Rema’s successful run since his introduction to the music scene has earned him enough bragging rights to make his cocky lyrics compelling. He takes advantage of this on the lead single for his latest EP, ‘Bad Commando’, where he stunts on everyone that ever doubted him.
The accompanying music video Seun Opabisi and Kewa Oni direct portrays the fierce intentions behind his boastful lyrics as we watch Rema riding a dirt bike in an orange-hued desert where symbolic crosses and VFX images of a dragon are seen in the background. Though there are playful scenes of him in a purple car with a teddy bear in the backseat, “Bad Commando” demonstrates a ferociousness that is true to Rema’s hip-hop influences as he sends threats to his opposition—“I pray you never come near my zone”.
Watch the music video for Rema’s “Bad Commando” below.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Rema
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“Why the good ones wanna be bad so bad, Baby don’t lose yourself…”
DAP The Contract has proven himself to be one of the most prolific players in the game, from releasing his pulsating November offering, ‘Everybody Falls in Love in the Summer’ and its accompanying short film to now currently presenting at the European leg of his ‘Everybody Falls in Love in the Summer’ tour.
His latest gift, the CTIII series, otherwise known as Contract Thursdays is DAP at his purest form, his way of letting listeners into his own world and exploring new sounds.
“Good Bad, Bad Good” is the second single release from this series, in which DAP addresses his love interest. ‘Why you never let a brother treat you good‘ he muses, questioning why he is overlooked by her for someone who more conventionally attracts the ‘bad boy’ persona. It is a tale as old as time, the familiar story line of girls intentionally seeking out bad boys for the thrill and excitement while overlooking the good guys who would treat them right.
The saxophonist Sumner Becker is featured on the song and the lively sounds of his instrument is perfectly infused with DAP’s vocals; who experiments with different sounds, segueing into an upbeat rap mid-song ‘Aside from the bud, you’re the main attraction’ he raps, words ringing heavy to show his pain. It appears his love interest is making it hard for him to hold on, with DAP left alone without love, “Goodbye, so sad” he sings as the song fades out, opening up the floor for Sumner Becker to deliver his saxophone solo.
Last week, Afropop Girl Next Door, Teni announced the October 11 arrival of her debut EP, ‘Billionaire’. Revving up the project rollout, she’s now revealed its tracklist, comprising of new 6 songs. She’s also dropped the title track as the EP’s lead single, to improve anticipation.
Bedded by a groovy Pheelz-produced beat, “Billionaire” finds Teni channelling her Afro-Juju influences with her singing, declaring her aspirations for a ten-figure bank account. “Billionaire” uses the same mix of relatable and pseudo-spiritual present in “Uyo Meyo”, suggesting Teni’s secondary intentions for an anthem as peak concert season approaches.
Stream “Billionaire” and pre-add the EP here.
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In 2005, MTV European Music Awards debuted the category for Best African Act, with legendary Afropop singer 2Baba (fka 2Face Idibia) picking up the prize first. Apart from a brief hiatus between 2008 and 2011, prominent African artists like D’banj, Sauti Sol and Davido have been declared winners over the years, with Tiwa Savage making history as the first woman to pick up the coveted award last year.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3EmouNHoUZ/
Nominees for this year’s edition of the EMAs have been announced, and six artists across the continent will be vying for Best African Act. Singers Burna Boy and Teni make up the Nigerian contingent, while rapper Nasty C and singer Prince Kaybee make up the South African contingent. Tanzanian singer Harmonize and Togolese duo Toofan complete the line-up of nominees.
The 2019 MTV EMA will hold on November 3rd, in Seville, Spain. Ariana Grande leads all nominees with seven nods, while Lil Nas X, Shawn Mendes and Billie Eilish follow closely with six nominations.
Check out the full list of nominations here.
Best African Act
Burna Boy
Teni
Nasty C
Harmonize
Toofan
Prince Kaybee
Best Video
Ariana Grande – “thank u, next”
Billie Eilish – “Bad guy”
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road” (Remix)
ROSALÍA & J Balvin ft. El Guincho – “Con Altura”
Taylor Swift ft. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco. – “ME!”
Best Artist
Ariana Grande
J Balvin
Miley Cyrus
Shawn Mendes
Taylor Swift
Best Song
Ariana Grande – “7 Rings”
Billie Eilish – “Bad Guy”
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road” (Remix)
Post Malone & Swae Lee – “Sunflower”
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita”
Best Collaboration
BTS, Halsey – “Boy With Luv”
Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road” (Remix)
Mark Ronson, Miley Cyrus – “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart”
ROSALÍA, J Balvin ft. El Guincho – “Con Altura”
Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello – “Señorita”
The Chainsmokers, Bebe Rexha – “Call You Mine”
Best New
Ava Max
Billie Eilish
Lewis Capaldi
Lil Nas X
Lizzo
Mabel
Best Pop
Ariana Grande
Becky G
Camila Cabello
Halsey
Jonas Brothers
Shawn Mendes
Best Live
Ariana Grande
BTS
Ed Sheeran
P!NK
Travis Scott
Best Rock
Green Day
Imagine Dragons
Liam Gallagher
Panic! At The Disco
The 1975
Best Hip-Hop
21 Savage
Cardi B
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Travis Scott
Best Alternative
FKA Twigs
Lana Del Rey
Solange
twenty-one pilots
Vampire Weekend
Best Electronic
Calvin Harris
DJ Snake
Marshmello
Martin Garrix
The Chainsmokers
Best Look
Halsey
J Balvin
Lil Nas X
Lizzo
ROSALÍA
Biggest Fans
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
BTS
Shawn Mendes
Taylor Swift
Best Push
Ava Max
Billie Eilish
CNCO
H.E.R.
Jade Bird
Juice WRLD
Kiana Ledé
Lauv
Lewis Capaldi
Lizzo
Mabel
ROSALÍA
Best World Stage
Bebe Rexha Isle, MTV Malta 2019
Hailee Steinfeld Isle, MTV Malta 2018
Muse Bilbao, Spain 2018
The 1975, Lollapalooza Paris Festival 2019
Twenty-One Pilots, Lollapalooza Paris Festival 2019
Best U.K. & Ireland Act
Lewis Capaldi
Dave
Mabel
Ed Sheeran
Little Mix (Social Wildcard Winner)
Best U.S. Act
Lil Nas X
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Lizzo
Taylor Swift
Best Canadian Act
Alessia Cara
Avril Lavigne
Carly Rae Jepsen
Johnny Orlando
Shawn Mendes
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Rema is championing Nigeria’s more experimental pop flows, melodies and songcraft through his dance tunes. He has grown into a household name in less than a year since he debuted ‘Rema’ EP as Mavin’s shiny new star artist. But with his latest tape, ‘Bad Commando’, coming as his 3rd project within the year, his hard work overshadows the spotlight of being signed to a major label.
While some fans frowned at the afropop direction of his debut, the pay off has been worth it; the mainstream success of “Dumebi” placed him on a pedestal where everything he does gets monumental publicity.
His trap-fueled follow-up, ‘Rema Freestyle’, was more impactful as a result but his new project finds him blending both Afropop and trap sensibilities for a delightful 4-track tape that celebrates his growth into a pop star while establishing him as a compelling new player in the Nigerian music industry.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2o9w7EpLee/
The EP’s lead single, “Bad Commando” highlights his unique delivery, funnelling his Afropop melodies through an Indian music filter to make for a captivating sound as he brags about his accomplishments over the airy guitar-led instruments. The song shows off his expansive range of musical influences with the trap bounce of the drums setting up the song to fit car ride playlists. The next song, “Lady”, is the most conventional Afropop song on the project as he sings the praise of a lover over the catchy blend of high-life and EDM beats.
The third track, “Rewind”, channels the groove of Caribbean dancehall for a love song that offers the political commentary expected of a young pop star; “My people suffer, political poker/ I put the burden of the masses on my shoulder/ All the remedy I know/Girl dance to the beat and slow”. ‘Bad Commando’ closes with “Spaceship Jocelyn” an emo trap song that blurs the lines between love and other intoxicating drugs. While Rema’s buoyant cadence is certainly alluring, ‘Bad Commando’ suggests his charm lies in his ability to appeal to so many emotional sensibilities without losing the lightweight groove Nigerian music is known for.
Stream Rema’s ‘Bad Commando’ below.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/heisrema
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Indie rap veterans Boogey and Paybac released one of the better rap albums this year with ‘Alternate Ending’. Between their technically sound raps and the musically varied production, both rappers push each other to create some of their best work yet. Validating their efforts, both rappers have just picked up 2019 Headies nomination, for their respective verses the album deep cut, “Implode”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3BtDNmH9v0/
While they are expected to trail back into their solo works very soon, they’ve shared a new music video for “Uwaka”, in order to renew attention around their joint album. Featuring Trap-inflected production, Danladi’s yelled hook in Hausa and conceited bars from Boogey and Paybac, the song is an assertive set with a raucous energy.
Mostly shot against a white backdrop, the DIY-feel of the “Uwaka” video allows the jovial side of both rappers to show, as they are seen alternately hyping each other while performing their lyrics. The peak of their banter is a mini-scene where Paybac cracks some risque jokes, with Boogey behind the camera acting as the interviewer. Friends and colleagues also make cameo appearances, seemingly as a tribute to the cult fan base that continually supports them.
See Boogey & Paybac in “Uwaka” here.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Timelessmusicgrp
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The bloody trailer for the Obi Emelonye-directed film “BADAMASI” was recently released, giving insight to the Nollywood biopic which follows a powerful Army-General in the 1990s, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida more commonly known as IBB.
The military leader was the head of state in Nigeria for 8 years and was a key player in a series of military coups that hit Nigeria.
In the trailer, the life of “BADAMASI” is shown, from his early formative years where he was warned against being a soldier to his years serving as the head of state and carrying out various coups across Nigeria. The trailer also gives a glimpse into the revolt from disgruntled Nigerians who grew tired of waiting for the government to help them and choose to fight for themselves. Despite wanting better for their country, the elections carried out are massively rigged with hands exchanging money for votes.
There seems to be a string of films coming out of the Nigerian film industry which seek to educate Nigerians on their history and we are definitely here for it!
Being Nigerian can be a tough pill to swallow when you think about the hardships in the country and the awful stereotypes foreigners form of us as a result. The entertainment sector, however, seems like the only positive thing about the country with artists representing the nation proudly. DRB’s latest single, “Based On”, continues the streak of good media promotion for the country through music as the trio perform a tribute to the tenacious spirit of Nigerians.
GMK produces a laidback beat for “Based On”, setting a mid-tempo groove with a mix of synth harmonies, percussion and a bouncy drum riff. Fresh L’s opening rap verse portrays the harsh realities on the streets and how it inspires him to work harder, but the hook BOJ and Teezee perform retains the lightweight allure of mainstream Nigerian pop music with familiar and repetitive lyrics that retain the song’s theme; “Based on kpakpakpakpa/ The girls dem yapapapa/ They say Nigeria jaga jaga/ But I still dey scatter scatter”. Teezee’s closing verse also celebrates the opportunities that exist within the country as if to encourage listeners not to give up on their dreams.
Stream DRB’s “Based On” below.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/bojonthemicrophone
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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
Netflix’s foray into the Nollywood scene is in full effect. In addition to acquiring Genevieve Nnaji’s directorial debut, “Lionheart”, as its first original movie from Nigeria, the streaming giant is expanding its Nollywood catalogue. In the last month, six Kunle Afolayan-directed films and three blockbuster films from FilmOne Productions—“The Wedding Party 2”, “Merry Men” and “King Of Boys”—have been made available for international viewing on Netflix.
Joining the growing list is “UpNorth”, a successful film that made its nationwide theatrical release last December. Via a Twitter thread, script co-writer and CEO of co-production company Anakle Films, Editi Effiong announced that “Up North” would make its Netflix debut on October 18.
The Tope Oshin-directed film follows Bassey Otuekong, heir apparent and son to a billionaire, going through life-changing experiences during his NYSC year in Bauchi state. It features popular actors like Olubankole Wellington (Banky W), Rahama Sadau, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Adesuwa Etomi Wellington, with a notable cameo from then-Governor of Bauchi state, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.
With its innately Nigerian setting, the acquisition of “Up North” continues Netflix’s quest to showcase compelling stories made in Nigeria, to global audiences.
Featured Image Credits: Twitter/EditiEffiong
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The Nigerian music industry has had its fair share of manager/artist disputes over the last couple of years. But just weeks after YCee called out his former label for taking advantage of naive artists through unfair contracts, Runtown is coming out to resolve his own dispute with former boss, Okwudili Umenyiora, owner of the Eric Many label that helped put him in the limelight.
Runtown signed with Eric Many in 2014 and dropped his commercially acclaimed debut project, ‘Ghetto University’, the following year. However, the successful partnership turned sour in 2016 when Runtown accused the label of threatening his life after he tried to terminate his contract with them. The dispute kept on escalating with several accusations being thrown around until court injunctions had to be taken for sanity to be restored.
Though Runtown already set up his own label, Sound God Music Group, in 2018, the legal battle was only concluded in January of 2019 when the court ruled in favour of the artist. As a result, he was able to release his latest EP, ‘Tradition’, without any label drama hanging over his head. The media attention for ‘Tradition’ hasn’t been as hyped as previous projects, but Runtown doesn’t seem too bothered. In the spirit of the October 1st festivities, the “Mad Over You” singer shared gratitude for his life on his Twitter account and even issued a statement apologizing for his harsh words against his former label boss.
The positive message from the singer is heartwarming to see, but with Okwudili Umenyiora’s hesitance to come forward with a response to the apology, one has to wonder if winning the court case is what gives Runtown the benevolence to extend the olive branch first.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/Runtown
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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
A couple of important things have happened since Wale released his last album, ‘Shine’. The rapper released three well-received, back-to-basics EPs in 2018—‘It’s Complicated’, ‘Self Promotion’ and ‘Free Lunch’—and signed a new record deal with Warner Records. Capping this run of form, he’s getting ready to release his sixth studio album, ‘Wow… That’s Crazy’.
Slated for release next Friday, October 11th, the album will contain 15 songs, including pre-released singles “Black Bonnie” with R&B singer Jacquees, “Poledancer” featuring Megan Thee Stallion, “Bgm”, and his Jeremih-assisted sleeper hit, “On Chill”. The star-studded project also contains guest appearances from Ari Lennox, 6lack, Boogie, Bryson Tiller, Lil Durk and Kelly Price.
Continuing with the album rollout, he recently dropped a new single, “Love & Loyalty” featuring Nigerian-born, Maryland-based singer Mannywellz. Produced by Sango, the song is bedded by vintage music guitars and vibrant drums.
With romance-inclined intentions, both artists perform a cheery set to convince their love interest of their unwavering commitment. Mannywellz sings the pre-chorus and part of the hook in his rustic tenor, while Wale delivers two self-assured rap verses and also sings part of the hook.
Stream “Loyalty & Love” and pre-add ‘Wow… That’s Crazy’ via Apple Music below.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/Wale
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Earlier this year, Genevieve Nnaji’s directorial debut, “Lionheart” made history as the first film produced in Nigeria to be acquired by visual streaming giant, Netflix. Initially premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, the film was officially acquired by Netflix in September last year, and released for international viewing on January 4th, 2019, after its brief theatrical release in Nigeria a few weeks prior.
Looking to make more history, “Lionheart” has been selected by the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC) as the country’s submission for Best International Feature Film category at the 2020 Oscars.
Expressing confidence in their selection, Chairman of the NOSC, Chineze Anyaene says, “While we cannot say that what we have are the best Nigeria is capable of producing, it is heart-lifting to know that, from the strength of the entries received this year, we are ready for the Oscars”
Everyone knows that The Oscars are the most prestigious award event in film-making. Formerly Best Foreign Language Film, the Best International Feature Film has been awarded every year since 1947. For next year’s Academy Awards ceremony, over 80 national Oscar bodies have sent in their submissions, which will be shortlisted into ten finalists in December and five official nominees by January next year.
“Lionheart” joins a remarkable list of submissions that includes “Atlantique” by Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop, and “Parasite” by South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, both of which won the top prizes at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Upon release, “Lionheart” was well-received by international critics for being a timely and universally relatable film, thanks to a strong Woman lead—Genevieve plays the central role of Adaeze Obiagu—and its heartwarming emphasis on family. Fingers crossed that the goodwill lands the film a highly coveted Oscar nod, and possibly a win.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/lionheartthemovie
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Dennis is not an interesting person. Tweet Your Favourite Playboi Carti Songs at him @dennisadepeter
If you haven’t binge watched all the episodes of Neflix Original, Top Boy, we’re here to assure you that you’re not spending your time wisely. The hard-hitting drama, centred around the lives of London drug dealers and street gangs first hit our screens in 2011, running for two series on Channel 4 before it got cancelled in 2013.
Thanks to Drake and Netflix, we have a Top Boy revival today, with British-Nigerian artists Little Simz, Dave and many others amongst the cast. Now, after a three year break, the hit Netflix series returns to Netflix for a second season this March.
The first season which premiered on Netflix back in 2019 and follows original the Top Boy, Dushane’s return to London as he aims to reclaim his position in the UK drug market. He links up with his old partner Sully (played by Kano) who is also returning home after a prison spell.
Upon their return, they bump heads with Jamie (Micheal Ward), a ruthless yet smart and calculated young gang leader, whose rise to the top saw him usurp the position of the former Top Boy, Modie. Dave brilliantly portrays the show’s villain Modie (picture above), while other actors of Nigerian descent also add their magic to the shows’ success.
So if we haven’t convinced you enough with the storyline and the fact that Drake is the show’s Executive Producer, it might interest you to know about each actor of Nigerian descent on the show, and the role they play in the fantastic series!
Dave – Modie
Dave does a great job in his portrayal of this season’s villain, Modie. Unhinged and reckless, Modie is feared by all throughout the season, even in his absence. After getting locked up for 18 years, his power is seemingly relinquished to the season’s protagonist, Jamie.
There are several fan theories that Modie is a grown up version of Ra’Nell, a beloved schoolboy from Top Boy Season 1 & 2. Dave leans into this by rapping “I used to be Ra’Nell, I never had a score” on his self-produced addition to the Top Boy soundtrack, “GOD’S EYE“, and given the show’s premise of young boys being inducted to a lifetime of crime, it’s no far cry!
Little Simz – Shelley
Rapper Little Simz plays new character, Shelley who becomes main character Dushane’s love interest. She acts as his voice of reason throughout the season, and like a true Yoruba girl, is not afraid to call him out on his bullshit, even though she knows he’s a murderous drug dealer who could end her life at any point!
Hope Ikpoku Jr – Aaron & Araloyin Osunyemi – Stefan
The season’s protagonist, Jamie, is decorated by his younger brothers, Aaron and Stefan, who are both portrayed by Nigerian actors, Hope Ikpoku and Araloyin Osunyemi. After losing their parents to terminal illnesses, an 18-year-old Jamie was forced to step up in order to provide a good life for his younger brothers.
While he takes a less than ideal route to ensure this, he shelters his brothers from his life of crime by making sure they’re on a straight path. Hope plays Aaron, a university student who is resistant to his older brother’s authority, while Araloyin plays Stefan, a thoughtful little boy who steps in for a friend in need, much to his brother’s detriment.
L-R Hope Ikpoku as Aaron, Michael Ward as Jamie, Araloyin Osunyemi as Stefan
Kola Bokinni – Leyton
With Modie in prison, Leyton steps up as his number 2, posing a threat to Jamie’s plans to usurp the position of Top Boy. Kola Bokinni, who has also starred in Black Mirror plays Leyton, who stays loyal to Modie and defies Jamie’s instructions.
At the beginning of the series, Ats’ mother, Amma was paid a visit by immigration officials, who suspect she’s in the country illegally. With no income and unable to claim benefits, Amma struggled to pay the rent and provide for Ats, who takes matters into his own hands and goes down a dark and familiar path.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/Netflix/TopBoyNetflix
Chillz debuted his ‘Good Vibes, Vol 1’ earlier this year, but before the project dropped, he already cemented his place as an elite Afropop act, featuring on M.I’s ‘Rendezvous’ playlist album and producing Headies nominated tracks from Falz’s ‘Moral Instructions’ project. He just released the Tshsz Nelson-directed music video for “Chop Life”, one of the standout tracks from the feel-good project and it shows him living the life of a celebrity on vacation.
Beyonce’s Afropop influenced album, ‘The Lion King: The Gift’, didn’t have the crossover impact some fans hoped for, but it offered the featured Nigerian acts a plaque to add to their bag of international collaborations. Stormzy just flipped the project’s standout, “Brown Skin Girl”, for his set at the BBC Live Lounge featuring Stalk Ashley, a live band and backing choir. The 3-minute long clip captures him delivering heartfelt rap bars, showing his appreciation for women over the live music.
Djaji Prime – “Darkness in the Light (Freeverse)”
Djaji Prime’s music video debut, “Darkness in the Light”, highlights the psychedelic world the young rapper imagines on his songs. “Darkness in the Light” finds him exploring the strife of his anxieties and the therapeutic activities that help him deal with the stress. The music video features clips of him smoking a blunt while cuts of scenes from animes and psychedelic edits add more character and wistfulness to the song.
Big Sean – “Bezerk” Feat. A$AP Ferg
Big Sean is gearing to release his 5th studio album, following 2017’s platinum-selling ‘I Decided’. He debuted new single, “Bezerk” featuring A$AP Ferg last month but has only recently brought the song to life in a Mike Carson-directed music video which opens with the duo at a liquor store where a young girl throws a pink grenade at them and sets them off to a wild and crazy adventure. The track’s producer, Hit-boy later joins them as they surf through the streets on a carpet while being chased by giant wind-up teeth till the closing scene where they perform to a massive crowd from inside a hot air balloon.
Eri Ife – “Dear Future Wife”
Eri Ife has proven the romantic depths of his pen game on songs like Jinmi Abdul assisted “Everything” but he takes his emotive intents even further with the music video for his latest single, “Dear Future Wife”. Mex film directs the video following the folky singer and his love interest through their googly-eyed romantic lives as the video leads to a satisfying small wedding ceremony between the couple.
“Birds of Prey” Trailer
Margot Robbie’s outstanding performance as the Joker obsessed Harley Quinn in the DC Extended Universe’s “Suicide Squad” has earned the character her own spin-off which is reportedly being developed into a trilogy of films. The trailer for the first of the series, “Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of Harley Quinn)”, has been released and it seems fans can prepare for more R-rated Harley-centric fun as she tries to move on after her breakup with Joker. Along with her newfound friends, Black Canary, Huntress and detective Renee Montoya, to save Cassandra Cain (one of several characters who took on the role of Batgirl in DC’s comics) from Black Mask, a ruthless crime lord who operates out of Gotham City. Though the film is a part of the DCEU, none of the other DC heroes will feature in the film.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Warner Bros. Pictures
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
Over the years, the Headies has built up enough prestige to claim to be Nigeria’s most respected music award show, regardless of the inconsistencies. The organisers have now detailed its upcoming 13th edition, slated for October 19, themed ‘The Power of a Dream’. Similarly to the previous edition in May 2018, this year’s award eligibility covers an 18-month span, from January 2018 to June 2019.
Yesterday, nominations were announced, with Burna Boy leading the pack of nominations with eight nods. Coming in the midst of a fantastic run, Burna’s multiple nominations — Artist Of The Year, Album Of The Year and Song Of The Year— are a trite reminder of his omnipresence in Afropop.
In affiliation, Phantom and Kel P pick up Producer Of The Year nominations, for their work on “YE” and “Killin’ Dem” respectively, while the video for “Dangote” earns Clarence Peters one of his two nominations for Best Music Video.
Following Burna Boy, 2018 breakout star Teni picks up six nominations, including Song Of The Year, Best Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song for “Uy0 Meyo”. Joining the list of multiple nominees, Wizkid and Falz get five nods, Adekunle Gold, Joeboy and Fireboy DML pick up four nods each, while Tiwa Savage, WurlD, Victor AD, Zlatan and Odunsi (The Engine) all have three nominations.
Check out the full list of nominations below.
BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Adekunle Gold – “Ire”
Patoranking – “Heal D World”
Brymo – “Olanrewaju”
Teni – “Uyo Meyo”
Burna Boy – “YE”
BEST POP SINGLE
Burna Boy – “YE”
Victor AD – “Wetin We Gain”
Starboy ft Duncan Mighty, Wizkid – “Fake Love”
Teni – “Case”
Fireboy DML – “Jealous”
Joeboy – “Baby”
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Phantom – “Ye” by Burna Boy
Ozedikus – “Dumebi” by Rema
Spellz – “Askamaya” by Teni
Killertunes – “Fake Love” by Starboy ft Duncan Mighty and Wizkid
Kel-P Vibes – “Killing Dem” by Burna Boy ft Zlatan
BEST RAP ALBUM
Falz – ‘Moral Instruction’
A-Q & Loose Kaynon – ‘Crown’
M.I Abaga– ‘A Study On Self Worth: YxngDxnzl’
Show Dem Camp – ‘Clone Wars, Vol. IV (These Buhari Times)’
BEST R&B/POP ALBUM
Odunsi (The Engine) – ‘rare.’
Burna Boy – ‘Outside’
Kizz Daniel – ‘No Bad Songz’
Mayorkun – ‘Mayor of Lagos’
Adekunle Gold – ‘About 30’
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
“Dangote” (BurnaBoy) – Clarence Peters
“Available” (Patoranking) – Clarence Peters
“Ire” (Adekunle Gold) – Aje Films
“Talk” (Falz) – Prodigeezy
“Jaiye” (Ladipoe) – 88 Factor
BEST R&B SINGLE
Odunsi ft. RAYE – “Tipsy”
Funbi – “Serenade”
Teni – “Uyo Meyo”
Wurld – “Wishes and Butterflies”
Seyi Shay ft. Runtown – “Gimme Love”
BEST COLLABO
Reekado Banks Ft. Tiwa Savage, Fiokee – “Like”
Kizz Daniel ft. Davido – “One Ticket”
Starboy ft Duncan Mighty, Wizkid – “Fake Love”
Burna Boy Ft. Zlatan – “Killin’ Dem”
2baba Ft. Peruzzi – “Amaka”
BEST RAP SINGLE
Falz – “Talk”
Hotyce – “We Don’t Do That Over Here”
Illbliss ft. Olamide – “40ft Container”
Payper Corleone Ft. Alpha Ojini – “Sacrifice”
AQ and Loose Kaynon – “Gang Gang”
BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE(MALE)
Tay Iwar – “Utero”
Johnny Drille – “Finding Efe”
Nonso Bassey – “411”
Funbi – “Serenade”
Wurld – “Wishes & Butterfly”
BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
GoodGirl LA – ‘Bless me’
Waje – “Udue”
Teni – “Uyo Meyo”
Tems – “Mr Rebel”
Falana – “Repeat”
NEXT RATED
Rema
Joeboy
Fireboy DML
Victor AD
Lyta
Zlatan
HIP HOP WORLD REVELATION
Odunsi
Mayorkun
Wurld
Humblesmith
LYRICIST ON THE ROLL
YCEE – “Balance”
Boogey – “Implode”
Paybac – “Implode”
Ghost – “Crown”
Tec – “Crown”
A-Q – “Crown”
BEST STREET-HOP ARTISTE
Erigga – “Motivation”
Chinko Ekun – “Able God”
Zlatan – “Leg Work”
Barry Jhay – “Aiye”
Lyta – “Time”
BEST ‘ALTERNATIVE’ SONG
Lady Donli – “Cash”
Tems – “Mr Rebel”
Johnny Drille – “Finding Efe”
Brymo – “Heya”
Adekunle Gold – “Ire”
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Adekunle Gold – ‘About 30’
Burna Boy – ‘Outside’
Falz – ‘Moral Instruction’
Kizz Daniel – ‘No Bad Songz’
ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Burna Boy
Wizkid
Davido
Tiwa Savage
Falz
SONG OF THE YEAR
Burna Boy – “Ye”
Rema – “Dumebi”
Victor AD – “Wetin We Gain”
Starboy ft Duncan Mighty, Wizkid – “Fake Love”
Teni – “Case”
Zlatan– “Leg work”
Joeboy – “Baby”
Fireboy DML – “Jealous”
AFRICAN ARTISTE RECOGNITION
Master KG – “Skeleton Moves” (SOUTH AFRICA)
Afro B – “Drogba (Joanna)” (IVORY COAST)
Sauti Sol – “Melanin” (KENYA)
King Promise – “CCTV” (GHANA)
DJ Maphorisa – “iWalk Ye Phara” (SOUTH AFRICA)
HEADIES’ VIEWER’S CHOICE
Mr Eazi
Burna Boy
Teni
Fireboy DML
Rema
Joe Boy
Wizkid
Davido
BEST PERFORMER
Falz
Tiwa Savage
Brymo
Yemi Alade
Adekunle Gold
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:
Crayon
Buju
Barry Jhay
Oxlade
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Paul Okoye (Upfront & Personal)
Featured Image Credits: New York Times/Colours Studio
It is not uncommon for people to seek out their cultural roots, in an attempt to discover more about who they are. At least that’s what Teniola Zaccheaus, more commonly known as Teezee, would tell you if you asked him.
He recounts enduring endless teasing from peers in his younger years, because of his non-traditional Yoruba surname, which led to him being inquisitive about his roots. The answer to this opened him up to a new found knowledge on slave trade and returnee slaves.
His hometown, Lagos, a melting pot of different tribes and cultures, was mostly inhibited by the Yorubas who were one of the many tribes displaced during the transatlantic slave trade in countries such as Brazil.
This birthed Teezee’s interest in the ties between the Yoruba indigenes of his hometown and Brazil; marking the country as one he must visit, to satisfy his desire to seek out his cultural roots. His recent trip to Brazil finally answered some very pressing questions he had. Brazil, he found, is home to a number of Yoruba-infused religions, a remnant of the transatlantic slave trade.
Traditional Yoruba deities—orishas—are almost never talked about in modern day Nigeria, the rise of Christianity and Islam has usurped the traditional pantheism that many of our parents and grandparents grew up with. Now, talk of these deities are met with dismissive remarks as they are dubbed as demonic to the average educated, church-going Nigerian. Yet, there exists across Brazilian cities modern-infused religions such as Candomblé, Haitian voodoo and Santeria which have at their core, Yoruba deities who are revered.
The NATIVE spoke to Teezee about his trip to Brazil and what he learnt about the experience.
NATIVE: What led you to seek out the origin of your surname?
TEEZEE: I knew I was of Yoruba descent but my surname was not the typical Yoruba name. When I was younger, people would make fun of me in school because my surname was English. It was one of my aunties who explained slavery to me, and how a lot of Lagos indigenes have unconventional English names. As I got older, the information I gained made me more inquisitive about the world in general. I developed a curiosity for maps, geography, history and culture.
NATIVE: Tell us more about the modern-infused Yoruba traditions in Brazil?
TEEZEE: I am a Christian but also open-minded, so I looked at my curiosity about orisas more as a study reference to understand the meaning behind certain religions, as opposed to seeking it out for practice. My journey started in Ile-Ife to understand more about the cultural link. In Brazil, I visited Rio and Bahia, which has been dubbed as the spiritual home for Yoruba people outside Nigeria. I learnt that the principal Yoruba deities were Esu, Sango, Ogun, Lemanja; all under the Brazilian religion, Candomblé. It was interesting to see how slavery brought about these religions in Brazil, and I had an urge to understand how local traditions from Africa were still extremely important to the Brazilian culture.
NATIVE: Why do you think this story is a pertinent conversation to have in this day?
TEEZEE: I think we need to talk more about them. Our parents and grandparents are very conventional and unwilling to compromise on traditions and ethics, holding unto antiquated ideas like bride price and respect for elders. I find it weird that they are so into some parts of our culture but are very much against other parts of our culture like these orisas, since they’re are so rich in history to who we are as a people. The Nigerian traditions that are seen as taboo back in our motherland are being openly celebrated in a foreign country and it’s sad we’ve demonised them.
NATIVE: What can we do to redress this cultural erasure?
TEEZEE: We need education. I don’t really see how they will start teaching it in schools and include it into their curriculum yet. But the first step to take will be personal interest in our culture and get involved in independent study. Just know your roots and know where you come from. It is also interesting how many tribes were taken during the transatlantic slave trade but why is it that the Yoruba religion remained long after and mixed well with the religion already in place in Brazil. I think it is a good time to be proud of our history and heritage.
The new trailer for the highly anticipated film directed by Imoh Umoren, ‘The Herbert Macaulay Affair’ was released on yesterday on Independence Day. Set for release on the 25th of October, the movie focuses on the late Herbert Macaulay, who is dubbed the father of Nigerian nationalism and was one of the key figures in Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule.
The trailer shows lead actor, William Benson who plays the role of Herbert Macaulay, inciting fellow Nigerians to stand up against their oppressors and leads protests in this fashion. The movie release ties in perfectly with the ongoing Independence Day conversations and is pertinent for any Nigerian interested in learning more about their country’s history.
While some fans complain about the seeming lack of lyrical depth on Wizkid’s songs, the Starboy has remained one of the most potent hit markers of our generation. Following his first song of the year “Ghetto Love”, his latest release, “Joro”, carries similarly lightweight themes of romance.
Their music videos, however, tell more compelling stories to suggest there’s more to the songs than what meets the eyes.
The accompanying video for “Joro” features a model who seems to fall under a dancing spell whenever a redlight is shone on her. Wizkid is also seen in the video, performing his sultry lyrics in a candle-lit room that looks like a shrine. Lyrical depth aside, the use of suggestive imageries to depict the hypnotic allure of Wizkid’s music is the truth.
Watch the music video for Wizkid’s “Joro” below.
Featured Image Credits YouTube/Starboy TV
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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
Long before her journey as a celebrity photographer began, TY Bello belonged to a gospel group (K.U.S.H) which broke up and saw each member pursue solo music careers. In 2008, she released her debut album, Greenland, which housed the titular lead single – a song which captures how Nigerians ought to be feeling today.
With strong vocals and fantastic penmanship, TY Bello sings motivational lyrics to the people of the nation, saying that our country is a land of abundance and we should all be hopeful. “The land is green”, she chants in the catchy chorus, and au contraire – due to rife pollution, climate change and the careless attitude of the government and people – the land is in fact not green.
While the message is deeply faith based, it has definitely aged well, and is comforting to listen to in the desolate state of our country today. From SARZ attacks to the news of a serial killer taking lives of women in Port Harcourt, there’s little to celebrate about Nigeria’s 59th year of independence, however, songs like “GREENLAND” are a nice reminder that all will be well.
There are lots of heavy political lessons tucked throughout Burna Boy’s ‘African Gaint’, but “Another Story”, summed up everything wrong with Nigeria. While the country gears towards celebrating 59 years of independence from colonial rule, Burna Boy has taken the opportunity to share the music video for “Another Story”, displaying a graphic depiction of the pain the Nigerian government has caused him and its citizens.
Burna Boy’s knack for channelling the angst of being Nigerian on his songs has made him into a hero, offering anthems everyone can listen to and feel united in the fight for a better living. But “Another Story” explores one of the darker attributes of the Nigerian reality by highlighting the injustice the people have faced from the government. The music video strengths the impact of his emotive sentiments with violent images, seemingly giving commentary on the Biafran war while he’s seen riding on the back of a black horse like one of the ‘Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’. M.anifest also appears in the music video to perform his rap verse and we see him sitting in traffic which eventually escalates into a violent riot.
Watch the music video for Burna Boy’s “Another Story” below.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Burna Boy
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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
The latest release from the Traplanata crew, “Love2Win” by KA$H and Folabi Xan, puts the crew’s violent tendencies on full display. Their trap influences already provided a safe space for their aggressive expressions but the dramatic music video for “Love2Win” draws out the intensity with the gun-blazing direction that plays out as a glimpse into KA$H and Folabi Xan’s chaotic world.
Alexander Dugdale produces the melancholy instrumentals that inspire introspective bars from KA$H and Folabi Xan as they brag and glorify the cocky street lifestyle, “Bygones be bygones; what I preach/ But niggas take a piss and that’s what I’ve seen”. However, the music video John Dierre, KA$H and Folabi Xan co-direct seems to discourage the violent lifestyle with a “You reap what you sow” message displayed at the start of the clip before we watch KA$H get kidnapped and beat up after robbing his opposition.
Watch the music video for “Love2Win” below.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/KASH-
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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
