Watch Video here-

Images and Video by Michael Tubes Creations

Africa’s biggest night in music, the 2014 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards, was once more a massive celebration of the crème de la crème of the music industry.

East and Southern Africa reigned supreme in the form of Tanzania’s Diamond and South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest and who scooped the most awards on the night.

Bongo Flava recording artist Diamond Platnumz proved that he too is a force to be reckoned with when he took home the Most Gifted Newcomer, Most Gifted Afro Pop as well as Most Gifted East awards for his breakout hit “Number One”. Cassper – who has been on a winning streak this year and most recently celebrated his debut album Tsholofelo going Gold – his catchy club banger “Doc Shebeleza” earned him a win in the Most Gifted Male, Most Gifted Southern and the biggest award of the night the Jameson Most Gifted Video of the Year categories. Beating the likes of DJ Clock, Tiwa Savage, K.O, Riky Rick, Burna Boy, Emmy Gee including the Prince of Hip Hop himself A.K.A who were also nominated in the latter category.

Up against Nigeria’s Seyi Shay. Mozambique’s Liza james, SA’s Thembi Seete and Bucie, “Eminado” featuring one of the continent’s well-respected producers Don Jazzy garnered a win for Tiwa Savage in the Most Gifted Female category. KCEE won the Most Gifted Duo, Group or Featuring award for his song “Pull Over” which features one of Nigeria’s best selling artists Wizkid, beating K.O, who undoubtedly has had one of the biggest songs of the year. The awards for the equally competitive categories Most Gifted Kwaito and Most Gifted Hip Hop went to Uhuru featuring Oskido and Professor for “Y-Tjukutja” and A.KA for “Congratulate” beating Khuli Chana and Cassper Nyovest respectively. Other winners included Busiswa (Most Gifted Dance – “Ngoku”), Buffalo Souljah (Most Gifted Ragga/Dancehall– “Turn Up”), Donald (Most Gifted R&B – “Crazy But Amazing”) and Olamide (Most Gifted West – “Turn Up”).

The only award not determined by public votes, the coveted Special Recognition Award went to South African hitmakers, Boom Shaka. Channel O paid homage with an honorary performance to the pioneering group that dared to be different and ultimately shaped the Kwaito genre in the ‘90s. Bucie and Busiswa took to the stage and joined remaining group members Junior Sokhela, Theo Nhlengethwa and Thembi Seete and paid tribute to fallen band member Lebo Mathosa with an emotional rendition of the group’s song “Free”, concluding with a spectacular trip down memory lane with the mega hits “Thobela” and “It’s About Time”.

In true Channel O Africa Music Video Awards style, the night was dominated by never-seen-before collaborations and mash-ups. K.O and A.K.A had the crowd in a frenzy when they opened the show with their hit songs “Caracara” and “Run Jozi”. Other mind blowing performances included “Tsekede” and “Yaya” by Dreamteam and DJ Dimplez featuring Anatii respectively; Patoranking featuring Tiwa Savage (“Girlie ‘O” remix); Bucie (“Easy to Love”); Donald (“Unpredictable”); Davido (“Aye”); Lil Kesh (“Shoki” remix); Riky Rick (“Amantombazane” remix); Cassper Nyovest (“Doc Shebeleza”) and Emmy’s Gee’s Rands and Nairas remix.

“Events like the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards happen once a year, but the artists are constantly at work perfecting their craft. Having the privilege to witness that hard work in one night and on one stage is an incredible feeling. Channel O has always provided musicians with a platform to showcase their talent andtonight was no exception.  As Africans we have come a long way and I would like to thank those individuals who make a valuable contribution towards making the African music industry a masterpiece that we can all be proud of,” says Channel O Africa Manager Leslie Kasumba.

In their 11^th year running and hosted by Eku Edewor of Africa Magic’s Jara and Vuzu’s Siyabonga Ngwekazi the 2014 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards were broadcast LIVE from the sold out mammoth Expo Centre,

Nasrec, Johannesburg.

 Red Carpet

yvonne darco

yvonne darco

yemi alade

victoria kimani

vanesende

unathi iwaki

Tamara day

Thembi

tony okoroji

Toya De lazy

soso soberekon

somizi

solo

siyabonga ngwekazito

sasha vibes

pam andrews

pam andrews

pam andrews

praiz

Reze Bonna

Ricky Rick

nomzamo mbatha

nadia nakap

mampho brescia from isibaya

lynxx

lexi

lala

iceberg slim

jessica

K Cee

kanyi mbau

L-Tido

Harry Songs

Felicia Bonna

Fally ipupa

emma nyra

eku edewor

dj dimples

dj sindo

Dj Spinall

Donald

Dr Sid and simi

dream team

dj big N

Diamond platnumz mum

Diamond Platnumz and mum

Diamond platnumz

chucks

casper nyovest

bucie

Buffalo souljah

Buffalo souljah

buggi

busiswa

casper nyovest

botetski, kim du-pont, tuelo

Boity Thulo

andersen (Big A) and ifeoma Obiagwu

anati

A.K.A.

Awards

If you missed it, check out the show repeats on Channel O, DStv channel 320 on:

Monday, 1 Dec at 20:00 CAT

Friday, 5 December at 14:00 CAT

Tuesday, 30 Dec at 10:00 CAT

Its countdown to the end of the year and performances are being judged via different medium. To wrap up the year 2014, Forbes has released the list of the world’s highest paid musicians.

Dr Dre tops the league of the highest paid musicians this year with the total sum of $620 million. There is a big margin between Dr Dre and Beyonce who takes the number 2 spot on the list with $115 million courtesy of her Mrs Carter tour and endorsement from Pepsi and H&M.

Also joining Dr Dre and Beyonce in the billionaire club is The Eagles with the sum of $100 million. You would not believe who and who made the list, see full list of those who made it below:

1. Dr. Dre: $620 million
2. Beyoncé: $115 million
3. The Eagles: $100 million
4. Bon Jovi: $82 million
5. Bruce Springsteen: $81 million
6. Justin Bieber: $80 million
7. One Direction: $75 million
8. Paul McCartney: $71 million
9. Calvin Harris: $66 million
10. Toby Keith: $65 million
11. Taylor Swift: $64 million
12. Jay Z: $60 million (tie)
12. Diddy: $60 million (tie)
12. Bruno Mars: $60 million (tie)
15. Justin Timberlake: $57 million
16. Pink: $52 million
17. Michael Bublé: $51 million
18. Rihanna: $48 million
19. Rolling Stones: $47 million
20. Roger Waters: $46 million
21. Elton John: $45 million
22. Kenny Chesney: $44 million
23. Katy Perry: $40 million
24. Jason Aldean: $37 million

Soul/Rock artist, King A-Maz presents the #AmizzyConcert – a live rock concert in support of the displaced people in the North East. Set to hold on the 18th of December in Spoons Sensation, Jos – an outdoor events centre outfitted with a bar and restaurant, A-Maz has promised to deliver the best in musical experience.

A-Maz is set to headline the show performing successful singles Why?! and Can’t Kill Us. A-Maz is also set to debut his new single, Fight! in which he featured long time collaborator Ola Blaq. The A-Mizzy Concert will be hosted by popular comedian, Kris Talkerand will feature the best of Rock, Hip Hop and R&B from amazing artists such as Ola BlaQ, The One Mic – One Guitar Team, Grandsun, and so on.

A-Maz who also started a fundraiser at http://igg.me/at/helpingBHvictims to help internally displaced people situated in Jos refugee camps says that The A-Mizzy Concert will address issues in the restive Northern part of Nigeria and will inform individuals on how to help and assist the victims of the insurgency in both little and big ways. 

If you will be in Jos, bring your friends along and enjoy music in its live, unadulterated form.

For more information, http://www.kingamaz.com/event/the-a-mizzy-concert/

Check out video clips of the ibomyellowpages.com X-Mas Pool Party With Dj Big Scratcher which featured Akwa Ibom artistes like Dontom and Mish. The likes of Mzee, Mc-Mista, Dj Spindeeds, Orange, Dj Silver and the CEO of Esteem Entertainment, Mr Emeka Ezeifeka were there to grace the occasion.

Click here to view the embedded video.

by Adesope Olajide
On the 20th of December 2014 , the highly anticipated concert by the instrumentalist band ”The Compozers’‘ who have previously backed some of the biggest Afrobeats stars in the world was cancelled allegedly by the London Police due to safety concerns. At that point, I like many fans of this London based band was hugely disappointed and social media messages of support soon followed.  With over 200 retweets of the official message from the Compozers twitter handle and instagram playing a significant role in projecting the fans disappointment too. One could only imagine how the guys themselves and their team were feeling however, shortly after the disappointment came a ray of light as everyone’s spirits were soon lifted when news broke that the concert had now been rescheduled for the 2nd of January 2015 at the Dominion centre in Wood Green London.

In case you didnt know, the Compozers comprises of four close friends from London in Nana Pokes (Bassist), Davide Melodee (Keyboard and keytar), Charlie Biggs (keyboard) and last but not least Stephen (the uber talented drummer). The guys all of Ghanaian heritage have gathered a huge following with footage of them playing some of the most popular Afrobeats tunes being shared online as well as backing the likes of Fuse Odg, Davido and most recently Wizkid. I had my doubts attending a whole evening of music by a Live band including the knowledge that the boys were going to be performing with a 20 piece band……. WHAT? the boys surely have outdone themselves here. Even though it was the first Friday of the year and a very cold night on top of that, I managed to go to the event wanting to support my African brothers on this new form of entertainment I was about to witness.

When I approached the North London venue, I was blown away by the number of people standing outside waiting to get in, for a second it felt like i was at a Wizkid , Sarkodie or Davido concert with all the beautiful ladies standing at the door. Once I wiggled my way into the venue, I was shocked by the number of people in attendance all dolled up waiting eagerly to be entertained by The Compozers. The incredibly funny man Eddie Kaddi was hosting the event warming up the crowd and ensuring the fans were both laughing and dancing along with him in anticipation of the acts . The night kicked off with the ever energetic and talented GOP Dancers and other talented acts soon followed including crowd favourite Ldnc and singer/producer Silvastone. The high level of entertainment set the tone for the night heaping more pressure on the boys to deliver. Every act that thrilled the fans yet making sure the night was about one act ”The Compozers” constantly asking if we were ready for the boys ‘‘YES WE ARE” can you bring them out already I shouted as my anticipation was reaching newer heights. I soon noticed that the wait was part of the plan, the well lit and decorated venue added to the anticipation of the group and the Dj’s selection of songs also created a picture of the kind of night we were about to encounter. Well it was now the time we had all been waiting for , the lights deemed , stage filled with smoke and the boys were being announced on to the stage in a Las Vegas boxing introduction mode by Eddie calling each one after the other and the guys appearing from different entrances on the stage. The guys came on stage in their black suits and tie quickly taking advantage of the screams by launching into their set kicking off with some of the hottest hip-hop songs starting it all with their rendition of Wiz Khalifa’s ”We dem boys” and ”oh my God” NOW I get it. My fear of a night of drums, guitars and violins quickly disappeared as I instantly realised that the guys didnt need individual singers on stage with them as every individual audience member got a chance to become a superstar for the night singing and rapping every lyric to the incredible Live instruments being played……Genius. The band then took the audience on a musical journey playing  sets including R’n’B , Contemporary slow jams,TV Programme Jingles ,UK Grime and ofcourse Afrobeats. Popular songs from artistes such as Beyonce, Usher, Rick Ross, Krept’N”Konan, Giggs,Lethal Bizzle, Rihanna,Tv’s Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Wizkid, Sarkodie and the Mavins set the show on fire. Each set had at least 6 songs or more (I was too gassed to count and very busy dancing sorry) and as you can tell due to the time spent on stage, the guys had to take three short breaks each time changing their outfits and ending with a touch of culture rocking black shirts on African print trousers.

A snap shot of the night included everybody in the building standing up to dance and shout lyrics back to the guys. The Compozers were not left out either as they fed off the crowd’s energy and feedback , each member had their solo moments with Biggs singing his version of Chris Brown ”No BS”, , David and Nana rocking the guitar and piano and Stephen (The drummer) running riot on the drums displaying his 2011 Drummer of the year award winning skills standing and talking back to the crowd and his bandmates . This was the level of entertainment that was brought into the Dominion centre by The Compozers, in no time the concert soon turned into a party with everyone in the building getting in on the action and every song having an audience member feeling like it was their time to shine.

When the night was finally over and the guys had taken their bow to dropping confetti, the band received a standing ovation from the thousand plus audience (even though we were already on our feet dancing and sweating but we gave them an ovation all the same) and  A GREAT NIGHT in capital letters was written on everyones faces.

The Verdict :  Although i’ve seen some big concerts in the UK over last 12 months, i have to be honest and say that besides Seun Kuti’s mind blowing show, A Night With The Compozers surely stands shoulder to shoulder with any othe other top shows including Wizkid’s Indigo2, Tiwa Savage’s Brixton Academy, Sarkodie’s Dominon centre and Fuse Odg’s Camden shows for entertainment, audience participation and value for money (even though I got a Free ticket shhhhhhh, I am part of the working press remember). I dont know how part 1 went but A Night With The Compozers 2 receives a full 5 stars or 10 out of 10 from me.

In closing I did like to say welldone to The Compozers and their management team (Brian) , the Orchestra,the support and ofcourse Eddie Kadi for one of my best ever concerts . The Compozers have not only set the bar high for African concerts in the UK but for entertainment in general and if you missed the gig on the 2nd of Janauary make sure you follow @compozers for their next show date AND GET YOURSELF A TICKET, it will be your best ever decision.

See pictures from the event here-

Watch video here-

D’Banj is celebrating his 10th year in the music industry and to kick off the anniversary was a party at Ocean view which was hosted by Vixen Amber Rose. 

Fans of the Kokomaster have created a lot of buzz in anticipation of this event and it turned out great as expected. The event saw other entertainers and celebrities like Banky W, Praiz, Dj Spinall, Oritse Femi, Adams, Sharon Ojong, Kemi Adetiba, Lami Phillips, Toke Mainwa, Tola Odunsi, Kayswitch, Shaydee, Ehiz, Traffic, Iceberg Slim, Sensei Uche and a host of others come show their support.

Checkout all the fab photos from the event below!

Sharon Ojong

Toke Makinwa

Adams

Ehiz

Praiz

Ada Igboanugo

Tola Odunsi

DJ Spinall

Yaw

Azuka Ogujiuba

Sensei Uche

Omowunmi Akinifesi

Seyi Law

Dotun Kayode

Banky W

Kayswitch

Yvonne Ekwere

Orezi

Emmanuel Ikubese

DJ Jimmy Jatt

Lami Phillips

Oritse Femi

Samantha Walsh

Elma Godwin

Maureen Ahize

Traffic

Iceberg Slim

Mike Godson

Jimmie And Adams

Zaina

Hello fine folks, welcome to this week’s edition of your Flashback Thursday. This post specifically spotlights 10 songs that take us back in time. Some of them evoke the mid-tempo/ groovy feel of yesteryears. Others just take us back memory lane, reminding us largely of those thrilling days of times past.

In all, these songs provide a sing-along vibe that lingers on the lips of both young and old today. Enough said already, sit back and enjoy -in no particular order- this week’s Flashback songs for February, 12th, 2015.

1. Artiste: Fela

Song Title: Zombie

Song Details: Released in 1976, Zombie received wide acclaim from both the Nigerian and international communities. Sam Samuelson of AMG gave it a 4.5 out of 5 stars, further describing it as “Kuti and Africa 70’s most popular and impacting record.” Zombie is still the song it was, with a theme still very relevant in today’s socio-economic situation of things, thus earning its place in our Flashback for this week.

Fela Kuti – Zombie

2. Artiste: eLDee

Song Title: I Go Yarn

Song Details: A song from a much younger Artiste, Lanre Dabiri, ‘I Go Yarn’ touches pretty much same theme and subjects as the legendary Fela did in his heyday. The Artiste, eLDee, expresses himself on this song with the hope that things can start to look up in Nigeria in the soonest time possible.

I Go Yarn

3. Artiste: Lagbaja

Song Title: Never Far Away

Song Details: Never Far Away is a brilliant record from multi-talented, award-winning Afrobeat star; popularly known for his representing the ‘faceless’ and ‘voiceless’ in society today, an image he creates with the mask. This one is a cool, mid-tempo love song that rests on the shoulders of African sounds and original instrumentation.

Lagbaja – Never Far Away

4. Artiste: Banky W

Song Title: My Regret

Song Details: Banky W stays relevant from years back till date (and into the future) owing to his unmistakeable ability to write as well as deliver vocally on songs. My Regret is one such awesome cuts from the EME head honcho. Ever green material here.

Banky W – My Regret

5. Artiste: Plantashun Boiz

Song Title: Don’t You Know

Song Details: This is an absolute smash of a slow jam which takes us back to the bubbly years when the Plantashun Boiz held sway in the Nigerian music space.

Plantashun Boiz – Don’t U Know

6. Artiste: MI Abaga

Song Title: Craze

Song Details: MI Abaga lends his voice to the topsy-turviness bedeviling the nation on this cut off his IM2 Album. And given the current situation of things today, it earns MI some visionary ability earns this song a huge following, coupled with the fact of it having a strong lyrical depth and production strengths.

MI – Craze

7. Artiste: Oby Onyioha

Song Title: I Want To Feel Your Love

Song Details: This is a completely evergreen song. The older folks should be able to relate to this more given that it was released as far back as 1981. The younger ones as well can tap into its old school, unique feel. Great stuff.

Oby Onyioha – I Want To Feel Your Love

8. Artiste: Alex Zitto

Song Title: Walakolombo

Song Details: This joint is better listened to than described, an absolute flashback hit from 1989. Hit the play button already.

Alex Zito – Baby Walakolombo

9. Artiste: Oritz Wiliki

Song Title: Heart of The Story

Song Details: Hit the play button already.

Oritz Wiliki – Heart Of Stone

10. Artiste: Fela

Song Title: Water No Get Enemy

Sonjg Details: Are you playing this yet? Please get on it already. Complete, helluva Afrobeat classic from the legend himself.

Fela Kuti – Water No Get Enemy

Thanks for joining us this week. We trust you found this truly refreshing. Stay with us now and rest assured that next week’s will be greater. Cheers.

—

@ChibuzoHI

Illbliss reminds one a lot of American hip hop legend, Nasir Jones. Actually, not only do Illy’s composition and rhyming style bring Nas’ to mind, but a little refresher of the former’s music up into his SMVA award for “You Go Wound O” in 2008 reminds us again of the man Nas, in all his hip hop element and renown.

On the previous Jamo, we felt Illbliss stealthily step up his grind, an act of complete creeping improvement and capacity. From where I listened and reviewed the Cynthia Morgan-assisted smash, the rapper’s was a mien of nonchalance mixed with competence and grittiness, the type of expression a Rooney would wear as he plays an archrival in a local derby. Or some El Classico type Messi-Ronaldo fest.

From where we listen to this new one –A Different Kind Of War– we spot some excellence in the record, with all the finishing of conscious music, finely tucked into superb beats and delivery that place the entire effort on a solid hip hop pedestal. Dope! Illy touches on central issues of social turmoil facing the nation today. He is deep, slightly domineering yet keeping our attentions through the nearly 3-minute cut. Massive. This one is a complete humdinger, for lack of better words.

We already rated, this is a HIT!

––

@ChibuzoHI

Lagos is set for the first edition of Naija’s coolest concert series, this Sunday, at Ember Creek, Ikoyi.
One Mic Naija has consistently delivered top notch performances year in, year out and 2015 will be no exception as the year starts with six of the freshest and livest stars at the moment.

Performing at the show are
– Ayo Jay
– Emma Nyra
– Kiss Daniel
– Korede Bello
– Tjan
– Tonye
All six artistes will perform live with the One Mic Naija band so imagine listening to “Godwin” or “Woju” live?!
It is also still Valentine’s season so expect some surprise gifts for the ladies in the audience.
One Mic Naija will be hosted by rapper and television host, Kel and rapper and actor, Kunle ‘KB’ Bello.

One of the highlights of the show is the open mic session termed ‘Audience Mic’ where the mic is given to guests who want to compete. This will be hosted by SenseiUche, singer and radio host on City FM.

One Mic Naija holds at the cool Ember Creek on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. This week, performers will tour radio and television giving out free tickets. You can also read all about them on your favourite blogs!

Find out more on social media- @onemicnaija!!!

Falz will always be worth listening to, most especially for his uniqueness. A bit too playful, bringing to the fore a ‘street’ side we love to hear and juxtapose with a deliberate falsification of his education and intellect, Falz delivers us “Ello Bae”.

The song dropped following wide publicity across the media and on it he maintains his trademark accented flows, keeps his humor intact and delivers what we know him to; which ensures he’s succeeded in keeping the momentum so far from the point his last album dropped till this minute. Interesting.

Falz’s style has seen moderate success till date, which is a feat given the turbulence and non-structured state of our industry, especially as this ensures Rap is a hard-sell. After “Pool Party”, “Waz Up Guy” and “High Class” and he still hadn’t peaked across major charts, we were scared for a minute. It appeared he just wasn’t going to find his way up the ladder, up the big stages. But, I guess, you can’t bring down a good man. Falz is up on his feet again, cruising on top speed. This new one –Ello Bae– hasn’t much to yearn for in aspects of subject matter and theme. It is nothing we should particularly take seriously, just some fun song that soars under the aegis of clear production; ‘dumbed down’, market-ready lyrics, and some razor-sharp online hype. Quite original and replay worthy too.

Listen and rate, a Hit or a Miss?

@ChibuzoHI

Fefe started her Capital/ Goretti journey with quite the spark, something of an unusual move from the relatively unknown singer. And we loved it.

Her first cut –Kilowi– on Capital/ Goretti caught our ears so much I termed it a hit through and through upon reviewing. It was that smashing. But this new one isn’t so much of a stunner, frankly. The lyrics off “Crazy” are all too average, as well as the vocal texture of her on it. Production is fair and balanced but not as compelling, hence lacking the verve to switch many a listener‘s attentions fully. If she didn’t set the tone with “Kilowi” it’d have been easier to see and understand. But the bar had been set all too high already, hence our expecting more.

She paints this on a reggae canvass, with traces of Afro Pop and Dancehall; a display more fitting for a Cynthia Morgan or Waje so she doesn’t connect entirely. But creativity is very allowed in whatever forms, only she needs to mature on this reggae turf if she intends to cut any ice. Fefe has potentials, and she can use the help of some lyrical revamp and better music coordination here and there so that in all she serves us materials that step up the flow, and not regress.

Listen and rate, a Hit or a Miss?

@ChibuzoHI

Beyonce started the trend of no publicity for an upcoming album, and then the newly released album would go on to break records and top charts. A couple of musicians have adopted Queen Bey’s strategy, and while it didn’t work for some as in the case of Kid Cudi, it appears it has worked for Drake and it is still working.

Now, Drake’s new mixtape album If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late has shattered Spotify’s US record for streams of an album in its first week, notching 17.3 million streams in just three days, beating the 15.8 million streams his last album, Nothing Was The Same did in its first week.

The project is 17 tracks long, features collaborations with Lil Wayne, Travi$ Scott, and PartyNextDoor.

If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late was streamed 6.8 million times on Spotify in the US just on Valentine’s Day — despite the album being light on love songs — and 22.2 million times globally since its surprise release.

Releasing If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late on iTunes — which is referred to as a mixtape by Drake in the album notes — may or may not be a ploy to get out of his deal with Cash Money Records, but either way it worked; the album will move around 500,000 units in its first week, according to Billboard.

Hol’ up! This is a smash, yo! A major jam with the whoosh of classic everywhere around it. Cool stuff. We love this particularly because it’s been a bit since we heard the effortless Tuface dazzle on a piece, a desire so flaming even his jumping on the “Woju” freestyle couldn’t quell.

Efa unites one of Nigeria’s finest in Plantashun Boiz for this latest track offering ‘Fall In Love’ (as his press release says) even though in the real sense of things all we hear on the chorus and hook is 100% Tuface. The catchy, love tune is a Mr. Smith production, dropping just in time to clear the silence from the Now Muzik rapper. It is some solid effort from the rapper whom we last really heard something big from on Phyno’s NGNG. And even though talks of him having Plantashun Boiz on this comes across as more of PR than it is actual, it’s allowed given how this is interesting, and poised between nostalgia and youthful love.

Things start off quite smooth and rhythmic but gain momentum quickly in that 00:33 – 00:35 mark when the piano switches, the “…and I still miss you baby” line is sung and the beats cascade into the succeeding parts of Efa’s first verse. Then Tuface takes absolute command with the bridge and then the chorus from the 00:45 point. Good fusion and vocal balance. Compelling production, engaging storyline; Efa’s shine or the lack of it would be based on his ability to recreate memorable, punchy stuff as this; otherwise he might remain that one good guy who never gets to see the light of day.

Listen and rate, a Hit or a Miss?

––

@ChibuzoHI

Simi, our petite songbird, is back. Ring the alarm, should we? Anyways, she’s in our faces again with this Afro pop magic, a song largely African and heart-warming.

The instrumentation on this heralds the sweetness and heart-warming feel of the ‘90s, especially the sound of the talking drums. Her voice is tiny and natural as always, the strength of this would be how she and her producer fuse like hand in glove. Oh my, Oscar is a beast for this one!

“Jamb Question” brings to mind a ‘Lagbaja-esque’ flavor, although original and creative in its own right. And just like the rich, ethereal “Stay In Love” by Tope Odu, this new Simi cut brings to mind the camaraderie amongst kinsmen feasting on a bowl of Amala, fresh Palmwine and flavored lamb Obe Egusi; under a tree somewhere in a Southwest countryside. Although with Simi’s Jamb Question, the tempo swings from this countryside ambiance of the talking drums to the juvenile, highschool-reminiscent lyrics. Simi has the skills; all she really needs is break from her comfort zone, switch her story lines with some ingenuity, and then enlist some external production inputs. Not to say Oscar isn’t a gifted beat maker and all; but she needs modify here and there because… hackneyed.

Listen and rate, a Hit or a Miss?

––

@ChibuzoHI

Good afternoon and welcome to this week’s edition of classic Nigerian songs from back in time. We have carefully selected 10 of them for your delight, some of which should evoke the mid-tempo/ groovy feel of yesteryears.

With that said, here are your 10 golden tunes for today; Thursday, February 19^th, 2015. Enjoy!

1. Artiste: Stephen Osita Osadebe

Song Title: Osondi Owendi

Song Details: From 1984, Osita Osadebe’s “Osondi Owendi” still holds sway till date. Take a listen.

Stephen Osita Osadebe – Osondi Owendu

2. Artiste:Victor Olaiya

Song Title: Omo Pupa

Song Details: From 1982, the album “In The Sixties” still stays buzzing in our flashback playlists today. Have a listen.

Dr Victor Olaiya – Omo Pupa

3. Artiste: Fela

Song Title: Zombie

Song Details: Released in 1976, Zombie received wide acclaim from both the Nigerian and international communities. Sam Samuelson of AMG gave it a 4.5 out of 5 stars, further describing it as “Kuti and Africa 70’s most popular and impacting record.” Zombie is still the song it was, with a theme still very relevant in today’s socio-economic situation of things, thus earning its place in our Flashback for this week.

Fela Kuti – Zombie

4. Artiste: Evi Edna Ogholi

Song Title: Happy Birthday

Song Details: From 1989 and the album “Happy Birthday”, we have the title track Happy Birthday on our flashback Thursday for this week.

Evi Edna Ogholi – Happy Birthday

5. Artiste: Felix Liberty

Song Title: Ifeoma

Song Details: We are still blessed by this Felix Liberty hit from 1989. Hit the play button already.

Felix Liberty – Ifeoma

6. Artiste: Lagbaja

Song Title: Never Far Away

Song Details: Never Far Away is a brilliant record from multi-talented, award-winning Afrobeat star; popularly known for his representing the ‘faceless’ and ‘voiceless’ in society today, an image he creates with the mask. This one is a cool, mid-tempo love song that rests on the shoulders of African sounds and original instrumentation.

Lagbaja – Never Far Away

7. Artiste: Junior & Pretty

Song Title: Monika

Song Details: Ever green material here, this one leads us back as far as 1991, to a time when our music still had a much different vibe compared to what we have on air today. Junior and Pretty brings many fond memories back with this one. Solid.

Junior & Pretty – Monika

8. Artiste: Tuface

Song Title: Ole

Song Details: Feel good music from the “Face 2 Face” album, this was one of the jams that stood out Tuface Idibia as a solo artiste in the Nigerian music space.

Tuface – Ole

9. Artiste: Femi Kuti

Song Title: Sorry Sorry

Song Details: Released in 1998 on the album “Shoki Shoki”, the song addresses the social turmoil in the land today. And the interesting part of this is that issues facing Nigeria as a nation as at then still are a major subject today.

Femi Kuti – Sorry Sorry

10. Artiste: Remedies

Song Title: Shakomo

Song Details: Released in 1998, this was a major mainstream material those years from the group. And frankly, it still gets us nodding.

Remedies – Shakomo

Thanks for joining us this week. We trust you found this truly refreshing. Stay with us now and rest assured that next week’s will be greater. Cheers.

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@ChibuzoHI

The track boasts production from Wizzy Pro, and together with Runtown what we have is the reggae-influenced “Finally”.

I want write something in the line of “the song is jamming, well-crafted and radio-fitting; a hit with chart potentials and all”, but there’s not enough motivation in it for us to rate it thus. The sounds are too pedestrian, too ordinary to get us nodding. We love the Wizzy-Run chemistry on tracks but this one doesn’t deliver the goods.

All things being equal, we’d prefer Wizzy didn’t join the dwindling band of mediocre guys out there today. We’d prefer he took his time and constructively perfected his art on a piece before serving. It’s only natural, not when there are a myriad of other options.

In sum, there are no real banging beats on “Finally”, nothing of inventiveness or color or lyrical depth, just some mid ‘90s, reggae-influenced whatchamacallit that doesn’t exactly serve its purpose (in my opinion).

Listen and rate, a Hit or a Miss?

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@ChibuzoHI