Chances are you might have heard M.I’s newly released single, “The Viper” over the weekend. The vitriol-laced song became a trending discussion, after the rapper finally replied two diss tracks from rapper Vector Tha Viper, “The Purge” and “Tetracycling”. In addition, M.I also performed at last night’s finale of Big Brother 2019, spotting a shirt with the caption, “no snakes”, and stomping on a CGI serpent—extra barbs directed at Vector.
While the back-and-forth between both rappers has a lot of rap fans excited, M.I is attaching the situation to the roll-out of a new EP, ‘Judah’. Although he hinted at the release of a project a few weeks back, he’s made it concrete with an October 9 release date—this Wednesday.
‘Judah’ will contain five songs, with the inclusion of “The Viper”, and guest features from Alpha Ojini, Nawe, Buckyraw, Kauna and Blaqbonez. The EP is M.I’s first project since last year’s ‘Yxng Dxnzl: A Study on Self Worth’.
After a stint of critical illness, legendary drummer Ginger Baker passed away in the early hours of yesterday morning, at eighty years old.
Described as the hammer of the gods, Ginger Baker earned a reputation as Rock Music’s first superstar drummer, due to his work with influential supergroup, Cream. Co-founded with singer/guitarist Eric Clapton and singer/bassist Jack Bruce, Cream had a wildly successful but brief run, with four studio albums between 1966 and 1969. They sold over 15million records, and their third album, ‘Wheels of Fire’ was the first double album to sell over a million copies.
After Cream disbanded, Ginger Baker spent the 1970s in Lagos, Nigeria. It was during this time that he worked with Fela Kuti, during the early days of his Afrobeat exploration. In 1971, he sat in with Fela and his band, Africa ’70, which resulted in the studio album, ‘Live! (With Ginger Baker)’. The album comprises four foundational Afrobeat songs, including “Black Man’s Cry” and “Egbe Mi O”, as well as an extended drum solo with Africa ’70 drummer, Tony Allen.
In 1972, he released his debut solo album, ‘Ginger Baker at his Best’, and then set up Batakota (ARC) studios in 1973, as a prime recording spot for local and international musicians. Amongst the host of artists Batakota played host to was ex-the Beatles member, Paul McCartney, who recorded the hugely successful ‘Band on the Run’ album in Lagos, with his Rock band Paul McCartney and Wings.
Baker’s influential style of drumming combined jazz and African rhythms, with a drum set that included two bass drums instead of one. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 as a member of Cream, while he entered the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame and Classical Drummer Hall of fame, in 2008 and 2016 respectively.
Since the announcement of his death, tributes have been pouring out from admirers, close friends and high profile collaborators. Jay Bulger, director of the award-winning documentary, “Beware of Mr. Baker”, has also written a memorial piece for revered music publication, Rolling Stone.
Here are some of the tributes:
Sad news hearing that Ginger Baker has died, I remember playing with him very early on in Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated. He was a fiery but extremely talented and innovative drummer. pic.twitter.com/tZg3IGwP4Z
Ginger Baker, great drummer, wild and lovely guy. We worked together on the 'Band on the Run' album in his ARC Studio, Lagos, Nigeria. Sad to hear that he died but the memories never will. X Paul pic.twitter.com/Rne4tn6A2i
The Bruce family would like to extend their sincere condolences to Ginger Baker’s family, friends and fans. Surviving a love hate relationship, Ginger was like an older brother to Jack, their chemistry was truly spectacular. RIP Ginger, one of the greatest drummers of all time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/G9Pl4Qecdp
RIP the music giant that was Ginger Baker. The beat behind too many favourite songs from Cream, The Graham Bond Organisation and Alexis Corner's Blues Incorporated. (If you haven't seen the great doc 'Beware Of Mr Baker' do check it out) pic.twitter.com/2ZaJcbcmK2
Lagos-based singer/songwriter SOLIS first caught our attention with her fantastic contribution to “hectic” a standout single off Odunsi’s 2018 album ‘rare’. Her soft spoken vocals lent itself perfectly to the soulful track and marked SOLIS as one to watch out for. The artist then went on to receive our highest seal of approval with her single “watch me” being slated for Best New Music earlier this year.
Her new single “Angel” is her second release this year, where SOLIS continues in her “neighborhood tortured poet” narrative with the dreamy uptempo beat produced by Gosha. She starts off in soft spoken lull that continues for the rest of the song: “break me, mould me to your design” she sings, every part of her willing to love and be loved. She admits to me via text that “Angel” is the conception story from where her last single, “watch me” concludes.
“Angel” is also the first single off her upcoming EP. The artist took to social media, following the song’s release, to announce that ‘The Sunrise Has Begun’. We can’t wait to hear more of her magic.
DJ Tunez proved he’s in tune with the exciting new wave of artists breaking out this year when he featured Oxlade on “Causing Trouble” earlier this year. The pair have updated the song with a music video that aims to highlight the efficiency of the romantic song on dancefloors.
Pokolee, Wavy the Creator and Ceeza Milli are only some of the cameos featured in the 3-minute long clip set at a studio with fancy set designs. While Oxlade performs his romantic set with a muse by his side, the DJ, models, dancers, and camoed artists burst out different dance moves to the lightweight groove of the beat Spax produces.
You can watch the music video for “Causing Trouble” by DJ Tunez and Oxlade below.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/DJ Tunez
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The third installation of Femme Africa showcase is back this month. The event is set to showcase the remarkable and diverse talent of Nigerian women in music. Created by Ayomide Dokunmu, Femme has become a community for women supporting and uplifting women in the creative industry.
Last year’s event was a huge success with the likes of Dami Oniru, Solis, Goodgirl LA and Tems gracing the stage. This year there is even more reason to attend the event with all the remarkable women slated to perform this year. Among the lineup is the ‘Enjoy Your Life’ President herself, Lady Donli, R&B/Soul artist Ezi Emela, Princess Okoh and even a female dj on decks, DJ Vvada.
The Femme Africa Showcase is happening on Sunday, October 13.
Earlier this year, Davido’s “Fall” became a sleeper hit in the U.S, reaching the thirteenth spot on the Billboard Radio Airplay charts. It was confirmation of the singer’s increasing crossover power, and his recent moves have only served to increase his global appeal.
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A few weeks after releasing his summer anthem, “Blow My Mind” with Chris Brown, the two singers have linked up for the second time. “Lower Body”, the intro track on the newly-released extended version of Chris Brown’s ‘Indigo’ album, finds both singers dedicating their lightweight set to the physical attributes of their muses. While they express their admiration, with lust-filled lyrics, the bouncy, hypnotic feel of Kiddominant’s beat emboldens their intentions to rule DJ sets and club dancefloors.
Davido is currently on tour with Chris Brown, and both singers seem to have struck a solid relationship. It won’t be a surprise if “Lower Your Body” is just one of more collaborative efforts. Right now, though, they’re two-for-two.
Listen to “Lower Your Body” here.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Davido Adeleke
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The release date for Wizkid’s long-anticipated project, Made In Lagos, is still uncertain, however, with the guitar-licked “Joro” as his second release in less than a month, a new Starboy era may soon be upon us. In the video shot between Lagos and London, a red glow hypnotises a woman who can’t help moving to the rhythm.
Elsewhere, Wizkid approaches a brightly-lit outpost, re-emerging at the centre of the room, encircled by candles and bathed in a golden-yellow hue. Although the mysterious hypnotic red glow and his red shirt are the only visible links between both visual sequences, the metaphor for the ubiquity of Wizkid: The Church boy from Ojuelegba—is subtle but hard to miss.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3HLN5YHzDL/
In the last few months, Wizkid has stayed in conversations with these seemingly effortless singles to sometimes mixed reactions. Many fans who have waited in anticipation for a follow-up to Sounds From The Other Side have struggled to embrace Wizkid’s handful of placeholder releases. To add salt to injury, it is also becoming clear fans who will expect him to release another project chock-full of big names and swagger anthems may be disappointed.
Over the past decade, it’s not been uncommon for artists to make huge creative leaps from project-to-project in a manner that aligns their music with the contemporary sound or trending subcultures. In Afropop, no one has consistently made those near-institutional jumps like Wizkid; first with “One Dance” with Drake in 2015, and more recently, “BROWN SKIN GIRL”, his collaboration-duet with Beyoncé.
But for long-time believers, Wizkid is still the man of the moment. “Joro” is a love song, and like “Ghetto Love” before it, the story is told through the eyes of his listeners. Complimenting his usual melodic antics with a smooth audiovisual premise may not the ‘global superstar’ brand more cynical fans want from the continent’s biggest pop star, but when it really comes together, it’s hard to picture anyone but Wizkid who can embody same innate star power or sleek execution. As you’ll see in the video below, even Wiz is no more than an observer who is also immersed in the Starboy experience.
See Wizkid in “Joro” below:
Toye is Editor-at-Large at NATIVE Nigeria. Tweet at him@ToyeSokunbi
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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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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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
