Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
ELDEE - THE POLITICS OF OUR TIME
“Integrity requires three steps: discerning what is right and what is wrong; acting on what you have discerned, even at personal cost; and saying openly that you are acting on your understanding of right from wrong.” – Stephen L Carter
Months ago, before the 2011 voter registration exercise began in Nigeria some of us were very excited as we saw this as an opportunity to effect the much-needed change in our country. I geared up and began non-partisan campaigns aimed at youths in Nigeria to ensure that they register, vote, and protect their votes. I spent at least four to six hours everyday campaigning on social network platforms, TV/Radio, and print media. My team and I did everything we could from explaining the process, to following people on twitter who posted pictures of their registration cards, to giving away cellphone airtime and even went as far as helping local INEC officials with some of the technical difficulties they faced at the commencement of the registration exercise. We are currently working on an incidence reporting initiative to help curb election malpractices. What’s in it for me you might ask…like I tell everyone who has asked me, some of us just really believe in a better Nigeria. If I have the resources to make change, I wont hesitate to put it towards just that. I am Nigerian, I have a daughter who is Nigerian and I would love to see my daughter raised in this country. I am a true patriot and I have consistently promoted the idea that the Nigerian situation can and should improve with the right leadership.
During the voters’ registration campaign, I got together with a few friends and colleagues of mine to discuss ways to increase youth participation in the democratic process of our country using our music platform. During one of those discussions, we came up with the idea to have multiple concerts across the country, which would only be accessed by registered voters. It felt like a great idea because with this initiative, we could all join forces and get more attention from our intended demographic. Household names such as PSquare, D’banj, eLDee, Tuface, MI, Banky W, Naeto C, Sound Sultan, Timaya, Wizkid, Duncan Mighty and the likes, would easily fill up arenas in any city so why not have a free concert that people can only be a part of if they present their voters registration card. To the best of my knowledge, we came up with a tag called “Our time” for the concert series. In order to avoid the initiative being politicized, we agreed to raise funds through non-partisan means alone.
We put little resources together and quickly shot TV commercials since there were only a few days left of the voter registration period. The commercials were immediately published on TV/Internet and it generated a good amount of attention. At the end of the voter registration period, there was overwhelming evidence of the success of the initiative and we all looked forward to entertaining our registered voter fans at the concert series.
Fast forward to March 17, 2011. I am watching television and I see a commercial that looked just like the one we shot for our campaign. It was indeed footage from our voter registration initiative commercial, however this version was manipulated to suit a different purpose. The new edit describes a free concert featuring D’banj, Tuface, MI, eLDee, PSquare, BankyW, Duncan Mighty, Wizkid and others, which supposedly holds in Abuja on March 25, 2011 and totally omits our voter registration campaign initiative. The advert now ends with a different tagline, “supported by Our Time Group, Youths rising up for GEJ.” I immediately had a cold feeling of shock, betrayal, deceit, and misrepresentation because this was the exact opposite of what we created the initiative for. Now I was being touted as a representative of the youth in support of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan presidential campaign. What’s even more interesting is that Silverbird TV ran this new advert before and after the Dbanj interview with Goodluck Jonathan, as if it were part and parcel of that GEJ campaign initiative. I called all parties involved to express my disapproval and disgust at how anyone would take such an innocent initiative and manipulate it to misrepresent the interest and support of the youth. To my dismay, another slap in the face came in the form of a full-page newspaper advert in The Vanguard of March 22, 2011 with my picture, among others artists, advertising the same GEJ Presidential campaign concert.
It is sad and indeed worrying that people continue to take advantage of good intentions and initiatives for selfish and corrupt purposes. I use this medium to make public that I have never, and even more so now will never be a part of any campaign for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, therefore please do not expect me to be at the supposed concert. Let me be clear, I have nothing against the supposed concert and its participants; I just prefer to be consulted about such a manipulation of interest beforehand. I have never received any money or gift of any kind from any member or supporter of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan presidential campaign or any presidential campaign for that matter, neither have I volunteered my services in support of any such campaign. I’ll be glad to announce if and when I do but until then, I don’t appreciate my image and likeness being exploited for political purposes without my consent.
Months ago, before the 2011 voter registration exercise began in Nigeria some of us were very excited as we saw this as an opportunity to effect the much-needed change in our country. I geared up and began non-partisan campaigns aimed at youths in Nigeria to ensure that they register, vote, and protect their votes. I spent at least four to six hours everyday campaigning on social network platforms, TV/Radio, and print media. My team and I did everything we could from explaining the process, to following people on twitter who posted pictures of their registration cards, to giving away cellphone airtime and even went as far as helping local INEC officials with some of the technical difficulties they faced at the commencement of the registration exercise. We are currently working on an incidence reporting initiative to help curb election malpractices. What’s in it for me you might ask…like I tell everyone who has asked me, some of us just really believe in a better Nigeria. If I have the resources to make change, I wont hesitate to put it towards just that. I am Nigerian, I have a daughter who is Nigerian and I would love to see my daughter raised in this country. I am a true patriot and I have consistently promoted the idea that the Nigerian situation can and should improve with the right leadership.
During the voters’ registration campaign, I got together with a few friends and colleagues of mine to discuss ways to increase youth participation in the democratic process of our country using our music platform. During one of those discussions, we came up with the idea to have multiple concerts across the country, which would only be accessed by registered voters. It felt like a great idea because with this initiative, we could all join forces and get more attention from our intended demographic. Household names such as PSquare, D’banj, eLDee, Tuface, MI, Banky W, Naeto C, Sound Sultan, Timaya, Wizkid, Duncan Mighty and the likes, would easily fill up arenas in any city so why not have a free concert that people can only be a part of if they present their voters registration card. To the best of my knowledge, we came up with a tag called “Our time” for the concert series. In order to avoid the initiative being politicized, we agreed to raise funds through non-partisan means alone.
We put little resources together and quickly shot TV commercials since there were only a few days left of the voter registration period. The commercials were immediately published on TV/Internet and it generated a good amount of attention. At the end of the voter registration period, there was overwhelming evidence of the success of the initiative and we all looked forward to entertaining our registered voter fans at the concert series.
Fast forward to March 17, 2011. I am watching television and I see a commercial that looked just like the one we shot for our campaign. It was indeed footage from our voter registration initiative commercial, however this version was manipulated to suit a different purpose. The new edit describes a free concert featuring D’banj, Tuface, MI, eLDee, PSquare, BankyW, Duncan Mighty, Wizkid and others, which supposedly holds in Abuja on March 25, 2011 and totally omits our voter registration campaign initiative. The advert now ends with a different tagline, “supported by Our Time Group, Youths rising up for GEJ.” I immediately had a cold feeling of shock, betrayal, deceit, and misrepresentation because this was the exact opposite of what we created the initiative for. Now I was being touted as a representative of the youth in support of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan presidential campaign. What’s even more interesting is that Silverbird TV ran this new advert before and after the Dbanj interview with Goodluck Jonathan, as if it were part and parcel of that GEJ campaign initiative. I called all parties involved to express my disapproval and disgust at how anyone would take such an innocent initiative and manipulate it to misrepresent the interest and support of the youth. To my dismay, another slap in the face came in the form of a full-page newspaper advert in The Vanguard of March 22, 2011 with my picture, among others artists, advertising the same GEJ Presidential campaign concert.
It is sad and indeed worrying that people continue to take advantage of good intentions and initiatives for selfish and corrupt purposes. I use this medium to make public that I have never, and even more so now will never be a part of any campaign for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, therefore please do not expect me to be at the supposed concert. Let me be clear, I have nothing against the supposed concert and its participants; I just prefer to be consulted about such a manipulation of interest beforehand. I have never received any money or gift of any kind from any member or supporter of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan presidential campaign or any presidential campaign for that matter, neither have I volunteered my services in support of any such campaign. I’ll be glad to announce if and when I do but until then, I don’t appreciate my image and likeness being exploited for political purposes without my consent.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
TIC - KELLY HANSOME FINDS JESUS, TERRY G TURNS APAKO MASTER, DR FRABZ ELECTRIFIES AND DAREY DOUBLES UP
I know how much y’all wish I could come up here every day and talk but life ain’t like that, you don’t always get what you want from life but you will always get what from me which is the reason why I am here. Make no mistake, I have a lot of stuff to do but they say that you can’t enjoy idling thoroughly unless you have plenty of work to do. So let me run off my mouf while my desk gets cluttered.
MUSIC TALK
2011 is looking real bright musically for all your favorite erartistes; surprisingly they have been putting in work week in week out.
First off, we have dat ibo boy Ilbliss back with a new joint titled “Otipo” featuring suspect which would be on his upcoming album “Oga Boss”.
You will never know how electrifying naija music can be until you listen to Dr Frabs “Electricity” ft Naeto C.
Upcoming Female rap artiste, Pryse has got a new cut “Femcee toh bad” off her upcoming mixtape “Wordplay queen”.
We already know that klever Jay is not a one hit wonder but he takes time to remind us with a new banger in the form of “Friend & foe” featuring Reminisce.
Kelly Hansome is slowly turning vegetarian as he leaves everything beef related to drop “Jesus is my iroko”.
LKT has a new single titled “Money sweet” ft Jungle.
9ice’s album “Versus” is reaching boiling point as he goes for the big guns by enlisting K1 for his latest single “Health is wealth”.
Sheyman recently teamed up with Skales & Eldee for “My money (remix)”.
Terry G re-ginjahs his swaggah with “Apako master”, which is a track off his forth coming yet untitled album.
Ape planetarians, Bracket are back with a new club banger “Muah muah” off their upcoming sophomore set “Cupid Stories”.
There is a studio leak of a new Wizkid song floating around called “Wiz party”.
Darey’s double album “Heart” & “Beat” is now in stores.
VIDEO TALK
MI’s movie continues with the release of the video of “Undisputed champion”.
Konga might have failed with his album “Eno swagger king” but he scores with the video for “Kabakaba” featuring Remi Aluko & Da grin.
In case you overlooked comedian Julius Agu’ s “The Genius” album, check out his “Adanma” video.
If you are looking for a great video to watch, check out Kefee’s Eguono (remix) featuring Skales.
For something really really new, watch Bracket’s “Muah Muah” video.
Some other cool Vids you should check out include Omawunmi’s “When breeze blows”, Durella’s “Ileke”,
Mr Raw Nwanne’s “Lets party”, Etcetera’s “Ring the alarm” and Tha Suspect’s I no send you (remix).
IN THE NEWS
The exodus from Storm records continues with the exit of Sauce kid.
Wizkid got robbed of his car (Thank God he didn’t get killed).
I have got some ish coming out of the Mo hits camp; it’s crazy in there right now. I heard that Genevieve is actually dating D’banj and is recording an album to be released on Mohits. There are also unconfirmed reports that D’banj won’t be releasing an album of new materials but will instead be re releasing & repackaging the entertainer album.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
WRITERS BLOCK 3 - CLASS IN SESSION
Wow, time really flies, it’s almost April and things are happening really fast in the world of naija hip hop. I just hope we can keep the tempo going till the end of the year. One cannot even come online these days and not see some new stuff going down; it’s either Sauce kid is leaving Storm records or Darey is featuring Chamillionaire but the biggest news in recent times was Kanye West tweeting our own D’banj & Don Jazzy barely weeks after featuring Snoop Dogg on the remix of “Mr. Endowed”. I don’t want to knock D’banj’s hustle but I don’t see him and Kanye doing anything together (nuff said).
Funny how everything is always on twitter these days, have you ever wondered why I don’t follow people on twitter? It’s because I don’t know where they are going (not that I don’t care) and I am more of a leader than a follower. Imagine following Banky W and ending up in Oshogbo (damn, I had to say it). In case you have not noticed, you can’t post comments on my blog anymore, do you know why? It’s because I don’t really give a fuck about what you think of me. Call it hubris or whatever you like.
Did I ever tell you about the disadvantages of knowing bad guys? You will need to ask Wizkid about that; dude got his car jacked a while back. I hope the bad guys that he knows (Someone holla at MI) will be able to get it back for him. I have heard a lot of bad albums in my time but I have never heard anything as bad as Tha Suspect’s” Iam Music”, whoever sanctioned the release of that album has no business running a record label. Wait a minute, ain’t that Clarence Peters, same dude that Kel walked out on, now we know why (won fe pa career omo lo mo). I am not mad that Tha Suspect made that album, I am just mad that his record label decided to sell it to the public. Even though you will expect any decent producer to sound good on his own beats, Tha Suspect doesn’t, probably because he doesn’t have a rapping bone in his body.
Don’t get it twisted, blogging is a serious thing and I try as much as possible to take it serious. Iam sorry for keeping you waiting, it’s been hard getting my team together as per the 9jahiphop awards thang but everything is in order now and you can expect to know all the winners in April. Remember what I said about been a leader and not a follower, I just noticed how most of these other bloggers pattern their style after mine. I am not mad at that, it’s cool knowing that each of my posts is a class in session. With that in mind, grab your pen & notepad or in this case your mouse & keyboard and blog after me.
The elections are getting closer; don’t forget that your vote counts. Please vote even if I don’t, the secret lies in doing what I say not what I do.
NB: Pray for Japan.
Friday, March 18, 2011
DBANJ DELIVERS KOKOMOBILE
Kokomobile is the first celebrity driven mobile phone in Nigeria and comes with features such as
- Memory Card
- Flashlight
- FM Radio
- MP3/ MP4
- Latest D’banj and Mo’Hits songs and videos
- GPRS
- Facebook, Ebuddy, Nimbuzz, Opera
- First Bank Mobile Application
- N500 free account opening at First Bank
For more Information
Follow Kokomobile on Facebook
Follow Kokomobile on Twitter
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)