Sasha, JMartins To Perform At The MAMAs

Here’s fresh news coming in – Nigerian rapper Sasha and singer-producer JMartins have joined the long list of performers at the third edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards coming up next weekend in Lagos.

Sasha, who has seen her career rise these past months, winning back-to-back awards and improving her live performance, is also a nominee for Best Female at the MAMAs. JMartins, widely known accross the continent for his debut hit ‘Good or Bad’, is one of the most promising talents on the continent right now. It is therefore not surprising, that both acts are joining bonafide superstars Rick Ross, 2face Idibia, Wande Coal and Fally Ipupa to light up this year’s MAMAs, alongside other performers.

Other newly announced performers include Sarkodie (Ghana), Diamond (Tanzania), Paul G (Angola), Barbara Kanam (DRC), The Parlotones (South Africa) and Radio&Weasel (Uganda).

MAMA 2010 is scheduled to hold at the new Expo Centre of Eko Hotel on Saturday December 11, 2010- and we have been told, by very reliable sources, that apart from hip hop rave Rick Ross, the organisers are also warming up to announce another major international headliner…Who will it be? We’ll keep you posted!

Rick Ross, Wande Coal others make MAMA ‘10 performance list

As the countdown begins to the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA), four more awesome artists have been added to the performer roster for Africa’s most exciting music event USA hip hop star Rick Ross, Kenya’s P-Unit, South Africa’s Jozi and Nigeria’s Wande Coal will join previously announced performers DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast), 2FACE (Nigeria), Daddy Owen (Kenya), Banky W (Nigeria), Fally Ipupa (DRC), Teargas (South Africa) and Cabo Snoop (Angola).

Visiting Africa for the first time to take part in the 11 December spectacular, US rapper Rick Ross has been described by the New York Times as “one of rap’s most potent and creative forces”.

The tattoo-loving, six-foot, larger-than-life rap figure first came to attention with “Hustlin”, his 2006 debut single. Influenced by artists like Luther Campbell and Notorious B.I.G, Ross, a.k.a. William Roberts, aimed to put Miami back in rap’s national spotlight and went on to do just that with his 2006 album “Port of Miami”, which went to number one on the Billboard album chart.

Similar acclaim followed for “Trilla” (2007) and “Deeper Than Rap” (2009), while his 2010 album release “Teflon Don”, which debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, has garnered critical acclaim for its emotional depth, cinematic production, sleek, synth-heavy beats, and rich soundscapes.

Ross is nominated in the Best International category at the MAMA awards.

Making their first appearance at the MAMAs, Best Group contenders P-Unit are going head to head against Uganda’s Radio & Weasle, South Africa’s Teargas and multiple MAMA winners and Nigerian music phenomenon, P_Square.

As well as performing at the 2010 show, former MAMA winners Jozi are also nominated in the Artist of the Year category, where they are pitched against 2FACE, P_Square and Fally Ipupa. Wande Coal faces a tough race in the Best Anglophone category, where Ghana’s Sarkodie, Kenya’s Daddy Owen and South Africa’s Biz Nuz are also in the running.

The MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel takes place on Saturday 11 December 2010

2 yrs after, Daniel Wilson returns to music

Twelve years after the release of his last album, acclaimed Original Bad Boy and the still one of the most influential musicians in the country, Daniel Wilson is back on the block.

The River state born musician who once held sway as the hottest dance hall reggae musician and melted so many a ladies heart with his very potent lyrical delivery has taken a break from his bakery business to do what he knows best how to.

In a message posted on his wall last Thursday being his birthday, the handsome tweeted thus “ Oh My God! It really is my birthday today! Wow!

You all know I planned to mark it with the release of a new album “Cool & Deadly”, first from me in twelve since I took a break to build the largest bread industry in Africa, Wilson’s Foods!

As you know, only Jehovah disposes our plans!

Well, the album is ready for airplay …in a few days but the album sleeve is now my profile picture. Enjoy! Half bread, as they say is..

Terry tha rapman drops new album

Terry tha Rapman... Whom has been the most relevant rap act this year has released his much is much anticipated album which he titled (BOYZ R NOT SMILIN) ...with hit singles like Sample RMX which earned him two HipHop World Awards nominations for the Best Rap Single (which he won) and Best Collaboration (won by Keffy). The same song was recently nominated for the Best Collaboration In A Music Video at the SMVA.

This album has been tagged the album of the year by industry greats with its second single titled (Boyz Don Hammer) sitting currently on the number one spot of the MTN Radio Top Ten Nigeria while the third single Ojoro which features Terry G is also already a street anthem.

Terry recently dropped another video which is the intro track of th album to the public this track is titled (BOYZ R NOT SMILIN) which also doubles has the name of the album. The video already has been receiving loads of good comments and has been well received by both the media and the general public.

The Boyz Don Hammer video is set to follow in a couple of weeks.

The album release party is also scheduled for the 13th of November at Club 10 (46, Saka Tinubu, VI)

MI – Undisputed Champion

Mr Incredible is back with the official single off his sophomore album MI2. I do believe that MI is UNDISPUTED!

What about you.

Listen to the track below

Vector and Overdose drop new albums

YSG rapper, Vector tha Viper has finally released his much anticipated debut album, ‘State of surprise'. The album, his debut, which was initially planned for a midyear release was released on October 31 with an official listening party held at Q Club off Allen Avenue in Ikeja, Lagos. Similarly, ‘Extreme Music' rapper, Overdose released his sophomore album, ‘Hustle or Die' on Friday October 27.

D’banj collaborates with Snoop Dog

Nigeria's MTV Europe Music Awards winning singer, D'Banj has recorded a track, "Mr. Endowed Remix" with American rapper, Snoop Dogg.

Although a verbal confirmation from Mo'Hits has not been made, the label boss, Don Jazzy, uploaded a cover art for the track on his twitter account, giving credence to the story. It however remains a debate if the new track will be released as single or fans will be made to wait till the full album drops.

Asa to release new album - Beautiful Imperfection

Nigerian soul singer Asa’s highly anticipated, Beautiful Imperfection is released in October – view the album art, tracklisting and preview video. The planned due date for the album is October 25, 2010. The pictures for her album were shot by award winning French fashion photographer and music video director, Jean Baptiste Mondino. He is popular for shooting videos for Madonna, Lenny Kravitz, Keziah Jones as well as Sting.

Find below, the complete tracklisting for the soon-to-be-released album:

1.Why Can’t We
2.Maybe
3.Be My Man
4.Preacher Man
5.Bimpé
6.The Way I Feel
7.OK OK
8.Dreamer Girl
9.Oré
10.Baby Gone
11.Broda Olé
12.Questions

ELDee Returns To Shooting Videos

The multi-talented Nigerian Hip-hop pioneer, eLDee, who is popular for his work as a singer, songwriter, rapper and music producer has decided to up the ante by going back behind the camera as a music video director.

eLDee’s decision to resume shooting videos has already started to yield dividends as he has been contracted to work with a handful of talents. Just last week, eLDee was on set as director for soul singer, Lami’s ‘Ere-Ife’, which he co-wrote and on which he also features. The video was shot at exclusive locations around Lagos.

A few weeks ago, he shot the video for Timi D Black One’s ‘Police’. Timi, an alumnus of eLDee’s Trybe Records, recently resurfaced from a long hiatus after completing his university education. Now a certified dentist (like another eLDee protégé, Dr. Sid of Mo’ Hits), Timi’s street banger is already getting a lot of airplay on radio. The video will see eLDee re-cementing his position as a talented video director in an industry that is flooded with lackluster videos.

In the past eLDee had directed and co-directed popular videos such as: ‘Plenty Nonsense’ for Trybesmen, ‘Carry Am Go’ for 2Shotz, ‘Emi Le Gan’ for Sasha, and ‘Don’t Stop’ for Dr Sid. He also directed ‘I Go Yarn’, ‘Im leaving’, ‘Champion’, and ‘Bosi Gbangba’ for himself.

eLDee has been busy shooting videos in the past few months. He directed seven videos off his Is It Your Money? album – ‘One Day’ -- A track which points out the continued failure of our Leaders and their successive governments; the club banger, ‘Ota Mi’ which has been released; ‘Respect me’, ‘Fly Away’, ‘Na You’, ‘You blow my mind’ and ‘Koleyewon’, which are yet-to-be-released. Other videos yet to be released that are shot by eLDee include ‘My guys dem’ where he features with Proto (The Nigerian half of the sensational group Chiddy Bang), and ‘Omo Naija’ where he features with Uk based Bigz, and the dynamic hip-hop duo of SAS.

‘One Day’ is a part of eLDee’s continued fight and passion for social change in Nigeria. He has repeatedly put his weight behind pressure groups such as #LightupNigeria and #EnoughIsEnough.

eLDee, who was behind such hits as ‘Bosi gbangba’, ‘Big Boy’, and more recently, ‘You Know It’ by Goldie and ‘Ota mi’ by himself, is the founder of Trybesmen and Trybe Records. He is a consummate music producer, recording artiste, songwriter and a qualified architect. His solo career hits like ‘African Chiquito’, ‘I go yarn’, ‘Champion’, ‘Im leaving’, ‘Bosi gbangba’, and ‘Big boy’ have been aired on radio stations all over the world. His latest album ‘Is It Your Money?’ was released March 2010 and boasts of successful singles like ‘Ota Mi’, ‘You blow my Mind’, ‘Feel good music’ and ‘One Day’.

Iceprince drops " official" debut single

With M.I. supposedly quitting music, Chocolate city would be putting forward that debut effort from the ‘adopted’ Abaga brother – Panshak ‘Ice Prince’ Zamani. Ice prince finally released his debut single titled ‘Oleku’ featuring another fast rising singer, Brymo.

He started performance and rap while in secondary school, (Science Tutorial College, Jos). In 2002, he got together with a couple of his friends and formed a group called the Ecomog Squad. They had a few performances as a group and split a year later.

In 2004, he hooked up with M.I, Jesse Jagz, Ruby, Lindsey, Eve, Taz and together they became what is now ‘Loopy’.

Same year, ‘Extraordinary’ his what-could-be-said-to-be debut single hit the waves in Jos and it gradually made him known in and around Jos city.

He contested with artistes like Bez, Mocheddah, Blaise, Jimmy Flames at the Hennessy Artistry that held in Lagos all through September 2009 and was declared winner of the Hennessy Artistry 2009.

Before Oleku, there was ‘Rewind‘ and a studio leak featuring his manager with Rewind topping radio charts but failing to catch with fans. Oleku has been branded as his debut by the label..

Jay Martins Signs with Storm Records

Talented songwriter, producer and singer, Jay Martins has signed a deal with Storm records to manage him.

Seems like a nice move. What do you think?

Nigga Raw changes name, now Mr Raw Nwanne

Okechukwu Ukeja popularly known as Dat Nigga Raw has been forced to change his moniker. It is informed to be a rebranding process following numerous complaints by media personalities as many can’t say the N-word. The highly accented Igbo rapper would make a switch to Mr. Raw Nwanne.

“He change his name on the many complaints he gets by particularly the electronic media not being able to say the N-word”, a rep of his informed.

There are speculations that his next album that’s his third would be his last. The album is tentatively titled ‘End of Discussion’ with a single titled ‘O Chukwu (Na God)’ already on radio and TV.

P-Square are new Glo Ambassadors

Globacom on Tuesday in Lagos formally signed on hip hop sensation duo, Peter and Paul of P_Square as brand ambassadors at a breathtaking ceremony which also saw the contracts for other Glo ambassadors renewed.
The event, held at the Mike Adenuga Towers in Lagos, was another opportunity for the crop of Globacom ambassadors to reaffirm their commitment to the telecom icon for endorsing them and for taking such a commendable step to lift Nigeria’s entertainment industry to a higher pedestal.

P_Square, the newest addition to the classy list of Glo ambassadors, described the endorsement as a welcome recognition of the group’s contribution to the entertainment industry in Nigeria and indeed Africa, adding that this would spur the duo to greater achievements in the music industry.

Globacom’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr Mohamed Jameel said that the engagement of P_Square as brand ambassador and the renewal of the contract for others was a testimonial to the willingness of Globacom to always recognise the vast, shining talents that abound in the country.

“P_Square remains a well focused and popular music group and the youths of this country and this continent would find the group worthy of emulation. The choice of P_Square to join our brand ambassadors was therefore not misplaced. We have

carefully selected our crop of brand ambassadors and we believe they represent the very best in their chosen professions,” he disclosed.

“We have been actively projecting enterprising Nigerians who have excelled in their fields of endeavour. We are of the firm belief that their faces would help fire the aspirations and dreams of many youths to reach for their goals and rule their world”, Mr Jameel added.

He also said that the feedback from the public largely influenced the renewal of the contracts of the ambassadors as there has been wide acceptance and recognition for the step taken by Globacom to lift the status of Nigerian stars.

Stars whose contracts were renewed at the event included Ramsey Nouah, Desmond Elliot, Jim Iyke, Mike Ezuruonye, Nuhu Aliyu, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal and Ini Edo-Phillip Ehiagwina. Others were Uche Jombo, Monalisa Chinda, Funke Akindele, Nonso Diobi, Sanni Denja and Mohammed Yakubu.

Also on the bill were Pasuma Wonder, Original Stereoman (Ekwe), Ego Ogbaro, Sammie Okposo and ace comedian, Basketmouth.

Majek Fashek resurrects in movie

While a movie paying tributes to one of Nigeria’s greatest soccer stars, former captain of the Super Eagles, Austin Jay Jay Okocha is receiving finishing touches in New York, arrangement has reached its peak for the shooting of a bio-pic on Nigeria’s superstar reggae artiste Majek Fashek.

Majek described by his teeming fans as “a prophet and a poet” is one of Africa’s revered contemporary musical performers, rivalling compatriots Alpha Blondy and Lucky Dube in recognition and popularity around the world.

But like a candle in the wind, the reggae star has disappeared from the scene leaving in its stead, a permanent vacuum where a once blossoming musical career existed.The screenplay written by cerebral and easy-going film producer, Charles Novia is starring award winning actor, Francis Duru as Majek Fashek alongside Sam Dede, Stella Damasus and other top Hollywood actors.

According to Novia, the movie which he is shooting on 35mm and took about three years to finetune is presently at pre-production stage after which the casts will travel to New York, in October, to shoot the American scenes that make up more than half of the movie.

Duru, HVP gathered has been undergoing guitar lessons, character assimilation and extensive study of Majek for the past eight months to fit into the role.

“For the past three years, I have been working on the bio-pic on Majek Fashek. We are at the last stage of production after which we’d leave for New York to complete the shooting of the film in October. .”

“Whatever his travails and the public perceptions of him, Majek is remains world class material, who has promoted so much interest world wide with his genre of music.

Therefore, a movie on his life and career has to meet world standard.”

Terry Tha Rapman read to drop 2nd Album

Ladies and gentlemen, Terry Tha Rapman is set to release his highly anticipated second album - 'BOIZ ARE NOT SMILIN' and videos to push the August album release are strategically in the making.

Fans should expect videos for the lead single, "Boiz Don Hammer" and "Ojoro" featuring Terry G. Both videos are surrendered to the respected ingenuity of ace video director, Clarence Peters.

It may interest you to know that Terry's sophomore release is a generous assembly of creative talents like Sound Sultan, M.I, Kefee, Mode 9, Mo'Cheddah, Pherowshuz, Cartiair and of 'cause Terry G to mention a few. The collection of grand opuses was powered by seasoned producers like - Jay Sleek, XO and E-twins.

To drop the album with the most deserving buzz, proper release parties will be held in four different cities - Lagos, Abuja, Calabar and Owerri, says his manager, Ademola Adeyeni. "We won't only have parties in four cities, Terry will also be touring nine states including Rivers, Oyo, Abuja and his home city, Benue".

As part of strategy to open up Terry to the international market, his management, BlackHouse Incorporated, are presently tiding up arrangements to move the rapper through particular cities in the UK, Sweden, Spain and Cyprus.

The Megaphunk Records signed artiste can hardly wait as he looks forward to a wonderful outing with his sophomore. "I'm really looking forward to August. The album is finished. We're just waiting for the date to catch up with us. This is going to be a spectacular album", Tha Rapman says.

The Hip Hop World Award 2010 'Best Rap Single winner will do more than promote his sophomore album on his tours. Terry will also show off proper his fashion sense which has culminated in a clothing line powered by Marco Martinez. A few talks are also ongoing in the line of corporate endorsement, so don't be surprised when you spot the rap star on the next bill board.

Sauce Kid's African- American Album set for release

The Long Awaited Debut Album From Sauce Kid is finally ready and about to be available, Storm Records is proud to announce that Sauce Kid has completed his Opus and that the final master has been received for The album African-American, four years in the making this album attempts to show the many sides of Sauce Kid and enables fans and new listeners to connect with one of the most talented rappers of his generation.

Sauce Kid is a renowned MC with the ability to slay all types of beats, he is battle tested on the mixtape circuit and over the past few years has become a professional recording artist. He has been on many stages in America, UK. South Africa and Nigeria connecting with his audience and spreading the gospel as he went through the process to begin to establish himself as one of the key players in Nigeria’s emerging Hip Hop Aristocracy.

Storm is proud to make available officially here the full track listing for the album, with the album credits and also the various producers and talents that he has worked on.

While recording this album which is coming with almost 20 tracks Sauce has stayed busy and collaborated with several major artists such as Eldee, Ikechukwu, Naeto C, Sasha, and more on their projects and also has blessed many an underground emcee with his energy and talent.

Last year was set off by the underground banger with the Knighthouse Family where for all the world to see we caught Sauce in his element, and things only got hotter with the response to the massive Street Anthem Monkey Banana featuring his righthand man Ghetto P and General Pype.

Crack Ya Ribs Live in Abuja

Crack Ya Ribs - Julius D' Genius Agwu, Live in Abuja.
Date: August 1, 2010.
Venue: Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Two shows: 1st show - N3, 000. 2nd Show - N5, 000. VIP - N10, 000
For ticket booking and enquiries - 08033188985
Be there!

Hollywood stars storm Lagos for Ije

Nollywood is about to witness a revolution in film making as multiple awards winning , Ije premieres on July 31, in Lagos.

Produced and directed by Nigerian international filmmaker, Chineze Anyaene, founder of Xandria Productions, the movie stars Nigerian screen goddesses Omotola Jalada-Ekeinde and Genevieve Nnaji. Also in the movie are Nollywood star Clem Ohameze alongside international stars like Odalys Garcia, Jeff Swarthout and Ulrich Que.


The movie will also be premiered in the UK, United States and other European countries between now and next year. Immediately after the Lagos premiere, Ije (The Journey), will make its round in local cinemas across the country.

Since its production, the movie shot on 35mm, has made headway, winning several awards and being nominated or chosen as official selections in many film festivals around the globe. The awards include, Excellence in Filmmaking and Best Editing.

The nominations are for Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Feature Film and Best Feature Film Screenplay.

The star-studded film has made appearances and received accolades at film festivals such as Swansea Bay International Film Festival with Festival Patron Catherine Zeta-Jones and Festival Vice President Michael Sheen; International Youth Film Festival with Patron Sir Anthony Hopkins and the highly regarded Boston International Film Festival that holds in Boston, MA.

With AMC Theaters (the largest chain of movie theatres in the US) as one of its sponsors, the Boston film feast draws a large following, and it also has many other influential sponsors that include BET, A&E Television, Bravo TV, AMC TV, Microsoft, American Express and JVC among others.

Parading top notch production values, Hollywood collaboration and the use of 35 mm film, Ije is already poised on setting the world on fire while spotlighting Nigerian artistry and talent. The international stars that featured in Ije would be arriving the country any moment from now, ahead of the July 31 premiere of the film.

In a statement by the producer, the stars alongside Omotola and Genevieve will be meeting with the local media on July 30, before the red carpet which comes up the next day.

Ije is a melodic and beautiful score through rich visuals in Los Angeles and flashbacks on location in Jos, Nigeria.

Movie on Dagrin underway

A film based on the life and times of the late rapper, Dagrin is underway. Titled ‘Ghetto Dreams’, the film will chronicle the growing years of Dagrin, his struggles, rise to fame as well as his untimely exit.

Renowned director, Lancelot Imasuen , HVP learnt has been drafted as the director of the film which is being produced by Stingomania Entertainment.
Also a foundation, is said to have been set up in memory of the late rapper, The Dagrin Memorial Project.

Amongst other things, the foundation will ensure that the family Dagrin left behind is catered for and the loss is made more bearable for his family in a tangible measurable manner, in addition to providing a lasting structure and means to encourage upcoming and budding entertainment stars.

Uti Nwachwukwu releases new single

Uti Nwachukwu, Big Brother Africa 3 contestant is now a musician. He recently released his new single titled "Go Down".