Jazzz and Myme release “Owo”, a fresh cut from their ‘Made in Lagos’ tape

Posted on by The Native

A few months after debuting with Practice, Jazzz has already started putting out new material from her follow up project with Myme, Made In Lagos Vol. 1. In September, she released “You” where she admits her love as well as her shortcomings for the confessional love number. But the latest release from the anticipated project, “Owo” is more lighthearted with the quiet mix of disco, funk, and R&B.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbKudQYn4vQ/?taken-by=whobejazzz

Jazzz’s delicate vocals are buoyed on Myme’s mellow but intricate instrumentation: restrained bass, horns, guitar riffs, synths, and even rave DJ horn samples. She builds off the swinging rhythm of the beat to write lyrics personifying the warmth of the satisfaction that comes with wealth; “Life Is Good/ And I Feel Good Tonight/ Everything Is Alright”.

While Jazzz playfully notches up a list of the thing money can do, “Money Makes Arguments End/ Money Makes Enemies Friends”, System is featured as a guest artist on “Owo”. The delightful Fuji vocals that linger in the background seem to be his contribution to the groovy piece but “Owo” makes you wonder what Pasuma’s fuji flow can do on a Sade track.

So far there’s no release date for the Made In Lagos tape, but you can stream “Owo”, the second pre-released single from it below.

https://soundcloud.com/madeinlagos/owo

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/whobejazzz

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 Made In Lagos’ debut, “You”

Burna Boy just dropped two new singles, “Gba” and “Deja Vu”

Posted on by The Native

Burna Boy makes mutant Afropop records that feel at once mellow and fire. You don’t know if you want to close your eyes and ride the lightweight buzz of the trumpet harmonies or bump your head in agreement with the beat’s arrangement and his pseudo-conscious lyrics. On the surface, his songs are lightweight, valveless workouts of breathtaking precision, but the warmth of his deeply rich vocals and the passions he stokes with them leave room for narratives outside radio friendly themes of love and partying.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbNDRNXndi6/?hl=en&taken-by=burnaboygram

His two new singles, “Gba” and “Deja Vu” are the result of his expansive story arc. Both listen like a part of a bigger story or perhaps a track from a really introspective project, not the singles they are being presented as. But then again, Burna Boy isn’t exactly known for his belief in formats. Having dropped a series of singles this year—“Hallelujah”, “Rock Your Body” and “Chilling Chillin”—you’ll think he’ll be gearing for a new album of some sort but we are getting more singles that will no doubt add to his impressive setlist.

When he comes for his haters over the party driven trumpet and drum riffs Chopstix produces for “Gba”, it doesn’t feel as experimental as it should. It feels like rediscovery, a welcome return to Burna Boy’s infinitely melodious universe where even his enemies aren’t excluded from his feel good melodies. If not for his lyrics like “Shora Ko Ma Lo Dija/ Gimme Gold, Gimme Silver” you’ll never guess from the dancehall harmonies that it’s a your average Burna Boy rant against industry politicking.

Chopstix also produces “Deja Vu”, though the beat is more mellow. The Spanish inspired guitar licks and melodious chants inspire a love song from Burna Boy but not without his pseudo-conscious words of advice; “Na Man Wey Dey Reason Dey Scratch Bearbear”.

“Deja Vu” and “Gba” show that Burna Boy songs don’t need to revolve around having good time, his voice alone can convey the urgency of a radio hit. Listen to “Deja Vu” and “Gba” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/burnaboygram

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

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

Sound Sultan’s “Geshomo” features 2 Face and Wizkid

Posted on by The Native

There is a “born too late” mindset that plagues music fandoms, a phenomenon where you believe that the music made before your time is somehow more sincere, more real. Obviously, this is inaccurate, and every generation has its own version of this. But sometimes revisiting old sounds yields something so spectacular that the retro-worship urge is irresistible. Sound Sultan might not be the popular artist he once was, but he has shown he still has what he takes to drop gems.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbK2GO9nZEO/?hl=en&taken-by=soundsultan

Released earlier this year, “Ghetto Love” relied a little too heavily on the nostalgia of classic timeless songs like “Danfo Driver”, “New Dance”, “Ghetto Love” and more. But rather than rely on the familiar throwback influence for “Geshomo” his latest single, he takes a different route as he taps 2 Face and Wizkid. Both artists who have dominated the Afropop scene in different eras come to together for a mellow love inclined number.

Over the mid-tempo piano led beats that Masterkraft produces, Wizkid delivers a verse and sings a catchy chorus before Sound Sultan and 2 Face proceed to sing the praise of their love interests respectively. Though “Geshomo” sounds pleasant enough with the Afropop melodies from three different eras, placing it against the backdrop of their celebrated status as legends leaves a lot to be desired.

Listen to Sound Sultan’s “Geshomo” featuring Wizkid and 2 Face below.

https://soundcloud.com/afrosongs/sound-sultan-geshomo-ft-2baba-wizkid

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/soundsultan

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: Sound Sultan revives all your favorite childhood hitmakers on “Ghetto love”

Olamide unveils Album art and Tracklist for ‘Lagos Nawa’

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After months of treating his fans to the street anthem “Wo” and subsequently teasing new album, Olamide has officially revealed both the album art and track list to his much anticipated 7th solo album “Lagos Nawa”. In the reveal which took place on Instagram, Olamide credited Mojarzido as the art cover creator and Young Jon as the producer though he pointed himself out as the producer on track 7.

The cover art will, to those who know nothing about the biggest city in Africa, look as basic as colors yellow and black.  But to someone in the know, it is ubiquitous as Lagos itself, a representation of the yellow buses with the black strips frequently seen on the streets and roads of Lagos. So one can deduce from these representations that the album is in fact a tribute to Lagos city, but if the album title doesn’t convince you of that, then the trade mark of Bola Tinubu the 12th Governor of Lagos state, which got featured too on the cover art should.

It is also worth noting that Olamide has consistently released an album every year since the start of his career, and on his Instagram post he revealed that the 17-track album, which features artists like Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Reminisce was made in 48 hours. We know already that the longer an album is, the more likely it will be of inferior quality, but we sure are rooting for Olamide to deliver on this album, which he also says will drop on the 17-11-17. Notice how the number 7 has been in play? but we just might be wrong to conclude that perhaps a number play trend [Think Falz: 27],  is about to start in the music industry.

Take a look at “Lagos Nawa” full track list.

“Ifunaya is too queer to live, too rare to die” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

Phyno and Olamide are a team again for “Augment”

Yemi Alade releases “Heart Robber” and goes “Single & Searching” with Falz

Posted on by The Native

Yemi Alade has been gearing up for her third studio project BlackMagic which was initially slated for  an October release.   The singer has been doubling up effort to remain on playlist since she dropped her Mama Afrique EP  earlier this year, following the release of two   singles off the project. Recently, Yemi linked up with South African duo Mafikizolo for “O Fana Nawe“ and  with the year coming to a close, Yemi has released two new singles, expected off her unreleased BlackMagic album.  “Single & Searching” which features Falz and “Heart Robber”, both seem to indicate  that fans will perhaps get the album sooner than expected.

Having previously collaborated with Falz in 2014 on “Marry Me”. “Single and Searching” the second single off her forthcoming album and their third collaboration together, marks the effortless chemistry between these two. “Single And Searching” flips the  script to their previous collaboration “Marry Me” . Gender roles are reversed on their new single where Falz is the single man attempting to lure his love interest under the pretext of being single.

Listen to “Single & Searching” below

 

 

Heart Robber

10 seconds into the song and you already can tell “Heart Robber” is a typical Yemi Alade song ,  packed with all the right amount of sentimental words, “Yes we dey fight most times, we dey settle”  and wordplay  “Sit back relax, let me wash you like shampoo”.  The third single on the tracklist of her BlackMagic.  Yemi’s art is romance and “Heart Robber” is Mama Africa measuring her affection for a lover. “See the love wey I get for you na times two”. Mama Africa showed up and out, delivering her smooth and  lyrics against a mid-tempo guitar rift and Afro beat with hint of a Mariachi sample. 

Listen to Heart Robber Below

“Ifunaya is too queer to live, too rare to die” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

Mylo Hebron is back with a new single “#Unlock”

Posted on by The Native

Mylo Hebron has been carving out a space of his own with solo offerings like “R.I.C.O.” ,“King Kong” and most recently On My Way, which  got featured on Spotify’s R&B daily playlist.  His latest single “#UNLOCK”  feels like a journal entry about heart break and un-reciprocated love .

It takes just the opening chord of this song to get people nodding their heads and tapping their feet. “#Unlock” finds Mylo’s smooth voice catching in all the right places as he calmly delivers his words against it’s steady beat.  The producer Timbun delivers a buoyant mix of dance hall against soft edged Afrobeat,  neither stuffy nor distracting, with just the right rhythm guitar techniques one would expect from an artist, perhaps experimenting on diverse sounds.

“Oh you, you know we know you, it’s true, the girl is now loose, ….she used to be a good girl.” Mylo sings on the chorus, affirming that the aforementioned love, who was perhaps once docile is now wayward. He goes further to condemn her misleading activities on social media ,“then you type in the bible passage, what message are you tryna pass boo”   pointing out the self contradiction in preaching the word, while carrying on with the bad girl facade. Despite all the flaws Mylo details about his ex -lover, it still seems our crooner is yet to get over this bad girl and perhaps still wants to be in her life. Or does he?.

Listen to #Unlock below

 

“Ifunaya is too queer to live, too rare to die” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

Hear T-Obay and Minz on new single, “My Nigga”

Posted on by The Native

The perks of being a celebrity are huge: fame, free designer clothes, hot lovers and exotic locations on snapchat posts. And though the internet and social media has given everyone their moments of fame and sometimes even wealth, artists seem to enjoy the limelight more than most. T-Obay and Minz’s “My Nigga”  share some parts of this success story in the making, over the mid-tempo piano-led instrumentals on their new collaborations, “My Nigga”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbCntHUF_Zi/?taken-by=tobay_

Using a grass-to-grace narrative, “My Nigga” listens like a filter-free story on Minz and T-Obay’s climb to fame. Minz explains all the things he had to do; “Me I No Dey Sleep, I Dey Work/ Everyday I Struggle” before finally bragging about the rewards of his hustle; “When They See Me Ni Igboro/ All The Girls Wan Follow Me Go”. 

As opposed to the popular impression that celebrities lead harmful lifestyles that can influence the youth negatively, “My Nigga” is filled with positive messages. Even as T-Obay raps and brags, his verses are underlined with religious and quasi-spiritual references you can also hear on Minz’s contribution.

You can stream “My Nigga” by T-Obay and Minz below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/tobay_

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: Native tribe’s Minz has a story to tell the world

6 videos you need to see this week

Posted on by The Native

Dice Ailes – Otedola

Dice Ailes has proven to be one artists who won’t be boxed by genre definitions. Since his introduction as a Chocolate City recording artist in 2005, we’ve seen him go from spitting rap bars to radio friendly Afropop songs. And while the change has certainly improved his audience reach with over 500 views for the video for “Ella”, it’s hard to argue in favor of his critical appeal. However, his latest single, “Otedola” finds him blending both as he raps (sort of) over a decidedly Afropop beat. The video for the brand enthusiastic love number is directed by Tee Tash who shoots a classic Hip-hop video with hot models, a fancy ride and money showers.

Joey B – Chorkor Special

Joey B’s Darryl EP released earlier this year had some gems with features from Darkovibes, Odunsi and other artists from Africa. Bonus track from the tape, “Chorkor Special” is getting a video upgrade where he shows off his Adidas brand ambassadorship. Directed by Yaw Skyface, the video follows Joey B’s hunt for a love interest discovered online. Though most of the song is in his native Twi, his gestures and the few English words; “Protect Yourself” gives away the sex-ed theme of the upbeat track.

Snoop Dogg – Dis Finna Be A Breeze

Hip-hop has always represented the youth and urban community and what its stands for. So it’s not uncommon to find popular slang and memes reflected in hip-hop songs. Just as “This Could Be Us” added some pop culture points to Sremmlife album, Snoop Dogg is referencing Haha Davis’ “Dis Finna Be a Breeze” on his Make America Crip Again project. Only this time, the slang originator gets featured in the music video as Snoop schools the comic on a “Collision Course on Life”. They compete at video games, one on one hoops and blowing trees to find the last man standing. Needless to say, Haha Davis couldn’t take the heat.

Lil Kesh – Rora

There are certain things you can always count on in a party driven Lil Kesh song: Young John’s production, Yoruba infused pseudo-romantic lyrics and a bad bitch filled video. His latest single doesn’t go beyond the expected as TVToxic directs a classic Afropop video with models twerking and Lil Kesh performing in his signature shades. But it’s hard not to like Lil Kesh. I mean the kid knows what his fans want and has shown a dedication to keep them happy with his continuous releases.

Becca – Don’t Know Feat. Kofi Kinaata

The new video for Becca’s “Don’t Know” featuring Kinaata answers a question that is almost as old as time itself: How do you get the love of your life to get back to his more loving ways? In the case of Becca and Kinaata, the only solution can come from teary eyes and breaking glass-framed photos taken together. The video for “Don’t Know” off Becca’s Unveiling is directed by Director_Abass who transforms the Afropop breakup song into a mushy video with a happy ending.

Miguel – Told You So

Miguel has always been the go to guy for sex positive music but his latest album, War & Leisure seems to be broadening his themes into more conscious points. Quoted saying “With my albums, I always try to take a picture of what’s going on in my life. War & Leisure has political undertones, because that’s what life feels like right now.” And while the song produced by Happy Perez & Jeff Bhasker retains Miguel’s electronic sound and sex inclined lyrics, the special effect filled video containing riots, burning US flags and chaos feels like a reflection of a post-apocalyptic America.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Dice Ailes

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 Paybac’s grim video for “Mami Water”

If you’ve ever wondered what Space Sounds like, then this playlist by NASA is specially for you.

Posted on by The Native

“In space,  no one can hear you scream”  This is a well known theory, in fact so well known, it became the tagline for the 1979  sci-fi blockbuster  “Alien”. To a lot of us, the word space calls to mind someplace completely empty and devoid of any sound.  In space, there aren’t enough molecules for sounds to move through. This is true, but only to a point as according to Kiona Smith-Strickland, she suggests we can’t hear these sounds because the interstellar gas and dust left behind by old stars are so spread out and the resulting sounds are of a frequency so low the human ear can’t capture them. But all of that just changed,  thanks to NASA and the advances in Technology.

Just in time for the spooky season, with the help of spacecrafts capable of capturing radio emissions, NASA released a playlist of these emissions converted into a set of weird synth-like tracks  we can hear .  The 22-track playlist, named “Spooky Sounds from Across the Solar System,” contains 22 ambiguous sounds, ranging from “Beware of Jupiter’s Largest Moon Ganymede,” which sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi horror film, “Plasmapheric Hiss” which sounds like the wind moving through a stormy atmosphere,  to “Whistler Waves,” which feels like the perfect intro to a good indie song. over to “Stardust,” which actually sounds like rain falling on the roof of train with a kettle whistling in the background. And just when you think it doesn’t get any weirder, in comes “Cassini Saturn Emissions #1” emitting sounds that listens like what one may hear on a long fall into an infinite abyss.

Listen to the “Spooky Sounds from Across the Solar System” below

“Ifunaya is too queer to live, too rare to die” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

Best New Music: “Che Che” is a well-earned win for Mayorkun’s year long slow burn

Posted on by The Native

Given the conditions around the unexpected success of Mayorkun’s debut single, “Eleko” and his eventual signing to DMW in April of last year, the singer’s career seemed to be immediately under pressure for centre stage sustenance at its infancy.

Looking over his catalog now, underperforming cuts like “Yawa” and “Sade”, may immediately glean times where the Mayorkun formula didn’t get quite the anticipated reception. Collaborations with other spotlight acts like Davido, Mr Eazi and DJ Consequence amongst others have kept the singer within charted territory, laying the groundwork for the on-going success of his biggest track of the year, “Mama” .

But Mayorkun the artist is not all affiliation and no rap. Because popular music tends to populate the airwaves with similar sounds, quality Afropop is defined by an artist’s distinct style. And at first breath, you get the feel Mayorkun is an artist who understands the power of word arrangement and melody composition. In a sense, this could be said to be why some of his best works have been light-weight party anthems lined with short in-between stories that listen more like keen observations —like when he sings ‘I Know say the solution to all your problems na ego’ on “Mama”. Produced by Kiddominant, Mayorkun’s collaborator for “Mama”, “Che Che”, his latest single, is another highlight of the singer’s unironic flair.

The title “Che Che” is used as a contraction of some sort for the word ‘Check’, when Mayorkun sings, ‘Body on che che che, booty on che che che’. The trick works here, because Mayorkun picks up the melody set from therein using ‘Flee’ as a contraction for ‘Fleek’, when he goes ‘Makeup on flee flee flee, party all night night night’. Elsewhere Mayorkun sarcastically pokes fun at the runs girl hustle, popping overpriced bottles of Rosé and faking it till you make it. With the first half of the track sold on equal parts dance melody and colourful—albeit clunky—storytelling, Mayorkun makes the ultimate pop song of “Che Che” with a second verse where he seamlessly infuses a melody sample from Collie Buddz mid-2000s hit, “Mamacita”.

It’s definitely a tough call to say Mayorkun is underrated. In fact, for a man who shot to fame from relative obscurity in less than two years, it’s quite the marvel that he is still keeping the momentum going. His recent streak with “Mama”, and now “Che Che” , however, are the tellings of an understated hitmaker who should have been given more patience at the launch of his career.

Stream “Che Che” via Apple Music Below:

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

Best New Music: Niniola’s “Saro” is a sweet war cry sold as an energetic love song

Hear Bella Alubo’s energetic new single “Gimme Love”

Posted on by The Native

The EDM rush seems to be gaining fast on Nigerian Afropop, and boy is it a breath of fresh air from the mid-tempo hiplife-inspired arrangement that began gaining popularity since last year. From Wizkid’s EDM-based Sounds From The Other Side mixtape-album to Niniola’s recently released This Is Me debut, electronic synths and bass drops are now giving a glimpse into the next iteration of Afropop evolution. For rapper and singer, Bella Alubo, her new single, “Gimme Love” is a bold inclusion to Afropop music built on an electronic framework.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbCD5Shn2nA/?hl=en&taken-by=bellaalubo

Produced by QueBeat, the swinging drums on “Gimme Love” gives the impression it was intended as another Afro-Carribean dancehall-type track. However, given Bella’s paced vocals and a loud instrumental hook—complete with sound effects, vocal samples and bass thumps—“Gimme Love” thrives best when the rapper matches the house baseline with a somewhat hurried delivery.

Interestingly, despite a dance-inspired instrumentation that hints “Gimme Love” may be destined for club dancefloors, the track also suffices as one of the better-written femme-pop tracks released this year. Bella Alubo brings a potent mix of vulnerability and candour to the fore without flailing into cringe-worthy corniness or unoriginality.

Stream “Gimme Love” via SoundCloud below.

Fisayo is a journalist in search of words. Tweet at her @fisvyo

Bella And Ycee Are Surprisingly Good Singers On “Radio”

Wani is prayerful and optimistic on new track “Raining”

Posted on by The Native

Earlier last week, Wani announced his latest single, “Raining” via social media, sharing a preview of the track with NATIVE. “Raining” leaps out at you as Wani’s tribute to the mid-tempo hiplife-inspired percussion that has defined the Afropop of the last 12 month period and as the perfect pseudo-spiritual end of the year club banger.

Despite the upbeat baseline, on “Raining”, Wani veers towards grand ideas, hoping for better days and praying for protection by the almighty above. This is a welcome variation of light-weight dance music from a man whose growing catalog has only given us dance-inspired love tracks thus far. But it is most important that “Raining” is considered as a warm motivational number in view of new goals and resolutions that will be made in the fast-approaching new year.

Stream “Raining” below:

Fisayo is a journalist in search of words. Tweet at her @fisvyo

ICYMI: “Dante’s Awakening” continues PatricKxxLee’s Hip-hop evolution

Art X Lagos offers the music experience you didn’t know you needed

Posted on by The Native

Until a few weeks ago I had somehow never heard of Art X. A friend sent me a link to get the tickets and it only took a few moments to realise I had missed West Africa’s first international art fair of innovative contemporary art from Africa and the diaspora last year. Fortunately for me, founder and director, Tokini Peterside is still passionate about widening Nigeria’s connection to the contemporary art scene across Africa and the world. And after attending the rehearsals for the live music performance as a member of the press, I couldn’t be any more psyched to attend this year’s installment of the Art X showcase.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BabLf0uDNB4/?hl=en&taken-by=artxlagos

We were cramped in a dimly lit room surrounded by riveting art pieces: a black and white hyperrealistic painting of David Bowie, a bizarre cast of characters, hieroglyphic scribbles, hung sculptures and colorful theatrical sets. At the centre of all that madness were backup singers, manned keyboards, drums, 808s, and some of the more experimental musicians Nigeria has to offer; Wavy The Creator, LadiPoe and Tomi Thomas.

I got to the studio just in time to watch Wavy round up her set with a little jig that wasn’t as much of a dance as it was a synergy of her oneness with the energy in the room. Next came Poe who took center stage to spit some fire bars and Tomi Thomas followed on the same high-spirited note singing about sex and drugs. Producer, Ayo and some sound engineers present offered a few suggestions to work out some bugs they noticed with the sound arrangements before the DJ sets were given a go, backed by live vocals and instruments. Taken together, the sounds, the lyrics and art are an intense alternate universe of grimy magic, reflecting the mixture of irony and sincerity in Nigeria’s contemporary art scene.

Though musicians have always been considered artists and have occasionally tried to hijack the art world—most notably Jay Z’s video for “Picasso Baby”—both essentially represent the same culture and the tell stories of the same people. Some have criticized artistic themed videos and concept songs as being neither comfortably one thing or the other but Art X is blurring all lines distinguishing artistic expressions by putting the aesthetics of music into an art gallery setting. They are offering their audience the life and energy one would expect from such a sentimental attachment to youth culture. And the suburban mayhem of Wavy, Tomi Thomas and Poe’s live performance promises contemporary exotica for tourist appeal.

While it’s true that most people are coming to see some of the most rad art from Africa displayed in Nigeria, you can’t rule out that some just want to show up for the party. The inclusion of the live music sets ensures everyone experiences the art not as a mere observer but as a part of it. And since we can’t blame anyone for doubting the potency of Nigerian music as art, we’ve asked Poe, Wavy and Tomi Thomas to weigh in on the matter.

Poe: “There’s nothing wrong with being a recording artist. But I believe for you to really be able to call yourself an artist, you can’t be afraid to get on stage and perform your songs without autotune; that’s the way the music is meant to to be heard. And the overall vision of Art X bringing artists from all over Africa is amazing. It’s important for our stories to be heard. Everyone is coming to experience something new and it’s the best place to say ‘This Is Who I Am And This Is What I Stand For’. A lot of musicians can draw and have an appreciation of aesthetic. Art is not black and white.”

Wavy The Creator: “I mostly don’t write, so for every song it’s just me expressing how I’m feeling in the moment. Performing live gives you an opportunity to show more of the creative art side. Because you can be as free as you want to and make new sounds (I’m thinking freestyle). Art and music complement each other cause you can picture what you hear and if you see a video relating to a song you appreciate the song more.”

Tomi Thomas: “I believe if you listen, just as you’ll have your own impression of a painting, music is subjective. For me it’s a real life theatrical display of words coming to manifestation. But for another person, they may see it as having to do with something personal with them. Art is creation, everyone is an artist. I just want to play my music and if people appreciate it enough to call me to play, I’m grateful.”

If you’ve always considered Nigerian music as 2D, incorporating other senses makes it 3D. Maybe this performance is a sound piece that lives in the Civic Centre venue for Art X on the 4th and 5th of November. You don’t want to miss it.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/artxlagos

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’

Nasty C and Tellaman team up for new single, “Dance”

Posted on by The Native

Rap crews and studio wizards have long known that hit songs come when you capture the vibe of friends wildin’ out and crystallize their energy as sound. Fortunately for solo artists, there’s no rule stopping them from collaborating on tracks and even joint tapes. Given Nasty C and Tellaman’s shared apartment, it’s safe to say they share a bromance stronger than Jay Z and Kanye did on ‘Watch The Throne’. Their latest collaborative effort, “Dance”, continues their earnest affair.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbBv5s3AZtb/?hl=en&taken-by=nasty_csa

The single word, “Dance”, title alone is a kind of litmus test, giving away the intensity of the song before the accordion and orchestral violin harmonies start. The oddly mellow Trap sound, and all its variations, is one of the best things you hear on “Dance” ; a cue to get ready because Nasty C and Tellaman immediately let loose on synths and drum kicks, for 4 full minutes of pure trap-soul bliss.

This isn’t a song with high minded ideas if you don’t agree that jewelry and swag could be considered a show of black excellence. Tellaman’s grass to grace tale is relateable enough but Nasty C’s verse, personifying his junk and referring to it as “Little Man”, distracts from his introspection. Tillman doesn’t care either, finding the essential feeling at the heart of “Dance” and amplifying it on the last verse. Singing “I Make Her Dance Like A Diamond/ Ain’t Worried About No Alcohol, I Got A Rider/ What Will They Do Without Us I Really Wonder”, the fumes clear to reveal the apparent stripclub location of the song.

You can stream “Dance” by Nasty C and Tellaman below.

https://soundcloud.com/sahiphopmusicblog/nasty-c-dance-ft-tellaman

Featured Image Credits: Twitter/real_tellaman

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: Rage with PatricKxxLee on his energetic single, “Run”

Tiwa Savage returns with Video for “Malo” featuring Wizkid

Posted on by The Native

Tiwa Savage has recently released the video to “Malo”, a track off her Sugarcane EP , featuring Wizkid.  Fresh off the album’s official release, “Malo” received positive raves from critics and fans owing to it’s perfectly sexy flavor.  With Tiwa’s ability to curate songs that feel anthemic and has catchy choruses, for her albums.  it’s no secret,  she is considered one of Nigeria’s best artists, and has enjoyed quite an amount of success in the industry. But oftentimes it feels like there is, a difference between Tiwa the curator/singer and Tiwa the performer, a contrast an avid fan would notice, in, not just her video progression, but her concerts as well. Her newly released “Malo” to an extent, also proves that,  for Tiwa the performer, there’s more room for Improvement.

The video directed by Meji Alabi, boasts an upbeat lifestyle vibe, in a tropical shrine setting.  Tiwa and Wizkid carry out that concept, with the former showing off her sultry fashion forward style, by dressing in dark and bright hued outfits, accentuated with bright colored wigs. And the latter serving some serious  looks, straight off a bad boy’s wardrobe.  At some point, Tiwa steps out too in leather, kinda matching outfits with Wizkid. This perhaps is in reference to “Bonnie and Clyde” mentioned in the song.

As a pleasant three minute visual vacation, it’s nice, notable mostly, for every poly-chromatic look Tiwa delivered in addition to the sheer thrill of seeing African’s baddest girl and Starboy in a video. Compared to it’s trailer though, some would think it a little underwhelming.  But “Malo” is the kind of song, that continuously plays in your head, after the first listen, with that “Roboskeske, Roboske” ad-lib, and just like not knowing what that means, doesn’t stop you from singing it when the beat drops, then not having unlimited data shouldn’t stop you from watching the video below.

“Ifunanya is too queer to live and too rare to die” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

 

Tiwa Savage finally let us hear her take on Gender Equality

Watch Juls’ video for “After Six”, featuring Tomi Agape and Santi

Posted on by The Native

We’ve always marveled at the paradoxical strength of Tomi Agape’s soft spoken vocals. Her eclectic blend of R&B and the more diffused and monetized variations of it (think Chris Brown) has carve out a place for her in Afropop’s more romantic niches.

Released earlier this year, “After Six” off  Juls’ Leap of Faith EP hinted at her singular deftness for making other featured artists seem forgettable. Her enchanting vocals and control over the piano led ballad produced to resemble the droning of synths with guitar licks and house drums push Juls trademark caribbean-tinged-Afropop to the margins of glossy electro-pop. And while you could argue that Santi only had the one verse and he was quite competent, Tomi Agape’s dominance showed her prominence and a promise of longevity. A prophecy now fulfilled in Juls’ recently released video for “After Six (Black Girl Magic)”.

Directed by Tshisz Nelson who also directed “Early”, the video for “After Six (Black Girl Magic)” finds DJ Juls playing DJ at a photoshoot for Tomi Agape and her squad. Shot in a dark and aging building where Juls holds up a lamp to see, Tomi Agape is shown performing in the company of the girls who pose and dance when Juls eventually finds the DJ turntable and spins some records.

The ‘pseudo-girls only’ theme of the video leaves Tomi Agape with the task of lip syncing to Santi’s vocals which she does without missing a beat. Given Nonso Amadi’s no show on “Early” and Tomi Agape’s undeniable edge on the track, Santi’s absence isn’t as shocking as it could have been.

Stream the video for Juls’ “After Six (Black Girl Magic)” featuring Tomi Agape and her squad.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/DJ Juls

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’ ‘Leap of Faith’ debut

Chiwetel Ejiofor to join Beyonce, Earl James and others in Disney’s The Lion King

Posted on by The Native

Hakuna matata – what a wonderful phrase!

Show me someone who’s never watched The Lion King, and I will show you the rock they’ve been living under. I mean that in the most humble way.  And before the intellectuals go off on how much every other Disney movie is, a basic iteration of princesses, or how movies like Aladdin are pretty superficial, and the feminists go off on Disney’s depiction of women, referencing the Cinderellas and the Auroras, I would love to first of all say that, it is okay to enjoy things without getting scholarly about it, and while there are the Elsas, Mulans and the Tianas  who are, however subconsciously, instilling in young girls the idea that you can be independently empowered.  In the heart of it all, there are also the Lion Kings, or rather there is The Lion King.

For a lot of us, The Lion King stood out because, it dealt with issues like death, grief, vengeance, giving up a life of comfort to save something that no one else even thinks is worth saving anymore. Not for glory or for love but because it’s right, which is what growing up really means.  And for a kid’s movie these are pretty much substantial subjects. I fall under the group of people who, no matter how many times a Disney classic is remade, will watch it like it’s brand new.  you can only imagine my joy at the news of a remake of this 1994 Disney classic “The Lion King” and what’s more, the cast is simply legendary, with the Iconic John Kani, Alfre Woodard, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Childish Gambino, Dr Earl James, and the legendary Beyonce. amongst other, you can perhaps see why this might grow to become the most anticipated movies of 2019, if only for it’s inclusive cast.

 

In days of old, white actors pretty much played every lead role, irrespective of the true nationality or race of the portrayed Hero/Heroine. so if you’re wondering, why Disney decided to go all the way out, by predominantly casting African Americans for The Lion King remake. I’ll tell you the reason is perhaps, because they came under fire on social media after they tried casting a white person to play Chinese character Mulan, so they’re trying to do better, or because Jada Pinkett-Smith and other actors have in the last few months called out the entertainment industry on their racial discrimination against black actors and directors. but whatever the reason, it is obvious that Disney has gotten much more progressive with their castings [Think Mena Massoud: Aladdin]. and until The Lion King actually hits our screen, with Chiwetel singing the most Iconic villain song, we’re saying “Be Prepared”.

Akon and Sophy Aiida set to host AFRIMA 2017

Posted on by The Native

It’s almost the end of the year, the time when many artists sit down to reflect on their accomplishments, scrutinizing every decision made so far,for improvement. And as every year, artists put out small and large scale projects spurred by personal ambition and internal struggle, it’s only right that there are existing platforms dedicated to recognizing the creative work of these artists and applauding them for pushing boundaries of their work.  AFRIMA is one of those.  Earlier this year the nominations for the 4th edition of All African Music Award was announced, spanning over 34 countries and recently in a statement made by African Union commission, Senegalese-American singer Akon will work alongside Cameroonian TV host Sophy Aiida to host the event which will take place from 10-12th of November in Lagos, Nigeria.

  • SOPHY AIIDA

Hosting major events is no new feat for Sophy Aiida, the young french artist of Cameroonian origin. As she has already worked on the presentation of several cultural events around the globe, Including Kora Awards (Abidjan 2012) and Gospel Festival (2017). Sophy is also famous in the film industry for movies like “Unwanted Guest” (2012) and known for her charitable project “Nakande” a non-profit that aims to promote girl child education and female leadership.

  • AKON

Not only is he a Grammy award winning, multi-talented artist, whose’s originality earned a spot in Guinness Book as the Number 1 selling master of ringtones, Akon is also a philanthropist with his project “Konfidence Initiative” supports underprivileged Africans, and with “Light Africa Project” has been able to change the lives of thousands of Africans in 15 Countries, by providing Electricity  and this earned him the 5th spot on Forbes’ list of 40 most powerful  African celebrities.

Akon and Sophy together will handle event proceedings of the live broadcast award, which is aimed at celebrating the rich musical heritage of the African continent. The award show is scheduled to air live, on over 109 television stations in 84 countries.

Get your tickets here and while at it, Vote here

“Ifunanya is too queer to live and too rare to die” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

 

Africa taking over

Simi wants to shake things up with her “SEE ME LIVE” concert at the Hard Rock Cafe

Posted on by The Native

Since the release of her sophomore album, ‘Simisola’,  Nigerian pop singer and X3M Music signed artist, Simi, has enjoyed unprecedented success on the charts. The album which is currently going strong at number 2 on iTunes, peaked at number 5 on Billboard Worldwide Music chart,  and held top spot on both Apple music, and iTunes chart for three consecutive weeks.

One need only listen to the lead single “Joromi”, to understand why this album is an instant favorite on both local, and international radio airwaves.   Because simply saying ‘Thank you’,  is sometimes never enough, Simi has decided to show her appreciation for all the love and support her album received from her  fans, by treating them, to a live concert at Hard Rock Café on November 26th.

X3M ,  one of the  record labels on the front-line of the quiet revolution sweeping through Africa’s most populous nation has collaborated with Eclipse Live Africa, a platform created with the intention of providing live, affordable and accessible entertainment to African youth, through creativity,  and technology to make this happen.  The concert, titled   “See Me Live” , promises to bring an energizing, yet intimate, live experience to the Lagos entertainment scene.  With Simi performing the chart-topping album  ‘Simisola’ , a live band called the Banjos and support from a few special guest artists. It sure sounds like the people of Lagos are about to be swept off their feet literally in what promises to be a memorable performance and an unforgettable experience.

Doors open: 7pm | Show starts: 8pm.

what are you waiting for?  get your tickets here

“Ifunanya is too queer to live and too rare to die” Tweet at her @Iphynaya

 

Bringing Simi’s debut album to life.

Essentials: Niniola distills her sound on debut album, ‘This Is Me’

Posted on by The Native

House music has become a force that even the Nigerian mainstream can’t resist; from Olamide to Wizkid and CDQ, everyone seems to be dipping a foot in that pool. The synth based genre helped push the narrative that Afropop artists aren’t afraid to experiment with new sounds and Niniola’s singles are the best example of what a mix of Nigerian sensibilities and house sounds like; it stretches and softens, creating a distinct sonic identity that elevated her over the dabblers. Singles like “Jigi Jigi” comprised of her glistening melody over the synthesised beats that are vaguely reminiscent of old music, but refigured to the point that it seems nearly otherworldly. But while many expected her debut to provide us with a ‘proper’ house album, Niniola’s debut merely pays homage to the genre. This Is Me is Niniola; the vocalist and confessional singer-songwriter, not the poster girl for Nigeria’s campaign for sonic experimentation.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba6_lgBhJQi/?hl=en&taken-by=officialniniola

Working with 8 different producers; Johnny Drille, Sarz, Legendury Beatz, ODH, DJ Berry/Natialo, Raheem Bale, Kuseim, and Ill Keyz over the 13-track album, Niniola relies heavily on her enchanting vocals to hold the album together. And it does. Opening track, “Moyo” for instance is produced by Johnny Drille who has penchant for folk rock harmonies. But given Niniola’s folk Yoruba style melodies, she doesn’t strain to match the decelerated pace of the guitar riffs and pianos.

Second track, “Oyin” is even more mellow produced by DJ Berry/Natialo with 90’s R&B harmonies that highlight Niniola’s songwriting and powerful vocals. The tough-but-sensual slow jam finds her laying bare her heart and ghostly detailing her emotions; “Do You Know I’m All Yours/ I’m Loving You Just Like That” as the guitars, synths and Niniola’s vocals float into an harmonic atmosphere.

Pre-released singles, “Maradona” and “Sicker” sit in the midpoint section of This Is Me, surrounded by other Afro-House tracks where Niniola asserts her dominance as the queen of the genre. Best New Music feature, “Saro” stood out for its inventive sampling and reference to Fela’s Kalakuta Republic, but the charisma on “Magun” is just as deserving of the status as she builds on her reputation for spinning sexuality into something that is honest-to-God enough to dispel any hint of lewdness.

In 2017, no album feels complete without some international feature or the other and This Is Me offers Davin Di Dakta from Jamaica. His feature on “You” produced by UK producer, Raheem Bale adds more character to the sexual tension on the album with his Reggae infused caribbean flow and patois lyrics. The EDM beat has no trace of African sounds but the warmth of Niniola’s voice and the passions she uses it to stoke seem defiant to the mechanistic grooves that house them.

Though the dance flourish on This Is Me is undeniable and passionate, Niniola goes beyond that and offers a series of intimate songs about love, betrayal and the occasional emotional insecurity. It’s dreamy but neutral in its expression. You can stream This Is Me below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/officialniniola

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: NATIVE gets up close with Niniola

TheBlackEsper’s “All Na Packaging” is exactly what its title suggests

Posted on by The Native

On “All Na Packaging”, TheBlackEsper toes a line between monological satire and monotony. Throughout the track, he leans in to a sense of narrative and drama even as his words lay bare a set of intra– and interpersonal anxieties. While he does this, an intermittent dialogue with his co-worker on the track summons a degree of theatrical informality.

Here, all the key players give us a dose of the reality, where people are more concerned with how they are perceived as opposed to who they really are. Nanzoo’s production follows a singular path between synths and drums and the mixing and mastering manoeuvred by Mockingbird, transitions from these synths and drums into an interrogative, aggressive digitized voice — as such you hear on the 50-second mark.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Baa_wy5lWoO/?taken-by=lordmok

Despite the circumstances TheBlackEsper lays forth on “All Na Packaging”, we can’t judge people who live pretend lives exclusively without admitting some of our own biases. Thematically, finding one self a little lost might be more or less the point. While its title is obviously steeped in the lore of pretence, “All Na Packaging” sounds exactly like that: teasing and contempt directed at his audience. BlackEsper and his friend giving commentary here seemingly also play victims of this pretence.

“All Na Packaging” comes after TheBlackEsper’s “Lost in Love”, released four months ago. It captures the zeitgeist of Falz’ “Something Light”, with plenty of exclusiveness and some new tricks.

Take a moment to listen to it below.

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@theblackesper

Fisayo is a journalist in search of words. Tweet at her @fisvyo

ICYMI: “Dante’s Awakening” continues PatricKxxLee’s Hip-hop evolution