Burna Boy views Africa’s richest man through a hustler’s gaze on “Dangote”

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In Afropop, the lives of the rich and famous are often transmogrified into aspirational anthems, think: YCEE’s “Jagaban”, Casper Nyovest’s “Thuto Mboweni”, AKA’s “Fela In Versace” amongst others. On Burna Boy’s new single, the singer subverts that trope for a more human, not so larger than life view of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. “Dangote still dey find money” the singer croons, using Mr Aliko’s capitalist grind to justify his own never-ending strife for more money.

Burna Boy’s less than overt Fela interpolations have been a major feature of his Afro-fusion career. In the same manner “Ye” was built with inflections of Fela’s “Sorrow Tears and Blood”, “Dangote”, subtly borrows from Fela’s 1972, “Palaver”. “When I dey move from place to place, wetin I dey find? Na the dollar, I dey find” Burna grumbles, subtly nodding the Abami Eda classic.

“Dangote” is a reminder that if the rich are still trying to make more money, the have-nots will always have to sleep with one eye open at all times.

You can stream it here:

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/burnaboygram
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ICYMI: See the music video for Burna Boy and Zlatan’s “Killin Dem” here

Start your month with this absolutely fire Davido and Patoranking collaboration

Posted on by The Native

Patoranking is kicking off 2019 with no hush. “Confirm”, his first single of the year is built on his crowd-favourite chant style, set on high-life built instrumentals. OBO, Davido, who is currently on an American press tour joins the dancehall star on “Confirm” as both singers trade verses about status validation and making money. Elsewhere on the track, Davido celebrates West Africans while Patoranking sings about gratefulness for his life as he pleads to ‘Baba’, to give him some more.

Stream “Confirm” below:

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The Outside Story: on burna boy’s rebirth and his ascension to immortality

The Afterparty’s new single, “Herbs and Shrooms” is a decent means of measuring listener’s conservatism

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Going for an ambitions stage name like The Afterparty could mean you make music that helps listeners get in tune with their less guarded side, or you make music inspired by Toronto singer, PartyNextDoor. Either ways, your music is bound to resonate with the alternative Nigerians who have learnt to be more expressive about their feelings. The latest release from The Afterparty, “Herbs and Shrooms” certain proves this theory right as he records a song about the positive influence herbs have had on his mental health.

Though the popular Afropop fueled instrumentals set the lightweight ambiance for “Herbs and Shrooms” with bouncy traditional drums, rattling samples, synth lines and piano samples, The Afterparty’s confession of a substance reliance is very edgy. Yet his acknowledgment of his drugy intentions is woven so cleverly around a familiar breakup story that only his catchy melody will register to passive listeners. However, it’s the “So Come Closer, Fuck all That Bullshit Baby Just Come Over” hook, layered with a female voice that has the real power to captivate any listener. Asides being a really great mood piece, “Herbs and Shrooms” will also serve as decent indicator of a listener’s conservatism.

You can stream “Herbs and Shrooms” below.

Featured Image credits: Instagram/thaafterprty

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ICYMI: Listen to Kao Denero and Runtown’s pro-cannabis single, “Green Gold”

Davido, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, IK Osakioduwa among nominees for Nickelodeon kids’ Choice Awards

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The entertainment scene in Nigeria continues growing in global recognition at a rate that makes it quite tedious to keep up with all the acknowledgements. Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Award is only the latest international award show with nominations for Nigerian acts. Davido, Adesua Etomi-Wellington and IK Osakioduwa were announced as nominees for the annual American children’s awards ceremony expected to hold on the 23th of March at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California.

While Davido was nominated for the Favorite Global Music Star category, Etomi-Wellington and OAP, Osakioduwa were nominated for the Favorite African Star category. Trio will represent Nigeria at the award ceremony which promises to recognize a set of successful youth from various fields such as television, movies, music and social media.

DJ Khaled, who also bagged a nominations for the Favorite Male Artist and Favorite Collaboration for “No Brainer” featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo and Chance the Rapper is expected to host the show. Other international acts geared for recognition at the award show include David Guetta, Taylor Swift, Troye Sivan, BlackPink, J Balvin and HKRVY. However, Davido’s chances aren’t dented by any of the star powers listed with the success the 26 year-old’s “Fall” single has enjoyed on American pop radio and in clubs around the globe.

You can cast your votes for your favorite Nigerian acts here.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/davidoofficial
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ICYMI: Nigerian born Greek player, Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to captain at the 2019 NBA All-Star game

Essentials: WeTalkSound’s ‘LOFN 2: A Collection of Love Stories’

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WeTalkSound (WTS) aren’t so much a music collective as they are a phenomenon laying in wait, infecting music culture to the furthest reaches of the internet. The crew began in Ibadan, consisting of music enthusiast who could do a bit of everything from rapping to producing, singing, spoken-word poetry, visual art illustrations and more. They formed an ecosystem of creatives who put out music releases almost on a weekly bases as they exchanged ideas that helped each member develop their talents.

When they debuted their first compilation project, ‘LOFN: A Collection of Love Stories’, last year, the music collective had began expanding their reach across Nigeria and were among the promoters for the ShowDemCamp concert that closed all festivities lined up for the 2018 calendar year in Lagos. WTS is keeping up the stunning run as they release a follow up installment for their romantic themed compilation series and it boasts of the replete talents that abounds within the group. ‘LOFN 2: A Collection of Love Stories’ is an emotive 12-track tape that plays up the artists’ different influences.

Each of the 11 songs on the tape are produced by 11 different producers while a spoken-word piece performed by Ameenah and Kooper, highlights the different directions each artist can take while staying within the overarching theme of love. A. D. A. M kicks off the project with a sultry performance over a piano led beat Rude Boy produces to the atmospheric tune of lo-fi instrumentals on “On For Later”. Though the beat Nano produces for the next track, “I’ll Be Waiting”, is similarly atmospheric, the angelic vocal samples and Vader’s rap verses lean closer to trip-hop. The mood intensifies with Vader’s lyrics exploring his deeply-felt emotions towards a lover. Mo’Believe contributes a Yoruba fueled chorus on “Ba n Dele”, keeping Y1nka’s 90’s influenced rap verse grounded as they show their appreciation for their lovers.

Busola Beckley’s minute long rendition on “Let It Go” explores the agitation, jealousy and reluctance surrounding a breakup with haunting tinkles of piano keys setting the background for her blood-curdling howls. Her focus on the less glamorous side of love has an honest direction that is also heard on the spoken-word track, “Us” and even elDOTc’s groovy track, “Listen”, where he laments his lover’s faded attraction with a clever interpolation of Olamide’s “Fuck My Exes, I Will Miss You” line. Bio and SoulBlackSheep’s MilesFromMARS duo also contribute a track, “Salawa”, a charming love song that highlights their mastery of atmospheric 90’s inspired indie-pop.

The beat Kaypaino produces for Joeydapoet’s “Crazy Love” shows their understanding of the power of a band with the waves of percussion, ripples of violin-like synths, and gospel-infused backing vocals that lift the slow-burning soul ballad into another stratosphere of emotion. Joeydapoet rises to the occasion, singing “See Your Love Like A Hurricane/ Blows Me Away”, before carrying the cymbals, electric guitar, and boiling bassline into a glistening crescendo. Onyinye, Eri Ife and Sir Bastien paint a charming impression of love on “America” over a percussive beat Sir Bastien produces. And though the pulse-quickening, lightweight EDM beat is captivating, it’s their vocals, rendered with stirring intimacy that makes “America” such a standout track despite it’s short length.

The closing track, “To All The Girls” by Dwin, The Stoic is crushing but triumphant, highlighting Dwin The Stoic’s powerful pipes as he narrates his sad experience with romance over a guitar-led beat produced by Rhaffy. All 12 tracks offer relatable takes on romance as heartfelt romantic ballads are followed closely by a trail of folksy guitar strums and teardrop twangs that set the tone while they watch their paramours eventually walk out the door. ‘LOFN 2: A Collection of Love Stories’ highlights WeTalkSound’s intimately scaled diversity as they focus on the romantic theme and provide a pillowy escape for listeners dealing with the romantic motions.

You can stream ‘LOFN 2: A Collection of Love Stories’ below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/wetalksound
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ICYMI: Listen to Sorple’s “All We Need” off the debut WTS project, ‘LOFN: A Collection of Love Stories’

Listen to “Shape Nice” by Afro B, Vybz Kartel and Dre Skull

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Connecting the dots between London, Africa, Jamaica and New York, the collaboration between Afro B, Vybz Kartel and Dre skull on “Shape Nice” exemplifies the borderless creativity of Afropop and dancehall in our current disposition. The trio’s performance pushes the limits of Afropop as Afro B brings his African influences while Vybz Kartel infuses his Caribbean dancehall melodies to the laid back percussive Afropop beat American producer, Dre Skull produces.

Their raunchy lyrics ride the captivating beat as the offer graphic description of the sensual view at exotic club that inspired the song. Singing “Back it Up” repeatedly for the catchy chorus, the vocals are primed for a good time on steamy dancefloors with the lights dimmed.

You can listen to “Shape Nice” by Afro B, Vybz Kartel and Dre Skull below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/afrob__
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ICYMI: Listen to Afro B and Yemi Alade’s “Melanin Remix”

Photography and art curator, Bisi Silva dies at 56

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The art world lost an icon to cancer earlier this month when photography and art curator, Bisi Silva, passed away at the age of 56. She dedicated over 25 years of her remarkable vision and indefatigable spirit to inspire a tectonic shift in the editorial and curatorial art framework in Nigeria and across the African continent. Her training at the Royal College of Art in London and publishing work with Art Africa, Third Text and ArtForum earned her international acclaim but she remained grounded in the Nigerian art industry, expanding the field of practice for others who would come after her.

Bisi Silva founded Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) in Lagos back in 2007 and the organization has since provided a platform for the development of visual art and culture in Nigeria through presentation and discussions. But asides being able to spur meaningful dialogue, exchange, and collaboration between local and international art agencies, Bisi Silva was also renowned for being an historian, keeping records as a librarian and an archivist through publications.

CCA currently boasts of the largest photographic and visual arts library in Nigeria with her collection of photobooks, artist monographs, theoretical texts, exhibition catalogues, historical accounts, and journals numbering in the hundreds. Her dedication to documenting art and history has been a true inspiration to countless artists and art curators.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/bisi_silva
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ICYMI: The deeply African appeal of POLARTICS art gallery

Earl Jon Doe shares a freestyle remix for Burna Boy and Zlatan’s “Killin Dem”

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Earl Jon Doe has often taken on the melodious charm of Afropop for his music releases, but after hearing his freestyle remix for Burna Boy and Zlatan’s “Killin Dem”, you’d be convinced his preferred style is rap. Over the catchy Afropop beat produced to the bouncy tempo of the popular Zanku legwork dance-move, Jon Doe spits a cocky rap verse with lines that are disrespectful yet humorously charming.

Rapping “You Niggas Moving Funny, Your Legwork Dey Learn Work”, Jon Doe’s offensive intentions don’t deter him from staying within the jovial dance-mood set by the original “Killin Dem” single. His rap remix only helps add a cock-sure gloss to the hit record.

You can listen to Earl Jon Doe’s “Killin Dem Freestyle” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/earljondoe
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ICYMI: Listen to Jon Doe’s “Kanaku” here

Watch this hardcore video for SuperWozzy’s “Hustle and Pray”

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The creative dreams of the day his works will get the recognition it deserves, but for more disadvantaged kids, there’s an added pressure to get paid while creating. This pressure is often reflected in their works and for rappers, it inspires motivational hustler anthems like SuperWozzy’s latest single, “Hustle and Pray”. Over the somber mix of ambient synth lines, percussion and mid-tempo drum riffs BraynZee produces, SuperWozzy narrates his hustle and grind fusing a charmingly melodious hook with his hard-hitting rap bars.

His moving tale of strife gets transformed into a celebratory music video directed by Naya Effectz. The video for “Hustle and Pray” is set at a gas-station where Superwozzy is seen with stacks of dollars in his hands while he prays for the blessings he has worked for. Though the song was already moving, watching him throwing prayer hands and gun signs while riding shotgun in a car filled with his friends is even more captivating

You can watch the video for “Hustle and Pray” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/SuperWozzy
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ICYMI: Watch Superwozzy’s video for “The Cops The Youth The Country

King Perryy shares two new singles, “Work N’ Grind” and “Murder” featuring Teni

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After featuring on Timaya’s “Kom Kom” hit single from last year, King Perryy is making his first entry into 2019 with the release of two new singles, “Work N’ Grind” and “Murder”. The two releases highlight King Perryy’s replete compositions with the different directions he takes on both songs.

“Work N’ Grind” is a lilting confection that contains the tell-tale percussive bounce of Afropop, but with a lounging, laid-back attitude inspired by Jazz horn samples and a lively drum set. King Perryy’s sensual vocals ride the lightweight instrumentals to tell his inspirational tale of triumph. But it’s his bridge where he drops all the melody to chant “But Wait, Man Wey Hustle Hard Must to Chop Now, No Be Today When Dey Start to Talk Am/ Even sef ehn Look at Us now, ah han bros, You sef Know Wasup Now” that makes the song such a beautiful celebration of the reward for working hard.

On “Murder” however, King Perryy’s sultry sentiments are utilized for a Reggae dancehall fueled romantic Afropop rendition. Here, he features Teni who sings the complimenting chorus and a closing verse with her catchy melodies guaranteeing a pleasant time on dancefloors even for the least gifted dancers.

You can stream “Work N’ Grind” and “Murder” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/kingperryy
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ICYMI: Listen to “Kom Kom” by Timaya, King Perryy and Patoranking

Becca teams up with YCee for romantic new single, “Magic”

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Asides his Nigerian superstar status, YCee’s shape-shifting vocals make him quite the guest feature. On “Magic”, the romantic new single from Becca, he offers more than just a male perspective to the love story as he focuses on setting a charming mood with both melody and intricate songwriting.

Over the mid-tempo beat Adey produces drawing a weightless ambiance from synth harmonies and a steady, unwavering paced drum riff that provides a soft floor for the rest of the song, Becca and YCee address their lovers, promising their unwavering commitment. Singing “Everything We Do Is Our Business/ Don’t Need no Jury, No Need a Witness” Becca recognizes how intrusive friends and family (and in their case, fans) can ruin their relationship and she’s not ready to take any chance.

You can stream Becca and YCee’s “Magic” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/beccafrica
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ICYMI: Hear Becca feature Kizz Daniel for an Afropop duet on “Gina”

Donae’o features Patoranking and Sarkodie for “Chalice Africa Remix”

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Since getting the world to chant his name on his “Party Hard” club anthem, Donae’o’s name instantly conjures partying images with disco balls and a drink in hand whenever it’s mentioned. Last year, the UK singer featured Belly for another party anthem, “Chalice”, and has now released a compilation of 11 remixes on his new EP called ‘Chalice The Remix’ EP.

Though the beat for “Chalice Africa Remix”, one of the tracks on the EP, doesn’t change from the original bouncy drum riff, synth harmonies and percussion, Donae’o features a verse from Sarkodie and Patoranking. While Sarkodie raps in his famously fluid blend of English and Twi language, Patoranking infuses some Afropop melody with his reggae fueled dancehall verse.

You can stream “Chalice Africa Remix” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/donaeo
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ICYMI: See the music video for “Kom Kom” by Timaya, King Perryy and Patoranking

The music video for Dremo’s “Nobody” is a moving tale of strife

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Nobody said chasing your dreams would be easy and Dremo’s “Nobody” off his ‘The Codename EP’ is a reminder of the tough challenges on the path to success. Over the somber piano led beat produced with haunting vocal samples and horn samples, Dremo gets emotional and introspective as he narrates his moving tale of strife, hustling as an artist coming out of Ibadan.

Though his intentions seem simple enough with the song’s encouraging message to other upcoming acts, struggle remains a dominant narrative even after he has become an established rapper. “Nobody” highlights how being a successful rapper only heals so much as Dremo explicitly reveals his pain behind closed doors; dealing with his mental health and losing a close friend. The music video Director K directs follows a younger Dremo who plays out the stories Dremo narrates while lurking in the shadows of his own memories.

You can watch the music video below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Davido Adeleke
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ICYMI: Watch Dremo and Davido turn dreams into reality in their music video for “Kpa”

See the music video for Hotyce’s “Red Light”, featuring Jesse Jagz

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Hotyce made a big splash when he debuted his ‘RedHOTYCEcold Vol. 1’ album last year with features from some of the OG hip-hop acts in the industry. The presence of rappers like M.I and Jessie Jagz on the album seemed to validate his cock-sure bars as a he spit game over triumphant hip-hop beats. The K2o Entertainment rapper just released the music video for “Red Hot”, one of the standout tracks from the project and it features Jessie Jagz preaching his Rastafarian gospel while Hotyce delivers a convincing performance to encourage hustlers.

The music video for “Red Hot” is directed by MEX who shoots using black and white monochromes and red light enhancing filters. The video follows Hotyce along as he confidently displays his rapping ability and street savvy when he’s seen gambling with his homies. Jesse Jagz also cameos in the video along with some models.

You can watch the music video for “Red Hot” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/The K2o Entertainment
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ICYMI: See the music video for Hotyce’s “We Don’t Do That Over Here” and 5 other videos you don’t want to miss here

Moshood Shades debuts “In My Hood” cartoon series and it’s rated PG

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Nigerians have been praised severally for our uncanny ability to find the hilarious angles to even the worst of situations.The coping mechanism almost feels like a survival instinct coded into our DNA and it’s nice to see Nigerian creatives take advantage and use it as fuel for their careers in comedy. 2018 Cartoon Network Africa Creative Lab Competition winner, Moshood Shades is finally set to release his anticipated “In My Hood” cartoon series and the teaser video is rated PG because of his unfiltered direction.

Though the “Total Drama Island”-esque art style is just as pretty as any childish cartoon, the hip-hop theme-song hints otherwise as rapper, Mark Swank, describes the harsh realities of the street with a proud smirk. His street influences may be the series’ driving force, especially given the adult focus, but the cartoon and his spirited verse fill in the margins with goofy jokes as he lists out the possible characters while offering precise backstory with his bars and animation.

You can watch the teaser video for “In My Hood” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/ToonsUp TV
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ICYMI: Check out these 5 cartoon-fandoms to help reawaken your inner child

Watch Chyn’s “Maybe” music video, it’s classy

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Chyn may not have the largest discography to help build a strong case, but with each new single and guest verse shares, he consistently proves himself to be a nimble rapper who crafts hard-nosed brags with classy precision. His latest release, the music video for “Maybe” is yet another display of his dignifying cock-sure persona as he trades bars with Poe over the head-bumping bass, percussion and horn samples produced for the song.

Though “Maybe” was released last December, the video is Chyn’s first release for 2019. A Beautiful Mind Pictures gets the credit for directing the music video that syncs Chyn’s flamboyant universe with Poe’s more provocative obsessions. While Chyn is mostly seen surrounded by pretty models, Poe performs his rap verse while getting cheered on by a stadium imitating crowd.

You can watch the music video for “Maybe” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Chynofficial
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ICYMI: Check out the essentials for Poe’s ‘T.A.P(Talk About Poe)’ project debut

Davido’s “Fall Remix” features Busta Rhymes and Prayah

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Davido’s “Fall” quiet all doubts about Afropop’s appeal on American dancefloors when the song made the Billboards chart and was announced as one of the most Shazamed songs in New York last year. The song’s success lit a fuse under the already popular narrative for Afropop’s crossover into the American mainstream with mention of the potential for an international remix. We have finally gotten one with the release of Busta Rhymes and Prayah’s “Fall Remix”.

The classic Kiddominant produced highlife beat that those familiar with the Afropop lingo will remember as ‘pon pon’ is retained for the remix, but Davido’s verses and chorus have been restructured to satisfy a more impatient dancefloor audience. Confident rap verses from Busta Rhymes and Prayah however cover up the spaces and infuse a an homely hip-hop blend American audiences will appreciate.

You can stream “Fall Remix” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/davidoofficial
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ICYMI: Wizkid and Future’s “Everytime” is more than just an average international feature

Listen to “Milli”, the new single from Lörd Isaac

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Lörd Isaac may not have the piercing nasal voice of Eazy-E or DJ Quik, but his 21st century take on G-funk has all the old-school swagger of the forebears. His modern style is defined by his contemporary sing-song flow and catchy ad-libs, and on his latest single, “Milli”, he performs a sneering set, with each bar having the markings of a taunt or a brag.

The rambunctiously catchy single is a sparse but funky slapper that relies on hollow percussion, whistling synths and a bouncy drum riff that gives “Milli” the potential to become a moshpit anthem. The beat leaves plenty of room for Lörd Isaac to paint a collage of snapshot from his life as an artist “Try’na Reach The Big League”.

You can stream “Milli” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/isaac_lelord
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ICYMI: See the music video for DRB and Odunsi’s “Necessary” here

The deeply African appeal of POLARTICS

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Of all the thoughts that cross the minds of young artists when they pick up their tools to create, how to present the piece for sale isn’t a regular costumer. Often times, it takes interactions with other artists, curators, art collectors, art historians, and contemporary art critics before an artist can really glimpse the limits and extents of the more business side of the art world. Art exhibitions are one sure way to expose artists to this fun and beneficial experience and POLARTICS offered this opportunity at the “NIGERIAN POP CULTURE” art exhibition that held last year.

Though POLARTICS started out as a blog for African culture and politics when it launched in 2015, the brand is now re-banding to serve as an online gallery for contemporary African art. The “NIGERIAN POP CULTURE” exhibition it held on the 21st of December, 2018 marked the gallery’s launch as they debuted with the showcase of works from young emerging talents at home and in diaspora. Moyosore Briggs, Joseph Obanubi, Bunmi Agusto, Gozie Obi, Ofulue Ife .E. Ehianu, Wami Aluko, and Andikan presented their works, highlighting the evolution of distinctly Nigerian influences and icons that have shaped popular culture.

The works they displayed varied from colorful paintings, digital illustrations, portrait photography, fabric art and photo manipulation. Each piece offered a youthful take on popular Nigerian culture through the artist’s distinct representation of emotions, their Nigerian experience, culture, relationships and dreams. Even those present at the exhibition were mostly young people who showed genuine interest and talked about how they could see themselves in the art.

Hear Santi’s long-awaited new single, “Sparky”

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https://www.instagram.com/p/BuLcjGvg2jT/

For the benefit of those who may have been living under a rock in the last twelve month period, there is a little backstory to Santi’s “Sparky”. The track first debuted on Drake’s OVO Sound Radio last May. Though it’s unclear if “Sparky” would feature on the singer’s upcoming album, last year’s premiere was also the first time Santi confirmed he was working on a new project. In that time, both the eclectic “Freaky” and rager favourite, “Rapid Fire” have become ubiquitous hits. “Sparky” is the third track in that order built with Santi’s twisted sense of humour, and synth-based composition. According to the singer, an accompanying short film is expected soon. “Sparky” is produced by OdunsiTheEngine, you can listen to it via Apple Music below:

LSMK features Michstraaw for “THICCCK”, a sexy feel-good song

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You don’t need anyone reminding you that sex sells with the constant twerking of asses in music videos. There’s probably an art to being subtle, but LSMK’s new single, “THICCCK”, makes a point of finding beauty in the crude and nasty with his sensually provocative lyrics guaranteed to capture the attention of even the most passive listeners.

Over a catchy piano led hip-hop beat that seems to mimic the rhythm you might make in bed as it switches from bouncy horn fueled samples to a pulse quickening slow-jam, LSMK describes in some detail all his sexual intentions. Michstraaw’s baritone vocals on the hook helps add that extra bit of sex appeal, saying “When it Rains, it Pours/ I’m Bout To Rain So it Pours”. Though “THICCCK” isn’t trying to be a romantic mood setting ballad, the bounce and rhythm are deserving of a spot on your sex-playlist.

You can stream “THICCCK” featuring Michstraaw below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/lsmk
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ICYMI: Check out the essentials for Michstraaw’s ‘Collage Collection’ EP