Stingomania plans S-360 Project

Stingomania Records, a new recording label in the country, is ready to light up the scene with thelaunch of a super collabo album, S-360 Project, featuring 18 tracks with hit tracks from six of the artistes’ label. The artistes include Big Brother Nigeria’s Aydu Amah, Trybson, Naturah, Eniola Joseph, Eazy Lizy, and winner of AMBO reality show, Bhaira Mcwizu.

While Aydu will be making his entrance into the scene with Iworiwo, Ishi Monkey and 10 Thousand Apologies, Tryb-Son, the rave-making exponent of the highly energetic and entertaining Fuji-Hop music genre, will be thrilling fans with Ko Ye Mi, U Gat It, And Gbe Sun Mobi (Bring it closer). To further relish the S-360 Project, Naturah would be contributing three tracks, Shakara, Super Star Tripz and Ori (Destiny).
Bhaira Mcwizu and Eazy Lizy are also on the list. While Eazy Lizy will be contributing Show Your Logo, O’shomo and Show Me, Bhaira’s Sexilicious and two other tracks will make it into the album. The US-based Eniola Joseph is also part of the work with tracks such as Back It Up and Dance With Me.

MEANWHILE the label has already shot five videos of some of the tracks and hope to have a total of seven videos by the time it hits music shelves.
According to asatement from the company, the album launchwil be done simultaneously with the formal launching of Stingomania Records. The double launching is expected to attract big players in the industry as well as artistes from other labels on October 10, at a yet to be disclosed location in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Obesere to release hip hop album

Paramount King of Fuji, Abass Akande Obesere last weekend made a dramatic sign up for a relatively new record label, Stingomania Records.


Obesere, until last week, was to sign for another record label and both parties confirmed weeks back that agreement had been reached except for some few areas that needed to be sorted out before they both put pen to paper. But with what happened last week, ‘few areas’ were not sorted out and neither of the parties was able to put pen to paper.

Obesere, who was one of the two highest selling artistes during the glorious days of Sony Music, has finished work on his first hip-hop album and industry watchers have said that his latest effort will redefine him and stamp his authority on the hip-hop market.

The album, which has been aptly titled Revolution, has 12 tracks and features heavyweights of music industry such as 9ice, Lord of Ajasa, Timaya, Uncle Promise, Eazy Lizy and young Trybson.. With the Revolution album, Obesere has pioneered a new genre of music for himself which he calls ‘Fuji-hop’, a fusion of Fuji element with heavy infusion of hip-hop.

That was clearly evident in the track with 9ice, Kin Noso, and in Gbose yewo. He was even audacious with his track, Ka anyi Gbe Egwu’ an Igbo song he did with Timaya.

The incursion is to help him ease the Igbo market, where he believes he has wide followership as well. Chairman of Stingomania Records, Ope Banwo said, “We are ecstatic
to sign and manage a megastar with a cross-over appeal like Obesere.

We are also doubly excited to partner with him in leading the Fuji-Hop revolution that will finally merge the fans of Fuji and Hip-Hop under one music umbrella with Obesere as the paramount king of music as the leading force. We can’t wait for the Revolution album to hit the airwaves! A nation-wide tour with top hip-hop act has been planned for the album, which is due for release in October.

NAFDAC appoints 2face Ambassador

Fans of 2face Idibia have more good news to rejoice about as the star has recently been officially appointed an ambassador for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC).


In a bid to increase the efficiency of the agency particularly in the area of public awareness which is a key element in the fight against the prevalence of fake, substandard and expired drugs and food items, 2face has been saddled with the responsibility of lending his voice and star power to the laudable cause in the capacity of a global representative.
In a chat with Efe Omorogbe of Now Muzik confirmed that the official presentation will be done at a one-day sensitisation workshop organised for all the 774 local government chairmen to be held in Abuja, at the Thisday Dome on September, the 24th 2009.

The invitation letter signed by Dr. Paul Orhii, Director General of the agency, highlighted that the move as part of a holistic and multi-dimensional approach towards eliminating counterfeit drugs, unwholesome food and other sub-standard regulated products in the country.

Wife of the president, Hajia Turai Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, will declare the event open as the Grand Matron of NAFDAC and Special Guest of Honour for the occasion.

Terry G readies video for hit single Free Madness

Hot in demand, producer cum artiste, Gabriel Amanyi a.k.a Terry G is about now plotting a script for the music video of his hit single entitled Free Madness.

Speaking more about the yet to be shot video, Terry G revealed that the video will be shot where he grew up and his fans should expect nothing but a mad concept.


“The video for the single Free Madness will be shot in the hood where I grew up and it will be directed by me while Igho will produce the video. It will be shot in two weeks’ time and the concept is nothing but a mad one,” he added.

He also talked about how the inspiration for the song came about: “It’s a beat I did for my friend. His name is Black. I was making the beat for the song which we were supposed to do together.

And as usual, before I begin every recording session in my studio, I usually test the microphone. I always test the microphone to get all the settings right so that when you start voicing, the voice of the artiste sounds right and clean.

While they were outside, I was inside, trying to get the sound settings right. All of a sudden, I was in the mood and I decided to free-style on the beat I prepared for him. I took the song straight from the beginning; with no harmony and no back up.

And it is surprising that the song is causing a lot of stir in the industry today,” he enthused.
Also speaking about his rumoured deal with Mo’ Hits Records, Terry G said, “I am not signed on to Mo’ Hits Records.

They are my colleagues and I respect them a whole lot, especially Don Jazzy’s productions. That is why you see me hanging around with them.

They know their onions and the artistes on record label are the most packaged acts in the industry at the moment. But I am not signed on to the record label. I am doing my own thing called Terry G’s Production (TGP) that I currently run.”

Finally, the artiste spoke about his forthcoming album., saying, “It’s actually a package from my first album. I am about to promote a new image and it is even more than what people expect. I have a variety of songs that will please ears and the album is a commercial album.

There will be 12 tracks on the album and I am producing all the songs on the album. I am also working on my younger brother’s album. His name is D’ Money.”

P-Square raises bar, gets N50m deal on new album

If information reaching us is anything to go by, then the Nigerian music industry might have to brace itself for this. Nigeria’s mega pop twins, P-Square, have allegedly concluded plans for the marketing, duplication and distribution of their new album by a Nigerian marketer (names withheld) in exchange of a sum of N50m.

According to our sources, the twins are alleged to have received a cheque for the sum of N40m already out of the entire N50m sum agreed. It is a common practice for artistes to sign marketing deals and relinquish distribution and duplication rights to marketers, especially Alaba based ones.

Their last album, “Game Over”, was sold to Tjoe Enterprise, a major Alaba marketer, for nationwide distribution for an alleged sum of N10m. It is of no doubt that the value of the boys has since appreciated between late 2007 when they released “Game Over” having headlined gigs and major concerts within and outside the country, increasing fan bases all across Africa and gradually becoming Africa’s Michael Jackson since their performances now cause girls to faint in admiration of their skill and looks.

Only last week, the twins released a brand new South African shot video exclusively to MTV. The video, according to tradition, was directed by manager cum elder brother, Jude Okoye. It’s titled “Danger”. The Okoye music trio have managed to successfully keep their music business within family, running a label >Square Records= exclusively for the P-Square brand.

The twins openly brag about their conquering all of Africa except the four Northern African countries: Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

By the time they play in these countries, they say they would be done with Africa, and set for other continental conquests.

From attending a small Catholic school, St. Mulumba College, in Jos, the boys have advanced in life, releasing their first album “Last Nite” in 2003, on Timbuk2 Music Label. Later, the dance duo hit broader limelight with their “Senorita” dance steps in their second album which they titled, “Get Squared”, in 2005, after which the boys have remained permanent delight.

Paul, the reserved of the two, seems to have overtaken Peter in terms of looks since he started spotting the dreads. Peter, on the other hand, has grown from the young dude of yesterday to a recklessly tattooed young father, whose son was delivered by Lola Omotayo.

The twins’ success is coming in the wake of the recent hunger strike and “No music day” embarked on by aggrieved members of the different music bodies in the country. The actions were in protest of the increasing level of piracy of musical works in Nigeria and its (piracy) negative impact on returns on music investments. Of course, the duo were visibly absent at the rally, just like many of their fellow A-list colleagues.

In an interview granted to a national daily, P-Square explained how they get around the piracy issues and maximise profit. They reportedly said, “What we do is that we strike a deal in Nigeria, go to Ghana and strike a deal, then to Gabon, Liberia, Tanzania and Uganda. In Nigeria, we have Tjoe. What we did for the album in Nigeria was that we calculated how much 10 million copies was worth and the marketer paid us straight away. That’s how we do our business.

“That’s why you can never hear any story that P-Square is having problem with any marketer. The album sold a million copies in four days. That’s the audio. But the surprising part of it is that the day we released the videos, the guy printed just 1.5 million copies and sold all the same day,” they said.

Although little is known about the details of this new album, the duo are said to have featured 2Face on one of the tracks contained in the album as they eye an October, 2009 release. Their last album, released in 2007, is reported to have sold over 10 million copies worldwide...By Lolade Sowoolu

ID Cabassa joins artistes on Yes Records

If you think the best he does is to produce hit songs, think again. Idowu Ogunade aka ID Cabasa is about proving to all that he’s more than just a beat maker; he can and does sing too.

At the official unveiling of artistes on the Yes Records label last Monday in Lagos, a shocking surprise among the names was ID Cabasa’s. Together with already established Abuede Chile Abbey aka Steel, the Gxploits group, JahBless and returning RN B singer, Angelica, Cabasa was named the fifth artiste cum producer on the Yes label.

The label, Yes Records, is sister company to Yes Media; a media and entertainment company in Nigeria and internationally. Organisers of Yes events, including concerts and listening parties in Abuja, Lagos, Ghana and South Africa, the company operates in three segments: movie and music entertainment, entertainment investment and Publishing.

Speaking on behalf of Yes Media, Business Development Manager Chidi Uzoeshi who unveiled the artistes also made known that his company had researched into the Nigerian market for many years before deciding to float the entertainment company last year.

While reiterating their determination to combat piracy and all the other plagues associated with music business in Nigeria, Chidi in his speech said, ‘we are aware of all the vices we have to cope with and are already talking to the government where necessary.

We are also embracing technology that will make piracy of music works difficult if not impossible so that we can get ample returns on our distribution’.

He added that, it is the company’s intention to get franchise of the Yes Media world tour with their artistes and others as they have their eyes on the Asian, Japanese, European and African market.

T.W.O ready to drop new album

When Celebrated Showbiz couple Tunde and Wunmi Obe told fans, friends and foes that they were not quitting music yet, it was not just a case of trying to clear the air. Their new single Zombie which was released last week is Athe beginning of a series of fresh materials to come@ according to Tunde Obe

AThere is more to come, We have recorded songs to fill two albums already and we are in the selection stage, but as it is, there is no doubt in our minds that the album is not going to fall below expectations@ he disclosed
A4 Real@, the duo=s last body of work spawned hit singles like AAdupe@ and AMogbomoya@, so this next step in their artistic evolution seems only natural.

AWe played with a lot of concepts and styles when we were recording this particular album, and we are positive that a lot of people will find the album amusing, entertaining, inspiring and refreshing@ Wunmi Obe who clocked 40 recently says

The upcoming album will be the pair=s fifth album.

We already have a name for the album, it was conceived during the time it was rumored that we had quit music for TV, we even recorded a song to that effect but we are keeping it under wraps@ Tunde Obe who was a year older on Wednesday August 26 says

Recall that few weeks back, the media was agog with reports that the duo were making an exit from music to focus on Television, but Tunde and Wunmi Obe quickly debunked the rumors; returning swiftly with a new single titled Zombie.

They have titled their upcoming album TWO Legit to Quit
We’re not quitting now. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever, they told journalists in Lagos.

T.W.O started as lead singers in a campus band >Turning point= in the 80s, and got popular Nationwide with their popular weekly television performance on the Charly boy show and Zoom time.

The duo is committed to their annual Valentine show Cupid=s ball, the most recent one was held on board a luxury cruise boat. When not recording, T.W.O is constantly rehearsing and performing with their 12 man band Dejavu.
One of such performance held on Saturday August 22, 2009 at Bacchus, Ikoyi

Questionmark bids comeback

After a very long silence, one-time producer of some of Nigeria’s finests including Asa and Mode 9, Questionmark Entertainment, is trying to bounce back into mainstream music again, this time flying with two newly signed acts D’Supremes and Harrisong.

D=Supremes consists rapper of Tito Ejaife aka Lil Tee and vocalist Austin Akawa who together have been making music for over five years.

The duo have decided to release their first body of works before the year runs out and are already giving a foretaste of what they have to offer in the singles Ife and Sepe playing on the airwaves.

With producers Puffy T and Del B on their work team- producers known to have worked with the likes of Dr. Fresh, Omotola and Olu Maintain, and mastering done by London based Ozie, the duo might have something worth waiting for.

Harrisong, on his part, is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist cum singer and he=s the other act now on the Questionmark bill. With 15 years experience as music director at the Church of God Mission, Benin, Harrisong is set to make a world debut.

Born Harrison Tare Okiri, the vocal trainer, song writer and producer, is already whetting appetites for more with Yekelem and Can I playing on radio. Armed with a 16-track album, the Afro Hip Hop/Jazz artiste seems ready to come on board mainstream music.

The successes of these artistes might be the ascertaining factor to whether Questionmark is back to stay or not as the world awaits the albums...Oluwaseyi Oluwabiyi

Cossy Orjiakor opens up on her investment

Boobs flaunting actress, Cossy Orjiakor widely believed to be an epitome of indecency is not a moralist. But here, she’s counselling her teeming fans concerning the need for them to begin to invest their wealth in something that will prosper them in future.

Orjiakor is saying that investing in fixed asset pays more than anything else. And she’s therefore, stopping at nothing to acquire as many hectares of land as her money can buy for her in choice places in Abuja, Ikoyi and Lekki areas of Lagos.

Right now, the queen of boobs can boast of possessing varied plots of land in areas like Kuja, Maraba, all in Abuja, and of course, in Lekki, in Lagos. “I can’t tell how much I bought each of my property but, I have property in Lekki, and 12 plots of land in Kuja, Abuja as well as a plot of land at Maraba.” she said, in a text message she sent to a reliable source.

Orjiakor, whose alleged sex scandal with a dog in a movie has continued to take a toll on her personality said, while her property are not for sale, she cannot ascertain the actual market value of those property going by the emerging market trend.

‘I hope my fans should be talking to their lawyers concerning the need to develop interest in investing in fixed assets. That way, they can never go wrong.” she advised.

2Face tops MAMA ‘09 nomination

He seems to have arrived and what better way is there to stamp a decade of musicianship. 2Face may have had droves of scandal characterise his successful music career but all those tales may soon be forgotten in the wake of his new accolades- if he pulls this through too.

Only last month at the Soundcity Music Video Awards, 2Face Idibia shone, picking up two awards for his NBC banned video, Enter the place. Now he has four nominations at the October holding MAMA event in Nairobi, Kenya.
This year’s MAMA has classified acts into 10 categories, comprising five nominees in each.

Nigeria records highest entries with 15 slots and nominations in all but one of the categories. 2Face leads the pack of six Nigerian nominees with four (4) nominations in categories including ‘Best Male’, ‘Artist of the Year’ and ‘Video of the year’ for ‘Enter the Place’. Next on the list is D’banj who shares three nominations with HHP (SA) and Nameless (Kenya).

Darey Art Alade might definitely have to fast and pray if he’s to win any trophy at the awards since his only nomination is in the same category with Single ladies rocker, Beyonce or Sasha Fierce- whichever you prefer, and Akon in the ‘Best R N B’.

Kel gives solace to other Nigerian female acts as the only Nigerian female act who makes the list, lending voice in the ‘Best Female Act’ while Nigeria’s latest rap sensation, MI gives Nigeria Hip Hop some recognition in the ‘Best Hip Hop’ category even as he battles Bigiano and three others in the ‘Best New act’ category.

Mo Hit All Stars is up against P-Square in the ‘Best Group’ category while the pop twins battle D’banj, Nameless (Kenya), Blu3 (Uganda) and Samini (Ghana) in the ‘Best Performer’ category.

MTV Africa Music
Awards ‘09 nomination
Best Male
2 Face (Nigeria)
HHP (South Africa)
D’Banj (Nigeria)
Nameless (Kenya)
Da L.E.S. (South Africa)

Best New Act
M.I. (Nigeria)
Shaa (Tanzania)
STL (Kenya)
Bigiano (Nigeria)
Rhythmic Elements
(South Africa)

Best Hip Hop
M.I. (Nigeria)
A.Y. (Tanzania)
Zulu Boy (South Africa)
Jay-Z (USA)
Kanye West (USA)

Best Female
Kel (Nigeria)
Amani (Kenya)
* Lira (South Africa)
* Zamajobe (South Africa)
* Lizha James
(Mozambique)

Best Performer
P-Square (Nigeria)
D’Banj (Nigeria)
Samini (Ghana)
Nameless (Kenya)
Blu 3 (Uganda)

Best R&B
2 Face (Nigeria)
Darey Art Alade (Nigeria)
Loyiso (South Africa)
Beyoncé (USA)
Akon (USA)

Best Group
P-Square (Nigeria)
Blu3 (Uganda)
Gang of Instrumentals
(South Africa)
Mo Hits Allstars (Nigeria)
Gal Level (Namibia)

Artist of The Year
2 Face (Nigeria)
D’banj (Nigeria)
Lira (South Africa)
HHP (South Africa)
Nameless (Kenya)

Best Alternative
Green Day (USA)
Coldplay (UK)
Cassette (South Africa)
Zebra & Giraffe (South Africa)
Aking (South Africa)

Best Video
2Face – Enter The Place (Nigeria)
XOD – I Want You Back (Uganda)
HHP – Mpitse (South Africa)
Da L.E.S. – We on Fire
(South Africa)
Wahu ft Bobi Wine –
Little Things You Do (Kenya)...Lolade Sowoolu

The Danger of P-Square

The brothers are ready with a brand new album which they titled ‘Danger’. The album is a ten tracker and contains songs like ‘Super fans’, which is dedicated to their fans. ‘I love you’, ‘Who dey there’, ‘Possibility’ and ‘bye bye’. It features Tuface Idibia, Frenzy and Jay Martins. According to their brother and manager, Jude Okoye, the album is fully ready for release. “We are releasing it this month, but we are trying to get the best deal from the best marketer. We will first release super fans to promote the album and then the full album would follow a week later.”

Totally looking forward to their album.

Actor Pete Edochie Kidnapped

One of Nigeria’s most respected actors, Pete Edochie was kidnapped yesterday on the Afor-Nkpor road, near Onitsha. The actor was on his way from his home in Enugu to an event in Onitsha when his car was ambushed and then he was abducted. The police and the governor’s of both Enugu and Anambra are aware of the situation. They are working towards identifying his current location and securing his release.

KIDNAPPERS of Nollywood actor and former broadcaster, Chief Pete Edochie, have demanded N10 million ransom from the Edochie family, even as many people in Anambra State expressed bitterness over the kidnap of the popular actor.

This is not really a good thing to happen. We pray he returns to his family well and safe and may no harm befall him in Jesus name. Amen

Seyi Solagbade launches album, begins Gid at White House

The formidable team of Black Face Band led by the multi-talented artiste, Oluwaseyi Solagbade has finished work on his third album entitled .

The 13-tracker album which has been commended by his fans is slated to be launched at the exotic hotel and conference centre on Toyin Street called White House on Sunday, 27th September 2009 by 4pm prompt.

The impermeable saxophonist who is well-known in the entire Europe will cease the opportunity to give a dose of his Afro style to his large fans. While preparation for the grand event is going on, Seyi, we were told, has also sealed off a deal to be entertaining his fans every last Sunday of the month in the same venue. The show is put together by Oju Dudu in conjunction with White House.

T.W.O deny quitting music, drop new single

Top showbiz couple, Tunde and Wunmi Obe, have materialised from the shadow of speculations of a shift
from Music to TV to announce that they are actually still working the notes and tones and hoping to release a new album before the year runs out.

“We have not left music, Music is our first love. We have been recording new songs, and in fact we are ready to roll,” Wunmi Obe who clocked 40 last week told journalists in Lagos this week. Her partner, Tunde Obe continues, “We are too legit to quit, we won’t do that to our fans, we owe it to them, we can’t leave them hanging.”

And as if to show to the world that they are still in the game for real, the couple whose singles “Adupe” and “Mogbomaya” remain regulars on TV and Radio nationwide, unleashed a new single titled “Zombie” this week.

Coined from Bantu language (a family of Niger- Congo languages predominantly spoken in Central and Southern Africa ), the word Zombie has over the years come to mean a walking dead. But not to worry, T.W.O is not sliding in that direction.

Instead, Tunde Obe explains, “Zombie in our own context, does not have anything to do with military men or a dead man walking. Our song tells a story of two love birds who are stuck on one other, and cannot do without each other.”

The single, which was produced by Sean Keyz is the first from the duo after their monstrous hit, “Mogbomaya” which established them as “a bridge between the old and the new school.”

A glance at the successes of their past albums tells that the pair will definitely make a larger than life impression as is their tradition. “We are definitely in this for good, and as we keep saying, we are too legit to quit”,Wunmi Obe says on a final note.

The title of the forthcoming album has not been announced yet. According to their publicist, Ayeni Adekunle, “All those other details will be known soon. All we just want to do now is let people know that contrary to widespread speculations, this couple we all love so much, are not quitting music.

Not now, not tomorrow, not ever” T.W.O started as lead singers in a campus band ‘Turning point’ in the 80s, and got popular nationwide with their popular weekly television performance on the Charly boy Show and Zoom time.

Female musicians warm up for Girlpower

Two years after Girlpower un-leashed made its debut in Lagos, the all female artists concert is back with new
and established artists warming up for the second edition billed to kick off later this month in Lagos.

Among the line up of artists are Ashionye, a former member of the defunct Emete group, rap artist dubbed “the hip hop Princess, Mo’ Cheddah, gospel artist and double nominee Kora Awards, Bukky Laoye and actress/ singer BB.

Unlike the first edition that was hosted only in Lagos, this year’s concert titled, “What a Feeling” will tour three major cities, Lagos, Ibadan and Benin between August and September.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, initiator of the Tetmosol sponsored event, Ashionye said the idea of the Girlpower concert is to empower women from all walks of life though music.

She pointed out that in a male dominated music industry, women are confronted with all kinds of challenges that it became imperative to do something not only to promote the women but also to get the upcoming musicians known.

“I am very passionate about women empowerment and Girlpower is our own way of saying let’s empower the Nigerian female musician because if you look around, the male musicians have dominated.”

Sammie Okposo is tired ‘I don’t want to compete with secular artistes anymore’

Nigeria’s king of gospel music, Sammie Okposo is having a rethink. As a matter of fact, the old Sammie is giving way for a new improved one, and this is not a public relation stunt.

It was with a heavy-laden heart that Sammie spoke with us when we made enquiries about his latest project.

‘This my new project is a clear departure from the old. We cannot afford to continue as before. We have all taken gospel music to the level where it lacks content all because we are looking for club bangers. We wanted the radio DJs and club DJs to bang our songs and compete on the same level with the secular musicians.

We have sacrificed our calling on the altar commercialism. That is not what God has called us for. God called us to be psalmists and worshippers. We are called to create an atmosphere of worship where God of the people can meet with them but what do we have now? We have a situation where we are following the crowd and changing our beats to follow that of the secular artiste. They have created a niche for themselves, why can’t we the gospel artiste do the same?’

Speaking further in a tone that was near tears, Sammie revealed his ‘new’ calling. ‘God called be to be a worshipper and a psalmist. That was where I started from and that is where I am going back. That is why my new album is more about God taking me back to the basics. All the mistakes I’ve made in my life as a Christian has made me a better person.

I won’t say I regret anything but I would say I have a better understanding of where God wants me to go to and I am going back to that place. And that is for me to create an atmosphere for you to fellowship with God. I have failed if I just make you shout and jump and your life is not touched. For me now, at this junction, it is only what I do for Christ that count.’
Isn’t he afraid this re-branded Sammie will lose fan base? No he isn’t.

‘I am not afraid or ashamed to take this stand now. I know I stand the risk of losing fans who will say Sammie has become over-spiritual but I know that this is what God has called me to do. That is not to say there won’t be danceable songs in my new album but I am not competing with the secular musicians. The concept behind this new album is taking people back to the place of grace.’

In Sammie’s own word this is a re-consecrated gospel musician. He said at this point of his life we might probably be hearing no more rumour about him as he is set to chart new course for his career and life. ‘ I had to do a rethink after my experience in Europe. I went there to minister and heavens opened. I would just sing a worship song and the people would start experiencing great testimonies. I did not even sing any of my own song. God just took over.

He made me realise that He has a bigger plan for me than where I am right now. I thank God for this second chance because it is not everybody that has the opportunity of a second chance.’

His new album will contain 15 tracks and four singles would be released in a matter of weeks. The songs feature Soji Isreal, Duby and Lamborghini.

Cancer Kills Top Actress Remi Abiola

Popular Nollywood actress and wife of the late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO), Remi Abiola, died yesterday of lung cancer.

The talented actress, who has been battling with the ailment for sometime now, was said to have been in coma for 10 days, before she eventually died in a New York hospital.

It was gathered that the late actress discovered that she was suffering from the ailment about seven months ago, when she travelled to the United States of America, for an award ceremony.

She is survived by two children, one of whom she had for the late MKO Abiola. His name is Kamorudeen.

Remi, who studied in England, started her acting career with stage performances in London in the 1970s.

When she returned to Nigeria, she worked as a flight attendant at the defunct Nigerian Airways before taking acting as a full time profession.

Speaking on her death this morning, the National President of the Association of Nigerian Theatre-Arts Practitioners (ANTP), Prince Jide Kosoko, described the news as an unfortunate one.

“It is very sad. I never knew she was not in the country. I got to know that she was in coma about seven days ago,” Kosoko said, adding that “our colleagues in U.S. are currently making arrangements to bring her corpse home for burial.”

Paul Play Dairo down with Cancer

It's been reported that music star and R n B crooner, Paul Play Dairo, is down with cancer of the Kidney, in faraway South Africa, millions of Nigerians in both home and the Diasporas, have been fervently praying and fasting for his quick recovery.

It would be recalled that Paul Play, the son of late music maestro, IK Dairo, was originally in South Africa, with his crew to shoot some music videos for his forthcoming album, before taking ill.


Since the sad news was made public, millions of Nigerians, especially his teeming fans and colleagues in the music industry, have been praying and wishing him a quick recovery.

Most of these shocked fans and colleagues are also calling for a divine intervention, over the illness.

Learnt authoritatively, that some are even planning to visit him in South Africa, where he’s currently recuperating with the aide of his wife and other family members.


Nollywood, also is not left out in the on going prayers and fasting for Paul Play, most stars who spoke with us, said they are currently praying for his quick recovery, and cannot wait to have him back in Nigeria, to continue with his thriving music career. According to comic star, Victor Osuagwu, the ugly news hit him like a hurricane. “I cannot even wish my enemy cancer, its one illness we all dread.


We thank God that Paul survived it, we are now praying that God will give him the strength to carry on, because the post treatment its not easy. We wish him quick recovery and a big congrats too, for surviving it, its well with him”.


Some years ago, the late Pop queen, Tyna Onwudiwe, was also diagnosed with Cancer, while residing in South Africa. Onwudiwe, also known as African Oyinbo, eventually died while battling the terminal illness.

Meanwhile, good news reaching us from South Africa, has it that Paul Play, is in a very high spirit and recuperating fine.

2009 Soundcity Music Video Award Winners

Find below the list of the winners of the awards.

Best Male Video
• Naeto C – Kini Big Deal

Best Female Video
• TY Bello – Ekundayo

Best Choreography
• P-Square – Roll It

Best Special Effect Editing
• Dipp – Dangerous

Best Cinematography
• Bigiano – Shayo

Best Hip Hop
• Str8buttah – Last Standing

Best R&B or Pop Video
• Darey - Not the girl

Best Duo/Group Video
• P-Square – Roll It

Best Collaboration in a Music Video
• Tuface Idibia ft. Sound Sultan – Enter The Place

Soundcity Viewers Choice
• Bigiano – Shayo

Soundcity Fresh Video
• Steel – South African Girl

Discovery of the year
• Kel - Waa Wa Alright

Hit Producer of the Year
• “Suddenly” by D’banj (Don Jazzy)

African Video of the Year
• 340ML (Mozambique)

Best Video
• Tuface - Enter The Place

Best Live perfromance Western Africa (Honors)
* Seun Kuti

Best Live performance Southern African (Honors)
* Jozi

Tony One Week returns as a Champion

Eleven years after he stepped out with his wave-making “Onwa December album”, acclaimed king of gyration music, Tony One Week, is due to release his long awaited follow up album into the Nigerian and international markets.

The album, which hits shelves in the month of August is a 14-track album with “Champion’, as the hit track. The well-arranged work is a potpourri featuring leading singers like Nigga Raw, African China, Duncan Mighty, Singaholic, Sunny Bobo, J Martins, Stormress, Nwaba and Flavour.

According to the Abuja based entertainer, the side A of the album is a medley of gyration songs, while the other side brims with contemporary works.

He also disclosed that the album, which he described as “double-barrel release” is an infusion of hip-hop, highlife and gyration songs. It is going to be marketed by Iyke De-Don Entertainment.

“It’s an infusion of hip-hop, highlife and gyration. It’s a kind of music that emanated from Ghana, which is a combination of hip-hop, highlife and gyration. I wouldn’t feature somebody like J-Martins in gyration nor would I feature Nigga Raw. So, the best bet is for me to do something of that nature in my own way,” Tony One Week explained, adding that “ Champion” as the hit track is a gyration song.