PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

NOMINEES
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Don jazzy
Terry G
Sheyman
Dekumzy

Terry G – The gingah man really had a swell time in 09 as he was busy producing hits upon hits for various artistes. Throughout the year, it was almost impossible not see a song produced by Terry g on top 10 countdowns nationwide. Major production credits are Illbliss’s aiye po gan, AY.com’s pass me your love and his own free madness.

Dekumzy – What makes Dekumzy special is his knack and talent for producing and exposing unknown talents who are yet to have a particular sound. With production credits ranging from, but not limited to albums like bracket’s least expected and Dat nigga raw’s everything remains raw. One cannot but agree that Dekumzy can now be mentioned in the same breath as any of your favorite producers.

Don jazzy – From D’banj’s its don jazzy again era, we now have don baba j according to wande coal. The argument has always been based on don baba j‘s reluctance to produce for people outside his mo hits record roster, but when you listen to the quality of his work on WC's hit album "mushin to mohits",it is clear to see that don jazzy is way beyond his peers.

Sheyman - There is no questioning sheyman's production savvy, he might not be a beat making monster like Don jazzy, but when it comes to producing hits, dude knows his onions. With his work on Bigiano's "shayo" and his own "hotter than fire", it is clear to see that Sheyman deserves a nod.

And the winner is......

DON JAZZY

BEST NEW ARTIST

NOMINEES
BEST NEW ARTIST
M.I
Kel
Oluwe
Mo cheddah

M.I – Kind of unbelievable that Jude abaga has only been in the game for a year plus. The level of success he has achieved with his debut album “talk about it” and his mixtape “illegal music” within this short time frame has solidified his status among the elites of naija rap. Coupled with the numerous collabos he has already amassed, it is quite possible to forget that he is a rookie.

Kel -  Capital hill’s finest showed just how much of an investment she really was with her debut album “the investment” which spawned the hit singles “too fine” & “waa wa alright”. Nowadays she has her hands full with guest appearances on almost every major album out there.

Oluwe – This back to black entertainment point man proved to all and sundry that being exceptionally talented & original was all anyone needed to blow up. With his hybrid mash up of Apala and hip hop, he succeeded in getting to that height where other rookies like him failed to reach in 2009.

Mo cheddah – The first lady of knighthouse exploded on the scene with the part she played in knighthouse’s monstrous hit single “the finest” and ever since she has refused to let go of her hold and has further more made her intentions known with her own single “if you want me”.

And the winner is….

M.I

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

NOMINEES
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Strong thing-Banky W
South African girl-Sleek/ID cabasa
Strong & mighty-Dat nigga raw/Dekumzy/Flavour
Enter the place-Tuface

Gone are the days when naija videos were boring and painful to watch. 2009 was the year every naija artist really upped their game as almost every video was a delight to watch. What really makes a music video special from a directorial point of view is the concept, the execution and the interpretation.

Banky W’s Strong thing – Mr. capable really meant business this year as he went all out to prove the haters wrong with what is arguably the best Nigerian music video of all time. What makes this video stand out is not only the quality of the visuals but also the concept and the execution. It was quite clear that banky was putting that etisalat money to good use.

Sleek’s South African girl – Another testament to the marked improvement in Nigerian music videos was this yes records signee’s first video which was shot in south Africa. When you think of a beautiful and colorful video, you have to think of this video. The setting and interpretation was quite impressive.

Tuface’s Enter the place – Just when everyone was thinking it was a wrap for 2baba, the ex plantashun boiz front man pulled the rabbit out of the hat with the first brilliant video of his career. When he was still on kennis music, the critics were always complaining about the visuals of his various hit singles but with “enter the place”, there was nothing for anyone to complain about.

Dat nigga raw’s Strong & mighty – With the quality of this video, one is inclined to think that this eastsyde rapper was fishing for a record deal. Dat nigga raw really deserves our respect as he started the year strong and finished it strong. What made this video special was the concept and the location, who would have thought shooting a video in a train station in South Africa will be a bright idea.

And the winner is………

BANKY W/EBAN OLIVER – STRONG TING

MIXTAPE OF THE YEAR

NOMINEES
MIXTAPE OF THE YEAR
09-09-09-Modenine
Illegal music-M.I
Get money,stay fly-Beazy
The joe spazm mixtape-Terry da rapman

This category was created to recognize the growing mixtape movement in the naija music industry. I am not trying to knock anyone’s hustle, I know that y’all brought the heat on your individual mixtapes but still your efforts pale in comparison to this particular mixtape which I won’t mention yet. Sometimes being good is not just enough as is the case this time around. Based on lyrics, delivery, concept & content…….

THE WINNER IS…
M.I - ILLEGAL MUSIC

ST.JANET'S FAAJI PLUS TO BE BANNED IN LAGOS

The Lagos state house of assembly on Thursday urged the Babatunde Fashola-led government to ban “faaji plus”, the recorded live performances of  rising musician st. Janet.

The lawmakers led by Mr Segun Agunbiade, who represents Ikorodu constituency 1 urged the government to seize the CDs from marketers and ensure that they were not reproduced. The lawmaker who brought a copy of the CD to the floor, said the songs in it contained lewd & vulgar lyrics and was corrupting children and youths through the use of gospel tunes changed to satisfy the musician’s desire.

The matter which was raised on the floor of the assembly under matters of urgent public importance is still being deliberated upon.

9ICE + TONI PAYNE = PUBLICITY STUNT OF THE YEAR

What you are about to read is the truth and nothing but the truth. Maybe I should swear to that, wouldn’t be necessary. They say the truth has a way of revealing itself, even the yorubas have a saying that “ti iro ba lo fun ogun odun,ti otito ba di de ni ojokan,a ba”, (if a lie runs for twenty years,the truth will catch up with it in just one day of running). In the case of  9ice & toni payne make that a month.

I must confess that those two love birds had me fooled for a second. One minute we were all complaining about 9ice’s “tradition” album and the next minute he says he says he is separating from toni payne. How much of a co-incidence is that? They say where there is smoke, there is fire. What really happened was the question on everybody’s lips, so I decided to find out and what I found out wasn’t pretty.

Contrary to what 9ice would want you to believe, tradition is not really doing good in the market. I know he said it on facebook or somewhere that he sold 950,000 copies the first week or so, but my sources tell me that ain’t the case. The album is bricking not because it ain’t as good as the previous one or because people are not buying it but because of bad marketing and promotion which gave the jack sparrows of alaba the chance to make a killing off it.

A week after the release of tradition,9ice had a meeting with his mama zion and explained the situation on ground. The next thing you know they are separated, how is that for a tall tale. This is what really happened, with poor sales and poorer reviews,9ice and company are faced with the problem of selling a shitload of albums and unlike gongo aso that was a slow burner, they knew that tradition wasn’t going to pick up unless they had some good videos to promote it which they don’t have. They decide to throw everything at the wall to see what will stick. I don’t know how they did it but from what I heard, that was when they came up with the whole 9ice/toni payne separation thing.

9ice & Toni payne separated and bingo, everything re aligns. Newspapers, magazines, blogs, websites & forums can’t just stop talking about 9ice which gives him free promotion and maximum publicity. People forget how bad the album is and start buying it in the hopes of deciphering some hidden messages. On the real though no one knows what happened cos they ain’t talking. Did they sign a non disclosure agreement or what, it’s a marriage for Christ sake. People don’t get separated for no reason,do they? Nobody knows what happened because ain’t nothing happened. In a couple of months time they will get back together and say they have reconciled their differences.

Some will tell you that Toni payne has had a major hand in 9ice’s career post gongo aso and is presently running it while Some will say she is trying to rebrand him and make him an international superstar. A lot of 9ice’s friends will tell you he has changed and it was Toni who changed him. This is what I will say to those girls who think 9ice is now a free agent, you better have another think coming cos Toni ain’t going nowhere.

I am not trying to pick holes in their story but why the media blackout? Have you seen or heard Toni or 9ice confirming the story? If  9ice is moving mad units with tradition, why would he want to release more albums this year? I may not know everything in this world but I know a publicity stunt when I see one.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

NOMINEES
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Talk about it-M.I
Mushin to mohits-Wande coal
Undareyted-Dare art alade
Everything remains raw-Dat nigga raw

There can only be one album of the year and looking at our nominees, whose album fits the bill? we have 2 R&B albums and 2 Rap albums. I am supposed to just go straight forward and tell you the winner but for those who missed my previous posts about these albums, catch up.....

Wande coal’s Mushin to mohits – We all suspected that wande had talent but we never knew how much until he released his debut album “M2M”. From popular hit singles like “taboo”, “you bad”, “bumper to bumper” to less popular ones like “se ope”,  “kiss your hands”, “who born the maga” & “that’s whats up”, M2M turned out to be the best album of the year.(damn!!!,I said it)

Dare art alade's Undareyted – One of the better albums of 2009. This album totally lived up to expectations spurning hit singles like “no stars”, ”more”, style na style” & “not the girl”. It would appear that darey was more focused on his sophomore album than his debut album where he tried to please everyone at the same time.

Dat nigga raw’s Everything remains raw – Classic is the only word with which nigga raw’s sophomore set can best be described. Who else can boast of seven straight singles in one album, especially a rap album. It is quite rare to listen to a naija album without skipping any song. From start to finish, this LP was pure heat, straight up fire. Singles like the Duncan mighty assisted “ko gbadun”, “ strong & mighty”, “shake una bodi”, “do am so” & “in love with an angel” made this album extra hot.

MI’s Talk about it – If there was one album that was talked about all year round, it was this choc city representer’s debut. Although it was quietly released with minimal expectations, it was eventually blown up by well crafted songs like the lead single “talk about it”, “anoti”, “safe” & “crowd mentality” and the quality of jude abaga’s lyrics.

And the winner is.....

WANDE COAL - MUSHIN 2 MOHITS

TIMI DAKOLO READIES DEBUT ALBUM

The winner of the first idols west Africa Timi dakolo has finally taken the bull by the horn. Two years after the organizers of the reality show reneged on their promises of offering him a record deal.

Timi is finally ready to realize his debut album. As part of the preparations for the album release, a listening party was held at swe bar in lagos on Wednesday January 20,2010. it had in attendance different showbiz personalities from the music industry who came around to show him love.

Timi’s debut album will have 11 songs and will include the previously released singles “heaven please” featuring MI & “let it shine”

BEAUTIFUL NUBIA LAUNCHES NEW ALBUM

Afro roots singer Beautiful nubia will launch his new album at sparkle hall, GRA, ikeja, Lagos on Sunday 24th of January. The new album titled “irin ajo” is a 12 track album and will be launched right after live performances by beautiful nubia & his renaissance band. 

TALK IS CHEAP 9

Its been so long and there is just so much to talk about..

MUSIC TALK
For those of you checking out for GT da guitarman, he just released his album "the truth". Go and cop it.

Muma gee is readying her next album "afrotastic buddy".

Banky W's "the W experience" is one album you should definitely buy.

Sound sultan is gearing up for a massive 2010 and has already released 2 singles - "born on a saturday" featuring eldee & "2010" Featuring MI

Ruggedman has also released a new single titled "she & my swagga"

In a hustler's state of mind, Durella recently released his line of sneakers called durella sneakers which will be sold at 25,000 naira a pair.

VIDEO TALK
Jahbless recently released the video of his hit single "joooo" featuring Lord of ajasa and has concluded the shooting of his second single "hangover" featuring ID cabasa

Da grin's pon pon pon video looked to me like a poor man's version of jay z's "run this town" when you watch that video, you just can't shake off that local feel, and whats up with the bandannas, its not like we wear them in Nigeria.

The video for DJ zeez's bobbee fc initially looked like a jacked concept of drake's "best i ever had" to me until i remembered that the song had a football theme to begin with.actually ended up being a great video.

Another video you should watch is Dr sid's something about you. the song might not be all that nice but the video is definitely a good look.

I also watched the pulse's so tey(remix) video featuring busta rhymes and although i wasn't really impressed, I breathed a sigh of relief cos finally we have another confirmed collabo.

IN THE NEWS - Heartthrobs and heartbreaks
Obi asika of storm records finally tied the knot with his heartthrob of many years yetunde.

The biggest headline of recent has been the 9ice/toni payne split. I am hearing some new & important info concerning that. I will keep you posted.

Nothing has been confirmed yet but i have been hearing for a long time now that kel might be deserting clarence peter's capital hill.

GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

NOMINEES
GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Redefinition-Bouqui
A piece of me-Kefee
God's business-Pelumi

2009 wasn't really an exceptional year for gospel artists and we couldn't even come up with 4 mainstream gospel albums to nominate for this category. I don’t think we have to go all out breaking each album down as we have been doing for the other categories. What we have here is just one clear cut winner.

And the winner is….

BOUQUI - REDEFINITION

ALTERNATIVE ALBUM OF THE YEAR

ALTERNATIVE ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Saxophone mood-Yemi sax
Happy day-Oluwe
Paradise-Lagbaja
Gift & grace-Timaya

Yemi sax’s saxophone mood – The perfect conceptual album anyone would have wished for. This particular album has kick started a trend that will be followed for years to come. Jazz might not usually sound hot to the average hip hop head but everybody was moved by the instrumentals of naija’s most popular hit songs like “Tuface’s true love”, “J martins’s good or bad”, “Bigiano’s shayo”, D’banj’s gbono feli feli, P square’s do me & “Kc presh’s shokori”.

Oluwe’s Happy day – For proof that apala music is not dead, look no further than back to black entertainment’s oluwe, whose hybrid mix of hip hop & apala seems to have taken the industry by storm. “Happy day” is more or less a total re-invention of apala music or better still the marriage of the old & new. Fuelled by the hit singles “oronyon”, “oluwe mawe”, & “my home”, this album has turned out to be a successful blend of two totally different cultures/movement.

Lagbaja’s Paradise – We all know how serious the masked one is with his music and with the exit of his favorite back up singer, he knew he had to turn things up a notch, which is exactly what he did with this album. Tracks like “sobolation”, “amnistia”, “Bling bling panda” & “faa-to” just to name a few only made us realize just how relevant he is to the music industry. What you get on this album is still the same originality & creativity that lagbaja is renowned for.

Timaya’s Gift & grace – If there is one thing timaya is good at. It is staying true to his roots and keeping his fans wanting more. The dancehall act already had a difficult task of following up his highly successful debut album “true story” and he doesn’t disappoint with his sophomore set. With “chinekemeh” already setting the airwaves on fire. Follow up singles like “God you too much” , “I don blow”, & “dem mama cutlass” only helped to solidify his status as a superstar.

And the winner is……..

TIMAYA – GIFT & GRACE

RAP ALBUM OF THE YEAR

NOMINEES
RAP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Talk about it-M.I
The investment-Kel
Everything remains raw-Dat nigga raw
Chief executive omoita-Da grin

Da Grin’s Chief executive omoita – Officially the hardest rap album of 2009, Da grin put a lot of hardwork into this album and what we eventually got was a purely street album laced with so much hunger and venom. its gonna be a pretty long time before we get an album as raw and uncut as da grin's solid effort. Hit singles like "pon pon pon", "kondo", "thank God" & "gboro" made this album a must have.

Dat nigga raw’s Everything remains raw – Classic is the only word with which nigga raw’s sophomore set can best be described. Who else can boast of seven straight singles in one album, especially a rap album. It is quite rare to listen to a naija album without skipping any song. From start to finish, this LP was pure heat, straight up fire. Singles like the Duncan mighty assisted “ko gbadun”, “ strong & mighty”, “shake una bodi”, “do am so”& “in love with an angel” made this album extra hot.

Kel’s The investment – Music industry’s sweetest girl successfully debuted and made mince meat of the opposition as she kept on dropping hit single after hit single from her solid debut album. With production from some of the best talents naija has to offer, kel served up songs like the Alaye & May d collabo “too fine”, “push”, “nobody else”, “dem don dey move” & “wa waa alright”.

MI’s Talk about it – If there was one album that was talked about all year round, it was this choc city representer’s debut. Although it was quietly released with minimal expectations, it was eventually blown up by well crafted songs like the lead single “talk about it”, “anoti”, “safe” & “crowd mentality” and the quality of jude abaga’s lyrics.

And the winner is…

DAT NIGGA RAW – EVERYTHING REMAINS RAW

R&B ALBUM OF THE YEAR

NOMINEES
R&B ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Undareyted-Dare art alade
Mushin to mohits-Wande coal
Least expected-Bracket
Mirage-Sleek

Dare art alade's Undareyted – One of the better albums of 2009. This album totally lived up to expectations spurning hit singles like “no stars”, ”more”, style na style” & “not the girl”. It would appear that darey was more focused on his sophomore album than his debut album where he tried to please everyone at the same time.

Wande coal’s Mushin to mohits – We all suspected that wande had talent but we never knew how much until he released his debut album “M2M”. From popular hit singles like “taboo”, “you bad”, “bumper to bumper” to less popular ones like “se ope”, “kiss your hands”, “who born the maga” & “that’s whats up”, M2M turned out to be the best album of the year.(damn!!!,I said it)

Bracket’s Least expected – Nobody saw bracket coming but we all recognized their ability immediately they emerged on the scene. To say the truth they were the least expected to blow up big time in 2009 but they succeeded in making their mark even in the face of stiff competition from already established artists. Hit singles like the infectious “yori yori”, the p square assisted “no time” & “ada owerri” kept bracket’s stock on an incline all year round.

Sleek’s Mirage – 2009 can more or less be classified as the year of the rookies and yes records pointman sleek made sure he got himself a slice of the pie albeit a small one as he only succeeded in charting one of his singles, The ID cabasa produced “South African girls”. Which kept him in the limelight and shot him to fame.

And the winner is….

WANDE COAL – MUSHIN TO MOHITS

SONG OF THE YEAR

SONG OF THE YEAR
NOMINEES
SONG OF THE YEAR
Yori yori-Bracket
Free madness-Terry G
Fokasibe-Dj zeez
Taboo-Wande coal

I don't think there is any need to go over these songs again as we have already done that over the last couple of days. There is only one song up there that was everyone's guilty pleasure all year round. We hate to admit it but the fact is we all love it. Which of the above mentioned songs had or made the most impact in 2009? we mean lyrically,beatwise and the content.

let's see
Wande coal's taboo was initially well recieved but it's impact was momentary.
Beat-5
Lyrics-3
Content-3

DJ zeez's fokasibe was a great club banger lasted for as long as you were in the mood.
Beat-5
Lyrics-4
Content-2

Terry G's free madness was pure magic,a good club song but it's just not enough and lyrically cheap.
Beat-4
Lyrics-1
Content-2

Bracket's yori yori was off the hook lyrically and soundwise.
Beat-4
Lyrics-4
Content-5

And the winner is.....

BRACKET - YORI YORI

CLUB BANGER OF THE YEAR

NOMINEES
CLUB BANGER OF THE YEAR
Shayo-Bigiano
Free madness-Terry G
Fokasibe-Dj zeez
Hotter than fire-Sheyman/Dr pat

Bigiano’s Shayo – In the history of music, there has never been a time when a song made to glorify drinking or smoking has not gone on to become a hit. This song is no different as it was embraced by beer lovers and party goers nationwide.

Terry G’s Free madness – Is it possible to just test a microphone and end up making a certified hit?. The answer to that question is YES. Terry did what everyone would have thought impossible by crafting this club anthem that has turned out to be one of the biggest club bangers of the year.

Dj zeez’s Fokasibe – The one and only Dj zeez had the club under lock & key all year round with his anthemic club banger and he also created & popularized the street slang “ori e fokasibe”. Everything about this song was on point, from the beats, the lyrics to the delivery.

Sheyman’s Hotter than fire – The only song that set naija’s dance floors ablaze and totally consumed clubs nationwide. To say that this song spread like wild fire will be the understatement of the year. With its catchy hook and thumping beats, this song was every DJ’s delight.

And the winner is….

DJ ZEEZ – FOKASIBE

Honorable mentions
-Artquake’s alanta
-Deebee’s collabo

DAREY WRAPS UP MOST UNDAREYTED SHOW

It was all fun and excitement at the villa medici in Victoria island, Lagos when Dare art alade finally drew the curtains on “the most undareyted show”, A talent hunt which the singer launched in may 2009.

The show which was premiered on soundcity had Darey combing his favorite places in Lagos searching for the most talented individual he could find. Buckwylla who eventually emerged as the winner of the show was presented with a cheque of 1 million naira and recording sessions with Darey’s record label soul muzik.

Darey also seized the opportunity to premiere his latest single “stroke me”, which was produced by Mo hits beat merchant Don jazzy. Friends, artistes & producers were all present at the event.

GINGER WINS PEAK TALENT SHOW

A female singer Yemi Alade aka “Ginger”, a 300 level student of University of Lagos emerged the winner of the first peak talent show at a grand finale held at the agip hall of muson centre, Lagos.

She won 4 million naira talent development contract and 1 million naira cash instantly. This drew the curtain on the 3 month show that spanned six cities in Nigeria – Jos, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Ibadan & Lagos. The contestants were judged by Stella Damascus, Dayo Adeneye (d1) and Tee A.

ALARIWO BACK ON TRACK

The self styled king of crossover music, Rotimi Etumudon-Martins also known as Alariwo of Africa is finally poised to return to Nigeria's bustling music scene .

The multi talented artiste is presently at work in the studio on his comeback album tentatively titled “Back on Track”. The album will be released on the imprint of Dakijo records very soon and will feature cameos from 9ice,Sunny neji & Yinka davies.

Production on the album will be handled by Nelson brown, Kay piano, DJ Mofasa and Dr frabs. The album will include singles such as “Adara”, ”Jibiti Government” and the previously released “African dance”.

MUMA GEE PREPS AFROTASTIC BUDDY

Nigeria’s most seductive singer and performer, Gift Owame popularly known as Muma Gee is currently in Accra, the capital city of Ghana putting finishing touches to her next album “Afrotastic Buddy”.

The 16 track album will feature production from notable producers in Ghana & Nigeria such as Cobhams, K solo, OJB jezreel and Fresh prince and collaborations with popular Ghanaian hip life group VIP and Samini.

The “Kade” crooner is presently shooting two new videos in Accra for her singles “Accra boy” featuring VIP and “Afrotastic buddy” featuring Samini. The album which was slated previously for a January release date has been pushed back till the second quarter of the year.

ALTERNATIVE SONG OF THE YEAR

NOMINEES
ALTERNATIVE SONG OF THE YEAR
Sobolation-Lagbaja
Yankuli yah-Timaya
Oluwe mawe-Oluwe
Osondi owendi-MC loph

This particular category covers all the other genres of music in Nigeria ranging from afrobeat, apala, fuji, jazz, dancehall, reggae to highlife. Assuming this was the year Adewale Ayuba’s “ijo fuji” was released he would be in this category.

Lagbaja’s Sobolation – Although it had been years since the masked one released an album, 2 albums in 2009 re established his buzz and it was right back to the top where he had always been. Sobolation, the first single off his “Paradise” album made a huge impact near and far.

Timaya’s Yankuli yah – To cut a long story short, lets just say the egberi papa 1 of bayelsa is in a class of his own. Even though his sophomore album “gift & grace” couldn’t surpass his debut “true story”, hits like yankuli yah kept him in the limelight and on the charts.

Oluwe’s Oluwe mawe – It is always a pleasure to hear something original & fresh and that is what Oluwe offers on the first single of his debut album “Happy day”. For the lovers of apala, oluwe is a sure bet and will do whatever it takes to keep it alive for as long as possible.

MC Loph’s Osondi owendi - Highlife had been off the charts and the airwaves for so long that we were about to pronounce it dead until Mc loph resurrected it with this superbly crafted remake. Not only was this song huge in the east & south but it reached every nook & cranny of Nigeria.

And the winner is………..

MC LOPH – OSONDI OWENDI

100 POSTS LATER

100 posts ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!
100 posts,they wish they could write like me ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!
100 posts,they wish they knew me ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!
100 posts,they scared of me ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!
100 posts,Who else blogs like me? ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!
100 posts,They running their mouths ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!
100 posts,70 countries,they be like what is he talking about ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!
Enough of that,ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!

How time flies, seems like yesterday when i started this blog and glory be to God, it's been all good and by God's grace it will keep getting better. Who would have thought i would still be here today.

To make this day special, I am going to do something i have never done before.

In the words of Da grin....
Eni wa mi ti,ani ri ogun nibo lo lo.

GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR

NOMINEES
GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR
Kokoroko-Kefee/Timaya
For my life-Rooftop mcs/Suspect
Morile-Bouqui
Run with you-Lara george/Lord of ajasa

Kefee’s kokoroko – You can’t help but admire Kefee’s vocal capabilities and the way she sonorously expresses her love for God. What is difficult to understand is why she had to feature Timaya. Kefee has always been a great singer and she doesn’t disappoint on this one.

Bouqui’s morile – Bouqui has a special way of crafting good gospel songs and what makes it more respectable is the medium in which she passes her message across. We all know how difficult it is to make a good song and it becomes more difficult when you have to write & spit bars for the lord. Bouqui does a good job on this one as “morile” meets and exceeds all expectations.

Rooftop mcs’s for my life – When rooftop mc’s get behind a mic, y’all know it is time to run for cover or risk getting buried beneath their lines & rhymes. Although this song doesn’t quite reach the heights of their previous hits, Soul snatcha & So kleva still get their points across to the intended audience.

Lara george’s run with you - Another example of spreading the gospel to the world by all means possible. Who would have thought a day will come when 2 totally different artists will come together on a track like this, that seems to be the rage these days. What sets this track apart from the numerous gospel songs out there is not the inclusion of Lord of ajasa but Lara’s touching and heart rendering delivery.

And the winner is………….

BOUQUI – MORILE

RAP SONG OF THE YEAR

NOMINEES
RAP SONG OF THE YEAR
Banging-Ruggedman
Safe-M.I/Djinee
Pon pon pon-Da grin
Aiye po gan-Illbliss/Terry G

Ruggedman’s banging – By now all these rap cats should know that it never works out when you try making a hit song and a diss song simultaneously, so you can imagine our surprise when ruggedman dropped this as his reply to modenine & at the same time wanted us to bounce to it in the club. Although it wasn’t much of a diss song, it was still one of the better rap songs of 2009.

Da grin’s pon pon pon – This is definitely one of the hardest and gulliest tracks of the year. Presently in the naija music industry, there is no rapper hungrier than Da grin. There is nothing better than a rapper that is eager to please and who has his eyes set on making it to the top. With his deft & witty lyricism on “pon pon pon”, he stylishly makes his mark in the industry.

Illbliss’s aiye po gan – Some said Illbliss sold out by teaming up with Terry G for his smash hit but in retrospect it was definitely the perfect move. The rap game more like chess than checkers and even though "aiye po gan" never really turned out to be Illbliss's checkmate, it still blew our minds.

MI's safe - MI won a couple of awards last year with this particular song which isn't really a song but more of a freestyle. he did put them words together real nice and Djinee also interpreted his own role well but a freestyle will always be a freestyle.

And the winner is.........

ILLBLISS & TERRY G - AIYE PO GAN

Honorable mentions
-Kel's Wa waa alright
-Sasha's Making moves
-2 shotz & YQ's Oyoyo

R&B SONG OF THE YEAR

NOMINEES
R&B SONG OF THE YEAR
Taboo-Wande coal
I am in love-Faze
Not the girl-Dare art alade
Yori yori-Bracket

Wande coal’s taboo – Another testament to the success of WC’s debut album “mushin 2 mohits”, “Taboo” which happened to be the second single off the debut album had us all thinking there was nothing wande couldn’t do.

Faze’s I am in love – For those who thought that the former plantashun boy had lost his mojo and couldn’t come up with another soulful & melodic tune. This song totally proved them wrong and made everyone realize that he still had a lot to offer. It is when faze gets in this full R&B mode that people start comparing him with Tuface.

Dare art alade’s not the girl – One thing about Darey is that he will never compromise on quality and he can never stop making good old R&B, 2009 was supposed to be his breakout year but the competition was really stiff with the likes of WC & Bracket, but that won’t stop this cobhams penned hit from going down as one of the best R&B songs ever made in Nigeria.

Bracket’s yori yori – Underneath the silly name of this group lies pure talent, Bracket totally ruled the airwaves and the charts in 2009. There is no place in Nigeria where this song has not been heard over and over again. In the nearest future when people are talking about the greatest hits of naija, “yori yori” will either be at the top or very close to it.

And the winner is……..

BRACKET – YORI YORI

Honorable mentions
-Azeezat’s Ife
-Essence’s Kalangolo
-Banky W’s Strong ting

BEST COLLABO

NOMINEES
BEST COLLABO
You bad-Wande coal/D banj
Big boy-Eldee/Olu maintain/Banky W/Oladele
In love with an angel-Dat nigga raw/TJ
Aiye po gan-Illbliss/Terry G

Eldee's big boy - This is a song that reeks of class, style & finesse. Naija's own version of swagger like us. When 4 of naija's finest artists combine, what else do you get if not a hit. Bragging about wealth and success has never sounded this good before. Although most peeps will argue that Eldee sold out on this one but it is pretty difficult to hate on this song.

Dat nigga raw & TJ's in love with an angel - This song should have been called from abia with love (just kidding), dat nigga raw showed a lot of versatility and experience on this one as he successfully finds the middle ground between keeping it real and going commercial. Truth be told, he would never have succeeded without the vocal backing of TJ.

Wande coal & D'banj's you bad - Just when we were thinking that Wande couldn’t come out with something better than his first 2 singles, he dropped this banger and showed the doubters just how serious he was of taking over the charts & airwaves. The only song that will make any good girl want to go bad.

Illbliss & Terry G’s aiye po gan – We don’t even have enough space to talk about just how good this song is. This was Terry G before he started gingahing his swagger & freed madness, Dat ibo boy finally succeeded in conquering the west with this one. The thorobreds will definitely learn something about mass appeal by following in his footsteps.

And the winner is……..

ELDEE FT OLU MAINTAIN/BANKY W/OLADELE – BIG BOY

Honorable mentions
-K solo,Lord of ajasa,Da grin,LKT & Konga’s salo
-Jamix,9ice,MI & Terry G’s omo naija

BEST RAP SONG BY DUO OR GROUP

NOMINEES
BEST RAP SONG BY DUO OR GROUP
Too fine-Kel/Alaye/May D
Sample-Terry da rapman/Pherowshuz/Stereoman
Da finest-Knighthouse/Sauce kid/Teeto
Make doe-Da grin/dark poet

Da grin & Dark poet's make doe - Emi ni best,sugbon efe fun mi ni crown....okay let's not get carried away, we don't have to go over the lyrics again to convince ourselves that these cats were on point on this one.

Terry da rapman & Pherowshuz's sample - Now this is what i am talking about, I always knew someone was going to sample stereoman one day but i never knew it was going to be 2 of naija's finest lyricists. With the way Terry & Pherowshuz went in on this one it was clear to see why dem boys were not smiling. when you deliver lines like these dudes do, it is going to be quite difficult to be smiling at the same time.

Knighthouse's da finest - There is only one word with which this song can be described "respect". In the nearest future, this song will be remembered as the turning point in the careers of Teeto,Sauce kid & Mo cheddah. This is a song that puts the fear of God in you, when you listen to this song, the first thing that comes to your mind is who are these people & where are they headed. With cats like these the future of naija hip hop looks pretty bright.

Kel & Alaye's too fine - The first thing that makes this song really really nice is the beat. At this point in time, i believe that TY mix is hands down the best producer in Nigeria (sorry Don jazzy). How do you produce a song and have people start thinking it was produced by Irv gotti? That is a question only TY mix can answer. Kel & Alaye also didn't disappoint as their verses were sick and may d's hook was tight.

And the winner is..........

KNIGHTHOUSE FT SAUCE KID,MO CHEDDAH & TEETO - DA FINEST

Honorable mentions
2 shotz & MI's make some noise
Knighthouse,Kel,Eldee & Othello's Ijinle pam pam
Kel & Illbliss's die hustling
Cartiair,Da Grin,Eva,Terry da Rapman & Gino's Owo ati swagger (remix)

BEST R&B SONG BY DUO OR GROUP

NOMINEES
BEST R&B SONG BY DUO OR GROUP
Tinkonko-Plus one
South African girl-Sleek/ID cabasa
Yori yori-Bracket
Pass me your love-Ay.com/Terry G

I don’t think I really have to break this one down for you, Best R&B song by duo or group means just what it is supposed to mean.

Plus one’s tinkonko - A lot of people didn’t catch on quick to this new boy group but their first single has been garnering so much airplay that people have finally been forced to notice them. This song is more suited to a dance floor but its major strong point is its simple yet enticing hook.

Sleek & ID cabasa’s south African girl - Yes records quickly made their intentions known by tag teaming two of their most talented artistes on this song and the result was awesome. The song might not be so huge in naija probably cos it wasn’t made for the naija girls but that doesn’t change the fact that it is a good song.

Bracket’s yori yori - What can I say that you don’t already know. This song is so infectious that you might end up humming it in your sleep, you know a song is a monster hit when the bus drivers & market women know the lyrics.

Ay.com & Terry G’s pass me your love – This song is one of the most popular songs of 2009. The only song that successfully makes you think love is a round leather thing that can be passed around. This was terry g at his very best before gingah your swaggah.

And the winner is.............

BRACKET-YORI YORI

Honorable mentions
-P square & Tuface’s possibility
-Bracket & P square’s no time

STREET SINGLE OF THE YEAR

NOMINEES
STREET SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Igboro ti daru-Klever jay/Eedris
Ko gbadun-Dat nigga raw/Duncan mighty
Collabo-Deebee
Oluwe mawe-Oluwe

When they say street single of the year, it means your music has to be banging in every hood & every borough nationwide. Is that really all there is to it(nah). Your song has to be hard, i mean like really hard. your song might be or might not be radio/club friendly, it doesn't really matter. Now looking at the nominees above, we have

Oluwe's oluwe mawe - This song never really blew up big time but anybody on top of his game would have heard of oluwe by now.the song is quite infectious and really hard considering the concept and the content. more of a weed anthem than a hood anthem.

Deebee's collabo - This particular song spread like wildfire and became an instant hit in the streets & the clubs. Although this song is more of a club banger than a street anthem, but gains point for not been blatantly lewd.

Dat nigga raw's ko gbadun - Nigga raw has always been the socially conscious type who cannot and will not stop spitting bars about the state of the Nigerian economy. Once again he scores a hit with this hard egded and political cut.

Klever jay's igboro ti daru – Just when we thought K solo couldn’t do better than Timaya, Out comes Klever jay with this street banger that has refused to fade away. From gidi to KD to PH this hard & anthemic song has gradually warmed his way into the heart of all and sundry..

And the winner is.............

KLEVER JAY-IGBORO TI DARU(FT EEDRIS)

Honorable mentions
-Da grin’s pon pon pon
-Jah bless’s joooo
-Timaya's plantain boy
-Durella's enu ose

PRE-AWARD SPEECH

I know a lot of people are already waiting for the 9jahiphop awards. the time is finally here and as from tomorrow, i will start naming the winners. i thought i should let you know how i came up with the nominees and how i am going to pick the winners. Actually i didn't pick the nominees all by myself, i did it with the help of 12 people(whose identity will not be revealed) from the music industry. These same 12 special people will be the judges along with me, which makes it 13 of us,so there can never be a tie in the voting.

The special 12(S12) include

1.A renowned DJ
2.A record label executive
3.A female recording artiste
4.A male recording artiste
5.A producer
6.A video director
7.A music TV presenter
8.A retailer/marketer
9.A music magazine editor
10.An A&R director
11.An hip hop analyst
12.A song writer

This is definitely going to be fun. just sit back and enjoy yourself.

RESOLUTIONS......AND THEN WHAT

This is my personal new year message for all of you.

May this new year bring many opportunities your way, to explore every joy of life and may your resolutions for the days ahead stay firm, turning all your dreams into reality and all your efforts into great achievements.

The keyword in that message is resolutions.how many of you make new year resolutions & keep them.personally i always make new year resolutions but i never keep them and in some cases i even forget about them totally.This year will be a little different cos i plan to keep my new year resolutions.When i say new year resolutions,i don't mean in my personal life but pertaining to my blog.you know i gotta keep ish up and stay as fresh as possible.

My Resolutions
-Update my blog frequently(not yet sure how frequent).
-Include news updates & new columns.
-Offer free downloads.
-Do interviews.

That will be all for now.can't really think of anything else right now but you can be rest assured that we are gonna have a funfilled year right here @ 9jahiphop.If you have any suggestions for my blog,please pass it across.Even though i will be changing a few things on my blog,some things will still remain the same.for example

-I will keep saying whatever i want to say whenever.
-I won't be taking on new members(still a one man thing,don't get no fancy ideas).
-Album reviews,Poisoned pen & Talk is cheap still stand.

And that is that,lets wait and see how things turn out........HAPPY NEW YEAR.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Bonne Année

Ein gutes neues Jahr

Felice Anno Nuovo

Próspero Año Nuevo

Chu Shen Tan

L’Shannah Tovah

Subh Nab Bars

Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun

Feliz Ano Novo

Akemashite Omedetô gozaimasu

Godt Nytår

S nastupayušcim Novym Godom

Kali Chronia

Selamat Tahun Baru

Szczesliwego Nowego Roku