Lagos Comic-Con is inspiring a new generation of comic enthusiasts

Posted on by The Native

Since the first edition in 2012, the Lagos Comic Convention has successfully brought comics, animation, films and book enthusiasts together to celebrate their pop-culture fandoms. Organized by Mustardseed Communication International, the event has grown from, 300 guests in 2012 to become Africa’s biggest geek event with over 4000 guests in 2017 in a one-day event.

This year’s Lagos Comic-con held at AF (Alliance Francaise) in Ikoyi where young people came to appreciate the displayed arts and comics inspired by our African culture. The 3-day event was themed “Fearless Lagos” and seminars were held to encourage young artists to brand their art and be more marketable. Niyi Akinmolayan also premiered the “Malika: Warrior Queen” animated film for Anthill Studios at the event and the studio used the platform to appreciate its team. There were also drawing aids like colouring pages to guide children as they explore their artistic expressions.

Brands like “Freak the Fxxk out” were present with their stand where they displayed their spooky clips with eerily compelling soundtracks. Other comic brands had stands where they displayed their comics for sale while some stalls offered art and merch for sale, face paintings and dart throwing games that kept the event lively. The red carpet saw cosplays from attendees with Thor, Joker, Batman Mario’s Nintendo costumes and others being paraded. But a young boy in a Miles Morales costume won the award for best cosplay.

The 3-day event provided a networking avenue for comic book lovers to engage with their fellow geeks and exchange pop culture experiences while learning new creative avenues.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/lagoscomiccon
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ICYMI: Watch the trailer for Anthill Studios’ “Malika: The Warrior Queen”

Premiere: Olú’s music film ‘Aye’ is a celebration of life, love, sacrifice and friendship

Posted on by Tami Makinde

Olutosin, more commonly known by her fans as Olú, dubs herself a sage; she currently hosts a series of intuitive sessions in Lagos, and her profound desire to help others connect to their truest nature reflects in her music. Her latest venture, ‘Aye’—Yourba for ‘Life’— is an 11-minute music film directed by Shaun Kalu, which marries the 3 variations of her near 2-year old single, “Aye”.

In November of 2017, she released “Aye (About A)“ and “Aye (About Z)” as a two pack single, while the final version with Femi Johnson opened up her 2018 EP, ‘Language’. While all three are musically different—“A” is an Afrobeat bop, “Z” is a zen-inducing ballad, and Femi Johnson’s voice is digitally muffled for a Folktronica bent on the last version—they are all connected by Olú’s ruminative lyrics on feeling whole in life.

On why it took so long to put out a set of visuals, Olú tells the NATIVE that she was in no rush to put out a music video. Aye of Z was the first version created, but Olú found the song ‘awkward and melancholic’ as it did not accurately translate what she was experiencing. It was through creating Aye of A and the version in which she enlists Femi Johnson that she was able to accurately capture how holistic life could be, she explains via phone call.

Using performance art, Olú and her cast are able to tell a story: the story of unconditional love and sacrifice in which Lokoja, played by Olú, surrenders herself to atone for the suffering of those around her. Her vision for the music film to translate as a spiritual experience is realised when she comes face to face with her godmother, played by Uche Uba, and she feels the profound peace that comes with such a sacrifice. Lokoja is born anew; this echoes a similar sentiment to the repeated phrase in the music film ‘Life is complete’. It seems that this phrase also explains Olú’s current attitude towards her upcoming music, as she reveals that she is taking necessary time to process the film’s release and does not know what is next for her.

Watch ‘Aye’ here.

Featured image credits/Femi Johnson

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Wizkid announces lineup for Starboy Fest

Posted on by The Native

Just days after releasing his debut single for the year, “Ghetto Love”, Wizkid has more good news for fans. The singer has announced the lineup and schedule dates for his Stayboy Fest concert this October. Afro B, Eugy, Tiwa Savage, Maleek Berry, Nafe Smallz and Ms Banks have been confirmed to perform at the show but the flier promises that there are more artists who haven’t been announced yet.

Starboy Fest 2019 is scheduled to hold in Manchester at the 02 Victoria Warehouse on the 18th of October and at the 02 in London on the 19th of October before concluding in Paris at the Les Dock Pullman on the 26th of October. You can get more information concerning ticket purchases at the Starboy Fest website.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2eqBMVJfQE/

Featured Image Credits: NATIVELAND18′

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ICYMI: Listen to Wizkid’s latest single, “Ghetto Love”

Goldkeyz continues stellar 2019 run with new single, “Mr. Loving”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Goldkeyz has built a reputation for silently dropping gems, with each release displaying his growing power as a music maker and collaborator. The producer kicked off the year with his definitive project, ‘Bloom’, pulling in lengthy cast of assists from artists like Minz, Ogranya, Barelyanyhook and more. A month after releasing “Secret”, a honest and lilting song with singer Ilaye, he most recently put out “Mr. Loving”, this time with vocals from Ayo Folarin and Lefty.

Mixing a cloudy piano chord progression, intermittent blaring horns and folksy local percussions, Goldkeyz weaves a gently groovy instrumental arrangement, showing off his knack for lightweight but composite production, and also accentuate the romantic sentiments his featured guests express. Ayo Folarin sings the hook and the first verse in a charming mix of pidgin English and Yoruba, while Lefty chips in with a superb rapped verse, his gruff voice conveying the seriousness of the song’s pining centre: “Please don’t break my heart”.

Listen to Goldkeyz’ “Mr. Loving” here.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/Goldkeyz

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ICYMI: “TAKE IT SLOW” WITH GOLDKEYZ AND MUSMAH

Blaqbonez debuts his Mr. Boombastic persona on new single, “Shut Up”

Posted on by The Native

Since emerging into the mainstream with his ‘Bad Boy Blaq’ tape, Blaqbonez has retained a strong grip on the attention of Nigerian music lovers with his quirky personality, inciting a rap beef with his Best-Rapper-In-Africa campaign, featuring on the Martell Cypher and his charismatic Mr Boombastic alter-ego on social media. He continues to engage his enthusiastic fanbase with a new single, “Shut Up”, his first song as his Mr Boombastic persona.

Opening with a radio announcer introduction in patois, Mr Boombastic is first introduced as an artist with a Jamaican slur but the antagonistic lyrics later reveal him to be a ruffian who isn’t to be messed with. It’s a persona that gives his cocky bars more heft as he brags about his wealth and talent over the catchy beat Tempoe produces. With the boastful direction, “Shut Up” could be the lead single for the anticipated ‘BRIA(Best Rapper in Africa)’ project expected to be released sometime soon.

Stream “Shut Up” by Blaqbonez’s Mr Boombastic persona below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/blaqbonez

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ICYMI: Watch the music video for “Mamiwota” by Blaqbonez and Oxlade

Falz’s “Loving” music video is a throwback special

Posted on by The Native

Borrowing the rich folky melodies of highlife, Falz’s new song, “Loving” delivers an eloquent, lovesick serenade that promises festivity and celebration. Though it’s not the first time Falz is putting his indigenous influences over his rapper sensibilities to make a commercially inclined song, the beat Yung Willis produces with live music simulating percussions, guitar riffs, gong samples and talking drum riffs takes him from club DJ playlists to wedding DJ sets.

His lyrics, “Omo mummy, liking the way that you move your body/ See, as I dey I wan meet your daddy/ Mo ti seytan, I ready to marry”, also emphasize the wedding direction and Twitch keeps up the narrative in the retro music themed music video he directs. The music video for “Loving” puts Falz’s comical character on full display as we watch Falz perform the role of a struggling musician trying to win the affection of a beautiful woman before we later see him bath in the glow of the spotlight at a show he performs at.

Watch the music for Falz’s “Loving” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/FalzVEVO
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ICYMI: Watch the music video for Falz and Dice Ailes’ “ALakori”

Bella Alubo & Zlatan put together a sneaky banger with “Agbani (Remix)”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Even with recent label woes that we only just fully grasped this week, Bella Alubo has quietly been in the most prolific phase of her career yet. Last year, she dropped two EPs, ‘Late Night Vibrations’ with Ycee and ‘re-Bella’, and she’s already dropped collaborative singles with Fasina and Lady Donli this year. In celebration of her birthday in August, she dropped “Agbani”, a premium showcase of her vocal ability to whip simple melodies into psychedelic moodpieces.

She’s just re-released the single, with a guest appearance from everybody’s feature go-to guy, Zlatan, albeit to striking results. Although there’s nothing new about the bouncy beat TUC produces, the song’s club-driven purpose comes into full view, strengthened by Zlatan’s infectious ad-libs and a trademark, energetic verse that compliments the sensual candour of Bella’s repetitive lyrics. “Agbani (Remix)” is the lead single for Bella’s next project, which should arrive sooner rather than later.

Stream “Agbani (Remix)” via Apple Music here.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/

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Listen to “Democracy”, a pan-African collaboration about greed, absolute power and corruption

Posted on by The Native

To mark international democracy day this month, YIAGA AFRICA released a hip-hop/rap song “Democracy” on September 15th, in partnership with the Ford Foundation and World Movement for Democracy (WMD), as part of an initiative to support sustainable democracies in Africa.

“Democracy” reflects the experiences and perspective of youths in an Africa where too often, greed, absolute power and corruption is the talk of the day. Through verses delivered by artistes—Moonaya from Senegal, Master Soumy from Mali, Awa Bling and Killa Ace from The Gambia, Cill from Nigeria, and Elom 20ce from Togo—the song is composed as a distinctive blend of French, Wolof, and English. “Democracy” comes off YIAGA AFRICA’s youth project titled, Music as a Messenger for Democracy. The Project’s lead, Ibrahim Faruk, explained via email to NATIVE that the song “awakens the conscience and serves as a reminder that we deserve democracy, freedom and rights—but also we must fight to gain and protect them.”

The song is produced by Waliyaane studio in Senegal, and aims to foster a rebirth; a reawakening in citizens, driven by a vibrant collaboration between African artistes and civil society actors such as YIAGA AFRICA, WMD and Ford Foundation, to counter anti-democracy narratives, advance next generation civic engagement, and build solidarity across West Africa.

Listen to “Democracy” below.

ICYMI: Tekno speaks against the shortcomings of the government on new single, “Better”

Dwayne$tunna and Straffitti display bragging rights on new song “Runnin’ Outta Love”

Posted on by The Native

Like an Instagram bad bitch, rappers never seem to pass up on any opportunity to flex their flashy lifestyles with their money spraying music videos and ever glistening jewellery. Dwayne$tunna and Straffitti are however subverting the hip-hop trope on new single, “Runnin’ Outta Love” off Dwayne$tunna’s recently released 7-track, ‘Temporary Forever’ tape.

Rather than brag about their swag or some other flashy attribute, they tout their tunnel vision to remain focused while dealing with the everyday hassles of being rappers; “Had to cut some niggas off/ Had to cut some bitches off/ Gotta focus”. The sombre trap beat evokes lamenting lyrics from the rappers who take the chance to describe the challenges they’ve had to deal with while hustling to be better.

Listen to Dwayne$tunna and Straffitti’s “Runnin’ Outta Love” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/dwaynestunna
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ICYMI: listen to Begho and Enzo Pe$0 paint a snapshot of their flashy ambition on “Running Man”

Begho and Enzo Pe$o paint a snapshot of their flashy ambition on “Running Man”

Posted on by The Native

One of the many attributes that make Hip-hop so compelling is its ability to put listeners in an exhilarating mood. If you’ve seen what 808s and sub-bass bursts can do to a set of speakers, it’s easy to image rappers hear hip-hop instrumentals and get motivated to make music to soundtrack fight sequence with enemies they imagine in their minds.

The throbbing mix of 808 drums and synth samples that sound like vocal chants Wes produces for “Running Man” is the perfect alley-oop for Begho and Enzo Pe$o’s cocky bars. The two spit confident bars that paint a snapshot of their flashy ambition with lyrics that listen like their mission statement; “Imma be me, understand”. It’s the type of song that can add that extra peep to your step and put you in the mood to rage.

Stream “Running Man” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/beghofromthematrix
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ICYMI: Listen to Tide recount a captivating tale of love and betrayal on his “No Lie” single

YCee is done being quiet about Tinny Entertainment

Posted on by The Native

YCee’s didn’t officially announce his split up with the Tinny Entertainment till earlier this year. But hints of a rocky relationship with the people behind his affairs first surfaced when he went on a Twitter rant at FreeMe Digital and Michael Ugwu in 2017. Back, then he called out what he deemed a parasitic relationship between artists and middlemen who take a chunk of the music profits despite doing the least. His outspoken attitude reveals fresh concerns for artist-label conflicts in the age of streaming—when the digital distribution of the music is not directly managed by the artist.


YCee’s latest outburst was provoked by the CEO and Founder of his former Tinny Entertainment label, Arokodare Tinny Timilehin’s celebratory post for the label’s 100 million streams (across all platforms). He shared a rejoinder on IG to disclose some shocking truth about those numbers, stating that “Not a single dime generated from those streams got into the pocket of any of the artists responsible for the content that generated those streams” and “The only thing the CEO is grateful for is the fact that he has yet again, seemingly gotten away with profiting off other people’s sweat”. YCEE doesn’t feel compensated for the 6 years he spent at the label having had to give up his discography which boasts of hit singles like “Jagaban” and “Juice” to the label.

He later spoke on a live video explaining that speaking up came with a choice; he’d rather not be the typical Nigerian artist in a bad blood row with former management, but younger artists need to avoid his mistakes. YCEE warns greenhorn up and comers to avoid falling for the same unfavourable label contract deal as he did. According to him the mechanisms of the record industry are exploitative and detrimental to creative people. He also expressed concerns for former labelmates Bella Alubo, Dapo Turburna and others still contractually obligated to Tinny Entertaintainment.

Nigerian label-artists disputes are one of the most recurring controversies in the music industry. Tekno, Kizz Daniel, Runtown, and Iyanya have dealt with similar label issues in their careers. The story goes they had fallen victim to unfair deals as hustling young artists, that left them without any rights to the music they recorded while at the label, the money their music earned or the identity they had developed in Kizz Daniel’s case. YCee expressed some concern at the effect Tinny’s threat to leak his music could have on his coming project rollout, but the rapper remains confident, ready to go to court and clearly still confident in his talent and the fan base he has built. He reassured fans he is still recording new music consistently and the passion that drove him to start his career has not been replaced by cynicism as he even jokingly quotes lyrics, “You fuck me then you fuck me over, sey na you sign me?”.

With streaming services allowing artists have more control over their careers, record labels and distribution companies no longer hold as much leverage over artists’ careers as they once did; Bella Alubo is still releasing music regardless of whatever situation she might be in with Tinny Entertainment. Having exposed Tinny Entertainment as a mere burden to the finances of music talents, YCee promised his project will still be released as scheduled.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/iam_ycee
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ICYMI: YCee calls out third party distribution labels, FreeMe Digital and Michael Ugwu

Whitney Houston’s hologram tour is new proof of how music experience is changing forever

Posted on by Tami Makinde

Streaming is revolutionising the way we listen to music and the way it is distributed. Artists can now make money by distributing independently of a record label which in the past used to be the main reason for signing a record deal. Now streaming platforms form the core of music distribution in 2019. For context, last year the Verge detailed how streaming now accounts for 75% of the music industry revenue, in addition, artists also now have the advantage of being in control of their own art and numbers. On the consumer side, playlists and digital radio are replacing conventional music discovery channels, and the experience of music itself is bearing a new technology-driven face. This bears some semblance with the emergence of hologram tours, an innovative merger of virtual reality and augmented reality tech that is looking to transform how we experience music concerts.

Yesterday, the estate of Whitney Houston and BASE Hologram revealed ‘An evening with Whitney Houston: The Whitney Houston Hologram Tour’ which will be taking place in 2020. Although there were reactions that raised the conversation around the ethical notion of respecting the deceased artists, this attempt to re-imagine hologram Whitney was not the first. In 2016, after footage of the late star performing a duet with Christina Aguilera at the Voice was leaked online, it was declared that hologram Whitney Houston was not ready for her live debut. This hologram tour will not be the first of its kind as in the last decade, the estates of other late musicians Tupac, B.I.G and Billie Holiday and even Pop Smoke have produced hologram appearances for fans and concert-goers. 

Beyond the mixed reactions, hologram performances may be a hint of what the music concert experience will be like going forward. The Netflix series, Black Mirror, which is known to show instances of tech going too far also addressed this experience, with the latest season showing Miley Cyrus as ‘Ashley O’ going on tour, with the use of a hologram, after she is hospitalised. The episode is allegorical as it highlights the price of fame, using artificial intelligence and robots to raise questions about human agency. In the last two years, Coachella has doubled down on improving their global live broadcast for the music festival, with developments in VR and AR, we may be looking at a future where technology will redefine what it means to ‘attend’ a music concert. 

It is too early to speculate however, ethical conversations like those surrounding Whitney Houston’s hologram tour may make the adoption of this new technology slow and unpredictable in the long term. Hard to say how well hologram concert tickets will sell if fans are spooked by the whole concept of a dead celebrity on stage. It is also possible we could see a merger of tech and humans, for example, a band will be performing behind hologram Whitney during her tour which adding a live element to the experience.

In response to the backlash, CEO of BASE technology, Marty Tudor, defended the holographic experience saying, ‘To me, this is about remembering Whitney’s body of work. There is a whole generation, including my son, who never had the chance to see Whitney perform, and it was important to me that they get that chance’. Others like R&B singer/songwriter Macy Gray have said we would just have to get used to this new concert experience as tech giants will utilise this to have concerts in different major cities at the same time.

Featured image credits/Guardian

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

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Meji delivers a fiery (re-)introduction with “Humble Son Cocky Bastard”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Amidst the divisive reactions Blaqbonez inspired with his ‘Best Rapper In Africa’ brouhaha, a sure positive is that it served as a means for Nigerian rap enthusiasts to become acquainted with more obscure names. One of such names is Meji the Rapper, who became noticeable after his diss tracks aimed at Blaqbonez, “Blaq Out” and “100 Clowns”, gained some popularity. Hoping to leverage on his newfound notoriety, he’s just put out “Humble Son Cocky Bastard” as his newest single, a few days after performing it on Aktivated Sessions.

Brimming with fiery declarations, the single is a blistering attempt at a (re)-introduction, sans the initial controversy. “I know that you know I’m a prodigy/flow so crazy I need a lobotomy”, he gingerly quips on the second verse, a glimpse into the litany of clever bars that bounce between self-eulogizing and detailing his ambitions. Eerie piano loops and reverb-drenched 808 bass rumble underneath the raps, bolstering the magnetic persona Meji exudes.

Listen to “Humble Son Cocky Bastard” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/

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Reminisce reiterates icon status on “OGB4IG”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Reminisce raps with an unquestionable conviction. While his previous singles and features from this year have favoured his very capable pop-rap side, the rapper is taking no prisoners on his latest release, “OGB4IG”, reminding listeners of his longevity and assertively reiterating his iconic status over the menacing beat frequent collaborator Sarz produces. Between declaring himself the best rapper around, relaying his unshakeable street cred and a stunning bar referencing football pundit Graeme Souness, Reminisce delivers every lyric with a blunt force, amplifying the gritty quality of his voice, and ensuring that each bar is as gut-punching as previous ones.

Listen to “OGB4IG” here.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/iamreminisce

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ICYMI: REMINISCE SHARES NEW SINGLE, “OJA” WITH A MUSIC VIDEO

Ictooicy relishes the good times on “Dance With Me” featuring 808Vic

Posted on by The Native

Whether or not you realize it, Ictooicy is one of the most exciting artists in Nigeria right now. Her catalogue merges all that is sacred about lo-fi, hip-hop and R&B, as she plays out her melancholia feelings through the honest introspection the genres’ encourage. Her latest single, “Dance With Me”, finds her teaming up with 808Vic to relish the pleasant moments spent in the company of a loved one and the idle time in between, when the attachment is waning; “We can take it slow, cause I don’t want to be alone”.

Riddiman produces the shimmering beat for “Dance With Me”, mixing slow and soggy synth samples that could have been lifted from the score of a Studio Ghibli anime. The airy instrumentals leave room for Ictooicy to switch fluidly from her melodic vocals on the song’s hook to deliver a rap verse, savouring the odyssey of romance even when the end is in sight. Though Ictooicy’s versatility is in full display, she leaves her characteristically meek impression intact with 808Vic taking the last rap verse after her engrossing hook.

Stream “Dance With Me” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/icygram_
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ICYMI: Listen to Ictooicy’s Best New Music entry, “Melancholy Baby”

Essentials: SirBastien’s ‘Mango’

Posted on by The Native

A few seconds of SirBastien’s song is all it takes to get lulled into his universe. The producer/singer/songwriter uses soft percussions, rattling samples and a hypnotic dose of reverb to paint colourful scenes in his lo-fi universe that promises escape from everyday anxiety. For his debut project, ‘Mango’, he assembles a team of artists who have plumbed similar depths with their music as he features Jaya, Ilaye, DAP the Contract, AYLØ, Bio, Eri Ife, Lectrick, Keenah and Jinmi Abduls who bring their uniquely laidback variations of the slow-moving folk sound to his 9-track tape.

‘Mango’ opens with an atmospheric slow-burner, “Care”, which finds SirBastien comparing his lover’s beauty to the serene view of nature, singing “Your eyes glimmer like the star/ The light casts shadows on your scars” over the lightweight mix of percussion, synths, guitar harmonies, rattling samples and drum riffs. The next track, “From Me”, introduces featured artists, Jaya and Keenah, effortlessly fusing the rap verse from Jaya with Keenah’s soft cooing to fit the comforting sound of the twinkling guitars and laidback drums he produces with Saucy for the song dealing with the uncertainty in relationships. “Take You There” however returns the project to its pleasant mood with the slightly more upbeat tempo and romantic direction from SirBastien, Lectrick, and Eri Ife’s lyrics.

DAP the Contract and Bio join SirBastien on “Coffee Machine” where their chemistry is heightened by the slow-building acoustic melodies that evoke a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, despite the romantic lyrics addressed at their love interests. Jinmi Abdul also contributes a verse on “X Marks the Spot”, where SirBastien dives deeper into folk melodies to depict his melancholy in a soothing glow singing, “Sinking into the ocean, this emptiness in my chest/ You said you’d be the treasure, I can’t find the X” over a lightweight highlife instrumental he produces with Damiore. AYLØ assisted “Scars” builds the acoustic sound to a progressively more electronic sound, infusing clap samples and synths to embellish AYLØ’s mellow auto-tuned vocals as he joins SirBastien to sing praises of their lovers.

Ilaye’s soft vocals on “As We Dance” give ‘Mango’ a much needed psychedelic ambience as she layers intricate melodies to match the weightless instrumental and lyrics; “As we dance, I fall deeper”. It’s hypnotizing, escapist, and tranquil, but coils and curls into something darker as if speaking to the anxiety that comes with falling. The next track, “Wait” doesn’t try to dispute that fear as we hear SirBastien screaming out to a lover but his vocals echo like he’s singing into a void; “I’ve been calling/I’ve been so alone”. ‘Mangos’ closes with “Jaguar”, where he sings an entrancing chant over a dizzying mix of synths, percussion, and guitar riffs. Though the atmospheric universe ‘Mango’ evokes doesn’t shy away from the darker reality, it retains a comforting mood with the lightweight sounds oozing bliss.

Stream SirBastien’s ‘Mango’ below.


Featured Image Credits: Instagram/sirbastienmusic
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ICYMI: Check out DAP the Contract’s visual album, ‘Everybody Falls in the summer’

Hamzaa celebrates little joys and friendship on her music video for ‘Sunday Morning”

Posted on by Tami Makinde

London-based soul singer/songwriter, Hamzaa made her NATIVE debut with her 2018 single “Stranded Love” which made it to the NATIVE’s list for “Best Songs of the Year So Far”. Since then, the prolific artist has been making headway in the UK, enough to impact the Nigerian music scene. Now she has put out the music video for “Sunday Morning”, a standout single from her recently released ‘Phases’ sophomore EP.

The song is an easy-going track which reflects a similar mood to the relaxed nature of a lazy Saturday morning. Though she performed the song with a live band and a choir when it was featured on Vevo’s Discover segment, the music video, which Ray Fiasco directs, finds Hamzaa matching her serene lyrics with shots of her kicking it back; from cooking for friends to reading a book to hosting friends at what we assume to be her London home.

Watch the music video for “Sunday Morning” below.

Featured image credits/youtube

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

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Mixed reactions trail casting for ‘Americanah’ mini series

Posted on by Tami Makinde

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s bestselling 2013 novel, “Americanah”, has just been selected for a straight-to-series order for HBO Max. Anticipation for the cinema adaptation of the book has been building since Lupita Nyong’o bought the rights to the film in 2014, hinting that she’d play the lead role of Ifemelu while David Oyelowo plays her high school love interest, Obinze. However, it seems plans have now veered in a different direction.

“Americanah” is set to premiere as a 10-episode limited series on HBO’s streaming service, HBO Max, which launches next year. And with Danai Gurira writing the pilot as well as serving as a show-runner, our favourite “Black Panther” duo is back together. Nyong’o is retaining the role of Ifemelu but it has not been confirmed whether Oyelowo will still play the role of Obinze.

The news has not been met with the positive feedback the team might have wanted though as Nigerians have taken to social media to express their discontent with the series casting. The issue seems to be that people are not happy about the Kenyan actress, Nyong’o playing the role of a Nigerian female of Igbo descent. Many suggested that there are a number of homegrown talented names in Nigeria which would be more suited for the role, others voiced the fear that Nyong’o may be unable to accurately represent the Nigerian accent, while others considered Nyong’o to be Hollywood’s default pick when casting African roles. Despite these comments online, the 10-part series is still underway; albeit with no release date in sight.

Featured image credits/Quartz

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

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Tiwa Savage makes her runway debut at Naomi Campbell’s Fashion for Relief fashion show

Posted on by Tami Makinde

Naomi Campbell knows better than anyone that if you get famous for one thing, you’re allowed to do other things you might not be especially good at. Thanks to the supermodel and the Fashion for Relief charity fashion show she started in 2005 after being inspired by the late Nelson Mandela, Afropop’s ‘baddest girl’, Tiwa Savage made her runway debut on Saturday.

Hosted every year, Fashion for Relief supports many humanitarian causes around the world such as the ebola outbreak in Africa. The event is always well attended by the supermodel’s star-studded guest list who have been known to grace the catwalk. This year’s show featured stunning pieces, with vibrant colours and an array of feathers, fringe and tulle.

Tiwa Savage strutted down the runway, looking beautiful as ever, in a black and white tubed asymmetric dress topped up with a black shawl. The singer/songwriter spoke to Vogue about her experience on the runway, ‘It’s definitely a different experience from singing. It was very quick, and it’s not as easy as it looks… I just found out.‘ We are excited to see her make more appearances in the fashion scene.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2aK38jgcsP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Featured image credits/instagram

 

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

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WurlD, Lady Donli & Buju slated for ART X Live! 2019

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

ART X Lagos has gained an invaluable reputation as a worthwhile collage of events, since its launch three years ago. Aimed at showcasing the best and most innovative contemporary art from the African continent and diaspora, the organizers of the yearly international art fair have curated three acclaimed editions, and have now publicly detailed plans for a fourth edition, scheduled to take place at the Federal Place, Victoria Island, from 1st to 3rd of November.

A quotidian, highly anticipated part of the weekend is the music concert, ART X Live!, and like previous editions, three artists—WurlD, Lady Donli and Buju—are slated to take the stage. This year the show aims at celebrating some of Lagos’ emerging mavericks, and the selection of these three artists is apt, considering each pulls from diverse influence to make distinct and striking music. WurlD and Lady Donli released critically acclaimed debut albums—‘Love Is Contagious’ and ‘Enjoy Your Life’ respectively—this year, while Buju is slowly moving from cult figure to mainstream prominence, especially with the release of his Zlatan-assisted single, “Spiritual”. All three artists have expressed their excitement at being a part of ART X Live! 2019, as well as optimistic ideas of what to expect from their performances.

WurlD: “Lots of art, music and a fusion of both things. A lot of range, a lot of dance. I might even be performing some songs for the first time.”

Lady Donli: “Expect the enjoyment ministry of course, because all I’m bringing is the good vibes. I’m excited to perform some songs from ‘Enjoy Your Life’ for the first time”

Buju: “Amazing music, an amazing time, amazing vibes. Looking forward to maybe sharing some unreleased stuff.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B19cVPFFDg0/

Lanre Masha, who curated last year’s ART X Live!, continues his role, while popular beatsmith TMXO will offer music production services. ART X Live! 2019 will also feature visual art by Dafe Oboro and Joy Matashi. This melding of music and art will be sure to create a riveting experience for attendees.

Although ART X Live! is an invitation-based event, hopeful invitees and attendees in general are urged to follow ART X Lagos’ social media and also check on their website, for frequent updates and a chance to win invites. Tickets for ART X Lagos 2019 will be on sale from next Monday, September 23rd.

Featured Image Credits: Art X Lagos

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

ESSENTIALS: ‘ART X LIVE! 2018’ (AS CURATED) BY ODUNSI THE ENGINE

Fireboy DML brings loverboy feels to new video, “King”

Posted on by The Native

Fireboy DML comes up often in conversations about Nigeria’s next music stars. Despite only emerging into the limelight a few months ago, he has proven remarkably adept at milking his relationship experiences for songs his fans can relate to. After capturing popular zeitgeist with breakout single, “Jealous”, and then piling on the storm with another sweetly romantic cut, “What if I Say”, the YBNL singer is switching things up a little on his latest offering, “King”, going a more assertive route as he declares his worth to his love interest over a mid-tempo Afropop beat Echotheguru produces.

Singing “Bad boy wey you no fit use play game/I be king, ma fi mi sere” with the confidence of a boastful rapper, “King” listens like Fireboy DML is finally embracing his superstar status and the music video TG Omori directs depicts his acclaim through the flamboyant direction of the nearly 2-minute long clip. We see shots of Fireboy and his muse in a rose petal embellished Rolls Royce before he hits the gym to box then finally sings at a fashion show where models walk on a runway with simulated rain.

Watch the music video for Fireboy DML’s “King” below.

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

ICYMI: Watch the music video for Fireboy DML’s breakout single, “Jealous”