Now anyone who knows me (I guess they aren't a lot of you out there) knows I'm sometimes not a fan of Nigerian music, at least not all of it. Our music is at times... rushed to say the least, but every now and then true gems come out and surprise us. Case in point D'Banj. Say what you will about his lack of lyrical prowess (which shouldn't even be a debate when considering "Fall In Love" has been his most coherent well thought of song anyone can relate to), his longevity is a testament to his ability to wow any audience, especially Kanye West.
My friend Andy Madaki, a superb writer coincidentally read an article, which I had read about a couple of weeks ago also. While said article raised some points, it in one instance disregarded a whole generation of musicians. Say what you will about our music, just like D'Banj, its longevity is a testament to our time. To think 20 years ago, no one would go to a party and request for Naija music that wasn't from our parent's generation or one which they liked (K.S.A, Shina Peters) to now mentioning artists that just came out last week. Here's Andy's article and like I said, while there are a lot of weak points in the Nigerian music industry, it's these weaknesses that show us our strengths and illuminate those artists who are meant to last beyond being the flavour of the month, that one-hit wonder that comes every now and then. Enjoy:-
LET THE MUSIC PLAY BY ANDY MADAKI
You had a black and white TV in 1960, you felt it was the best thing since late night stories under the Iroko tree, would you call us senseless if we are now fazed by large flat screen TVs? I frown when I see grown men (the youth of today) wearing tight jean pants which they call skinny jeans but I let it slide because our parents and even some of us wore those things (bala bala trousers ) in the 70’s and 80’s until they came back into fashion in the early 2000’s and surprisingly some parents thought their children had lost their marbles. Before you close this page, I’ll let you know what this is all about. This is not a comparison, this is about a girl I love, one I share with millions of people around the world, she is way older than I am, and we call her MUSIC. Just like so many things in life, some parents and the immediate older generation may not be pleased with the girls of today, the same way they disapprove of the songs made in “our time”. This is about music, a writer’s generalization and the one-sided opinion we are expected to accept just because it is not what it used to be.
A week ago I saw a post on www.234next.com by Ikhide R Ikheloa in his “EMAIL FROM AMERICA: Stop the music. Please”. He had this and a lot to say about Nigerian music and musicians:
“Most of today’s Nigerian musicians remind me of Cacofonix. From D’banj on down, they should all be tied to mango trees and their mouths plugged with fake Naira notes, never ever to play music again ever. ..”
(Link: http://t.co/6RHY4Dp )
Apart from the fact that I find that post very condemning and condescending, I have also tried to see some sense in what the writer had to say. Yes he gave credit to Asa before saying it seems like anyone who hahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifs access to the internet can go to a “studio” in Ajegunle and “release” something. Seriously there have always been the good musicians and the bad ones, you had Madonna and people like Marylyn Monroe and we have the Lady Gaga and Dbanj of our time. The older generation in your time frowned at the music you listened to and the films you watched, it is okay to point out the fact that there are some totally senseless songs out there right now, but the truth is that you had more or even worse in your time. Why don’t we all say ATM cards and Computers are straight from hell and should be burnt to ashes because they are signs of the end time? The writer literally had nothing good to say about modern music and he even went as far as trashing Fela’s music before adding that Fela had “common sense to strike out in an original direction”. I have one question: What do you want Sir?
There are a million and one reasons for the youth of today to be depressed and confused, the music you call rubbish has given a handful of Nigerians some form of employment, that studio which you think they are all in “Ajegunle”, has got a producer, an artiste and maybe a sound Engineer and simple maths should equate that to three people off the streets with guns. For some of us, the music you call horrible is the single thing that makes us smile when we have everything to frown about. The truth is that music doesn’t have to even make sense to be good. You don’t need to understand it. I’m sure you listen to songs like Kumbaya which the slaves sang and you will call that original music. The beauty of music is the fact that you hear a song in Spanish or a song like Windeck in French or Portuguese and you find yourself bopping your head to it even though you don’t have an idea about what they mean.
All I ask is that you and your generation should give us a chance; a chance to smile, a chance to create opportunities and jobs for ourselves rather than condemn literally everything out there. It is because the older generation has hijacked the jobs to recycle and share amongst themselves that is why some young people are out there trying to sing because that is one of the few sectors your generation hasn’t kidnapped from us “YET”. This is why you hear people trying and some of them making music that hurts the heart and ears. With all due respect Dear Writer, you talk about studying our music in earnest and then the artiste you choose to do your research on is “Vocal Slender”? Seriously you base your research on artiste bankrolled by BBC for a documentary which had nothing good to say about your country Nigeria? Let’s take about 40 steps back to your time, how many African Artistes from your days made it to the Billboards or International awards? These guys you literally condemn like Dbanj, 2Face and M.I have brought international attention to the African Entertainment Industry. They have won international awards so maybe, just maybe they are doing something right. Give our generation some credit rather than general condemnation. I’m sure you love bob Marley and Marvin Gaye but it is okay to call music by 2face and modern artistes horrible?
The column is called “Email from America”, I will not accuse the writer of sitting down in America and condemning modern Nigerian music, because i know this would be doing what he has done which is generalizing. I know young Nigerians in America, Canada and Britain who have played a major role in making our music get to the fans who love and appreciate the music you call horrible. Check www.notjustok.com www.jaguda.com www.gidilounge.com www.iblend.net www.bellanaija.com and a lot more ... give our generation some credit, it may take a while but gradually we are getting there and we have results to show. The glass you sit behind is very transparent, even if you don’t throw stones, you should understand that people are watching and listening... It is just like music, LET IT PLAY.
Check out Ikhide R Ikheloa’s “STOP THE MUSIC POST” ON 234NEXT Link: http://t.co/6RHY4Dp
Randomly Yours,
That_Andy
July 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
BON IVER'S NEW SINGLE!!!
Now some of you may not know Bon Iver, but they're the group Kanye West sampled on his Lost In The World track off his MBDTF album (I can't write it out, it's too long). Anyway the lead singer reprised his vocals for the track as well as sang on Monster. Yeah that's him. Anyway the group are back and this is their new single from their sophomore album titled... "Bon Iver". Anyway I absolutely think y'all need to donwload this bitch. All you gotta do is send them ur e-mail (no scam, I swear) and you'll get the song: (http://www.twentyfourbit.com/post/5549927292/download-bon-iver-calgary-our-first-taste). Also check out the standout track from their last album, For Emma, Forever Ago, it's called, Skinny Love and I'm sure you might have heard it on a few of your favourite TV shows. You're gonna have to search for that one on your own. PEACE!
Monday, May 2, 2011
THE HELL WITH OSAMA... WHERE ARE TUPAC AND BIGGIE'S KILLERS?
It took about a year to find Saddam’s ass in a cave and now with the news of Osama’s capture, that’s almost 10 years the U.S having been trying to find the F.B.I/C.I.A’s most wanted, but more than fifteen Goddamn years later, no word on who killed Tupac or Biggie. The F.B.I released a supposed secret file claiming Tupac got threats from the Jewish Defense League (the most powerful Jewish lobby group in the world). First of all no one in their right mind wants to fuck with the Jewish League; the minute you start speaking they get all sensitive and start accusing you of anti-Semitism, which is the most misused term in the racial dictionary, because technically Arabs are Semites too, which will make the U.S government the most anti-Semitic group in the last 10 years. Also no one wants to deal with the stigma of being labeled, “anti-Semitic”, even when the term is used wrong as it so often is.
Two, the Jews ain’t kill Tupac (just like they ain’t kill Jesus… and which prophet you know ain’t never been sold out by his own people). If we find out a Jew or two were involved in Tupac’s murder, what’s that got to do with a whole race? These days all suicide bombers are Muslims, but not all Muslims are suicide bombers. Get it? Do you think the Jewish league was jealous of “thug life” or angry that Tupac was drinking Alize? Hebrew please! They already own alcohol. If they were threatening Tupac for anything, it was probably because he was claiming West-side, when in fact they own all the property on the West-side (word to Eddie Griffin). That’s it, nothing more.
So I ask you, now that they’ve got Osama, will we ever find out who killed Tupac and Biggie… and Jam Master Jay? I’ll be waiting… till that day! (See how I put that little rhyme there) And since the world is supposed to be on “high-alert” in case “Al-Qaida” feels the need to seek revenge for the death of their leader, it had me thinking. Were Al-Qaida ever to join forces with the Jewish Defense League (for reasons I could never think of), they’d probably be called, “Intifada Supreme”. One word against them and… Kaboom! No suicide note, no video messages, not even a letter claiming responsibility. You know why? ‘Cause real Gs move in silence like the 'g' in Lasagna.
On a more serious note, did anyone notice the Benylin looking bottles on the shelf in Osama’s bedroom on that video that they showed after the shootout? …I’m just saying… someone might have been bumping Far East Movement and “sipping sizzurp in my ride, getting slizzard”. And for those of you who are wondering how it all went down, don’t worry! The good old and always accurate folks at Hollywood are making a movie on this very event and it’s by the team who made Hurt Locker (http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.ap.org/hurt-locker-team-plans-film-bin-laden-hunt-ap). Can I hear Oscar? Now I wonder who will play Osama? And by the way for all you people, specifically Muslims who might feel some sort of sympathy towards Osama Bin Laden, apart from telling you not to please kill me, may I remind you of the words of the Egyptian scholar Amr Khaled, who when asked about Osama Bin Laden said, “Osama Bin Laden says he’s speaking for us… who asked him?”
Two, the Jews ain’t kill Tupac (just like they ain’t kill Jesus… and which prophet you know ain’t never been sold out by his own people). If we find out a Jew or two were involved in Tupac’s murder, what’s that got to do with a whole race? These days all suicide bombers are Muslims, but not all Muslims are suicide bombers. Get it? Do you think the Jewish league was jealous of “thug life” or angry that Tupac was drinking Alize? Hebrew please! They already own alcohol. If they were threatening Tupac for anything, it was probably because he was claiming West-side, when in fact they own all the property on the West-side (word to Eddie Griffin). That’s it, nothing more.
So I ask you, now that they’ve got Osama, will we ever find out who killed Tupac and Biggie… and Jam Master Jay? I’ll be waiting… till that day! (See how I put that little rhyme there) And since the world is supposed to be on “high-alert” in case “Al-Qaida” feels the need to seek revenge for the death of their leader, it had me thinking. Were Al-Qaida ever to join forces with the Jewish Defense League (for reasons I could never think of), they’d probably be called, “Intifada Supreme”. One word against them and… Kaboom! No suicide note, no video messages, not even a letter claiming responsibility. You know why? ‘Cause real Gs move in silence like the 'g' in Lasagna.
On a more serious note, did anyone notice the Benylin looking bottles on the shelf in Osama’s bedroom on that video that they showed after the shootout? …I’m just saying… someone might have been bumping Far East Movement and “sipping sizzurp in my ride, getting slizzard”. And for those of you who are wondering how it all went down, don’t worry! The good old and always accurate folks at Hollywood are making a movie on this very event and it’s by the team who made Hurt Locker (http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.ap.org/hurt-locker-team-plans-film-bin-laden-hunt-ap). Can I hear Oscar? Now I wonder who will play Osama? And by the way for all you people, specifically Muslims who might feel some sort of sympathy towards Osama Bin Laden, apart from telling you not to please kill me, may I remind you of the words of the Egyptian scholar Amr Khaled, who when asked about Osama Bin Laden said, “Osama Bin Laden says he’s speaking for us… who asked him?”
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Pigmeat Markham - Here Comes The Judge + The Trial - 1968
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvMBxlu62c0
One of the first hip hop records back before Hip-Hop was exposed in 1979. This is from 1968. Rap being around longer than you know!!!
Pigmeat Markham as "The Judge".
One of the first hip hop records back before Hip-Hop was exposed in 1979. This is from 1968. Rap being around longer than you know!!!
Pigmeat Markham as "The Judge".
Monday, April 18, 2011
WHAT'S ON ROTATION AT THE T.R.P OFFICE?
We’re in the first half of the year, but I’ve already got three albums on rotation: Adele’s 21 (a clear contention for album of the year), Big K.R.I.T.’s latest mixtape Return Of 4eva (the mixtape before his Def Jam debut i.e before he goes commercial and stops spitting intellectual. You know how labels make you dumb it down) and Canadian R&B sensation, The-Weeknd, whose mixtape House Of Balloons is the best contemporary R&B album (let’s face it, a mixtape is now an album) out so far this year. He reminds me of The-Dream. They’re both soulful (The Weeknd even more) and they cuss quite a lot, the kind of R&B I like. The two of them are definitely the new generation of Jodeci.
So here’s a list of where to find what’s on my rotation:
Adele’s 21: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/21-20110217(If it’s still not free to listen to at Rolling Stone.com, do like a pirate...)
Big K.R.I.T’s Return Of 4Eva: http://www.returnof4eva.com/
The Weeknd’s House Of Balloons: http://the-weeknd.com/
So here’s a list of where to find what’s on my rotation:
Adele’s 21: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/21-20110217(If it’s still not free to listen to at Rolling Stone.com, do like a pirate...)
Big K.R.I.T’s Return Of 4Eva: http://www.returnof4eva.com/
The Weeknd’s House Of Balloons: http://the-weeknd.com/
THE TOP 20 MOMENTS, EVENTS, PEOPLE AND PLACES THAT CHANGED THE ABUJA MUSIC INDUSTRY
FEEL FREE TO COMMENT, DEBATE, ADD AND OF COURSE CORRECT! IF YOU'RE GONNA ADD, WRITE WHY YOU FEEL ITS OF SIGNIFICANCE AND NOT JUST BECAUSE YOU LIKE M.I.
1. PAYBACK TIME RECORDS
In the words of Terry Tha Rapman, “Back then, back then”, a group of up and coming MCs formed a collective known as S.W.A.T R.O.O.T.S on a label known as PAYBACK TIME RECORDS and set Abuja music lovers on a frenzy. They were Nigeria’s answer to the Wu-Tang Clan, our own So Solid Crew. Like Wu-Tang, individually they were stars and collectively they proved there was strength in numbers, but like So Solid Crew in the U.K, their reign as a group was short-lived. With only a handful of the collective putting out solo albums, most famously Six Foot Plus and Terry Tha Rapman, the group album never materialized. Till this day, it’s hard to pinpoint where it all went wrong, but for the moment these guys were on the scene, they reigned supreme almost over nearly everyone.
2. STYL-PLUS
No other group in Abuja has enjoyed the fan success that Styl-Plus has, maybe except Age Beeka and some up and comer named M.I. Blowing up almost entirely on radio and word of mouth, Styl-Plus became Abuja’s first bonafide superstar group. After their first single Olufumni aired on radio, every single and video of theirs became an event.
3. AUDI MAIKORI
When Audi Maikori brought his Chocolate City imprint to Abuja from Jos, not many people knew the impact it would have on the city. Signing a then unknown R &B/Gospel singer, Jeremiah Gyang one of its premiere artist, Chocolate City became a springboard for other acts to emerge through the label, most notably M.I and the Choc Boys. Chocolate City became the city’s most recognized label, probably after Payback Time. Now the label has expanded its investments to Lagos as well as venturing into other sectors of the entertainment arena.
4. THE UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA
There’s no denying that if it weren’t for the University of Abuja, musicians in this city would not be as hot as they are. Back then (in the 2000s), it was a rite of passage for any big Abuja artist to show up at Gwagwalada to perform for students, ask Styl-Plus, Age Beeka and even P-Square who schooled there.
5. THE COOL FM CREW
Back when Styl-Plus were the hot new group in town, Cool FM seemed like the station that premiered all their songs and upcoming info. They were the Al-Jazeera to Styl-Plus’s Bin Laden notoriety (in the group's case, everybody loved them). The crew back then, which consisted of Nike Coker, Wale Ewedemi, Tyeng Gang among others helped championed Abuja artists giving them a platform to shine. Obviously Cool FM has gone through some changes in staff, but there’s no denying its impact on the Abuja music scene.
6. THE THIS DAY DOME
Built by the THISDAY company (or rather shipped from Scotland) as a venue to hold its annual THISDAY festival, the THISDAY Dome has became an attraction for events ranging from music festivals to comedy shows and even weddings. It was first “constructed” to hold the Abuja leg of the THISDAY music festival, which featured Rihanna, Jay-Z and Usher. Ever since, countless concerts and shows have been held at the Dome.
7. AGE BEEKA
There’s no denying there was a time Age Beeka ruled the airwaves. In the aftermath of the Payback Time era, when Abuja was still relatively young in terms of music, came Age. With almost entire self-promotion, Age Beeka became the artist to beat. His soulful crooning brought life to a city that was thought to be soulless. After the brashness of the S.W.A.T R.O.O.T, Age provided a pill to those who may have suffered a concussion from all the “hard-coreness”.
8. AND THE RADIO STATIONS GREW… IN NUMBER
There was a time Abuja had four main radio stations (93.5, 94.7, 100.5 and the no longer here, but in Kaduna 106.5) and as Cool Fm swept in, so did others. Pretty soon the Federal Government commissioned more radio stations across the country and 92.1 and 92.9 came in. Now there are 10 radio stations in Abuja, which means more music, more info and generally more entertainment.
9. THE OCTAGON DOME NIGHTCLUB
Before THISDAY had a dome, there was The Dome, Abuja’s first big nightclub. It succeeded where other nightclubs failed. It brought it in all kinds of crowds from lawmakers to students to of course entertainers.
10. QUEST MEDIA
If you’ve never recorded, being or heard of Quest Media studios located in Garki, you must not be an Abuja artist.
11. ABUJA ARTISTS LEAVING FOR LAGOS
It seems almost like a cliché that when an artist makes it in Abuja, Lagos becomes their next port of call and for some their new home. Six Foot Plus, Mode 9, Terry Tha Rapman, M.I and his fellow Choc Boys all joined the Las Gidi bandwagon. But in recent times, Abuja has seen somewhat of a reverse situation. Dare moved to Abuja from Lagos, Six Foot Plus came back. Other artists from the North, specifically Kaduna move here. Lest we forget there were those that never left like Styl-Plus.
12. THE BRITISH COUNCIL
From its inception, the British Council has hoped to foster relationships with people of various backgrounds through the arts and such other avenues. So it was no surprise that among its usual events that invited Abuja artists to perform, the British Council was the home of WAPI (Words and Pictures) for about two years.
13. THE DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY
One of the reasons the Abuja music scene has grown is because of the diplomatic community, who wish to experience the culture of the nation as well as its capital. Whether it’s the traditional singers and dancers or the urban entertainers, the diplomatic community has helped raised a platform for Abuja artists.
14. RHYTHM UNPLUGGED
When Rhythm FM launched in Abuja, they brought with it the whole Silverbird package, which in a few years would include the annual Rhythm Unplugged event; a showcase of the industry’s who’s who from Abuja to Lagos to wherever.
15. NTA ABUJA & NT A PLUS
No two local TV stations have showcased Abuja artists like the ones in Abuja; NTA Plus & NTA Abuja. Before the birth of the Sound Citys and the introduction of MTV Base, NTA was where Abuja artists got their first TV exposure. There were also shows like Buzz FM and countless others showing music videos from Abuja artists as well as from other areas.
16. AM EXPRESS
Okay, so we mentioned NTA, but no other show on TV became accessible to Abuja’s talent quite like AM Express. The morning show was shown nationwide, but was led by a crew based in Abuja, which meant they got most of the air-time, which meant they showcased more people from Abuja than any other city. Acts like Kush, Six Foot Plus, Styl-Plus all graced the show at one point or another during its peak. It was Abuja’s 106 & Park, except in the morning and with more news (none of which had to do with when Lil’ Wayne was coming out of prison) and less performances.
17. NAMES ON PLATINUM
Before the Rhythm Unpluggeds and THISDAY Festivals hit Abuja, Names On Platinum was providing an avenue for Abuja artists to shine. Headed by Xtranger, a one-time musician himself, Names On Platinum was one of the first companies in Abuja to organize shows for Abuja artists as well as others.
18. T.G.I.F
Another Silverbird conception, T.G.I.F (Thank God It’s Friday) hit Abuja in 2010 to great reception and once again helped in promoting the city’s finest. Held every first Friday of the month, it hosts local acts as well as headliners from other cities, specifically Lagos. But hey, it’s all love!
19. W.A.P.I
W.A.P.I (Words and Pictures) was one of the first of many such groups to provide a platform for the discussion and promotion of the music scene (as well as other art forms) in Abuja. Held at the British Council on Saturdays, it was hosted by the likes of Audi Maikori and M.I just to name a few. And while it no longer holds in Abuja, it helped create an example for other such organizations to come.
20. SAZZY
There are many prolific producers in Abuja and have always been, but Osaze “Sazzy” Omonbude stands out for one reason. The 26 year old producer who died on the morning of Ocotber 23rd, 2010 was on the verge of stardom. Many outside of Abuja may not have heard of his name, but his impact is beyond that of your usual producer. He produced the first track that M.I and Naeto C ever appeared on in Nigeria and as the time of his death, he had completed what was to be his debut (and unfortunately last) album, RED as well as produced for a slew of Abuja up and comers like Yoye and S. Solar, just to mention a few. He also produced for The African Rockstar, one of Nigeria’s most alternative artists. Sazzy will surely be missed.
1. PAYBACK TIME RECORDS
In the words of Terry Tha Rapman, “Back then, back then”, a group of up and coming MCs formed a collective known as S.W.A.T R.O.O.T.S on a label known as PAYBACK TIME RECORDS and set Abuja music lovers on a frenzy. They were Nigeria’s answer to the Wu-Tang Clan, our own So Solid Crew. Like Wu-Tang, individually they were stars and collectively they proved there was strength in numbers, but like So Solid Crew in the U.K, their reign as a group was short-lived. With only a handful of the collective putting out solo albums, most famously Six Foot Plus and Terry Tha Rapman, the group album never materialized. Till this day, it’s hard to pinpoint where it all went wrong, but for the moment these guys were on the scene, they reigned supreme almost over nearly everyone.
2. STYL-PLUS
No other group in Abuja has enjoyed the fan success that Styl-Plus has, maybe except Age Beeka and some up and comer named M.I. Blowing up almost entirely on radio and word of mouth, Styl-Plus became Abuja’s first bonafide superstar group. After their first single Olufumni aired on radio, every single and video of theirs became an event.
3. AUDI MAIKORI
When Audi Maikori brought his Chocolate City imprint to Abuja from Jos, not many people knew the impact it would have on the city. Signing a then unknown R &B/Gospel singer, Jeremiah Gyang one of its premiere artist, Chocolate City became a springboard for other acts to emerge through the label, most notably M.I and the Choc Boys. Chocolate City became the city’s most recognized label, probably after Payback Time. Now the label has expanded its investments to Lagos as well as venturing into other sectors of the entertainment arena.
4. THE UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA
There’s no denying that if it weren’t for the University of Abuja, musicians in this city would not be as hot as they are. Back then (in the 2000s), it was a rite of passage for any big Abuja artist to show up at Gwagwalada to perform for students, ask Styl-Plus, Age Beeka and even P-Square who schooled there.
5. THE COOL FM CREW
Back when Styl-Plus were the hot new group in town, Cool FM seemed like the station that premiered all their songs and upcoming info. They were the Al-Jazeera to Styl-Plus’s Bin Laden notoriety (in the group's case, everybody loved them). The crew back then, which consisted of Nike Coker, Wale Ewedemi, Tyeng Gang among others helped championed Abuja artists giving them a platform to shine. Obviously Cool FM has gone through some changes in staff, but there’s no denying its impact on the Abuja music scene.
6. THE THIS DAY DOME
Built by the THISDAY company (or rather shipped from Scotland) as a venue to hold its annual THISDAY festival, the THISDAY Dome has became an attraction for events ranging from music festivals to comedy shows and even weddings. It was first “constructed” to hold the Abuja leg of the THISDAY music festival, which featured Rihanna, Jay-Z and Usher. Ever since, countless concerts and shows have been held at the Dome.
7. AGE BEEKA
There’s no denying there was a time Age Beeka ruled the airwaves. In the aftermath of the Payback Time era, when Abuja was still relatively young in terms of music, came Age. With almost entire self-promotion, Age Beeka became the artist to beat. His soulful crooning brought life to a city that was thought to be soulless. After the brashness of the S.W.A.T R.O.O.T, Age provided a pill to those who may have suffered a concussion from all the “hard-coreness”.
8. AND THE RADIO STATIONS GREW… IN NUMBER
There was a time Abuja had four main radio stations (93.5, 94.7, 100.5 and the no longer here, but in Kaduna 106.5) and as Cool Fm swept in, so did others. Pretty soon the Federal Government commissioned more radio stations across the country and 92.1 and 92.9 came in. Now there are 10 radio stations in Abuja, which means more music, more info and generally more entertainment.
9. THE OCTAGON DOME NIGHTCLUB
Before THISDAY had a dome, there was The Dome, Abuja’s first big nightclub. It succeeded where other nightclubs failed. It brought it in all kinds of crowds from lawmakers to students to of course entertainers.
10. QUEST MEDIA
If you’ve never recorded, being or heard of Quest Media studios located in Garki, you must not be an Abuja artist.
11. ABUJA ARTISTS LEAVING FOR LAGOS
It seems almost like a cliché that when an artist makes it in Abuja, Lagos becomes their next port of call and for some their new home. Six Foot Plus, Mode 9, Terry Tha Rapman, M.I and his fellow Choc Boys all joined the Las Gidi bandwagon. But in recent times, Abuja has seen somewhat of a reverse situation. Dare moved to Abuja from Lagos, Six Foot Plus came back. Other artists from the North, specifically Kaduna move here. Lest we forget there were those that never left like Styl-Plus.
12. THE BRITISH COUNCIL
From its inception, the British Council has hoped to foster relationships with people of various backgrounds through the arts and such other avenues. So it was no surprise that among its usual events that invited Abuja artists to perform, the British Council was the home of WAPI (Words and Pictures) for about two years.
13. THE DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY
One of the reasons the Abuja music scene has grown is because of the diplomatic community, who wish to experience the culture of the nation as well as its capital. Whether it’s the traditional singers and dancers or the urban entertainers, the diplomatic community has helped raised a platform for Abuja artists.
14. RHYTHM UNPLUGGED
When Rhythm FM launched in Abuja, they brought with it the whole Silverbird package, which in a few years would include the annual Rhythm Unplugged event; a showcase of the industry’s who’s who from Abuja to Lagos to wherever.
15. NTA ABUJA & NT A PLUS
No two local TV stations have showcased Abuja artists like the ones in Abuja; NTA Plus & NTA Abuja. Before the birth of the Sound Citys and the introduction of MTV Base, NTA was where Abuja artists got their first TV exposure. There were also shows like Buzz FM and countless others showing music videos from Abuja artists as well as from other areas.
16. AM EXPRESS
Okay, so we mentioned NTA, but no other show on TV became accessible to Abuja’s talent quite like AM Express. The morning show was shown nationwide, but was led by a crew based in Abuja, which meant they got most of the air-time, which meant they showcased more people from Abuja than any other city. Acts like Kush, Six Foot Plus, Styl-Plus all graced the show at one point or another during its peak. It was Abuja’s 106 & Park, except in the morning and with more news (none of which had to do with when Lil’ Wayne was coming out of prison) and less performances.
17. NAMES ON PLATINUM
Before the Rhythm Unpluggeds and THISDAY Festivals hit Abuja, Names On Platinum was providing an avenue for Abuja artists to shine. Headed by Xtranger, a one-time musician himself, Names On Platinum was one of the first companies in Abuja to organize shows for Abuja artists as well as others.
18. T.G.I.F
Another Silverbird conception, T.G.I.F (Thank God It’s Friday) hit Abuja in 2010 to great reception and once again helped in promoting the city’s finest. Held every first Friday of the month, it hosts local acts as well as headliners from other cities, specifically Lagos. But hey, it’s all love!
19. W.A.P.I
W.A.P.I (Words and Pictures) was one of the first of many such groups to provide a platform for the discussion and promotion of the music scene (as well as other art forms) in Abuja. Held at the British Council on Saturdays, it was hosted by the likes of Audi Maikori and M.I just to name a few. And while it no longer holds in Abuja, it helped create an example for other such organizations to come.
20. SAZZY
There are many prolific producers in Abuja and have always been, but Osaze “Sazzy” Omonbude stands out for one reason. The 26 year old producer who died on the morning of Ocotber 23rd, 2010 was on the verge of stardom. Many outside of Abuja may not have heard of his name, but his impact is beyond that of your usual producer. He produced the first track that M.I and Naeto C ever appeared on in Nigeria and as the time of his death, he had completed what was to be his debut (and unfortunately last) album, RED as well as produced for a slew of Abuja up and comers like Yoye and S. Solar, just to mention a few. He also produced for The African Rockstar, one of Nigeria’s most alternative artists. Sazzy will surely be missed.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
'SOMETHING GOOD' ABOUT BEM SAR
Meeting Bem Sar at Salamander Cafe on a rainy Thursday evening turned out to be more than what I expected. First of all I wasn’t quite expecting anything. I’d just being soaked from running to the Cafe, halfway realising, either way I was still going to get wet. When I finally arrived, things began to warm up. As I sat with Bem Sar, I ran through some questions and discovered some amazing revelations. The man sitting before me, who is primarily known as a soul/alternative singer started out wanting to be a rapper... for real. I asked why the change from the world of Hip Hop to Alternative R&B, he told me because he hated the examples of rappers out there at the time (and presumably now). Fair enough, with T.I back in jail after just being released five months ago, it probably won’t change his mind today.
Bem Sar has been writing and producing primarily for himself for fourteen years, according to him he decided to go professional in 2003. I asked him about his biggest hit, ‘Something Good’, which came out six years ago and if he notices its absence from radio nowadays, what with today’s radio persistence of drowning us in D’banjs and Tufaces. He shocked me again saying he hardly listens to radio to even know if his hit still gets played. A hit which came by accident one Christmas show in 2004, when he performed it at the end of a stage performance and got a great response from the crowd. He never intended to record it till that show. With a few minutes left on his time on stage, he performed, ‘Something Good’ and he had his first (and yet only) hit. I asked him if that bothered him, he admitted he was tired of it being his only recognizable song, but not less any appreciative. I experienced first-hand the recognition he got from that song, the first time I saw him perform at the first TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday) in Abuja. After singing a couple of songs or so, two girls behind me started shouting, ‘Something Good’. I thought they were crazy... then he performed it and I was like, ‘Oh... I get it’.
I asked if he was recording anything new. Like most musicians he replied in the affirmative, but he struck me as someone who recorded more for the pleasure of it, rather than someone trying to meet a deadline for an album or trying to get that next hit out there. I asked him if he felt music should have a message. He replied in the affirmative, which led to us discussing the state of the Nigerian music industry, which could be another article on to itself. He felt the Nigerian music scene was ‘in a state of flux’. Despite all this, he believes the industry is still driven by passion and not money. He promoted, ‘Something Good’ with absolutely no budget. He credits that to the passion of the fans. Although I doubt today’s fans and execs would agree the industry is still driven by just passion alone. Asked what his crowning achievement was, he said it was yet to happen like, ‘performing in a crowd of at least 10,000’ people. This, coming for the guy who got to perform for the president on two occasions (in Abuja and Lagos); not to mention for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former first lady, late Stella Obasanjo.
As we further discussed the music industry, he made it clear his future aspiration was to be a musical institution in the same vein as the Bob Marleys and Felas of this world. He talked about how although he didn’t always agree with some of the late Tupac Shakur’s message in most of his hits, he admired the late rapper’s passion. Something he found in the likes of Fela and Bob Marley. I asked what he listens to and the answers give you a view into what his musical mindset is like; Prince, Lenny Kravitz (who he would like to work with) and Terence Trent D’Arby to name a few. Bringing it home, he likes Fela, especially his boldness, Lagbaja, who he finds creative and Asa. When discussing who he thinks will be the next thing, he mentions ladies like Miss Lindsey Abudei and Ibiyemi and a little fellow called Bez.
Asked to impart some wisdom to up and comers, Bez replied, ‘educate yourself’ and ‘practice; the more you do something, the better you get at it!’, which is why you can find him every Thursday evening at Salamander Cafe horning his skills to the delights of frequenters. Now that’s passion!
For more on Bem Sar, check out his website www.bemsar.com.
Bem Sar has been writing and producing primarily for himself for fourteen years, according to him he decided to go professional in 2003. I asked him about his biggest hit, ‘Something Good’, which came out six years ago and if he notices its absence from radio nowadays, what with today’s radio persistence of drowning us in D’banjs and Tufaces. He shocked me again saying he hardly listens to radio to even know if his hit still gets played. A hit which came by accident one Christmas show in 2004, when he performed it at the end of a stage performance and got a great response from the crowd. He never intended to record it till that show. With a few minutes left on his time on stage, he performed, ‘Something Good’ and he had his first (and yet only) hit. I asked him if that bothered him, he admitted he was tired of it being his only recognizable song, but not less any appreciative. I experienced first-hand the recognition he got from that song, the first time I saw him perform at the first TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday) in Abuja. After singing a couple of songs or so, two girls behind me started shouting, ‘Something Good’. I thought they were crazy... then he performed it and I was like, ‘Oh... I get it’.
I asked if he was recording anything new. Like most musicians he replied in the affirmative, but he struck me as someone who recorded more for the pleasure of it, rather than someone trying to meet a deadline for an album or trying to get that next hit out there. I asked him if he felt music should have a message. He replied in the affirmative, which led to us discussing the state of the Nigerian music industry, which could be another article on to itself. He felt the Nigerian music scene was ‘in a state of flux’. Despite all this, he believes the industry is still driven by passion and not money. He promoted, ‘Something Good’ with absolutely no budget. He credits that to the passion of the fans. Although I doubt today’s fans and execs would agree the industry is still driven by just passion alone. Asked what his crowning achievement was, he said it was yet to happen like, ‘performing in a crowd of at least 10,000’ people. This, coming for the guy who got to perform for the president on two occasions (in Abuja and Lagos); not to mention for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former first lady, late Stella Obasanjo.
As we further discussed the music industry, he made it clear his future aspiration was to be a musical institution in the same vein as the Bob Marleys and Felas of this world. He talked about how although he didn’t always agree with some of the late Tupac Shakur’s message in most of his hits, he admired the late rapper’s passion. Something he found in the likes of Fela and Bob Marley. I asked what he listens to and the answers give you a view into what his musical mindset is like; Prince, Lenny Kravitz (who he would like to work with) and Terence Trent D’Arby to name a few. Bringing it home, he likes Fela, especially his boldness, Lagbaja, who he finds creative and Asa. When discussing who he thinks will be the next thing, he mentions ladies like Miss Lindsey Abudei and Ibiyemi and a little fellow called Bez.
Asked to impart some wisdom to up and comers, Bez replied, ‘educate yourself’ and ‘practice; the more you do something, the better you get at it!’, which is why you can find him every Thursday evening at Salamander Cafe horning his skills to the delights of frequenters. Now that’s passion!
For more on Bem Sar, check out his website www.bemsar.com.
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