Tekno Shares Video For New Song “Only You” : Watch

Posted on by The Native

Taking a cue from Falz’s, Peter Okoye , Reekado Banks and Olamide, who all dropped new material on their birthdays, Tekno has dropped a new song: “Only You” along with an accompanying video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BczYaK_A6BH/

Directed by Patrick Elis, “Only You” is a 3-minute visual that weaves Tekno’s Afro dancehall musings through colorfully rendered scenes depicting friendship and love. The predominant idea of this video, just like the title is quite simple: It’s about a character who wants to be faithful , this is apparent as he goes “My girl, you’re the only one for me” on the mid-tempo tune.

However, seeing Tekno move around in a room full of girls , one would find this song contrasting with the central idea. But don’t be too quick to conclude because that’s the whole point of this: In a room full of girls, he can always single out the one for him.

Watch “Only You” below

 

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Here are a few possibilities on what Tekno and Drake could be planning

Watch Stonebwoy’s video for “Hold On Yuh” featuring Khalia

Posted on by The Native

Barely days after Stonebwoy dropped his album “Epistles of Mama” he is treating fans to the visuals of  “Hold on Yuh”. A track off this album.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcxt58lhoTi/

 

This laid back track plays like a promise between two lovers. With Khalia confidently dishing out some of the benefits that lie in store for Stonebwoy if he submits to her, singing, “Imma make ya feel like a winner when I put a hold on you”.  Stonebwoy, for his part, cheers on his collaborator over the steady drum-led beat produced by Tony Kelly. The narrative is plain and simple. They both perform like a war has just been won and they’re the last royalties standing.

Set on a ruined temple somewhere in Jamaica and directed by Jay Parpworth, The video for “Hold On Yuh” is the perfect setting for Stonebwoy and Khalia to act like the only couple in the world. The lightning also emphasizes this motif, edited on a grey scale while the couple are adorned in soft colors.

 

Watch “Hold On Yuh” Below.

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

 

Listen to Paybac’s “Demons”: A Tribute to Addictions

Essentials: Juls’ ‘Ojekoo’ EP is only 5 tracks long and it’s nearly not enough

Posted on by The Native

Juls has grown to become one of the most influential Afropop producers in recent times. Since he helped Mr Eazi craft his sound for cross-over hit, “Skin Tight”, the UK based producer has debuted with his Leap of Faith EP and followed up with music videos for some of the more prominent tracks like “Early” and “After Six”. Though “Gwarn” featuring Burna Boy was among the tracks listed for Leap of Faith‘s 8th of May release date, we didn’t get the privilege to hear it till October. But with its feature on Juls’ latest EP, Ojekoo, and its short tracklist, we can assume it wasn’t an accident.

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

The 5-track project opens with “Agoro” featuring Adekunle Gold and Bisa Kdei. The combination of the Nigerian and Ghanaian highlife singers highlights Juls’ comfort with sounds originating from West Africa. The laidback guitar led harmonies he produces on the road-trip primed track sets the tone for the rest of the EP; easy listening lyrics that ride the beat’s feel-good vibe.

DJ Tunez, Siza and Moelogo team up on the next track, “Oshey”, a dance inclined love song complete with a footwork instructions; “Isale Ni Ijo Wa/ Oke Ni Ijo Wa”. Siza and Moelogo sing over the mellow percussions, synths, guitar riffs and trumpet harmonies that punctuate the Juls and DJ Tunez collaboration. Nonso Amadi assisted “Your Corner” is also pseudo-romantic as he sings “Girl You Got Me Wondering Why? Why You Dey On My Mind”. But as though channelling Craig David, his introspection never gets in the way of the club driven beats.

Juls’ knack for merging different sounds continues on “December”, featuring Culan Luke and Tay Iwar. The Reggae dancehall artist and the Nigerian Afro-soul singer combine to deliver a sultry Caribbean tinged Afropop number with mid-tempo drum riffs and percussions. Ojekoo ends at pre-released track, “Gwarn” which brings the EP to a brief, less than 20 minutes long listening time.

While Leap of Faith showed the many mutations that have occurred in Afropop over time, Ojekoo is less critical and far-reaching. Juls’ narrows down on the minimalist beat arrangements and its lightweight variations for a project you would wish had a longer runtime.

Listen to Juls’ Ojekoo below.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/ojekoo-ep/1325820786

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/julsbaby_

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 from Juls’ debut project, ‘Leap of Faith’

Listen to Nonso Amadi’s new single “Aika”

Posted on by The Native

It may be too early to announce Nonso Amadi as Nigerian’s Prince of pop, on my way to work this morning, I received an email newsletter from ride-sharing service Taxify, announcing their support for the singer’s homecoming concert, an indicator more or less of the artist’s growing influence in the past two years. Following up his “Long Live The Queen” , the singer took to Instagram to announce a new single titled “Aika”, released with an accompanying lyric video.

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

Nonso Amadi is known for the guitar-heavy instrumentals, “Aika” tries to play like a standout. Opening with a drum key, but it eventually gets swallowed up by the guitar strums. Produced by the artist himself, “Aika” is about lost love. The kind that makes a sane person do stupid shit, but this artist doesn’t care “Call me disturbed or call me crazy , I don’t mind”. Singing about his willingness to accept the position as a second option, “I’ll take shifts with your man but I can’t keep track of time”.

Stream “Aika” on Soundcloud below

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Hear a refix of Daramola’s traffic featuring Nonso Amadi

Get into christmas spirit and listen to Wande Coal’s “Tur-Key Nla”

Posted on by The Native

Since his introduction to mainstream audience, Wande Coal’s releases seem to arrive without warning while resisting any narrative pegs. His last huge song, the summer driven “Iskaba” of late 2016, was rinsed and put on repeat all through this year despite Afropop’s year-long summer themed music releases. “Tur-Key Nla” has only been out a few days, but it already has the markings to make it 2017’s biggest christmas song with enough air to carry it well into next summer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcXrk4EjZem/?hl=en&taken-by=wandecoal

Dapiano produces the instrumentals for “Tur-Key Nla” with cascading synths and mesmerizing drum beats. Wande Coal reached deep into his array of vocal ranges and dishes out the beloved falsetto from his memorable outro on “Bumper To Bumper”. Interpolating “Iskaba” as adlib for the hook, Wande Coal is not above riding his own wave. But the familiar melody takes a new shape around the street savvy vocals; “Okayyy, Dengepose, Popone”.

Though the “Tur-Key Nla” title gives off Christmas vibes, Wande Coal makes sure to avoid such frivolities with lyrics fitting for any sort of turn up; It’s your classic pseudo-romantic song that’s raunchy in the way only Afropop stars can pull off without being insulting.

Listen to “Tur-Key Nla” below.

https://soundcloud.com/user-391678699/tur-key-nla

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/wandecoal

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: Wande Coal fliped the script on Niniola’s “Maradona” and it’s even steamier

Listen to Paybac’s “Demons” : A tribute to addictions

Posted on by The Native

Demons, we all have them. The addictions and insecurities we persistently try to subdue, but they always come back. Following “Mami Water” and “Lagos On My Mind”, PayBac has dropped a new track in anticipation of his debut album “The Biggest Tree”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb40YcagoMb/

Imperfections, insecurities and flaws. Judging by the evidence of the third single off his album, PayBac’s life is more complicated than most. But on the song he juggles the vices just fine.  Tackling the issue of accepting and integrating your flaws into something positive, yet the song feels perky. “Me and the greed, roll the weed and puff, The gluttony eating up at my thoughts“. But PayBac isn’t joking, his demons are actually friends “Dancing with my demon, One day I’ll be Fine”.

Produced by OG, there isn’t much going on with the synths, played up by drums and guitar melodies. However, it’s the virtuosity of the  singer’s performance: his nimble melodic flow that makes this a great one from an artist, who uses truth telling as a tool on his songs.

Stream “Demons” on iTunes below

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

 

https://thenativemag.com/music/paybacs-lagos-mind/Listen to PayBac’s Lagos On My Mind”

Everything you wanted to know about New Haervest’s Pop-up this weekend, all in one place.

Posted on by The Native

The New Haervest Pop-up this weekend is one of few events this tightly packed holiday calendar that we’re really excited for. It’s unique mix of vintage clothing carefully curated clothing and great experimental music, all in an inclusive space. What’s not to love.

We tracked down Natalie Adeola Akingbaje, created the New Haervest idea and has carefully curated the offerings for this weekend’s shopping experience to pick her brain and find out everything we could about the pop-up, why she’s doing it and what we can expect this weekend.

It was amazing.

New Haervest

You could have chosen any name for your pop-up; how did you decide on New Haervest?

Well, we wanted the name to mean something, we wanted it to be powerful. So we waited for God to give us a name. For you to collect a harvest, you have to sow something, you have to work hard and invest to reap benefits. We want the people who are coming to the pop-up to feel like they’re coming to get something that has been invested in, and carefully worked on just for them. We wanted a timeless name that would transcend trends and fads and the kitschy influences of our time.

How do you think New Haervest intersects with the new ecosystem of fashion and music in Nigeria?

We as a team really feel like there is a new, up and coming generation of musicians, designers and audiences that need to be tapped into. You have youths listening to Afro-Swing from the UK, artists like JHus, Abra Kadabra, Burna Boy and Wizkid, all exploring new and different sounds. The success of these artists suggests that young people want to get into that new sound that takes inspiration from vintage music and aesthetics but puts its own spin on it. This is where New Haervest comes in; we want to create a scene where these artists to intersect with these audiences.

When I came to Nigeria in the summer, my nightlife seemed to compromise of the same kind of people, pushing the same kind of sound and aesthetic as the mainstream. People were getting denied entry to events for not looking a certain way and that didn’t sit well with  me. So I decided to create a more inclusive space that encourages young people who want to experiment with fashion and music to do so. Anyone who follows fashion and music knows that musicians have to indulge in fashion as part of their brand aesthetic and many go on to become fashion icons. So it makes sense for us selling vintage pieces and engaging underground artists to play up both sides.

New Haervest is ultimately a safe space, for up and coming musicians, for outcasts, for the adventurous in fashion, music and life. We do not turn anyone away, provided what their personal choices do not harm anyone else.

You have a number of Nigerian artists performing at New Haervest. Why did you choose this specific crowd?

We chose some artists, but also some of the artists performing this year at New Haervest actually reached out to us, and chose us. When we were singling out our setlist, we listened to their music and tried as much as possible to choose artists who were experimenting with  a fresh sound and a new aesthetic.

We have focused this much on diversity in sound and fashion choices because we want our crowd of Nigerians to adopt us as their safe space as the event and the team that understands them and provides the kind of entertainment that they want at this point in their lives and the merchandise to boot.

Who is New Haervest trying to reach with this pop-up?

We are trying to reach everyone. We know this sounds ambitious, but yeah, this is how big we think New Haervest can become. We want to reach all kinds of young people; the mainstream, the fringe guy/girl, the rebel. We are kind of done with scenes trying to reach a particular ‘somebody’.

We are here to get everyone into New Haervest.

We know there’s the Pop-Up and the performances, what else can we get excited for on the 16th?

It is very important to us to create a vibe, as a person who understand the true power of the right ambience and the right environment, I am excited for the opportunity to create one of my own. So more than anything else for us we want people to feel so comfortable around the crowd at New Haervest, that they are their true selves. So we are very excited for the networking opportunities and the new connections that everyone will make. We want people to leave the New Haervest pop-up with their phones full and hopeful for all the new possibilities that the connections they made will bring.

But of course, we’ll also have other activities, like a polaroid photo booth and a Henna stand, just little ways to have fun while you shop and jive to the music. We even have a live DJ, who we found ourselves on a night out in town. So its going to be really dope.

So why vintage? Everyone has a personal journey into fashion, what is yours?

I went to university in the UK in the city of Kent, and when I moved to London after I graduated, I was introduced to a lot of scenes, many of which expressed themselves through their dress. I enjoyed thrifting, because it was a cost effective way to find my own place as I explored myself through fashion. I am Nigerian, so much of you childhood and adolescence was very restricted, my parents had a very limiting point of view on how I should live my life and growing up and gaining some independence from them really allowed me come into this.

I got so into fashion that I began to study it, interning at Rocket Vintage.

Will we see more of New Haervest in 2018

Definitely. We really want to make New Haervest a movement. There are definitely going to be a lot more pop-ups in 2018 and we certainly want to take the New Haervest idea around Africa in 2018. We also want to invest in social good by crowdsourcing funding and creating spaces where  young people can get involved in philanthropy.

If not anything else, next year will certainly be interesting for us.

Mafikizolo and Yemi Alade follow up their “Ofana Nawe” joint with plush visuals

Posted on by The Native

What is it about Yemi Alade’s style that makes her the perfect companion for a commercial Afrobeat. Is it because she fluently delivers her verse no matter the language? Is it because her videos exalt the African culture in a sensual light?  even Shell agrees she’s that good. From Nyanshiki to Sauti Sol and now South African duo Mafikizolo, Yemi has made her Afro dance collaborations a notable highlight of her career.

 

Directed by Garth Von Glehn, the central idea behind the “Ofana Nawe”  video is simple: Designed for those who have no idea what house music is about but still want to dance.  In action, however, a group of people are together in what looked like a house party, while Yemi Alade and Mafikizolo sing behind the screen to this excitement of the fashion-forward gathering. This video doesn’t get more African than the electric current cutting off halfway, partly ruining the fun. But the crowd carries on singing, With no instrumental accompaniment, because The. Party. Must. Go. On.

 

Watch “Ofana Nawe” below

 

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Listen: Mafikizolo is finally bridging the gap between SA and Nigerian music

6 videos you need to see this week

Posted on by The Native

Sarz – “Get Up” Feat. Flash, DJ Tunez

Sarz’s “Get Up” was a smash on impact after its release last year. Though the lead singer, Flash revels in relative anonymity, the Sarz produced beat made the single irresistible on dancefloors. Flash’s harmonious melody over the catchy beat helped make the pseudo-romantic club banger even more pleasing to the ears and yet no one knew what he looked like. Well it may have taken over a year, but we can finally see his face and his lines “The Only Time Wey You Dey See Me Na For TV” can come to life thanks to the video for “Get Up”. There could potentially be a ton of reasons for the late release of the video, but the colourful video with models, dancers and neon lighten could see the song go viral all over again.

Migos – MotorSport Feat. Nicki Minaj, Cardi B

Even before the release of the video, “MotorSport” had all the features of hip-hop pornography; Trap beat produced by Murda Beatz and CuBeatz, swanky chemistry between the Migos trio and a potential rap battle between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj. The video takes a futuristic theme which finds Quavo, Takeoff, and Offset decked out in racing gear, their blings and some foreign cars. But if you were hoping to see Cardi, “The Trap Selena”, square off with Nicki, you’ll be disappointed. Cardi performs in front of a red Ferrari while Offset sits in the driver’s seat. Nicki is shot in a sexy solo scene with a white Lamborghini  before she is seen riding with Quavo. “MotorSport” is a pre-released single off the Culture II album expected to be released by January.

9ice – “Love You Like Kilode”

9ice had a great run this year thanks to “Living Things” off his Id Cabasa album released last year. The controversial song saw him reclaim some of his street credibility and even feature on one of the hottest songs on the streets in 2017—Junior Boy’s “Irapada 2.0”. The Alapomeji boss has released two new singles with videos; “Love You Like kilode” and “Tonight” with hopes that he continue to remain on airplay even next year. “Love You Like Kilode” is produced by Young John with synths, allowing 9ice show off his vocal range albeit aided by auto-tune. The video directed by Alexander The Great depicts the pseudo-romantic theme of the song as it shows 9ice singing to a love interest at a party where hot girls try to distract him.

Skepta – Ghost Ride Feat. A$AP Rocky, A$AP Nast

Skepta’s long -running bond with the A$AP Mob continues on “Ghost Ride” off the British rapper’s 6-track EP, Vicious. Skepta featured on the American rap group’s Cozy Tapes Vol. 1 and had A$AP Nast on his “Ladies Hit Squad” single. “Ghost Ride” is his third collaboration with the group and he takes them through grime’s hardcore rap niceties; Liquor, violence, and crime. The helter-skelter clip mashes static, smoke and distorted imagery over shots of the trio in the streets performing the song. Images of skulls, gunshots, and skeletons pop out unexpectedly for off-kilter effect.

Phyno – Obiagu

The only criticism for Phyno’s Playmaker album was that he sang a few notes too many and rode the Afropop wave a little too hard. Though there were tracks like MI and Burna Boy assisted “Link Up” that showed he can still step in a booth and spit intense bars with top Nigerian rap acts. The highlife direction the album took seemed like a way to reinforce his local support in the eastern parts, and “Obiagu” did just that. For the video, Phyno takes to the streets and shows just how popular he is with shots of people donning his Obiagu shirts on the streets. He performs the song in Igbo with chant flow that could easy be mistaken for rapping but the indigenous drums and flute harmonies say otherwise.

Alita: Battle Angel Trailer

James Cameron has been been trying to get a movie adaptation of the “Alita: Battle Angel” anime since as far back as the early 2000 and he seems to have gotten his wish. The first look we are getting of the movie shows that his patience may prove to be worth it given the advanced technology that allows him portray what might be the best anime adaptation movie. The special effect portrays the titular Alita, a cyborg warrior, with big eyes—a trademark for many manga and anime classics—and it’s a decent enough look. However, next to the normal sized human heads, some have criticized the eyes for it’s odd look in the live-action film populated with live-action human beings.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/SKEPTA

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

We are officially announcing NATIVELAND 2017

Posted on by The Native

Following last year’s electric premier edition featuring J Hus, Skepta, Burna Boy and many others, NATIVE has worked tirelessly through the past 12 months to top that success. This year, NATIVE is setting up not one, but two stages to showcase what we hope would be the most diverse setlist ever put on a festival, on this side of the setting sun.

NATIVELAND 2017 is coming to Muri Okunola Park on the 22nd of December and it promises a more inclusive experience with your best selection of food vendors and festival gear. We’ll be announcing our headliners in the coming days as well as ticketing options.

Skepta
Skepta performing at NativeLand

Watch this space for more information.

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: Here are 4 things you missed from the first NATIVELAND festival

Slow-whine with Burna Boy and J Hus on “Sekkle Down”

Posted on by The Native

Burna Boy has steadied his deck with a row of releases ahead of his upcoming Outside mixtape, expected in early 2018. “Sekkle Down”, his latest single and collaboration with JHus, follows “Koni Baje” and “Streets of Africa”, two singles the singer has rolled-oui in the last four weeks.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BckskpiHNdV/?taken-by=burnaboygram

“Sekkle Down” is produced by Jae5, who has been responsible for much of J Hus’s summer debut, Common Sense. Speaking on the collaboration on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 radio show where he premiered the song, Burna expressly declared his appreciation for J Hus and his music. The Afro-fusion singer also talked about his upcoming project and working with British singer, Lily Allen.

“Sekkle Down” is easily another one of Burna’s signature slow-whine minimalism. J Hus brings some of that effortless but reassured common sense, in a manner that compels you to consider giving his debut album another listen.

Stream Burna Boy and J Hus on “Sekkle Down” via Apple Music

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Revisist: Burna Boy’s “Like To Party”, the only contender for African summer song of all time

Listen: So someone featured Bobrisky on a track

Posted on by The Native

Switching positions or careers is an unavoidable occurrence for every human. Even the strongest of us can’t turn away “change” when it comes knocking. Just ask  Okuneye Idris aka Bobrisky, who couldn’t resist stepping outside his “Internet Sensation” status to tap into the movie and music industry. While there is still no official release date for when we get to see Bobrisky the movie star, Bobrisky the singer is already a reality. Thanks to a feature on Mr Shaa’s “Barbie”.

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

“Barbie” is interesting the same way a friend getting a really bad hair cut is interesting: you’re shocked but still gotta look them in the eye and deal with it.

Five seconds in, you can tell Mr Shaa is not a very good singer and his inarticulate lyrics makes it hard for us to pin point what direction his verse is headed. With the hausa grounded in his ‘’Wakiya kiya, Maza Maza” and an interlude that curls into awkward Davido impersonation, it’s apparent even he (Mr Shaa) has no inkling where this entire song is headed. It’s tough to guess the motives of someone who commissions Bobrisky to wedge painfully out-of-rhythm skits in between a song about wanting a fake life.

Stream “Barbie” at your own peril

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

Bobrisky is the Nigerian Millennial we deserve

“Into The Spider-Verse” reveals black lead, Miles Morales as your new friendly neighbourhood hero

Posted on by The Native

Sony just unveiled the first look at Miles Morales’ Spiderman with the trailer for “Spiderman: Into The Spider-Verse”. He was first introduced in 2011 in the “Ultimate Fallout” Marvel comic book series that dealt with the aftermath of the death of Peter Parker. The upcoming animated movie will reportedly follow that same story arch.

While Tom Holland’s Spiderman “Homecoming” left some Easter eggs with Donnie Glover’s mention of his unnamed nephew that “Lives In The Neighbourhood”, the black Spiderman is finally coming to reality and the trailer makes sure to accentuate that. For the trailer soundtrack, Vince Staples’ spits bars; “This Morning I Woke Up In The Fortress of Distortion/ I’m At War With My Emotions/ I’m Coming Home Now, I’m Coming Home” and Miles is shown sporting a pair of red and white Nike sneaker. All of these set the mood even before the black costumed spidey pulls back his mask to reveal Miles Morales as a black kid.

The trailer hints at some possible plot directions with shots of a concealed tombstone of someone whose initials are P P and mentions of familiar Marvel villains like Fisk and Spoiler. The animation is directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman while Miles Morales’ is voiced by Shameik Moore. The teaser ends with Miles Morales in a subway station asking another tight-wearing figure “Wait, so how many of us are there?” so we can expect to see more than one Spiderman when the movie is eventually released next christmas.

You can stream the trailer for “Spiderman: Into The Spider-Verse” below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ4KKb-burs

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Comicbook.com

You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him @debola_abimbolu

ICYMI: Meet Kwaku Anansi; The mythological African god and the first Spiderman

Diamond Platnumz and Rick Ross team up for “Waka” video

Posted on by The Native

This year was definitely another bulging one for Afro Pop, and a successful one for Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz.  On the 8th of October this year, Diamond was honored with the Best Male Award (East Africa) at the AFRIMMA, and he currently is in partnership with Belaire Rose: a French wine brand, to promote unity through music.

 

Diamond took to Instagram to announce the official release of “Waka” video, a single off his “A boy from Tandale” album and true to his words about collaborating with artists from different countries, he tapped American rapper Rick Ross for this.

Directed by Moe Musa, “Waka” is a full bodied exploration of wealth and pleasure. For the right price, nearly anyone can land any feature and while it’s common for artists with more accolade to mock the transactional nature of guest artists [Think: Ice Prince & Nas ]  Rick goes all the way out to do the exact opposite. From hailing Diamond as a young king to stepping back from the spotlight.

 

Watch Diamond Platnumz & Rick Ross in “Waka” video below

 

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

 

Here are some of the best music you should check out

Here are a few possibilities on what Tekno and Drake could be planning

Posted on by The Native

Over the weekend, Drake shared a picture of Tekno seated behind a mammoth studio deck on his Instagram live. The image carried no caption besides Tekno’s profile name, leaving the internet to speculate a million and one possibilities for why Tekno and the 6god are on each other’s radar. The fact? No one knows for sure yet, but here are a few possibilities.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcj47w-AYyQ/?taken-by=teknoofficial

They Are Trying To Cause Wahala.

Granted Drake has a reputation for experimenting with his pop sensibilities. And we won’t put it beyond Tekno’s music to find its way into American soundscape and eventually Drake’s acclaimed ear for spotting potential talent. But while Wizkid’s unexpected Drake feature was a reality, Tekno doesn’t have the same local clout that made the collaboration so favorable for both parties. And even then, their relationship hasn’t exactly been the smoothest given the initial claims that “Come Closer” wasn’t cleared by the rapper before its release and Drake’s absence from the video. Tekno and Wizkid have taken subliminals at each other on twitter in the past and this Drake shoutout, well, could mean anything to be honest.

Drake x Tekno x OVO?

Drake’s OVO Sound label has been a vehicle for new musicians, many of whom supposedly churn out hits for Drake before struggling to do the same for themselves. Tekno up to this point has enjoyed a successful run since “Pana” with his subsequent releases garnering fan’s support. Though the singer reportedly already has a deal with Sony, the details are still unspecified. An OVO deal would let him enjoy some of the benefits of OVO’s infrastructure: A Drake feature, song premieres on Drake’s Apple Music radio show, Drake retweets, and perhaps a slot on Drake’s tour.

A Great Night Turned Out Even Better

Honestly, this might turn out to be the most likely scenario if we don’t get any other sort of release beyond what we have so far: Instagram stories. The two met during Drake’s performance at the Art Basel in Miami on Friday, December 8 and took some pictures that look like they may have partied together. If nothing else adds up, a random meeting turned collaboration still suffices as a possible explanation for what to expect.

Watch the videos Tekno uploaded after meeting the 6god below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHf629y9nrU&feature=youtu.be

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/teknoofficial

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 Wizkid talk on his first Drake feature and the global take over of Afropop

Golden Globes 2018 Nominations is not the most diverse we’ve seen but some favorites are there

Posted on by The Native

The 2018 Golden Globes nominations are here, and as usual, there are pockets of outrage across the internet, over who got snubbed and who didn’t.  In fairness to everyone who feels slighted by the just released nominations,  last year was a better year for diversity in Film and TV with favorites like Marhashela Ali, Viola Davis and more bagging major awards for critically acclaimed roles.

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Announced few hours ago by Alfre Woodard, alongside Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Bell, and Sharon Stone, the bulk of this year’s outrage has been directed at the lack of diversity for female directors. Elsewhere favorites like Denzel Washington, Daniel Kaluuya, Issa Rae and Spencer Octavia have gotten nods for their roles in Roman J. Israel Esq, Get Out, Insecure and Shape of Water respectively. The music nominations include songs by  Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige

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The 75th Golden Globes award show will take place on Sunday, January 7 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Hosted by comedian Seth Meyers.

Here’s the full list of nominees:

Movies

Best Picture — Drama

Call Me by Your Name

Dunkirk

The Post

The Shape of Water

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Picture — Comedy or Musical

The Disaster Artist

Get Out

The Greatest Showman

I, Tonya

Lady Bird

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama

Timothée Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name

Daniel Day Lewis, Phantom Thread

Tom Hanks, The Post

Gary Oldman, The Darkest Hour

Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama

Jessica Chastain, Molly’s Game

Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water

Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Meryl Streep, The Post

Michelle Williams, All the Money in the World

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy

Steve Carrell, Battle of the Sexes

Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver

James Franco, The Disaster Artist

Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman

Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy

Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul

Margot Robbie, I, Tonya

Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird

Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes

Helen Mirren, The Leisure Seeker

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture

Willem DaFoe, The Florida Project

Armie Hammer, Call Me by Your Name

Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water

Christopher Plummer, All The Money in the World

Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture

Mary J. Blige, Mudbound

Hong Chau, Downsizing

Alison Janney, I, Tonya

Laurie Metcalfe, Lady Bird

Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water

Best Director — Motion Picture

Guillermo Del Toro, The Shape of Water

Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk

Ridley Scott, All the Money in the World

Steven Spielberg, The Post

Best Screenplay — Motion Picture

Guillermo Del Toro and Vanessa Taylor, The Shape of Water

Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird

Liz Hannah and Josh Singer, The Post

Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Aaron Sorkin, Molly’s Game

Best Motion Picture — Animated

The Boss Baby

The Breadwinner

Coco

Ferdinand

Loving Vincent

Best Picture — Foreign Language

A Fantastic Woman (Chile)

First They Killed My Father (Cambodia)

In the Fade (Germany/France)

Loveless (Russia)

The Square (Sweden, Germany, France)

Best Original Score — Motion Picture

Carter Burwell, Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri

Alexandre Desplat, The Shape of Water

Jonny Greenwood, Phantom Thread

John Williams, The Post

Hans Zimmer, Dunkirk

Best Original Song — Motion Picture

“Home,” Ferdinand

“Mighty River,” Mudbound

“Remember Me,” Coco

“The Star,” The Star

“This Is Me,” The Greatest Showman

Television

Best Television Series — Drama

The Crown, Netflix

Game of Thrones, HBO

The Handmaid’s Tale, Hulu

Stranger Things, Netflix

This Is Us, NBC

Best Television Series — Comedy

Black-ish, ABC

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Amazon

Master of None, Netflix

SMILF, Showtime

Will & Grace, NBC

Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Big Little Lies, HBO

Fargo, FX

Feud: Bette and Joan, FX

The Sinner, USA

Top of the Lake: China Girl, Sundance TV

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Drama

Jason Bateman, Ozark

Sterling K. Brown, This is Us

Freddie Highmore, The Good Doctor

Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul

Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Drama

Caitriona Balfe, Outlander

Claire Foy, The Crown

Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Deuce

Katherine Langford, 13 Reasons Why

Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Comedy

Anthony Anderson, Blackish

Aziz Ansari, Master of None

Kevin Bacon, I Love Dick

William H. Macy, Shameless

Eric McCormack, Will & Grace

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Comedy

Pamela Adlon, Better Things

Alison Brie, GLOW

Rachel Brosnahan, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Issa Rae, Insecure

Frankie Shaw, SMILF

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Daniel Kaluuya , Nnamdi Asomugha among 2018 Film Independent Spirit Award nominees

Here are the top-billed concerts to look forward to this December

Posted on by The Native

The music scene is never more active in Lagos than at the end of the year. This is in part because IJGBs come back with foreign currencies to dole on concert tickets and home-based Nigerians who have otherwise had a good year are desperately looking to unwind. This year however, there seems to have been a rise in the number of independent artists who are looking to headline their own concerts. Though some of the artists on this list have not announced an official date for the shows, they have all shown interests in hosting concerts in Lagos.

Wizkid

Fans may have come after Wizkid for infamously telling BBC that he charges concert goers less than a dollar for his show, but the Starboy’s upcoming December concert may ring closer to the truth. While the price tag for tickets has not been announced, Wizkid has revealed his availability for the 24th of December saying, he’ll do “Anything The Fans Want” on the day. This will be reparations for two Lagos shows the Starboy cancelled last year due to fatigue and exhaustion.

Davido

For Davido, December 27th will mark his first headline show in Lagos in 5 years. Coming off his “30 Billion World Tour” where he touched cities in United States, Denmark, Germany, Davido plans to close out the tour at Eko Hotel during the festive season. There are currently no details on ticket pricing but NATIVE will keep you updated on anything we hear.

Burna Boy

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Hoping to re-enact the energy of his concert at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith in London last year, the “Burna Boy Show” will hold at Balmoral Convention Centre of the Federal Palace Hotel, in Lagos this December. People who were at “NATIVELAND” last year will remember the unreal presence of Burna Boy on stage, the “Burna Boy Show” will probably bring all of that and more on the scheduled date of the 17th of next month.

 

Maleek Berry

No date announced yet for Maleek Berry. But odds are really high that this concert will happen. Unless Maleek Berry wants to have a lot of angry fans on his hands.

Nonso Amadi

Following Nonso’s explosive success on both international and local airwaves this year, it’s no surprise that the London based  artist wishes to cap it all off with a live concert he calls “Homecoming”  set to go off at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos on the 19th of December.

Maryorkun

Mayorkun continues to widen his fan base and connect to his core demographic (millenials), with his just concluded University Tour which saw him perform at over 30 schools in Nigeria. To mark the end of  this successful tour, The Davido Music Worldwide artist is going to headline his first ever live concert titled “The Mayor Of Lagos”  on the 14th of December, going down in Hardrock Cafe.

Olamide

Though Olamide hasn’t made any official statement about an “OLIC 4” taking place, over the past 3 years, the rapper’s annual live in concert has become one of the most anticipated entertainment event of the year. If there’ll be an OLIC 4 this year, it is expected that Olamide’s team will unveil all the details in the coming weeks.

Mr Eazi

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The Life is Eazi concert continues with a Detty Rave.  This December at Sango Ota, Lagos, and Harrow Park , Abuja, Mr Eazi will be thrilling fans with his new hits on the 2nd and 9th respectively. You’re expected to get your tickets and show up with your detty moves.

 

Falz The Bahd Guy

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Tagged “The Falz Experience”, rumors have it, this concert will be more than your average concert. As Falz is expected to entertain the audience with his triple personalities  (Falz The Bahd Guy, Folarin The Lawyer and Taju The  Comedian). Unveiling one alter ego at a time. Kinda like a story telling session with Maimouna Jallow, but even better with lined up performances from Davido, Simi, Olamide, Tekno, Reekado Banks, Ajebutter 22. Prior to this concert, Falz will be making an appearance on The Hennessy Artistry Concert which will be going live on the 2nd of December at the Eko Hotel and Suites. That’s where this concert will be holding too. Tickets are available here

AjeButter

Come December 16, Akitoye Balogun aka AjeButter will be treating fans to a Concert and Food Festival,  at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos. In celebration of his “What happens In Lagos” album.  Expected to perform at this concert  are seasoned artists the like of MI, Simi, Lady Donli, Falz and a lot more. Follow the conversation on twitter with #WHIL17, and get your tickets here

*We will keep this list updated as more dates are announced.

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ThisIsAT drops the visuals to “Dey Alright”

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ThisIsAt has been teasing via social media for a while, the visuals to one of her studio projects, pushing back the release date at some point.  Last week, the rapper took to twitter to officially announce the release of her “Dey Alright” video and it’s totally worth the wait.

In what looks like her follow up single after “Imagination”, AT is back once again, serving looks, word play and attitude, all with so little effort. The video squeezes in plenty of free-spirited and unapologetic vibes during the two minutes treatment. Shot in Lagos, directed by PopsiQL and the artist herself,“Dey Alright” embodies the art of connecting with one’s inner self and simply being at peace, knowing that everything will be alright in the end.

Sonically the song refuses to flow in the direction you think or want it to; there’s no build-up, no climax. Only thing going on is a modest, sustained vibrato and a simple chord progression. It’s repetitive, like a tribute to Cardi B’s style.

Other highlights in the video include waterfronts, puffs of smoke (due diligence to the holiday of course) and the Nigerian rapper flexing like the only girl in the world . Add cutting snaps of abstract objects and you’ve got the recipe of a visual that’s simple and yet so cool.

 

Watch “Dey Alright” below

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Watch AT look cool as fuck in new video

Odunsi’s “In The Morning” is a toe-tapping ballad to one-night stands

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Writing romance-themed dance music started sometime in the medieval period, most likely by some noble soul who wanted to ruin parties or something. Since then, we’ve had many awful and universally loved confessional songs people can’t help but dance off-rhythm to. Odunsi’s latest release, “In The Morning”, is just the latest in the endless list of jams riding the groovy wave while detailing dramatic relationships. However, his decibel-based entertainment is just the right fit for parties as is captured in the Andy Madjitey directed video.

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Like the high of midnight hitting with the same heat of midday sun, Odunsi’s “In The Morning” is wistful without being saccharine. While he gives a play-by-play run-down of how he ended up with what seems like a one-night stand, the catchy Caribbean influenced beat Chkwdze and Higomusic produce with piano baselines, clap samples, guitar riffs, synths, and drums are charming. He admits pure carnal urges; “I’m Trying To Get You In The Meanest Ways” that give the impression that he’s trying to get down and freaky with the sort of nasty things that leave the sheets sticky—a sentiment frequently shared on the dancefloors at parties.

The Andy Madjitey directed video for “In The Morning” is set at a party where Odunsi is seen having a good time before catching the eye of a love interest and eventually making contact. Though the lyrics seem passive enough and perfect for clubbing, the video captures the more disturbing undertone. Opening with Odunsi looking dejected on the floor with a bottle by his side and following that with a rewind logo that ushers in the partying, Odunsi seems to have gotten what he wanted but isn’t satisfied or overly ecstatic about it.

Taken together, “In The Morning” is lighthearted with just enough of context to make it stick. A perfectly competent formula for pop music; A song to turn up to at the club, sing at the top of your lungs in the shower and quietly lip sync on your way to work.

Watch the video for “In The Morning” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/OdunsiTheEngineVEVO

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ICYMI: Watch Odunsi’s video debut, “Desire”

DJ Neptune taps RunTown for “Why”, a newly released potential club smash

Posted on by The Native

 

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While his recent releases haven’t enjoyed the most favourable public reach, his latest release, the video for “Why” featuring Runtown might just scratch his mainstream itch. And with Runtown’s recent success and the sappy love narrative of the single, he might have a club banger on his hands.

Del’B produces the piano-led beat with mellow club inclined drums which Runtown hops on to sing an ode to his lover. Promising “Anything For (His) Baby/ Anything For (His) Lover”, his charm is graceful carrying on to his performance in the video for “Why”. Directed by Tshisz Nelson, the video is shot in the UK where Runtown and DJ Neptune are cool accompanied by models, dancers and a really cool car.

Watch the video for “Why” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/DJNeptuneVEVO

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ICYMI: Watch Runtown’s video for “For Life” here

Burna Boy drops “Koni Baje”, a spiritual new single for the closing year

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If Burna boy’s most recent single “Streets Of Africa”  was a celebratory street homage, this new offering has him going off the rail. Produced by Pro2Jay, everything about “Koni Baje”, has Burna Boy, actively at the beginning and end: the traditional drums dotting the tracks, the flawless delivery, even Burna’s confidence is apparent in the lyrics.  From declaring he’s an unstoppable force, to preaching about fake friends. “When the money come high, people plenty gan, when the money no dey, dem no dey look my face”.

In addition to “Koni Baje” playing like a tribute to his career, and a prayer for himself, it highlights Burna’s flexibility as an artist. Almost like, with a flip of the switch, he can go full on Juju mode but in the style of none before him. Fans of Burna Boy that gravitate towards uncluttered offerings like “Soke” will nestle up to “Koni Baje”.

Stream “Koni Baje” via Apple Music below

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Juls and Burna Boy are animated in new video for “Gwarn”