Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Mo Cheddah
| |
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Tosin Martins
Having already won the 2006 Nigerian Gospel Music Achievers Award and the 2007 Nigerian Entertainment Awards Best New Act, Tosin Martins has established himself as a musical talent with massive crossover potential.
His debut album 'Happy Day' which spawned the lovers' hit 'Olo Mi' and the party favourite 'Happy Day' was a fresh fusion of different genres. Tosin's love of all music has also allowed him the artistic freedom to collaborate and share the stage with artists such as Keziah Jones, Kirk Franklin, Lagbaja, Weird MC and TuFace.
Raising the bar with his sophomore effort 'Higher' Tosin Martins has enlisted the skills of producers like Cobhams, Wole Oni, Jesse Jagz and artists like Naeto C, Banky W and M.I.
Enjoy Kosigo feat Ego
05 Kosigi Feat. Ego by WyldPytchRekords
Sauce Kid - Africa's Self Proclaimed Rap Ambassador
Making an impact with his 2006 debut single 'Omoge Wa Jo' feat Mike Okri, Sauce Kid gained the attention of Africa and garnered himself a Channel O Music Awards Nomination. Following up the left hook with a swift right jab, Sauce Kid dropped the anthemic 'Yebariba Samboribobo' which was a flip on the Scott Storch - Remy Ma hit 'Conceited'.
Sauce Kid didnt only catch the attention of the streets but also the industry and he inked a deal with Storm Records in 2009. Songs with 9ice, Riz, Ghetto P and DJ Zeez are on the new album but while you wait for that here is a Sauce Kid's video for 'Na me be fine boy' to keep you going.
Sauce Kid - Under G by WyldPytchRekords
Nigerian Operatic Pioneer - Joy Nwosu.
Godwin Sadoh is an African ethnomusicologist, intercultural musicologist, composer, church musician, organist, pianist, and a prolific publishing scholar with over 90 publications.
Joy Nwosu - Azania by WyldPytchRekords
***Thats not him in the picture below its Joy***
He wrote a great essay on Joy Nwosu - read that while you listen to this.
Joy Nwosu - Azania by WyldPytchRekords
Joy was definitely pushing the boundaries way ahead of her time.
YQ - Nigeria's Answer to Akon?
YQ is the authentic street soul-dier who had a massive underground smash Efimile in 2008 with his good friend and fellow musician Dagrin. His highly anticipated debut album features collabos with MI, 2shotz, Naeto C and production from Sossick, Dokta Frabz and Sarz.
YQ - I Like Girls by WyldPytchRekords
New Music From Sasha
sasha - Making Money (The Official Version). by WyldPytchRekords
New music from the first lady of Storm Records - Sasha
New music from the first lady of Storm Records - Sasha
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
General Pype
General Pype cemented his reputation as an internationally acclaimed artist when his first single “Keep It Cool” (2007) featured in Season 6 of the popular American television drama series, The Shield and back home, his voice has become one of the most aired on radio. He is successfully mainstreaming dancehall and reggae music in Nigeria through collaborations with Sunny Neji (“Crush”), hip-hop Diva Sasha (“Strong thin”), Niyola (“Mo Ranyan”), MI (“Teaser”) and Sheyman (“Showa remix”).
Having shared the stage with Nigerian and international artists including Sean Paul, Akon, and the duo of Brick & Lace, Pype raised the stakes at the 2009 MTVBase Music Awards hosted by Wyclef Jean in Kenya, stunning the audience with an unforgetabble performance of “Teaser” with MI and South Africa’s Lira.
Pype's newest single, “Champion” is a brass-driven dancehall tune which is currently doing the rounds on all major African radio stations.
Pype -Champion by WyldPytchRekords
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Naeto C
Naeto C is a the kid with the midas touch. Since he decided to put his medical path on hold for minute to explore his creative side, he has won the hearts of fans, the respect of his peers and the highest awards in the industry. Coming onto the scene in 2004 with the album 'You Know My P',
Naeto dropped his debut single 'Sitting on Top', the single went on to top the Soundcity and MTV Base charts for 8 weeks straight. The album also give birth to his production collaboration with the wizards of the boards Et-Quake (Ty Mix & VC Perez). They went on to lay down production for Storm labelmates Sasha, Dare Art-Alade, GT the Guitarist and Disconnect.
Never one to be pigeon holed, Naeto C followed up 'Sitting on Top' with the a hit collaboration record 'I Believe' feat R&B Gospel artist Sheun and South Africa's legendary vocalist Hugh Masekela. The tour soon followed with Naeto C lighting up the stages of the Channel O Awards, the I Believe Tour and rocking the stage with D'banj at the MTN Homecoming Concert.
Naeto topped off a fantastic year by dropping a monster club hit 'Kini Big Deal' certified Naeto C in the Africa charts as a force to contend with. With spins happening in clubs in Europe, America and Africa he has definitely proved to have that international crossover appeal and a strong sense of musicality. While Naeto busies himself preparing his sophomore release he has kept the fans happy with appearance at The This Day Music Festival (USA & UK), The Nokia Face of Africa and the opening of Big Brother Africa.
With a stack of awards from his HHWA Best Hip Hop Single, Soundcity Best New Male, Best New Act MTV MAMA's Award and his Video of the Year Award, the future looks bright for this medical musician.
To watch Naeto C’s Videos
Follow Naeto C on Twitter
Listen to more Naeto C Music
Become a Naeto C Fan on Facebook
To watch Naeto C’s Performance at The Harvard Business School
Naeto C 10 over 10 by WyldPytchRekords
GT The Guitarman
Since being discovered by Nigeria funnyman Omobaba in 2005 which led to his signing with Storm Records in the same year, 'GT the Guitarman' has quickly risen to being one of Nigeria's most promising new artists.
His first release 'Dreamer' (2005) was widely acclaimed by both the industry and fans alike, which led to collaborations with other notable artists such as Jazzman Olofin, Sasha and Dare Art on 'Eko Ile'. Not content with conquering just Nigeria, 'GT the Guitarman' caught the attention of Akon and was featured in the video for 'Mama Africa'.
His rising profile has seen him perform at the Silverbird Man of The Year Awards, Big Brother Nigeria Party, The Calabar Easter Festival and the M-Net Face of Africa Finale.
GT's debut album 'The Truth' is avaliable now for download and the lead single 'Osi Ma Gbomi' has been receiving regular rotation on both radio and music video channels across Africa.
Gt Storm1 1 1 by WyldPytchRekords
Monday, 16 August 2010
VICTOR OLAIYA
victor olaiya
Olaiya's music bridges between Ghanaian highlife and what would become Afrobeat. His musical style was strongly influenced by James Brown, with horn parts harmonized in Brown's style, as opposed to the mostly unison lines of Afrobeat. The music includes the swinging percussion of Tony Allen, but not the syncopated style that Allen later pioneered.
His music is infectious, typifying highlife music, played with great energy. The unique style of some of his recordings is inimitable.
He played with highlife artist E. T. Mensah of Ghana, and released a best-selling joint album with Mensah.
Both the drummer Tony Allen and vocalist Fela Kuti played with Olaiya and went on to achieve individual success. Kola Ogunkoya played in the All Stars Band from 1986 to 1987 and went on to have a highly successful career with his own Afrobeat band.
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/three-decades-highlife-best/id176615923
DELE TAIWO
Dele Taiwo
was born forty years in Lagos to a Cleric father who founded Cherubim and Seraphim Church (Oke-Iyanu) Agege, Lagos. While growing he attended Bishop Oluwole Memorial Primary School, Iju, Agege. He later got admitted into Anwar Islam College but eventually graduated at Iloro Grammar School. His flair music grew with his age. While he was writing his final examination in secondary, himself and a few friends formed a band known as “The Young Shall Grow Band”. The band later metamorphosed into 'Gentle Man
Dele Taiwo and his Funky Juju Band'
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/magic-moments/id377162869
Celestine Ukwu
Celestine Ukwu
began his musical career during the 1960's with Michael Ejeagha's Paradise Rhythm Orchestra in Enugu, capital of the former Eastern Region of Nigeria. He left four years later to launch his own band, the Music Royals. Following a hiatus caused by the Biafran war of independence from 1967-70, the Music Royals were resurrected as the Philosophers National, who distinguished themselves with a series of sparkling, subtle highlife releases during the 1970s. Ukwu's signature tune is undoubtedly 1970's "Igede (Pt. 1)," an instrumental piece based on Igbo folklore. Its haunting melody was the basis for the tune "Elozekwana Nwanne Gi" by Enugu chanteuse Nelly Uchendu on her 1978 LP "Aka Bu Eze" (Homzy HCE 012). Ukwu's crowning achievement was arguably 1975's "Ejim Nk'onye," which combined Igbo poetry with passages of instrumental brilliance. Sadly, Ukwu perished in an automobile accident in 1977, depriving Nigerian music of one of its shining stars. Titles in this discography for which there are no track listings are taken from Ronnie Graham's "Sterns/DaCapo Guide to Contemporary African Music."
Celestine Ukwu & the Philosophers National also released issued many 45's in the early '70s
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/igede/id314249381
Rex Jim Lawson (1935 - 1971),
known as Cardinal Rex, was a singer, trumpeter and bandleader from Kalabari (Ijaw), Nigeria. One of the best-known highlife musicians of the 1960s, Lawson took highlife music to an intoxicating peak that has hardly been heard again after him.
Lawson played with Sammy Obot, Bobby Benson, Victor Olaiya, Chris Ajiko, and other Ghanaian and Nigerian musicians and bands. His greatest success came as the leader of the Mayors Dance Band; their recorded hits include So ala teme, Yellow Sisi, Gowon Special, and Jolly Papa. His most popular hit is probably Love Adure, which is still a sure floor-filler in Nigeria to this day.
A highly emotional and deep musician, Lawson was known to weep and shed tears while singing his own songs on stage, notably the haunting So ala teme. The late Sir Maliki Showman, the famous Nigerian tenor saxophonist who played with Rex Lawson, Bobby Benson and Victor Uwaifo, remembers Lawson as always placing music over money. Lawson is famed for his infectious gregariousness, his musical vision, talent, perseverance and individuality.
Lawson died in 1971 in a car accident on his way to play a show in Warri, Nigeria. He was 36 years old.
His music is loved to this day in Nigeria. His songs are regularly performed and danced at live band shows in Nigeria, and a number of young musicians have resang some of his old hits, and his relevance continues to be felt.
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/rex-lawsons-greatest-hits/id176643579
I.K. Dairo
I.K. Dairo
I.K. Dairo is often called The Father of Juju Music. In the 1950s and 1960's Juju was considered music of the 'poorer' people because it wasn't modern enough for the elite of the class-conscious Nigeria. After independence, I.K. Dairo was the chief reason Juju took off.
In 1957 I.K. Dairo founded his band, the Morning Star Orchestra, later to become the Blue Spots. He incorporated rhythms from all over the country, and even introduced the accordian and slide guitar. Dairo's lyrical skills gave him a string of hit records. In 1963 Dairo received an MBE for his achievements, the only African musician to ever hold such a title.
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/i-remember/id279274046
BUCHI
Buchi
Biography
Born in Kaduna , Nigeria to parents of Abia State origin, Buchi’s early education began in Enugu and took him through Methodist College , Uzuakoli and Federal Government College , Enugu . In 1983, he came to Lagos to study English Language and Literary Studies at the University of Lagos , obtained a BA in 1986, MA in 1988 and later the same year took up an appointment to lecture at the same institution alongside a PhD programe. Buchi remained at the Department of English until 1994 when he yielded to the higher calling to propagate the gospel of Jesus through writing and singing in the reggae genre.
While in the university, his casual involvement in black activism through reggae club grew more intense after listening to Oliver Thambo and the officials of ANC (African National Congress) from South Africa, during the club’s exhibition on “Apartheid in South Africa” Again, having studied the black activist literature of Dennis Bruts, Wole Soyinka, Muta Baruka and the likes, Buchi’s preoccupation with reggae music as an “outcry against oppression” became deeper. Little wonder he also became involved in one of the campus confraternities which at the time prided themselves as anti oppression movements. This preoccupation with reggae music took a new turn when his friend Ras Kimono invited him to join the team of deejays on the Floating Bukka - a reggae nightclub situated on a docked vessel on the Marina , Lagos Island .
Foremost on the list of Buchi’s strong musical influences are Eric Donaldson, Joseph Hills , Burning Spear and Frankie Paul. In 1992, Buchi gave his life to Jesus in Christ Embassy Church and transmitted from the nightclub to the choir of that ministry, where he has remained till date. 1st album released 1999 (These Days) 2nd album released 2002 (So Beautiful) 3rd album released 2005 (What a Life) Married to Jane with 4 children Has ministered in church concerts including Reinhard Burnke’s stadium-packed outreaches. Multiple award winner including prestigious AMEN for Best in Gospel Category, 1999 Faith, POMP and TOMA Awards for Best Artiste, Reggae Artiste and Gospel album of the year variously.
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/these-days/id369193569
BANKY W
BANKY W
At a national gospel concert in 1991, a sold out crowd awaits their favorite performance. The children’s gospel choir has rehearsed their hearts out and is waiting for their cue. Everyone seems ready. The music starts. Suddenly the young soloist looses her nerve and bows out. In a state of panic, his peers urge an untried youngster to sub in and take the microphone. Banky Wellington rises to the occasion, and at the tender age of 10, a star is born. Encore after encore, the entire crowd rises to a standing ovation. To this day, Banky Wellington has never looked back.
Blessed with an incomparably smooth voice, excellent writing and production skills, as well as uncanny showmanship and crowd pleasing dance ability, Banky is poised to take on the music industry.
Read more: http://www.myspace.com/banky#ixzz0w7trVAJv
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/mr-capable/id318148542
ASA THE CAPIVATOR
ASA THE CAPIVATOR
A first glance taunted a comparison with Tracy Chapman. However, once I got over the dreadlocks and the guitar and got into the groove, I quickly realized that there was something far deeper in the soul searching vibes, something far more cultural than the fact that she sings in Yoruba.
As I started to get comfortable with her flow, I made a second attempt to define Asa… Songs like Soul (featuring silver saddih), Fire On the Mountain, No One Knows, Burn, Jailer and even Eyin Mummy threw me off completely. I found myself right back at square one, left with nothing but respect and admiration at the sheer depth and breadth of her musical expression.
In a kinda bluesy, Jazzy, finger snapping way, Ilu (Nation) challenges our leaders and asks them what they have done with our great country. She reminds us of a time when the Naira was stronger than the dollar, of a time when police checkpoints were unheard of. “Dollar je Naira lowo… Ko si wetin you carry”. – Fela would be proud!
I had to remind myself to breathe while listening to Eye Adaba (Birds in the sky). Her rendition in English of the same exact song was a fresh experience that was just as amazing as the original. (I wan craze!). Mama (mother)/So Beautiful, a slow dance in honor of her mother highlights the sacrifice, selflessness and pricelessness of motherhood. I think I now have enough songs for my “Sweet Mother” mixtape. MAJOR brownie points coming my way on mother’s day! Iba (praise) brings it back to earth by giving thanks & praise to Heaven for all the things we tend to take for granted.
I’m not sure if it’s the sincerity in Bibanke (When I cry), the high from soaring with the birds, the rain outside or the vodka inside but um… Asa… will you marry me?
Asa has seriously raised the bar and set the standard in the “Yoruba Acoustic Soul” category.
BRIGHT CHIMEZIE
BRIGHT CHIMEZIE
I started playing music as a member of the church choir. I sang alto, bass among other numbers. I was about 10 years old then. Later when I gained admission into secondary school, my interest in music grew tremendously. Earlier, I was initiated into the tradition (Igborokiti) music of my people. I was then a pupil of Eke Oba Community School in Umuahia, Abia State. Igbokiriti is a genre of music played by the elders during funerals and other important festivals. Right from childhood, I gained popularity by entertaining people with a local guitar.
But in my secondary school, I used to play the music of George Benson, Bobby Benson, Hot Chocolate and other reigning musicians in those days. In my second year, I started leading the schools cultural music group. Other students loved me so much that the senior students stopped punishing me because I used to entertain them with my music. My nickname then was Ocean and the senior students called me Chimezie and the Ocean Band. I soon became a household name in the school because I used to play some funny sounds with my hand placed under my armpits.
Between education and music
As a member of the Literary and Debating Society, we had a programme billed for the television but I was not selected to represent my school and that made me sad. I wanted to appear on TV. But there was nothing I could do. So, I made up my mind that if I could not appear on a TV as a debater, I could appear as a musician. I wrote a letter to Pal Akalonu and Stoneface Iwuagwu who were then the producers of Now Sound asking them to feature me in their programme. Threafter I did not receive a reply.
Meanwhile, I was surprised one day when Stoneface Iwuagwu arrived at my School asking for me. He went to my principal and showed him a letter from the director of NTA asking me to come for recording. That was the happiest day of my life. But my happiness was short-lived. My parents did not want me to be a musician. In fact, I did not want to tell them that I was to go to Aba for recording. I knew they would have stopped me. But I had to raise the money for the trip to Aba.
First recording/band
Since I found it difficult to raise money, I had to engage in farming to raise eight shillings (80k). With the money in my pocket, I went to NTA Aba. During the recording, I sang Eddy Grants Neighbour, Neighbour, among other songs. I did it with some degree of maturity and the producers were thrilled. I was so excited that I would soon be featured on television.
I told my parents about it but they did not believe me. My parents had no TV then, but we all gathered round my uncles TV set and the programme was transmitted. My parents were astounded. I became an instant hero in my town. After my secondary education, my father insisted that I should proceed to the university. But I did not want to go. I established the Modernised Odumodu Cultural Dance Group and we became so popular in the whole of Eastern Nigeria. The group specialised in story telling through music. We told the story of Okonkwo in Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart. Actually, Chinua Achebe influenced me a lot, along with Cyprian Ekwensi, Elechi Amadi and other novelists. We were moving towards singing authentic Igbo rhythm with modernised songs.
That was why we called ourselves Bright Chimezie and the Modernised Odumodu Cultural Group. That was the beginning of what you know today as Zzigima Sound. In 1979, I disbanded the group because there were clashes among the members. I later left home for Lagos where I stayed with my elder brother at Ajegunle.
Philosophy/live shows
My aim in those days was to play traditional music that would be accepted worldwide. I was bent on internationalising our traditional music. But in those days, I could not play the guitar. In fact, I owe a debt of gratitude to Joe King Kologbo who used to live in Apapa then. He was the first person to teach me how to play the guitar. He also featured me in a TV programme, Why Dont you be a Star at a time when the contract fee was only N15. Deinde Gilbert also featured me in a programme and I played at several night clubs such as Phoenician Night Club, Gondola Club (at Yaba) as well as Tee Mac Connection at Mama Koko Hotel, Ebute-Metta.
In 1980, I learnt that there were vacancies in the Customs and Excise Dance Band. I applied and was successful. I was there from 1980 to 1983. During this period, I combined my music with the job. I also featured at the Cultural Centre, University of Lagos on many occasions.
First album, Respect Africa
While working for the Customs, I was also busy shaping up my brand of music by producing demos. But the more I prepared the demo cassettes, the more they were rejected. In 1984, I was informed that Rogers All Stars Recording Company was interested in traditional African music. I went to Onitsha to give him my demo. He listened to it, and made his decision to release me. That was the birth of Respect Africa, the album that shot me into limelight.
Zzigima sound
Zzigima means Ozi I Ga Ma in Igbo language. It means the message that everyone (Africans) should know. My music is rooted in the cultural music of my people. I am out to promote African culture and African ways of life. Our people have become copycats in their manners of eating, dressing and even talking. All these have to change. Otherwise, Africans would not be different from bats that neither belong to the air nor to the land. We have to retrace our steps to our African ways of doing things, which are even superior to the European an American ways which we now imitate. That is all about Zzigima sound, the message for every African all over the world.
Awards
I was conferred with the Duke of African Music Award by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Tribune Chapel, Ibadan on February 14,1998. I also bagged a chieftaincy title from Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyesosin II, the Ogiyan of Ejigboland in Osun State.
Lagos — He pervaded the Nigerian music scene for several years with songs and a unique voice that touched several souls.
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/greatest-hits-of-bright-chimezie/id369181098
BRIAN TEMBA
BRIAN TEMBA
Although you may not think you have heard the name Brian Temba before, you will have heard his voice. Brian Temba started his career in his native homeland South Africa, where he sang for the likes of Jonathan Butler and Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela and Brian both come from the Tembu Xhosa tribe. Brian is now based in London where he has lived for the past 8 years.
With the likes of Amy Winehouse and Adele being celebrated for their great soulful sounds there has never been a more opportune moment for a male counterpart. Brian Temba is like a phoenix rising waving his own flag for the UK and delivering solid songs that touch your heart and move your feet.
Brian Temba's first single “Dominoes” displays classic guitar riffs and haunting strings while delivering emotive lyrics which capture the very essence of surrendering all when you have no place to turn. “Dominoes” with its vintage feel was produced by Steve Anthony formally one part of the great production outfit Blacksmith. (Lemar, Jamiroquai Craig David)
Due to Brian's background it was expected of him to make a living on the crime ridden streets of Pretoria but he had a once in a life time opportunity in 2000, Brian was part of the original cast for Disney's The Lion King in LA.
The success of his LA performance led to Disney promoting him to the role of Simba in London's West End run of the show. Since he left in 2005, Brian has been working on his debut album and he now has a story to tell because men where he grew up have not experienced this type of journey.
Brian says “It's a crazy and amazing time for me right now. I finally get to sing and write the kind of songs I have always wanted. I am influenced by a mixture of music from gospel classics like Kim Burrell to old soul greats like Stevie Wonder.”
The debut album “Something Better” will be release
Read more: http://www.myspace.com/briantemba#ixzz0w7fSZ6ZE
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/something-better/id370200670
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)