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
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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
[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: 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
[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: 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
[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 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
[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 “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
[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 “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
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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
[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

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
[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 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

[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 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
[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 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
[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 this cinematic rap song about “Festival Bar” by Davolee

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

Posted on by The Native

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
[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 Wavythecreator’s “Shaku (Dance)”

Best New Music: DRB celebrate their growth on new single, “Alte”

Posted on by The Native

Lately, the alternative music scene has grown a relevance that could rival the mainstream with artists like Odunsi, Tay Iwar and Santi carving their own niche comfortably. The DRB Lasgidi boys are pioneers of the exciting alternative music scene, coining the now popular catch-all ‘alte’ tag used for describing anything too ‘weird’ to be considered mainstream. It’s fitting that for DRB’s culture celebrating new single, “Alte”, they call back to their original strengths: impossibly nimble flow and showy bars.

Produced by 2Kris, “Alte” is set to the lightweight groove of highlife inspired instrumentals, mixing percussion harmonies, guitar strums, traditional drum riffs, and a synth flourish. The delicately caressed keys and gorgeous, sun-bleached guitar samples conjure memories of endless summer parties and inspire breezy verses from BOJ, Teezee and Fresh L. While BOJ and Teezee provide the catchy melodies with the swagger of indigenous playboys, Fresh L delivers a rap verse proving he’s still one of Nigeria’s most vivid trash-talkers as he brags about his stardom and trendsetting fashion taste. “Alte” is a reminder in case anyone had forgotten, that DRB are masters of making the good life sound like all it’s cracked up to be.

Listen to “Alte” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/bojonthemicrophone
[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 DRB and Odunsi’s “Necessary”

Emediong Uduak Uko’s “Lagbaja: The Masked One” painting makes history at Cyprus Museum

Posted on by The Native

African artists are enjoying a renaissance in 2019, particularly in the music scene with the Afropop genre getting mainstream recognition around the world. However, visual artists have not been left out of the increasing appreciation of African culture and art. Last week, 19-year-old muralist and mixed-medium artist, Emediong Uduak Uko announced that her “Lagbaja: The Masked One” painting of Nigeria’s Afro-juju legend, Lagbaja, has been added to the vast collection of the Cyprus Modern Art Museum.

Along with the announcement came the acknowledgment that the painting has made her the youngest and first African whose piece has been adopted to the museum’s catalog of works dating as far back as 1940. As you would imagine from any young artist whose work has gotten such an honor, Emediong Uko is excited, asking that somebody pinch her so she’s sure her dreams have really become a reality. She explained through her Instagram caption that the piece is dedicated to Lagbaja, saying, “Sir, if you’re reading this, know that you’ve inspired a culture. You’ve created both war and peace with your passion and creativity and that is everything I stand for. This is the least I can do to show appreciation.”

Asides estimating that the value of her art has gone up 10times since being recognized by the largest art museum in the Mediterranean region, Emilyuko went further to reveal that her painting is now in the possession of Forbes-listed Cypriot businessman, Suat Günsel. These are exciting times for African talents and Emediong is a true indicator of the potentials that lie in the creative space. With her recent accomplishment, her works and art company, Asher’s Palette will be sure to get a lot of good looks in the coming months.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/emilyuko
[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 teaser video for Moshood Shades’ “In My Hood”

6 videos you should see this week

Posted on by The Native

Ilaye – “Metaphor” on AUX

Cool FM’s Aux session on YouTube has helped put indie artists on to mainstream media with artists like Tems getting discovered through the platform. Other artists like DML, Tomi Owo, Blaqbones, Oxlade and others have also featured on the show since it kicked off with a Nonso Bassey video last year. Ilaye’s “Metaphors” is the latest song featured on the YouTube show and it gets a monochrome video that fits the singer’s artistic expression as we watch her try to paint a portrait of her muse.

PatricKxxLee – “RUN”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfUrkrHg8iI

PatricKxxLee released “RUN” back in 2017, shortly after his 2-track EP with Saint Klaus, ‘Warning’. The South African based rapper just finally put out the music video for the antagonistic single that finds him raging with Mortal Kombat allusions. Directed by the Swing, the video is set on the street of Hong Kong, following PatricKxxLee as he performs the song with glitch effects, trippy filters and clips from the combat video game depicting the angst expressed on the song.

Game of Thrones Soundtrack – SZA, The Weeknd, Travis Scott’s “Power is Power”

HBO’s have captured pop culture zeitgeist with their “Game of Thrones” series and for their ‘For the Throne’ soundtrack album, it was only right they looked to the pop music icons who have achieved a similar feat with their respective crafts. The album features A$AP Rocky, Ty Dolla $ign, Joey Bada$$, Chloe x Halle, Ellie Goulding, and Lil Peep and they just released the music video for “Power is Power” by the trifecta of SZA, The Weeknd, and Travis Scott. The epic visual, directed by Anthony Mandler and shot in Los Angeles, is inspired by the final season of the show and contains clips of The Weeknd on the iron throne, while queen SZA dons a crown and sets the screen ablaze. Decked out in armor, La Flame also assumes the throne while cuts from the battles in the series are also featured.

Rho – “Black Dress”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcsDybxeRBI

Rho released her aptly titled charming and cutting single, “Black Dress” last year and she just put out the accompanying music video. After releasing a statement explaining that the objective of the song is to provide an opportunity for society to discuss the issue of women facing abuse in relationships when it was initially released, the song offers some insight into the trauma of dating an unfaithful partner. The recently released music video further heightened the tension, playing out like a drama with Rho playing the femme fatale role as she coolly singing, “This Is The Night You Pay” before pulling a gun out from her purse.

Simi – “Small Ting”

Barely a month into the released of her new album, ‘Omo Charlie Champagne’, Simi is already back in the studio recording music. Though her contract with X3M already expired, she has continued releasing music independently. And with the lighthearted video for “Small Ting” that she just put out on her YouTube channel, she seems to be enjoying making music with the label pressures off. The video starts with Simi hitting the ‘woah’ before proceeding to run commentary on the hypersensitivity of the present era we live in with her charming songwriting.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon – “Breakpoint Official Announce Trailer”

The Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon video game series have always guaranteed fans an intense military experience of battle from the comfortable position behind their TV screens. Last week, Ubisoft announced the sequel to “Ghost Recon: Wildlands”, with an entirely new conflict, campaign and PvP and co-op multiplayer, “Ghost Recon: Breakpoint”. From the looks of the newly released trailer, the new game seems much more narrative, character-driven as opposed to Wildlands as we watch Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead, The Punisher) playing the Lt. Colonel Cole D. Walker role as the leader of the Wolves, an elite group of Ghosts who have taken over Skell Technology which manufactures deadly military drones. The expected to be released in October on PS4, Xbox One and PC.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/The Weeknd
[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: Get all the essentials from Simi’s latest album, ‘Omo Charlie Champagne Vol 1’

See the music video for BOJ’s “Awolowo” featuring Kwesi Arthur, Darko Vibes and Joey B

Posted on by The Native

BOJ’s distinct vocals make him a standout among the DRB crew but after listening to his recent single, “Awolowo”, featuring Kwesi Arthur, Darko Vibes and Joey B, three of the most exciting acts coming out of Ghana, it’s clear that the Afropop singer’s laid-back voice is striking enough to stand out anywhere. He just shared the music video for “Awolowo”, directed by David Duncan to accompany the dancefloor intentions of the beat GMK produces for the song.

Though the cigars, pretty women and liquor cups seen in video set BOJ, Kwesi Arthur, Darko Vibes and Joey B at a party, the phone booth, arcade video games, glitch effect, and grainy filters hint at trip into the past. The single is the first glimpse at ‘Alté Bank Of Africa’, BOJ’s coming project.

Watch the music video for “Awolowo” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/BOJVEVO
[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 BOJ and Teni’s “OBE”

From the protest grounds in London: #AbujaRaidOnWomen, a photo story by Emily Nkanga

Posted on by The Native

In a follow up to last week’s protest against the Abuja police raid on women, more protests have been organized across three countries—Nigeria, Ghana, London—to demand justice for the abuse of the 70 women (or 65 women according to the Abuja police spokesman: Gajere Tanimu’s statement to CNN) by the police force in Abuja. The protesters are advocating for the accused policemen who raped and illegally arrested the women in Abuja to be brought out, punished, dismissed from the force and tried for their crimes.

From an epoch-making march of 2019, celebrity photographer, Emily Nkanga captured protesters at the Nigeria High Commission in London on the 10th of May as they demanded justice and an end to Abuja’s Police Raid on Women.

See the pictures below.

Photos: Emily Nkanga for The NATIVE.

[mc4wp_form id=”26074″]

Fisayo Okare writes like she cares. Tweet at her @fisvyo

From The Protest Grounds: Speaking to the women of the #AbujaRaidOnWomen march