SKP SIGNS STYL-PLUS, AZADUS AND WAJE

In what can be describe as a move to position the label as one of the front runners in the industry, the likes of Azadus, Styl-Plus, Waje and X-Project are now signed artistes on SKP Records, the CEO of the label- Sam Kargo revealed to Rhythms & Sounds few days back.
In a meeting that lasted about 30 minutes, Sam Kargo took out time to express his deepest love for Nigerian artistes and the music industry as a whole. “I love Nigeria with a passion and am ready to contribute my own quota to make the country work. Our artistes are going through lots of challenges to get their music out there. The stress of doing everything by themselves is having its toll on them. SKP Records is ready to help the artistes to succeed”, he said.
Sam Kargo believes that an artiste that made a hit few years back can still make another hit if everything is right. “Who said an artiste that had a popular hit(s) at a time can no longer replicate such? He or She can even do better if everything is right. The record label can create a favourable environment for the artiste to perform. For the fact that God does not take away talents from humans, any talented artiste in his or her right frame of mind can still come up with a hit or hits”, he assured.
Before the recent signing of Styl-Plus, Azadus and Waje, X-Project was the only group artiste on the label

9ICE ALBUM SALES PICK UP AGAIN

Severe music critics and analysts who do not weigh the other side of the coin before they passed their judgments on 9ice’s latest album may now have to eat their words. 9ice too had shelved the idea of releasing five albums in one year to cover up for the perceived frustration that resulted from the initial comments generated from his recent album.
This revealed exclusively in February that the album officially sold two million copies after seven weeks of release. After that report, there was a little lull in the sales before this recent development.
The CEO of Soforte- the company distributing the album revealed to this blog few days back that the sales has picked up tremendously. “It’s amazing how the sales of 9ice’s album have picked up again. I knew it that by the time we release the video of Gbamu Gbamu, things we begin to happen. People have not even seen anything yet; because by the time we are through with our plans with the album, it will the most successful album in Nigeria in 2010”, he said.
The album- Tradition which is 9ice’s third offering was released on December 7th, 2009.

NIGERIA HOSTS FIRST WINES AND SPIRITS FESTIVAL

With a dynamic live band churning out pulsating tones to create a well relaxed environment devoid of tension and panic, the first ever Nigeria Wines & Spirits Festival (NWSF) organized by Spronks Creations Ltd, a leading event management company run by Mrs Aderonke Sobodu will take place at the Lagoon Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday and Saturday June 4th and 5th, 2010 respectively.
NWSF is an event that is long overdue owing to the large consumption of wines and spirits over the years in Nigeria and the rate of its consumption is on the increase everyday thereby affecting the sales of beer which was once the major beverage taken by fun loving Nigerians. Today, there are wine bars, champagne lounges, liquor stores and wine stores springing up at every Corner in Nigeria. This is to show that there is a Continuous growth in the market.
The Nigeria Wines & Spirits Festival (NWSF) is a world class event to show case and exhibit various wines & spirits from all over the world. The event is aimed at promoting the wines & spirits culture in Nigeria, and also to celebrate the growth and acceptance of wines and Spirits. The event is also centred on promoting trade amongst the wines & Spirits producing countries and Nigeria. The importation of wines & Spirits has been on the increase since the early 90s.
The Nigeria wines & Spirits festival is a fair, exhibition and lifestyle event. It’s an event that will bring huge excitement in the wines & spirits industry and a combination of exhibition, fair, sampling and wine tasting sessions. The event will help buyers to meet with the importers and get good bargains at unbeatable prices. The event will help wines & spirits lovers, drinkers, merchants and connoisseurs to come together and share their common interests while serving as a medium for each exhibitor to meet with his/her customers on a one on one basis.
For the first time in Nigeria there will be a wine rating. All Exhibitors will be asked to enter at least one of their top selling brands in the competition. Prior to the festival, the wines will be sent to a private wine tasting Club where it will be tasted and judged by a panel of wine judges. At the event, the top 20 wines will be announced and published in the event’s brochure and all newspapers present at the event

WANDE COAL CROWN AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Mo’Hits Records act- Wande Coal is upping the ante. He was crowned the best African Artiste of the Year on Sunday April 10th, 2010 at the annual Ghana Music Awards being organized by Charter House.
Other artistes in the category were Midnight Crew, Bracket, Flavour and a popular South-African group artiste known as Jozi.

Here is the full list of winners

Artist of the Year:
Sarkodie

Most Popular Song of The Year:
Simple by Bradez

Discovery of The Year:
Sarkodie

Hip Hop /Hiplife Song of The Year:
‘You dey craze’ by Ayigbe Edem

Hip hop/Hiplife Artist of The Year:
Sarkodie

Gospel Song of The Year:
‘Ayeyi Ndwom’ by DSP Kofi Sarpong

Gospel Artist of The Year:
Ohemaa Mercy

Highlife Song of The Year:
‘Kotosa’ by Wutah.

Highlife Artist of The Year:
Kofi B

Afro-Pop Song of The Year:
World Trade Centre by 4×4

Reggae Song of The Year:
Jah will by Wutah

Best Collaboration of The Year:
‘Kasiebo’ by Obrafour & Guru.

Best Rapper of The Year:
Sarkodie

African Artiste of The Year:
Wande Coal

Record of The Year:
Daa Ke Daa by Becca

Album of The Year:
‘Ma Kye’ by Sarkodie

Song Writer of The Year:
Kwabena Akwaboah for ‘Daa Ke Da’ performed by Becca

Best Male Vocal performance:
PV (Wutah)

Best Female Vocal Performance:
Becca

Producer of The Year:
Richie of Lynx Enetertainment

World Bank Music for Development Award:
School Dey Be by Asem

Instrumentalist of The Year:
Kwame Yeboah

Traditional Artist of The Year:
John Osei Korankye

MUSIGA Merit Award:
Abinfour Nana Yeboah (KK Number 2)


WINNERS AT AMMA 2010
BEST PICTURE- The Figurine (Nigeria)
BEST DIRECTOR- Shirley Frimpong-Manso- The Perfect Picture
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Ramsey Nouah – Figurine
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Jackie Appiah – The Perfect Picture
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Yemi Blaq
Adjetey Anang – The Perfect Picture
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A CHILD ACTOR
Teddy Onyago and Bill Oloo- Togetherness Supreme
MOST PROMISING ACTRESS
Chelsea Eze – Silent Scandal
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Tapiwa Gwaza – Seasons of a life
MOST PROMISING ACTOR
Wilson Maina – Togetherness Supreme (Kenya)
HEART OF AFRICA AWARD (FOR BEST NIGERIAN FILM)
Figurine by Kunle Afolayan
BEST FILM IN AFRICAN LANGUAGE
Imani – (Uganda)
BEST DOCUMENTARY Bariga Boys(Nigeria)
BEST SHORT FILM
The Abbys Boys –(South Africa)
BEST FILM BY AN AFRICAN FILMMAKER IN DIASPORA
Soul Diaspora
BEST ANIMATION
Hanayns Shoe (Egypt)
AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND
I sing of a well
AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING
The Child
AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION
Fulani
AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP
The Child
AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME
I sing of a well
AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECT
Figurine
Best ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
A sting in a tale
AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY
Figurine
BEST SCREENPLAY
I sing of a well

Basket Mouth Rules Kenya and Ghana.

After taking his brand to unprecedented height with his five-star performance and show at prestigious 02 Arena in London, star comedian, Basket Mouth was at it again in Ghana and Kenya as he confirms his place as Nigeria ’s biggest comedy export from Nigeria .

Basket Mouth was in Ghana courtesy of Globacom, the telecommunication company which he represents as ambassador. He was in Ghana as stand up comedian at the event where the communication company hosted Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka early this month. The event had chairman of Globacom, Dr Mike Adenuga, all foreign ambassadors in Ghana and literary professors from across Africa in attendance. Basket Mouth was in his comic element and he described his performance that night as one of the ‘very best’ so far.

Immediately after Ghana , he was in Kenya as major headliner for an event tagged, Naija Night which was put together by MTEC, Kenya . Nigeria’s soul singer, Darey Art Alade, Whyire from Kenya , Naicom and up-coming comedian, Buchi were part of stars that performed that night. The event which took place April 10 at Carnivore was so massive people had to sit on the floor when the organizers ran out of chairs.

‘I did not know I am that big in Kenya, I had to do a double check when the immigration officer at the airport asked for my autograph. Kenyans showed me massive love and acceptance, I am still trying to recover from it yet’ he said.

Meanwhile plans are underway to stage his brand new show, Lord of the Rib in Nigeria sometimes in July. The event which is going to be a total departure from his past show would have at least three international comedians from South Africa and United Kingdom. Other Nigerians starts that would be on board are Okey Bakassi, I go Die, Bovi, Buchi, Dr Sid, Terry G, Wande Coal, 2face Idibia, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince and others.

‘I usually perform alone at Basket Mouth Uncensored but the Lord of the Ribs platforms will be a more accommodating one as other stars from Nigeria and outside of Nigeria will be on stage to do what they know how to do best.’ Speaking on the exclusivity of the show, Basket Mouth said the show will still be exclusive. ‘Basket Mouth brand is an exclusive one, so the show will still be as exclusive as possible without being too expensive’.

DEATH LOOMS IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Just few weeks back, the music industry mourned the death of Tolu Maintain’s wife and Iyanya’s only brother. The wife of another budding artiste- Lanre Fakeye popularly known as Shakomended now has 19 days left to spend on the surface of the earth if something urgent is not done to salvage the situation.
Shakomended’s wife is 27 years old mother of one who requires an urgent kidney transplant which will gulp about six million naira (N6, 000,000).
According to the medical report made available to this blog and signed by Dr M.O Mabayoje, a consultant Physician and Nephrologist of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Mrs Fakeye was referred to the hospital in December, 2005 for uncontrollable severe 20 Hypertension. He stated further that her condition deteriorated in spite of the treatment and she now suffers from End-Stage Renal Disease. The doctor however recommended that she will need to start maintenance dialysis or have a kidney transplant to remain alive.
The most painful part of this development is that little amount has been raised out of the six million naira required to save the life of the young lady. However, the friends of Shakomended are putting up a charity show to raise some money. Artistes like J-Martins, Timaya, Eldee Da Don, AY.Com and few others have indicated their interests to be part of the show. The artiste has also been soliciting support from well wishers to help save the life of his dear wife.
Shakomended is also the Business Development Manager of Premier Records.

DAGRIN: TRIBUTE TO THE CEO

Few hours before his death, he was in K-Solo’s studios to record the remix of Pon Pon Pon, the lead single off his current album- The CEO (Chief Executive Omota). K-Solo confirmed to SEUN APARA a day after he died at the premises of The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) that they had finished the instrumental and all that was left was just for him to come back to lay the voice. He left the studio to see his parents and from there to a friend’s a place before the unexpected finally happened. Unhh, we have lost a rare gem!
It looks like yesterday in 2006 when LEO Entertainment invited select music pen pushers to unveil the new artiste they had just discovered and singed on their label in their Magodo office in Lagos. They presented the young act to us and ordered him to pay us homage. He did respectfully and later autographed the jacket sleeves of his first two promo singles which we all listened to with reservations.
Dagrin has always been a lyricist but it just took time for him to find favour and acceptance from fans and music enthusiasts. Those who listened to his debut album can confirm that his rhyming skills and velvety smooth lyrical prowess have always been a deep part of him. He couldn’t cut across then because LEO Entertainment management was not professional enough with its approach in the music business. They lacked the technical know-how of positioning a brand. Even though they tried to shoot expensive videos then by leaving the shores of Nigeria to Ghana, they failed to get it right in the area of promotion. At a point, some inexperienced young girls were representing the company as marketing executives while Dagrin too was busy struggling on his own as he had discovered the lapses in the company. Immediately his contract expired, he had no other choice but to vacate the apartment given to him by the label, thus he started his career all over again.
He was stranded as he couldn’t figure out where to start from? Who to run to? and Where to turn to? So many questions ran through his mind. Meeting Sossick, one of the producers of his latest album was one of the best things that happened to him. Despite the fact that he was becoming a prominent face then, he braved all the odds to hawk phones in Computer Village, ikeja-Lagos to make a living and burn the midnight candle to write his songs. He started making his way back into people’s sub-consciousness when he collaborated with YQ on his song- Efimile. Sheyman, another fast rising artiste cum producer did well by prevailing on Kenny Saint Brown to feature Dagrin on her hit single- Turn Me Around rather than her initial intentions of featuring ace comedian- Tee-A, because according to her, she had wanted the song to be a bit on the comical side. KSB thanked Sheyman later for the brilliant idea because home boy- Dagrin murdered the track. His collaboration with Lala and Bigiano also went a long way to shape his career before the release of his sophomore album- The CEO.
As soon I got hold of the album and listened, I was enraptured and called him immediately to express my excitement. He was in my office the next day and we discussed at length. He couldn’t even afford the money to promote the album as at then but we were both convinced it will pick up in no time. Unknown to lots of people, Misofunyin, the name of his record label is just a warning of what was to come. He had tall dreams but it’s quite unfortunate he couldn’t achieve them. He told me his reservations about Lord of Ajasa’s kind of music and other issues. He even sought my opinion because at that time different companies were willing to have him under their management. Starville was one of them but he kept wondering aloud if Shank’s career- an artiste on the label was anything to go by. He made different consultations before he finally joined Edlyne Records for management.
Nobody is credited with his unique kind of flow, at least none that we knew of before he kissed the world good bye. Lord of Ajasa was no where near him. Dagrin was in a class of his own and every fast rising act wanted him to spit on their song. Alas! Dagrin, What a great loss!
Before his death, he had series of shows lined up where he was meant to perform including Havana Carnival which held last week Friday. He should have even been in London for the first time in a few days time but his life was cut short in a ghastly motor accident, involving a car that was presented to him by Edlyne Records two weeks earlier. This year was sure loaded with blessings for Dagrin and now he is no more. He had four nominations at the Hip Hop World Awards (HHWA) and he was eagerly looking forward to that night because he had never had it this good. He had earned nominations in the past but he was never this close to winning.
Now that Dagrin is dead, what happens to all his intellectual properties? What happens to all he has laboured for? How do we keep track of his records sales even though he sold it out rightly to an Alaba marketer like his other colleagues due to the bad distribution system in Nigeria? What will happen to the investment of Edlyne Records? The car the management bought for him sent him to his early grave in just two weeks. What a pity!
We have written lots of articles on music publishing and licensing but Nigerian artistes and their management companies have refused to take it seriously. All some of them will say is that Seun has come again with all these writing wahala (problems). Based on statistics from research, Dagrin’s album sales increased immediately after his death. Lots of his fans and those that didn’t actually know much about him have been buying the album. While the fans bought it to keep at home for references, the post humous fans bought to listen and discover why he is so much loved by many. The resounding question is still what happens to the record sales? Eldyne Records and Misofunyintele Entertainmet can still make money from Dagrin’s works in many years to come and the family he left behind, especially his mum. As you read this piece, there is no royalty coming from anywhere to late artiste’s management. When he was alive, he was the cash cow and no plans were obviously made for publishing and licensing. Edlyne Records should seriously consider online sales now that everybody is listening to Dagrin’s album all over again and discovering new punch lines from the lyrics as if the album was released yesterday. I believe that will bring in some cash at least but in all they must not forget Dagrin’s family. May be what Sunday Are, Lexzy Doo, DJ Boombastic, Afolabi Oyekoya and my humble self decided at the LUTH premises a day after his death should be seriously considered. The proceeds from the concert should be given to the family.
Just like my friend, Gbenga Bada wrote, ‘You lived while you died’. We will miss you brother. If at this tender age you touched lives so much and we are continuously mourning, I keep wondering how it would have been if you only stayed a little longer.
Rest in peace Dagrin!

DANNY YOUNG OPENS UP

Danny Young, talented hip-hop artiste cum producer and versatile Nollywood actress in the Yoruba genre- Iyabo Ojo are currently trying hard to exonerate themselves from the rumour making the rounds that they are enjoying a sizzling romance.
Iyabo Ojo had earlier debunked the rumour in a recent interview and also stated that he didn’t know anybody that goes by the name Danny Young despite the fact she has been seen on several occasions winning and twisting to his songs. “I don’t even know who Danny Young is. Is he Wasiu or Ayinde….? I don’t know why people just go about cooking up stories and lying about what is not. How can I be having an affair with someone I don’t even know? I mean, how possible can that be? All I can tell you about this nonsense spreading about is that I don’t have anything to do with anybody called or known as Danny Young and I appreciate it when people talk about better things and not just mere lies, which are figments of some people’s imagination”, Iyabo said.
Responding to the allegations for the first time, the cool headed artiste met with SEUN APARA few days back and bares his mind on the alleged romance story. “I have been hearing this rumour too that I and Iyabo Ojo are having an affair. I know Iyabo Ojo to be a fairly popular actress but we have never met. I was surprised when I read her interview few days back on the alleged romance claiming that she doesn’t even know who I am. That is not actually the most important thing now. The most important is that I’m not dating Iyabo Ojo and I will never date her”, he said with all seriousness he could muster.
Danny later revealed that he will be leaving the shores of the country in few days time to shoot two videos from his current album. The lead single from the album- Oju Ti Won is still enjoying generous airplay on different radio stations.