superintendent of police to enter upon the defendant respondent’s offices on any working day from Monday to Friday between the haul’s of 8.00am and 6.pm or any other day or time which the defendant may open for business at its known addresses specifically at 10, Ondo Street, West Ebute Meta, Lagos, 24 Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja and any other place or places within the jurisdiction of this  court where the infringing copies and plates of musical recordings, equipment, machines and appliances used for the infringement of the plaintiff’s copyright are kept to inspect, search and take into custody and possession any infringing copies, plates of musical and audio-visual  recording, equipment, machines and appliances used for the infringement of the plaintiffs copyright, moveable property or thing that would constitute a breach of tile injunction and or order that the court may make pending the determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction herein.

* That the defendant/respondent whether by itself, agents, assigns privies or howsoever to deliver up and surrender forthwith to the bailiff of this court serving High Court order all infringing copies as well as other materials which constitute evidence of the fact of infringement of the plaintiff’s copyright in tile listed musical works in the plaintiff’s repertoire as contained in the schedule to tills application, the volume of transaction or trade which has been done by the defendant, such other subscription forms. invoices, delivery order and receipt books which are in the possession of tile defendant, its servants or anyone pending tile determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction herein.

* That the defendant/respondent, its agents, assigns privies howsoever are restrained from infringing or continuing to infringe the copyright of the plaintiff in the musical works listed and described in the schedule to this application, which schedule is reproduced hereunder, and or any other work which copyright is or shall be acquired by or vested in the plaintiff within the territory of the  Federal Republic of Nigeria pending the determination of the notion on notice for interlocutory injunction are kept to inspect, search and take into custody and possession any infringing copies, plates of musical and audio-visual  recording, equipment, machines and appliances used for the infringement of the plaintiffs copyright, moveable property or thing that would constitute a breach of tile injunction and or order that the court may make pending the determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory .

Some of the works allegedly infringed by HITV include that of King Sunny Ade, Charly Boy, Tuface, Faze, Fatai Rolling Dollar, Lagbaja, Adewale Ayuba, Tunde and Wumi Obey, Weird MC among others.

The court, had granted an ex_parte order permitting the MCSN to inspect the office of HITV to search and take possession of any infringing copies, plates of musical and audio visual recordings, equipment, machines and appliances used for the infringement, pending the determination of the suit.

The court had also restrained HITV,  from continuing with the infringement of the works which copyright is vested in the plaintiff (MCSN), pending the determination of the matter.

The court had also directed the defendant to deliver and surrender to the plaintiff’s lawyer, accompanied by the courts’ bailiff, all infringing copies as well as other materials which constitute evidence of the infringement. But according to the bailiffs,  in the process of executing the court orders, the HITV officials allegedly maltreated them and ordered its workers not to obey the court order.

The bailiffs further averred  that they were almost lynched if not for divine providence. Consequently,  Justice Okeke ordered that the HITV MD, the company secretary and four other officials of the company to appear before the court to show cause why they should not be committed to prison for disobeying the orders of the court.

Subair had failed to appear before the court despite the fact that he was summoned on two occasions and it took the intervention of a counsel, who pleaded passionately with the court, if not, the HITV officials including the company secretary, who was heavily pregnant, who were in court, would have been remanded in prison custody, when the matter last came up. HITV, in a statement of defence, is contending  that it had not at any point in time, infringed on the copyright of any work belonging to the plaintiff.

NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS NOMINEES LIST

The Producers of the NEA Awards are pleased to announce the Nominees for the Fifth Annual NEA Awards scheduled for Saturday, September 18th, 2010 at 5:30pm at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Art Center. This year’s nomination list is considered the most intriguing in the history of the show. The producers of the show also expanded this years’ category list to include non-traditional entertainment segments like Radio and TV personalities, Reality shows and Fashion. The producers of the show recognize the continued popularity and successes of these segments and want to make sure that these groups are recognized as part of the Nigeria Entertainment community.

West Africa Idol runner-up Omawumi leads this year’s pack with five nominations for her debut album Wonder Woman. Four of the nominations were for her debut album and one for her feature on the late Dagrin’s song “Thank God”. Dagrin came in second with four nominations along with Tuface and new comer Kefee. The late Dagrin received nominations for Best Album for “C.E.O”, Hottest Single “Kondo”, Best Rap Act and Best Collaboration with Vocals for “Thank God” with Omawumi.



This year’s Best Album category is the most intriguing category in the music segment of the nomination category. For the first time, the category has different genres of music including Rap, Hip Hop, Soul and Pop/R&B- M2M by Wande Coal, Dagrin’s CEO, Omawumi’s Wonder Woman and Tuface’s Unstoppable are all nominated for the Best Album award.
 The Best Actress in a Film/Short Story will be one of the most highly competitive categories this year. The nominees for the category include veteran actresses Nse Etim for her role in Reloaded, Ini Edo for Native Son, Genevieve Nnaji for Silent Scandal, Stephanie Okereke for Nneda and Omotola Jolade for Deepest dreams.   Voting begins on July 9th, 2010 at www.nigeriaentawards.com (see complete list below) and ends August 31st, 2010. Winners will be announced at the Award ceremony



AWARD CATEGORY:

BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Mushin 2 Mohits - Wande Coal
CEO- Da Grin
Wonder Woman-Omawumi
Unstoppable-Tuface

HOTTEST SINGLE OF THE YEAR

Kondo- Da Grin
Kokoroko - Kefee ft. timaya
Omoba- D Prince
Free Madness- Terry G
You Bad- Wande Coal

BEST NEW ACT OF THE YEAR

Jaywon
D'Prince
Jesse Jagz
Lami
Omawumi

GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

KSB
Kefee
Bouqui
Lara George
Kore

INDIGENOUS ARTIST OF THE YEAR

ASA
Nneka
9ice
Pasuma
Jesse King

BEST POP/R&B ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Banky W
Wande Coal
Chuddy K
Omawumi
P Square

BEST RAP ACT OF THE YEAR

Jesse Jagz
Modenine
M.I.
Da’Grin
Naeto C

BEST SOUL/NEO SOUL ACT OF THE YEAR

Tuface
Lami
EVA
Nneka
Toba Gold

BEST COLLABORATION WITH VOCALS

Born Champion- Pype ft. Dagrin, Vector, Naeto C, Sasha & GT
Kokoroko - Kefee ft Timaya
E No Easy P Square ft J Martins
Nobody-  M.I. ft Tuface
Thank God- DaGrin ft Omawumi

BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST

Wale
Keno
JJC
Kas
Mo Eazy

MUSIC PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Don Jazzy
So Sick
J. Sleek
Dokta Frabz
Cobhams

BEST INTERNATIONAL PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Kid Konnect
Dogmites
JJC
Mictunes

BEST MALE MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (ARTIST & DIRECTOR)

One day- eLDee/eLDee
Fall in love- Dbanj/Sesan
Implication- Tuface/Godfather production
Lagos Party- Banky/Kemi Adetiba
E no easy- P Square ft. J. Martins/Jude Okoye

BEST FEMALE MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (ARTIST & DIRECTOR)

You know it- Goldie/Clarence Peters
Today na today- Omawumi/Kemi Adetiba
If u want me- mocheddah/Clarence Peters
Know- Lami/Brandon
Kokoroko - Kefee ft. Timaya/Wudland

BEST ACTOR IN A FILM/SHORT STORY

Ramsey Noauh - Guilty Pleasure
Jim Iyke - The Shepherd / Dream Maker
Femi Adebayo/ Ifederu
Desmond Elliot - Before the light
Kayode Akinbayo/ Bi a ti ko

BEST ACTRESS IN A FILM/SHORT STORY

Nse Etim – Reloaded
Ini Edo - Native son
Genevieve Nnaji- Silent Scandal
Stephanie Okereke-Nnenda
Omotola Jolade - Deepest of dreams

BEST FILM (DIRECTOR)

The Figurine by Kunle Afolayan
Guilty Pleasure - Daniel Adenimokan and Desmond Elliot
Nnenda - Izu Ojukwu
Silent Scandal -T.K. Falope
Behind a Smile -by Frank Rajah Arase


BEST ACTRESS IN TV SERIES/REALITY/GAME SHOW

Genevieve Nnaji/Guiness Ultimate Survivor-Celebrity edition
Bimbo Akintola/Circle of 3
Kate Henshaw Nuttal/Circle of 3
Damilola Adegbite/Tinsel
Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi/Tinsel

BEST ACTOR IN TV SERIES/REALITY/GAME SHOW

Frank Edohor- who wants to be a millionaire
Kayode Peters- Flat Mates
Gideon Okeke/Tinsel

BEST ON SCREEN PERSONALITY (PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD)

Denrele
Ill
Andre blaze
Dorisha brick George
Adaure Achumba

BEST TV SERIES/REALITY SHOW/GAME SHOW

Half Sisters
Circle 3
Tinsel
Star quest
Gulder Ultimate search

INTERNATIONAL EVENT OF THE YEAR (TO A PROMOTER)

Thisday Music Festival
UK Naija Carnival
Arise Fashion Week New York
Ovation Red Carol
Miss Nigeria in America

BEST WORLD DJ

DJ DeeMoney
DJ MightyMike
DJ Vinny
DJ Stramborrella
DJ Ike
DJ Xclusive

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY

Rhythm 93.7- Ik (Wild Child)
99.9 beat fm- Toolz
Top Radio- Tosyn Buknor
Beat FM- Olisa Adibua
Inspiratiom fm- Dan foster

BEST COMEDIAN

Seyi Law
Wale Gate
Jedi
AY
I Go Die

FASHION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

Deola sagoe
Alvins
Momo couture
Adebayo jones
Ouch!

ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Nduka Obiagbena
Cecil Hammond
Keke and D1
Dele Momodu
Obi Asika

MOST PROMISING ACT TO WATCH

Chuddy K
D'Prince
Eva
Femi Adeyinka
Mo'Cheddah

PMAN TO RESSURECT NIGERIAN MUSIC AWARDS

The national president of PMAN, Admiral Dele Abiodun, ha promised to resurrect the glamorous NMA (Nigerian Music Awards) within months. He made this promise after a courtesy visit to the headquarters of ANN Plc, publishers of tribune newspaper in Ibadan.

Admiral Abiodun  who was accompanied by Mr. Kolawole Olusegun of golden apple marketing solutions and Mr. Cletus George of PMAN informed that NMA had been the property of PMAN, but the crisis in the past created a lull in the music body’s activities allowing others to do what they like with the award. “Even before the court declared me the winner of the last election, I had always said that those organizing the NMA were doing so illegally, now that peace has returned, PMAN has begun works on the return of NMA” he said.

Speaking on the reason behind his visit to Tribune, he said it was to seek the support of the organization in ensuring that the proposed NMLA was successful as it is almost impossible to get the required mileage for events without the support of the media. The World cup, Grammy awards and other big events of today are big brands because of the media. The PMAN of today will always seek the support of media organizations for all our events especially the first ever awards for Nigerian music legends”, he said

“As we talk, Silverbird is one of the electronic media outlets that we have reached out to on NMLA” he admitted.

CHARLY BOY QUERIES COSON & NCC ON COPYRIGHT COLLECTION

The approval of COSON as a copyright collecting society by the NCC has continued to generate controversy as a former president of PMAN, Charly boy, has queried the motive behind Adebambo Adewepo’s action on the issue. The musician expressed surprise at the approval as he sees most of those behind COSON as “anti-artistes”.

According to him, the collecting society has been in disarray since that approval, “as COSON is being powered by those who have exploited us, those who have never been sympathetic to our plight”. “It is interesting to note that most of the people we fought during my tenure as PMAN president , labels that have cheated artistes, and pirates who have defrauded us are the same set of people that make up COSON. It’s a big problem but we will fight it” he said.

Insisting that he would not embrace COSON because NCC is bent on forcing artistes to belong to one collecting society, Charly boy expressed dismay on the sudden turn around of the NCC DG as regards standing for justice. “This same man that we fought for when we took on pirates is the same man that is supporting an association that consists of pirates and cheating record labels”. “In fact I am using this opportunity to call for his resignation because he is not the one to regulate what happens in the industry”, he added.

A spokesman of NCC said that the commission would not join issues with Chary boy or anybody. “the court is there”, he said.

FREESTYLE PREPS SOPHOMORE SET

After a 4 years hiatus, multiple award winning rapper Freestyle has officially dropped 2 singles from his much anticipated sophomore album titled "My name is Essien". under his record label Make Somm Noiz Entertainment. The album which has been tagged as “ one of the most anticipated album of 2010” will reportedly hit shelves before the year runs out.

The album which will be released under his record label Make Somm Noiz Entertainment is a fusion of highlife, hip hop, dance hall and the proverbial unique rap he is known for. The former Trybesmen front man is currently in the studio working with  some of the best producers Nigeria has to offer to wrap up the final details of the album.

The two singles “Ariwo Ko” and  “Na wah oh” which have been released off the upcoming album show the versatility of Freestyle as he experiments with beats, new sounds, song themes, concepts and still maintains that distinctive element of rap that can only be attributed to Freestyle.

STINGOMANIA RECORDS TO IMMORTALISE DAGRIN

In a bid to ensure that the life, works and ideals of the late music legend, Dagrin, do not go down the drain, officials of Stingomania Records are putting things in place to ensure that the man who gave the Yoruba rap music genre some breath of fresh air is immortalised in a constructive and enduring manner as it plans a memorial project for the late rapper.

The memorial project will ensure that the family Dagrin left behind is catered for and the loss is made more bearable for his family in a tangible and measurable manner. The memorial project will also provide a lasting structure and means to encourage upcoming, struggling and budding entertainment stars, while helping talented artistes deal with the different challenges and lack of resources limiting them in fulfilling their potential. It will set up a foundation to provide assistance for upcoming and struggling musicians with limited means and poor backgrounds. The foundation will also provide help for young musicians in areas of finance, training and mentoring. All these were ideals the late musician stood for.

Stingomania records have put different formats in place to enable the promoters achieve the objectives of the Dagrin Memorial Project set out above. As part of the formats, the record label will be seeing to the production of a movie titled, “Ghetto Dreams” based on the life of Dagrin. The record label will also be establishing The Ghetto Dreams Foundation for young and struggling musicians. This will be a foundation to provide financial assistance, training and mentorship for young artistes from less privileged backgrounds in order to help them achieve and maintain their dreams. As part of its activities, the Foundation will give out yearly cash awards; organize trainings/lectures for young artistes and source mentorship for young artistes to help them with their personal and career development. Annual awards will also be organised as part of efforts to immortalise the hip- hop world best rap album award winner.

The award will showcase upcoming and struggling artistes who share the musical ideals and dreams of Dagrin every year. The Concert will also award prizes to different best rookies/upcoming stars in different genres of music including Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, Fuji, Juju and Gospel.

TALK IS CHEAP 12

This is a rundown of all that has been happening since I have been away.

MUSIC TALK

Alapomeji records CEO is grinding really hard these days, he recently released 2 new singles namely “appetizer” & “women, weed and wine” off his upcoming album.

Eastsyde records artist Dat nigga raw is putting finishing touches to his junior album tentatively titled “End of Discussion” and has released the first single “spiritual konji” to radio stations.

Omotola has also finished recording her sophomore album titled “Feel Alright”

Durella just put out 2 new singles “boom boom” & “ileke” off his upcoming album “the ginger is constant”.

Not only is Eedris Abdulkareem back on kennis music, he is presently working on a new album titled “Unfinished business” and has already released the first single off the album “we ain’t no terrorists”.

Bracket are not planning to release their strangle hold on the naija music industry as they recently teamed up with Tuface on the remix of their hit single “yori yori”.

Speaking of remixes, Tuface has remixed his single “be there” featuring MI.

Timaya’s new album “De rebirth” is out now.

Plus one’s debut album “Commercial class” is presently the best album of 2010 so far, if you haven’t copped it yet, endeavor to do so.

LKT’s has a song “Bamijo” featuring Eldee that is presently garnering airplay on radio stations nationwide.

Upcoming artist Mo cheddah just released a new song “ko ma roll” off her debut album “The franchise celebrity”

VIDEO TALK

There are so many videos out there but here are some I recommend that you watch.

9ice – No be mistake

Alaye ft 9ice – Excuse me

Wande Coal – Who born the maga

Eldee – One day

Essence ft Jaywon – Facebook love

Goldie ft Eldee – U know it

Vector – Kilode

Obiwon – Birthday

Modenine ft Mo cheddah – what you want

Beazy ft Chykay & Shank – Bad guy

IN THE NEWS

Word on the streets is that a lot of artistes will start selling their CDs for 1000 naira just like tuface did with his unstoppable international edition. LOL

Kelly Hansome has apologized to kennis music and is back on the label to fulfil his contractual obligations. I call that common sense.

Sammie Okposo will be getting married real soon.

Ara is preparing to release her debut album.

From what I have been hearing, Ruggedy baba’s album is shaping up to be a great album.

ALBUM REVIEW - DE REBIRTH - TIMAYA

With two successful albums “True story And Gift & grace” under his belt, Timaya decides it is time to be reborn and not one to procrastinate, what better time to do it if not now. How hard can it be? It’s just a simple case of out with the old and in with the new. Timaya gets down to business by bringing out the big guns MI & 2face, the unusual suspect Konga and his soldiers Wrecoba, Allenian, Tj 2 solo & Lanre. In search of a new sound to make his baptism hitch free, he calls on beatmakers far and wide like M yire, Flux, Phyno, Fairface, Akeem d beat, N.D, Jiggi jego, J sleek & K solo.

Timaya first expresses his gratitude to his fans on “thank you”, a lackluster song in the form of the J sleek produced “watta bambam” follows then he teams up with hypertek’s 2face idibia on “It’s about that time” which is unexpectedly and unbelievably sub par for their high standards. The album is jolted back to life by the Jiggi jego produced adrenaline pumping “who born u” where Wrecoba, Allenian & Tj 2 solo get the opportunity to have their moments.

Timaya makes a laughable attempt to craft an R&B track on the flux produced “love over me” which falls short lyrically and vocally. On “press” he totally blames the media for destroying his relationship with nollywood actress empress njamah, but still finds time to floss on “feeling so fly” alongside Konga, Lanre & Allenian. If there is one thing Timaya has succeeded in doing on this LP, it is putting to rest the argument that he has only one style, case in point the M yire produced “freestyle” where he successfully frees madness like Terry G as he goes crazy all over the track switching up his style over and over again.

Nico gravity, Timaya’s arch nemesis doesn’t get a look in at all, but “happy birthday” finds a playful Timaya showing his sense of humor by taking pot shots at bigger fishes with lines like “e dey see danger e, for this party no danger, kini big deal, kini big deal, for this party, I swear no big deal” and even goes as far as calling out “he who must not be named” with his “because you hear bumper to bumper, some people change am to fender to bumper” line.

On the Phyno produced “life anagaga” Timaya gets re christened “egberi popsy 1 of bayelsa” by MI, who also wants to be addressed as “Mr I don try” from now on. Mr I don try delivers the best verse on the entire album where he raps “ask about me now, google MI, I got so many shows, they call me the event guy, I fly so many times a year, I should rent skies, call me MI, Mr I don try, I got the dough baby, wetin you wan buy”. The way MI successfully pulls off rhyming in pidgin shows that the hunger is still there. Long time collaborator K solo’s “plantain boy” is as good as it gets while on “peke peke” you get a brief glimpse of the former Timaya as he reverts back to the style that brought him fame on fortune on a highlife beat.

Despite the number of times, Timaya claims not to care about what anyone says about him, it is clear to see on this LP that he does as he spends half the time answering his critics. With no song on this album being as potent as his previous hits, it is easy to jump to the conclusion the De Rebirth is a failed experiment but that is clearly not the case, The blame can solely be placed on the overcrowded production team which makes Timaya’s junior album a less cohesive effort than his previous works.

RATING – 6/10

PLAY – Freestyle, Plantain boy, Feeling so fly, Life anagaga, Who born U, Peke – peke

SKIP – Ruler, Watta bambam, Money money money, It’s about that time

ALBUM REVIEW - COMMERCIAL CLASS - PLUS ONE

 The Trio of Pipi, Bobo, & Dede announce their presence on the naija music scene with a 13 track offering that somehow exceeds all expectations. With seasoned beatmakers like K-solo, OJB, Puffy T, Rhymzo, Sars, ID cabasa, Phyno & Sunny smile on board, Plus one set sail through the uncharted waters of naija reggae/dancehall genre. With guest appearances limited to 4 tracks, only Benjamin, Nigga raw, Rhymzo, the late da grin, Reminisce, Ugo, Seriki & jahbless get invitations to the voyage.

The album opens up with the Sunny smile produced “yaa ya” featuring Benjamin which sets the tone while Nigga raw spreads some eastern love on the K solo produced “afurum gi nanya”. Rhymzo does double duty on “plus one love” which is unsurprisingly the best song on the album. What makes the song exceptional is the way they metaphorically shine a torch on the ills pervading our beloved nation. With simple lines in pidgin translated as “some have enough to eat, while some are starving, some are killing children while some are yet to give birth, some are sharing money, spraying money while some are jobless”, they successfully send out their conscious message. They declare the party open with the groovy and rhythmic “eye me (touch something)” over K solo’s silky piano keys and on another lush sunny smile production “na you ee” they extol the virtues of the apple of their eyes and openly reveal their inner emotions.

With Sars and Puffy T on the beat, it was simply impossible to go wrong and the result was their smash hit “tinkonko” which has enough energy to keep the crowd moving and the dance floors packed. The OJB produced “because of ur love” is another gem on the album where they successfully hit timely and satisfying notes at unexpected moments and with lyrics like “because of ur love, I dey float for water, sweet thing, I know you dey make my head dey scatter, sun mo mi, I will love you better, you too much eeee”, it is clear to see that three heads are definitely better than one.

Plus one show just how vocally talented they are as they rarely stray off key, which is quite evident on the phyno produced “one kiss”. The album gets a huge dose of hip hop on “tinkonko (remix)” featuring the late da grin, Reminisce, Seriki, Ugo, & jahbless but it is Reminisce who shines with his highly commendable & show stealing verse. The phyno produced “oh lord” where they plead with the almighty to turn their water to wine and their red sea to dry land brings the album to a perfect conclusion.

Plus one’s debut album “commercial class” is undeniably a solid debut and even though they might still be viewed as underdogs, it is just a matter of time before they are mentioned in the same breath as the legendary but defunct boy group Plantashun Boiz.

RATING – 9/10

PLAY – Yaa ya, Plus one love, Na you ee, One kiss, Because of ur love, Tnkonko, Tinkonko (remix), Oh lord

SKIP – Handsome Nigga

ALBUM REVIEW - IS IT YOUR MONEY VOLUME 1 - ELDEE

With a title like “is it your money volume 1”, eldee’s third solo album sounds like something that shouldn’t be taken too seriously until you find out that it is everything his sophomore album wasn’t. Eldee single handedly produces the album with a little bit of help from Dokta Frabz & Silvastone here and there. In a bid not to make this a one man band thing, Eldee co-opts the likes Naeto C, Ikechukwu, Sauce Kid, Kel, Lkt, Proto, Chiddy Bang, Jimmy Flamez and steps outside the shores of Nigeria to snap up Yung joc & black thought for guest appearances on the 16 track album.

Eldee does away with all the singing that marred his sophomore effort and gets down straight to business on the intro “respect me” where he lays claim to the naija rap throne like never before. On the lead single “you blow my mind” he tries and fails to recreate another hit as catchy as “bosi gbangba” but what makes the track stand out is the way Eldee seamlessly weaves Yoruba, Hausa & pidgin together bar after bar. With Sauce kid & killz riding shotgun, “fly away” turns out to be a solid posse cut.

After struggling along with Kel on the cheesy “do it”, Eldee stokes the fire with the braggadocios “koleyewon” where he clowns his haters. One thing that is noticeable on this LP is Eldee’s new way of rapping about his usual concepts like on the conscious and highly convincing “e go better” where he pictures a better Nigeria in the nearest future and the K1 inspired “ota mi” featuring Lkt. The album hits its peak with the Dokta Frabz, Jimmy Flames & Naeto C assisted “feel good music” which is exactly what it claims to be, here you find a rejuvenated Naeto C delivering a staccato verse like he just sharpened his tongue.

It is pretty difficult to find a low point on the album as both the host and guests keep things moving along smoothly. Even Yung joc reps ATL well on the international remix of “big boy” and Eldee’s protégé  Proto puts in a good shift on “bosi gbangba (pop remix)”, but it is eldee’s African remix of Drake’s summer hit “best I ever had” that is bound to appeal to every girl out there. The album eventually comes to a resounding close with the raunchy and explicit “ogede”.

In “is it your money volume 1”, Eldee has successfully crafted his best work till date and has re-established himself at the pinnacle of naija hip hop.

RATING – 8/10

PLAY – Fly away, Feel good music, E go better, Ogede, Ota mi, Koleyewon, Best I ever had (African remix).

SKIP – Do it.

WINNERS OF HIPHOP WORLD AWARDS 2010

For those who care to know, here is the full list of winners of HHWA 2010.


ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Best album (solo or group) in year under review, that meets judges’ requirements of excellence (in every realms: songwriting, production, rendition and promotion) and acceptability (sales, popularity)
MUSHIN 2 MO’HITS
Artiste: WANDE COAL
Producer(s): Don Jazzy
Record Label: Mo’Hits Records

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
 Most critically and commercially adjudged artiste in the year under review Overall most successful artiste for the year under review
WANDE COAL
Real Name(s): OJOSHIPE WANDE JNR.
Album Title: Mushin 2 Mo’Hits
Record Label: Mo’Hits Records

SONG OF THE YEAR
Most popular song from an album in year under review. Decided by voting
“YORI YORI”
Artiste: BRACKET
Album: Least Expected
Producer: Dekumzy
Record Label Ape Planet

RECORDING OF THE YEAR
 Best single recording (on-air only or released) by artiste or group in year under review. Originality and production very essential
“HEAVEN PLEASE”
Album – TIMI (Unreleased)
Artiste – Timi Dakolo
Producer – Cobhams Asuquo
Record Label – (Unreleased)

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
The individual responsible for producing the most acclaimed songs/album in the year under review. His CV for the year includes top notch tracks and production credits no one can fault.
DON JAZZY
Album/Song Title – “Banana”, “U Bad”
Artiste(s) – Wande Coal

BEST MUSIC VIDEO (AWARD GOES TO DIRECTOR)
Best conceptualised, best edited, best picture, best directed and most exciting video in year under review as voted by fans and decided by the jury.
CLARENCE PETERS
Music Video Title – “Finest”
Artiste – Knight House Ft. Sauce Kid & Teeto

BEST R ‘N’ B SINGLE
 Best R&B single in year under review (by single individual or group)
“STRONG TING”
Artiste(s) – Banky W
Producer – Cobhams Asuquo

BEST POP SINGLE
Best pop single in year under review (by single individual
U BAD”
Artiste(s) – Wande Coal
Producer – Don Jazzy

BEST R ‘N’ B/ POP ALBUM
Best R&B or pop album in year under review (by single individual or group)
MUSHIN 2 MO’HITS
Artiste- Wande Coal
Producer(s) – Don Jazzy
Record Label- Mo Hits Records

BEST RAP SINGLE
Best single released on-air recording of a rap song
“SAMPLE Remix”
Artiste(s) – Terry Tha Rapman Ft. Stereo Man & Pherowshuz
Producer – Pherowshuz

BEST RAP ALBUM
Best album by a rap artiste or group in year under review
CEO
Artiste – Dagrin
Producer(s) – Sossick, T-Frizzle, Dokta Frabz, Sarz
Record Label – Missofunyin Entertainment

LYRICIST ON THE ROLL
Rap Artiste with best lyrical depth and performance on a single song or album
MODENINE
Song Title – Bad Man
Album Title – Da Vinci Mode (Not released in year under review)
Record Label – Red Eye Music

BEST COLLABO
 Best R&B, Pop or hip hop collaborative track (including cameos) in year under review
“KOKOROKO”
Artistes – Kefee Ft. Timaya
Producer – K Solo

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)
Single male artiste with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album
DAREY ART ALADE
Song Title – “NO STARS”
Producer- Cobhams

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
Single female act with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album
LARA GEORGE
Song Title – “KEEPER OF MY DREAMS”
Producer – Wole Oni

BEST STREET HOP
The most popular street-hop single in year under review
“FREE MADNESS Pt. 2”
Artiste(s) – Terry G

NEXT RATED
Most promising upcoming officially unreleased act in the year under review
SKUKI
Song Title – “BANGER”

HIPHOP WORLD REVELATION OF THE YEAR
Best New artiste in the year under review
WANDE COAL
Real Name(s): OJOSHIPE WANDE JNR.
Album Title: Mushin 2 Mo’Hits
Record Label: Mo’Hits Record

THE CURIOUS CASE OF HHWA NOMINATIONS

Do I really care about what happens around me? I don’t really know, sometimes I just want to let sleeping dogs lie and let people do whatever pleases them. I am just tired of having to point these people in the right direction all the time, but today is everybody’s lucky day because I have decided to make an exception, case in point, Hip Hop world awards nominations. I just have this feeling that I am about to fuck up someone’s day.

It’s kind of weird the way HHW is going to pieces these days, genuine proof of this can be found in the recent awards nomination that was released couple of weeks ago. Simply put, the nominations were negatively shocking. There are some nominees on that list whose presence will be really difficult to explain even for someone blessed with the gift of the gab. It’s either that those dudes at HHW are losing touch or their awards are for sale. As much as I would love to believe the former, questionable nominations like Cartiair’s “owo ati swagger”, Naeto C’s “ako mi ti poju” (best rap single) and P Square (every category they were nominated) keeps swinging me back to the latter.

Is it just a case of jack of all trades, master of none or too many cooks spoiling the broth? It’s hard to comprehend what is happening right now because I can vividly remember a couple of years back when HHW used to complain about the other awards which was why they came up with theirs to redefine the standards. The future of headie is really bleak and in a couple of year’s time, it will be irrelevant because this whole awards thing is turning into a joke (a horrible one). P square’s nomination is a way of encouraging mediocrity (Danger was one of the worst albums of 09), MI’s nomination is terribly annoying considering the fact that he didn’t put out any album last year (all he has to do now is record any song to bag an award), and countless others. I can go on and on all day but I will just whittle this down to the categories that are totally unacceptable.

1. BEST RAP SINGLE

 Naeto C & Cartiair stick out like a sore thumb on this one. Unless we want to deceive ourselves “ako mi ti poju” is no “kini big deal” and the only “owo ati swagger” people listen to is the remix. Illbliss’s “aiye po gan”, Kel’s “too fine”, Ruggedman’s “banging” and Da grin’s “pon pon pon” would all have been better and safer options.

2. BEST PRODUCER

How did Sossick & Dokta Frabz manage to be on this list when Dekumzy & Terry G are missing? Apart from Da grin’s album, Sossick didn’t do shit last year. Dekumzy produced Bracket’s “yori yori” (the biggest hit of 2009, whether we like it or not) and he also produced Bracket’s “no time” ft P square and Dat nigga raw’s “strong and mighty”. Terry G doesn’t need much introduction as he produced for everybody including himself. Isn’t it a bit unfair to overlook them? Maybe they are not Nigerians!!!!

3. BEST COLLABO

At first look, this category seems okay, but when you really sit back and think about it, you wonder what happened to songs like Wande Coal/D’banj’s “you bad”, Bracket/P square’s “no time”, P square/Tuface’s “possibility and above all Eldee/Banky W/Oladele/Olu maintain’s “big boy” that made them ineligible for nomination.

4. REVELATION OF THE YEAR

Kel (check), Omawunmi (check), Illbliss (check), Wande Coal (check), Djinee (NO!!!!). What planet are these guys on? Djinee!!!!!, is that not the guy who released “ego” a couple of years ago on Westside bootleg ( I still have the CD, teacher don’t teach me nonsense). Revelation ke? From where to where? Revelation ko, Genesis ni.

5. LYRICIST ON THE ROLL

A category that comprises of Modenine, MI, OD & Pherowshuz but shamelessly misses the late lyrical were “Da grin” leaves much to be desired. Any of Da grin’s songs would easily fit in here. This one is quite surprising. All Modenine and MI have to do from now on is release any song, spit a few bars and they are guaranteed a nomination.

What more can I say? A next rated category with no YQ & Vector, Album of the year category with Danger by P square & Gingah ur swagger by Terry G, Song of the year category with Alanta by Artquake, makes me think that those who compiled this list have a couple of bricks missing from their building. With all the evidence before me, I believe that Ayo Animashaun and his cohorts have a secret plan to destroy naija hip hop. Isn’t it about time that someone put a hole in their sails? Will Tajudeen Adepetu or Kelvin Luciano please come to our rescue? At least now I know that hiptv will never blow up and I know why it was easy for soundcity blast to blow hip hop world magazine out of the water.

What is happening to HHW right now really scares me. It’s got me thinking that a day may come when I will no longer be able to distinguish between a good song and a bad one. It is stuff like this that makes me want to be forever young.