Best New Music: Tide’s “On God” is an ambitious hustler anthem

Posted on by The Native

Sometimes you need songs that indulge your bleak and melancholic side, and Tide proved himself an expert at it on “On God”, the 3rd track from his debut EP, ‘BABYLØN’. His youthful vulnerability, writing lyrics informed by personal experience, make the 6-track tape seem like an invitation to read the singer’s diary as an artist still struggling to get recognised for his talent.

Instead of moping in the sadness of his reality, he turned those dark feelings into something beautiful with “On God”, where he detailed his ambitious intentions. The sparse mix produced by Damie creates a haunting soundscape over which Tide weaves poetry that drifts between unsettling and comforting; “I done seen a lot/ I’ve been through a lot/ On God/ On God”.

The airy production, trippy sound effects and Tide’s ethereal vocals give “On God” an otherworldly feel. However, it’s a direct contrast to his lyrics, which remain effortlessly human as they allude to the struggles the average person on the street deals with to survive. Though most of his lyrics are in English, he infuses popular Nigerian streets slang like “Ma lo fo” and elevates the song to a sonically appealing hustler anthem for everyone on the street.

Stream Tide’s “On God” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/olatidewright
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ICYMI: Watch Tide’s music video for “No Lie”

Residents of Tarkwa Bay have been rendered homeless after a Navy eviction

Posted on by The Native

It’s common knowledge that basic human rights are abused in Nigeria on a daily basis and Lagos in all its megacity glory is no exception. Regardless, we couldn’t help our shock when news broke yesterday that Tarkwa Bay dwellers were being forcefully evicted from their homes by armed Navy officials.

The Navy invaded the semi-rural area on Lagos Island on Tuesday, the 21st of January, shooting into the air and demanding the immediate evacuation of over 10,000 residents. Without prior warning, the men, women, children and businesses had little time to prepare and were rendered homeless. The mass evacuation is reportedly the result of the military’s operation to stop lootings in nearby oil pipelines, but without any statement on the matter from the president or any of his aides, it’s tough to know for sure why the forced evacuation happened.

Other rural communities in Lagos have experienced similarly forced evacuations in the past to make space for luxury housing which is unaffordable for the majority of locals. The drive to urbanise Lagos into a metropolis seems to have caught up to Tarkwa Bay, as it remained one of the areas left largely underdeveloped while still serving as a tourist attraction. We have no doubt that the shops and houses that were bulldozed and torn down yesterday will be replaced with fancier constructions in the coming months.

Featured Image Credits: Twitter/as_elijah

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ICYMI: Tekno calls out the government’s shortcomings on “Better”

How underground Audiomack is setting itself up to expand into the African market

Posted on by Tami Makinde

After 8 years, Audiomack has grown into youth-driven music streaming and audio distribution platform which aims to connect upcoming and underground artists to their fan bases, with a specific focus on hip-hop and select genres. Founded in 2012, it was created as a free streaming and uploading service platform for artists; one of its founders David Ponte told Billboard last year that:

“We didn’t feel like it was a good model to charge artists to upload music or to get stats. We felt like that model was shortsighted. We wanted to build a platform where any artist could come in, upload to the site without limits and then we’d make money off the audience via advertising or subscription.”

And that’s what sets Audiomack apart from other existing streaming platforms. Audiomack’s accessibility is key to the brand’s DNA, and has been making head-waves in the United States due to its ability to keep the funds low for everyone involved. In the same breath, artists are also able to access their streaming data and use this data to see where they have listeners, or where they can book tours.

Audiomack’s other power is its playlists; their most popular one, Now Trending, and their regularly updated afrobeats playlists, which expand the site’s focus beyond hip-hop to other genres across the different countries that it currently functions within. This helps to get emerging artists from lesser known areas on the map regardless of their location. It also helps the more known artists like Reekado Banks and Ladipoe, who releases his Revival Sunday series exclusively on the service, to reach a much wider audience.

Over the festive period which saw many Africans in the diaspora return to their hometowns—Lagos and Accra alike, Audiomack partnered with the founders of the Afrochella festival to promote African music through the “Rising Star” initiative that was to “uncover and promote up-and-coming talent across Africa. The initiative also helped choose 7 of the most streamed artists on the “Rising Stars” playlist who would perform at the festival.

Audiomack is already catching on in Nigeria, it has become popular amongst many local folk as the artist drive model offers free streaming and downloading of songs and podcasts. In a country like Nigeria where piracy and illegal downloading of songs and films is ripe, a streaming platform like Audiomack which gives users the access to offline downloads of songs is bound to quickly catch on with local audiences. One could say if Audiomack makes further moves in Africa they would be helping reduce the number of illegal downloads by posing an alternative to the notjustOKs and naijaloaded.com

The new decade brings with it a new wave for afropop and other genres from Africa, with the spotlight on the continent, more focus on initiatives like “Rising Star” could give rise to a viable source through which the most talented crop are allowed to shine through and amass fans from all over the world.

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Tami is a lover of astrology, music and women. Tweet your fave female artistes at her @tamimak_

ICYMI: Danny Wonders “This is Ghana” documentary encourages other Africans in the diaspora to return home

My body, my rules: what’s all the fuss with androgynous dressing?

Posted on by Tami Makinde

  People will stare. Make it worth their while

                          – Harry Winston

Glaring eccentricity has always been met with some caution, and a spec of ‘the devil’s work’ in these parts. Given the societal structure, many people believe that those who dare to be different to what’s set to be the norm, should be picked apart and cast out in society. In a world where toxic masculinity reigns supreme, effeminate men who were not afraid to playfully embrace gender fluid clothing and expression have a hard time just being who they want to be.

We’ve always had a number of popular public figures unapologetically doing want they want and going against set norms which limit them in our society. We don’t have to look further than names within our community like Charly Boy, Denrele, Bobrisky, and Obesere; all of who have public personas built around their sometimes flamboyant and unconventional styles.  Nigerian society will tell you that it’s a ‘new’ and modern thing thanks to technology and access to the ways of the ‘western world’, but the common factor is the need to be yourself, and it’s a bit crazy that they’re just not allowed.

Take someone like Odunsi The Engine for example, he has come under heat a number of times for his unique style, which is nothing you’d expect the typical Nigerian man to wear. He wears what he wants, and often becomes a subject of ridicule as a result. Just take your mind a few weeks back to his recent unconventional hairstyle, where he had his hair in 2 puffs like Baby Spice did or Bubbles from The Powerpuff Girls.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_DVrKhkJq/?utm_source=ig_embed

Many of the public figures mentioned above included artists who were heavily censored by society like Fuji legend, Obesere whose display of scantily clad woman only offended society because it was coupled with him wearing effeminate clothing such as sequinned blouses and fishnet shirts in his music videos, and led to being banned.

While older generations were forced to conform because they didn’t know better and there were only a handful who actually did that they want, we exist in a time where what’s fashionable is to be unapologetically yourself. It’s hardly a shiny new thing at this point, and given that we’ve always had people like this in society, and they come out as they are  ever so often, it begs the question: What is all the fuss with how other people choose to dress?

Your style and dress sense speaks for you before you get the chance to say anything about yourself. Dressing up has always been an important avenue for people express to themselves and channel their creativity. Body autonomy is non-negotiable and should be considered fundamental for every human; as people like Obesere, Charly Boy and Denrele are only embracing their authentic selves and displaying it in this largely clandestine society. They have inadvertently become the champions of personal authenticity and paved the way for younger artists to accept who they are, and not have to market themselves as conventionally acceptable to be recognised in their fields.

Clearly, our society hasn’t caught up and we’re still very busy policing people’s choices when there are more important things like climate change and the fact that the residents of Tarkwa Bay are being evacuated. We need more artists and creatives willing to challenge the norm, and become unashamed and unapologetic symbols for making bold statements and living how they want.

We clearly need to push society in the direction which tries to label people people ‘different’ or ‘indie’ or ‘alté’ or ‘weird’ for going against norms. When all those tags and pre-conceived profiles are stripped back, we’re all really just trying to be ourselves.

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Tami is a lover of astrology, music and women. Tweet your fave female artistes at her @tamimak_

ICYMI: Just in case you forgot, Obesere did it first. He did all of it first.

Blackmagic shares new album, ‘Blackmagic 3.0 (Starving Artist)’, ahead of schedule

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Here’s a pleasant surprise to properly kick off the year: The third piece to Blackmagic’s self-titled album campaign. With very little warning, the singer/rapper dropped ‘Blackmagic 3.0 (Starving Artist)’, his third studio album and first full-length since his well-received sophomore LP, ‘Blackmagic 2.0’, from 2013. The new album comprises thirteen tracks, and it includes previously released singles, “No Need”, “Bad Intentions” and “Anything 4 Love”, while there are vocal contributions from singer, Tems and rapper, Big Bad.

According to notes on streaming platforms, ‘Blackmagic 3.0’ was scheduled to drop on January 31, but its release falls in line with the surprise drops of Blackmagic’s two EPs from last year, ‘Wizard’s Spell’ and ‘BM’, both quality projects that point toward to a strong showing on the new album.

(Update: ‘Blackmagic 3.0’ has been taken down from streaming platforms until further notice. However, it should be back up on its scheduled release date, January 31.)

Pre-add ‘Blackmagic 3.0 (Starving Artist)’ here.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/BlackMagic

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ICYMI: LISTEN TO FETTY WAP’S VERSE ON BLACKMAGIC’S RE-ISSUED “WONDER” SINGLE

The Oxford English Dictionary adds a number of new words from Nigerian English

Posted on by Tami Makinde

My English-speaking is rooted in a Nigerian experience and not in a British or American or Australian one. I have taken ownership of English.

This is how award-winning author and activist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie describes her relationship with the English language. The renowned author and the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) have teamed up to create a list of terms used in colloquial Nigerian speech that have made a ‘unique and distinctive contribution to English as a global language’.

A total of 28 new words have been added to the English lexicon from the vast Nigerian English, drawing from a wide range of unique coinages like ‘buka’ and ‘mama put’ to the shortening of English words like ‘guba’ (gubernatorial) to borrowing from native languages such as Yoruba word ‘tokunbo’ (second hand) and to words crossing over from pidgin English such as ‘sef’.

The words included in this month’s update of the OED reflect the contributions Nigeria has made as a country in the global economy, and it is a step in the right to cement Nigeria’s standing as an international hub in West Africa.

Check out the new words here:

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Tami is a lover of astrology, music and women. Tweet your fave female artistes at her @tamimak_

ICYMI: Nnedi Okorafor’s novella ‘Binti’ is being adapted into a Hulu Tv series

The Shuffle: Remembering Hugh Masekela’s Billboard charting hit, “Grazing in the Grass”

Posted on by The Native

The world lost a music icon when South African jazz legend, Hugh Masekela, passed away on the 23rd of January, 2018. His knack for infusing his music with political commentary made for timeless and compelling songs fans are sure to revisit as we approach the 2nd anniversary of his passing.

Hugh Masekela began playing the horn at 14 and became an integral part of the 1950’s jazz scene in Johannesburg before moving to the UK and America to study trumpet. He started recording music in 1962 but wouldn’t join the Uni label that pushed him to stardom till 1967, when he started performing orchestras in America. While abroad, he remained dedicated to raising awareness on the oppressive apartheid rule in South Africa and was rewarded with international acclaim when he scored a number one hit, “Grazing in the Grass”, on the Billboard charts in 1968.

Though he often describes the song as a throwaway, recorded to complete the album, the international exposure from the song made him into a legend mentioned in the same breath as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and Otis Redding. Easy-listening jazz instrumental songs were still considered a commercial force in the 60s, but he could never repeat his Billboard success despite the popular opinion that the sprightly and energetic horn riff on “Grazing in the Grass” is far from his most impressive work.

Hugh Masekela has remained popular in the international jazz community and in Africa thanks to his anti-apartheid anthems, “Soweto Blues” and “Bring Him Back Home”, written for Mandela. He had an accomplished career and when he lost his life to cancer at 78, he was remembered for a whole lot more than just scoring a number one hit song on the Billboards.

Stream “Grazing in the Grass” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Marc Leroy
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ICYMI: Wizkid’s “Don’t Dull” set the pace for his impressive career

Listen to the Latin-pop remix of Runtown’s “Emotion” featuring Sak Noel

Posted on by The Native

Runtown is one of those artists who just has that X factor, that gets the people going. Yet to drop the ball since we were introduced to him,  he has just updated one of the standout tracks from his 2019 EP,  ‘Tradition’, with a Latin-pop remix for “Emotion”.

The remix backs up Runtown’s claim as an “International Badman Killa” through the feature of Spanish DJ, Sak Noel, who flips the mid-tempo Spellz beat for the original “Emotion”, into a feverish EDM-fuelled beat, which builds  satisfying bass-drop. Runtown’s romantic lyrics remain unchanged and it fits seamlessly with the European direction of the remix

Stream “Emotion” by Runtown and Sak Noel below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/runtown
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ICYMI: Watch the video for Runtown’s “International Badman Killa” from his ‘Tradition’ EP

Listen to “Revival Mode”, the latest drop off Ladipoe’s ‘Revival Sunday’ series

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Late last year, Ladipoe kick-started ‘Revival Sunday’, a weekly series of new music the rapper is using to build momentum for a solid 2020. “Revival Mode” is the fourth entry into the series, and it finds the rapper in self-assured form, as he reiterates his commitment to being the leader of the revival. The song also features a verse from Nigerian rap upstart, Victony, who brags about his prowess as a lyricist. As with previous ‘Revival Sunday’ entries, “Revival Mode” comes with an accompany video, and it features candid shots of Ladipoe and Victony rapping their bars with a carefree energy.

Watch “Revival Mode” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/TalkAboutPOE

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ICYMI: LADIPOE HEADS TO THE STREET OF LAGOS FOR “JAIYE” MUSIC VIDEO

Grammys 2020: Everything you need to know about the albums in the World Music Category

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

On January 26, the Grammy Awards will return for its 62nd edition, and as usual, it should be a night of glitz, glamour and controversy. These days, the Recording Academy’s claim that the Grammys is the biggest night in music is very debatable, but the award show still holds a high value, due to the prestige artists and audiences have attached to a Grammy win.

This year, Nigerians have even more reason to pay attention to the Grammys, after Burna Boy’s well-deserved nomination was announced late last year. ‘African Giant’, the afrofusion singer’s fourth studio album, is up for Best World Music Album.

Created in 1992, this category is aimed to recognise international performers primarily making “non-Western” styles of music, heavily influenced by indigenous elements. Despite criticism about the gentrified term “World Music”, and the category’s sonic ambiguity in relation to the other genre-specific fields, it has remained a mainstay and was even briefly split to Best Traditional World Music Album and Best Contemporary World Music Album between 2004 and 2011.

The other nominees in the World Music category for this year’s ceremony are Angelique Kidjo, Dutch-Turkish band Altin Gün, Haitian-American artist Natalie Joachim, and multi-national super-group Bokante. While the overwhelming majority of music listeners on this side of the Atlantic is rooting for Burna Boy to win the gilded gramophone, it would be a disservice if we don’t give the other nominated albums a listening chance. Also, the Grammys often nominate worthwhile projects in this category, giving us extra incentive to check the music out.

Below is a primer on the four albums, describing what we heard as well as brief insights into the backstories behind each nominated LP.

Angelique Kidjo – ‘Celia’

The legendary Angelique Kidjo has spent almost four decades delivering some of the best and greatest music to come out of Africa. Her latest studio album, ‘Celia’, is dedicated to Celia Cruz, the singer widely regarded as the Queen of Salsa. On the 10-song project, Ms. Kidjo brings the African influences of Celia Cruz’s music to the forefront, ingeniously reinterpreting some of the singer’s biggest songs.

Ms. Kidjo’s fascination with Celia Cruz started after seeing the Queen of Salsa perform during her African tour in 1974. Their connection goes even deeper because they were both exiled away from their home countries as a result of political unrest—Cruz left her native Cuba in the early ‘60s during Fidel Castro’s revolution, and Ms. Kidjo was forced relocate to Paris in 1983 by a Marxist-Leninist regime. Assisted by musicians like Afrobeat co-progenitor Tony Allen, singer/bassist Meshell Ndegeocello and saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings, ‘Celia’ is a stunning ode to its titular character, as well as a reminder that all Black people are interconnected through our struggles and our music.

Ms. Kidjo is a familiar winner of the Best World Music Album, being one of three artists to pick up two wins in the category—or three if you count her win for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2008. A win this year could see her make history.

Altin Gün – ‘Gece’

If Kevin Parker was influenced by Turkish psychedelic folk music rather than American psychedelic pop/rock, Tame Impala’s music would most likely sound like that of Altin Gün. The neo-psychedelic band was founded by Dutch bassist Jasper Verhulst, after he became entranced by Turkish music from the ‘60s and ‘70s while touring as a band member for Dutch alternative singer Jacco Gardener. He added Ben Rider and Nico Masukovic, two other members from Jacco Gardener’s band, while Merve Daşdemir and Erdinç Ecevit joined in after Verhulst put out a call for Turkish musicians.

‘Gece’ is Altin Gün’s sophomore album and it was released just a year after they debuted with the 2018 album, ‘On’. Where their debut mainly paid homage to the classic Turkish standards that informed the formation of the band, their follow-up LP blows up revivalist image into something more daring and a bit more difficult to classify. While they continue to reprise traditional Turkish material—mostly that of legendary singer Neşet Ertaş for ‘Gece’—they incorporate hard rock, funk and the occasional spurts of EDM, while the psych-folk origin of their earlier work served as anchor to keep the album from being scattered. With Merve Daşdemir being the only Turkish-born member of the band—Erdinç Ecevit has Turkish roots—Altin Gün and ‘Gece’ reinforce the fact that timeless music is universal and it will always inspire future generations.

Natalie Joachim (with Spektral Quartet) – ‘Fanm d’Ayiti’

‘Fanm d’Ayiti’, translating into ‘Women of Haiti’, is the first featured solo album of flutist, composer and vocalist, Nathalie Joachim. The Brooklyn born, Haitian-American artist has an extensive résumé in the world of classical music, and she’s also the co-founder of urban art pop duo, Flutronix. While she’s been commissioned to compose music for vocal artists, dance and interdisciplinary theatre, ‘Fanm d’Ayiti’ is her coming out party to those unfamiliar to her as a classical artist, and she uses the moment to immortalize the iconic but underappreciated women of Haitian music, while also offering us a glimpse into her Haitian heritage.

On the 11-track project, Nathalie Joachim offers a mix of original songs and re-arrangement of classics by Haitian women musicians. The result is music that is warm and deeply moving. Chicago’s Spektral Quartet play a prominent role on ‘Fanm d’Ayiti’, performing the enthralling string sections and setting the ambient mood for Nathalie Joachim’s electroacoustic compositions. In addition to her radiant vocals, the project also features vocals from the girls’ choir of her family’s home village to add colour and more authenticity. There are also interludes featuring some of the best-known Haitian women singers and activists, like Emerante de Pradines and Carole Demesmin.

‘Fanm d’Ayiti’ celebrates Haiti’s strong and talented women, and in the process, admits Nathalie Joachim into the line of Haitian female artists who make socially relevant music.

Bokanté & Metropole Orkest – ‘What Heat’ (Conducted by Jules Beckley)

Formed by Michael League, bassist and leader of Jazz-Funk band Snarky Puppy, Bokanté is nine-person super-group, comprising eight members from five countries and four different continents. During a stint in Montreal, Canada, League was inspired to form the multi-ethnic collective after hearing the voice of Malika Tirolien, a singer from the Island of Guadeloupe. Bokanté released their debut album, ‘Strange Circles’, in 2017, showcasing an expansively influenced sound that melds Blues, Caribbean folk and Jazz.

On their second album, ‘What Heat’, released in September 2018, Bokanté continue to flaunt their multi-cultural palette, but this time they add sweeping quality to their sound by working with highly acclaimed conductor Jules Beckley and Grammy-winning orchestra/big band jazz outfit, Metropole Orkest. Malika Tiriolien takes centre stage with her powerful vocals, singing about socially relevant topics like forced migration and womanhood, in Creole and French. Even if you don’t understand a word she sings, her wide-ranging voice is quite the evocative tool, and the maximalist sounds supplied by her band member and Metropole Orkest joins in making ‘What Heat’ a sonic masterpiece that is all-together riveting.

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Dennis is not an interesting person. Tweet Your Favourite Playboi Carti Songs at him @dennisadepeter

ICYMI: THE GRAMMYS IS NO LONGER THE ‘BIGGEST NIGHT IN MUSIC’

Dave and Burna Boy breaking down “Location” on Genius and 5 other videos you should watch this week

Posted on by The Native

Dave and Burna Boy’s “Location” on Genius

Dave and Burna Boy were invited to the Genuis studio to breakdown the lyrics from their “Location” hit song. Both artists explained how the song came to be and the experiences that informed their lyrics. The collaboration from Dave’s ‘Psychodrama’ album grew to become the song of the summer with over 102 million Spotify streams to date.

Victor AD and DJ Neptune’s “Tomorrow”

Victor AD became synonymous with politically conscious music when he debuted, “Wetin We Gain”, in 2018. He retains a socially conscious direction throughout his discography and it made him an interesting feature on DJ Neptune’s new single, “Tomorrow”. The song is an invitation to celebrate the good times, and Victor AD makes sure to remind listeners to ignore all that’s wrong with the country.

Stormzy – “Still Disappointed”

Fans of rap beef started the year on a high. Wiley and Stormzy made the grime scene in the UK more entertaining with their diss records. Stormzy’s “Still Disappointed” listened like a killer blow when it was released last week and we heard the most disrespectful bars addressed at Wiley and his family. Wiley’s warning to rip Stormzy’s mom’s weave in Croydon shopping centre seemed to have touched a nerve as the BRIT winner took a break from his tour to respond with “Still Disappointed” music video.

Eva Alordiah – “Friend or Foe”

Eva Alordiah reminded fans and everyone that would pay attention that her bars are still a force to reckoned with. Her latest release, “Friend or Foe” finds her bragging about her acclaim over a spacey trap beat that makes you imagine what a Travis Scott feature would sound like. Her boasts are made even powerful with the music video that shows other women chanting the lyrics like a confidence-boosting mantra.

Sinzu – “Zanku Zu” Featuring Zlatan

Sinzu teamed up the new rave on the street, Zlatan, for his new single, “Zanku Zu”. Czure produced the catchy beat for the dancefloor-ready bop and the music video shows dancers performing different Zanku moves along with the artists. The video was shot in Houston, Texas and directed by Star Power Studios.

Joeboy – “All of You”

“All of You” was one of the standout tracks when Joeboy released his 5-track EP, ‘Love and Light’, last year. The romantic song came with a cute visualizer video that made rounds on social media. He made sure the song’s romantic allure lasts through the coming valentine season with a romantic music video that sets him and his lover in a grocery store. Just where you’d expect Saint Valentine to be most prominent in the coming weeks.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Genius
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You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him @debola_abimbolu

ICYMI: Zlatan, Naira Marley and Burna Boy to feature on GTA 5 Playlist

Watch Zirra make it rain the the video for “Confetti”

Posted on by Tami Makinde

Last year, to mark 10 years of making music, Dubai-based artist Zirra released a new project ‘Positivity Only’, a 9-track offering which featured the Reinhard-produced single “Womanizer”. For “Confetti”, his first release this year, Zirra is putting his buttery smooth vocals on full display as he sings ‘Imma love you, when you ready/raining on you babe like confetti’.

In the music video, shot and edited by Amir Deleon, Zirra delivers his verses while tangled on a bed with 4 beautiful women as confetti sprays on them, matching the highly suggestive lyrics of the song.

Watch the music video for “Confetti” here.

Featured image credits/Youtube

Tami is a lover of astrology, music and women. Tweet your fave female artistes at her @tamimak_

ICYMI: Listen to Zirra and BOJ on their single “Womanizer”

Watch Zlatan in the playful video for his latest single, “Quilox”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Zlatan’s latest single, “Quilox”, marries the rapper’s accomplished pop credentials with his ability to distil his surroundings into captivating narratives. Inspired by the temporary shut down of the popular Lagos club of the same name back in December, Zlatan raps about the limited extent of solidarity. The song finds him equating other night clubs remaining opened while Quilox was shut down with the fickleness of supposed friends, especially during times of trials.

Since its release, “Quilox” has grown into a street hit, and the ‘Zanku’ rapper is continuing promotion efforts with an accompanying set of visuals for the single. The Naya-directed video for “Quilox” captures Zlatan’s playful energy as he performs his set in the company of models while riding in a luxury vehicle. The song’s conceptual arch is also depicted in a simulated poker game among friends, where one of the participants is caught stealing a credit card and is dealt with like a thief.

Watch the video for “Quilox” here.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/ZlatanIbileVEVO

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ICYMI: ZLATAN TAKES US TO CHURCH IN THE VIDEO FOR “WAKE UP”

Vector reps his hood in his video for “Alaye Jor Jor Jor”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Vector has always rooted his music and person in Lafiaji, Lagos Island, the neighbourhood where he grew up and always calls home. In the video for his latest single, “Alaye Jor Jor Jor”, he continues to represent his hood, while also reaffirming his street credibility in the process. Directed by TalktoAce, the video sees Vector rapping his bars in the company of mean-mugging posse, while he’s also captured strutting around in the local palace of his community.

“Alaye Jor Jor Jor” is taken off Vector’s EP from last November, ‘Vibes Before Teslim’, which served as the rapper’s first project in three years.

See Vector in “Alaye Jor Jor Jor” here.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Vector

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Dennis is not an interesting person. Tweet Your Favourite Playboi Carti Songs at him @dennisadepeter

ICYMI: VECTOR LINKS UP WITH DAVIDO FOR ROMANTIC NEW SINGLE, “COMFORT”

Watch Davido perform “Intro” & “Green Light Riddim” for Vevo Ctrl Live Sessions

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Since releasing his excellent sophomore album, ‘A Good Time’, Davido has been in promo mode, releasing the Mad Max-inspired video for Best New Music entry, “Sweet in the Middle”, and headlining a Lagos concert named after the album this past December. In his latest move, the Afropop juggernaut has just shared videos of his performance on Vevo Ctrl’s Live Session series, a platform that has hosted a long list of artists like Burna Boy, Jidenna and Ari Lennox.

For his two-song set, Davido performs “Intro”, the self-assured opener off ‘AGT’, and the sultry, Shaydee co-written bop, “Green Light Riddim”. In trademark fashion, the singer’s bubbly persona takes the fore, as he sings, dances and mimics instrumentals with an energy that is nothing short of infectious. Davido’s Vevo Ctrl’s Live Session is his latest appearance for an online platform, following his piano-backed renditions of “Fall” and “Risky” for Audiomack’s ‘Fine Tuned’ series last November.

Watch Davido perform “Intro” and “Green Light Riddim” here.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Davido

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Dennis is not an interesting person. Tweet Your Favourite Playboi Carti Songs at him @dennisadepeter

ICYMI: ‘A GOOD TIME’ UNRAVELS A NEW ERA FOR DAVIDO’S ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

Juba’s “Assurance” documentary explores gender bias in Lagos music scene

Posted on by The Native

Berlin-based DJ, Juba, has released a new documentary titled “Assurance”. The 30-minute long video is inspired by the difficulties and prejudice she experienced while trying to book shows in the UK. But having grown up in a Nigerian household in the UK, she’s aware that sexism is even more pronounced in the Nigerian society. She came to Lagos last year to document the gender stereotypes and bias in the Lagos music scene, using DJ Yin, DJ Ayizan and Sensei Lö as her case studies.

Her conversations with each of the DJs allowed her to explore the nuanced context for why women are underrepresented in the music scene. Each DJ described the obstacles society put in their way because they are women. Random people on the street were also interviewed to offer their thoughts on male and female DJs and their responses give further proof of the gender bias in Nigeria.

Juba tells us that the “Assurance” documentary was birth out of her pursuit for new perspectives in the gender debate. “As a co-founder of “Boko! Boko!”, a DJ collective formed to encourage women to take up space behind London’s DJ booths, striving for increased female representation has always been a constant priority”. The documentary revealed the harsh but important truths about the way women are viewed in the Nigerian music scene. Though it doesn’t offer solutions to the problem, we can’t rule out the impact watching DJ Yin, DJ Ayizan and Sensei Lö share their DJing stories will have on viewers.

Watch the “Assurance” documentary by DJ Juba below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/4:3

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You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him @debola_abimbolu

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Yung L releases new project, ‘Juice & Zimm’; shares video for single, “Tropicana Baby”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Yung L is wasting no time in hitting the ground running this year. The afro-caribbean singer has just dropped ‘Juice & Zimm’, a new project he only announced last week. The new 7-track tape is the follow-up to his EP from last April, ‘Jollification’, and it includes features from Nigerian singer Tay Iwar, Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie and Tanzanian singer Vanessa Mdee. Yung L has also shared the music video for the lead single, “Tropicana Baby”, and it follows the song’s dancefloor-driven direction.

Stream ‘Juice & Zimm’ and watch the video for “Tropicana Baby” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Yung L

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Dennis is not an interesting person. Tweet Your Favourite Playboi Carti Songs at him @dennisadepeter

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We ask a few millennials what songs they listen to when they’re sad

Posted on by Tami Makinde

If you’re anything like me, you dislike January: the promises of resolutions, the painfully low funds left after splashing out in December, and the lack of events on your social calendar. January has its way of creeping slowly, and making days seem like eons and eons of mundane activities, that can make anyone feel gloomy and low-spirited—particularly with the foggy harmattan mornings.

That’s why we here at the NATIVE have asked a few millennials what songs they listen to days they feel glum. Here are our some of our best picks, guaranteed to lift your mood or make you reach for a box of tissues—it’s your call.

“Murvlana” by Santi

“Lonely World” by Moses Sumney

“Ain’t it Fun” by Paramore

“Home with You” by FKA Twigs

“Life is Beautiful” by Lil Peep

“White Sky” by Vampire Weekend

“Promises Never Fail (Live)” by Bethel Music

“American Love” by Rema

“Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Ray

“Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake

“Sonder Son (Interlude)” by Brent Faiyaz

“Youth” by Daugther

“On this side of Forlorn” by Ilaye

“3:16 AM” by Jhene Aiko

“Switch” by 6LACK

“HONEST” by Baby Keem

“Love Never Fails” by M.I

“Bissa” by Fatoumata Diawara

“Going Through It” by Skepta

Featured image credits: instagram/debola_abimbolu 

Tami is a lover of astrology, music and women. Tweet your fave female artistes at her @tamimak_

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Kiddominant joins Bas and Ari Lennox in the colourful video for “Amnesia”

Posted on by Tami Makinde

Last year, Bas released the follow-up to his 2018 EP, ‘Spilled Milk Vol. 1‘ which contained infectious number “Amnesia” featuring fellow Dreamville artist, Ari Lennox and Nigerian producer, Kiddominant. The catchy track produced by DJ Moma, celebrates pan-africanism by intermingling a slew of musical influences from afrobeats to afro-house, soca and even sounds from Brazil known for its cross-cultural ties with Africa. In the colourful music video, there are several references to Africa from the ankara print to the steaming pot of jollof and plantain cooking.

Watch the music video for “Amnesia” below.

Featured image credits/youtube

Tami is a lover of astrology, music and women. Tweet your fave female artistes at her @tamimak_

ICYMI: Watch Kida Kudz and Jaykae in the flashy video for “1AM”

Best New Music: Kida Kudz reworks a familiar African sample for new jiggy bop, “1 AM”

Posted on by The Native

Music of African origin is in it’s most innovative time in history. We’ve seen the sound expand as new artists offer their distinct styles to the melodic sound. Self-proclaimed Afro-swank artists, Kida Kudz is proof of this trend and his unorthodox approach is what makes his latest release, “1 am” such a thrilling listen.

Moving to the UK from Nigeria as a teenager didn’t discourage Kida Kudz from being himself or even indulging his nerdier impulses, and as a result, he has become a distinct figure in the UK rap community. He leans into his Nigerian background while detailing his reality as a UK rapper to create a sound that neatly fits alongside his sing-song delivery.

“1 am” is a prime example of him doing what he does best—blending influences from his African roots with his hip-hop upbringing in the UK. The song is built on the groovy baseline from Ghanaian hip-life classic, “Ahomka Womu” by VIP, which he reinterprets into a whirling club song with his boastful lyrics; “It’s 1 am and I’m active/ I’m just cooking up a mad ting”. While his catchy melody is set to the lightweight ambience of the dancefloor, you never question his rapper intentions with the way he filters his roadman antics through his melodic African influences.

“1 am” also features a guest verse from Jaykae. The rising Birmingham rapper joined Kida Kudz to rap over the beat as they bridged the continents through music. Rapping “Litty on a weekend/ It could be a weekday/ We don’t need a reason”, Jaykae captures the flashy rapper lifestyle and the music video Jiggy Boyz Films produced brings it to life through the glitter-covered CDs and models.

Kida Kudz’s roadman interpretation of Afropop makes the genre more accessible to non-African audiences. With each new release, his compositions have gotten more sophisticated and with the VIP sample on “1 am”, it might be his most career-defining song yet.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/kidakudzgram
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You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him @debola_abimbolu

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Nnedi Okorafor’s novella, “Binti” is being adapted into Hulu Tv Series

Posted on by The Native

Nnedi Okorafor has been booked and busy, and it looks like she’s getting even deeper in her bag these days. Last year, her novel ‘Who fears Death?’ was being developed into an HBO series in collaboration with George RR Martin, all while writing the script for Amazon Films, in collaboration with Wanuri Kahiu (‘Rafiki’). 

Now, her critically acclaimed novella, “Biniti” is being adapted into a Hulu TV series, which she will also write the script for, alongside Stacy Osei-Kuffour (writer on ‘Watchmen’, ‘The Morning Show’). Nnedi Okorafor shared the news on her twitter to celebrate with  fans.

“Biniti” is set in a technologically advanced future and tells the story of a bright and rebellious woman who rejects her family’s wishes to pursue her personal ambitions in the starry skies. Seeing as the Hulu hasn’t set a release date or cast for the TV show yet, there should be plenty of time to read the sci-fi trilogy if you haven’t already. Nnedi’s Afrofuturist approach to storytelling  is a testament to the potential in telling stories that are inspired by our African culture.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/nnediokorafor
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You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him @debola_abimbolu

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