Watch the music video for Zamir’s “Anti” featuring YCee

Posted on by The Native

Zamir has remained relevant as an OG in the hip-hop game by releasing records with new kids on the block like Tochi Bedford and Yakeeb. His latest single, “Anti”, however, finds him returning to his more commercially acclaimed status as he collaborates with YCee for his anarchy themed debut for 2019.

He just released the music video for “Anti”, building on the edgy angst of the trap beat Tochi Bedford’s produced for the rapper’s confident and anti-social bars. Ademola Falomo directs the music video, opening with what seems to be the recreation of Zamir’s morning rituals before meeting up with his anti-social partner in crime, YCee, at a drift circuit. Though the repeated sequence showing Zamir staring at anxiously at his phone screen hints at a menacing narrative brooding, it never actually climax, but it might be lofty to dream of a sequel to the story.

Watch the music video for “Anti” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Zamir L.O.S
[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 Yakeeb and Zamir’s “Schemes”

Listen to “Ogologonma” by DJ Big N and Rema

Posted on by The Native

Either DJ Big N is either a helpless romantic or he spends most of his time curating music for wedding party sets. His latest single, “Ogologonma” featuring Rema finds the Mavin in-house DJ continuing to build on his romantic catalogue of music releases built for dancefloor sensibilities.

Released just months after featuring Mr Eazi on “Jowo”, “Ogologonma” channels DJ Big N’s romantic intentions through Rema’s melodic Afropop cadence, singing a sultry set over the mid-tempo beat Altims produces. The song provides Rema with the chance to show off his versatile sonic expression as he ditches the more western influences heard on his latest project, ‘Rema Freestyle EP’, for a more lightweight and catchy hook-centric songwriting.

You can stream DJ Big N and Rema’s “Ogologonma” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/heisrema
[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 DJ Big N and Mr Eazi’s “Jowo”

Suté Iwar Announces Release Date For Debut Album, ‘Paradise’

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Although Abuja-based music polymath, Suté Iwar has wiped a significant portion of his older music off his soundcloud page, his former projects, from debut mixtape ‘Jelli’ to last year’s ‘Leopards’, served as showcases of his well-rounded abilities. The rapper has now announced the imminent arrival of his debut album, titled ‘Paradise’. Scheduled for an August 16th release date, the album will contain eleven tracks, including pre-released singles, “Don’t Wait Up” and the Le Mav-produced “Heartless/Space” featuring BarelyAnyHook. Every other song on ‘Paradise’ is produced by Sute, with Dorian Starr and Fareeda rounding out the list of guest features.

Check out the tracklist below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/suteiwar

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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

ICYMI: SEE “SPACE”, THE FIRST VIDEO OFF TAY IWAR’S ‘1997’ COLLECTION

Watch The First Teaser For ‘The Herbert Macaulay Affair’

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Shoddy documentation of Nigerian history has left a wide information gap for multiple generations of young Nigerians. In recent years, though, history enthusiasts have taken up the task of researching and presenting older stories via various mediums, one of which is bringing it to the big screen. Joining an increasing line of visual features inspired by notable pieces of Nigerian history, Rucksack Productions is gearing up to release ‘The Herbert Macaulay Affair’, a new feature based on the life and struggles of 1900s Nigerian Nationalist and independence agitator, Herbert Macaulay.

To stoke anticipation, Nollywood Indie director Imoh Umoren shared an eye-catching teaser over the weekend, comprising a collage of shots from the upcoming film. The one minute-long teaser highlights the film’s apt retro aesthetic, and also points to a compelling, multilayered storyline focused on the film’s title character, as well as key events like the Bubonic plague in the 1920s. Set to hit cinemas nationwide sometime next month, September 2019, ‘The Herbert Macaulay Affair’ should hit the triple whammy of critical acclaim, cultural relevance and commercial blockbuster status.

Watch the teaser for ‘The Herbert Macaulay Affair’ below.

Featured Image Credits: Youtube/Imoh Umoren

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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

ICYMI: SEE THE TRAILER FOR “MALIKA: WARRIOR QUEEN”

Essentials: Shalom Dubas & Toyin Ores’ ‘Oakwood Ave’

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Technological advancements have made it an increasingly common practice for collaborators to work on music without being the same room. With the ability to connect on multiple platforms, and send beats and verses back-and-forth, artists and producers can strike a synergy on wax even if they’ve never met. These days, it is an endearing novelty when artists link up physically and forge organic chemistry, whether it’s on one track or on a full project.

Going through their individual catalogues, rapper/singer Shalom Dubas and producer/singer Toyin Ores have worked enough times to be tagged as frequent collaborators. Crafted physically and hand-in-hand, though, their joint new EP, ‘Oakwood Ave’—named after their current neighbourhood in Pennsylvania—formally establishes the vibrant confines of the pair’s creative relationship. On the EP, Shalom and Toyin merge their impressive abilities into a lustrous 6-track tape, ultimately buoyed by mutual respect for each other as artists, as well as an identifiable element of comradeship.

Tacked on simply for the fun of it, “Straight Out of Oakwood” is a conversation-style outro, featuring both artists and their third housemate Joe, trading light-hearted banter ranging from jokes on their shallow pockets to personal projections for the next year. In a broader context, the track heightens just how personable the EP is in its entirety.

Running the breadth between youthful wonder and a world-weary POV, ‘Oakwood Ave’ lands on multiple thematic points, tied together by Shalom’s remarkably pliable performances, and Toyin’s fusion-based musical choices. “Wallahi Talahi I’m a western baby, I can’t deny I’m an IJGB”, Shalom delightfully announces on the opening coda of intro track “Cry No More”. Backed by neon tinted synths and bouncy Afropop drums, she introduces herself with a catchy mix of quirkiness and technical proficiency lodged in her raps.

The EP reaches its visceral peak on “Holiday”, a lively cut that evokes the buoyancy of a party starter, featuring production that merges the slinky swing of Caribbean pop and the bombast of EDM. Singing in a gruff baritone, Toyin sets the summery mood with his hook, while Shalom drops two lightweight rap verses replete with vivid imagery alluding to a perfect ‘baecation’. By the next track, “(Bright) Lights”, things take a more solemn turn, with the chiming keys and pattering percussions Toyin produces, eliciting an ambient, crucial mood. Shalom’s rap follows the laid out precedent, reeling off an affecting litany of bars on self-discovery, using a nimble flow and riveting wordplay to deepen the technical quality of her meditative lyrics.

Singer Tim Lyre joins Shalom on “Young Heart Breaker”, adding a patois-inflected edge to the song’s musing on the aftereffect of an addictive relationship with a non-committing ex—“young heart breaker, it take somebody with heart to break one”, Shalom sighs on the hook.

Completing the guest list, Chicago rapper Femdot drops a stellar verse on Anti-police brutality diatribe, “1,2,3..”. Decrying the frequency of cops killing unarmed Black people, Shalom raps with urgent intensity in order to relay angst, rapping a desolate lyric line like “so desensitized but I still feel the pain”. In contrast to Shalom’s more personal outlook, Femdot takes a bird’s eye view with his lyrics, suggesting that extrajudicial killings happen even more frequently, and also smirking at the blatant injustice that often occurs, even in the presence of apparent irrefutable evidence.

“1,2,3..” is a rather sobering end to ‘Oakwood Ave’, but as it transitions into the celebratory outro/pseudo title track, the EP opens itself up as a worthwhile introduction to two artists who are influenced by, and highly perceptive of their environment.

Stream ‘Oakwood Ave’ via Apple Music below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/its_Shalommusic

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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

ICYMI: ESSENTIALS: MAISON2500’S ‘MASEWORLD’

M.I Abaga Shares Music Video For Nonso Amadi-assisted “Playlist”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

One of the critiques often levelled at veteran rapper M.I Abaga, is the lack of visuals to accompany a significant portion of his sprawling discography. Last year, he released two full-length projects, releasing just one music video for “Lekki” off the ‘Rendezvous’ playlist, in the process. Calling back to the February 2018 release, M.I has just shared the music video for the Nonso Amadi-assisted “Playlist”, the project’s third track.

Performing a charmed set, both artists take turns professing their affection and more carnal intentions to their love interests, delivering breezy melodies over the summery chords and mid-tempo, steel pan Afro-Caribbean drums Nonso produces. Showcasing the song’s easy listening disposition, and its apt fit for summertime playlists, the music video for “Playlist” is a jovial collection of sun-baked shots, featuring frames of the song’s main muse sashaying around in a sparsely furnished, destination apartment, while M.I performs his lyrics while driving around, solo and then in the model’s company.

Watch the video for M.I Abaga and Nonso Amadi’s “Playlist” below.

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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

THE NATIVE EXCLUSIVE: M.I ISN’T THE MESSIAH THE WORLD WANTS HIM TO BE

See Vader The Wildcard In Music Video For “Open Letter”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

In the last few days, conversations around Nigerian rap has intensified, following an interesting turn events inspired by ‘Best rapper in Africa’ claims. To that effect, a handful of the rappers who have participated in the frenzied situation have improved their visibility, like 2017 HennessyVSClass winner Vader The Wildcard, whose “Improper Fracture” diss aimed at Blaqbonez has re-energized the buzz around him. In a bid to fully turn gawking listeners into full-time supporters, the rapper has just put out “Open Letter” as a re-introduction of sorts.

Strutting around with the confidence of a giant, over the epic drum rolls Nano produces, Vader delivers a malestrom of sharply written, conceited bars, declaring his rap virtuosity in gripping terms. Embellishing the song’s display of bravado, IY delivers boisterous ad-libs to amplify Vader’s larger-than-life persona. The accompanying DIY-style music video for “Open Letter”, adds a visual component to his introductory intentions, giving both new and old fans an assertive collage of shots, of Vader performing his raps with an irreverent energy.

Watch the video for Vader The Wildcard’s “Open Letter” here.

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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

ICYMI: ESSENTIALS: WETALKSOUND’S ‘LOFN 2: A COLLECTION OF LOVE STORIES’

We’re trying to figure out who’s the Best rapper in Africa

Posted on by The Native

It’s no surprise that beef is a staple in a genre as competitive as hip-hop where egos are in constant overdrive. But what’s interesting is the response Blaqbonez has gotten since he declared himself the best rapper in Africa.

The Chocolate City rapper has been in the spotlight since his ‘Bad Boy Blaq’ tape and the more commercial ‘Bad Boy Blaq – Re Up’, turned him into the new face of hip-hop in Nigeria. He has since developed an extra pep to his step, unafraid to look down at the rest of his peers with a smug look as he spent the last few weeks taunting his self-acclaimed title on social media. While the bold move fits into Blaqbonez’s M.O as an internet troll, it seemed a pretty obvious publicity stunt for the Mr Bombastic alter-ego persona he has been promoting for his coming project.

However, some rappers have taken the title as an affront to their own reputations and sent in diss tracks to counter his claims to hip-hop’s prestigious title. The competitive exhibition bout for rap supremacy initially started out slow but quickly picked up steam when Tentik’s “Blaq Friday” showed the extent of the impact an established artist’s response could get. Soon enough, more renowned rappers like Payper Corleone and Vader The Wildcard hopped on the train, taking shots to get Blaqbonez off his high-horse while Blaqbonez released a single reply, “Best Rapper In Africa”, reemphasizing that he sees no competition.

Like all rap beef, the whole situation has promoted hip-hop’s visibility as the rappers who have gotten involved have received a significant boost through the engagement gotten from the released diss tracks. But with the impromptu and unfiltered direction of the diss-tracks, some bars naturally fall flat with a series of hits and misses from rappers that have gotten involved.

Regardless, the underground Hip-hop community has gotten its own moment in the spotlight of Nigerian music conversation. Even higher tier rap acts like A-Q and SDC Ghost have teased a rap beef of their own which is still brewing. Though the timeline still remains undecided on who the actual best rapper in Africa is, the BRIA campaign has upped the ante and the stakes for Hip-hop, and anyone who has a problem with that should come up with better platforms that give rappers the attention they deserve in mainstream music platforms.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/blaqbonez
[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 Blaqbonez’s “Mamiwota” featuring Oxlade

AYLØ Releases Sophomore Full-Length Project, ‘dnt’dlt’

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

After months of teasing its release, soul-fusion artist AYLØ has just released his sophomore full-length project, ‘dnt’dlt’. The singer/rapper announced the tape’s imminent arrival barely 24-hours ago across his social media pages. In addition to recently pre-released singles, “Paris!” and “Sassy” featuring Psycho YP and Fasina, the tape contains eight new tracks, clocking in at a brisk 30-minute runtime.

While the project maintains a strutting, ambient tempo, AYLØ features a diverse cast of artists to inject colour, pulling guest vocals from Myquale, MOJO, Sugarbana and Cheso. ‘dnt’dlt’ comes two years after his acclaimed debut full-length, ‘Insert Project Name’, and over eighteen months after his 4-track joint project with AYÜÜ, ‘ØÜ’.

Stream ‘dnt’dlt’ via Apple Music below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/Arkhonellz

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

WITH AMAA RAE, AYLØ’S “WHOA” IS A SWEET SULTRY TRIBUTE TO LOST LOVE

Best New Music Special: “Brown Skin Girl” by Beyoncé + “Collateral Damage” By Burna Boy”

Posted on by The Native

Afropop is having a fairytale year;  Rema is the hottest new artist in the world right now; Burna Boy’s ‘African Giant’ rebuttal to Coachella’s flyer, rippled into a landmark fourth studio album (already enjoying a rave of positive reviews); Western influential media is awash with stories about representation in response to Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift featuring some of Africa’s biggest Afropop stars. This a momentous turn of trends, considering global interest in the continental sound came nearly a decade ago. For our best new music series this week, we decided on “BROWN SKIN GIRL” and “Collateral Damage”, two picks from the albums of the moment: Lion King: The Gift by Beyonce and African Giant by Burna Boy, respectively.

 

BROWN SKIN GIRL (feat. Blue Ivy, Wizkid & SAINt JHN – Beyoncé

“BROWN SKIN GIRL” is a warm, angst-free reminder that history will remember a world where blackness is symbolic in itself; where Nigerian popstar, Wizkid and Guyanese songwriter, SAINt JHN can collaborate with transgenerational African-American Hip-hop royalties, Beyoncé and Blue Ivy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0FjHeOnlLM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Afropop is finally being presented at a global stage by its most popular stars, and Queen B makes a case for representation in the fulfilment of human experience. There is a part at the tail of this song, where she is singing “Your skin is not only dark, It shines and it tells your story”. The follow-up lines wax poetic about breaking from control and basking in the swirling adoration for black culture. As Beyoncé belts into the pre-chorus “If ever you are in doubt, remember what mama told you”, the reassurance in her voice is so powerful, you may be in tears by the time Blue Ivy returns to close the track.

Stream “BROWN SKIN GIRL” via Apple Music below:

Collateral Damage – Burna Boy

Burna Boy’s reimaginations of Fela are not as indelible when rendered across his other sonic fascinations with Hip-Hop & R&B and Afro-Carribean music styles. But across his projects, there are always occasional stand-out moments like last year’s “Ye“ where all of his wide-range influences are married under one colourful Fela-inspired bouquet.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0jy2-el24N/

“Collateral Damage” directly echoes the same themes of multi-dimensional social repression as Fela’s classic, “Shuffering and Shmiling” off a 1978 album of the same name. On “Collateral Damage Burna’s lyrics are laden with social commentary on corruption, religion and Nigerians who are too gun-shy to demand institutional change.

The imagery on “Collateral Damage” is strong, but the best thing about this guitar-riffed banger is that it’s a good Burna Boy song; confident, awingly smooth and surgically pointed. Historically, social commentary is a running theme of contemporary African music. It’s delightful to hear new generation artists like Burna Boy sustain this legacy. Especially, in an increasingly globalising world where formats keep evolving and Afropop continues to incorporate elements from other soundscapes.

Stream “Collateral Damage” via Apple Music here:

Image Credits: Instagram

Toye is managing-partner at NATIVE Nigeria. Tweet at him @ToyeSokunbi

ICYMI: Burna Boy is ‘African Giant’

Abstraktt shares new single, “Guyman”, featuring Jesse Alordiah

Posted on by The Native

The increased difficulty for Hip-hop acts trying to reach mainstream acclaim in Nigeria’s dance-club driven music industry makes for a more competitive rap scene. While this has resulted in a free-for-all rap battle competition for the metaphorical rap crown in some circles, Abstraktt seems unbothered by the politicking as he shares a new single, “Guyman”, a testament for why he deserves to be part of any hip-hop conversation.

With assist from Jesse Alordiah who takes the catchy hook, “Guyman” highlights the charming allure of Abstraktt’s pen-game, channelling his sense of humour as he brags about his accomplishments; “Sensai of the chiefs, what do you think they call me master for/ Rappers think they’re joker, I’d jolt you/ My versatility, if I vex, I fit drop like 3 verse on electricity”. While his confident bars undermine other rappers, it’s his pop sensibilities with storytelling lyrics and catchy flows that earmark him as a prospect for the hip-hop throne.

You can stream Abstraktt’s “Guyman” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/kingabstraktt
[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: Check out the essentials from Abstraktt’s ‘Radio Irregular’

itsMOSA Shares Debut Music Video For “Still”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

R&B music might be teetering on the fringes of the Nigerian music mainstream, but there is an ample amount of artists who are still devotees of the genre. One such figure is itsMOSA, a veteran singer and producer, mostly known for his production work TY Bello’s classic “Greenland” record. Last year, itsMOSA released his long-awaited debut album, ‘Colours I Hear’, a finely aggregated contemporary R&B project with an Electronic edge. In support of the critically acclaimed album, the singer has just put out the music video for the fourth track, “Still”, as his debut video.

Set to the sombre piano chords and gently blaring synth drums Mosa self-produces, the singer addresses an aloof love interest, trying to convince her of the depth of his feelings, and get her to reciprocate with the same level of intensity. For the rather simple and efficient music video Mosa self-directs for “Still”, the singer is captured performing his lyrics with a cool candour, while a beautiful model performs her dance routines to highlight the songs boisterous vibe. All of this takes place in a plain background that is slightly decorated by visual effects, to add some pizzazz.

Watch the video for itsMOSA’s “Still” here.

Essentials: Maison2500’s ‘Maseworld’

Posted on by The Native

As music streaming continues to facilitate the world growing smaller, the appreciation for Nigerian pop music around the world has seemed more apparent. But despite the zealous publicity for Nigerian pop music leaving us in danger of being overexposed, there has been no shortage of vibrant music happening in the corners, outside the traditional boundaries of pop and R&B, and in the fertile zone between them. The blunt and edgy youthfulness of Maison2500’s rap songs box him within fringe hip-hop conversations in Nigeria, but his online support has continued to grow as he releases a new project, ‘Maseworld’, the follow up to last year’s ‘Generation XXX’.

The 14-track tape is delivered with a cocksure offhandedness, matching his vibrant personality with forward-thinking trap arrangements he co-produces. He opens the tape with “McDonalds…”, setting the psychedelic pace of the project, painting a vivid image of the trap lifestyle. UK rapper, Lancey Foux, joins him to on the second track, “Psyched!”, to add more gloss to the street tale through brags about their high fashion taste and adoring model fans, while $odaman assisted “Top of the League” depicts the more cruel reputations of the streets where only the tough and active can overcome competition. Though it’s a generic representation of the street life, “Buss Down Thot .” finds Maison2500 offering more context for his hostility as he blames his haters and the jealousy for his penchant for stunting.

“Kill a bitch/ Kill a bitch/ Kill a bitch/ Kill a bitch”, Maison2500 snarls, like a gleeful serial killer on “2 Band Vetement Jeans”, blurring lines between metaphors as he raps about his youthful and reckless lifestyle over a trap beat that uses gunshot samples for drums. While the songwriting on most tracks off ‘Maseworld’ isn’t too ambitious, focusing on Maison2500’s druggy and outlandish lifestyle, he does explore themes like the duality of life on Nigeria name-dropping track, “Blessing + Curse”.

His versatility is also displayed through the different influences like his Playboi Carti inspired “Faunee Freestyle!” and the lightweight and melodic raps on “Don’t Do Drugs” seemingly inspired by Uzi Vert. The 8th track, “No Socials”, however, aims to show the extent of the rapper’s musical pallet as he ditches the trap beats to sing over a mellow synth-pop instrumental. He also taps into his more vulnerable side on “Way Out, Pt. 2”, saying I can’t even kill myself cause my momma gan hurt. Fuck” over the chilling piano-led instrumental. Channelling his anxiety as fuel for his vivid storytelling makes the track one of the most captivating songs on the tape.

The productions on ‘Maseworld’ is also outstanding with extra care to sound designs, finding the right balance between ghostly and ghastly, striking a tone dark enough for shudder, yet bracing enough for an adrenaline rush. Samples like lean pouring into a cup help set the mood as he opens “The Poltergeist” with the sound offering some backstory to his overly cocky attitude on the song. The transition on Ugly Moss assisted “Cantaloupe/ Brand New” is also among the highlights of the tape as it displays the different imaginations of the trap sound.

‘Maseworld’ closes with “Brainstormin'”, where PsychoYP and DRB’s Teezee join Mainson2500 to trade bars over the pulse-raising booms of the 808 drums and synth samples. Their confident bars are subtle but impactful, seamlessly fusing their unique rap quirks while highlighting the core g checking element of hip-hop where they all excel. Closing the project on this high note gives the impression that despite the many challenges of being Maison2500, life remains a joyride.

You can stream ‘Maseworld’ below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/maisonvendetta
[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 “Choppers on Deck!” by Maison2500

Lil Kesh Features Mayorkun On Latest Release, “Nkan Be”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Although he’s not necessarily the hottest around, Lil Kesh has stayed far away from Afropop’s nadir, by being able to finesse a hit, either alone or by wrangling himself unto big singles from other artists. For his latest single, Kesh flexes the weight of his phonebook, tapping prominent hitmaker Mayorkun, for “Nkan Be”, a propulsive song on which they both admire the beauty of their love interest.

Cribbing inspiration from the popular  ‘00s Yoruba TV show, ‘Nkan Be’, their confessional lyrics retools the show’s premise—dissecting the otherworldly—to describe their muse’s stunning physical attribute. Between its lightweight theme, Kesh and Mayorkun’s syncopated deliveries, and the clanging production from Rexxie, “Nkan Be” unfolds its true intention to dominate on the club scene.

You can listen to “Nkan Be” below.

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

ICYMI: THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR MAYORKUN’S “SOPE” IS A FUN VISUAL EXPERIENCE

See Chinko Ekun & Johnny Drille In Video For New Single, “Calling”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Chinko Ekun’s momentous “Able God” hit single from late last year, ushered the rapper into sensationalized ubiquity. In a bid to solidify his prominence, Chinko has opted to showcase his wider range beyond street-inflected rap tracks, featuring Mavin singer Johnny Drille on his romantic, new “Calling” single. Over the resplendent, mid-tempo beat Big Dre produces, mixing sunny piano chords, groovy bass guitar riffs, intermittent horn flourishes and boisterous Afropop drums, both artists declare their heartfelt feelings for their love interests, with Chinko delivering the song’s two verses, while Johnny sings the catchy hook and a short outro.

Harping on the song’s mushy sentiments, the accompanying music video WalinteenPro puts together for “Calling”, features Chinko Ekun performing his verse in a goofy beach setting, alongside a model acting as his muse, while Johnny Drille sings from a phone booth. Adding some intrigue, the video comes with a socially conscious plot twist, with the love interest seemingly being a cancer patient, deepening the affecting quality of Chinko’s raps and Johnny’s singing.

Watch the video for Chinko Ekun’s “Calling” here.

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

THE BIGGEST AFROPOP TRENDS COME FROM THE STREETS, BUT WHO PROFITS?

See the salacious music video for Chyn’s “What You Want”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Although Chyn might not be the fastest name to come up in Nigerian rap conversations, he’s been able to carve out a small core of attentive supporters, thanks to his suave cadence and enjoyable lyricism, as well as the consistently stellar visuals he presents alongside his singles. On his latest single, “What You Want”, Chyn splits the difference between his admiration for a love interest and his more randy intentions, over a shimmering beat comprising gleaming keys and thumping pattern of 808 snares and bass.

As much as Chyn puts his own sophisticated twist on a thematically cliché song via his detailed raps, the music video A Beautiful Mind Pictures directs for “What You Want” is impressionable and visually appealing, bringing the song’s salacious elements to life. Mostly trained on the eye-catching group of models at a pseudo-photoshoot, the video is a tastefully provocative reminder of the aggressive beauty Nigerian women possess. Darting in and out of the cut, Chyn also appears with the models, performing his lyrics with a cavalier candour.

Watch the video for Chyn’s “What You Want” here.

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

A RAD SAMPLE ELEVATES CHYN’S “OMO KEKERE”

Demi Grace reimagines EDM as Afropop on new single, “Tired of You”

Posted on by The Native

Though born in South London and now based in the US, Demi Grace’s new single, “Tired of You”, is grounded in an African melody. Having performed at the 25th Annual Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana earlier this year, she understands the growing appreciation for diverse cultures and shows it through her fusion of Electronic Dance Music influences with her Afropop melodies as she sings on the relatable subject of being in a complicated relationship.

Singing “I should be running from you/ You keep me crawling coming back to you” over the EDM beat Sigag and Tempoe produces with Afropop drum riffs and synth drops, “Tired of You” expands on the theme of seduction to make a dance song that aptly soundtracks tempting allure of getting reckless at a party.

You can stream Demi Grace’s “Tired of You” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/iamdemigrace
[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 Ajebutter22’s charming depiction of romance on “Lagos Love”

Apex Village Shares Music Video For “W.T.T.V”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Abuja’s Apex Village collective has whipped up a considerable level of notoriety in the last two years, putting out a prolific stream of music releases to sate their expanding fanbase. At the top of the year, the crew put out their first collective album, ‘Welcome to the Ville’, an all-inclusive 9-track tape that scans the breadth of the posse’s exuberant poster. In support of W.T.T.V, the crew have just released the music video for the intro, title track, adding a visual component to the tape’s introductory aspect.

Set to a gummy, instrumental amalgamation of Trap and Funk, comprising appergiated guitar licks, rippling bass and slip-n-slide percussions, Psycho YP, Zilla Oaks, AYÜÜ and Marv OTM take turns delivering self-assured lyrics, heavy on bravado and braggadocio. Showcasing the camaraderie that binds the group, as well as its anarchic core, the music video AO Innovation, Kuddi is Dead, Psycho YP & Ceeander direct for “W.T.T.V” is mostly shot at a pastoral location, and through a guerrilla-tinted aesthetic. Each rapper takes turns to perform their confident lyrics, in the company of their colleagues, as well as in their own unique locations.

Watch the video for Apex Village’s “W.T.T.V” here.

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

ICYMI: LISTEN TO PSYCHO YP’S GROOVY SINGLE, “BE LIKE YOU”

Listen to Terry Apala’s new single, “Apala Wifi”

Posted on by The Native

Year in and year out, Hip-hop in Nigerian has remained consistent in its appreciation of indigenously fueled expressions. Though Yoruba has been a staple in Hip-hop conversations from DaGrin down to Zlatan, no other rapper has matched Terry Apala’s dedication to carving a specifically Yoruba niche as his discography finds him funnelling trap sounds through his Apala cadence. His latest single, “Apala Wifi” however ditches all foreign influences to focus on the psychedelic sound of his Yoruba heritage.

OYW Beatz produces the beat for “Apala Wifi” with native sounding drums and shakes that set a folky ambience for Terry Apala’s proverbial bars. But given the contemporary themes like Skiibii’s “Dats How Star Do” that he discusses, the song plays out like a bear-parlour conversation and establishes Terry Apala’s authentic sound.

You can stream “Apala Wifi” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/terryapalaofficial
[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 Terry Apala’s “Mushin”

Watch the music video for Davido and Chris Brown’s “Blow My Mind”

Posted on by The Native

Though ‘sentimental’ isn’t always a descriptor associated with dancefloor serving genres like Afropop, Davido has worked to keep a reputation for heartfelt romantic numbers that make his songs relatable. From his melodies to the imageries in his music videos, Davido has never been shy about his R&B influences and for his most recent single, “Blow My Mind”, he features a guest verse from Chris Brown who as a result, can conveniently join him to perform a romantic tribute over the Afropop beat Shizzi produced.

Davido just released the music video for “Blow My Mind”, nodding to his R&B influences through signature tropes like Davido singing in a phone booth and Chris Brown break dancing and singing in the rain. Edgar Esteves set the video at a night scene where their sultry fantasies can be depicted through the muses and the motel set.

Watch the music video for “Blow My Mind” 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: Listen to Wizkid and Future’s “Everytime”

Jidenna shares new singles, “Sufi Woman” and “Tribe”, ahead of new album release

Posted on by The Native

Africa has grown a more alluring reputation thanks to the global appreciation for our art and culture. The success of Jidenna’s African-tributing debut album, ‘The Chief’, can be credited for laying some of the foundations for Africa’s recent trendy moment in America and he seems set to release a new album, ’85 to Africa’, his follow up to 2017’s ‘Boomerang’.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0gPwJGAeAO/

He made the announcement for his sophomore album with the release of a trailer video for the album, hinting at some of the sounds and themes he intends to explore with the project. The back-to-Africa direction captured in the spoken word intro is written to be inspiring, and as far encores go, it’s a potent narrative for an artist who hasn’t really been in conversations in Africa since he debuted. He has since put out two new singles, “Sufi Woman” and “Tribe”, offering lead singles that highlight his blend of indigenous and western influences. While he raps about the accomplishments of his clique over a trap beat on “Tribe”, “Sufi Woman” finds him singing about his love interest over a folky Afropop beat.

You can listen to “Tribe” and “Sufi Woman” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/jidenna
[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: Here are all the essentials from Jidenna’s ‘Boomerang’ EP