My Naija News

Icon Jah brings new flavour of Hip Hop

You probably don’t know him, but his name will surely ring bells in your mind for a very long time to come. ICON JAH.... Born Abiade Akinkunmi in the ancient city of Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria, to Mr. and Mrs. A. Abiade is a highly talented singer and multi-instrumentalist.

His style of hip-hop music is so fluent, breathtaking, unique and exciting.

The act that is currently in based Lagos, Nigeria, had his earlier musical influence(s) in the church where he joined the choir at the age of nine (9). His songs are groovy, lyrics intense and delivery out of the ordinary; a perfect mix.

Listen...

IconJah - 41(9)

JJC returns with "We are Africans"

"We Are Africans" is the powerful new single by JJC (digital release date 24 October 2009) which embodies the meaning and significance of Black History Month. "We Are Africans" combines the sentiment of pride with clear messages of unity and positivity.  Serious, but also fun, tongue-in-cheek and wildly infectious, "We Are Africans" is an anthem - in fact it could be labelled as the national anthem for the United States of Africa, a concept which signifies the fortification, unification and reinvention of Africa and Africans across the world.

Nigerian-born and London-based songwriter/rapper/singer/producer JJC aka Skillz first rose to fame when he formed Sony Music act Big Brovaz (their first single "Nu Flow" was a worldwide hit).  He then went on to produce for Lemar, Jamelia, Ginuwine, Liberty X, Booty Luv and many others.  Alongside these mainstream production credentials, he created pioneering Afropean group JJC & 419 Squad, where he was the producer, songwriter and main vocalist. During this time JJC became a mentor to Nigerian superstars D'banj and Don Jazzy.

JJC & 419 Squad, whose hit songs included "Gbao", "Atide" and "Kilonsele", broke new ground with their fresh fusion of hip-hop and African flavours, with lyrics in Pidgin, Yoruba and English. The group managed to reach out to European and World Music audiences as well Nigerian audiences, and they performed at countless events, including major festivals such as WOMAD in the UK and also at MTV Base Africa’s launch concert in Abuja, alongside Ludacris, 2-Face and Asa.  Their music was used in films (Stephen Frears’ Oscar-nominated Dirty Pretty Things) and on TV (Channel 4's drama Stealing Lives) and tracks were included on internationally released CD compilations. JJC & 419 Squad picked up a number of awards, too, such as the 2004 Kora award for 'Best African Group'.  

JJC, a true pioneer of the Afro Pop music scene, returns to the spotlight with brand new solo material. "We Are Africans" (feat. J-Rock and Randy of Big Brovaz) is the first single of his forthcoming album, entitled "United States of Africa".

But don't call it a comeback – JJC never really went away.  Under his alias Skillz, JJC is a prolific music producer who has produced a range of hits including "Ijoya" by Weird MC, "Pu'yanga" by Tilla Man & Dola Billz, "No dull yourself" by MP, "Morile" and "Love u 4eva" by Bouqui, "Burn dem" and "True born 9ja" by Ragga Remi, "Nu music" by Smokey, "Anyhow" by Shakar El Swagga and "Why" by Jibola. A multifaceted, talented and creative persona, JJC is also a music video producer/director and includes "Karmakazee" and "Takerewa" by Olu Maintain feat. Kentro Family, "Omo 2 Sexy" by Justina, "Morile" by Bouqui, "Pu’yanga" by Tilla Man & Dola Billz, "Why" by Jibola, "Swagga po" by Maydaz, "Anyhow" by Shakar El Swagga, "Shake" by DK, "Omo Ele" by Lexzy Doo and many more in his production cache.

CAPital Hill Music debuts KEL’s THE INVESTMENT

Lagos – CAPital Hill Music debuts KEL’s THE INVESTMENT, which marks the first album for both the label and the artiste. The 19-tracker hits the stores on Monday, August 17, 2009; it features songs like ‘Turn by Turn’, ‘Love’, ‘Jeun Soke’, ‘Boy meets girl’, Omo Yapayaski’, ‘Nobody Else’ to mention a few.

According to Clarence A. Peters, CAPital Hill Music CEO, “Kel's The Investment, unlike what many people might expect is a lot more mature; it is one that you need to listen to, to enjoy as there was just a much attention on the lyrical content as there was on the beats. The album takes you through a path, from the urban sounds, to stories about love, and to commercial sounds.”

In making this album, the recently crowned ‘Discovery of the Year’ at the Soundcity Music Video Awards, KEL worked with producers like Jesse Jagz, J. Martins, Dokta Frabz, Micworx, Tee-y Mix and Tha Suspect, the CAPital Hill Music in-house producer, who particularly worked closely with KEL in making sure all songs on THE INVESTMENT were excellent.

The 23 year old ‘Waa Wa Alright’ crooner, first hit our airwaves with her verse on IllBliss’ ‘You go wound’ remix; since then KEL, strongly supported by her record label, CAPital Hill Music, has gone on to show that she is indeed not a flash in the pan but here to make good music for a very long time. According M.I, who features the album, “what are the undisputable facts; Kel changed the game when she arrived, gave new fire to the female MC argument and challenged for best female rapper off of ONE single!  From charisma, to her swag, to her voice and her smile, I would argue that we are about to witness greatness!...”

The album, which was earlier anticipated to drop earlier this year, has surprise features by Tosyn Bucknor, Shola Thompson and OC Ukeje; and collaborations with artistes like Shank, Wizkid, IllBliss, , Durella, YQ, Iceprince, SLK et cetera.

Following the release of her debut album, Kel will set new standards for female artists in Africa. KEL represents the average girl, who grew up in a regular environment, discovered a knack and gift for rap and then committed herself to making the best of it. Looking for a good hip hop deal…invest in THE INVESTMENT!

Emperor Olateju's Son, Dare set to tread on his father’s path

It’s no longer news that children of great Nigeria music legends are stepping out to continue the good work their fathers have done to promote Nigeria indigenous music,which promotes  real happiness, satisfaction and uplift the hearts for greater cultural orientation. but to manys' surprises most of these music icon's children are taking into other genres of music especially hip hop, reasons are best known to them but very few children of these legends ever thought of adding value to what their folks had done and probably take it to the next level.

Musicans like Femi, Seun and Yeni Kuti; Tolu Obey; Musiliu Haruna Isola and some few others have re-projected their fathers kind of music and they still give the vibes to their fans with a reminder of what theri forebears had done.

In the recent past, while some spring up to develop talent in live music, others have inherited music blood from their father.

Emperor  Wale Olateju (a.k.a Sabada music  creator)  is a great and living Juju musician  that has been  able to transfer the Juju music blood to one of his children.

This genre of music is very common and it refreshes ones mind, but most of the promoters like King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Emperor  WaleOlateju, Sir Shina Peters,  Segun Adewale, Dele Abiodun, amongst others are becoming fatigue and needs urgent replacement.

This is probably why this young man,called Oludare Olateju, one of  Emperor Olateju's son has decided to stand and take up the challenges. Clearly from his approach to the trade, this  young man  has clearly identified a need gap that should be filled to save juju music from extinction as well as fullfilling the wishes of the older generation of practioners.

Ludareh and his group have performed in numerous high profile parties and his always leaving the dignitaries  and other attendees wonder if indeed we can start thinking of continutiy form the KSAs of this world.

I learnt Ludare is armed with more than just a first degree, the band  has a state of the art equipment including a mobile generator, certainly this young man means business.

Kiba: Profile of an upcoming artiste

KIBA whose real name is Christopher Golonkiewicz was born 26 years ago to a polish father and a south African mother in Bauchi Nigeria. He has lived in Nigeria all his life and considers himself very Nigerian." I love the food, the stress, the weather and the women."

From the time he was a kid, he was fascinated with music. He loved to sing. As a young man after secondary school, he became a Dj from 2OO0-2005 in Jos /Abuja/Port Harcourt. He came into limelight when he contested in the first ever Nokia first chance talent hunt. Viewers will recall his most memorable performance was of Robin Thicke's song 'lost without you'. Although he did not win, he finished 3rd runner up.

Kiba recorded a 3 track demo with Jesse Jagz (MI’s brother and producer).

He was introduced to Muyiwa Aluko, Music Mall records Head of production and signed up with Music Mall records in 2OO8. He also moved to lagos.

He performed at Felabration. Jaiye Lo his first single was released in December 2008 and produced by Benny BOOM. He is currently working on a yet to be titled 12 track album. The album will be produced mainly by OJB and Jesse Jagz. Already recorded songs with Jazzman Olofin, Nasty. He just finished shooting a video for his first single Jaiye Lo. The video was directed by Muyiwa Aluko.

The market is in for a bang when the video hits the stands. His music style is R&B. He’s currently learning how to play the guitar. He writes, sings and dances well.

He s influenced by Michael Jackson and he really likes and admires Justin Timberlake.

Listen to 'Jaiye Lo' by Kiba feat. Benny Boom