Cassper Nyovest’s concert becomes the third most attended at the FNB Stadium.

Posted on by The Native

Cassper Nyovest knew it would be hard to fill up First National Bank Stadium (thus the heavy campaign around the concert), Soweto, but never thought it would be impossible.

Over the weekend, the rapper performed at a sold-out show With a capacity a little below 95,000, The FNB stadium has for the past seven years hosted most of America’s music firebrands, the likes of Rihanna, Justin Bieber, One Direction, Bon Jovi. As there is always an extra gloating when Africans artists perform feats only presumed capable by bigger artists, the internet is abuzz Cassper Nyovest’s achievement, revelling in the fact that his, is the third most attended concert of the decade. 

However, for the 28 year old musician , this feat goes deeper than just another jewel in his crown, in his words

“I think as South Africans we grew up in a system thinking we were second best and not worthy. The reason I do these shows is to change the mind of an African kid.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcPk7wxF1Fx/?hl=en&taken-by=casspernyovest

Cassper Nyovest’s concert at the FNB is the rapper’s second sold-out performance at a major venue. Nearly two years ago, the rapper sold-out TicketPro’s Dome in Johannesburg and performed to a staggering 20,000 people. His recent feat does not only outdo his last campaign at filling up a venue, it trumps it by a mile and half.

“Ifunanya can’t remember where she stole this bio from” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

MOBO Awards: It’s a win for both Davido and Wizkid

Runtown updates “Energy” with a stylish new video

Posted on by The Native

Around this time last year, Runtown was on the verge of being ushered into the upper echelon of Nigerian pop music sensibilities off the massive success of his “Mad Over You” single. Till date, many still regard it as his biggest hit but in a bid to hold that top spot, he has put out subsequent releases; “For Life” and more recently, “Energy”. Just as the title suggests, “Energy” shows off the pep in Runtown’s step since last year’s success.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcUecsZhAsJ/?taken-by=runtown

The laid-back mood has him warding off negative vibes as he sings “No Man Can Take My Joy Away” over the mellow guitar led beat Del’B produces. The video which is directed by Isaac Yowman also emphasises this motif with the slow-motion shots and all round relaxed texture. The narrative also remains pain and simple as Runtown performs the song without any complicated scenes.

The video for “Energy” is set on a sunny day, perfect for Runtown and his love interest to take a drive in his convertible. Birds-eye shots follow them through the open road till they eventually stop and we get a more closeup view of the lovers in their dark shades. And as the sun sets, Runtown lights up a blunt before he’s seen at a party where models dance and rounds are served—establishing the lightweight and swinging mood of the single expected to enjoy a lot of circulation in the coming weeks.

You can stream Runtown’s video for “Energy” in 4K below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Runtown

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 Runtown channel 6god moxie for “Energy” single

Here is some context for clarity on Kiss Daniel’s label troubles

Posted on by The Native

Save for his new single,“No Do”, Kiss Daniel has been relatively silent about his next moves since his unilateral exit from his record deal with G-Worldwide. There are many connotations to an artist going rogue on a contract with a label in this part of the world, and many also silently waited for the legal blowback and media whirlwind that will follow the saga that unfolds. As if on cue, through its legal team, Camhill Partners, G-Worldwide released a statement expatiating on Daniel’s exit.

“Another label, another chain for 7 more years”

– Kiss Daniel, “Another Day”, New Era (2016)

According to the legal statement, Kiss Daniel is illegally walking out on a 7-year agreement, a contract he had entered into with the G-Worldwide in 2013. While social media reports have re-animated the narrative as the typical case of a label suing an artist for cancelling out on a contract, provisions of the now-voided agreement merely prevents Kiss Daniel from using the name ‘Kiss Daniel’, and from performing and distributing music he recorded while he was under the label’s banner. This means that songs from Kiss Daniel’s 2016 debut, New Era and a soon-to-be-released sophomore project, Evolution are no longer his intellectual property to do as he pleases.

But all is not gloomy for the man who gave us “Sofa”and “Yeba”, two smash-hits from earlier in the year. In a sense, this new development explains why Kiss Daniel released his new single “No Do” under the moniker ‘Kiss Daniel and Flyboi I.N.C’, a smart move to avoid any further breach of contract while the Federal High Court finalises its judgement on the case.

Interestingly, this also means Kiss Daniel’s new single is within the legal purview of what he can do as an independent artist. While we wait for a final judgement or resolution, It’s safe to say we won’t stop hearing new music from Kiss Daniel despite his on-going legal troubles.

This is a developing story.

Toye is the Team lead at Native Nigeria. Tweet at him @ToyeSokunbi

Kiss Daniel launches Flyboy I.N.C label and debuts with new single, “No Do”

ShowDemCamp is effortlessly cool in this new video

Posted on by The Native

Despite the increasing global appeal for Afropop, Showdemcamp remains one of the few relevant Nigerian hip-hop groups that remind us of Afropop’s humbler bass-leaning origins from the days of Trybesmen and Ruff Rugged and Raw amongst others. Following the release of their second studio project ‘Palm Wine Music 1.0″ and an accompanying video for “Up To You”, Showdemcamp recently took to Instagram to announce a new video. This time for “What You Want”

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

There are so many music videos of people wilding out or throwing crazy parties while singing about love, but because the whole point of this one is to escape the debauchery, the clip doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to be cool which makes it even cooler.

Directed by King Davies, and featuring Tomi Thomas, “What You Want” is your typical laid back video of friends, actually three friends, hanging out in a deserted park, as the camera alternates between two of them singing in a laid back manner about love.  Their choreography is free of constraint, and when Davies sings “I’ve been told the skies don’t move, girl gimme time, I’ll move it for you”  with Tomi Thomas chorusing in agreement without much ado, you’re being reminded that, it is still possible for nature to bend to will.

“Watch “What You Want” below

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Find out how “Up 2 You” made it to our Best New Music

La Femme Foundation to hold first ever SlutWalk in Lagos

Posted on by The Native

The stigmatisation of women, is ever-present phenomenon in the annals of a  patriarchal world that relies on the culture of silence to uphold and maintain it. To publicly address some of that narrative, La Femme Foundation is choosing to unify people against violence in Nigeria, with a peace march campaign tagged “SlutWalk” an acronym for “Strong Ladies United”.

Taking it’s cue from Slut Walk International: a global peace protest with an aim of dismantling the system of female oppression, the walk is dated for 17th of December in Lekki, Lagos. La Femme will alongside women and men from all works of life, take a walk against the epidemic of violence and slut shaming of women. Create enlightenment among youth on the issue of rape, domestic violence educating them on the power of their voices.

Preceding the SlutWalk is a mini concert with some of Nigeria’s soul & funk artists bringing to stage their art, in support of this movement.  As part of their campaign the La Femme team has curated a documentation of experiences, shared by victims of violence, on what it really means to be Female in Nigeria. In addition to needing more sponsors and staying true to the theme, proceeds from this event will be donated towards helping the Girl Child Education Initiative.

Listen to Deena Ade throw further light on what the Slut Walk is about below.

“Ifunanya can’t remember where she stole this bio from” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

Here’s Tiwa’s take on the issue of Gender Equality

Essentials: Amaarae’s debut, ‘Passionfruit Summer’, is a plush dreamy-eyed project

Posted on by The Native

Amaa rae’s electronic production and the icy sensuality of her vocals fuses atmospheric R&B with lush bubble-gum pop. Her debut project, Passionfruit Summer, makes a compelling case for this era in her artistry. On the project, the singer performs dreamy and romantic sets that could very easily put her at the centre neo-R&B conversations in Africa.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcE_pwBjI1i/?taken-by=amaarae

Most of the tracks on Passionfruit Summer are as mellow as they are melodic. Amaarae’s woes circle around getting faded, relationship problems or both. Though these seem like typically played-out themes, Amaarae’s vocals come with a definite freshness to reivent these concepts.

On Opening track, “Sunday” featuring Fingers, Amaarae casts her worries—presumably relationship related—into the wind. The tropical sounding harmonies Dex Kwasi produces, accentuates the relaxing mood and this sentiment carries on right into the next track, “Catching a Wav”, which he also produces with Amaarae. This time, a sexual tinge hovers across the track with Amaarae singing, “Don’t Bring No Sand To The Beach, Just You And Your Body”.

Amaarae’s broad appeal is unmistakable, hinged on soothing and hypnotic melodies. On “Happy Mistakes” however, an intimate narrative and luminous voice lights up the interpolation of synths and acoustic instrumentals. Not only does she sing masterfully, but her lyrics stand out as well as she revamps a line from D’banj’s “Oliver Twist” to describe how emotional she gets about her love interest.

MikeMillzOnEm produced “Fluid” sticks to the ambient atmospheric sound but Amaarae’s singing takes a more upbeat pace that beckons listeners to a dance floor of her making. The 90’s pop guitars and synths give the song a bubblegum pop feel as it builds in unexpected ways, but when it explodes, it’s gratifying.

The EP closes with the title track, “Passionfruit Summer” featuring SUTRA. Their collaboration helps show off their individual vocal range, but also underlines Alt-R&B’s tendency for trippiness. The never-ending string of ambient sounds and synths may get monotonous for any other project, but the short playtime plus Amaarae’s enchanting vocals ensure that none of the 6 tracks is skippable.

Stream Passionfruit Summer below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/amaarae

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 AylØ’s “Woah” featuring Amaarae

Hear MI and Dice Ailes let off some steam on their new single, “Your Father”

Posted on by The Native

We’ve finally reached the last month of the year. And while there are a few things to be pleased about—like knowing Nativeland festival is only a few weeks away—there’s no denying that there are more reasons to be upset than not. And MI and Dice Ailes’s aren’t holding back as they channel their passionate sides to rant on their latest single, “Your Father”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcLADV3HSN1/?taken-by=mi_abaga

Ckay produces the taunting chopped and screwed synths that pulsate over blaring drums to infuse some energy. Dice builds on the intensity with his convincing melody and rap flow that are reminiscent of Drake’s verse on “Versace” remix. He takes the hook and verse before MI takes the last verse serving oh so familiar bars proclaiming himself the pope of hip-hop in Nigeria.

While Dice Ailes comes for haters, corrupt lecturers, the government and even the police, the line “I Swear I No Fear, Baba God Be My Father” hints at where his confidence lies. MI, on the other hand, has no trouble shading other rappers as he reminds everyone how long he has remained relevant in the game. You’ll think he already got that out of his system after “You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives”, but MI continues to lean on his past legacy rather than focus on building something new on his new single. We can only hope he gets it all out before the much-anticipated album is finally released.

Whatever you may be pissed off about—the government, your unfaithful ex or your neighbours fucking generator noise, listen to MI and Dice Ailes’ new single, “Your Father” below to help set the mood.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/mi_abaga

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 MI’s “You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives”

Watch Yung6ix’ video for “Gbe Seyin” featuring Niniola

Posted on by The Native

Since Yung6ix debuted into the music industry with his mixtape “Green Light Green”, he has gone on to garner quite a portfolio, including collaborations with notable firebrands. Recently he celebrated the official release of his latest album “High Star”.  Prior to this , he had dished out some singles off this project and one of them was “Gbe Seyin” featuring Niniola.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb2n2CLD0wo/

In the short time, Niniola has spent in the industry, she has become exceptionally aware of the way club tracks work best when tuned to the head and the heart. Her debut album, “This Is Me”, is currently a hallmark of the genre. On Yung6ix’s “Gbe Seyin”, she further proved herself as an extraordinary ear, guiding him to push further into uncharted, futuristic territory.

“Gbe Seyin” is a document of the rudiments of flirting and the freeing nature of new love. Produced by Hycienth and directed by Unlimited LA, this club jam is one that hovers in the lustrous realm between jazz n’ blues and drum & bass.

Watch “Gbe Seyin” below

“Ifunanya can’t remember where she stole this bio from” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

Niniola distills her sound on debut album

Krizbeatz drops debut album “Afro Dance Music” : Listen.

Posted on by The Native

There are two sides to Krizbeats as we understand him now. The first is the music producer, a powerful presence that constructs and conjures magical sounds using only a guitar baseline, piano synths and punctuated drum sounds. The second is the recording artist, that has just begun to take shape in the world’s eye. His recently released debut album “Afro Dance Music” reveals Krizbeatz’ plans of extending his artistry and carving his own niche in the music industry.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcFTtz8Apse/

Aptly named after the genre it wholly embodies, “Afro Dance Music” is exactly the sort of project one would expect from someone of Krizbeatz’ calbre. Complete with his signature synths and instrumentation, it recruits some of the industry’s contemporary acts -Sauti Sol, Emma Nyra, Lil Kesh, Niniola. It also include his previously released tracks “Erima”, “911”, “Give Them”.

“ADM” is a tour de force, a reminder that no matter how often people want artists to reinvent themselves, there are people like Krizbeatz who are determined to stay true to their original sound.

Stream “Afro Dance Music” on iTunes below

“Ifunanya can’t remember where she stole this bio from” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

Listen to Krizbeats “911” featuring Mama Africa and Harmonize

Genio Bambino, Fasina and Tomi Thomas spin murky tales of love on “Shame”

Posted on by The Native

Being in love could be magical; The sky’s a more vivid shade of blue, birds chirping and your steps are so buoyant you might as well be walking on sunshine. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and all good things must eventually end one way or another. Though Genio Bambino’s latest song isn’t called “Time of Your Life” or “The Graduation Ceremony Song”, “Shame” is a contender for the ultimate break up song of 2017—apparently even Taylor Swift was too focused on fixing her reputation to have a swing at the story arc that has been synonymous with her name.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcKp1gZlM3o/?taken-by=geniobambino

The beat and even some of the lyrics of “Shame” might seem optimistic at first glance with the upbeat guitar riffs from Bandz and the groovy mid-tempo beat Le Mav produces. But there’s no mistaking the melancholy when Genio Bambino sings “Loving You Was A Shame” repeatedly on the chorus. Fasina’s contribution is a short verse but it cuts right to the bone of contention singing “Babe Please Don’t Leave Me”.

Tomi Thomas reaches deep into 2000’s romantic R&B classics and revives Wyclef’s “911” by interpolating nostalgic lines, “If This Is The Kind Of Love That My Mom Used To Warn Me About/ I’m In Trouble, I’m In Real Big Trouble” with his verse. Though the beat sounds delightful, his vocals highlight the original intent comes from a dark place in the singer’s heart.

“Shame”‘s  funky harmony is cheerful but the mainstay is actually a sarcastic and scornful slam piece. It is the soundtrack for all things that must end. It will be playing as the earth takes its final spin. Listen to Genio Bambino’s “Shame” featuring Tomi Thomas and Fasina below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/geniobambino

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 Genio Bambino and AylØ on “Soul”

Kiss Daniel launches Flyboy I.N.C label and debuts with new single, “No Do”

Posted on by The Native

Kiss Daniel’s unceremonious exit from the G-Worldwide record label was greeted with the same reaction sport fans give the transfer windows. Speculations were made and op-eds were written with hopes of anticipating his next move and figuring what label will best suit his talent. But as it turns out, Kiss Daniel won’t be signing any recording deals for a while yet as he unveiled his record label, Flyboy I.N.C  with a new single, “No Do”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcPZIdmjuO6/?hl=en&taken-by=iamkissdaniel

With the drums riffs, horns, guitar and a piano bassline reminiscent of the theme song from “Tales By The Moonlight”, “No Do” is a cheerful, feel-good song at its core. But it represents many things; It’s about discovery and hope, but it could also be about knowing your limits. Over the mid-tempo beat Philkeyz produces, Kiss Daniel sings, “No Go Dey Do Pass Yourself” for the hook and in light of recent events, gives the impression that he knows exactly what he’s doing by creating his own label.

Kiss Daniel’s steady output of hood anthems has catapulted him to be among Nigeria’s most adored artists. And now with the creative freedom that comes from having full authority over his music, we can’t imagine anything stopping him from continuing the upward trajectory his career has charted since 2013 when he was initially signed.

You can stream “No Do” below.

https://soundcloud.com/afro-songs/kiss-daniel-no-do

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/iamkissdaniel

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 Kiss Daniel’s debut video for the year, “Sofa”

New Haervest is coming to Were House this December, are you ready?

Posted on by The Native

December is jampacked with all kinds of events, each one only slightly different from the other. It can get exhausting hopping from one to the other, convincing yourself that you are getting a different experience every single time. This is why vintage fashion brand New Haervest is shaking things up a bit with their new pop-up festival.

NEW HARVEST is not only inspired by fashion festival ideas but also by retro music (the 60s, 80s, 90s and early noughties) from both Western and Nigerian Artists but also by the happiness and positive energy that lives within festivals

They’re really about that life, throwing it back and celebrating everything that made the 80’s and 90’s in particular so iconic. The New Haervest brand draws inspiration from icons like Madonna and Janet Jackson, polishing them off with some millennial sophistication. They are also very invested in the idea of providing a platform for artists whose music might not fit into the mainstream or even the timeline into which they were born. This is why the New Haervest inaugural pop-up party is also features a line up of 10 artists experimenting with retro vibes either in their branding or their music. Inclusion is a pretty big deal to the people behind the New Haervest pop-up party and the brand itself, and this is why while the main theme of the pop-up might be celebrating retro vibes, the pop-up welcomes everyone to come and shop, party and vibe with the guest artists.

To get the ball rolling, the brand has just put out a mini-editorial with some of the clothes that are going to be on sale.With styling and photography by Daniel Obasi, and fashion it-girls Rebecca and Susan Garland, the New Haervest Editorial promoting their shopping party this December is some of the finest work we’ve seen this year.

Where is it happening: Were House, 7b Mike Adegbite Avenue, Lekki Phase One, Lagos.

When: December 16, 2017.

New Haervest

Nasty C gets super self-aware on new single, “Changed”

Posted on by The Native

In hip-hop, one sure way to trump the inviolable law of ‘Keeping It Real’ is to establish a whole new reality with emotionally charged lyrics. It explains why Drake despite all the criticism he has received for being corny has grown into such a rap phenomena steering hip-hop out of the streets and into an emotive headspace. And why more rap songs have more forlorn subtext and perhaps even why there are so many rap songs up for 2018 Grammy nominations. It’s already too late for Nasty C’s latest release, “Changed” to get a Grammy nomination against next year’s awards ceremony, but that’s not stopping him from revealing the thoughts that keep him up at night and why he casts suspicious glares at his friends.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcEluKQAY6i/?hl=en&taken-by=nasty_csa

The synthesizers that seem to bellow in some distant horizon like strange fog, piano percussions and drums provide the backdrop for Nasty C’s penetrating lyricism and arresting melodies. Though his subsequent releases have shown his competence with hip-hop’s more showy realm, “Changed” focuses on the emotional. Admitting his materialistic desires, “I Don’t Make Friends, I Make Business Partners Now/ It’s All About What’s In My Pockets Now”, he addresses the conflicting feelings that come with an unquenchable thirst for fame and the untenable insecurities that follow.

Nasty C provides a glimpse into the roots of these insecurities first by explaining a friend’s insulting accusation just before asking him from some money. He also seems to be describing some troubling emotions towards his dad when he raps that he was “Convinced (He) Wasn’t Gon Miss Him”. Though his mood seems somber, it allows him deliver his boasts and confessional in high definition.

All the while, he toggles seamlessly between the twin roles of singer on the hook and rapper on the verses. “Changed” shows Nasty C’s inability to resist the fast life though he’s clearly dazed by it. You can listen below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/nasty_csa

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: PatricKxxLee’s ‘Dairy Of An Arsonist’ is an impressively creative debut

It’s a win for both Davido and Wizkid at the MOBO Awards

Posted on by The Native

African music continues to push for greatness, amidst what we’re gradually coming to terms with as perhaps one of the most progressive eras for the culture as a whole. Following Wizkid and Davido and a host of other Nigerian artists landing on the international radars last year, more attention has been turned to African popular music and it’s firebrands, even better, some of the rewards are already coming in.

Last Night, both Wizkid and Davido were winners at the MOBO awards, with the former bagging the award for Best International Act Worldwide and the latter winning for the African category of the same award. Congratualtions have been outpouring to both artists since the announcements were made.

See tweets below

https://twitter.com/OsasCruz/status/936137700461211649

With the EMAs conferring a similar title on Davido earlier this month, this MOBO award adds to an increasing row of valid bragging rights for Davido, following what has beeen a rather remarkable year for the OBO. Wizkid also dominated the year with a whole brand revamp and re-alignment of his music and craft for a universal sound. Fandom or no fandom, both wins for Wizkid and Davido are equally satisfying and to be celebrated.

You may see full list of winners from the MOBO awards below but first, 2018 just might be the year we get a Davido and Cardi B joint.

Now, here are the full list of winners as promised.

Best male

*Stormzy
Bugzy Malone
Chip
Dave
Giggs
J Hus
Maleek Berry
Mostack
Sampha
Skepta

Best female

*Stefflon Don
Emeli Sandé
Jessie Ware
Jorja Smith
Lady Leshurr
Little Simz
Mabel
Nadia Rose
NAO
Ray BLK

Best album

*Stormzy – Gang Signs & Prayer
J Hus – Common Sense
Nines – One Foot Out
Sampha – Process
Wretch 32 – Growing Over Life

Best newcomer

*Dave
Jorja Smith
Kojo Funds
Lotto Boyzz
Loyle Carner
Mabel
Mist
Not3s
Stefflon Don
Yxng Bane

Best song

*J Hus – “Did You See”
Kojo Funds feat. Abra Cadabra – “Dun Talkin”
Not3s – “Addison Lee”
Stormzy – “Big For Your Boots”
Yungen feat. Yxng Bane – “Bestie”

Best video

*Mist – “Hot Property”
Bossman Birdie – “Walk The Walk”
J Hus – “Spirit”
Loyle Carner – “The Isle Of Arran”
Stormzy – “Big For Your Boots”

Best hip-hop act

*Giggs
Little Simz
Loyle Carner
Nines
Stefflon Don
Wretch 32

Best grime act

*Stormzy
AJ Tracey
Chip
P Money
Skepta
Wiley

Best R&B/soul act

*Craig David
Jorja Smith
NAO
Ray BLK
Sampha

Best international act

*Wizkid
Cardi B
DJ Khaled
Drake
JAY-Z
Kendrick Lamar
Migos
Solange Knowles
SZA
Travis Scott

Best African act

*Davido
Eugy
Juls
Maleek Berry
Mr Eazi
Sarkodie
Tekno
Tiwa Savage
Wande Coal
Wizkid

Best reggae act

*Damian Marley
Aidonia
Alkaline
Chronixx
Popcaan

Best jazz act

*Moses Boyd
Cleveland Watkiss
Daymé Arocena
Mr Jukes
Terrace Martin

Best gospel act

*Volney Morgan & New-Ye
Lurine Cato
Mali Music
S.O.
Triple O

“Ifunanya can’t remember where she stole this bio from” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

There won’t be a Wizkid vs Davido face-off at the MTV EMAs

Essentials: Zamir’s debut album, ‘XXIII’ packs a few heavy punches

Posted on by The Native

Though the members of the hip-hop group, L.O.S, have kept up with quality solo music releases, the public acclaim hasn’t returned to the cult-ish level it reached a few years ago. And while it’s still unclear for the most part, if they even split up—given the occasional guest features on singles, and even recent solo albums by Bad Bridge ( Regular Trademark) and now Zamir (XXIII)—their legacy if anything, remains that music will always be their most binding element.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb4rBrbFGlL/?hl=en&taken-by=kingzamir_los

Zamir’s debut album, XXIII, doesn’t attempt to rewrite anything we may have missed before, but rather remind everyone of his lustrous lyrical abilities while showcasing his newfound verve. And what better way to open the 10-track album than “Different”. Over the mid-tempo piano-led instrumental, Bridge brags about their impact on Nigeria’s hip-hop scene; “I’ve Been Gone And The Game Has Been Different/ A.Y Told Me That Something’s Been Missing” for the hook, while Zamir breaks down how his ambitious mindset that made it possible.

While GMK assisted track, “Company” finds him in a mellow and pseudo-romantic spirits,  he returns to a more solitary frame of mind on “Once”, where his hip-hop sensibilities shine on the Odunsi-produced trap beat. On “Motives”, he offers insecurity as an excuse for his lack of commitment to relationships; “Days Of Inadequacy Won’t Let Me Be Real With A Woman/ Who I Am And What I Have To Offer Ain’t Enough/ So Amma Seduce”.  “Motives” also features a hook and a verse from Omagz229, anchored on synth percussions and 808 drum machines that bops without losing listeners who just want to groove.

Esojay Luciano’s verse on the 4th track, “Hate” is one of the high notes on the album with his witty compilation of one-liners, “You Hear We Rich, Na Gist/ You Hear Say We Fly, Na Trips/ You Hear Say We Fly, Na Trips/ You Hear Say We Die, Na Streets”. On “Overnight”, Zamir’s energetic rap flow is replaced by a more somber one that accentuates the song’s message of being driven by sacrifices made, challenges and feelings of loneliness.

XXIII, however, closes on a lively note courtesy of the beat GMK produces and the humorous metaphors from Zamir and Esojay Luciano on “Jaba”. While some might argue that he took too long before finally putting out a debut project, there has never been a more feasible time for niche to mainstream crossovers, given the fame artists like Small Doctor and Nonso Amadi have enjoyed from relative obscurity in recent times. Zamir may need to clean up a few dotted lines here and there (for the bigger stage ahead), but it shouldn’t be long now for him too.

You can stream XXIII below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/kingzamir_los

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 all the essentials you missed from Bad Bridge’s debut album, ‘Regular Trademark’

Thirsty Worldwide set to hold debut Thirstynalia event this December

Posted on by The Native

The end of the year is here,  and in a sense, it’s like summer 2.0 in this part of the world, with many events and occasions happening simultaneously around the country. Amonsgt the slew of line-up events comes a recently announced rage-fest by Thirsty Worldwide,  a music promotion and urban culture brand, set to host the maiden edition of ‘ThirstyNalia’

https://twitter.com/THIRSTYWW/status/935617137355390979

Here’s what the team had to say on their official website about the event:

THIRSTYNALIA is a fest for the Celebration of the THIRST. On this day the THIRST would be exhibited in several forms of Art. We invite those who are thirsty & those who aren’t to come witness and experience the THIRST’s celebration. Positive Energy at its maximum is needed.

Lined up with performances from Kida Kudz , Remy Baggins, Wavythecreator , this year’s edition is their first,  and like all first times, it promises to be memorable. The event is set to go down on the 15th of December. Get your tickets here, and while at it, join the conversation on twitter with #Thirstynalia so you don’t miss out on further information.

“Ifunanya can’t remember where she stole this bio from” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

Top billed concerts to look forward to this December

Waje taps Yemi Alade for new single “I’m Available”: Listen

Posted on by The Native

Waje may not have delivered on the album she promised fans earlier this year, but that’s not to say she hasn’t been working hard towards remaining in rotation anyway. Recently, she shared a new single “I’m Available” featuring Mama Africa, Yemi Alade, the third single the singer has released this year and hopefully the last precursor to that album everyone’s been waiting for.

 “I’m Available” begins with a synth sample of Nico Mbarga’s “Sweet Mother” before picking up pace, eventually taking shape, as clean drumming synths cut through to provide a melodic counterpoint. Unlike most of Waje’s more R&B leaning earlier work, “I’m Available” leans heavily towards the dizzying network of cross-rhythm, we’ve come to associate with Yemi.  Furthering the narrative of Yemi’s versatility and ability to easily ride on a wave of different genres. As she does on “I’m Available”, where they both sing on the theme of  Love.

Stream “I’m Available” on iTunes below

“Ifunanya can’t remember where she stole this bio from” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

Watch Yemi Alade and Nyashinki’s video for Nakupenda

6 videos you should see this week

Posted on by The Native

Fuse ODG – Boa Me Feat. Ed Sheeran and Mugeez

“Bibia Be Ye Ye” off After Ed Sheeran’s Divide album was the apparent fruit of his visit to Ghana earlier this year. However, Fuse ODG’s recently released “Boa Me” confirms that the two worked on more than just the initial track from the album. “Boa Me” features Ed Sheeran wh0 again puts his twi to the test, singing the hook in the Ghanaian language. Mugeez, one of the R2Beez’s also features on the canvassing single as they sing, “Se wo hu me na me se ma te ahwe a boa me abrantee (Ye ne boa me wai)” which translates as “When you see and I tell you I’ve fallen, help me my neighbour”. The video however features all three artists in festive spirit drinking straight from the coconut shell.

D’banj Won’t Tolerate Sexual Assault At Phyno Fest 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06Oe5PNyF-0

At a time when people have grown confident enough to publicly share their sexual assault experience, even the Koko Master can no longer keep quiet about the social ill. A few days ago, he interrupted his performance in Enugu after noticing a woman struggling in the crowd where she was presumably being assaulted. He went as far as asking the DJ to cut the music so he could go down into the crowd to make sure she was alright. Being the energetic performer that he is though, he still managed to get the crowd rocking as soon as he made sure the victim was safe.

Post Malone – Rockstar Feat. 21 Savage

Post Malone becomes a martial arts samurai of sort in the gory video for his chart-topping single, “Rockstar” featuring 21 Savage. While the song convincingly blurred the lines separating rock stars and rap stars, the video finds Post Malone in a familiar slow-mo set experienced on “Congratulation”. This time, it’s a lot more PG18 with violent displays of slashing and bloody shots.

Tellaman – S A P Feat. Nasty C and Da Les

Having shown chemistry on “Dance”,  released a few weeks ago, Tellaman and Nasty C are stressing that their exuberance isn’t new for them. Initially released as a single back in July, “S A P” highlighted Tellaman’s penchant for singing with the swagger of rapper. Though the song features two of South Africa’s most prolific rappers, Nasty C and Da Les, Tellaman’s lyrical prowess still stands out and he knows it; “I Got No Chill Like Black Twitter/ Getting Bodied By A Singer”. The video directed by Nani Chehore absorbs the “Strike A Pose” theme of the song to show Tellaman, Nasty C, Da Les and models looking camera ready.

K.O – Call Me Feat. Runtown

Genre boxing is tricky business. Because while some artists like to think themselves as experimentalists, they also often end up stretching themselves too thin across a wide range of obscure and probably disjointed influences. But with the success of artists like Taylor Swift, Kanye and Drake whose appeal have grown exponentially following their diverse discography, it’s hard to knock anyone for trying. K.O, having made his name as a member of South African hip-hop group, Teargas, grew to be a regular feature in hip-hop conversations in Africa. His latest release, “Call Me” featuring Runtown, however, finds him in Afropop’s dancehall soundscape. Over the catchy mid-tempo beat, he performs a pseudo-romantic set but Runtown’s presence easily overshadows his. The gloomy video isn’t very inspiring for the most part but with enough plays, the catchy beat might just grow on listeners.

Avengers Infinity War Trailer

The “Avengers” sequels have showcased Marvel’s luscious collection of characters and the latest edition, “Infinity War” promises to be the most star studded Marvel movie yet. The recently released official trailer for the movie features some of the most famous superheros; Iron Man, Spiderman, Black Panther, Thor, Captain America, Doctor Strange, Hulk, and other less recognized heros like Vision and Gruut. The trailer suggests that there’ll be three different story arcs; One in Wakanda where Captain America and a bulk of the Avengers have a Lord Of The Rings-esque battle with aliens invaders, another with Spiderman and Doctor Strange set in New York, and the last with Thor and the Guidance of The Galaxy in space.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/PostMaloneVEVo

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 Runtown’s video for “For Life” here

Listen to Kelly Hansome’s single “Open My Way” featuring 2Face

Posted on by The Native

Before Rihanna dropped the moneylender’s national anthem “Bitch Better Have My Money”, there was Kelly Hansome in 2008 with “Maga Don Pay”, equally a song about debtors. Since he became a street name with “Maga Don Pay”, Kelly has subtly shifted general expectations with every other project he’s either produced or sang on. “Open My Way” is a reminder that from the streets, Kelly Handsome can still find his way to church.

It is always a treat when you can get an artist of 2Face’s calibre to put their magic touch on your music. However, unlike a lot of Afropop pairings, this Kelly Handsome/2Face track is more of a spiritual agreement than a negotiation between two artists. Both singers harmonize their way through the entire song. The music slinks down the Afro-Pop and R&B coastline with it’s uncompressed beats. Mirroring these singers’ exact emotions.

Stream “Open My Way” on SoundCloud below

“Ifunanya can’t remember where she stole this bio from” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

Listen to 2face’s single “Amplifier”

LaSauce features Davido and Emtee on “Shine”, off her debut album, ‘Broken Lipstick’

Posted on by The Native

“Shine” is the most commercial track off LaSauce’s hip-hop driven debut album, Broken Lipstick. Though there are several features artists on the 16-track LP including KLY and Amanda Black, Davido and Emtee’s collaboration on “Shine” is the album’s ebullient light amid the forceful club-ready bangers LaSauce spins.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcCQoOBjPlI/?taken-by=lasaucesa

 

Ruff produces the trap beat hinged on ambient piano riffs, synths, vocal samples and bass heavy drums. David opens the track with a soulful and passionate cooing that almost sounds believable even after he switches up to more familiar boastful lines for the hook. His high-pitched vocals are endearingly sweet, especially when combined with an atmospheric-synth piano harmony and innocent one-liners like, “Picture Yourself On My Louis Belt”.

LaSauce’s verse is just as cocky as she carries her rap flow with feminist resolve rapping, “I’m A Boss, I Don’t Need A Man”. And just to highlight the confident display she makes sure to remind everyone she’s only 19 and already has features with some of Africa’s finest artists. Emtee takes the last verse with a mellow and catchy flow but the upbeat mood is preserved through his equally showy lines.

You can listen to LaSauce’s “Shine” featuring Emtee and Davido below.

https://soundcloud.com/purple_tunes/lasauce-ft-davido-emtee-shine

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/lasaucesa

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 video for Emtee’s reveting ballad, “Manando”

Paradise Motel is hopeful for a future that may never come on new single, “Love and Guidance”

Posted on by The Native

Paradise Motel’s music marries an emo rock stomp with West African spirituality, creating a unique sound that’s anchored by vocalist Wekaforé Jibril’s soulful pipes. The band’s latest single, “Love And Guidance” continues their suffered narrative, this time soaked in regret and hopes for a future that may never come.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcCSHMtnQdD/?taken-by=paradisemoteluniverse

Though “Boys Hurt Too” may have shown a recognition of how fragile masculinity can be in love, “Love and Guidance” finds the lead singer nestled snugly in the idea that he “Needs Love”. Over pinched but percolating synths, pianos and guitar riffs, he pines for the familiarity he and his lover knew before they slowly became estranged. He acknowledges his infidelity; “I Know I Broke The Rule” and recognizes his place; “I Know You’re Way Out Of My League” but still hopes “The Pain Doesn’t Change What (They’ve) Been Through”.

With lyrics like “If There’s A God Above, I Know He’ll See Me Through”, his optimism seems hinged on religious belief. But given his confessional, that’s as good as he’ll get it. And he’s man enough to accept that without making excuses.

The cover art for “Love and Guidance” saying Super Blue was also the cover art for “Indestructible”, suggesting that the band could be working on a gloomy album or project.

You can stream “Love and Guidance” by Paradise Motel below.

https://soundcloud.com/paradisemotel/love-and-guidance

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/paradisemoteluniverse

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

Revisit: Paradise Motel’s video for “You Can Be Bad For As Long As You Like”