8th February, 2013
Brown Drops Single
Hip-hop act, Handsome Brown, has released his debut single, I Don Hammer. Produced by Charles Abazie, the cut is one of the 16 tracks off Brown’s album that will be released soon.
Abazie, who is also the owner of Top Vision Entertainment, the record label the artiste is signed on, said he decided to release I Don Hammer to make Handsome Brown familiar with the music industry before the release of a full album.
The video of the song has been shot. It was directed by Abazie, who ascribed the quality to his background as a movie producer and director.
Kolade Onanuga Excites Fans
Fuji music star, Kolade Onanuga, has finally released his debut album titled Anticipation.
The 12-track album is a confirms Onanuga mastery of his art. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Eko Reel Mix Studio. Promotion of the album will be handled by Sarolaj Music and Film International.
Ahead of its proposed public launch, Anticipation is already enjoying favourable reviews from music critics.
According to Onanuga, fondly called KLB, “the album is long overdue, but the delay was caused by my very busy schedule. I really took my time to ensure that I come out with something worth being associated with”.
Tracks in the album include Ilu Alujo (Dance Hall), Truth, Let’s Dance, Ori Mi, Akaba, London Squad, Fashionista and Islander.
— Kayode Aponmade
Soul-E Returns
Emmanuel Okose, better known as Soul-E, has staged a comeback to music industry, but as a gospel artiste.
Soul-E, who is famous for his hit track, Soul-E Baba, said: “It is true that I’m back to my roots; my calling. I’m now closer to my God and I’m now a gospel singer.”
To mark his return, the singer has released an album, Message. The eight-tracker, officially released on 4 February, is being marketed nationwide by Chuksbiri Enterprise.
Tracks in the album are Baba You Too Much, Thank God, By My Side, Love, Healing in the House; He’s Alive, Baba Baba, Oba and Your Love.
Apart from his customary soulful style, the album also offers genres of music such as reggae, R n B, Techno, dancehall and world music.
Speaking further about the album, the singer, who now prefers to be called Prophet of Praise, said the album was inspired by his life story. “After weathering so many storms, I just need to thank God for His grace in my life. He’s been so kind to me. I also want people to learn from my story and thank God through me,” he said.
He has released music video titled Thank God, which has recorded over 30, 000 downloads on the internet. His recently shot music video, Baba You Too Much, will be released next month.
— Bayo Adetu
African Global DJ Awards Holds
On 4 May, hundreds of disc jockeys from different Africa countries and in the Diaspora will converge on the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the maiden edition of the African Global DJ Awards.
Announcing this at a media briefing in Lagos last week, Tope Esan, CEO, Stats Media USA, said preparations for the awards started over two years ago. DJs, who have helped to make the continent’s music scene tick, will be honoured at the awards ceremony.
“We are not satisfied with the little recognition accorded DJs globally. Actors have the Academy Awards. Recording artistes have the Grammys. DJs deserve their own distinguished awards. That is what we are set to achieve with AGDA,” said Esan, who is also the brain behind the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in USA.
Mohammed Alfa, CEO, Stronghold Entertainment, co-organisers of the awards, said AGDA is a long overdue event.
There will be awards in 13 different categories, which the nominations list will be released on 4 March. Winners will be decided by a panel of judges selected from different countries and likely to be headed by Nigeria’s legendary DJ, Jimmy Jatt.
The awards night will be hosted by Barbz of Big Brother fame, Denrele Edun of Channel O, rapper Navio from Uganda, DJ Jam Jam from United Kingdom and Adams of Nigeria’ SoundCity.
— Funsho Arogundade
Honour For DJ Scotty Jay
The management of Crown Natures Nigeria Limited, manufacturers of various kind of head wears, have thrown their weight behind the birthday celebration of popular Disc Jockey, DJ Scotty Jay of EKO FM.
The party, which will be held at Fountain Park, Isheri, Ojodu-Berger on 16 February, will parade an array of stars including Alapomeji Allstars, Kennis Allstars, Realhitz Allstars, Artquake, Kaha D’gardo, Ogunma Da Fact, Side1, LKT, Drama, K-Solo, Sheyman, Konga, Slim Joe, Dude Tetsola, Don Ziggy, Olamide, Terry G, Reminisce, Skailey, Zee-World, Ajasa and Az-Flow.
The comperes will be Mc Kirikiri, Headmaster, Icewater, Haruna and Pencil Gee.
Head of Operations, Crown Natures Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Busayo Gbaluwe, explained that DJ Scotty Jay is being celebrated for his immense contributions to the growth of the Nigerian music industry, “and because our company is structured to give value and promote the African culture, we are proud to be part of this.”
Guests will also win some of the company’s products during the all-night party.
Crown Natures is the pioneer indigenous manufacturer of branded/unbranded head wears such as baseball caps, polo caps, bucket hats, aprons and accessories.
— Bayo Adetu