As Africa’s most populous nation, nothing brings the people of Nigeria together (within the mainland and around the world), quite like getting behind the Super Eagles.
Nike today unveiled Nigeria’s eye-catching line for this year’s World Cup in Russia, and as media partners for Nigeria’s World Cup journey, we claimed inside access on the process of bringing the kit to life.
Inviting on board Grace Ladoja as Creative Director of the campaign, the intent from Nike was to place Nigerian creatives, across the diaspora firmly in control of powering the project. A sentiment echoed to us by Demetria White, Director of Global Communications at Nike. “There’s something about the power of football, combined with your nationality that allows people to celebrate it. As a brand, we’re always looking for different ways and expressions to give that to people” she told us.
From the models, taking centre stage to the creative staff behind the scenes, we delved closer to present the collective’s “youthful exuberance, pride and fresh perspective on patriotism”.
“We have this thing where we say “the community decides”, and we have to be able to let them do that”, Demetria added. “If we can use our brand platform to showcase Nigeria to the world but also have Nigerians see themselves in it, that is it for us”.
Peep the gallery below for our exclusive BTS shots by Jay Kammy and Tsvetlina Tomova for NATIVE.
“Banana”, B.Botch and DJ Krept’s new single is authentically Ghanaian—it’s basically a refix version of everything un-Ghanaian about the Alkayida sound heard on Runtown’s 2016, “Mad Over You”. Flutes, Kongas, and a unique note that sounds as much like a keyboard as it does a whistle, all contribute to the beautiful form of “Banana”.
The chemistry between Adekunle Gold and Moelogo has been obvious since their first collaboration on Moelogo’s “Rora Se” and Adekunle Gold’s “Only Girl” in return. Coming off the success of those collaborations, Moelogo features Adekunle Gold on his new single “Happy”.
Pheelz produces the song with drums and percussion reminiscent of traditional party songs, setting a tone for Adekunle Gold and Moelogo to switch between Yoruba and English delivery. Both singers narrate instances of disappointment, sadness and quarrels with lovers but the goal isn’t to put the listeners in a bad mood. Rather, it emphasized their resolve to be merry, singing that they “Choose To Be Happy”. Although some of the lyrics are in Yoruba, the feel of the beat and the other lyrics create enough context for the song’s message to be caught by any listener.
Listen to Moelogo’s “Happy” featuring Adekunle Gold here:
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/moelogo
“Tomiwa is figuring it out…” Tweet at her @fauxxbella
Days after the release of “Bless My Way” that featured Mr Eazi, VJ Adams has released a new single, “Leg Work”, this time featuring Niniola. Niniola has dominated the Nigerian Afro-house genre with a series of acclaimed and commercially successful singles and she works her mastery on this new track.
Tiwezi produces this lush, groove-driven song with layered synths and drums, but Niniola’s vocals is what makes “Leg Work” such a good dance song. This is not the most experimental we’ve heard Niniola, as you hear from her album, This Is Me but glimpses how she can explore other genres outside house music.
Songs about moving on are really important because how else will you deal with a broken heart when the only person you actually need to talk to doesn’t want to. Tobi Lou’s latest single, “Solange” scratches that murky itch with its hazy psych-pop and decidedly cocky lyrics cushioning his fall into a pit of despair.
With no chorus and the song’s uncut intro, “Can You Hit The High Mic Thing/ Actually Can You Take It Off”,“Solange” listens like it was recorded in one take. That same unabridged motif is seen in the video through the green room set showing Tobi Lou performing the song while several cuts from anime movies play in the background. Tobi’s costume, a white pair of sneakers, a boxer short and a leopard skin jacket, conveys the same sense of negligence that the song is based on.
Singing “Tobi Why You Cuss So Much Now? I Don’t Know, But I Like It/ I Can’t Say No To Violence”, before eventually saying “You Broke My Heart Last Summer/ But I Don’t Need It No More”, he seems to be dealing with his heartbreak in a rather unhealthy manner. But some will argue that it’s only one of the three stages before moving on from a relationship; the denial, the inevitable anger and the eventual acceptance.
You can watch the video for “Solange” below.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/tobilou
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
The global collective of Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Egmont Group, is considering expelling Nigeria from the group. If this expulsion is fulfilled, Nigeria will be blacklisted in global financial markets. Which will affect all card dealings: International card transactions will be blocked, and national banks will not be able to issue Master or Visa cards.
The group found that Nigeria’s FIU was under the control of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and suspended the body, stating that the government involvement is against the intelligence group’s independent ownership rule. Their aim as a group is to share knowledge on how to combat financial terrorism, and they believe government interference conflicts with these goals. There have also been suspicions that the EFCC has been leaking details of the group’s panel meetings, compromising the purpose of the group and its other 152 member countries. As punishment, threatened to expel Nigeria from the group if the EFCC was still in control of Nigeria’s FIU by the end of January 2018.
Though the Senate signed a bill removing Nigeria’s FIU from under the EFCC’s control in July 2017, the Egmont Group found that Nigeria’s FIU was never removed from the EFCC’s control. Before Nigeria joined the group in 2007 under President Obasanjo’s leadership, we were unable to engage in correspondent banking. If the Nigerian finance sector is blacklisted, not only will international banking transactions be cancelled, international students on scholarships in some countries may have to withdraw. It also means Nigeria won’t be able to gain from the Egmont Group’s foreign funds recovery aid, so the chances of recovering stolen funds from foreign accounts would be near impossible.
The fate of Nigeria will be discussed and decided at the Egmont Group in Argentina between the 2nd and 7th of May 2018.
Featured Image Credits: Web/baiwancredit.com
“Tomiwa is figuring it out…” Tweet at her @fauxxbella
ODIE’s gospel-like production coupled with his deep but gentle voice emphasizes the message on “Little Lies”, his first single from his forthcoming ‘Analogue’ project. “Little Lies” opens with soft guitar melodies that are accompanied by drum sounds as the song progresses. Self-awareness and introspection make us question our beliefs, over the instrumentals, ODIE sings, “What If all this was a little lie/ what if all my sins never met a God”. ODIE’s “Little Lies” makes listeners wonder if the fear of tampering with the concept of faith and purpose of human existence could be making the world worse; perhaps, “Only Then Would You Realize, The Sky Is Falling”.
You can listen below.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/odiexyz
“Tomiwa is figuring it out…” Tweet at her @fauxxbella
As part of press rounds for the Outside album, Burna Boy dropped by Tim Westwood TV to talk his new project and being back in the UK. During his time on the show, Burna also made his second appearance on Westwood’s infamous Crib Session, freestyling over a mash-up of beats from track selections like Wizkid’s “Come Closer”, Post Malone’s “Rockstar” and more.
Watch the video below.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/TimWestwoodTV
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
Existential crisis will have you spiraling into doubt and maybe popping a few ‘happy pills’ to make the pain go away. Paula B has been there too and her single,“So Far” will provide the perfect soundtrack for the next you feel lost.
Paula B, like a lot of millenials is still figuring out her place in the grand scheme of life and trying to deal with pain and feeling alone in a filled room. “So Far” is about trying to find happiness and fulfillment. Over sparse bass drums, guitar licks and synth loops, she reflects on how she tries to deal with her pain; meds and beautiful scenery.
It’s clear in the chorus that she hasn’t found the happiness she’s pursuing with the lines “I’ll be okay, I will be fine, I’ll be alright” but she remains hopeful about finding contentment. Listen to “So Far” here;
Anyone who follows singer and The Voice Nigeria alum Nonso Bassey on Instagram could tell that something was brewing. Over the last month, he consistently teased a new project, splashing his Insta stories with the numbers ‘411’, dragging out a delicious build up. For the fans who had discovered him when he left his heart on stage during his audition in 2016, the auguries were clear, a new single was coming. His debut single, a somewhat incredulous tidbit considering Bassey has been hyper-visible in the two years since he reached the finals of the beloved music talent show.
I personally had wondered how he would introduce himself to his fans. A first single can be a tenuous territory and can either make or break an artist. News had also trickled in that his record contract with Universal Music Group Nigeria, which had lain dormant since the show had suddenly come back into play. Considering the musical trajectories Bassey’s fellow The Voice Nigeria alumni had taken under taken to capitalize on fame from the series, my predictions leaned strongly towards saccharine afropop. His song choices during the Voice Nigeria were diverse enough that they couldn’t help with predictions either. We all just had to wait to see.
Two things were immediately apparent when Nonso Bassey announced his debut single on the second of February, just in time for Valentine’s Day. He is just as compelling as he was on the Voice, and Universal Music Group Nigeria is giving its artists the creative freedom to set their sights on a global audience.
“411” is a prime example of sleight of hand; a catchy title that baits us into giving the single a listen and a switch that delivers one hell of a punch. Nonso Bassey goes for broke with a sweeping piano ballad, produced by the talented Johnny Drille, himself a talent show alum and well aware of the pressures to water down. Stripped of accouterments, Bassey opens himself up to us once more, asking an unnamed lover for honesty in a way that suggests this is a request that has already been denied. “411” is as much a showcase of Bassey’s vocal range as it is an earnest offering, his voice dipping into guttural moans during the song’s unstructured verses before he flits into his upper register, careening to the song’s climax with urgency that underplays Bassey’s surprising control. He asks, over a gently plucked piano ditty shored with swelling violin runs, for reciprocity, or at least the illusion of it. It is quite the spell.
Only a handful of Nigerian musicians have created ballads so powerful that they were able to steal us away from the hypnotic thump of our incessant Afrobeat march, and with “411”, Nonso Bassey seems poised to join those elite ranks.
Stream “411” here.
Edwin eats his rice and cabbages. Tweet at him@edgothboy
In the same way MI’s ironically inspiring “You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Life” garnered public acclaim and showed the thriving hip-hop scene in Nigeria through the responses from rappers, hip-hop duo, Show Dem Camp is spearheading a movement both kids and old-school veterans alike, can get excited about. They released their 6th project, Palm Wine Music Vol.1 last year then went on to perform at two shows before closing the year with a debut Palm Wine Music festival. The hip-hop duo will kick off the year starting with a concert, ‘SDC Live’ scheduled for the 18th of February.
The ‘SDC Live’ concert will hold at Hard Rock Cafe at 8 PM and they have released a set list yet, Tec and Ghost have a potent track list never mind their reputation for featuring other young promising acts like Tomi Thomas, BOJ, Funbi, LadiPoe, Ajebutter and more. Click this link to purchase tickets for ‘SDC Live’.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/showdemcamp
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
We all get worried and stressed, however in relationships with people who are constantly anxious, incredibly restless and unable to communicate properly, these symptoms seem to be in overdrive. Usually, we chuck it up to not being compatible with them, without considering the option mental health might be responsible. Even when mental health is being discussed, the impact it has on a couple’s relationship often gets overlooked. This oversight is in part due to the habit of focusing on symptoms within the individual rather than paying attention to the patterns of how individuals relate to each other in a relationship.
To be fair, issues with mental health are diversely manifested, so it’s very easy to miss or overlook. People who space out, show no concern for their health, forgetful people, picky people, aren’t all just devil spawns, some might just need extra care and medication for their mental health. But how can they get that when their partners don’t understand their predicament.
To celebrate this season of love, NATIVE spoke to a few people with hopes to understand their views on mental health and relationships
Do you think about your partner’s mental health and can you date a person suffering from a mental health disorder?
Male, R, 20, In a relationship
“Yes definitely think about it. I can’t fucking deal with it. I’m not raising jokers for kids and I can’t tolerate someone else’s demons like that if they’re hyperactive. There’s was an ex that was definitely crazy. She was tough to deal with. She was obsessive. Went to extreme lengths to crack jokes. Like wearing retarded makeup and making a video. She talked to herself. I tolerated her when I had to be around and once I was out of sight I made sure we didn’t run into each other in public.”
Male E, 25, Single
“I have dated someone with anxiety and ADHD and I have dated someone with clinical depression; so yeah. Always, it is important to decide what you can bear as most of us are struggling with balancing mental health and physical relationships.The best way to deal with it is to accept the person as they are (provided they acknowledge their mental health issues and actively seek to manage it), and set your limits”
Female – Mo 20, In a relationship
“Yes. I think about it frequently. It’s really important to be aware of your mental wellbeing and also your partner’s. Sometimes I don’t realize that I’m being an ass and I don’t think about how it can affect someone else. Or in depressive states when I’m just feeling off, I don’t really think about how that affects him so I have to be aware of that and vice versa.
It’s also important to pay attention to how you two influence yourselves when it comes to mental health. Some people are toxic and will honestly just take you to places you shouldn’t go to mentally. And it’s important to be aware of that and value your mental health before you’re trying to value someone else.
But anyway, no one is perfect so I can date a mentally unstable person but it’s on their part to let me in and allow me the chance to understand the mental illness”
Female, F, 21, Single
“No, I can not. Maybe if I was completely sane myself, I would try (okay that doesn’t make sense). I don’t know, I just feel one person in a relationship should be stable and that can’t be me. And two unstable people together sounds like a recipe for murder. I always consider it my partner’s mental health. I’m single now but I once tried to date someone cause everyone said he was crazier than I was. It didn’t work out but the experience taught me to never try to be with someone that might be mentally unstable. It’s a legit deathtrap.”
Man, F. 30, In a relationship (Married)
“I had an ex that may have had an undiagnosed mental illness once, so I do think about it. But I don’t think it would be a good idea to be in a relationship with a person with a mental illness. I think it would be best to find the solution that works for both of us before starting an official relationship, just so we understand each other before. Plus, most mental illnesses are triggered by loneliness and stress and I don’t think those can thrive around me.”
How would you react if someone you are in a relationship with reveals they are suffering from a mental illness?
Female, E, 27, In a relationship (Married)
I have never dated a person with a mental illness, but I feel I would be there emotionally for the person. Depression is a deep slippery slope and it would be a shame if someone in that situation were alone. It would get darker if they don’t have someone. But sometimes people are in so deep that they don’t want anyone around them. I would stay if they’re open to trying”
Man, K. 27 In a relationship (Married)
Well, these things are common these days, so I guess if I were in a relationship with them at the moment, we’d have to deal with it. But I’m not sure I would excuse bad character traits. I would stay if they aren’t using it as an excuse to act out”
Male, S, 39, In a relationship (Married)
Like madness? Marriage is for better and worse sha. I’ll have to understand and stay with her. Sharing a life with someone who is constantly depressed is never too much burden for beer.
Would a mental illness diagnosis change your decision to be with someone?
Woman, B. 28, In a relationship (Married)
Yes, I don’t think I can date, someone with a mental illness, and I definitely can’t marry them. Stability is important to me in marriage and I don’t think it’s possible to have that with someone who has been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder or depression. But, again, I have found in my marriage (and my relationship with God) that all things are possible. I believe strength is the key, so I’m sure we can get through anything if we’re both willing to try.
Female, A, 23, In a relationship.
“Isn’t love supposed to conquer all? But it depends on the level of instability. A stable guy can still be managed because we all have some form of mental illness. But In the long run, a breakup may be inevitable.”
Male, J, 25, single
Haha. I can’t marry a mad person o
Have you ever been with a person with a mental illness and how would you react if your partner were to reveal that they have been diagnosed with one?
Man, T. 29, In a relationship
I have not, but I have been a person with a mental illness in a relationship. The relationship ended, but it was not because of my mental state, thankfully. I believe communication is key. If she is willing to explain how I can help her or what she needs from me as we go along, I don’t see why not. I also think knowing your limits and when you, as a partner, need a break is important. If I ever feel overwhelmed, I would take a break, maybe travel, and I would hope my partner would understand that my mental health is important too.
Male, D. 24, Single
No, I have not but “Fat ass > mental issues, so yea I guess”
Female, T. 22, single
I think I’ll realize early enough for me to end it
Have you ever been in a relationship with anyone who was erratic? Unnecessarily insecure?
Yeah, I have. A lot of guys out there are like that.
Do you think it’s possible they were that way because they had issues with their mental health?
Whether you think the house party theme is overplayed in music videos or not, Tay Iwar is doing it with “Video Star”. The speakers are thumping, all your friends are feeling fine, people are living it up in living rooms, hanging out at the pool table, the drinks are flowing (although having one you didn’t pour and attend to yourself could have dangerous consequences). Let’s not forget the popular kid who’s friends with the host looking even cooler under the neon lights at the party. Tay Iwar’s gets all of this on the video for his single “Video Star”.
The visuals for Tay Iwar’s “Video Star” shows the girl who lives a fast life at a house party like the one described, has a drink she got from a stranger and obviously under the influence, hazily wanders into a room she shouldn’t be in. This video leaves you with a lot of questions and you’re not sure what conclusions to draw from it.
Correction: An earlier version of this copy mistakenly referred to the new single as “Video Girl”
The idea of existentialism is often thrown around amongst a lot of millenials my age. Lately, it’s led me to question the effect of post-adolescence anxiety on interpersonal relationships. LeriQ’s new single, “Start All Over” attempts to give some more perspective on the matter as they play the role of the forgotten friend.
Odunsi lyrics unfold a tale of a relationship that has gone sour. Though his lyrics suggest it may be due to the other person’s general tiredness, Odunsi isn’t ready to let go. He starts the song singing, “If I could rewind And Bring Back The Times To Shuffle Your Mind”, a longing familiar to those who feel the past was friendlier and better off.
Listen to LeriQ’s “Start All Over” here:
Featured Image Credits:Instagram/LeriQ
“Tomiwa is figuring it out…” Tweet at her @Tomiiwaa_i
Niniola’s latest video for “Oyin” off her debut album, This Is Me, gives, a bit more insight into the song’s lyrics through a burlesque 90’s rom-com inspired storyline Clarence Peters. Like most of Niniola’s videos, the set for “Oyin” is brightly lit as Niniola and her love interest go through their daily lives till they ultimately end up in each other’s arms. She starts out being coy with her feelings for her next-door neighbour who is already in a relationship. But as soon as that relationship goes to shit, she acts on her feelings.
Watch the video for “Oyin” below.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/OfficialNiniola
“Tomiwa is figuring it out…” Tweet at her @Tomiiwaa_i
Boogey’s debut for 2018 is a freestyle over two hits from Afropop in 2017; Niniola’s “Maradona” and Olamide’s “Wo”. But rather than updating the pop themes on the originals, he upturns both club hits.
Riding the pop samples, first he comes for fake friends who only support your art when it’s profitable; “They only scream jam when you making bread”.Then he complains about those people who start to act brand new when they get a little lick of fame—even if their work didn’t exactly earn the acclaim.
Boogey’s rant revives the ‘fix up your life brouhaha’ as he brings up the ridiculous issue of artists picking sides against each other for some exposure; “Got a little buzz, now you giving advice”. He didn’t name any names but “Maradona+Wo” is sure to generate some buzz for his forthcoming album, Nouveau Niveau.
Shot and directed by the super talented Ovie Etseyatse, in this video for “I’m Available”, Waje and Yemi Alade are friends caught up in their thoughts while a little green with envy at a Bridal shower. The two women are ready to find a version of the love the Bride has found. The constant show of their bare ring fingers isn’t so subtle as they sing about their availability. You can’t but love an aptly plotted music video, especially when it compliments a relatable track in this season of love.
Yung L has released a video for “Pressure”, the 7th song on his 2017 debut album “Better Late Than Never (BLTN)“. The video begins with Yung L at his job in a coffee shop when his love interest walks in to buy a cup of coffee. The two leave a few seconds apart, exchanging glances through the shop window. And through the video, we see Yung L dancing in the street with his love interest performing the song the entire time.
Watch Yung L’s “Pressure” here:
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/YungL
“Tomiwa is figuring it out…” Tweet at her @Tomiiwaa_i
Off Simi’s Simisola album debut, “One Kain” tells a story as old as time: best friends confused about romantic feelings. It’s a tough one dealing with unrequited love and the fear that your best friend is secretly carrying a crush and even Simi in all her lovey dovey elements can’t seem to make heads or tails of it; “It’s Making Me Feel One Kain/ Tell Me Why”.
“One Kain” captures the emotionally challenging phase everyone who hopes to date their best friend has to go through. Aje Films directs the video showing Simi play herself in love with an attractive co-worker who seems to also be her best friend. The sentiment of troubled-romance heard on the song is brought to life in the video as their relationship goes from smooth to stormy when both start to spend time with other partners.
The video ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, reestablishing that the odds of sustaining a platonic relationship with someone we have a certain kind of attraction to, is entirely speculative.
Following a short break after her first album, Eva Alordiah resurfaced in 2017 with a wave of activities; She released a song and a music video early in the year, performed at live concerts and a promised compilation project that fans still wait on till date. Eva has shown no signs of slowing down as she began the year with J20 produced “Secret lover”. She has followed the audio release with visuals, and like most of her music videos, “Secret Lover” conveys the crux of Eva’s lyrics.
As the name suggests, “Secret Lover” is about Eva cheating on someone. Recognizing her wrong, she’d like to keep it on the low singing “Please don’t tell anybody what we do, keep it on the low”. Over drum-heavy instrumentals, she battles with indecision, not wanting to ruin her relationship with her boyfriend but can’t seem to find the courage to end the secret relationship because her lover has her “Head Wound Up”.
You can watch the video for “Secret Lover” below.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/evaxalordiah
“Tomiwa is figuring it out…” Tweet at her @Tomiiwaa_i
Producer projects can take many complex or basic forms and span a wide variety of different styles from producer to producer. While some go for conceptual releases showing off their singing abilities like Krizbeatz did on Afro Dance Music, others release instrumentals from specific albums or as Fresh VDM is doing on Very Disturbing Music, a collection of used beat that highlights his craft and gives a sonic behind the scene feel to some Afropop classics such as Davido’s “FIA” and 5 other tracks you’ve probably heard on radio or at the club.
Fresh VDM’s star-studded catalogue cuts across material top-billed acts like Davido, Olamide, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Ycee, Mayorkun, among others, have released. Fresh’s moody compositions with upbeat drums that suits Afropop’s dance-driven pseudo-romantic aesthetic perfectly seem to be the focus of the project.
From opening track, “Love You Tire” featuring Mayorkun and Mr Eazi to the last track, DMW’s latest release, “Mind”, Fresh VDM’s sonic range takes frontal stage and though it’s not the most distinct sound, the lingering sense of elation is communicated even when the vocals are taken away and all that’s left are the layers of somber and electronic haze.
You can stream Fresh VDM’s Very Disturbing Music below.
