Blaqbonez, Loose Kaynon, A-Q & M.I Abaga come bearing bars on ‘Martell Cypher 2’

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Since publicly arriving over a year ago, Chocolate City subsidiary 100 Crowns has made it a point of duty to stay in front of, and steer conversations concerning rap music in Nigeria. Alongside parent label executive and revered rapper, M.I Abaga, and foremost signing Blaqbonez, the A-Q and Loose Kaynon-led imprint has been able pull off a handful of moments, including ‘LAMBaugust’, last year’s 3-week album roll-out, and intermittently holding ‘The Coronation’, a rap-centric event with four instalments till date.

In the wee hours of 2019, the loose collective literally stopped the Nigerian internet, after releasing a Martell-backed cypher that saw all four rappers relentlessly pummel a sturdy BeatsByJayy instrumental with Vibranium-laced raps. They’ve just returned for a similarly scorching, conversation stoking sequel, along with an accompanying video, in which each rapper is suited up to evoke mafioso imagery. Following the same M.O. as the first go around, Jayy again scores ‘Martell Cypher 2’, mixing floor shaking 808 bass and sinister piano keys as haunting as the Joker’s wide grin, while the same order of stepping up to the mic is maintained.

Blaqbonez opens up the cypher in his usual vivacious demeanour, packing his bars with confident quips and clever pop culture references, clearly aimed at shadowboxing Opps who’ve continued to throw virtual stones at him since he declared himself the ‘Best Rapper in Africa’. Loose Kaynon follows up next in a more engaging flow than the novel cypher, scoffing at naysayers and doubters, while flexing the ongoing profitability of his crew. A-Q takes the penultimate spot, and in his usual battle-ready gait, reels off an aggressive litany of shock-indented, wide-ranging bars that feature everything from unsubtle political commentary to his salacious intentions for one of Afropop’s foremost divas. M.I, however closes with the pick of the verses, and while his conceited quips are loaded with subs at another Cognac-sponsored cypher series, it mostly serves as a timely reminder of why he’s regarded as one of the best around these parts to ever pick up the mic.

Subtitled ‘The Purification’, this newly released cypher is in line with 100 Crowns’ lofty moves meant to galvanize interest and support around rap music in Nigeria. While it is undoubtedly an adrenaline shot, it is difficult to see it in a wholesome light, considering the sequel is coming eight whole months after a debut that hinted at better frequency and a diverse line-up. Regardless, it is never a bad time to see four rappers get busy, which is what ‘Martell Cypher 2’ primarily offers.

Watch ‘Martell Cypher 2’ here.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/MI Abaga

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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

THE SHUFFLE: REMEMBERING M.I’S “SUPER HUMAN” FEATURING LATE SOUTH AFRICAN LEGEND, HHP

Essentials: Blackmagic’s ‘BM’ EP

Posted on by The Native

After flexing his avant-grande chops with his metal rock ‘Wizard Spell’ album, released earlier this year, Blackmagic returns to the familiar Afropop sound that earned him mainstream acclaim when he debuted “Repete”. He just put out a 7-track EP, ‘BM’, a pure expression in the Blackmagic linage of layering compelling vocals over melodic arrangements that are both slow-moving and deceptively groovy.

‘BM’ slowly builds organic acoustic harmonies into something progressively live music sounding, always with a sense of nostalgia and celebration that’s perfect for setting a pleasant mood at outdoor events. He produces all 7 tracks and leaves the piano, drums and electronic guitar arrangments he lays down on the opening track, “BM19001”, to breath for over 2 minutes before we hear any vocals. Singing “I think I’m ready for the world/ Ready to play my part/Come on and break my heart” in his gentle drawl, it might be a depressing kind of truth, but there’s still something spectacularly freeing about it, especially when paired with the catchy drum and guitar riffs. The melancholy is more prominent on the next track, “BM19002”, written as a sort of apology for ghosting; “Sometimes it bes like that/ Gotta disappear and come right back”.

The third track, however, revives a festive mood through the chant palm-wine music melodies and triumphant horn samples that match his boastful lyrics. Blackmagic delivers a rap verse on “BM19004”, making him more compelling when he reveals some truths he has discovered about having a successful career, “Every circle got haters inside/ got waiters serving you feedback, you need that/ But don’t always take it inside/ we’re all made unique, I don’t generalize”. “BM19005” has a romantic direction that sees Blackmagic singing in French over Reggae instrumentals but though the romantic theme continues through the next track, he seems more earnest, singing “Your love dey scatter my head/ oh baby/ You’re the reason I’m” over the dancehall beat he produces.

‘BM’ closes with a rap song, “BM19007”, a defiant and necessarily abrasive statement that combats toxic behaviours. Over a captivating mix of electronic guitar harmonies and vocal chant samples, he rails against our problematic traits saying the only thing that can fix our situations is love or a miracle. Sharing the project with next to no hype or promotion, there’s something subversive about Blackmagic dropping so many gems on ‘BM’. His hold on the mainstream audience has weaned over the years, but it’s clear that it hasn’t affected how much he cares about his fans.

You can stream Blackmagic’s ‘BM’ below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/ejayblackmagic
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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: Watch Blackmagic’s rustic video for “Anything For Love”

Mr Real takes his philosophical questions to God in his music video for “Oloun” featuring Reminisce, Phyno and DJ Kaywise

Posted on by The Native

Mr Real has followed up the release of his “Oloun” single with an accompanying music video. The song which continued Mr Real’s penchant for preaching the street gospel saw him asking existential questions and waxing philosophical while speaking to his creator over the Afro-house beat Cracker produces. Dr Nell directs the music video for Legendoreel Films, highlighting the spiritual nature of the song with scenes showing Mr Real confessing to a priest before he asks for more blessings. Phyno, Reminisce and DJ Kaywise also appear in the video with the rappers performing their bars while we watch dancers grooving to the beat and actors taking the holy communion.

Watch the music video for “Oloun” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Mr RealVEVO
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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: See the music video for Burna Boy and Jorja Smith’s “Gum Body”

Burna Boy and Jorja Smith lull viewers into their intoxicating universe in their music video for “Gum Body”

Posted on by The Native

Call it fabulous, commercially-ordained kismet that the chemistry Jorja Smith and Burna Boy shared on “Gum Body” is what coaxed her to feature the African Gaint on “Be Honest”, her only release so far this year. Both singers have shown a commitment to writing immersive lyrics that make their song’s relatable and on “Gum Body”, off Burna Boy’s latest ‘African Gaint’ album, they forged an artistic kinship that reinforces their tortured lyrical themes of stifled affection.

Meji Alabi directs the recently released accompanying music video with a melancholy setting that lulls viewers into the intoxicating world the singers’ build with their lyrics; “I m I just drunk or something?/ In love, in love, in love, in love”. We watch as Jorja Smith dances seductively to the lightweight beat while Burna Boy is seen nursing two shots of whiskey.

Watch the music video for Burna and Jorja’s “Gum Body” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Burna Boy
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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: Watch the music video for “Be Honest” by Jorja Smith and Burna Boy

‘Daughters of Chibok’ wins Best Virtual Reality Story at the Venice Film Festival

Posted on by Tami Makinde

The world watched with horror in April 2014 when 276 girls were kidnapped from their school dormitory in Chibok, northeastern Nigeria by extremist group, Boko Haram. The non-admission of the atrocity by the then president, Goodluck Johnathan fuelled social outrage and led to the birth of the #BringBackOurGirls movement. Over the years, following government negotiation with the terrorists, 107 girls have been released from captivity but many more still remain unaccounted for.

Five years later, a documentary titled ‘Daughters of Chibok’ has won the virtual reality linear competition at the 76th annual Venice Film Festival. The Joel Kachi Benson documentary follows the story of Yana Galang, one of the mother’s of the abducted schoolgirls who is still missing; she cleans her daughter’s clothes everyday in hopes that she will return. The documentary, through virtual reality, explores the aftermath of the kidnappings and explores global issues such as poverty and the right to education. This win will plummet the story of the Chibok girls back into global attention once more and invite more people to never forget the atrocities committed by Boko Haram; till then #BringBackOurGirls

Watch Joel Kachi Benson’s acceptance speech below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2I8Fk7nZOp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

 

Featured image credits/La Biennale Di Venezia

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

ICYMI: HBO has made a documentary about Boko Haram and the abducted girls

Zlatan is Mr-Steal-Your-Girl in the music video for his “Bolanle” collaboration with IVD

Posted on by The Native

Zlatan fans are having the best time, stanning a rapper with a lovable personality, accomplished pop sensibilities and the work ethic to keep a steady string of releases to satisfy millennial fan with their short attention spans. It’s a new weekend and a new Zlatan song to party to as he releases a new collaboration with IVD, “Bolanle”, just weeks after joining DJ Cuppy for “Gelato”.

“Bolanle” highlight’s Zlatan’s appreciation for folky Yoruba music through his melodic Yoruba fueled hook and verse over the catchy beat Phantom produces to a groovy rhythm that suits western Nigerian party music. The story-telling narrative, describing a scenario where a stingy man loses his beautiful lover to a richer person, sets up Zlatan to show off his singing chops before rapping a verse, kicking game on how things are run in the streets; “Who no like better thing?”. The music video Visionary Pictures directs shows Zlatan performing the song with a live band as if to highlight the song’s adaptability to suit wedding DJ sets, but the Mr-steal-your-girl narrative is also sustained through shots of Zlatan winning the affection of a lover by buying her a brand new Mercedes.

Watch the music video for IVD and Zlatan’s “Bolanle” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/IVD Empire Entertainment
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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: Listen to DJ Cuppy and Zlatan’s “Gelato”

Mannywellz drops breezy 3-song pack, ‘META’

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

At the dual core of Mannywellz’ music is his migration at an early age, and a compulsive inventiveness to wholesomely represent his cross-Atlantic influences. In January of last year, the Maryland, U.S.-based singer/songwriter/producer put out his sophomore EP, ‘SoulFro’, a career defining tape that features compelling writing to reflect his experiences and perspective, and a distinctive merge of plump African grooves and contemporary hip-hop sounds.

After closing out 2018 with the September remix for one of the project’s cuts, “Yeoo”, with a guest feature from Adekunle Gold, Manny opened this year with “Soul on Fire” in May, and has now followed up with a quick new tape, ‘META’. Symbolically, the project title translates to ‘Three’ from Yoruba, also representing his third project and the number of songs present on the tape. In usual fashion, ‘META’ coins in on his composite instrumental arrangements, propelled by sunny piano harmonies and Afro-Juju inspired rhythms.

Although it is thematically lightweight, with Manny cycling through a brief range of romance-fueled topics, his writing carries a lived-in aura, which is paired with his rustic tenor to give the three songs equal levels of substance. While he vindictively rues a toxic ex from a recently ended relationship on opening track “No More”, things take a brighter turn on next track “Philosophy”, where he declares his mushy credo in relation with being in a loving relationship. Final song, “Imperfections”, is buoyed by the patter of talking drums, perfectly accompanying lyrics that come across as an affectionate renewal of vows.

Stream ‘META’ via Apple Music here.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/Mannywellz

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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

ICYMI: READ OUR ESSENTIALS PIECE FOR JIDENNA’S ’85 TO AFRICA’

Paybac digs into an eccentric, vintage-based bag for new single, “Boy Band”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Paybac is a self-confessed experimentation slut. His official debut LP from early last year, ‘The Biggest Tree’, mined immersive Nu-Folk soundscapes to accentuate gripping, personal topics, while he delved into the rumbling world of Trap on the brightly coloured ‘Autopilot’, in late 2018. A few months after trading bars with Boogey on their musically varied but traditionally structured joint album, ‘Alternate Ending’, the indie rap veteran is setting up to dig into his bag of eclectic eccentricities for his upcoming sophomore album, ‘CULT’.

“Boy Band”, the newly released lead single, foreshadows the delightful, left field choices that should propel the project. Sampling a shrill piano riff from “Acid Rock” by ‘70s Afro-Rock band The Funkees, as its central motif, Learn The Creator helms a vintage-based palette, completed by lively percussions that make for a languid groove. Loosely written to amplify his catchy one-liners, Paybac’s toes the line between playful self-assuredness and whimsical rebellion, delivering his lyrics in an infectious mix of smugly sung melodies and chanted raps.

Stream “Boy Band” via Apple Music here.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/lookatpaybac

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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

NATIVE ROOTS: AFRO ROCK TIMELINE

Jola Bello’s “For You” is a bop for those who’ve caught unrequited feelings

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

A scary side-effect of catching feelings is the urge to continually show tangible affection, even with the possibility that the other party may not reciprocate on the same level. The art of convincing can be arduous, but on her latest single, “For You”, Ibadan-based singer Jola Bello flips the risky situation into a honey-eyed bop. Although she admits disappointment at her interest’s aloofness to her declared affections, she flips the jitters in those opening moments into a starry set, unabashedly professing her love and even offering to move mountains as proof. Conveying the urgency of her yearning lyrics, her siren-like falsetto elegantly floats over the buoyant mid-tempo instrumental arrangement MarleyDigital produces.

Listen to Jola Bello’s “For You” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/jola_bello

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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

ICYMI: WETALKSOUND’S ‘LOFN 2: A COLLECTION OF LOVE STORIES’ HIGHLIGHTS THE CREW’S INTIMATELY SCALED DIVERSITY

Timzil passionately sings of resurgence on new song, “On My Way (Run)”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Even though he currently occupies the more obscure parts of the Nigerian music space, Timzil is slowly building a reputation for bringing profundity to whatever he’s singing about. Following the release of his impressive 2018 EP, ‘WiFi and a Dream’, the singer-songwriter has just shared his first single of this year, “On My Way (Run)”, reflecting the improving hallmarks of his abilities.

Echoing the popular sentiment that it is how we rise from adversity that defines us, Timzil’s new song is a stirring anthem of resurgence, and by extension, of hope for a brighter future. “Wan wa mi, wan le mi [they are looking for me and chasing me], but dem no fit break me”, he passionately sings, his elastic melody and raspy voice simply adorned by sombre piano keys and strings. “On My Way” isn’t narratively focused for embellishments, rather leaning into Timzil’s pointed declarations for striking, poignant effect.

Listen to Timzil on “On My Way” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/timzil_

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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

ICYMI: WATCH MOBELIEVE’S VIDEO FOR “BI OBA (REMIX)”

Watch DMW flex the depth of their squad in music video for “On God”

Posted on by The Native

The DMW gang continue to take advantage of the strength in their numbers, releasing joint tracks that celebrate their artistic kinship and diversity. Their latest collaboration, “On God” featuring Davido, Mayorkun and Dremo, sees them bragging about their recent accomplishments, making money, taking their music international.

But the rather than shot a flashy music video, the video Twitch directs for “On God” has a gritty look that focuses on the comrade between the DMW squad as we watch Davido, Mayorkun and Dremo perform their verses in the company of tough-looking men dressed in all black. While the cameos, Perruzi, Barry Jhay, Ehis, Lyta and others all wear mean mugs to fit the grim mood, the artists are seen bearing arms like AK47s and baseball bats, the video never gets violent.

Watch the music video for Davido, Mayorkun and Dremo’s “On God” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Davido Adeleke
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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: Watch the music video for DMW’s “Bum Bum” featuring Davido and Zlatan

D’Tigers qualify for 2020 Olympic Games

Posted on by Tami Makinde

This year’s FIBA World Cup kicked off in China last week with a game between Japan and Montenegro. Nigeria’s national basketball team, D’Tigers was unsuccessful in their first two games at the first group stage. Despite these initial losses, the team has now gone on to beat host country, China 86-73, earning them an automatic ticket to the 2020 Olympic Games which will be held in Tokyo.

During their first quarter of the game against China, D’Tigers were down 21-19 but powered through and went on to defeat China in the other three quarters. This will be the team’s third consecutive appearance at the Olympics. The President of the Nigerian Basketball Federation, Eng. Musa a Kida had this to say about the team and their qualification for the 2020 Olympics.

Watch the video below:


Featured image credits: Twitter

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

ICYMI: Nigeria’s D’Tigress wins 2019 Africa women’s basketball championship

Krizbeatz teams up with Tekno and Teni for boastful new single, “Hit”

Posted on by The Native

Afropop beat maker, Krizbeatz is responsible for some of the biggest Nigerian songs of the past few years. Though he has his signature on hit records from Lil Kesh, Skales and Seyi Shay, his most prominent impact came through the catchy composition he produced for Tekno’s “Pana” which became a template for several other hits imitated, tagged under the ‘pon pon’ wave. His latest offering, “Hit”, finds him partnering with Tekno and Teni to celebrate their knack for making commercially successful songs.

The opening lyrics “Physically I’m bad, musically, I’m better/ Anything I do, they like/ Every of my song na hit”, express his pride in his work while Tekno and Teni join him to perform their verses and hook toasting to their own successes over the catchy beat Krizbeatz produces to the rock-steady groove of African dancehall.

Stream “Hit” by Krizbeatz, Tekno and Teni below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/krizbeatz_
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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: Listen to “Poker” by Krizbeatz, Mayorkun and Reminisce

The Shuffle: HHP and Naeto C’s “Boogie Down” as proof of the friendly relations between South Africa and Nigeria

Posted on by The Native

The recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa have highlighted the negative impression South Africans have of Nigerians. The graphic videos of violent attacks on Nigerians circulating on social media provoked horror and street protests, while also inspiring Nigerian celebrities to use their platforms to condemn the hate crime against fellow humans. YCee, however, upped the ante through his twitter thread pointing out the subliminal xenophobic sentiments expressed in the South African rapper, AKA’s tweets after South Africa lost to Nigeria at the Nations Cup football competition.

Both rappers have yet to publicly squash their dispute but Hip-hop is no stranger to beef with the genre running on the exaggerated egos of rappers. Despite the heightened competition between rappers, HHP and Naeto C are the shinny examples of the friendly relationship Africans need to aspire to on their “Boogie Down” collaboration in 2010. While the South African and Nigerian rappers were at their prime, they teamed up to deliver a groovy number, reminding us all of our unity and interdependence, “S-A to the N-I-G/ And I don’t think they can do it like we (Naeto C)/ Naeto C is part of my team, We open doors/ Make doe green, with one another we win awards (HHP)”.

The lighthearted song is just what the doctor ordered to wipe out the bad taste the attack left in our mouths as it comes with a pleasantly cheerful music video reminding us of happier times when the continent was in harmony, united in celebration of our freedom and our appreciation of good music.

Watch the music video for HHP and Naeto C’s “Boogie Down” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Justin Campos
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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: Remembering MI’s “Super Human” collaboration with South African legend, HHP

6 videos you should see this week

Posted on by The Native

Megan Thee Stallion – “Hot Girl Summer” Feat. Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign

Megan Thee Stallion has had a dominating run this past couple of months since “Big Ol Freak” announced her an artist to look out for. She became a household name after she captured popular zeitgeist with her ‘Hot Girl Summer’ phrase and then went on to release the song, “Hot Girl Summer”, featuring  Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign, defining summer 2019 for lots of music fans. Munachi Osegbu directs the music video for “Hot Girl Summer”, highlighting Megan’s trendy influence on the shape of summer 2019 through Jaimesha Thomas’s opening skit asking, “what would Megan do?” before we see Megan at a pool party, encouraging ‘hot girls’ to have fun. 

Lil Frosh – “Davido”

Lil Frosh hasn’t quite crossed over into the mainstream, but he has come a long way from making freestyle videos on social media after one of his videos went viral and put him in the conversation for the recent resurgence of street-rap in Nigeria. He just put out a new single, “Davido”, a rap song celebrating his drive and ambition. Director Sweet directs the music video for “Davido”, highlighting some of the lyrics’ social commentary with people in traditional attires turning up their noses to the hip dresses of the youths.

YungBakugo – “LOCKED”

YungBakugo’s follow up to “Cloudy Maudy”, “LOCKED” continues his fascination with airy production as he sings and raps over a lightweight synth-led beat he produces with backing vocal samples that make the song eerie. The ghostly beat fits the song’s narrative, built around feeling stuck in a problematic relationship, and the music video Kali Talmon-Longden directs also stays in line with the sinister theme as we watch a straightfaced YungBakugo performing his verses while being tied up, shoved around and threatened with a knife.

Lil Nas X – “Panini”

After time travelling from the wild, wild west to the present day for his “Old Town Road” video, Lil Nas X is going a little further ahead with the futuristic setting of his new “Panini” music video. The video directed by Mike Diva is set in a Cyber Punk esque world where a hologram of Lil Nas X follows Skai Jackson around, serenading her while she tries to escape.

Lil Kesh – “Nkan Be” Feat. Mayorkun

Lil Kesh just put out the music video for his new single, “Nkan Be”, where he teams up with DMW singer, Mayorkun, for a romantic themed Afropop song Rexxie produces. The music video features cameos from Zlatan, Naira Marley and a model who plays Lil Kesh’s muse while he tries to charm her with his BMX skills and heartfelt street-inclined rap bars, “I go like to give you legbegbe ati centre”.

“Bad Boys for Life” Trailer

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are reviving their “Bad Boys” movie franchise and taking it for another spin as they announce the third installment in the sequel, “Bad Boys For Life”. The action-packed film debuted in 1995 and grossed $141 million worldwide, while the 2003 sequel earned $273 million at the global box office. Anticipation for the third film hit an all-time high with the recent release of the trailer for the movie Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah direct, starring Vanessa Hudgens, Charles Melton, Alexander Ludwig, and Joe Pantoliano and DJ Khaled who is also releasing the film’s soundtrack under his We the Best Records. The trailer features some of the gun-blazing action sequence and funny one-liners the action-comedy franchise is known for as Will Smith and Martin Lawrence continue playing their roles as detectives. Sadly, we have to wait till next year, January 17th before the film shows on the big screen.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Megan Thee Stallion
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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: Goodgirl LA talks to NATIVE about her debut project, religion and her musical influences

Interview: GoodGirl LA on her debut EP, religion and her musical influences

Posted on by Tami Makinde

The NATIVE has followed girl-next-door, GoodGirl LA since her breakout single “Faraway” which cemented her as one artist emerging Afropop star to watch out for. Over the last year, the singer-songwriter has steadily been releasing a trickle of singles such as her spiritual performance on “Bless Me” and “Pina”, the P.Prime-produced single off her EP released with an accompanying music video.

The artist is not ready to take a backseat anytime soon, her debut EP titled LA Confidential is an eight-track project that she believes reflects her life and where she is, musically. We caught up with LA, ahead of her EP being released on other streaming platforms to get the low down on her EP.

 

NATIVE: You took to social media earlier to detail how this EP is a reflection of yourself and where you are musically. Who would you say GoodGirl LA is and what can fans expect from this EP?

LA: GoodGirl LA is a daring and very unique artiste. I hope that everyone who listens to the EP, more than being entertained, gets a stronger sense of self-belief and empowerment.

NATIVE: This is your debut EP, what was the selection process like for which songs made the EP?

LA: It was such a learning process for me. I recorded at least 30 songs for this EP, working with different producers. I wanted the EP to reflect all of me, my first album, I wanted it to tell some of my stories. We first selected 15 tracks as the best fits for the EP and toyed with the idea of making it an LP. “Inspire You” and “Greatest (God of Shutdown)” were selected as the first and last track on the project, right from the moments I turned them in. We actually wanted 7 tracks only, but after about 5 weeks of listening and sharing with tastemakers, we knew the 8 tracks were the best fit for LA Confidential.

NATIVE: This year we have got to hear more of GoodGirl LA, how has the year been for you?

LA: It has been my best year yet, every goal I set out to achieve, so far, I have achieved them and even more. I’m so blessed to have a team who believes in me, teaches me about the business, encourages and empowers me to be the best I can be.

NATIVE: Apart from Britney Spears, which other artists influence your sound?

LA: I would say 2baba, Beyoncé, Brandy, Tekno and Wizkid. I learned and learn a lot about stage performances from Britney Spears, Michael Jackson and Beyoncé.

NATIVE: You grew up in a religious home and some of your songs are spiritually inclined. Would you ever create a gospel album?

LA: I haven’t thought about that, but it’s not impossible. Let me point out something, when I made “Bless Me” and “Greatest (God of Shutdown)”, the plan wasn’t to create a Gospel song, it was just how I felt in that moment. I make music, purely inspired my experiences and feelings in the moment

NATIVE: How have people responded to your more spiritually inclined music?

LA: Just like my other songs, each one connects with different people, in different ways. “Bless Me” is actually my biggest now. I’ve got over 400k views and 500 comments on YouTube, with a majority of the audience coming from the Caribbean – Jamaica, Haiti, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and more. I have two remixes for it, dropping after the EP.

NATIVE: Tell us about “Pina”.

LA: “Pina” was a song I made in my home studio setup with my producer P. Priime. We were vibing, he was creating the music, I was creating melodies, then I got the first words, “I no fine like Kardashian”. I said, okay that’s the first line I’m going to talk about insecurity, how you meet someone, and you think you’re not good enough for them and that was how we made the song. The moment my team heard it; we all knew it would be the lead single for the EP.

NATIVE: Will you ever return to university to complete your nursing degree?

LA: I most definitely will not. I will, however, keep taking courses and hopefully a degree in music and music business.

NATIVE: Which artists in Nigeria would you like to collaborate with?

LA: I would love to work with 2Baba, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Tekno and Asa.

NATIVE: Last time you spoke to the NATIVE, you told us your single “Faraway” was based on a true story. Do any of the songs featured on your EP come from true experiences? Which? And could you detail on this?

LA: Yes, it was, actually all the songs on the EP come from true experiences, how I have felt at some point in my life, how I was feeling in the moment I made the song and so on.

NATIVE: What has been your biggest challenge working on this EP?

LA: The biggest challenge to be very honest, was funding.

NATIVE: Can you tell us what the biggest cost you’ve had to pay since your music became so commercial?

LA: Personal time, mostly.

 

Stream “LA Confidential” below:

 

Featured Image Credits: Prince Meyson

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

ICYMI: GoodGirl LA releases new single “Pina” off her EP

6lack, Alkaline, Burna Boy, Davido and others to headline Afro Nation in Ghana this December

Posted on by The Native

African artists have made us proud through their placements on big festival line ups like DJ Spinall’s Glas­ton­bury set and Mr Eazi and Burna Boy’s Coachella debuts. But the success of Afro Nation in Portugarl was particularly fulfilling because it showed we no longer need to rely on predominantly-white festivals to host big music events around the world.

As if to celebrate the feet, the urban music beach festival is returning to Africa this December. They announced the “Third Wave” festival will happen between the 27th to 30th of December in Accra, Ghana while listing 6lack, Alkaline, Burna Boy, Davido, J Hus, Olamide, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy and Wizkid as they headling acts. Akala, Eddy Kenzo, Kidi, Kuami Eugene, La Même Gang, Medika, Naira Marley, Not3s, Rema, Rotimi, Santi, Teni, The Compozers, Tion Wayne, Wendy Shay, Yxng Bane and Zlatan are also billed on the festival’s lineup, while Distruction Boyz, DJ Obi, DJ So Good and DJ Vyrusky will have DJ sets for the 4-day event.

Safe to say Ghana is the place be between the 27th and 30th of December. Book your tickets for Afro Nation in Ghana here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2EAtiSJFjP/

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/afronationghana

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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: Santi has been billed to perform at Tyler the Creator’s “Camp Flog Gnaw” festival this Novemeber

Reekado Banks is ready to takeover DJ sets with new single, “Rora”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

At the beginning of the year, Reekado Banks left the supportive confines of a traditional label system to set up his own eponymous imprint. Since then, he hasn’t hugged the spotlight too tightly, dropping two loose singles, “Maria” and “Yawa”, and making a sparse amount of guest appearances. However, the ex-Mavin singer is turning things up a notch; he very recently wrapped up a quick U.S tour, and he’s now put out a groovy new single, “Rora”, just in time for peak concert season.

Seemingly enchanted by a bodacious muse, Reekado’s lightweight set on “Rora” goes beyond suggestive, with his salacious lyrics playing out his own side of an aggressively flirty conversation, made even more explicit by a line linking Ghanaian dish, Shitor, with his carnal urges. Supporting his impassioned, catchy melody progression, Tuzi and Altims lay down a bewitching groove of thumping percussions and highlife guitar riffs, with additional electric guitar scratches by virtuoso Femi Leye. “Rora” is the first single off Reekado Banks’ upcoming sophomore album, which makes for a great lead off since it is obviously primed to become a mainstay on DJ sets and at parties.

You can listen to “Rora” here.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/reekadobanks

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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

ICYMI: DJ ENIMONEY AND REEKADO BANKS WANT YOU TO DANCE TO THEIR NEW SINGLE, “OGEDE”

Psycho YP puts on a flexing clinic on “Woah”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

On every other week, Abuja-based rapper Psycho YP seemingly has new material out, anything from singles, to features and even group music videos. But instead of causing a feeling of unnecessary inundation, his unrelenting work ethic plays to his advantage, highlighting the myriad of ways his skillset comes across as both well-worn and inventive. Prior to dropping the music video for his Zanku adherent bop, “Be Like You”, he recently combined with producers Jaylon and ILLYTHAGREAT for new joint single, “Whoa”.

On “Whoa”, YP puts on a flexing clinic, complete with unabashed boasts and hedonistic quips. While the song’s form and content is very far from novel in YP’s packed catalogue, it is underscored by his delightful ability to spin plain, braggy one-liners into catchy punchlines. “Niggas say I’m way too young for this rap shit/funny how we know how you niggas chat shit”, he raps with a commanding swag, over the serpentine glockenspiel riff, explosive bass guitar and groovy, reverbed drum synths Jaylon and ILLY put together.

Listen to Jaylon, Psycho YP & ILLYTHAGREAT’s “Whoa” here.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/psychoyp

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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

ICYMI: LISTEN TO GCL3F’S “FADED”, FEATURING PSYCHO YP AND STRAFFITTI

Tiwa Savage embodies the strength of women’s sexuality in new music video for “49-99”

Posted on by Tami Makinde

Tiwa Savage has lived up to the Savage in her name countless times, but most memorably through her daring music videos gimmicks. The singer-songwriter has never shied away from owning her body and encouraging women to do the same through her statement fashion choices in her music videos.

Her new single “49-99” is no exception. In the Meji Alabi directed music video, the artist is clad in revealing pieces, showing off her body while dancing on a table full of older men who are ogling at her while she ignores the lustful male gaze and keeps dancing on the table, unapologetically. Other scenes in the music video show the artist nude, only covered by flowers and surrounded by her long hair. Tiwa is the king pin at a boxing competition and while she’s also seen working in a textile factory with other women, who join her in subverting the gender stereotypes with cigarettes being smoked as they work for their pay. The two scenes are juxtaposed as the singer goes from the one calling the shots to having to work to earn her wages.

Watch the video “49-99” below:

Featured Image Credits: Youtube 

 

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

ICYMI: DJ Spinall features Wizkid and Tiwa Savage for new single “Dis Love”

Cyprian Alakija channels Yoruba folk for romantic new single, “Isabella”

Posted on by The Native

Heartfelt romantic songs no longer have the gravity they used to. With every last pop singers milking their relationships for sentimental value, it has simply become attrition. But given the template’s accomplished track record, delivering hit songs spanning hundreds of decades, Cyprian Alakija has no trouble adding to the infinite catalogue of songs inspired by cupid’s arrow. He just released his 5th song this year, “Isabella”, following up on “Let Me Know” both numerically and thematically as he continues in his quest to win the heart of a lover with romantic lyrics and catchy melodies.

Backed by the mid-tempo beat Baad produces to the lightweight guitar-led swing of highlife music, Cyprian Alakija sings to his love interest in a charming mix of English and his indigenous Yoruba language. Singing “You know that me never gonna let you go/ So dance for me”, he trusts in the catchiness of his melodies as much as his lyrics to convince his lover and even passive listeners.

Stream Cyprian Alakija’s “Isabella” new single below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/cyprianalakija
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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: JoeBoy’s “Beginning” is this week’s Best New Music