Naira Marley is facing trial but it’s not because of his lyrics

Posted on by The Native

Music is often an art that imitates life, and Naira Marley’s arrest after releasing his cyber-crime promoting single, “Am I A Yahoo Boy” seems like the perfect end to an unfortunately misguided protest song. The singer was arrested by the EFCC along with the featured artist on the song, Zlatan Ibile, and three other affiliated men who got their 7 minutes of fame when their pictures at the police station trended on social media.

Under less problematic circumstances, “Am I A Yahoo Boy” could have worked as the anthem for youths fighting police brutality and oppression from SARS officials who threaten the lives of innocent Nigerian, wrongly accused of crimes for their expressive or luxurious dressing. Featuring Zlatan, an acclaimed artist loved by the streets and the mainstream, Naira Marley had a platform to inspire protestors to take to the streets and challenge the unjust arrests of young people on the streets. But with Naira Marley’s open approval of crimes and fraud, he just wasn’t the right person to preach the message.

After the arrests, a video of Naira Marley fans protesting their arrest surfaced on the internet and it quickly became apparent how much influence street-inclined celebrities have on the average Nigerian youth. Other influencers with perhaps more noble causes have tried and failed to mobilize youths to take to the streets but without so much as a statement or a trendy hashtag, there were people at the EFCC office in Lagos, demanding for the artists’ release.

While Zlatan and the others were granted bail last week, Naira Marley remained in EFCC’s custody and has reportedly been accused of 11-count charges with a lawsuit filed before a Lagos State High Court. Though it would make for a more entertaining story to conclude that his lyrics from the song or his crime-advocating social media rants were responsible for implicating him, the EFCC released a statement explaining that he was arrested during a raid where they found incriminating items with him and his friends.

Naira Marley is now facing a possible sentence of seven years in jail if found guilty of the alleged crimes of credit card fraud. His modern-day Robin Hood rationalizing of cyber fraud has put his promising career on hold and even tainted the reputable art of protest music with his situation suggesting that there are new legal lines surrounding that freedom of expression. Hopefully, his arrest hasn’t discouraged other popular artists from making progressive rallying songs to imbue a generation with a fresh sense of purpose.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Naira Marley

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ICYMI: See Naira Marley and Zlatan’s music video for “Am I A Yahoo Boy”

Listen To Psycho YP’s Groovy New Single, “Be Like You”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Since emerging as a fresh-faced teenager, Pyscho YP has adopted a prolific music releasing strategy that is apt for the streaming era. As much as releasing a steady stream of new music keeps him in music conversations, the Abuja rapper has also used the opportunity to experiment with his sound. “Be Like You”, YP’s fourth single of the year, is the most unabashed pop-leaning effort of his career so far.

While his ability to create sticky hooks has remained definitive to his craft, it is intensified by the groovy Afropop beat Jaylon and Dera co-produce, fusing groovy percussions and synth riffs for a Zanku-adherent bop. YP acknowledges his growing celebrity on the song, albeit with some level of awareness when he raps: “Leave you on read if a nigga overhype me/bitch I want bread, ain’t no need to fucking hype me”. The delightful melody of the hook and the strutting cadence of his raps, however, keeps things focused on the dancefloor.

You can listen to “Be Like You” below.

Feature Image Credits: Instagram/psychoyp
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ICYMI: Listen to PsychoYP and Odunsi’s “To the Max”

Kenyan Author And LGBT+ Activist, Binyavanga Wainaina Dies At 48

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Highly revered Kenyan author, journalist and Gay rights activist, Binyavanga Wainaina has died in Nairobi, after a stroke in the late hours of Tuesday, May 21st. Since the news of the 48-year old’s death broke, there has been an outpour of tribute across social media.

Binyavanga broke into global spotlight after winning the 2002 Caine Prize for African Writing, for his 2001 short story, ‘Discovering Home’. In 2003, Binyavanga found “Kwani?”, a literary magazine that has published stories from emerging writers, some of whom have gone on to become Caine Prize nominees and winners. He was also the director of Bard College’s Chinua Achebe Centre for African Writers and Artists.

Over the years, the writer published several short stories, and an autobiographical memoir, ‘One Day I Will Write About This Place’. The writer was also well-known for his socio-political essays, most popular is his 2006 satirical piece for Granta, ‘How To Write About Africa’, and its 2010 sequel for Arts and Cultural publication, Bidoun.

In January 2014, Binyavanga revealed that he was gay in an impactful essay, titled ‘I Am A Homosexual, Mum‘. In the expository essay subtitled as a lost chapter from his memoir, Binyavanga imagined coming out to his mum before her death in 2000, explaining how’d he known he since he was five years, as well as narrating the experiences that made his sexual orientation irrefutable, and the unhealthy habits he’d cultivated in the process of keeping it a secret. Apart from being an emotionally resounding story, his revelation was even more bracing, since his home country, Kenya, like most ultra-conservative African countries, has strict, retrograde gay laws.

Due to his announcement and his work as an LGBT+ activist, TIME named Wainaina as one of 100 most influential people in 2014. For TIME’s brief explainer, Chimamanda Adichie wrote: “By publicly and courageously declaring that he is a gay African, Binyavanga has demystified and humanized homosexuality and begun a necessary conversation that can no longer be about the “faceless other”.

Known to always live his truth, Binyavanga revealed he was HIV-positive on December 1st, 2016, Worlds AIDS day. In 2018, he announced plans to marry his boyfriend in South Africa, refusing to let his HIV status deter him. He died before getting married.

In a statement to BBC acknowledging the outpour of condolences, Binyavanga’s brother, James Wainaina said: “We are in a life celebration mood, we’re looking at this from a human level. It’s a human story. Allow the humaneness to shine, people are hurting”.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/afrophilic
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ICYMI: Check out Chike Frankie Edozien’s book, “Lives Of Great Men: Living and loving as a gay African man”

See the music video for GoldLink, Maleek Berry and Bibi Bourelly’s “Zulu Screams”

Posted on by The Native

With summer so close on the horizon, everyone is getting their summer fits ready for partying in the sun while DJs are on the hunt for the next summer anthem. GoldLink got his first taste of the spotlight with his Grammy-nominated “Crew” hit single and seems set for an encore with his summer-ready new single featuring Maleek Berry and Bibi Bourelly, “Zulu Screams”.

Produced by P2J, the beat has the trendy Afropop vibe created through traditional drum riffs and chant vocal samples that dictate the pace of the EDM fueled synth harmonies of the party song. Maleek Berry lays down a catchy hook for “Zulu Screams” while GoldLink’s rap flow keeps things groovy as he performs his showy set, flexing on his haters; “Your neck on green, my neck on froze”. The song also features some vocals from Bibi Bourelly, who is perhaps best known for his writing credits on Rihanna’s “Bitch Better Have My Money”.

The American rapper just shared the music video for “Zulu Screams” and it features a lot of dancing, set at a basement party with Maleek Berry making an appearance to perform the hook.

You can watch the music video below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Goldlink

*the post has been updated with the song’s music video.
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ICYMI: GoldLink, DRAM others to feature on Santi’s coming project, ‘Mandy and The Jungle’

Amaarae features Wande Coal for new single, “Spend Some Time”

Posted on by The Native

With just one EP, ‘Passionfruit Summer’, and a handful of singles, Ghanaian singer-songwriter, Amaarae has already crafted a transfixing style. Her reputation for hushed and silky R&B bops reached Nigerian audiences through collaborations with artists like AYLØ and her contribution to the Art X Live ‘Sonic Archives’ showcase that took place in Lagos last year. She continues to expand her reach to more mainstream audiences as she features Afropop veteran, Wande Coal for her romantic new single, “Spend Some Time”.

Obedworld and Rvdicalthekid are credited for the laid back production on “Spend Some Time”, melding Afropop drum riffs and percussion with ambient dream-pop synths to hypnotic effects. Amaarae’s vulnerable romantic sentiment, “I need your time/ I need your rhythm/ Need you to be mine” is echoed in her subdued tone, Wande Coal’s glassy falsetto, the sparse production and the retro-disco dancehall themed music video David Nicolsey directs. Though Wande Coal doesn’t make an appearance in the video, his absence is fitting for a song about the longing feeling for an unavailable lover.

Listen to “Spend Some Time” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/amaarae
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ICYMI: See the music video for Amaarae’s “Fluid”

DJ Tunez Shares New Single, “Gbese”, Featuring Vocals From Wizkid

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

In recent years, DJ Tunez has repeatedly shown his nous for releasing delightful Afropop numbers alongside some of the continent’s best artists. Following his Oxlade-assisted single, “Causing Trouble” from earlier this month, DJ Tunez has just put out “Gbese”, featuring vocals from label boss, Wizkid. While Wizkid hasn’t released any new music lately, it makes familial sense that the singer’s second appearance of the year, after guesting on Larry Gaaga’s “Low”, is engineered by his tour DJ.

Over a mid-tempo, Afrobeat-inspired production from Blaqjerzee, featuring saccharine piano keys, intermittent horn blasts and boisterous Afropop drums, Wizkid woos an unnamed love interest with material items. Singing “Ki Lo Fe?/Dollar Or Medusa Head”, with the infectious melodies delivered in his characteristically sauntering tone, his lyrics are playful and charming. The hook also features an interpolation of “Fefe Ne Fe”, an early ‘00s Hiplife hit by Tic Tac and Tony Tetuila.

You can listen to “Gbese” below.

Feature Image Credits: Instagram/DJ Tunez
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ICYMI: See the music video for Larry Gaaga and Wizkid’s “Low”

A$AP Wavy Is Joined By J.E.D On New Single, “Veteran Status”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

A$AP Wavy’s SoundCloud page establishes him as a budding rap talent with only a handful of released singles. However, his latest single takes an ambitious tone titled, “Veteran Status”, as Wavy teams up with J.E.D to rap over a trap beat comprising eerie piano keys and 808 bass drum riffs. Both rappers ride the laid back groove of the beat to take turns demanding reverence befitting of their rap abilities and affluence.

With his husky voice adding natural gravitas, J.E.D delivers an assertive first verse filled with brash lyrics, and even though he sneaks in the self-effacing lyric, “I’m A Sucker, I Love The Pain”, he remains ever commanding. Wavy closes the song out with a lyrically virtuosic verse, featuring dexterous bars like the attention-grabbing opening couplet: “‘Cos I’m A Vet, and Cos of that I Think I Made Them Nervous/Connected Just Like Cursive On All Of The Beats I Murdered”.

You can listen to A$AP Wavy and J.E.D’s  “Veteran Status” below.


Feature Image Credits: Instagram/asapvwavy
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ICYMI: See AYLØ and Santi’s music vidoe for “wys?”

Victor Ehikhamenor Launches His First Lagos Solo Exhibition In 8 Years, “Daydream Esoterica”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Victor Ehikhamenor’s full rap sheet of achievements is as sprawling as it is towering. The multi-talented creative who counts being a visual artist, writer and photographer, as elements of his artistic arsenal has achieved notable feats such as: delivering cover art for multiple award-winning novels by Chimamanda Adichie and Helon Habila; published a poetry collection, ‘Sordid Tales’; represented Nigeria alongside talented artists, Peju Alatise and Qudus Onikeku, in the country’s debut showing at the 57th Venice Bienniale in 2017; and only last year, launched the multi-modal co-working space, ‘Angels and Muses’.

In collaboration with Rele Gallery, Victor Ehikhamenor has just launched a public solo exhibition, titled “Daydream Esoterica”. Per the Rele Gallery website, “The body of work in the series takes an introspective look at the artist as a conscious contemporary nomad living, leaving and thriving in a city that feeds its inhabitants’ dreams and frustration and by its sheer nature demands that in order to survive – one must daydream”.

The artist, who draws influences from traditional motifs and religious cosmology, will showcase a culmination of years of his worldly artistic experiences and adventures, with Lagos at its core, on “Daydream Esoterica”, his first solo exhibition in the city in eight years. Announcing the exhibition’s launch with a picture at the installation—made from thousands of plastic sunglasses—“Daydreamer’s Paradise (Dream for Free)”, Victor wrote on his Instagram page: “As kids when we wore our plastic colourful sunglasses, our honest dreams began…we walked on air because the glasses changed the village topography to a dreamland. I welcome you to my dreamer’s paradise where Uwessan village meets Lagos Balogun and Sura markets. May your dreams come true!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxo0acNHm_2/?igshid=f3xhsm9jt1w9

“Daydream Esoterica” will be at Rele Gallery from 19th of May till the 30th of June.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/victorsozaboy
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ICYMI: Emediong Uduak Uko’s “Lagbaja: The Masked One” painting makes history at the Cyprus Museum

See the music video for Rema’s “Dumebi”

Posted on by The Native

After emerging the surprise breakout act of the year with his self-titled 4-track ‘Rema’ debut project that saw him rise to the top of iTunes charts in Nigeria, Rema has seemed the artist to bridge the artsy alternative music scene with the more mainstream Afropop audiences. His latest offering is a video for “Dumebi”, a catchy Afropop cut from the EP that has been shared on Afropop stars like Davido and Wizkid’s social media pages.

But rather than following the party-themed tropes of club-driven songs such as “Dumebi”, the Ademola Falomo (director for Santi’s “Gangsta Fear”) directed video pays more attention to story building, working with the unrequited love narrative from the song’s lyrics; “Why you won go give me konji oh”. The video is set on a camping trip where Rema has to watch (and even record on camera) his love interest and her lover having fun. Though fans have commented on YouTube that the Psychadelic edits are better utilized on his more trap songs like “Why”, it provides a view into the romantic feelings he’s unable to express to his love interest.

Watch the music video for “Dumebi” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/heisrema
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ICYMI: Meet Rema, the kid from Benin with the world at his feet

Essentials: Deena Ade’s ‘May Love Find You’

Posted on by The Native

Deena Ade follows up her ‘Cries of My Subconsciousness’ project with a brand new EP, ‘May Love Find You’. The Lagos based soul singer continues her sonic exploration, blending nostalgic soul with contemporary pop for the 5-track EP where she channels her desire for stability into songs directed at a romantically inaccessible partner.

Last month, she shared the pre-released single for the tape, “Ma Ti Lo”, featuring Dami Oniru. Though their enchanting vocal performance on the song that promises their lovers’ eternal affection is convincing, the entire project echos the same sentiment to varying extremes.

On the opening track, “I Want You to Change Your Mind”, she sings “So I thought about blocking you/ I thought about stalking you/ I thought about calling you but will that ever give me peace or give me a feeling incomplete”, admitting her struggle to get over her ex-lover over the 90’s R&B inspired beat produced by Anu.Wav. TheBeatSmith produces a soothing piano-led beat for the 3rd track, “Midnight Drive”, layering synth harmonies over orchestral keys, and drum riffs that allow Deena Ade’s gorgeous voice to shine, expertly shifting between different vocal ranges to capture the all-consuming melancholy of romantic longing. The song feels cinematic, not just because the lyrics tell a straightforward narrative of love but also because her voice projects her strained emotions.

For “Shako” however, the cinematic feel is accomplished through an opening skit that listens like it was lifted from the dialogue of a romantic film. Here, her Yoruba vocals heighten the charm of her enchanting voice as she pleads with her lover; “It’s only you that I want/ Ma Fi Mi Shako(Don’t play with my feelings). ‘May Love Find You’ closes with “Gbadun”, a slow-burning neo-soul bop with a sultry guitar-led beat produced by Anu.Wav. Though the last track doesn’t exactly provide a resolution to her romantic woes, the sadness and yearning she expresses is so intense that it seems infinite.

Stream Deena Ade’s ‘May Love Find You’ below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/deenaade
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ICYMI: Check out the essentials from Deena Ade’s “The Cries of my Subconscious”

See FOKN Bois’ music video for “Account Balance”

Posted on by The Native

Ghanaian music duo, FOKN Bois released their ‘Afrobeats LOL’ project earlier this year with 7-tracks and features from Mr Eazi, Sister Deborah, Dex Kwasi, and Gyedu Blay Ambolley. They just shared the music video for “Account Balance”, the 5th track on the project which saw them discuss the transactional nature of romance in our present times; “I say I love you, my baby/ She say that no dey work no more/ So I for show am my account balance/ Before she go fall”.

M3NSA produces the mid-tempo beat for “Account Balance”, and he also performs his rap verse along with his FOKN Bois partner, Wanlov the Kubolor who takes the first verse. The video is directed by Kubolor Cini who tributes oriental culture and traditions with the temple setting, costumes, fan props, and Asian actors and dancers.

Watch the music video for FOKN Bois’ “Account Balance” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Fokn Bois
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ICYMI: :Listen to “True Friends” by FOKN Bois and Mr Eazi

Listen to Zlatan Ibile’s new song, “4 Nights In Ekohtiebo”

Posted on by The Native

The sober reflections when the times get tough often helps us get a clearer view of the loyalty of the friends we keep around us. Zlatan Ibile has had a rough last couple days after he got arrested along with Naira Marley and three others by the EFCC who suspected them of crimes. Though he has now been granted bail and seems on the path to being acquited of all charges, he isn’t as amused by the whole situation as the social media timeline was when the picture from the arrest was trending. And he has now released a new single, “4 Nights in Ekohtiebo”, raining metaphorical fire and brimstone on those who counted him out as a goner.

Zlatan’s usually festive mood is replaced by sterner lyrics on “4 Nights in Ekohtiebo”, explaining his triumph over his enemies over a piano-led mid-tempo beat produced by Rexxie. His Yoruba bars leave no space for any hook as he waxes poetic about the lessons he’s learnt from being in the slammer for four days. Though some of his lyrics try to make a martyr out of Naira Marley’s situation, facing charges for alleged crimes of credit card fraud, you’d be wrong to assume he’s another loud-mouthed street-rapper as he closes the song reassuring fans he’s fine; “Naira oh ti blow/ My guy is fine/ Me, I’m also fine/ No go dey reason too much oh/ God bless Naija/ God bless anybody wey want make him second man make am”.

Listen to “4 Nights in Ekohtiebo” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/zlatan_ibile
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ICYMI: Listen to “Illuminat” by Zlatan and Naira Marley

Burna Boy, Mr Eazi & Teni The Entertainer Pick Up 2019 BET Award Nominations

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Last Friday, the nominations for this year’s BET awards were announced, and the Best International Act category features nominations for two of Afropop’s finest, Burna Boy and Mr Eazi, hoping to pick up the same award Davido won last year. Coming in just over a month after the pair took the Coachella main stage, the nominations solidify both Nigerian artists’ claims as the biggest African music exports. Burna and Eazi are up against South African rapper, Aka, French singer and rapper respectively, Aya Nakamura and Dosseh, as well as UK rappers, Dave and Giggs.

Joining the list of Nigerian nominees, Teni the Entertainer also picked up a nomination for Best New International Act. The singer’s BET nod is a new height for the NATIVE cover star, following her run of successful smash hit singles. Teni is up against South Africa’s Sho Madjozi, French singer and rapper respectively, Nesly and Jok’Air, as well as UK rappers Headie One and Octavian.

The 2019 edition of the BET awards is set to hold on the 23rd of June, at the Microsoft Theatre, Los Angeles, California. See the full list of nominations below.

Best International Act
Aka (South Africa)
Aya Nakamura (France)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Dave (Uk)
Dosseh (France)
Giggs (Uk)
Mr. Eazi (Nigeria)

Best New International Act
Headie One (Uk)
Jokair (France)
Nesly (France)
Octavian (Uk)
Sho Madjozi (South Africa)
Teni (Nigeria)

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé
Ella Mai
H.E.R.
Solange
Sza
Teyana Taylor

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Anderson .Paak
Bruno Mars
Childish Gambino
Chris Brown
John Legend
Khalid

Best Group
Chloe X Halle
City Girls
Lil Baby & Gunna
Migos
The Carters

Best Collaboration
21 Savage Ft. J. Cole – “A Lot”
Cardi B & Bruno Mars – “Please Me”
Cardi B Ft. Bad Bunny & J Balvin – “I Like It”
H.E.R. Ft. Bryson Tiller – “Could’ve Been”
Travis Scott Ft. Drake – “Sicko Mode”
Tyga Ft. Offset – “Taste”

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
21 Savage
Drake
J. Cole
Meek Mill
Nipsey Hussle
Travis Scott

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Cardi B
Kash Doll
Lizzo
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Remy Ma

Video Of The Year
21 Savage – “A Lot Ft. J. Cole”
Cardi B – “Money”
Cardi B & Bruno Mars – “Please Me”
Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
Drake – “Nice For What”
The Carters – “Apes**T”

Video Director Of The Year
Benny Boom
Colin Tilley
Dave Meyers
Hype Williams
Karena Evans

Best New Artist
Blueface
City Girls
Juice Wrld
Lil Baby
Queen Naija

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Erica Campbell Ft. Warryn Campbell – “All Of My Life”
Fred Hammond – “Tell Me Where It Hurts”
Kirk Franklin – “Love Theory”
Snoop Dogg Ft. Rance Allen – “Blessing Me Again”
Tori Kelly Ft. Kirk Franklin – “Never Alone”

Best Actress
Issa Rae
Regina Hall
Regina King
Taraji P. Henson
Tiffany Haddish
Viola Davis

Best Actor
Anthony Anderson
Chadwick Boseman
Denzel Washington
Mahershala Ali
Michael B. Jordan
Omari Hardwick

Youngstars Award
Caleb Mclaughlin
Lyric Ross
Marsai Martin
Michael Rainey Jr.
Miles Brown

Best Movie
Blackkklansman
Creed 2
If Beale Street Could Talk
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
The Hate U Give

Sportswoman Of The Year
Allyson Felix
Candace Parker
Naomi Osaka
Serena Williams
Simone Biles

Sportsman Of The Year
Kevin Durant
Lebron James
Odell Beckham Jr.
Stephen Curry
Tiger Woods

Album Of The Year
Travis Scott – “Astroworld”
Meek Mill – “Championships”
Ella Mai – “Ella Mai”
The Carters – “Everything Is Love”
Cardi B – “Invasion Of Privacy”

2019 Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award
Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin – “I Like It”
Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
Drake – “In My Feelings”
Ella Mai – “Trip”
J. Cole – “Middle Child”
Travis Scott Ft. Drake – “Sicko Mode”

Bet Her Award
Alicia Keys – “Raise A Man”
Ciara – “Level Up”
H.E.R. – “Hard Place”
Janelle Monáe – “Pynk”
Queen Naija – “Mama’s Hand”
Teyana Taylor – “Rose In Harlem”

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/bet
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ICYMI: Teni is the girl next door on our print magazine cover

Patoranking Shares Tracklist For Sophomore Album, ‘Wilmer’

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

In recent months, Patoranking has been teasing the follow-up to his 2016 debut, ‘God Over Everything’. Earlier this year, the singer announced the sophomore project would be called ‘Wilmer’ and he has just shared the tracklist.

Slated to be released this Friday, 24th of May, ‘Wilmer’ will comprise 12 tracks, including the Davido-assisted lead single, “Confam”, and the recently released, Fela-inspired bop, “Lenge Lenge”. The album will feature guest appearances from Kenyan singer, Nyanshiki and South African House Artist, Busiswa. Completing the line-up is a trio of international features from French singer, Dadju, UK Grime artist, Donae’o, as well as a second collaboration with Georgian singer, Bera on the opening, title track, following 2018’s “Fire to the Sun”.

The diversity of assisting voices on the tracklist suggests an attempt at reaching a wider audience across Africa and the world over, a well-calculated tactic considering Patoranking has spent ample time on tour since his last album, opening at the Nas and Lauryn Hill headlining tour in America, last year. ‘Wilmer’ will be released via Patoranking’s own imprint, Amari Musiq, in conjunction with indie U.S label, EMPIRE.

You can pre-add the album below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/patorankingfire
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ICYMI: Listen to “Confam” by Patoranking and Davido

Runtown shares release date for first project in four years, ‘Tradition’

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

For the major part of 2018, Afrofusion artist Runtown was in a very public, legal tussle with former entertainment, having to split his attention between his music career and long winded court proceedings. Earlier this year, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in the Runtown’s favour, unequivocally guarantying his quest for independence.

Now in full control, Runtown is wasting no time in moving to the next phase of his career. Early last month, the singer shared the tracklist for his next project across his social media handles. The coming 6-song set, now titled ‘Tradition’, will be Runtown’s first project release since his 2015 debut album, Ghetto University. The EP is set to contain the Fekky-assisted “Unleash” from last year, as well as five other new songs.

Tradition will be Runtown’s first project release via his new imprint, Soundgod Music Group, and it’s set to arrive on the 31st of May.

You can pre-add the album below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/runtown
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ICYMI: Teni is the girl next door on our print magazine cover

Santi welcomes you into the world of his debut album ‘Mandy and The Jungle’

Posted on by The Native

The release of last year’s “Freaky” drew controversy for infusing Nollywood horrorcore, but it took “Rapid Fire” for Santi’s dedication to style and narrative to emerge. By the release of “Sparky” with an accompanying short film, frenetic anticipation for the full project was peaking. Nearly 10-months after he started the journey culminating the release of all three singles and stunning visuals to boot, the reclusive artist has released his debut studio album, Mandy and The Jungle.

While speaking to The NATIVE earlier this year for his cover story, Santi noted: “Mandy is a story in itself, and the songs on the album are a soundtrack to the universe”. The new album is 16-track starter pack on cotemporary Afro-fusion mashing Afropop and soulful production with hip-hop nuances. 

To support the release Santi rolled out merch for the project at a private listening party held at Nike Art gallery, Lagos. The singer has also hinted at an upcoming comic book to support the universe of Mandy and The Jungle. Look out for The NATIVE’s Best New Music Special, breaking down the project next week.

You can stream ‘Mandy and The Jungle‘ now

Toye is at NATIVE Nigeria. Tweet at him @ToyeSokunbi

The NATIVE Rebel Issue: Santi’s Rebellion

Nonso Amadi shares new single, “Comfortable”, featuring Kwesi Arthur

Posted on by The Native

Nonso Amadi just released a new single, “Comfortable”, with a press release that hints at a coming 5-track EP. The song is coming weeks after the release of his “Emergency” single which saw him change pace from the moody, glassy-eyed R&B songs for when the parties dies down to a more carefree and catchy dancefloor-ready bop.

However, “Comfortable” takes listeners for a sultry and reflective trip into Nonso Amadi’s romantic life as he performs a charming ode to one-night stands over a lightweight Afropop beat. Singing “I’m already gone before you open your eyes/ Maybe you can tell I was just for the night”, he offers fair warning of his playboy antics to anyone feeling tempted to fall in love with him. Kwesi Arthur also delivers a compelling rap verse, emphasizing Nonso’s longing for the freedom being single and emotionless offers.

You can listen to Nonso Amadi and Kwesi Arthur’s “Comfortable” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/nonsoamadi
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ICYMI: See the music video for Nonso Amadi’s “Emergency”

See the colorful and goofy music video for KwakuBS’ “Toi!”

Posted on by The Native

There has never been a shortage of quality songs for dancehall fascinations in the Ghanaian music scene and with exciting new bands like the La Meme Gang collective, we can expect more of the same in coming years. KwakuBS, one of the voices of the hip-wave group is gearing to release his ‘Alt’ project and has debuted with the release of “Toi!”, a romantic Afropop number.

Over a catchy synth led beat Yung D3mz produces mixing drum machines, synth harmonies and percussion, KwakuBS narrates the tale of his come-up through the more emotional perspective of his love life. Though his ability to fuse English and his native dialect make for an endearing listen, it’s his catchy flow and melody that lure movement in the waist and guarantees a good-time on dancefloors. The singer just shared the music video for “Toi!” and Anna Leonie directs it, following KwakuBS in a bright, sunny day. The video plays out like a goofy representation of a day in the singer’s life, wearing colourful clothes and chasing birds (literally and figuratively).

See the music video for KwakuBS’s “Toi!” below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT77-1dBAis&feature=youtu.be

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/kwakuBs

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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 La Meme Gang’s “Kemor Ame”

See the music video for Ajebutter22’s romantic single, “Lagos Love”

Posted on by The Native

The moving tribute to romance in Lagos by Ajebutter22 on his latest single, “Lagos Love” is finally getting a befitting music video. The song finds him referencing relatable problems like traffic, power failure, fuel scarcity, bad roads and more, spinning them into charming lines addressed at his lover. Over the warm and atmospheric beat Spax produces to fit the ambience of lounging on a sofa and dancing at the club, he performs a sultry set inspired by Lagos, singing “You Be Like Police Wey No Take Bribe, Conductor Wey Dey Get Change”.

The music video Prodigeezy directs for “Lagos Love” ambles at the most relaxed pace, set in Lagos as Ajebutter22 and his love interest go on several dates that subtly highlight Lagos’ beauty with beautiful architecture, art, restaurant and more. The soothing melody of the song and the video’s unhurried pace are presented as indicators of the comforting effect his lover has on him.

Watch the music video for Ajebutter22’s “Lagos Love” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Ajebutter22
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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: Check out the Best New Music: Album Special for Ajebutter22’s ‘What Happens in Lagos’

See the music video for Davolee’s prayerful song, “Way”

Posted on by The Native

Yoruba language’s poeticism and ingenious aesthetic adds a certain gem to songs with the language striking the core of humanity’s need for spirituality. On “Way”, Davolee’s new single, his slick confidence takes on a prayerful tone that highlights his most intimate desires; “Ko Ri Mi Gbe Mi De Bi Rere/ Kese Mi Sin Mi Dey Be/ I No Wan Dey Beg For Raba/”. Backed by the mix of traditional drums, percussion and backup vocal samples that Aibrid produces, Davolee sings a plea for success with such greedy intent that it sounds like the type of vulnerable confession thugs only have in their heads. But Davolee projects it to the heavens, elevating the graphic hunger in his lyrics. Although he sings for the most part on “Way”, he performs a rap verse reminiscent of the remarkable storytelling that put him in the spotlight when he released “Festival Bar” last year.

The YBNL affiliated artist just put out the music video for “Way”, presumably “based on a true story”. The Alien directs the video with scenes depicting the struggles of the less glamorous working class Lagosians; bricklayers, mechanics, hawkers, meat sellers, etc. Though the video tries to highlight the pleasantries through the smiles on everyone’s face, the video ends with a quick reenactment of a boy being wrongly accused of a crime and being beaten up without anyone to protect or defend his innocence. It’s a touching representation of the present reality of youths in Nigeria, getting wrongly profiled by SARS officials and in extreme cases, losing their lives to trigger happy police officers.

You can stream the music video for Davolee’s “Way” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/OfficialDavoleeVEVO
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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: Listen to this cinematic rap song about “Festival Bar” by Davolee

Watch WavytheCreator’s futuristic music video for “Body Deep”

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Wavythecreator’s latest single, “Body Deep”, where she embraces her outsider status and channels punk romanticism for a sex-positive anthem was released last month. The singer just shared the music video for the dance-club driven single produced by Spanker and it finds her upping the ante of the raunchy song with psychedelic imageries that pander to her alien narrative.

The video for “Body Deep” is directed by Meji Alabi and is set at an apocalyptic rave in 2032. Even in the future, Wavythecreator still stands out in her elaborate outfit, rings, chains and face paintings that make her seem like a sort of mystical leader of the party. Though the video doesn’t attempt to build any narrative for the futuristic universe it is set in, it does a great job of depicting Wavy’s flirtatious and drug-fueled vocals through the latex outfits, net stockings and psychedelic filters that suggest the viewer might be hallucinating.

You can watch the music video for WavyTheCreator’s “Body Deep” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/GRM Daily
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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: See the music video for Wavythecreator’s “Shaku (Dance)”