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”

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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’

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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

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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

Lupita Nyong’o to star in “Little Monsters”

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It’s been exactly 6 months since the casts of Black Panther returned from the fictional village of Wakanda.  As expected many of the cast are either taking a break from acting, or taking on low budget scripts to keep in shape, till a bigger script comes along. And Lupita Nyong’o falls under the latter.

The A-list actress who is in talks to star in “Charlie’s Angels” reboot. and rumored to co-star with your favorite Bajan, Rihanna,  in an underground heist movie written by Issa Rae (Insecure) and directed by Ava DuVernay (Selma) has recently landed a role in “Little Monsters” and nope I don’t mean Lady Gaga’s fans.

Starring alongside Josh Gadd (Beauty and The Beast), and Alexander England (Alien Covenant).  Lupita plays the role of Ms Caroline, a school teacher.  And Alexander plays Dave, a vanquished musician who goes on his nephew’s school trip, and falls in love with Ms Caroline.  But his intentions are entangled by the presence of Ted McGiggle (Gadd).  A world famous kids show personality, who also has a crush on Ms Caroline. this sounds like a seemingly harmless romantic comedy.  But then everything escalated with a sudden Zombie outbreak, and they have to come together to protect the kids.

The movie is written and directed, by Australian Director Abe Forsythe, who is famous for his thought provoking movie “Down Under”.  in partnership with Snoot Entertainment and Made Up stories.  it’s been confirmed, production for Little Monsters is well underway this month, in Sydney, and Screen Australia is said to be backing the project.

Looks like 2018 is going to be a good year for fans of Lupita with Black Panther hitting the screens come February and now Little Monsters in what promises to offer relief and possibly love in the midst of chaos and terror. For the actress who was once named Most Beautiful Woman on Earth by People’s Magazine, it’s only fitting that she plays the part.

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

 

Speaking out against all the Weinsteins

Show Dem Camp’s Tec teams up with Mojeed and Spax for “Voices”

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Show Dem Camp songs have always been the doorway between the dark of this world and the promised light of another. While their rapping stays true to Hip-hop’s showy narrative, Ghost and Tec prefer to drape themselves in the Afropop’ feel good vibe. And no song better exemplifies this curious balance of sweetness and coarseness than Tec’s new single, “Voices” featuring Mojeed and Spax.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba2GauxAik7/?taken-by=showdemcamp

Mojeed and Tec deliver a verse each rapping about some of their accomplishments. But with lines like “Mi O Wo Chain Oni Panda” and “I Told The Bouncer ‘I’m Faded, What?” respectively, we are spared from bloated and over-budget gloats with no sense of fun. The playful effect suggests a fender-bender between Tec and Mojeed with only Spax’s production as witness.

The Afrobeat inspired piano led instrumental Spax produces with base guitar riffs, horn samples and vocal samples gives Tec the context to make a subtle reference to the recent affront to pop style rappers. He puts all introspection aside for a pan-regional song about “Chics Go(ing) Nut”, “Ball(ing) Hard” and “Party(ing) Nonstop”. And while “Voices” isn’t Drake’s “Back To Back”, there’s no denying that having a good time and remaining oblivious to the haters is the ultimate comeback.

Listen to “Voices” by Tec, Mojeed and Spax below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/showdemcamp

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

ICYMI: Check out all the essentials from SDC’s latest tape, ‘Palmwine Music Vol. 1’

DarkoVibes’ “Shutdown” is a steady burner

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“Shutdown” viewed alongside the finely tuned richness of DarkoVibes’ excellent releases this year, is a steady burner. But while the focus is still very much on the mundane, he goes beyond the club driven story arc of the dancehall genre to send some warnings to haters; “Me Goons Go Turn Your House Into A Mine”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba3noXUgFJs/?taken-by=darkovibes

Produced by N O V A, “Shutdown” is lush with a trance-inducing atmosphere achieved through the quirky reggaeton inspired organ percussion of the beat. It’s followed by the intensity of Darko’s “Aye, Look!”—a boom that sounds like a radio finding the right frequency—as he rides the riddim of the deep bass with echoed chords and the dub flourish of straight reggae. The beat’s mellow yet peppy harmonies are catchy enough to run a dance singlehandedly and DarkoVibes’ doesn’t try to impose but rather seems to play guide on the reggae cruise.

He sings his squad’s praises for the most part—“We Are Go Shutdown London, Malam To Accra”—but keeping the vibe going appears to be the main focus. The repetitive looped samples never get boring thanks to his vocal manipulation of pitches, speeding up his flow or slowing it down to suit the beat.

The dancehall harmonies paired with Darko’s patio vocals makes “Shutdown” the most straightforwardly satisfying of his recent productions. Listen to “Shutdown” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/darkovibes

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 DarkoVibes’ raunchy video for “Tomorrow”

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

Posted on by The Native

It was literally painstaking to choose the Best New Track from either Falz’ 27 or Niniola’s new album, This Is Me, two projects that dropped over the weekend and in the new week. Picking Niniola’s This Is Me, didn’t narrow down the selection to a handful of options either. Though primarily set on Afro-house, This Is Me threads around traditional R&B, Afropop and African Folk music amongst other divergent sounds, to converge at the wispiness of Niniola’s feather-light vocals and her poetry-infused songwriting. Niniola naturally uses a combination of Afropop’s genre-blending and electronic experimentations, thus it’s not hard to imagine an artist that constantly seeks inspiration from so far and wide will eventually lose the plot somewhere in the mix. Yet, with a tracklist of expertly composed energetic Afro-house songs, her long-awaited debut might as well be one of the most sonically cohesive projects of the year.

Like many tracks on This Is Me—however, inverted and (or) layered with Niniola’s pseudo-sexual references—“Saro” also tells a love story, it’s brilliance, however, is in presentation. Sarz who has been a complementing Robin to Niniola’s Batman for the past two years is credited for the purposefully bass-heavy percussive production on “Saro”. The track itself is recorded like a pulsating war cry, an energetic tribute—sort of—to freedom era music. Some of this symbolism surfaces when Niniola calls for solidarity, clamours for fire and pays homage to Fela’s Kalakuta Republic. It is noteworthy to mention here that one of reasons sampling is finicky in this part of the world is due to the low scale for inventiveness. Niniola’s “Saro” boasts of reaching for nostalgic elements without petering modern ideas at the salacious altar of lyrical sampling, a pitfall even her more celebrated contemporaries could not resist on “Sweet Love” by Wizkid, or “IF” and “Fall” by Davido.

Niniola has been self-proclaiming herself as the queen of Afro-house for a minute now, and “Saro” is a highlight of peak mastery and craftsmanship needed to validate such title/crown.

Stream Niniola’s “Saro” below.

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

5 Essentials Of Niniola You’ve Probably Been Sleeping On

6 videos you should see this week

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Terry Apala – Palongo Feat. Haruna Ishola

It’s always fascinating to see how the classic indigenous genres have survived in today’s heavily western-influenced era of pop music in Africa. Fela’s Afrobeat remains relevant through his immortalized legacy prompting his samples on contemporary songs from across the world. But for Apala music, Terry Apala’s fusion of trap with the traditional genre means Apala music will live on for at least another few years. His latest single, “Palongo” brings his cultural influences into the limelight with the feature of Haruna Wusiliu Ishola and a video referencing the dance tropes from his era. Duets bring out the best in most artists, but there’s something special about it when the collaboration is between a veteran and a newbie. Both share a chemistry on the song reminding everyone Apala is also one of good places to turn for good Nigerian music.

Joey  Bada$$ –  BBC Radio 1’s Piano Series

Released back in April, Joey Bada$$’s ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and is Joey’s highest-charting project to date. The Brooklyn raised rapper’s critical and mass appeal has continued to grow exponentially since his debut with 1999 and for his feature on BBC Radio 1’s “Piano Series”, he paid tribute to New York’s rap icons; Jay Z and Nas. Backed by Dave who provides the piano-rendition of “Dead Presidents” off Jay Z’s Reasonable Doubt tape, Joey Bad$$ mashes-up his verse from “Amerikkkan Idol” with hook pulled from Nas’ “The World Is Yours”. The combination of the three highlights the vibrant hip-hop culture in New York as he continues in the conscious light of the greats before him speaking on social justice and the lack of it.

M.I – You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives

Say what you will about Mr Incredible’s “YRSFUYL”, but it got the attention he wanted. He might not be in the best position to criticize anyone for compromising lyrical content for commercial credibility but “You Rappers Need To Fix Up Your Lives” proves M.I still knows how to keep Hip-hop in popular conversation; even if he has to throw himself under the bus in the process. Rapping “I’m Doing This For The Culture” leaves room for the possibility of this parody premise yet it still inspired reactions from hip-hop heads in Nigeria. Vader, the most recent winner of the Hennessy Artistry among others (Dremo would rather you “Fix Up Your Bank Account”) have replied MI’s cry for attention. And in case you missed it, the recently released video directed by Clarence Peters emphasises MI’s pseudo-emeritus narrative with imageries of resurrection.

Migos – Culture Tour in Durban and Johannesburg

Drake’s verse on “Versace” may have put Migos on the map, but their debut album has seen the trio grow to become international sensations. The album’s world tour brought them to Nigeria late last year where they also shot the video for “Call Casting”. South African also got to experience the “Bad and Boujee” hit makers this month with the two-legged event in Durban and Johannesburg but while the show was highly anticipated by fans, the Ticket Dome in Johannesburg had delay hiccups. The Durban concert at the International Convention Centre, however, sold out and made up for it with performance by Nasty C and Riky Rick and other South African rappers.

Junior Boy – My Prayer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmzU5Ujgcp8

Since breaking big with his career-defining “Irapada 2.0” Junior Boy has gotten the type of acceptance that advanced him from curiosity to superstar. His latest single, “My Prayer” attempts to remind show everyone he’s not just another one hit wonder with his catchy and repetitive flow over the mid-tempo beat Phantom produces. Continuing with his fame seeking narrative, he is logging a follow-up to galvanize the listener base at retail. But while “Irapada 2.0” featured 9ice and had more chemistry and fun, “My Prayer” is more sincere and prayerful. The recently released video that Unlimited LA’s directs accentuates this through religious symbols and a all together serene ambience.

Marshmallow – Silence Feat. Khalid

After bringing the “Silence”, Marshmallow and Khalid get loud and bring light to the darkness in their music video. Khalid’s somber vocals are reflected through the several shots of despair that show the harsh realities suffered around the world; argumentative disputes, eviction letters, and confrontations with police. But the uplifting EDM harmonies shed some light to dark realities with the colorful visuals and aesthetically satisfying neon colors.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/MI Abaga

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

ICYMI: Check out our roundup of videos from Nigerian pop culture this October

Not.Nilc turns to some good ol’ slut shaming on “Is You A Hoe”

Posted on by The Native

The world is vastly different place than it was when majority black musical genres like hip-hop and R&B first rose from fringe genres to the mainstream. Back then, there was a lot of oppression and oppressive ideologies around race, gender and sexuality that were inadvertently woven into the narratives championed by these genres and then subsequently promoted into the mainstream. The change might have come, but it certainly missed singer Not.Nilc.

Few tropes have remained as pervasive as the backward expectations and stereotypes about female sexuality the majority male musicians in these genres spread through their music. Women were separated into two distinct categories; the good girl who was praised her for her humility and subservience to her man and her willingness to ‘hold him down’ even when he stayed largely irresponsible and sexually promiscuous. The other category was the ‘hoe’, a woman who embraced her sexuality and treated sex the same way the men who made and listened to this music did. The hoe was desired because she had no hang ups about sex, but she was also punished for daring to enjoy sex and actively pursue it.

Not.Nilc’s new single “Is You A Hoe?” is pretty literal, the entire song revolves around the singer’s musing about the sex life of his new lover, who he specifies he met in a club. He is ready to go serious but he needs to know if she’s had sex with people other than him, you know if she’s a hoe? He wants her to be demure and asks her friends if she’s a virgin, suggests that she’s looking at him ‘thirsty’ and then in the very next verse asking that she ‘show him’ if she really is interested in him. It feels as though perhaps Not.Nilc should be evaluating his own life and decisions instead of projecting on the subject of the song. It’s pretty sad that Not.Nilc chosen this lazy approach to songwriting because the production on “Is You A Hoe?” is pretty rad.

What a waste of a great instrumental.

Listen to “Is You A Hoe?” here .

Edwin eats his rice and cabbages. Tweet at him@edgothboy

Listen: Nova goes the lo-fi route with King Zamir for ‘Maddness’

Ayo Awosika’s “You’re The One” : An Ode to Nigeria

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Gone are the days Africa and her culture were portrayed as destitute, and unethical to Africans in diaspora. Here to stay are the days of Africa and her culture getting the recognition, and representation they rightfully deserve in Western mainstream. With the rising popularity of western artists incorporating Afro-beats. it’s no secret that the music industry lent a hand, towards achieving the aforementioned goal. The result of the intercultural success has led to artists putting their creativity to test in search of new ways to bring to us the best of both worlds. And on this sonic level, Ayo Awosika’s “You are the one” was produced. But the lyric came to her on a more personal note.

The journey which started from The States to Nigeria back to The States, birthed the lyrics to ‘’You are the one”. In an interview with Essence, Ayo described the inspiration for the lyrics as “ A labour of Love”, born from an inner desire to satiate the hunger in her soul, the hunger for home.
For the multi talented artist, having the spotlight on her is nothing new. As she has worked with quite a number of impressive pop culture celebrities. Like Chris Martin (of Coldplay), The Chainsmokers, Seun Kuti. Has performed on The Today’s show, The Tonight’s Show, The Voice, and is currently a background singer for pop princess Miley Cyrus. Ayo may have a pretty impressive references but more notably is her remarkably good single

“You’re The One” opens with just the right combination of jazz and pop, to get our heads swaying before moving in for the kill. With her soulful vocals, giving off the aura of someone who isn’t afraid to experiment on sounds and sing it like she feels it. Ayo tells her story, but she could very well be telling the stories of millions of foreigners, with a desire to trace their way back to their ancestral homes. If they could. “I’ve been looking for you, a home I never knew, cos I never got to choose”.  she sings from experience, the total satisfaction that comes from satisfying this desire.  As she goes “You are the one I want, been waiting for this so long” .   Each one of her emotional explorations, perfectly expressed, by the instrumental flourishes and vocal shift.  And just when you think it doesn’t get any better, the chorus sang in Yoruba launches into a’ Afro-beat meets pop’ kind of organic feel. Underlain with the talking drums, serving us just the right amount of Nigerian culture. She ends this ode like a faithful lover, who’s finally found someone worthy of her attention. “I’m coming back to you”

True to her words, Ayo Awosika has started an organization “Naija Girl Tribe”. One she promises would be dedicated to the youth of Nigeria, particularly girls. with a vision to nurture and help them realize their life goals.

You should stream You’re The One” below

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

Fridays just got better with Omagz’ playlist “229 Friday”

Posted on by The Native

Put into consideration the crazy number of artists that spring up each day in the music industry, throw in the fact that in this era of ever evolving popular culture, there are more accessible streaming sites for endless selection of new music, then you’ll realize it’s no surprise that a lot of singers and rappers easily get lost in the fold. But with the tactics of consistency and preemptiveness, some artists get to actualize their dreams of making it big and that exactly is what singer Omagz is doing.

After a series of collaborations and his 2016 EP Young Magazine racked up an impressive number of plays on SoundCloud. Omagz took a short hiatus, and returned this year with two singles “Óshó Free” featuring Genio Bambino and “What You Like“ featuring Wavy the Creator. Where he showed us, he had the prowess to get better and better. And as a reaffirmation to that testament,  Omagz is switching it up a bit by curating a playlist called “229 Friday” . Which he promises would be updated with new releases every Friday, just in time for the weekend. How sway.

To get you through the week, in anticipation for the next. “Motives” the first song on “229 Friday” has officially been released. Featuring Zamir, the track mimics the ocean, falling and rising and falling back into the chorus.  As the artist sings about heart desires “deep down I wanna be loved” . And the result of baring your soul to undeserving people “I never shoulda shown the real me” .  While holding out that his lover, or perhaps anyone would realize his worth.   As he confirms he knows exactly how to please in “I know what you like” .  Amidst the light piano harmonies playing over the drums with a backdrop flourish. So soothing you could almost close your eyes and get carried away in the sonic aesthetics of “Motives” .
Their youthful delivery, complete with relatable lyrics filled with sentiments.  Serve to remind us that great songwriting and youthful energy, are always in fashion.  And for Omagz we can truthfully say, it’s only up from here, no downward spiral.
Listen to “Motives” below

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

WafflesNCream partied with Surf Ghana in Elle Lokko and it was rad

Posted on by The Native

The passion they say runs deep like the ocean, it flows, and it grows. On the issue of travelling creatively as well as physically, WafflesNCream, the first skate and surf collective in Nigeria paid a visit to the Gold coast, to skate in the streets, sell some of their creatively crafted merchandise as well as make connections and network with other like minds like themselves, especially Surf Ghana their sister collective (Surf Ghana is also the first skating and surfing collective in Ghana).

There is an entrepreneurial wave sweeping through the world right now and Africa as no plans to be left out this time. A good number of shows of festivals that have been celebrated in the past few months are enough to let us know that Africa is expanding creatively from the inside out and soon there will be an outflow that will cover the streets and change the way outsiders look at Africa forever. Good examples are these collectives and creative groups springing up from the ground and developing exponentially to do great creatively crafted exploits.

What happens in Lokko stays in Lokko but I care to share a few, there were drinks, music, fun WafflesNCream skateboards and merch and loud chatter. It smelt like teen spirit and happiness pressed down and shaken together.

 

Processed with VSCO with h4 preset

 

ICYMI: Surf Ghana brought surf and skate to the Gold Coast

Adekunle Gold’s “Money” offers a neon-trimmed portal into his coming album

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Considering the very healthy run of indigenous pop hits on radio so far in 2017, we’re willing to bet that Adekunle Gold’s chances of continuing the trend are very high. His debut with Gold saw him become a fan favorite with his close attention to home friendly themes. And thought his latest release, “Money” stays true to his native Juju sound, Pheelz—“Mr Producer”—add elements of European house harmonies; fusing the traditional with international.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bag2tGDg0-j/?hl=en&taken-by=adekunlegold

Opening with drum and guitar riffs lifted from Robin Schultz remix of Mr Probz’s “Waves”, “Money” seemed destined for recycle bins where covers go to die. But The 79th Element, Adekunle Gold’s band quickly morph and expunge most of the foreign samples for more native driven guitar riffs. And while there are still traces of foreign elements in the beats that listen like they belong somewhere on a Major Lazer tape, Adekunle Gold’s spiritual narrative in a mixture of Yoruba and pidgin English emphasizes his indigenous aesthetic.

His prayerful lyrics—“Oluwa Visit Me, I Dey Wait Oh”—are reminiscent of his 2015 hit single, “Pick Up”. While it was popular in Nigeria, it wasn’t among the recent slew of hits that made rounds around the globe. The blend of international sounds on “Money” suggests that his coming album, About 30 may have a more global outlook. But we’ll have to wait and see.

You can stream “Money” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/adekunlegold

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

Adekunle Gold’s video for “Call On Me” is everything you’ve come to expect from the artsy artist

2 Face may not have matched the excellent Face 2 Face but he’s still doing the legend thing anyway

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Though 2 Face has been fairly active as an artist and a label owner since his 2004 solo debut with Face 2 Face, a follow up classic has failed to materialize. His pleasant enough releases have been obscured by his inability to separate his often scandalous lifestyle from his music with songs alluding to personal strife. The introspection on songs like “Implication” may have worked in hip-hop’s down-to-earth soundscape but for a party driven pop song, it listens like a clumsy hybrid.

Straddling the political and the personal into music is probably the most obvious hack to earn the seemingly prestigious tag as a conscious artist. But by ditching the sonic signifiers that made him popular in favour of something thicker and more complex, 2 Face diluted his charm and all the while raising the standard expected of him. And not to knock his ambition, but he never managed to execute well enough to reach his goals—stunts like marketing his Unstoppable album for international audience was a classic case of flying too close to the sun and getting burned.

After releasing a string of forgettable singles this year before finally scoring a sleeper-hit with “Gaga Shuffle”, the thought of 2 Face as a legend seems absurd. The freshness in his vocals and the honesty in his lyrics that helped him explode in 2004 has slowly fizzled enough to warrant a reappraisal. Especially when the pseudo-conscious lyrics on “For Instance” plays against the backdrop of his failed anti-government protest. His otherwise good intentioned artistry has been left in theatrical shambles and made it difficult to defend his legend.

Sure, he’s still big enough to crush a prime festival slot and perhaps even send an album to a big first week of public frenzy, but he’s not really pushing the dial on popular culture anymore. But rather than find comfort in this space, 2 Face is still trying—really hard if I may add—to leave a mark. For his latest singles, “Hold My Hand” and “Unconditional Love” he is relying on sentiments.

“Unconditional Love” is a heartwarming love song laced with bass guitar riffs and soaring piano harmonies for the mid-tempo single dedicated to mothers’ love. With lyrics like “Sweet Mama/ No One Compares To You, I Swear”, the touching ballad is sure to have fans and mothers swooning; it might even cause a few waterworks. And while his sentiment is charming enough, he keeps at it on his second release, a video for his UNHCR inspired “Hold My Hand” single.

His compassion for the victims of the Boko-haram attacks in the North-East region of Nigeria is highlighted on the humanitarian song where he advocates for a unified Nigeria and solicits for a spirit of compadre. The video shows 2 Face’s appearance at the musical concert organised by the Nigerian Army at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maidugur. He is seen performing the song in front of adoring fans before going to the schools.

The video for “Hold My Hand” makes a grand statement similar to Michael Jackson’s “Heal The World” but the impact is light years apart. 2 Face is either playing preacher for the umpteenth time or he’s getting weary and pulling back from the edge of darkness by clinging to the concepts of home and family. 2 Face may never drop another classic again, but he’s back to wearing his heart on his sleeves and focusing on others for anyone who cares to look. After so many years in the industry, maybe that’s as good as it gets.

Watch the video for “Hold My Hand” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/2BabaVEVO

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 how 2 Face nearly removed himself from an industry he helped build