Tuesday, April 27, 2010

THE FUTURE OF MUSIC

These four stars might be doing different genres of music but they have one thing in common, they are all young and remarkable and are making Nigerians proud. Ada Igboanugo reveals to you the future generation of Nigerian music. {contributors Kayinsola Doherty, irepnaija.com}

Mo Cheddah




Real name Olamodupe Olaoluwa describes her genre of music as hip-hop/pop. The three hundred level student of the University of Lagos started her music career like most others- at a very young age but so far has done over 50 performances as she started way back in church and counts it as the beginning of her career but this 19year old became ‘Mo Cheddah’ at the age of 15. ‘At that point I did a couple of shows but not professional ones as Knight House has been working on me’

Signed to Knight House as she noted, this femcee has worked her way through in the musical industry as a young female rapper and is not letting her male counterparts weigh her down.

She proves to be good in what she does and when asked how she said, ‘I’m posh and extreme. I’m not close to where I want to be right now so I have to keep going until I get there. It’s a long road from here’

Her performances in the recent year have been remarkable including that of the Future Awards always warranting a standing ovation after every one of them.

She has done a couple of songs that can be found on the website. This young star is set to revolutionise the mindset of musicians in the industry and is here to stay.


S.K.A.L.E.S



The newly signed EME kid, the music label credited for one of Nigeria’s most sought after artistes, is determined to and confident of winning the American Grammys and is not hesitant in letting us know as his hit single, ‘heading for the Grammy’ says it all.

Born on the 1st of April as John Raoul, 18 year old rapper, song writer and performer has wooed many audiences around Nigeria with his unique rap style and charm on stage; from the Zain Tru Search talent competition in 2008, to the Soundcity Blast concert in 2009 where he astonished the crowd with a rap acapella.

The journey for Skales begun way back in 2000, when he started writing his own songs and honing his rap skills in Kaduna, where he grew up. Between 2007 and 2008, this adventurous young man travelled to Jos as often as he could to work with some of Nigeria’s finest producers, Jeremiah Gyang and Jesse Jagz. In 2008, he entered for the Zain Tru Search competition and emerged as the winner for the North Central region, and then he came to Lagos.

His first single, ‘Must Shine’ enjoyed good airplay early 2009 and made it to the Rhythm FM Top 7 Jamz at 7 in Lagos for some weeks and then it was also the ‘Hit Song of the Week’ on Rhythm FM in Jos and Abuja. Skales has gone on to record and write well over 20 songs and has collaborated with some of the finest music acts in Nigeria such as Eldee Tha Don, Jeremiah Gyang, Banky W and Knighthouse.

Though with a rather built stature, The 200-level student of Office Management and Technology at the Leads City University, Ibadan, Oyo has a rather ironically quiet persona from what a rapper is supposed to be but he defends himself saying that’s just the outer side of him, he’s a much more lively person.

He is set to bring a fresh vibe to the rap music industry which would be a relief as to what is being done in the industry today and so far he is doing us proud.

He recently performed at the Kennis Easter Music Fiesta at the Oriental Hotel and will also be performing at several upcoming events including the Dynamix/Etisalat concert in Unilag










Eva Alordiah



The fast rising femcee is a graduate of computer Science from Bowen University. As to why she didn’t specialise in her area of study, “I was once in love with computers but I always wanted to be a rapper. School was just a hindrance. I don’t know how I ended up finishing a degree in Computer Science”.

But now she focused on doing music full time and nothing’s going to stop her this time. Though Being an independently signed artiste i.e. she’s not signed into any record label, Eva has worked with several Nigerian artistes such as ill bliss, Whiz kid, Kel, Id Cabasa, etc, not to forget Wyclef Jean {in the future} proving herself to be competent in the industry and ready for whatever she’s thrown with. In 2008, she hooked up with Tha Suspect to produce “A Millie” remake of M.I’s “Safe” and this gained massive airplay in and out of Lagos. Teaming up with Cartiair in 2009, she was featured on the remix of the popular 'Owo ati Swagger' which went on to become a massive hit.

Eva isn’t so much of a known name in Nigeria yet like its counterparts probably except online and when asked on this she still pressed on the issue of schooling being a major hindrance but to her success wasn’t far away as she immediately kicked off her career in the music industry immediately after school. ‘I was getting finished with school when my first song came out’

Born Eva Alordiah, Eva hails from Delta state and has been surrounded by music since childhood. Being around her brothers, she grew up listening to hip-hop music and has since being at the forefront of entertainment; be it through dancing, acting, music or anything that requires her to be on stage. Musically influenced by the likes of Kanye West, Lil Wayne, M.I, Jay Z, Eminem and B.I.G amongst others, there’s no doubt that these models haven’t influenced her as her flow depicts such.

The talented Rapper, writer and performer amongst other things is currently promoting her debut single titled 'relentless'. It's been released online and is enjoying good reviews.

Her works can be found at www.evaalordiah.tk









Whiz kid



He’s done songs like ‘holla at your boy’, ‘wind it’ both songs produced by V.D and DJ Klem respectively and he’s not stopping just yet but this ‘whiz kid’ didn’t just jump into limelight.

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun a.k.a Wiz kid is a talented singer, song writer and performer. He kicked off his singing career as early as 11 when he recorded his first song with one of Nigeria’s celebrated music icons, OJB Jezreel. He went on to record a 7-track album, which he released in his church in Lagos, under the name of Lil’ Prinz; this was just a stint that earned him a remarkable deal of encouragement and recognition from family, his church and other artistes.

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

Wizkid’s collaboration with M.I on “Fast Money, Fast Cars” on the Talk About It album, drew major attention to his distinct voice and singing style. From there, he went on to feature on Kel’s Turn by Turn, the 2008 Barcelos radio jingle and many others.
In 2009, he got signed to Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment, featured on and co-wrote some of the songs on Banky W’s The W Experience album. Wiz kid explained that things didn’t start out that easy as his role model now didn’t even know who he was even as he sat beside him but now they are so close people are beginning to notice.

Wizkid recently dropped a freestyle track online, titled 'Tease Me'. It was something he did in the studio off the top of his head. It's currently getting a lot of reviews online and is slowly getting good rotation at clubs.

His first single, ‘Holla At Your Boy’ though yet to be officially released is also creeping in on various charts around Nigeria

Monday, April 5, 2010

TUNDE EDNUT: LONDON'S NO. 1 NIGERIAN COMEDIAN




From a former University of Lagos student to London’s number one Nigerian comedians, Tunde Edut reveals himself to Ada Igboanugo.

INTRODUCTION:

Tunde Ednut is a Yoruba boy from Kogi State. He was born in the north but moved to Lagos when he was about five years of age up on till 2007 when he came to the U.K. he comes from a family of five in which he’s the second born.

VENTURE INTO COMEDY

Tunde started comedy in 1996 in secondary school but started professionally in the University Of Lagos. Then he used to mail Tee-A a lot “I really enjoyed his jokes back then. We got to meet years later, he was like: “are you the Tunde guy that used to mail me those days?”
His breakthrough though came when he was invited to perform at the Dynamiks Awards 2007. “After performing, I received a standing ovation. it was massive, I would never forget. I say a big thank you to Tunde (Publisher of Dynamiks Magazine) for the opportunity”. Unknown to him, amongst the crowd were Femi Amusan (biggest Nigerian presenter on BEN TV), Black nights Entertainment (biggest promoters of entertainment in the U.K owned by a Nigerian). They urged him to come perform in the U.K. From then on it got better. “I performed alongside Konga, Tuface, Danfo Drivers, Basket Mouth e.t.c at the Nigerian Independence Jam 2007”.

ACHIEVEMENTS

He won the Naija vs. Jamaica comedy competition along side another Nigerian named Babatunde. He is the first Nigerian to be nominated in the prestigious Black Entertainment Comedy Awards U.K known as B.E.C.A just a year after he went to the U.K though it was posted till later this year. He has been nominated twice in the Nigeria Future Awards (2007 &2008), Dynamiks Youths Awards (2007 & 2008) and finally won in 2009. He also took an award for the best Nigerian Comedian in the U.K and Young achievers awards. He also performed at the JJC live in Dublin concert with I go dye and he featured in the JJC's WE AFRICANS VIDEO.


PERFORMANCES

Tunde was the M.C at Ankara Festival 2008 hosted by BEN TV and also the Nottinhill Carnival (Nigerian Section) “I’ve performed at the Kojo Comedy Fun House, Linen & Lace on BEN TV, 9ice In London concert, P Square in London , Mr. Nigeria/U.K beautiful pageant 2007 & 2008, Mrs. Nigeria U.K pageant 2007 & 2008, Miss Nigeria/U.K. beauty pageant 2007 &2008, back in da days comedy show, olu maintain live in Manchester, L.O.L Xmas special, Owambe Easter fiesta 2009, Nigeria comedy show,48th Nigerian independence concert(co-hosted by me, featured Olu maintain, Basketmouth, Tony Tetuila, e.t.c),and many the list is endless”.
He also made a surprise appearance at the Kokomansion (reality TV hosted by D'banj) in Nigeria on the 8th of august. “He had seen one my videos 'TUNDE EDNUT KOKOMANSION'(it was a promo 4 my monthly show called the TUNDE EDNUT COMEDY PARK), .he said he liked the way I acted like him and asked me to come over”.
He also performed at the KOKO CONCERT in London on the 31st of august. “It was a wonderful experience. Thanks to Don jazzy, d'banj and the Mo'hits crew”

COMEDY SHOW

“Yes, I have a show titled the ‘TUNDE EDNUT COMEDY PARK’, which comes up every first Sunday of the month at planet Nollywood 319 Carmberwell rd south east London” . The show was launched on the 7th of May 2009 and featured the likes of Olu maintain and the Yahozee family. It also featured Jedi, Princess; Award winning Nigerian U.K based comedian Wale Gates, and Super Eagles player Sam Sodje who is a good friend of tunde’s.

PLANS OF RETURN

Tunde plans to return much later. “I do miss Nigeria. I miss everything about Nigeria. I miss my family; I miss my friends especially Laylow (music producer and one time presenter with Unilag fm) and Morachi. They inspired me a lot, it’s one of the best places to be in, people have to understand that .There is always a strong urge to come back, despite the bad roads, lack of electricity e.t.c, there are so many good things and people have to appreciate them, think about those representing Nigeria abroad, like Dele Momodu, Nwankwo Kanu, Chief Alistair Soyode (BEN TV C.E.O,.. one of the most populous black TV station in the U.K), e.t.c,.”


FANS IN NIGERIA

“I have a comedy sitcom coming up soon titled 'why not if not'. It’s not just going to be on BEN TV. I’m working with TV stations in Nigeria, so it’s going to be in the U.K and all over Nigeria”.

MUSICAL PLANS
Interestingly tunde used to be in the youth choir back then in church in Nigeria with Word base assembly okota. Right now though, he’s in the studio with a couple of artistes tying to record some songs and by God's grace it will be hitting the airwaves later this year.

ASIDE COMEDY

If he’s not doing comedy, Tunde loves eating a lot. He loves to listen to music also on music.gidilounge.com “it keeps me posted with the latest naija songs; I’m also into graphic designs and 3D animation. Also I can’t do without my facebook”

LEATHER GLOVES



BY OLADIMEJI OJO.


To borrow a line from a friend of mine, love is like asking to hold hands with someone in the winter, with your gloves off. I’m sure you’re wondering, why so sappy. Why a sappy article. Well, for the past few weeks, my life has been a little like a soap opera. Articles like this are usually meant for the ladies. This one is for the guys. I know that when you take those gloves off and offer your hand to that person, it feels like the best thing in the world. It feels so right doesn’t it? That sincere declaration of love, the outpouring of emotion, it feels so good, till your fingers get burnt or is it frostbitten.

It could be one of two ways. I still haven’t figured out which hurts the most. When your partner, whoever she is pulls away or when she never takes her gloves off and leaves you standing in the snow, metaphorically, of course.

In the first case, she’s taken your hand, you’re both standing there, palms glued together, each providing the warmth the other needs. Standing in the snow and somehow you’re not cold. The fierce wind doesn’t matter, it doesn’t make you shiver. That other person is there. You’re there watching life go by, stuck in your own little time capsule. To you, nothing could ever go wrong, then she lies to you. Cheats on you, leaves you for a pair of knit gloves. You feel the rip but you don’t believe it. The pain comes later, as each day passes, as each night comes. You’re alone in the snow, slowly freezing to death.

The second case seems worse when you’re younger. You tell her what you think, that you’d love to hold her hand. You spend your money, give her your time. She encourages you, eggs you on. You’re confident nothing can go wrong and that’s when you get stupid, you take off your gloves before she does. You wait for the warmth, for the sense of fulfilment, the safety, the confidence. For that giddiness that made you take off your gloves in the first place to mature into a confident joy. Then, halfway through your expectant smile, you realise her hand will never come. That your 17,000 Naira watch isn’t going to make a difference after all. That your sincerity was worth nothing.

The question is, how do you react. In anger? Lashing out at every lady who makes the mistake of offering her hand to you. In sorrow? Afraid to ever trust again. Sitting shyly in the corner of life waiting for a miracle. In obsession? Watching her from the distance, unable to move on. Or, do you act like a man? Rise and dust yourself off, waiting till you feel your heart overflow with the joy it once felt, and when you do, take your gloves off once again, in the name of love.

Glitz Bobo

by Olujimi Ojikutu jingla_xesis@yahoo.com

Did you all miss me....? I know you did. This week we’ll be giving you info from Sneakers, Tees, Watches; the new Ipad, to the places you can hang out this weekend- Everything that makes a bobo, a bobo.

The Supra Sneakers
I’m sure of you wouldn’t have heard of the Supra, but if you look closely at those Weezy, Drake, Young Money Videos...Those shiny sneakers you see them wearing are Supra Sneaks. As each second passes fashion gets shinier, crazy, and blingy. We all want shiny things, and well, the Supra Sneaks are Shiny and cool.

From N20, 000

Hip-Hop’s new Wrist Toys

Everybody wants one, and I’ve even seen it on a few Naija Artists. They are cool and sometime come in playful colours- which is what art is all about, which explains why Artists and Stars are drawn to the watches. Red man has a G-shock line for example, and the Toy watch can be seen on a lot of Hollywood stars.

From 30,000

From N15, 000

Jingla Nation

Sounds like a rock band doesn’t it? But believe it or not, Jingla Nation is the business of T-Shirts. With Presence in the UK, US, France, and Naija, meaning you can buy them here and also outside Nigeria. It’s a clothing movement that reaches Nigerians both at home and abroad. Nollywood did it, the Music industry over killed it and I think fashion is the next big thing coming out of Naija. Cool designs, Cool T-Shirts, a good cause, and lots of fun T-shirts for everyone.
Perk: Designed in Naija.
You can join Jingla Nation on facebook.


From N2, 500



The new Ipad

Definitely the King of the pack, Apple’s foray into the notepad market has come with the buzz known for all apple products, massive media hype, and sleek cut throat design.
But, if you’d ask me I think the device lives up to its hype. Running on the iPhone OS 3, it’s as user friendly as your iphone can get a much better. This means you can still download your iphone games, ebooks, get access to thousands of I-apps, and still have a sleek device with you. The ipads come in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and range from $499- $699.


Warning: We Plead with Naija Resellers not to overprice this gadget. We know you have to make profit, but think about the masses.lol.




So where do I hang out this weekend?

Ok so a quick one on where you can hit me up this weekend.

GET Arena: Cool Bar, big space, and you can get to Go cart- how about that as perk.

Tribeca: You can get your groove inside or around the pool. If you want to get undivided attention, just jump into the pool.lol.

Rehab: Believe it or not, it’s a really cool place. It has this homely ambience; you might think you were at my crib. 

Aura: Cool place and just right next to Tribeca. Talk about competition. Well, all the better for us.

Insomnia: who does not love insomnia, always the place to wrap up clubbing for a night- for all who agree, say YES!

So my people...catch me next week. Your one, your only, Glitz Bobo. Also remember to pick up a copy of Thisday newspapers everyday- it pays to get informed.
Love you all.