Osadee’s “Summer Fling” pulls off that rare feat of transporting a career nearer the gates of excellence

Posted on by The Native

The artist, Osadee has his work cut out for him, as far as separating himself from the conventions that are expected of neophyte artists, particularly making their name in the industry by making covers, refixes of hit songs and trying to turnover a feature from a high profile artist into a bonafide hit. He releases “Summer Fling” off his forthcoming EP –his debut.

“Summer Fling” proves his mettle without a label or co signs (yet). With a feature from Johdavincii, whose rhymes in the second verse is applaudable, Osadee croons, using the grittiness of his song writing to expand his sound beyond just an apt “Uber Everywhere” cover. And proves that his music can’t be reduced to just that. His wit lightens the oft sombre mood of the song, sampling a Drake interview from 2013 on Canada’s Q Radio,

“I make my music strictly for the purpose of driving at night time”.

It fits neatly to the beats, which begins on a piano baseline and synths with steady assists of mixing and mastering by Synx, the producer behind Bella’s Radio featuring Ycee.

The theme that runs through “Summer Fling” is evidently, love. I read in an interview two weeks back where Anika Noni Rose on her newly released romantic drama flick “Everything Everything” talks on the theme of love. She says

“how love can be live giving and life changing, but how love can also be suffocating. And how important it is for us to recognize where we are in that spectrum, and what are we doing [?], and is our love healthy [?], the love that we’re getting and the love that we’re giving.”

She couldn’t have articulated this better. And the artist himself knows this about love too. The storyline in “Summer Fling” is in perfect sync with that snippet of Anika’s comment. It’s a glaring omission when you listen beyond the harmonies and that machine-esque voice -you hear- that adds to the vibe of the music.

It’s clear that by the time Osadee releases that debut EP, his sound would have coalesced into something interesting. Of his music, he says: “its fun to play pretend sometimes, helps me practice empathy” and adds that he expresses himself through music too; so rather than wait for that interview when he pops, listening to his releases might be another alternative.

He does make music that makes you feel something. It’s definitive work.

Listen to it below.

Featured Image Credits: soundcloud/Osadee

ICYMI, Read up: Bella Alubo is cool as funk on new music video for “Radio” ft Ycee

3rty x Kid Marley’s “Sunday Morning” is Indie pop greatness.

Posted on by The Native

Alt soul band The Grey Area has one of those origin stories that you only hear from critical darling British rock groups. The group’s members 3rty and Kid Marley were  both making music as solo artists before a chance meeting at the third installment of Lagos based alternative music meet up Cave Wave where they were both billed to perform. They heard each other perform, exchanged numbers and  initially facilitated by Cave Wave’s organizer Amanda Iheme, began the slow process of morphing their individual sounds into a new and interesting whole. Two years later (they first met in 2015) they’re a bonafide supergroup that found that sweet pop between Naija pop, jazz, soul and indie folk.

They’re not slowing down either, together they’ve recorded an album they’re calling The Grey Area, produced in the UK by Tom Misch. The Grey Area is fusion of their sounds and interests and the debut single off the new project “Sunday Morning” makes us excited as fuck. We’re not quite sure if the song’s title references Maroon 5’s interpretation of a Sunday Morning gone wrong, but it certainly has its own urgency and fervor. The guitar work will remind indie instrumental band enthusiasts of legends Explosions in the sky, with the crisp notes and minor melodies. But the song’s clap samples and drum sequence adds a pop airiness that is definitely more Bruno Mars than Coldplay. On such delightful scaffolding 3rty and Kid Marley soar, bringing the best of their discordant but decidedly Nigerian styles to play, telling stories of existentialism, millennial angst and hope that springs eternal.

The Grey Area will definitely be an Opus and put the group in a category all their own, redefining what we’ve come to know as Indie Pop. And they more than deserve it, “Sunday Morning” is a fantastic debut.

Listen to “Sunday Morning” here.

This Story Isn’t going Away: Phyno goes off on Pulse.ng over “I’m A Fan” ownership analysis

Posted on by The Native

While the world awaits for statements from Phyno or Pia Mia’s camp, it is becoming glaring that the “I’m A Fan” saga is not going anywhere.

Yesterday, Pulse music pundit, Joey Akan, revealed that so-called verified sources close to Phyno’s team say Remo The Hitmaker contacted Phyno with the island-ready production for “I’m A Fan”. However, due to remuneration issues, the production failed to materialise into a finished song even though Phyno went ahead to reconstruct the song with Benjamz. According to Akan, Remo’s initial production eventually ended up in Pia Mia’s court leading to her own recently released version of the song.

What Pulse.ng’s Joey Akan failed to mention however was how Phyno ended up with the same lyrics as Pia Mia. Or the fact that Remo the Hitmaker never actually produced “I’m A Fan”. So it came as no surprise when Phyno took to twitter himself to debunk all the details of Pulse’s initial story with the tweet below.

As our investigations would further reveal, not only did Remo not produce “I’m A Fan”, it’s still not quite clear who owns the actual songwriting credits for the same hook both Pia Mia and Phyno’s version share. According to reports “I’m A Fan” was originally made by Yung Berg who is also known as Hitmaka and Samuel Jimenez Person also known as Smash David. While it still unclear who handed off the song to either Pia or Phyno, we know for a fact that Smash, Hitmaka and Jeremih (who is featured on the Pia’s version) have worked together extensively. We also know that DeCarlo,—who has vocals on Phyno’s version of “I’m A Fan”—is a songwriter who has worked with Pia Mia in the past and was quite possibly in the studio with Jeremih last year.

The question of how Pia went ahead to record her version of “I’m A Fan”, still lingers. But a wild guess would place producers, Smash David and Yung Berg alongside singer-songwriters Jeremih and DeCarlo where “I’m A Fan” was originally made. We still have a lot of questions for both Pia Mia and Phyno, but this is what we know for now.

This is still a developing story.

Here are four possible explanations for the existence of Pia Mia’s “I’m a fan”

Abiodun has a sleeper hit on his hands with “Melanin”

Posted on by The Native

Sure, Lagos is front and  center when music is being discussed in Nigeria, but often that means that a lot of the great experimental music that comes from other cities is often either overlooked or ignored entirely. Take for instance, afro fusion rapper Abiodun who reps the ancient city of Ibadan. Since he began making music professionally he’s released four experimental afro fusion singles that challenge the conventions of the genre yet have largely gone unnoticed by the music media machine. His last single Blurry, produced by Lemav and released two months ago, saw a spike in his audience and people finally taking notice. But his new single “Melanin”, fresh out of the mixing booth is the song that everyone needs to hear.

First off, Abiodun is a gifted song writer, able to channel angst and draw the listener into the world of his music’s protagonists. “Melanin’s subject is a mysterious tween with her life split between the North and South, Nigeria and Ghana. The kind of girl who mentions in first conversations that her parent’s marriage collapsed around her, and asserts she’s only here for a good time. It is impossible to be intrigued by her the way Abiodun is, to not want to promise your way into her heart. Understated instrumentation with simple piano riffs, the occasional drum roll, and a thumping bass that is as unrelenting  as a heartbeat, is the perfect counterpoint to Abiodun’s earnest story telling and by the end of the song you’re completely sold on him.

Abiodun will do great things, with this kind of promise, he just has to.

Listen to “Melanin” here.

Listen: Sess puts Terry apala back on trap with new single, “That’s Wassup”

Four Possible Explanations for the Existence of Pia Mia’s “I’m A Fan”

Posted on by The Native

The internet, like other handy inventions of men has a dark flip side. Just as we’ve seen people get dragged days after hitting thousands of RTs and LOLs, Pia Mia appears next in line for a humble pie serving. For those who don’t know her (we don’t blame you), Pia Mia is a Kardashian-Jenner affiliate who famously shot to faux-stardom after singing a rendition of “Hold On, We’re Going Home” to Drake himself at a Kardashian-Jenner family function. She followed that up with a semi-successful single titled “Let’s Do It” featuring Tyga and Chris Brown (more on that later). And now here she is, mixed up in some drama with Enugu’s finest.

The latest single from the internet sensation turned pop star, “I’m A Fan” is just one melody too similar to Phyno’s track with the same title. A deep cut from Phyno’s widely underappreciated The Playmaker album from last year, “I’m A Fan” was first released featuring Decarlo and Mr Eazi with, with the now played out afro-caribbean influences on the production. Pia Mia took that beat (albeit chopped and screwed) and got Jeremih to feature on the single expected to be on her debut album due later this year via Wolfpack/Interscope Records.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUj62qZAh4V/?taken-by=piamia&hl=en

Let’s not beat around the bush: the similarities between Phyno’s “I’m A Fan” and Pia Mia’s are uncanny. Other than the slightly pitched down beat on Pia Mia’s, ‘produced’ by Hitmaka fka Yung Berg (!!), it is almost verbatim the same song in the first verse and choruses. It’s almost a surprise that she didn’t just go all the way and parrot Phyno’s bars in Igbo.

In the past, we have seen two near identical songs surface in the same time frame, but there’s usually some sort of explanation. We have seen reference tracks (i.e. a demo version of the song made by a songwriter for the artist) such as Future’s “Good Morning” released shortly after Beyonce’s “Drunk In Love”. We have also seen covers of songs/remixes released almost immediately after the release of the original, such as every Conor Maynard song ever. So it’s not unheard of what we’ve seen here, but it’s definitely not without explanation.

Here are four possible reasons for the existence of Pia Mia’s “I’m a Fan”:

Smash David/Hitmaka and Pia Mia “Sampled” The Song

This is the most obvious explanation, due to the fact that the songs are almost identical, and it wouldn’t be the first time this has happened. Usually samples are simply when a section of a song is interpolated in the new song, as seen when Legendury Beatz sampled Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s “Nothing But a G Thang” to produce Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba”. However, the term sampling can also be used in more blatant instances. The title track off Drake’s Take Care album for instance was first sung and produced by Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx respectively, but Drake owns full rights to this song. It’s easy to imagine that Pia Mia heard Phyno’s “I’m A Fan”, became a fan (of the sound at least) and recorded her version whilst paying Phyno handsomely enough to get away with the chunk she bit off him. The only problem with this is that as seen in Drake’s situation, Jamie xx worked on the song and along with the late Gil Scott-Heron, was credited deservedly. On Pia Mia’s “I’m a Fan”, the only credited composers – via iTunes – are: Christian “Hitmaka” Ward, Pia Mia, Jeremy “Jeremih” Felton & Samuel David Jimenez (aka Smash David). There is no mention of a certain Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, aka Phyno, or the producer of the his version of the song, Benjamz.

Phyno Sold The Song To Pia Mia

This seems to be the fan-nominated answer to the mess on social media, as listeners deemed it the only logical explanation due to the songs being practically the same. Whilst selling someone a song that has already been released to the public for purchase is extremely uncommon, it is not unheard of. Davido’s hit single “Gobe” was originally released by a Nigerian producer/songwriter named Password in 2011. Two years later, he took the song to Davido’s longtime producer Shizzi and the rest is history. Till this day it remains one of Davido’s biggest hits, and Password was paid handsomely (according to Davido’s former manager). This seems possible, but it is also hard to believe as Phyno is not exactly a struggling upcoming songwriter (no shade to Password). He is a seasoned rap star, with one of the best fanbases in Africa. Whilst most of the mainstream audience had never heard Password’s original “Gobe”, Pia Mia surely did not think that she could release her version of “I’m a Fan” without any of Phyno’s listeners hearing it. Her Youtube and Instagram comments since the discovery has gone viral will support that. They are appealing to different markets in the grand scheme of things, but with African Pop Music crossing over like never before, Pia Mia really played herself if she bought this song thinking no one would know. (Ed. Note: If this reason turns out to be the true explanation, this may go down as the biggest finesse of all time by Phyno. Ever). 

Pia Mia Tried To Pull A Fast One, Again

Basically, Pia Mia doesn’t care and thinks we’re all dickheads. Look, we don’t know the girl and she seems sweet, but she has previous history in this “song-stealing” game. In 2015, Pia Mia released a single featuring Tyga and Chris Brown titled “Do It Again”. It’s her best performing single till date, peaking at no.71 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and no.8 on the Official Singles Chart in the UK, on the way to going platinum in both countries. However, large sections of the song are almost identical to Hawaiian reggae artist J Boog’s “Let’s Do It Again”, released in 2010. Pia Mia first recorded a “cover” of J Boog’s reggae track as a tribute to him, before Chris Brown and Tyga allegedly heard the song and asked to be on it. In 2015 it was repackaged as a song by Pia Mia featuring Chris Brown and Tyga. Similar to the local popularity of Phyno’s “I’m A Fan”, J Boog’s “Let’s Do It Again” was a dancefloor staple on the islands, leading many to accuse Pia Mia of stealing his song. However, crucially dissimilar to Phyno’s situation, J Boog is credited as being a songwriter on Pia Mia’s version, and has himself come out to say it was not “stolen”. Whether this accreditation happened before she was confronted by angry listeners or after is unclear, but at least J Boog is eating off the song till this day.

Coincidence

I mean Dancehall inspired production and melodies are super in right now. Maybe….nvm. This is the least likely of all explanations. This is impossible.

Right now, it’s pretty unclear as to what exactly has happened. Right now, it’s pretty unclear as to what exactly has happened. Maybe Pia Mia did buy the song from Phyno with a one-off payment, thinking no one would know. Maybe she bought it and she doesn’t even care what people think – it worked pretty well for her last. Maybe she just stole the song and is hoping Phyno hasn’t got his papers straight.  Your guess is as good as ours. Right now, there are multiple questions and seemingly no answers.

We’ve reached out to representatives of Pia Mia’s team and Phyno’s team, but they were not immediately available for comment as of publishing time.

Listen to the two versions below to see what the fuss is all about.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/piamia

Watch Phyno’s “Link Up” video featuring Burna Boy, MI and everything you’ll expect to see at a riot

Sess Beats Puts Terry Apala Back On Trap With “That’s Wassup”

Posted on by The Native

Terry Apala made his mark last year with singles like “Modernize” and “Champagne Show” but his releases this year have fallen just shy of the acclaim he enjoyed last year. In fact only his cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You” came remotely close because it was pop and also because Terry Apala is king of Yoruba trap. While the cover worked to show off his range and versatility, it lacked that vital part of what made last year so good for the Apala-trap artist, namely Sess’ production. The producer who made the hip-hop beat for “Champagne” features Terry Apala for another hot single but this time he’ll be recognized as the owner of the song.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BT4u4p5FdSO/?taken-by=terry_apala

Sess Beats’ production on Falz’s “Bad, Baddo, Baddest” shows that he’s no stranger to commercial success but Falz’s Stories That Touch got all the credit for his work. “That’s Wassup” gives the producer a chance to actually enjoy his acclaim with his synth and electronic instruments that edges the single towards EDM territories. But Terry Apala’s Trap flows and the beat’s heavy bass drum baseline does just enough to make it work as hip-hop. Terry Apala’s mastery of Apala has been put to all sorts of experimental tests from pop to RnB but his brash and boastful lyrics work best as rap bars and “That’s Wassup” is another proof.

Listen to “That’s Wassup” by Sess

Listen to Terry Apala’s “Bad Girl” feat. BBNaija finalist, Bisola

Banky W Shares “Heaven” and “Love U baby” off his ‘Songs About U’ Ep

Posted on by The Native

Words by Fisayo Okare

The month of May has been a lovely one for (soon to be) Mr & Mrs W;  from disclosing their marriage proposal, to the event of their traditional wedding introduction, to teasing the track-list to Banky W’s “Songs About U” EP. If you think you have seen all of their pictures together: selfies and rear view camera shots, think again cause this right here is only the beginning.

His (un)official audio-video release for the track off the Ep, specially written for and about Adesua Etomi anon Wellington, “Heaven (Susu’s song)” takes us on a journey of their love through a slideshow of images and video snippets. Remember that moment in The Wedding Party (part 1), where Dozie Onwuka (as played by Banky) is having that “sit-down-talk” with his Dad (played by RMD) on the day of his wedding ceremony? Recall,

Dozie: How does a man stay with one woman for the rest of his life?

Chief Onwuka: You know son, I’m afraid I haven’t been a very good example to you and your brother, and I know that, and I’m sorry. Your mum and I, we have not always been like this. Time was when we were good…you know, very good in fact. And then, you make a mistake, unforgiveness sets in, bitterness sets in, your ego comes in …then, things just starts going down the hill from there.

Son, I just want you to promise me. That you will fight! You will fight for it no matter what happens. There’ll be bad days, but don’t give up. Just fight for it the way…your mum and I should have.

Dozie: Okay. … but maybe I’m not the one you should be saying this to…

Well, Banky adds an itsy-bitsy of the above in the video too. The video is also created with images from his 2015 “Made for you” music video, The Wedding party, and for a second or two we see that moment he actually graces Susu with the proposal (No, not the moments you’ve seen before).  There is no dubiety songs off his Ep will be played on their wedding day, perhaps for that slow dance. “Love U baby” is the 5th song on the track list and he shares a lyrical video for the track about the same time he released “Heaven” today.

Now all we need is for Banky to tweet “Wedding is on the Ump.th of the month, dash”.

Meanwhile, mark your calendars for June 1st to clinch a copy of the full Songs About U Ep on music platforms, while you listen/watch Banky W’s “Heaven (Susu’s song)” and “Love U baby”, produced by Chris Cubeta and Cobhams respectively, below.


Feature Image Credit: Instagram/Banky W

A meeting of the old and new gods: Maleek Berry, Nonso Amadi to feature on Banky W’s EP

Popcaan Teams Up With Davido For “My Story”

Posted on by The Native

Davido has worked with international artists in the past but “My Story” is his first international dancehall feature. Jamaican singer, Popcaan has enlisted his help to get that Afro vibe on the Caribbean dancehall number. The single begins with string harmonies that continue through the bouncy beat, flute and trumpet laden instrumental. Davido takes the first verse beginning with “Girl your body bigger than a continent”, a line that has Wizkid’s “Bombay” written all over it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUiUUOZh5Hl/?taken-by=popcaanmusic&hl=en

Almost all dancehall songs ever have romantic themes but it’s 2017 and artists have to be innovative. Popcaan and Davido’s “My Story” listens like most love songs but the Snapchat references gives the single a new sheen; It’s basically an invitation for a lovers to meet on the dancefloor.

The collaboration has been hinted severally before its final release last night, suggesting that they hope to ride the summer wave and get “My Story” to enjoy international acclaim in the coming weeks. It’s a neatly arranged number that has the potential to be a club banger but we’ll have to see just how far the Afro-Caribbean vibe will go.

Listen to Popcaan and Davido’s “My Story” below.

https://soundcloud.com/dancehallpromo/popcaan-davido-my-story

Features Image Credits: Instagram/popcaanmusic

“If” is proof that you can’t bet against Davido

Hear Everything Dizzie Davidz Has Been Doing For Money On “Running Out”

Posted on by The Native

A wild guess would say everyone at some point or the other has been into some money issues. And while we’ll all like to stunt for the gram there’s a certain clarity that comes with being broke. Asides having something else in common with Kanye West, being broke affords you the equanimity to reflect on bad decisions not to mention inspiration to put more effort towards earning a living. For Dizzie Davidz on his latest single, “Running Out” he literally needs to earn his living after getting into debt with some very bad people.

Hoping to give some background to his sticky situation, Dizzie Davidz begins “Running Out” with a skit that listens like a voicemail to his creditors asking for some more time to get the money he owes. Dizzie Davidz proceeds to rap over a reggae beat with a mid tempo baseline. He explains how he got into debt but “The girls in my life try’na slow my mind down/weed in my mind slowing my mind down” feels more like an excuse and the only reason that sticks is; “Gave in to the vice cause I got no advice from the people ’round me tell me otherwise.”

He also gives a run down of all the things he has tried to do to get back on his feet financially from attempted bank robberies to rapping, which he ironically admits he isn’t good at. A second voicemail recording features but this time from one of the creditors threatening to get back his money the hard way if he has too. But Dizzie Davidz’s weed is too strong for him to focus on getting the money. He ends the song rapping about thick spliffs and bad bitches.

Listen to Dizzie Davidz’s “Running Out” below.

https://soundcloud.com/david-akanni/running-out

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/dizziedavidz

Check out Sizz The Truth’s “Longest Round” single

Teffy teams up with Ka$h to rep the “Culture”

Posted on by The Native

British Nigerian rapper Teffy has had a great 2017. His first single for the year was with in-demand singer/rapper Lady Donli and properly introduced him to the new wave of young Nigerians looking for a sound different than the one that they raised to believe was the definitive Nigerian sound. By exploring other genres like Afrotrap, Teffy’s helping expand the horizons and possibilities of the ‘New Age’ Nigerian music. His second single “Culture” features afrotrap rapper Ka$H of the Kashlanta fame, a haze filled anthem that will definitely find its way into many an evening drive playlist.

The point of “Culture” seems pretty straight forward but is actually subversive if you gave it some thought. A lot of emerging musicians have either been forcefully co-opted into the New Age movement by the media and the biggest fans of the movement. Others have aligned themselves to the movement not because they believe in the ideals being promoted, but because they can see it is gaining mainstream attention and want to mooch off some of that buzz. Teffy’s new single seems to simultaneously praise true believers and call out those who are either skeptical or doubtful. Buddying up with Ka$h is almost a bid of sorts, to show us he has his bonafides and even the outsiders and the rebels wanna fuck with him.

Perhaps, “Culture” would have benefited from some refinement, but it does a good job to pushing it’s point across as is. Doing it for the culture will not get any more appealing than this.

Listen to “Culture” here.

This Nigerian’s rap album thesis makes Havard history

Bisola and Terry Apala are a great duo in “Bad Girl”

Posted on by The Native

Words By Ehimenim Agweh

After being cooped in a house for weeks with 12 people all competing for a hefty cash prize, it is almost expected for you to want to take some time out of the spotlight. Yet, our beloved Bisola has taken it upon herself to tell the world that she is still very active.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUYpw4Jlj79/?taken-by=terry_apala

In the Benie Macaulay-produced track, she offers a guest verse on Fuji-trap progenitor Terrry Apala’s “Bad Girl”. True to form, Terry Apala delivers line after line in his signature husky tones while Bisola supports with solid backing vocals. Midway, she takes a verse all her own as she sings ‘I need your love. Baby, I need your loving.’ It’s a lovely blend of sound, a cross between slow island beats and up-tempo singing. Truly, she is only reminding us of the greatness she has in store.

Listen to “Bad Girl” below.

https://soundcloud.com/freemedigital/terry-apala-x-bisola-bad-girl

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/iambisola

Read up: Terry Apala’s “Shape Of You” cover shows how local Sub-Genres evolve

ICYMI: TED just announced Wale Oyejide of Ikire Jones as 2017 TED Global Fellow

Posted on by The Native

To further their goals of spreading innovative ideas across the globe, the globally renowned non-profit Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) runs an annual Fellows program aimed at allowing some of the biggest talents in the world share their knowledge and epiphanies. Realizing that extraordinary thinkers, achievers and innovators exist within every region and they are best suited for advancing their community, they have recruited over 400 Fellows in over 90 countries. A lot of Nigerians have been doing incredible works in their fields especially in the entertainment scene but fashion designer and artist, Wale Oyejide is the choice pick for TEDGlobal 2017.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUKqnGQln-w/?taken-by=ted

Wale Oyejide’s work under design label Ikire Jones using textile and apparel design to convey stories about immigrant populations to the Western world has been recognized by the organizers and he is expected to join the other TED Fellows at the conference scheduled to hold between the 27th to the 30th of August in Arusha, Tanzania.

The amazing lineup of speakers include builders of companies, musicians, life savers, political violence mappers and much more. Topics from science to business to global issues will be addressed and Wale Oyejide will represent the Nigerian community at the conference.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/ikirejones

Check out “Ikire Jones”, Wale Oyejide’s masterful use of fashion for story telling

Nigerian Student’s Rap Album Thesis Makes Harvard History

Posted on by The Native

Words By Ehimenim Agweh

Got any ideas for your senior thesis? No? Then look to Obasi Shaw who recently blew the collective minds of Harvard University’s intelligentsia with his rap album thesis. Yes, rap album.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUPyLlrDVK4/?hl=en

Yesterday, the news hit the Internet of Obasi’s unconventional approach to academia. This is the first time a rap album has been submitted for a senior’s thesis. However, the university has accepted other forms such as poetry, novels and so on, so unconventional genres have always been used but Obasi’s has expanded the possibilities. His thesis rose out of a love of rap music and his mother’s great suggestion to put his hobby to work (Aren’t mothers awesome?).

The thesis which is titled Liminal Minds, is an exploration of black consciousness, themes of black living and slavery. Says the senior on his work, “Each song is an exploration of that state between slavery and freedom.” Combining inspiration from Chance the Rapper and, Geoffrey Chaucer and his own thoughts, Obasi set out to create a thesis worthy of its title. The album is timely as it has come in a time when Hip-hop is being recognized as a subject worth studying.

The album gained the admiration of his faculty. Described as an artist by his thesis supervisor, Obasi Shaw was awarded an A- for his work, the second highest grade and he will be graduating with honors .

After Harvard posted Obasi’s work on their official Instagram, the album became a hit. Some fans were even offering to buy even though Obasi has said it is free on his SoundCloud. A representative of Janelle Monae’s Wondaland Records has reached out to the senior.  Hopefully, we will see more of Obasi Shaw in the coming years.

Well done, Obasi Shaw.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/harvard

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27 year old Nigerian developer, Godwin Benson wins Uk Engineering award for “Tuteria” app

Posted on by The Native

Words by Fisayo Okare

It’s good to see Nigerians stepping up to the plate and slowly debunking the presumption that Africans are only consumers of western technology, never innovators of their own. Godwin Benson here has done just that.

Tuteria, designed and developed by 27 year old Nigerian developer, Godwin Benson, is an app that links qualified tutors to students in their area and within their budget. His app was inspired by his personal experiences working as a tutor and now, the tutoring app has won the 4th annual engineering innovation award given by the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering.

Targeted at rewarding innovators in sub-Saharan Africa, Benson bested 16 other shortlisted innovators and won top honours. As part of their journeying in the competition, the participants were coached on preparing business plans and communication, up until the last leg of the marathon, which actually took place in Nairobi, in front of a live audience.

In an interview with BBC Focus on Africa, Benson expressed confidence in the app he’d built. Winning this award only helps affirm his beliefs. On Tuteria, Benson said

“It is something that solves the problem of access to quality, personalised learning and helps people earn income from sharing their knowledge,”

Tuteria has a ratings system (think Uber), and allows students to book lessons using an upfront online payment system. The Tutors are then paid once the lessons have been confirmed, and Tuteria takes 15 to 30% commission for each paid lesson. Not so complicated, now why didn’t we think of that?

Benson intends to raise the bar of his business higher, as he plans to use the money to “widen Tuteria’s offering “even beyond Nigeria.” And to include online classes and video courses as well”, BBC reports.

If I’m allowed to indulge in visions, up next should be those two Nigerian women, who developed Skrife: Hello! Tolu and kelechi .

Click here to find your perfect Tutor on Tuteria. I’ll meet you there.

Featured Image Credit: BBC.com/James Oatway

ICYMI: 23 year old Nigerian American writer, Tomi Adeyemi earns a deal with Fox 2000 and Macmillan for her debut novel “Children of Blood and Bone”

NATIVE Mix 007: featuring DJ Wayne

Posted on by The Native
DJ Wayne helms the 7th NATIVE Mix, ushering in summer with some feel-good AfroPop bangers. With a standout Wizkid and Jimmy Jatt single, the Adey produced instrumental for Ycee heater “Juice”, and a Tekno x Davido collaboration, this mix is perfect for the long weekend.
Stream below and checkout the tracklist.

Early – Juls Feat. Nonso Amadi & Maleek Berry
Don’t – Nonso Amadi & Odunsi
The One(feat.Minz) – David Meli
Fisherman(feat. Mo Stack & MIST) – J Hus
Aduke – Ichaba
Do Proper(feat.Dotman) – Ike Chuks
Feeling The Beat(feat.Wizkid) – DJ Jimmy Jatt
Ronaldo – Base One
Rock Your Body – Burna Boy
If (instrumental) – Davido
CoCo (feat. Odunsi & Santi) – Juls 
No Yawa – Tolani
Cheers – Yung L
No Don – Lotto Boyz 
For Life – Runtown
Wave – Jilex Anderson
Away – Psquare
Juice (Instrumental)(prod. Adey) – YCEE
Bolanle (feat. Dammy Krane & Airboy) – DJ Hazan

Check out all the songs we lined up for you on our Bumplist

Kiss Daniel’s “Sofa” Video Defies Our 3 Dimensional Reality

Posted on by The Native

Unless you’re trying to find out what it’s like to be inside a strip club, music videos are the least reliable broadcast medium for educative entertainment. And even that is exaggerated to false representation that money falls in slow motion and the girl of your dreams has eyes for you and only you. While it might work for dancehall aesthetic, it is ruining our expectations and I’m not talking about just the muses. We doubt Kiss Daniel was trying to ruin anyone’s weekend with his new released video for “Sofa” but here are 3 things from the Clarence Peters directed video that won’t happen in any club you go this weekend.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUhOwMvjT_P/?taken-by=iamkissdaniel

Hot Girls In Uniform

All the hashtags in the world will never be enough to get all the girls in the club to wear the same cloth or even the same hairdo. Pardon the cliche but everyone knows there will be that one drama queen that thinks black makes her look too slim. Shots of the barely dressed models lying in bed with Kiss Daniel looks like the cover of an R. Kelly album but even R. Kelly can’t get go to the club unannounced and hope to meet girls in matching outfits.

Geometric Illusions

If you ignore the terrible font at the beginning of Kiss Daniel’s “Sofa”, the video looks decent and almost original. The set design has a Penrose type illusion that allows Kiss Daniel look like he walks on walls and sits comfortably on the ceilings. But that’s not going to happen anywhere. At least not unless your drinks get spiked (or the loud gets too loud) and that’s probably not a good thing.

There’s No Other Guy In The Club

Yeah right. That’s about as likely as Jonathan winning another presidential election in Nigeria.

Enjoy Kiss Daniel’s video for “Sofa” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/G-Worldwide TV

Here’s what we thought of Kiss Daniel’s debut single for 2017, “Sofa”

Essentials: Hudda Chini’s ‘Self Righteous’ EP Is Too Hot To Be Slept On

Posted on by The Native

If New York is the center of power for American Hip-hop, Africa has a harder time deciding between Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. MI and Ice Prince gave Nigeria a taste of the throne before attention shifted to Ghana thanks to Sarkodie. But South Africa’s closeness to global urban culture has ensured its retainer of the continental hip-hop mantle especially since everyone else seems too busy riding the Afropop wave.

Hudda Chini has debuted as the newest Hip-hop artist to look out for from South Africa with his Self Righteous EP. And like most good rappers, he documents his reality—as an upcoming rapper—with dramatic delivery and pseudo-conscious lyrics. There are a lot of things to like about Hudda Chini starting from his reminiscing style of rap. Self Righteous may border on preachy for some but Hudda Chini doesn’t try to force his personal beliefs down anyone’s throat calmly rapping, “I Don’t Wanna Come On Too Strong Or Too Rude Without Building Rapport”.

Title-track, “Self Righteous” does a good job of introducing the rapper as a young rapper who recognizes the world around him isn’t set up for him to advance but with effort he can make it. Lines like “Pops told me there’s no such thing as talent in the world. We’re all fucked” are gloomy but he knows hope lies in his hard work. The message of the somber number rapped over haunting piano chords is that he is proud of his small beginnings because he recognizes his potential and is ready to put in work till he’s one of the greats.

A similar theme of trying to make the most of bad situations serves as the anchor for the second track, “Real Crown”. Narrating the story of love holding abuse relationships together but rather than shy from the dark topic, he uses it to exaggerate the disloyalty of fake girls who can’t stay because their man is broke.

Self Righteous seemed destined for the dark emo days playlist till “Ima Dog”. The 3rd track on the EP still has a broke struggling artist narrative but the beat and Hudda Chini’s flows make it listen like Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO Tour Life”. The preppy rhythm is powered by Anita Baker and Sade Adu inspired keyboard patches fused with whistling harmonies that serve as a platform for song about faking it till you make it. “Great White” and “Petey Pablo” are also turnt song with trap beats. “Petey Pablo” manages to be showy with very little talk about money.

Hudda Chini thumbs through his life in intimate details on Self Righteous and it’s perhaps the most realistic rap album released so far this year.

Listen to Self Righteous below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/hudda_chini

Watch Nasty C’s Short Film, “Bad Hair” here

Watch Selebobo And Davido Ball Like It’s For The Gram On “Waka Waka” Video

Posted on by The Native

If you were wondering where Naija’s next hit sound will come from, Selebobo might be your guy. The singer/producer is finally stepping away from the midi-board and hitting the booth, and his acclaimed singles with Yemi Alade “Tangerine” and “Conquer” prove he knows what he’s doing when it comes to pop features. Features have always worked well for the Triple MG artist, and what better artist than Davido to deliver an unforgettable hit record for DJ turntables.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUeluBvhFeG/?taken-by=selebobo1&hl=en

Selebobo produces the mid-tempo beat for “Waka Waka” using the same time signature you might remember from Tekno’s “Yawa”. The pseudo-romantic single seemed destined for failure with his cringe worthy “If you vex me, I will not beat you” line but Davido cleverly borrows lines from Mr Eazi and Bruno Mar’s lyrics handbook to rescue the Afropop song. For the chorus, Selebobo gives Shakira’s “Waka Waka” chorus an Afropop re-fix, ensuring that the song listens fresh yet familiar.

Nigerian artists are notorious for sampling musical references and lifting lyrics without credit. Davido, Selebobo and Tekno seem to have hit a creative wall that’s forcing them to resort to jacking lyrics and flows from their contemporaries. Tekno’s “Be” had a lot of lyrical references but he found a way to mention the artists he was referencing. Selebobo didn’t even bother on “Waka Waka”.  That being said, “Waka Waka” has all the right qualities to get dance floors rocking.

Since last month when the single was released, “Waka Waka” has struggled to enjoy very much media recognition. Selebobo aims to fix that and employs film maker, Paul Gambit to shoot a Television worthy video that has enough “sauce” to make dancehall single more acclaimed. The video doesn’t however do much except showcase an extravaganza of disco lights and scribbling effects across the screen. Davido features in the video as well as models who dance to the beat. It’s an honest expression, analyzing it is futile. Just enjoy the video below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/seleboboVEVO

Meet Efe Oreka, your new favourite Instagram cover artists

Interview: Black Mike Da Don opens up about his personal style and his latest EP

Posted on by The Native

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQt6rzBgqLx/?taken-by=nigerianpapi_

We caught up with Black Mike – an upcoming rapper from Brooklyn, New York. In just over a week, his new EP titled Take One garnered over 20,000 streams on the Spinrilla platform, and we spoke to him about his influences, the creation of the EP, his personal style, and more.

NATIVE: How did you start making music?

Black Mike: It all started when people around me kept pushing and telling me “Yo Mike, do music” or “You good at it, go to the studio!” And then one day I was like you know what, let me actually go to the studio and try. Ever since that day I haven’t stopped making music.

Which artist has influenced your sound? 

I would definitely say Future, YFN Lucci… I would say Drake in terms of when I’m making like a love song or something similar to that. Drake has influences on those, that’s about the influencers.

Top 5 favourite musicians – Dead or Alive.

Future, Young Thug, Quavo – matter fact, whole Migos as a group –

*I repeated the question because I didn’t hear Tupac but I was definitely being biased as he’s one of my favourite rappers*

You want me to be honest? I don’t really have any dead favourite rappers, like I like Tupac don’t get me wrong but I wasn’t really a fan of Biggie so I wouldn’t consider them my favourite rappers. It’s crazy, my favourites are the rappers that are current, and making the best tracks right now. I will include Jay Z in that list, and I’ll put Drake, I like his style.

64 Bars (Lifestyle) video, how did that come along and is there a reason why it was chosen as the first visual off the EP?

I mean, what it really was is, when I’m bored that’s when I tend to write music – so I was just very bored that day thinking like “damn, what can I write today” So I heard the beat and I just started freestyling in my head like, “This sounds good”. So I hit up my engineer Jay Mo and said “Ya’ll want to come in and record something real quick like now so I don’t forget it later” Because I didn’t really think it was going to sound as good as I thought it was, but everyone started feeling it. I initially had plans to shoot a video for “Know No Better” but I knew that the hype would build around 64 Bars better because from the previews alone on my InstaStory etc, everyone kept asking “When’s it coming out” so I just decided to drop a video first, give them more than they expected and it turned out really well.

Talk to us about the new EP Take One, what were some of your emotions writing for the EP and how’s the entire process been for you?

To get that EP it took me a long time, only for the simple fact that I didn’t just say I want 8 songs and I’ll put it on the EP. I actually recorded about 40-50 songs and out of all those songs, I picked the ones I liked the most and then placed 8 on the EP. I wanted it to have a little bit of everything that everyone can relate to. If you feel like you’re a loving type of person it’s there for you, you just want to flex, its there for you. I made sure everyone has a song that they can jam to and be like “This is my song”

What’s your favourite song on Take One

Damn, that’s a hard one….“Know Better”

Do you have a favourite quote that you live by? 

“Believe in yourself”. Even when everyone is giving you their input on how things is, go with what you think is best for yourself. That’s how I was able to finish this tape.

How would you describe your style? I see the JustUs tracksuits…

The JustUs sweatsuits is something we got going on, making it into an official brand soon but I’m more of a comfortable guy. I’ll rather sweats than jeans and expensive shoes, don’t get me wrong I have plenty of it but I like to be comfortable. Sometimes the expensive clothes just get too tight for my own good. I like sticking to the sweatsuits.

What’s in store for the rest of the year >

Right now, trying to bring out more artists from JustUs, I got my boy Swurv and my boy Harry Love, they on the come up. Soon drop something, let ya’ll know it’s more of us. Let everything take its place so hopefully youll be seeing us on tour by next year.

 

Check out Mike’s Take One EP below via Spinrilla.

Read our in-depth interview with Nonso Amadi

Get Your Fan Merch Ready, Nonso Amadi And Odunsi Are Set For UK Gig

Posted on by The Native

Very few people could have seen the speedy growth of Afropop millennial artists, Nonso Amadi and Odunsi coming but even fewer can boldly claim to have seen them pursing such an affiliated career. Considering how similar their music and audience is and how their indie status means they rely heavily on fan’s social media hype, they should both be aiming to sit comfortably on the throne. But maybe that’s the point since a collaborative effort has the potential to leave other competition behind in the dust.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUSEgyCBV7M/?taken-by=nonsoamadi

Their joint EP, War(I know right?) was released last month following a palpable anticipation from fans but the EP hasn’t yet reached the peak popularity expected of the combined effect of Odunsi and Nonso Amadi. But that’s about to change, courtesy of the announced joint UK concert. On the line up alongside Nonso and Odunsi are Maleek Berry, Juls, Lady Donli, DJ Femo, Tomi Agape and Eugy for the show scheduled for the 3rd of June at the O2 Academy in Islington, London.

Nonso Amadi and Odunsi seem to be heading for a home run with their concert because they are sure to expand their fan base outside of the continent. Asides from promoting their music, this is also a great way for their music to earn them some revenue with the £10 per head ticket sales. You can get the tickets for Nonso Amadi x Odunsi The Engine Concert here.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/odunsitheengine

Here’s what you should know about their debut collaborative EP

Watch video for Runtown’s “For Life”

Posted on by The Native

Runtown’s “Mad Over” is a good song, but it’s due for a replacement. It’s time we all moved on and luckily, even Runtown agrees. He released “For Life” earlier this month on streaming sites but the video wasn’t released till last night.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUd9YWABMKj/?taken-by=runtown&hl=en

Directed by Meji Alabi, the video for “For Life” features a series of shots showing a day in the romantic life of Runtown and spoiler alert, he doesn’t ‘kill’ his lover with enjoyment, but he does treat her with the gentleness of new love. Right from the breakfast table, up until they can get back to the privacy of a red room at night, they can’t keep their hands off each other. Just as the lyrics suggests(“Your Love Give Me Joy Wey I No Fit Understand”), “For Life” has a happy setting exemplified by the brief choreographed dance scene.

Runtown’s “For Life” has a similar baseline and love theme as the over flogged “Mad Over You” jam. Now radio and TV stations have no excuse for milking the tired single. Watch the video Runtown’s “For Life” video below.

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Runtown

Watch Runtown’s Live medley on The Compozers’ Encore Studio Sessions”