Watch Yemi Alade’s video for “Heart Robber”

Over the weekend, nominees for the next edition of the Soundcity MVP awards were announced. Across three days, nominations were unveiled on social media, an elaborate move that has become customary for an award show that has grown into one of the most glamorous celebration of music in these parts. Formerly known as Soundcity Video Music Awards before transitioning into Soundcity MVP Awards, the award ceremony was set up with the plan to recognise outstanding achievements of African artists in 15 various music categories which include Best Male MVP, Best Female MVP, Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year, African Artist of the Year, African DJ of the year among others.

 

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Not much has changed this year with regards to the categories, and while nominations cut across different acts from across Africa, the nominees list is overwhelmingly Nigerian. In one of the more diverse categories, Tems, Tyla, Gyakie, Zuchu, Tiwa Savage and five more artists from across four countries will vie for Best Female MVP. As is often the case with most award shows in Africa, men lead the pack of nominees: Burna Boy has the highest number of nods with eight in seven categories, and he’s closely followed by NATIVE Issue 005 cover stars Rema and Asake, both with seven total nominations. All three are in the Best Male MVP category alongside Wizkid, Davido, Diamond Platnumz, Focalistic, Kidi, Omah Lay and King Promise.

In the African Producer of the Year category, BlaiseBeatz, Andre Vibez, Tempoe, Niphkeys and more Nigerian producers make up nine of the ten nominees. have as well been announced as nominees for this category. The Video of the Year category is similarly Nigerian-dominated, with nominees including Rema’s “Calm Down,” Omah Lay’s “Soso,” Kizz Daniel and Tekno’s “Buga,” Asake and Fireboy’s “Bandana,” and more. In announcing the nominees for this category, the organisers failed to credit the directors for these videos. While these videos are quite strong selections, the hard work of the video directors and the entire production team should never go uncredited. The visual representation of a record is created by the music video directors and for this reason, they should be handed their flowers. 

In a recent instagram post made by popular music video director TG Omori, he expressed his displeasure at the awards and shared that a category such as Video of the Year should not be credited to the artists alone and the Video directors should never be left out of the larger conversations. This in fact is very understandable as most of the time, it’s usually a collaborative effort between the performing artist and the video director so for this reason, they should as well be credited. The music industry is constantly growing and Nigerian music is at a very sensitive point where it’s exporting many different talents and as the music is growing, the other parts of the industry aside from the music should be growing just as fast. Award shows, music festivals/concerts and more should be intentional about the work that’s put into its creation. 

Although it has now been rectified and the awards have announced the video directors in the place of the artists following the alarm raised by TG Omori—who has three nods in the category—this does not dispute the fact that intentionality should be a keyword when addressing the hard work of creatives. The Soundcity MVP Award ceremony is set to hold on the 11th of February at the Eko Convention Center.

Check out the full list of nominees below.

BEST NEW MVP

1. Victony (NG)
2. Ayra Starr (NG)
3. Young Jonn (NG)
4. Seyi Vybez (NG)
5. Fave (NG)
6. Ruger (NG)
7. Black Sherif (GH)
8. Costa Titch (SA)
9. Phina (TZ)
10. Wakadinali (KE)

AFRICAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR

1. Burna Boy (NG)
2. Wizkid (NG)
3. Diamond Platnumz (TZ)
4. Kidi (GH)
5. Msaki (SA)
6. Asake (NG)
7. Rema (NG)
8. Kizz Daniel (NG)
9. Temz (NG)
10. Zuchu (TZ)

BEST COLLABORATION

1. Pheelz & Bnxn Fka Buju – Finesse (NG)
2. Fireboy & Ed Sheeran – Peru (Remix) (NG)
3. Black Sherif & Burnaboy – Second Sermon (GH)
4. Camidoh – Sugarcane (Remix) ft. Mayorkun, King Promise & Darkoo (GH)
5. Costa Titch – Big Flexa ft. C’buda M, Alfa Kat, Banaba Des, Sdida & Man T (SA)
6. Asake – Sungba (Remix) ft. Burna Boy (NG)
7. Kizz Daniel & Tekno – Buga (NG)
8. Daliwonga – Abo Mvelo ft. Mellow & Sleazy (SA)
9. Mayorkun & Victony – Holy Father (NG)
10. Mavin All Stars – Overdose (NG)

BEST HIP-HOP

1. Black Sherif – Kwaku The Traveller (GH)
2. Blaqbonez – Back In Uni (NG)
3. M.I – The Guy (NG)
4. Kaligraph (Og) Jones X Dax – Hiroshima (KE)
5. Nasty C & Aka – Lemons To Lemonades (SA)
6. Psycho Yp – Bando Diaries ft. Odumodu Blvck (NG)
7. Ladipoe – Running ft. Fireboy (NG)
8. Wakadinali – Geri Inengi ft. Sir Bwoy (KE)
9. Chyn – Hosanna ft. Fxtune (NG)
10. Vector – Clowns ft. Ladi Poe (NG)

LISTENER’S CHOICE

1. Oxlade – Ku Lo Sa (NG)
2. Kizz Daniel & Tekno – Buga (NG)
3. Burna Boy – Last Last (NG)
4. Ch’cco & Mellow & Sleazy – Nkao Tempela (SA)
5. Daliwonga – Abo Mvelo Ft. Mellow & Sleazy (SA)
6. Rema – Calm Down (NG)
7. Mavin All Stars – Overdose (NG)
8. Camidoh – Sugarcane (Remix) ft. Mayorkun, Darkoo & King Promise (GH)
9. Black Sherif – Kwaku The Traveler (GH)
10. Patoranking – Kolo Kolo Ft. Diamond Platnumz (NG)

VIEWERS CHOICE

1. Asake – Pbuy (NG)
2. Timaya – Cold Outside ft. Bnxn Fka Buju (NG)
3. Kizz Daniel & Tekno – Buga (NG)
4. Costa Titch – Big Flexa ft. C’buda M, Alfa Kat, Banaba Des, Sdida & Man T (SA)
5. Kidi – Touch It (GH)
6. Burna Boy – Last Last (NG)
7. Rema – Calm Down (NG)
8. Camidoh – Sugarcane (Remix) ft. Mayorkun, Darkoo & King Promise (GH)
9. Black Sherif – Kwaku The Traveler (GH)
10. Ayra Starr – Rush (NG)

DIGITAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

1. Ckay (NG)
2. Wizkid (NG)
3. Rema (NG)
4. Burna Boy (NG)
5. Davido (NG)
6. Diamond Platnumz (TZ)
7. Omah Lay (NG)
8. 1da Banton (NG)
9. Zuchu (TZ)
10. Tems (NG)

AFRICAN DJ OF THE YEAR

1. Dj Obi (NG)
2. Dj Tunez (NG)
3. Dj Big N (NG)
4. Uncle Waffles (SA)
5. Dj Maphorisa (SA)
6. Dj Dips (NG)
7. Black Coffee (SA)
8. Dj Vyrusky (GH)
9. Dj 4kerty (NG)
10. Dj Tariqo (MZ)

BEST MALE MVP

1. Burna Boy (NG)
2. Wizkid (NG)
3. Asake (NG)
4. Davido (NG)
5. Diamond Platnumz (TN)
6. Focalistic (SA)
7. Kidi (GH)
8. Omah Lay (NG)
9. Rema (NG)
10. King Promise (GH)

BEST FEMALE MVP

1. Tems (NG)
2. Ayra Starr (NG)
3. Gyakie (GH)
4. Tiwa Savage (NG)
5. Boohle (SA)
6. Niniola (NG)
7. Nkosazana Daughter (SA)
8. Tyla (SA)
9. Zuchu (TZ)
10. Msaki (SA)

AFRICAN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

1. Blaisebeatz (Big Flexa)
2. Andre Vibez (Calm Down)
3. Magicsticks (Organise)
4. Pheelz (Finesse)
5. Niphkeyz (I’m A Mess)
6. Tempoe (Soweto)
7. Rewardbeatz (Xtracool)
8. Chopstix (Last Last)
9. P.Prime (Woman)
10. S2kizzy (Kwikwi)

BEST GROUP OR DUO

1. Blaq Diamond (SA)
2. Show Dem Camp (NG)
3. Ajebo Hustlers (NG)
4. Major League Djz (SA)
5. Cavemen (NG)
6. Mellow & Sleezy (SA)
7. Dopenation (GH)
8. Buruklyn Boyz (KE)
9. Yababuluku Boyz (MZ)
10. Nsg (Uk, GH & NG)

BEST POP

1. Fireboy – Peru (Remix) ft. Ed Sheeran (NG)
2. Rema – Calm Down (NG)
3. Young Jonn – Xtra Cool (NG)
4. Kidi – Touch It (GH)
5. Diamond Platnumz – Mtasubiri ft. Zuchu (TZ)
6. Ruger – Dior (NG)
7. Omah Lay – Woman (NG)
8. Ayra Starr – Rush (NG)
9. Crayon – Ijo Laba Laba (NG)
10. Lasmid – Friday Night (GH)

SONG OF THE YEAR

1. Omah Lay – I’m A Mess (NG)
2. Oxlade – Ku Lo Sa (NG)
3. Wanitwa Mos, Master Kg & Lowsheen – Sofa Silahlane Ft. Nkosazana Daughter (SA)
4. Bien X Aaron Rimbui – Mbwe Mbwe (KE)
5. Burna Boy – Last Last (NG)
6. Camidoh – Sugarcane Remix ft. Mayorkun, King Promise & Darkoo (GH)
7. Kizz Daniel & Tekno – Buga (NG)
8. Asake – Organise (NG)
9. Zakes Bantwini X Kasango – Osama (SA)
10. Mayorkun & Victony – Holy Father (NG)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

1. Rema – Calm Down (NG) [Director: DK]
2. Fireboy X Asake – Bandana (NG) [Director: TG Omori]
3. Costa Titch – Big Flexa ft. C’buda M, Alfa Kat, Banaba Des, Sdida & Man T (SA) [Director: Darion 4k & The Lotus Sutra]
4. Asake – Pbuy (NG) [Director: TG Omori]
5. Camidoh – Sugarcane Remix ft. Mayorkun, King Promise & Darkoo (GH) [Director: Rex]
6. Kizz Daniel & Tekno – Buga (NG) [Director: TG Omori]
7. Zakes Bantwini X Kasango – Osama (SA) [Director: Darion 4k]
8. Diamond Platnumz – Mtasubiri ft. Zuchu (TZ) [Director: IVAN]
9. Blaqbonez – Back In Uni (NG) [Director: Perliks & Blaqbonez]
10. Omah Lay – Soso (NG) [Director: Tophshotta]

[Featured Image Credits/NATIVE]

ICYMI: THE BEST MUSIC VIDEOS OF 2022

In 2020, two years after his debut, Nigerian singer and songwriter Soundz rose from relative obscurity to instant ubiquity with a string of sweet-sounding releases which peeled back layers to his artistry. Since then, he has teamed up with the likes of YKB, Teni, D-Tac and more to create magical records such as “Morenike,” off the Ejoya Class of ‘21 album.

 

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Earlier this year, he released his debut solo EP ‘In The Rough,’ which garnered the attention of more listeners across the country, and showcased his charismatic presence. The 6-tracker featured records such as “Pressure” and “Attention,” which have been confident, boastful and fit to spark up any party. Since its release, the latter went viral on TikTok, racking up over 20 million views, 400,000 unique videos on TikTok and 400,000 Shazam searches.

“Attention” is a catchy track by every metric. The uptempo romantic record sees the artist speaking directly to his muse, letting her know the lengths which he’s willing to go for her. He opens the record chanting “Shopping ati baby girl lifestyle, Fendi go tire you baby/You know say me go love you tire,” over the euphonious production of the track. Arriving today, to further amplify the track, the singer has arrived with refreshing new video for the record. Directed by Pink, a fast-rising female video director, the video which was shot in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, sees the singer and his muse in a colourful and vibrant spot as he performs the record and assures her of his love for her.

Short but indeed sweet, Soundz’ newest record is a promising offering for the Afropop newcomer, who is doing his bit to ensure the long-lasting future of the sound. Ahead of the video’s official release, we spoke with Soundz about the success of the viral hit, the inspiration behind the record as well as the video and more.

His answers, which follow below, have been lightly edited for clarity.

NATIVE: What was the inspiration behind this record?

Soundz: I wanted to sing about how far I go could go to get the attention of someone I fancy and I believe I told a story to resonates with many listeners across the world.

What were you trying to portray with the video?

I was telling a story of a guy trying to prove himself worthy of his lady’s attention regardless of how heated things get.

Were you able to bring this to life? 

Yes, I was. With the help of the video director, Pink, I believe we created magic together and everyone else who worked on this video brought their A-game and everything worked out perfectly.

What were some of your major highlights while shooting the music video?

The set and casts help bring the story to life and then there was the fight scene, it was all a new and fun and different experience for me and I’m sure those memories will remain with me forever

What do you want listeners and viewers to take away from this track alongside the video?

Basically the message I was trying to pass is to go after whoever or whatever it is that you love regardless of the obstacles or challenges

Get an exclusive first look at the video for “Attention” here.

Featured Image Credits/Courtesy of the artist

Earlier this year, Teezee released his sophomore album ‘Arrested By Love,’ his first solo body since 2013’s debut ‘The Fresh Prince of Las Gidi.’ The new project provided a full-view of his sonic and personal world, capturing the duality of Teezee as both rapper and singer than at any point in his career while displaying the appreciation for quaking instrumentals.

 

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Since the EP’s release, Teezee has been drawing fans into the world of ‘Arrested By Love,’ by treating fans to new video treatments. Earlier in the year, he shared the video for the Deto Black-assisted “NOK’D” and has now followed this up with the release of the official video for “DRKSKN” featuring UK rappers, Lancey Foux and Backroad Gee.

The new video features clips from Teezee’s colourful world in Lagos and London. Directed by Ayo Odunsi, the video includes clips of Teezee as he takes us through different parts of the Lagos living experience, from concerts to the beach, family time and more. All these experiences merge into an enjoyable visual experience for the viewers’ consumption.

The vibrant and colourful video also captures Lancey and Teezee, during the rapper’s visit to Lagos last December, as well as multiple clips of raging fans and listeners at concerts. Following the video’s release, we spoke to Teezee about the inspiration behind the video and the importance of documentation.

His answers, which follow below, have been lightly edited for clarity.

NATIVE: How did this particular collaboration come about?

Teezee: This particular collaboration came about in London in early 2021. I had linked up with my longtime friend and collaborator Lancey Foux and I had always been a fan of his music cause he always had his own interesting way of going about putting out his music in the UK and now, he’s one of the biggest and with Backroad, I met him around the same time in London and we just connected on energies and we linked up in the studio on the same day so Lancey laid the hook first in like five minutes and so Backroad and I just hopped on and did our verses back to back and that happened.

NATIVE: What was the major idea behind this video and how were you able to create this visually? 

Teezee: I just wanted to capture Lagos in its full element during the party season. From the rage season in December with events such as NATIV5 to Easter with Homecoming, these are what make Lagos fun. I’m glad my close friend, Lancey could really feel the energy of Lagos and really understand that people are really messing with him out here because it was his first time perfo he’s been here back in the day with Skepta and wasn’t able to perform but these two events really showed him that people on this side mess with him a lot.

NATIVE: What were two major highlights while shooting this video?

Teezee: Well, it was really the Behind The Scenes moments we were really trying to capture, so I think the highlight was really the whole scene in its glory. There’s a lot of cameos from people and participants in everything we’ve been trying to build for the past couple of years and that’s pretty exciting.

NATIVE: What do you want listeners and viewers to take away from this track alongside the video?

Teezee: Obviously, Lagos is one of the craziest and funnest cities in the world but yeah, this one’s actually for Black people and dark skinned people. This record celebrates us for being darkskinned people and being on our own vibes.

Get an exclusive first look at “DRKSKN” below.