Kyrian Asher’s “Land of a thousand spires” is a requiem for fear

Posted on by The Native

Abuja based rapper, producer and graphic artist Kyrian Asher is easily one of the brightest talents of the ‘ New Age’. With a vision that is inspired by multi-genre and multi-disciplinary interests, . Asher’s 2016 EP No Place For Wild Dogs V.2 was a curious project whose influences and inspirations ranged from Middle Age art and architecture to Daft Punk, with a style and delivery that sounds nothing like anything else any young Nigerian rapper in the 010’s. Since then, Kyrian Asher has spent his time producing for other artists (he was part of the producing team for Lindsey Abudei’s stellar debut album) and streamline his unique vision for what we can only call Baroque rap.

His new single “Land Of A Thousand Spires” will instantly remind you of peak Kanye with its manipulation of vocal chants, autotuned and arranged into a simple melody. Asher literally oozes confidence as he guides us through his journey in rap, weaving a narrative through era specific metaphors like mosh pits, a hallmark of the alt-metal movement of the early 2000’s and allusory lines from iconic songs by other rappers and singers. Added to punchlines that reference classic Greek mythology and contemporary literature, there are reams and reams of references to unpack, a proper synesthetic experience for the so inclined.

But ultimately his message is simple, Kyrian Asher has come through a lot, and conquered fear on his way to becoming the artist he is now. “The Land of a Thousand Spires” is a spool of thread through the maze, to show us the way to get to where he is.

Listen to “The Land Of A Thousand Spires” here.

Here is a list of songs we’ve been listening to at THE NATIVE

Essentials: Rejjie Snow’s ‘The Moon & You’

Posted on by The Native

Following his politically conscious single, “Crooked Cops” where he addressed black exploitation, the Irish rapper of Nigerian descent released his new mixtape to add to his new releases in anticipation of his debut studio album, Dear Annie. His new mixtape, The Moon & You has 13 tracks and guest features from Joey Bada$$, Jesse Boykins III, Joyce Wrice, Dana Williams & Julian Bell. The Moon & You has a lot of orchestra worthy instrumentals and melodies thanks to productions from Cam O’Bi, Stefa Ponce Shungu and Benjamin Miler who gets the most production credits for songs like “Sunny California”, “Me & My Piano” and 6 other songs. Together their works give Rejjie Snow a platform to rap his way into hip-hop’s growing list of genre blending artists.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUH8sT-gR7q/?taken-by=rejjiesnow

The mixtape opens with “Intro”, an immediately indicator of the direction The Moon & You is heading with heavy jazz influences and melodies that bring to mind Andre 3000’s Outkasts. Rejjie Snow delivers a performance that could easily fit on a rock instrumental but his lyrics reference Wu-tang and other Hip-hop themes.

The lead single, “Purple Tuesday” features Joey Bada$$ and Jesse Boykins III and was released a few days before the mixtape. Rejjie Snow brings the Pro Era rapper along for a rap number on trying to figure out the world around us and our position in it. Jesse Boykins III’s Soulful chorus links the two rap verses with inspiring lyrics preaching hope.

“Sunny California” is the most streamed song on his Soundcloud off the mixtape. Benjamin Miler produces the somber beat that starts with piano keys that morph into energetic rock guitar riffs towards the end of the 7th track. Rejjie Snow reflects on past love and things that help him deal with sad times: “weed, sunshine, summertime, light girl, chrome wheels, new wip” His deep musky voice is layered with a thin auto-tuned one that dominates the catchy hook.

Most tracks on The Moon & You have positive messages of hope with a lot of orchestra piano arrangements. Rejjie Snow put his pipes to test on songs like “Me And My Piano” which listens like a John Legend live performance. The Moon & You explores several genres for beat samples giving it an experimental feel after listening to the synth baseline on “Mama Africa”. Though Rejjie Snow is of Nigerian decent, he doesn’t milk his heritage for culture points, only settling for a casual acknowledgement with his song titles.

Listen to The Moon & You below.

https://soundcloud.com/rejjiesnow/sets/the-moon-and-you

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/rejjiesnow

Rejjie Snow stays stunts on his “Flexing” single

5 Videos You Should See This Weekend

Posted on by The Native

Lil Wayne – Got Money Feat. T-Pain

This throwback might be coming a little late but there is never a wrong time to listen to one of the most landmark releases in Hip-hop history. T-Pain and Lil Wayne’s T-Wayne super group that laid down the blueprint for Kanye West and Jay Z’s Watch The Throne to break all the records it did. “Got Money” was released in 2009 when both artists were at the tippie-top of their careers. While Lil Wayne legal limbo with Cash Money drags on, T Pain has been hinting at a come back with his releases. Yesterday, the singer/rapper released the T-Wayne album he and Lil Wayne have been sitting on since 2009 with leaked single, “He Raps He Sings” and 7 other new songs. It’s the most nostalgic album that would come out this year hands down.

Phyno – Link Up Feat. Burna Boy, MI

Phyno’s The Playmaker album didn’t get the attention it deserved when it was released last year. The rapper has tried to fix that by releasing videos for the tracks that are guaranteed to do well commercially. “Link Up” features MI and Burna Boy who join Phyno to deliver what has so far been the hardest rap collaboration of the year. Unlimited L. A directs the video with that perception in mind, using face mask costumes on the three artists. MI’s trigger fingers also can be seen as a metaphor that their rap bars aren’t to be messed with.

Future – Mask Off

Future’s “Mask Off” has become a cultural masterpiece, its accompanying video directed by Colin Tilley aims to make an even bigger statement. Tapping Amber Rose for a gloomy, the video is set in what feels like a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The scenes show burning cars, robbers and looters, masked anarchists and Amber Rose in fishnets riding shotgun. The chaos however stops towards the end of the video when the anarchists are swayed by the flutes and join Future dancing.

Major Lazer – Run Up Feat. Yung L, Skales, PartyNextDoor, Nicki Minaj

It’s been over a month since the release of “Run Up” The Major Lazer single featuring Nicki Minaj and PartyNextDoor. It has since grown popular enough for an Afrosmash remix featuring Skales and Yung L, following Diplo’s visit to Nigeria during GidiFest. While Afro remixes to big American songs aren’t new in Nigeria, “Run Up” Afromash’s video is a definite first. Stanz Visuals directs the video set in Lagos with shots depicting a festive atmosphere showing models adorned in traditional attires as well as Caribbean carnival costumes.

Katy Perry – Bon Appetit Feat. Migos

“Bon Appetit” is filled with all the quirky food related sexual innuendos you’d expect with every cornball radio pop song you have ever heard . “Bon Appetite” is expected to be included on Katy Perry’s Witness album and it features Migos. The video shows the singer getting served as a meal after going through all the process of getting cooked. Migos show up in the club just before the meal takes a dark turn for the guest but that metaphor could be anything.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/FutureVEVO

Listen to the sixth installment of the NATIVE MIX feat. Smoking indoors

Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee gets his own Netflix show

Posted on by The Native

Words by Ehimenim Agweh

On the heels of a slew of biopics covering various aspects of the life of the ‘King of Pop’, one particular member of his entourage is getting his story told. His pet chimpanzee, Bubbles.

It tells Michael Jackson’s story from Bubbles point of view and how he processes the events around him. The story follows Bubbles from the time Michael Jackson adopts him, his place in his owner’s various scandals up to the point of his release. It also aims to explore the possibility of sexual abuse from Michael Jackson to Bubbles.

The story’s concept was listed as one of Hollywood’s best unproduced screenplays and is currently on the market for buyers at the Cannes Film Market. Netflix and Amazon were leading a list of potential takers until Netflix bought the rights to the screenplay.

Bubbles’ story was acquired by Dan Harmon of ‘Anomalisa’ fame and is to be represented by international sales company, Rocket Science. Production will include Andrew Kortschak and Walter Kortschak of End Cue as well as Dan Harmon’s Starburns Industries.

Incase you missed it: Michael Jackson’s Biopic to premiere on his Memorial Day – 25th June

The Bumplist: Kiss Daniel, J Hus, Phyno, Sampha and more songs you need to hear

Posted on by The Native

Odoyewu – Minz

At the tail-end of last week, new comer, Minz released two singles, “Story”, our best new music for this week, and “Odoyewu”. Odoyewu is your typical dance floor braggadocio number, sprinkled with just Afropop fairy dust to ease to club DJ sets as a mood leveler as the night tends towards morning.

Rollin’ (feat. Khalid & Future) – Calvin Harris

In his seemingly never-ending attempt at creating the Song of the Summer, Calvin Harris drops the third single from his forthcoming album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1.  Joining the phenomenal “Slide” and the playful “Heatstroke” is “Rollin'”, with vocals provided by Khalid and Future. It’s his best outing yet.

Janet – M.T. Hadley

Little is known about the London producer whose track got played on Frank Ocean’s BLONDED Radio. But what we do know is his track “Janet” is an absolute gem. This one hits home.

Roses – Elena Ayodele

“Roses” is the lone single on the Soundcloud page of Future’s “Mask Off” flutist Elena Ayodele. This debut single by the Nigerian-American (by name) is a fusion of many seemingly random but cohesive ideas, including trap music filtered through R&B and a sax solo that sets the entire track apart from anything you have heard lately.

Feelin’ (feat Chris Adjei) – RJZ
The new afro-wave has thrived on songs like “Feelin'”, where mellow verses are rewarded with heavy drops and a hook that dissolves into a lighter shade of the instrumental. This contrast has become a hallmark for EDM-inspired sub-generes of African music and RJZ pulls off the same concept for “Feelin'”

Sensual – Kahvinya

Kenyan singer, Kahvinya recorded “Sensual” as a tribute to Yoruba river goddess, Oshun. It’s a bit of bit of R&B and Soul sprinkled with electronic experimental music. But most importantly, it’s an indicator that Africa’s most progressive are seeking for more than airplay, they’re also seeking spirituality and self-discovery.

Plottin’ – J Hus

Bouff Daddy finally dropped his debut album Common Sense, and more than anything he showed his exceptional versatility throughout the long-play. “Plottin” is reminiscent of the UK Garage days of yesteryear, and Hus adds his magic as he always does.

Sofa – Kiss Daniel
After a critically acclaimed New Era debut album, the pressure on Kiss Daniel to impress with a sophomore effort is now twice what he felt last year. “Sofa” is the first new material we’re getting from Kiss Daniel this year and it brings back a boisterous era that is quickly being overwritten by minimalist production and mood based music.

Cheers – Yung L

Picture a do-over of Rihanna’s version of her own song with the same title, strip everything away but keep the mood and purpose, add trumpets, then put Yung L in the booth. Voila, “Cheers”

Outer Limits (feat. Serine) – A2

The London MC shows out on yet another strong outing. His debut album, Blue, can’t come any sooner

Link Up (feat. Burna Boy & M.I) – Phyno

“Link Up” is one of the deep cuts from Phyno’s heavily underrated Playmaker album. Phyno runs through hard brags in his native language, with M.I supporting with light funny punches. The icing on this cake is Burna Boy, who melds it all together with the hardest bridge and hook put to microphone this year thus far.

Close but Not Quite (feat. Sampha) – Everything Is Recorded 

XL Head Honcho, Richard Russel, put together an EP with friends of the label, and the title track from Sampha is Sampha at his very best.

Listen to Native Mix 006: Featuring Smoking indoors

Mr Eazi: Touring the world, levelling up and changing the game forever

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Not many have stories like Mr Eazi’s. The singer and songwriter, started off promoting University parties and shows in Ghana. A random studio session led to the recording of his first single and successively, he recorded and released his first mixtape, About to Blow in 2013. Over the next months, Mr Eazi steadily rose through airwaves in Ghana. And in 2014, he relocated to Nigeria, a precursor to an eventual blow-up with break-out single, “Skin Tight” the following year. The rest of the Eazi story is pretty much public knowledge from there.

This summer, Mr Eazi will be going up against AfroPop heavyweights AKA, Wizkid, Davido, Sakordie amongst others nominated for BET’s Best International Act: Africa category. The nomination for the highly coveted award strengthens a sturdy global reputation and acclaim he has built over the past few months, in addition to performing for audiences of various sizes and nationalities.

These are no small wins for any African artist. Despite the facts, it’s almost hard to think Eazi is the same man who rose to popularity in less than two years with a handful of singles and a moderately successful Accra To Lagos mixtape. In fact, Eazi’s distinct laid-back style and comparatively low-replay value made early doubters speculate he would fizzle into the same backwater stable all one-trick ponies go to die (Olu Maintain, what’s good?). But it’s 2017 and Mr Eazi has not only cut through the long line to mainstream reverence, he is also cultivating a following built off more than hype with a world tour.

The rise of Afro-inspired sub-genres has been well documented by local and foreign media since the turn of the decade. But the hype of forays by forerunners, D’banj, 2face et al who attempted to take Afropop into the global market never materialised into sustained mainstream careers. It may be agreeable to say Mr Eazi is only a beneficiary of a digitally globalised world where accessibility is increased by the internet, however, the announced locations and dates for his world tour gleans an artists who understands the value of markets outside of his comfort zone. After premiering his mixtape Accra To Lagos with an intimate London event hosted by DJ Cuppy in early February, he announced his #DettyWorldTour listing fifty initial venues – both big and small – across Europe and North America, and an eight-month calendar that would put him on the road from April through November.

“I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man” – Jay Z

Going by the numbers, Eazi’s #DettyWorldTour highlights a crucial pitfall of African artists: the failure to follow album releases with a promotional tour to signal-boost the project. Revenue that could have been garnered from tickets and merchandise sales and are often lazily foregone, causing even good albums to come and go with little post-release staying power.

Perhaps the broader discussion here is a general lack of performance-worthy venues and the sheer volume of logistics required for an international campaign. However, the #DettyWorldTour hack for this conundrum is a pretty simple one. In addition to including small to medium sized easy-to-manage venues for international stops, his team also revealed that upon return, Mr Eazi would be going on a thirty-school university tour across West-Africa. This is a game-changing strategy no doubt borne of Mr Eazi’s past as a university events promoter. The ingenuity, however, is further highlighted considering Kiss Daniel similarly set out on a tour for his New Era album last year, and left African venues off his map completely.

As with many pop sub-genres in any soundscape, there is always a tendency for sound to be dependent and fettered by hype. This is particularly why Mr Eazi’s attempt to surpass that limitation is important. In this part of the world, there is low respectability for the value of live performances and big stages (like airplay) are often tied to backdoor payola arrangements and nepotistic ‘links’ between artist/management and event promoters. #DettyWorldTour does not only redefine Mr Eazi’s artistry, it’s a glimpse at how a sustainable brand can be built away from industry politicking.

Mr Eazi’s insistence on playing the game by his own rules is probably why he has previously stated he wants to be the “Jay Z of Africa”. Putting the extensive catalogue of Gloria’s Son aside, the formative Roc-a-Fella years in the 90s is what set Jay Z apart from his rap counterparts, predating his actual run as President of Def Jam and all that came after it. There’s a long way to go before we can speak about Eazi in the same breath as The Greatest Rapper Of All Time, but he is well on the path to living out one of Jay Z’s greatest teachings: “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man.”

Image Credit: Instagram/mreazi

Incase you missed it: Watch Mr Eazi, Kahlo and Davido in Riton’s Music Video For “Money”

Watch J Hus Stunt In “Common Sense” Video

Posted on by The Native

J Hus unveiled the first video from his debut album, Common Sense a few hours ago. If his plan for the album is to produce videos to show off and throw shade at his haters then he is up to a great start with the video for “Common Sense”. The video is filled with several images primed to make you feel like the rapper has it all figured out.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUPdNv0FWxJ/?taken-by=theuglygram

J Hus is in his symbolic bucket hat that was a central element for his album cover art. The black Benz J Hus references in album lead single, “Did You See” also makes an appearance in “Common Sense” video. In an unceremonious intro, J Hus is seen buying the Benz second hand from a white owner who keeps talking till J Hus cuts him off; “Hey enough of this. Lemme just get my hand on it yeah?”. That could explain why the models in the video are also too engrossed in catching as much cash as possible that the music is lost on them. The video also shows J Hus accompanied by two friendlies but shots of three J Hus eating at a table suggests that he really only trusts himself.

J Hus’ debut album is expected to ease into summer playlist in the coming weeks. Peep the titular track from the album here.

Watch J Hus’ video for “Common Sense” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/JHusVEVO

Check out all the standouts from J Hus’ ‘Common Sense’ album”

Enzo’s “Black And Beautiful” Is The Most Inspirational Song You’ll Hear This Week

Posted on by The Native

Music is one sure way to ease out the bad vibes that tend to come with the struggles of getting through the week. With a well curated playlist, you can set the exact mood you want to feel at any given time of day. Enzo’s “Black And Beautiful” is written primarily for feminine audience but the concept isn’t restricted to any gender.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUC8qxNg9aI/?taken-by=enzobobbies

One of the best things about “Black And Beautiful” is that like most EDM numbers, there are still traces of dancehall despite the somber melodies. “Black And Beautiful” has a dark, haunting piano baseline that builds till drums and soft synth notes up the tempo just enough to get heads bumping. Enzo gets into the vibe spinning uplifting romantic lyrics but his vocals do nothing to brighten the mood.

The song’s message of beauty is bathed in a broody sense of loss with lines like; “Your beauty ever lasting, I’ll love you till I die/You don’t need nobody to tell you you’re fine/You Gotta Know/I heard voices ruins the silence/It’s so sad” .

Enzo’s “Black And Beautiful” pushes the boundaries of dance pop in terms of lyrical content and musical arrangement.

Listen to “Black And Beautiful” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/enzobobbies

Ditweni delivers an ode to his mom and her high standards on “Mama Got No Chill”

Bella Alubo is cool as funk on new music video for “Radio” ft Ycee

Posted on by The Native

Words by Fisayo Okare

For a hip-hop artist who has been focused on creating, distributing and promoting her music, Bella and her team understand just how crucial the concept of branding can be. There are different key components in a brands toolbox, which includes what your music sounds like, how you shoot your video, how you dress and most importantly, it’s about how you put all those things together in one holistic image. It’s good to see as this fits in neatly in Bella’s music video for her debut single, “Radio” featuring her fellow Tinny Entertainment signee, Ycee.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUOmXJalChW/?taken-by=bellaalubo

From the cover art, to the setting and scenery of the video itself, everything is really cool and Pop-art-y. And as they say, when a girl tries to go gangster, it’s cute. It seems Bella is ready to fully represent her brand.

Watch Bella’s “Radio” featuring Ycee below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/bellaalubo

Read up: Bella And Ycee Are Surprisingly Good Singers On “Radio”

The Voice Nigeria returns for Season II

Posted on by The Native

Words by Ehimenim Agweh

If you were entranced by Chike’s looks, dazzled by the booming of Cornelius’ voice and held captive by Brenda’s charms, then you are in luck because “The Voice Nigeria” is coming to your screen on the 18th of June, 2017

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUOq6rbhmYE/?taken-by=thevoicenaija&hl=en

After A’rese took home the crown last season, the M-Net organised show began auditions around the country from April in the search for the next contestants and possible newcomers into the entertainment industry. Across its 17-episode run last year, the show garnered hundreds of viewers and diehard fans who have been waiting for the next season to commence.

The Airtel and Coca-Cola sponsored show will be seeing a departure in the judge’s section as Tuface will not be returning due to personal projects. His replacement has been confirmed to be Yemi Alade. The show’s regulars, Waje, Patoranking and Timi Dakolo will still be on the red chairs. “The Voice Nigeria” will air on AfricaMagic Showcase DSTV Channel 151.

Feature Image Credit: Instagram/thevoicenigeria

Incase you missed it: Nigeria’s Mo Adeniran Emerges Winner of The Voice UK

Listen To DJ Yin And Vic Sax On DJ Java’s “Lady”

Posted on by The Native

DJ Yin’s cross from spinning records to making music led to her debut release, “What You Started”, an Afro-house single produced by Bankyondbeatz. Her new effort comes via a feature on DJ Java’s “Lady”. DJ Java has worked with Ajebutter in the past on “Bisola Coker”, “Lady” is his first official release of the year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUMSGCmlSUV/?taken-by=djjavaofficial

“Lady” has a similar Afro-House beat with “Bisola Coker” but with a slower tempo and a lighter bass. The romantic theme of “Lady” might have influence the decision to opt for a more subtle Afro-drum pattern and EDM piano riffs but it blends just right for DJ Yin. Vic Sax’s influence is felt at the end of “Lady” the with a jazz solo.

DJ Java has put together a very groovy mixture of EDM and Afro sounds without sacrificing one at the expense of the other. “Lady” has all the right features to help boast the popularity of Afro-house and with enough radio play, the genre might begin to rival the mainstream Afropop.

Listen to DJ Java’s “Lady” featuring DJ Yin and Vic Sax below.

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/djjavaofficial

DJ Yin and Bankyonthebeatz choose to honor Marley with a tribute “I Wanna Love You” cover

Watch Korede Bello’s new video for “Butterfly”

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Words by Fisayo Okare

Korede Bello’s music is aimed directly at the heart of his fans. With his debut album, Belloved he needed us to know that as the name implies, it is dedicated to his fandom, Bellovers, who are key to the Korede Bello Brand. The 11-track album generally fares in the mid range category quality-wise but it’s easy to notch up “Butterfly” as an instant fave.

For “Butterfly”, Patrick Ellis directs with shots of actual butterflies, Korede Bello serenading his love interest with a guitar and beautiful scenery from California.

“Butterfly” is one of those songs when played, that you gradually slip into moving shoulders to the rhythm of the music. You can hear the tempo and expressions of “Butterfly” lightly tap into the mood you’ll get out of Flavour N’abania’s highlife.

Watch Korede Bello’s video for “Butterfly” below.

Featured Image Credit: koredebello/instagram

Incase you missed it: Listen to Korede Bello’s reworked “Do Like That” featuring Kelly Rowland

NATIVE Mix 006: featuring SMOKING INDOORS

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SMOKING INDOORS is back again hosting the sixth instalment of the NATIVE Mix. Seamlessly mashing up genres in his trademark style, he drops a new cut from Yonda and Burna Boy, a Lil Uzi Vert deep-cut and a hilarious Chris Rock skit.

However, the runaway scene-stealer in the mix is his edit of Ozzy B and Odunsi The Engine’s “Gangster Fear”. Blending the 2016 standout song with Smoke E. Digglera’s “If U Say, Say U Scared” (famously sampled on Drake’s “Look What You’ve Done”) is a work of art.

Have a listen, and peep the tracklist below.

 

There is Hope for you Still – Misogi
No Sex – Chris Rock
Bad – Adey
Love and Death (feat Uhuru Yenzu) – Ebo Taylor
Danfo Driver – Mad Melon & Mountain Black
Boom Bye Bye – Rens
Yawa – Tekno
In the morning – Mr Eazi
Las Vegas Remix feat Burna Boy – Yonda
Chronic Sunshine – Cosmo Pyke
Lost – Kasien
Overdose – Da-P
Deixa Ela Envolvida – DKVPZ
Doe Je Dans – Ft. Adje, Jozo – Bizzey & Young Felix
Ronda – Lil Uzi Vert
I Cant Leave Drank Alone – Z-ro
Jiggle – Slow Thai
Big Ben – Donaeo
Iskaba – Wande Coal
Pattern -One Acen
No swag – Caleon Fox
Gngsta Fear – SMOKING INDOORS
Aqui No Baille – DKVPZ
Venus – Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Gonna Change – Focus The Truth

Listen to the Native Mix 005: Featuring Addy Edgal

Kenyan electronica and Ghanaian spoken word combine on Poetra Asantewa’s “Round Pegs”

Posted on by The Native

Some really great things are coming out of Ghana, especially from its crop of feminist spoken word poets; women who are challenging social convention and accepted social stereotypes with their poetry and spoken word performances. Ghanaian spoken word poet Poetra Asantewa is a huge part of this vanguard of women musicians, her work earning her a spot in the 2016 Beat One fellowship and bringing her music to the global stage. Since then, she’s used the exposure the platform gave her to elevate her craft, exploring other genres and re-imagining the genre in which she’s made her name.

For her new single “Round Pegs”, Asantewa goes all the way to Kenya, collaborating with Ghanaian producer KMRU who is exploring electronica as a sonic medium. He creates a transcendental platform of shimmery synth melodies, punctuated with a simple piano riff, and tribal percussions, subtle under the wall of sound he creates for Asantewa. She is never one to shy from a challenge and she switches between spoken word and a chorus filled with haunting three part harmonies, weaving stories of young people struggling to find their identities in a world where societal and parental pressures bury talent and force promising young people into life trajectories they don’t want for themselves. It is a time-worn social commentary, but no less relevant today.

Collaborations like this are the next phase of African music, and it is rad to see spoken word poets first embrace the wave.

PS: It’s a nice touch that the album art is a portrait of Jake The Kid, who became an internet sensation last year because of his keen interest in writing. There is much to unpack here.

Listen to “Round Pegs” below.

Watch 5 of the finest spoken word performances by poetra asantewa

Hear “Best In You”, another single expected to usher in Jesse Jagz’s upcoming album

Posted on by The Native

New releases continue to roll in from Jesse Jagz as we await his third studio album titled Odysseus. He released “New World” last month mentioning that the new project will be out soon but so far, we’ve only heard pieces of it. The latest piece, “Best In You” was released yesterday with an accompanying video directed by Graimmy theSOH.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUHarl8AYpQ/?taken-by=jessejagz

Jagz is predominantly a rapper but we’ve seen him do a lot of reggae style singing over the course of his career. “Best In You” sees the rapper explore the booming Afropop genre with reckless abandon. He does this at the risk of losing his rap fans but he retains his reggae flows on the romantic number with Afropop drum patterns. Jesse Jagz confesses his love for his girl on “Best In You”, drawing inspiration from 90’s Lighthouse Family’s “Ocean Drive” for the hook.

The video for “Best In You” has a blues-themed-concept, showing the sunset in Lagos and silhouettes of Jesse Jagz singing his heart out on an unsuspecting roof. Jesse Jagz’s exploration of Afropop suggests we can expect to see other experimentation from the rapper when  Odysseus finally comes out.

Watch Jesse Jagz’s video for “Best In You” below.

Feature Image Credits: Instagram/jessejagz

Check out Jesse Jagz’s debut single, “New World”

Mayorkun refixes Nonso Amadi’s “Tonight” with a whole different story

Posted on by The Native

Words by Fisayo Okare

Mayorkun’s new release, “Tonight”, a cover of Nonso Amadi’s hit single of the same name, is another proof that the mainstream industry is ready to bridge the gap between them and the avant-garde. Of which Maleek Berry and Tekno have already assisted in changing Afropop into a genre that can serve other purpose beside dancehall. Mayorkun’s songs are usually those kind of Afro pop hits presumably intended for the dance floor, but with this “Tonight” cover, he meets the new wave sound just half way through what they do.

Mayorkun’s delivery of “Tonight” tells a slightly different storyline from the original. While Mayorkun is leaving his lover instead by singing that “Tonight I’ll do away with you”, Nonso croons on the same beat that “Tonight just go all the way with me”.

A bit goofy but regardless, Mayorkun demonstrates that two opposing emotional extremes can be tested on the same sound wave. Usually, deep longing songs could be made about true love while fast paced songs with pop elements could easily be about heartbreaks. However, both concepts are done on the same tempo produced by Hills Music Group. Sorta genius, perhaps?

Fan’s who loved “Tonight”’s original may be just a tad disappointed that Nonso Amadi’s love song is now a pre-break up anthem. But well, you never can tell when love hits you differently.

Watch the video to Mayorkun’s cover of Nonso Amadi’s “Tonight” below.

Feature Image Credit: Instagram/Mayorkun

Watch Davido and Mayorkun in “Prayer”

“Banana Island Ghost” might just be our very own paranormal James Bond movie

Posted on by The Native

Words by Ehimenim Agweh

Just when we thought we were stuck with Old Nollywood action movies, Biola Alabi Media and Nemsia Films are blessing us ‘This Rainy Season a.k.a. Summer’ with 007’s Nigerian rival in “Banana Island Ghost” a.k.a. ‘B.I.G.’

The story follows a just dead ghost (Paul Diabuah) and his soulmate, Ijeoma (Chigurl)as they run into hilarious scrapes and firepower in the quest to reclaim Ijeoma’s father’s Banana Island property in three days. They pull a host of characters along with them including Baba God and (Surprise surprise) an Indian ninja. I bet Bollywood didn’t see that one coming.

“Banana Island Ghost”’s cast includes Uche Jombo-Rodriguez, Ali Nuhu, Saidi Balogun and others who will be adding their own bent to the action packed sequences the trailer promises.

See the trailer for “Banana Island Ghost” below

Feature Image Credit: Youtube/B.I.G -Banana Island Ghost Trailer

AV Club: Uche Aguh deifies the Nigerian woman in “Azuike | The Strength Of Your Back”

Listen To Ditweni’s Ode To His Mom And Her High Standards On “Mama Got No Chill”

Posted on by The Native

All the dedicated Mother’s Day in a calendar year will never be enough to appreciate what mothers do for us. We literally won’t exist without them and as if that’s not enough, they look out for us and do their best to protect us from harm—physical or emotional. Some methods darker than others, Ditweni’s mom is no exception and his new single, “Mama Got No Chill” is his ironic way of saying thanks.

Like most upcoming rappers with music producing skill, Ditweni usually can do without any external assistance on his songs. No one got credit for the production of “Mama Got No Chill” which suggests he produced the Blues-Hop-hop fusion himself. Inserting horns, negro spiritual melodies and brilliant beat samples, Ditweni makes good of the beat all without mucking up the heart in the middle of his lyrics. He uses his experience with his mom and past love interests to describe how his mom’s high standards have rescued him from settling for the wrong one.

Ditweni sings the catchy hook for “Mama Got No Chill” with the same dedication that brings to mind Kanye’s “Hey Mama”. Whether this means we can expect a classic album from Ditweni in the near future is yet to be confirmed but “Mama Got No Chill” has caught our attention.

Listen to “Mama Got No Chill” below.

https://soundcloud.com/user-730859702/mama-got-no-chill-mp3

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/ditweni

Theblackboyjohn reminds us that Nigerians in diaspora still respect the culture on “Chiefs Don’t Run” freestyle

Wizkid takes another Win, with 7 Billboard Music Award nominations

Posted on by The Native

Words by Fisayo Okare 

If you need a reminder on just how big a year Wizkid’s been having, just take a look at all the nominations, features and interviews he has racked up for himself on the international scene alone. His interviews on Channel 4 News and BBC radio 1 xtra, has seen him in the spotlight airing his views on Afro pop taking over the world and he has undoubtedly been at the forefront leading this vanguard.

Wizkid has worked with international artists like Skepta, Tinnie Tempah and R Kelly. But more recently, he had a feature on Zara Larsson’s Album, So Good and his more popularized feature with Drake on “Come Closer”, breaking streaming records in Nigeria. His feature on Drake’s Views album, “One Dance”, has earned him a total of 7 nominations for the 2017 Billboard Music awards.

The BBMA is an honour given by Billboard, a publication in the US covering the business of music & popularity chart and has been held since the 90’s. The award is given to the hottest names in the music industry, so there is a whole lot to look forward to in the future of Wizkid’s career.

In case you missed it, Wizkid is also on the line up to perform at Jay Z’s Made in America music festival in September, alongside Maleek Berry and Tiwa Savage. You can read the article on that here. And Check out the full list of nominees below via Billboard. The Awards will air 8PM  on the 21st of May.

 

Top Artist:

Adele

Beyonce

Justin Bieber

The Chainsmokers

Drake

Ariana Grande

Shawn Mendes

Rihanna

Twenty One Pilots

The Weeknd

 

Top New Artist:

Alessia Cara

Desiigner

Lil Uzi Vert

Lukas Graham

Zayn

 

Billboard Chart Achievement Award Presented by Xfinity:

Luke Bryan

Nicki Minaj

The Chainsmokers

The Weeknd

Twenty One Pilots

 

Top Male Artist:

Justin Bieber

Drake

Future

Shawn Mendes

The Weeknd

 

Top Female Artist:

Adele

Beyonce

Ariana Grande

Rihanna

Sia

 

Top Duo/Group:

The Chainsmokers

Coldplay

Florida Georgia Line

Guns N’ Roses

Twenty One Pilots

 

Top Billboard 200 Artist:

Beyonce

Drake

Prince

Twenty One Pilots

The Weeknd

 

Top Hot 100 Artist:

The Chainsmokers

Drake

Rihanna

Twenty One Pilots

The Weeknd

 

Top Song Sales Artist:

The Chainsmokers

Drake

Prince

Justin Timberlake

Twenty One Pilots

 

Top Radio Songs Artist:

Justin Bieber

The Chainsmokers

Drake

Rihanna

Twenty One Pilots

 

Top Streaming Songs Artist:

The Chainsmokers

Desiigner

Drake

Rihanna

Twenty One Pilots

 

Top Social Artist:

Justin Bieber

BTS

Selena Gomez

Ariana Grande

Shawn Mendes

 

Top Touring Artist:

Justin Bieber

Beyonce

Coldplay

Guns N’ Roses

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

 

Top R&B Artist:

Beyonce

Bruno Mars

Frank Ocean

Rihanna

The Weeknd

 

Top R&B Tour:

Beyonce

Lionel Richie

Rihanna

 

Top Rap Artist

J. Cole

Desiigner

Drake

Future

Rae Sremmurd

 

Top Rap Tour:

Drake

Future

Kanye West

 

Top Country Artist:

Florida Georgia Line

Blake Shelton

Keith Urban

Chris Stapleton

Jason Aldean

 

Top Country Tour:

Luke Bryan

Kenny Chesney

Dixie Chicks

 

Top Rock Artist:

Coldplay

The Lumineers

Metallica

Twenty One Pilots

X Ambassadors

 

Top Rock Tour:

Coldplay

Guns N’ Roses

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

 

Top Latin Artist:

J Balvin

Juan Gabriel

Los Plebes Del Rancho De Ariel Camacho

Maluma

Nicky Jam

 

Top Dance/Electronic Artist:

The Chainsmokers

Calvin Harris

Major Lazer

DJ Snake

Lindsey Stirling

 

Top Christian Artist:

Lauren Daigle

Hillsong Worship

Hillary Scott & the Family

Skillet

Chris Tomlin

 

Top Gospel Artist:

Jekalyn Carr

Kirk Franklin

Travis Greene

Tamela Mann

Hezekiah Walker

 

Top Billboard 200 Album:

Beyonce, Lemonade

Drake, Views

Rihanna, Anti

Twenty One Pilots, Blurryface

The Weeknd, Starboy

 

Top Soundtrack/Cast Album:

Hamilton: An American Musical

Moana

Purple Rain

Suicide Squad: The Album

Trolls

 

Top R&B Album:

Beyonce, Lemonade

Bruno Mars, 24K Magic

Frank Ocean, Blonde

Rihanna, Anti

The Weeknd, Starboy

 

Top Rap Album:

  1. Cole, 4 Your Eyez Only

Drake, Views

Kevin Gates, Isla

DJ Khaled, Major Key

A Tribe Called Quest, We Got It From Here…Thank You For Your Service

 

Top Country Album:

Jason Aldean, They Don’t Know

Florida Georgia Line, Dig Your Roots

Blake Shelton, If I’m Honest

Chris Stapleton, Traveller

Keith Urban, Ripcord

 

Top Rock Album:

The Lumineers, Cleopatra

Metallica, Hardwired…To Self Destruct

Radiohead, A Moon Shaped Pool

Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Getaway

Twenty One Pilots, Blurryface

 

Top Latin Album:

J Balvin, Energia

CNCO, Primera Cita

Juan Gabriel, Los Duo 2

Juan Gabriel, Vestido De Etiqueta: Por Eduardo Magallanes

Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho, Recuerden Mi Estilo

 

Top Dance/Electronic Album:

The Chainsmokers, Bouquet

The Chainsmokers, Collage

Flume, Skin

Kygo, Cloud Nine

Lindsey Stirling, Brave Enough

 

Top Christian Album:

Casting Crowns, The Very Next Thing

Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be

Joey + Rory, Hymns

Hillary Scott & The Family, Love Remains

Skillet, Unleashed

 

Top Gospel Album:

Tamela Mann, One Way

Kirk Franklin, Losing My Religion

Travis Greene, The Hill

Tasha Cobbs, One Place: Live

Hezekiah Walker, Better: Azusa – The Next Generation 2

 

Top Hot 100 Song:

The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer”

The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”

Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”

Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”

Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens”

 

Top Selling Song:

The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer”

The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”

Drake Featuring, WizKid & Kyla “One Dance”

Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”

Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens”

 

Top Radio Song:

The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer”

The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”

Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”

Sia Featuring Sean Paul, “Cheap Thrills”

Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”

 

Top Streaming Song (Audio):

The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer”

Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”

D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty, “Broccoli”

Rihanna, “Needed Me”

The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy”

 

Top Streaming Song (Video):

The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer”

Desiigner, “Panda”

Zay Hilfigerr & Zayion McCall, “JuJu On That Beat (TZ Anthem)

Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles”

Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens”

 

Top Collaboration:

The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer”

The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”

Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”

Sia Featuring Sean Paul, “Cheap Thrills”

The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy”

 

Top R&B Song:

Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”

Bruno Mars, “24K Magic”

Rihanna, “Needed Me”

Rihanna Featuring Drake, “Work”

The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy”

 

Top R&B Collaboration:

Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”

PARTYNEXTDOOR Featuring Drake, “Come And See Me”

Rihanna Featuring Drake, “Work”

The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk “I Feel It Coming”

The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy”

 

Top Rap Song:

Desiigner, “Panda”

Drake, “Fake Love”

D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty, “Broccoli”

Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vert, “Bad And Boujee”

Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles”

 

Top Rap Collaboration:

D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty, “Broccoli”

Zay Hilfigerr & Zayion McCall, “JuJu On That Beat (TZ Anthem)

Machine Gun Kelly & Camila Cabello, “Bad Things”

Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vert, “Bad and Boujee”

Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles”

 

Top Country Song:

Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, “Setting The World On Fire”

Florida Georgia Line, “H.O.L.Y.”

Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, “May We All”

Little Big Town, “Better Man”

Keith Urban, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”

 

Top Country Collaboration:

Dierks Bentley Featuring Elle King, “Different For Girls”

Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, “Setting The World On Fire”

Eric Church Featuring Rhiannon Giddens, “Kill A Word”

Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, “May We All”

Chris Young Featuring Vince Gill, “Sober Saturday Night”

 

Top Rock Song:

Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons with Logic & Ty Dolla $ign Featuring X Ambassadors, “Sucker For Pain”

Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens”

Twenty One Pilots, “Ride”

Twenty One Pilots, “Stressed Out”

X Ambassadors, “Unsteady”

 

Top Latin Song:

Daddy Yankee, “Shaky Shaky”

Enrique Iglesias Featuring Wisin, “Duele El Corazon”

Nicky Jam, “Hasta El Amanecer”

Shakira Featuring Maluma, “Chantaje”

Carlos Vives & Shakira, “La Bicicleta”

 

Top Dance/Electronic Song:

The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer”

The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”

Calvin Harris Featuring Rihanna, “This Is What You Came For”

Major Lazer Featuring Justin Bieber & MO, “Cold Water”

DJ Snake Featuring Justin Bieber, “Let Me Love You”

 

Top Christian Song:

Lauren Daigle, “Trust In You”

Hillary Scott & The Family, “Thy Will”

Skillet, “Feel Invincible”

Ryan Stevenson Featuring GabeReal, “Eye Of The Storm”

Zach Williams, “Chain Breaker”

 

Top Gospel Song:

Jekalyn Carr, “You’re Bigger”

Tasha Cobbs, Featuring Kierra Sheard “Put A Praise On It”

Kirk Franklin, “Wanna Be Happy??”

Travis Greene, “Made A Way”

Hezekiah Walker, “Better”

 

Feature Image Credit: Instagram/Wizkidayo

Read up: How Billboard’s Latest Chart Changes Will Switch Up The Game For African Artists

Phyno taps M.I And Burna Boy For the “Link Up”

Posted on by The Native

Stereotypes are often misleading, but going by what we hear on gritty rap songs, it is easy to conclude that if a musician were to rob you, odds are it’s going to be a rapper. Whether it’s for the extra money to  show off in their videos or just for the street credibility. 50 Cent’s Get Rich Or Die Trying album and tons of other Hip-hop videos set right in the middle of bank robberies, emphasize rap music’s inclination to aggression. This premise is presumably the inspiration behind Unlimited L. A’s video direction for Phyno’s “Link Up” featuring M.I and Burna Boy. Well, in addition to that, maybe he too has heard of the saying that when you find three grown men linking up, they are often up to no good.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUJvthwliNn/?taken-by=phynofino

But maybe we are taking it too far. After all, the only indications of violence in the video are the face masks, M.I’s trigger finger signs, burning tires and lyrics with gunshot onomatopoeia. That being said, “Link Up” brings Phyno who is rendering raps in his native Igbo language as usual, Burna Boy’s verse doubles as the hook and he easily delivers the best performance while, M.I is on board for a veteran touch that never falters.

Although “Link Up” had been under-appreciated from Phyno’s The Playmaker album, this hard but simple video may just be enough to spark interest in the LP once again.

Enjoy Phyno’s “Link Up” video with M.I and Burna Boy below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/PhynoVEVO

Phyno takes us to church for his “So Far So Good” video

AV Club: If Kuddi’s “Codename 1.0” is anything to go by, we should expect great things

Posted on by The Native

Nigerian filmmaker Kuddi has come a long way in his craft, and he is eager to show us what he’s been up to. His newest short film ‘Codename 1.0’ takes on the hard to pull off action genre, and makes light work of it. The entire film doesn’t dwell too much on backstory or character development focusing instead entirely on a superbly choreographed fight scene between a female protagonist and an armed assailant who trails her in the woods trying to immobilize her.

I loved that the entire sequence was gritty and visceral, and Kuddi doesn’t make any excuse for his protagonist just because she’s female. She gives as good as she gets and literally beats the shit out of her armed assailant. Won’t spoil the ending for you, other than to say, you have to see it through to the very end. If this is indicative of the kind of work that Kuddi intends to bring to Nollywood, then we’re more than ready.

Nollywood is definitely due for an action film done right.

Watch “Codename 1.o” here.

Av Club: Watch Uche Aguh’s Fashion film, “Azuike|The Strenght of your back”