NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY:2011 AND THE GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Few hours ago,I highlighted the major events that shaped Nigeria ’s music industry in 2010. Now I present you with the names, events and issues that are set to dominate the industry in 2011. The year will throw up lots of surprises and witness lots of changes. The predictions are by no means conclusive as there will be surprises and developments that many of us will not see coming. The list you are about to read will nevertheless equip you with the major acts, events and issues to watch out for in the industry in 2011.







D’Banj- The Mo’Hits signed-on act is definitely one of the major acts to watch out for in 2011. Having postponed the release of his fourth album from 2010 to 2011, the artiste will no doubt retain his position as one of the most sought after artistes after the release of the album. Already, singles released from the album, Endowed and Scapegoat recorded a significant success in 2010.



Soforte- The company that introduced the first automotive distribution system in the music industry is introducing new structures in the distribution system in Nigeria . Aside being the first company to introduce barcode which is used to track CDs, the company is introducing home delivery music distribution system and other new innovations.



9ice/Ruggedman- The music industry is yet to see the end of the lyrical battle between Ruggedman and 9ice. 9ice was the first to record a diss song against Ruggedman titled ‘Talk Am Listening’ including a video which is yet to be released. He postponed the release of his new album from December 10, 2010 to March 2011. However, Ruggedman’s reply titled ‘A Word is Enough for 9ice’ which is the ninth track of his new album is currently on so many people’s playlists. By the time 9ice and his Alapomeji boys launch a counterattack on Ruggedman in 2011, the controversy will surely become fresh all over.



COSON/MCSN- We are yet to see the end of the misunderstanding between the two copyright collection bodies, COSON and MSCN. Their 2011 battle might even get messier if necessary actions are not taken on time now that the new DG of NCC has allegedly pledged his support for COSON.



Whizkid- The EME young act enjoyed serious hype and attention in the last quarter of the year 2010 with the hit single, Holla At Your Boy. We believe the best part of the act will be seen in 2011 when he releases his debut album.



Livebeats- The longest running music programme in Nigeria might finally go on 24 hours broadcast come 2011 on one of the popular Cable TVs in the country. Having used the best part of 2010 making consultations and gathering materials, the station is expected to launch its 24 hours programme christened Livebeats Non-stop.











D’Prince- D’Prince happened to be one of the most underrated artistes from Mo’Hits Records before he dropped his first set of singles which include the popular hit, Omo Oba. People’s perception about him changed afterwards. With his latest single, Give it To Me, his album has surely become one of the most anticipated albums of 2011.



Julius Agwu- One of Nigeria’s most versatile comedians - Julius Agwu - is having a new mission in 2011. Having released two albums in the past, his new album, D’ Genius which was released on December 19, 2010 will give him more voice as an artiste. 2Face Idibia , MI and Jesse Jags were featured on the album.



Ice Prince- The Chocolate City signed-on act is tipped as one of the biggest things to happen in 2011. Having found his way to the top with the release of his latest single, Oleku, the rapper is expected to release more hits in 2011 as the expectations for his debut album is gathering momentum.



MI- Having released one of the best rap albums in 2010, the year 2011 promises to be a busy year for the versatile rapper. Some of the songs on his new album will rule the airwave in 2011.



Waje- She is no doubt one of the most talented divas in Nigeria and can withstand any international act vocally - but she is under-celebrated. We expect 2011 to be a fruitful year for the singer after dropping a long overdue album.



Soundcity- The urbane music station has no doubt created a huge platform for so many Nigerian artistes to air their videos. Having done exceedingly well in 2010 in music programming, the year 2011 will position the station as one of best music stations in Africa .



Sammie Okposo- The leading gospel artiste released his new album on December 3, 2010. He is expected to begin a worldwide tour in 2011 which will take him to countries like South-Africa , England , America and Ghana .



KOGA Studios- KOGA Studios is a 4-in-1 entertainment centre that contains a live recording studio, audio studio and lounge, among others. It will give serious competition to Ulitima Studios and its ilk in 2011



Patrick Elis- Patrick Elis is one of the emerging video directors in the music industry. With the quality of videos he churned in 2010, Patrick may emerge as one of the most sought after video directors in Nigeria if he remains focused.



P-Square- It has become customary for the twin brothers to drop a new album every two years. Since their last album was released in 2009, their new album will definitely be one of the albums to watch out for in 2011.



2Face Idibia- The multi-award winning artiste was ahead of his game throughout the year 2010. With the recording of fresh materials by the artiste, 2011 might still be the year of 2Face.



Femi- The Kennis Music signed-on act was once tipped as the next big thing to happen to R&B music in Nigeria . His well anticipated album failed to drop in 2010. The release of his debut album in 2011 will avail him the opportunity to swim or sink on his own.



Chindima- Much is expected from the winner of MTN Project Fame Season 3. Having won the competition in 2010 to the admiration of all, her fans across the country are expecting her to live up to their expectations.



Mo’Cheeda- The year 2010 has been good for this young sexy diva after the release of her album, Celebrity Franchise. Having won awards as recognition of her talent, the year 2011 will surely bring cash rewards for the fast rising act.



Mike Anyasodo- The MTN Project Fame Season 2 winner is yet to make any lasting impression in the music industry and many have attributed this to the fact that he is yet to release an album. 2011 might turn out to be a remarkable year for the artiste if his album lives up to the standards expected of him.



Neato C- His single, 10/10, was one of the popular hits of 2010. Many expected his album to drop but it failed to hit the stores. With his tantalising single, Created, Naeto C’s album is definitely one of the most anticipated albums of 2011.



Beat FM- The music station, in just over a year, has captured the hearts of many youths in Lagos State with its strictly urban youth culture. With the station’s constant improvement, many radio stations might lose their addicted listeners to Beat FM in the new year.



Timi Dakolo- Now backed by a new management team, the whole world is waiting for the arrival of Mr Dakolo. He hasn’t been able to achieve any breakthrough in his career since he emerged the winner of West Africa Idol in 2007. With all the preparations this year, 2011 might just be his year.



Etcetera- Despite his talents and mature lyrics, Nigerians are yet to key in into the kind of music he plays. All fingers are crossed for a dramatic change in the career of the X3M Music act in 2011.



Terry G-The ‘self-styled’ act is not through yet. With the recording of new works and backed by a new management, Terry G will be introducing new styles to his kind of music in 2011.

Fresh Moves From Baba Dee

Fresh Moves From Baba Dee



The stage is finally set for Baba Dee to test his might in the music industry once again. The veteran dancehall act launched his new album titled ‘Veteran in a Dancehall’ recently at a show where Reggae music icon, Ras Kimono was inducted into dancehall Hall of Fame.



The event which took place on December 23rd at Get Arena in Lekki , Lagos was titled Dancehall 101. It featured performances from acts like Sound Sultan, General Pype, Baba Dee, Blackface, Mallam Spicy, Nyore, Shank and Trigger Man, among others.



Speaking with Seun Apara, Baba Dee said the time is right for the album to drop so that people can feel the hard work he has invested into the album. “The album is majorly a dancehall affair. Nigerians should be ready to listen to the best dancehall songs ever because we all know that old wine gets better with time”, he assured.



The new album is a 14 tracker with collaborations from different artistes which include Sound Sultan and Lambo on the song Laulau, Mallam Spicy on the song Oh My Baby and Durella featured on Dikito, while Essence shared the mic on Okare.



On the other hand, Baba Dee, who recently ventured into politics, is poised to represent his constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly in the next elections.

Crack Ya Ribs Light Sets New Records

The 10th anniversary of Crack Ya Ribs with Julius D’Genius Agwu on Sunday December 12 in Lagos and Saturday December 25 in Port-Harcourt was a huge success story. The annual comedy show, which clocked 10 this year, blew away its audience, who were yelling and rolling in laughter as the comedians knotted and un-knotted their intestines. The two shows were indeed memorable shows.



Crack Ya Ribs, a show which is now part of Nigeria ’s entertainment calendar, has always been an exciting night of comedy and music. The 10th anniversary of the show in Lagos and Port-Harcourt was awesome and was fun from start to finish. Graceful guests in glamorous garbs showcased top taste and high street fashion.



Different comedians ranging from Ali Baba, Basorge Tariah, Okey Bakassi, Seyi Law, Gandoki, Dan D Humorous to Senator and Krazy Legs gave out the best of jokes and cracked the ribs of the enthusiastic crowd. Music was also not in short supply as acts like Timaya and Dem Mama Soldiers, Ikechukwu, KC Presh, Dr. Sid and Whizkid including Ras Kimono and Julius Agwu himself thrilled the audience endlessly as they were seen twisting and bending to the cardio vascular demand of the rhythm of the night’s music. Popular dance crew, Explicit, was also on hand to do what they know how to do best at the Lagos show.



The show in Lagos attracted some top personalities like the Honourable Speaker of The House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, Presidential aspirant and Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, Dayo Adeneye, Frank Edoho and Olu Maintain, among many others.



The 10th anniversary of Crack Ya Ribs was an awesome evening, an unforgettable one to be precise. Agwu used the medium in Lagos to launch his third album titled D’Genius.



Prizes were also won at the Lagos show courtesy of MTN and Aero Contractors. Two DSTV enabled Nokia mobile phones and two Blackberry phones were given out by MTN. Aero Contractor gave out a return ticket to anywhere the winner chooses to travel to.



With the successful outing of a decade of Crack Ya Ribs, Julius Agwu has begun another phase of his career. The comic act refused to sit in the box and watch the exciting world of comedy stream by. Crack Ya Ribs had earlier held in Abuja and London in August 2010.

OJB Makes New Statement

Rave producer and singer, Okungbowa Babatunde popularly known as OJB is living it up. The producer extra-ordinaire has once again shown his love for high class automobiles with the recent purchase of his latest car.

OJB is now the proud owner of an exotic Ford Magnum which he recently took delivery of. He has since been painting the city of Lagos red with it eliciting cheers anywhere he visits. The car which has a customized plate number, OJB, is adding more colour to the personality of the award winning producer.


Speaking concerning the ride to Seun Apara
, OJB said “we are only taking things easy and doing things little by little”. Before now, he drove a Range Rover.



As a producer, he has so many hits to his credit. Some of the hits he has produced are African Queen, For Instance and Baraje. He has however not been able to replicate this success as a recording artiste.

THE NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY IN THE YEAR 2010

Just like a flash, the year 2010 has finally come to an end. The year brought lots of changes and threw up lots of surprises in the music industry. There were mourning and joyful moments. It started with the wicked rumour of Asa’s arrest at London’s Heathrow airport, 9ice and wife controversial break-up, and many more followed as the year rolled by. The rhythm of the year was compelling and the tempo hypnotizing; there were crazy parties like we were all conscripted to encourage wild life. The manifold of events suggested that the awaited arrival of the music industry was nigh and now we are kissing the same year goodbye.Seun Apara chronicles all the happenstances and brings you The Good, The Bad and The Ugly with other interesting major events that characterized the year 2010 in our music industry.
THE UGLY
DAGRIN
Late rapper, Dagrin’s death was probably the greatest disaster that hit the music industry in 2010. The late rapper gave up the ghost at a Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) after sustaining injuries from a fatal motor accident. It was indeed a deep blow on the industry
OD
Rapper, OD’s lost his mom to the cold hands of death on October 24 – five days before the scheduled release of his album.
IYANYA
This year, Iyanya Mbuk, lost his only brother and 42-year old mother to the cold hands of death in the outgoing year. He is now left alone in this world having also lost his father before now.
ULTIMA STUDIOS
Ultima Studios, the state-of-the-art studios used for the live recording studios used for the recordings of Project Fame and Who Wants To Be A Amillionaire was gutted by fire. It was revealed that the building caught fire when an air-conditioner suddenly exploded, and the contestants’ efforts to put out the fire with extinguishers failed to contain the inferno. The resulting disaster reportedly destroyed production equipment worth over a billion naira
.TONY TONERO
Tony Tonero, the former Oxygen singer who appeared prominently on Paul IK Dairo’s late nineties’ hit ‘Mo Sorire’, also died in a motor accident. Unlike Slam and Paul, Tony Tonero did not have successful music carer – his failed solo project failed to kick off, despite many tries. He frequently worked with Paul Play as a back-up act.
TOLU MAINTAIN
Former Maintain star, Tolu Ogunniyi has lost his wife, Funmilayo Aderonke Ogunniyi with whom he tied the knots in January 2008. She died on March 25 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. She left behind her two-year old son.
BARRISTER
Fuji music creator, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister passed on. After several months of battling with his health, he died at St. Mary’s Hospital in London.
THE BATTLES/THE FACE OFFS
IKECHUKWU/MO’HITS
The enviable relationship between Ikechukwu and the Mo’Hits crew came to an end as a result of alleged supremacy between some of them. The once upon a time good friends turned their back on each other. The Mo’Hits crew even shunned his album launch.
SKUKI/KISS EVENT
Rising group artiste, Skuki, signed on Daphella Entertainment severed ties with their management company, KISS Event Media. They both announced that their working relationship was over.
MTRILL/GRAFTON RECORDS
Rapper, Mtrill and former label, Tonye Ibiama led Grafton Records are still spoiling for a war. The last heard from the label is that Grafton Records had handed over the case to their lawyer claiming that Mtrill contract is yet to expire. But in a swift reaction, Mtrill exploded that he is now an independent artiste owing to the fact he and the label couldn’t reach a compromise.
RUGGEDMAN/9ICE
Theirs is the dirtiest and messiest face-off this year. The once-upon-a-time close buddies washed their dirty linen in public including recording beef songs. While 9ice titled his own as ‘Talk Am Listening, Rugged called his ‘A Word is Enough for 9ice’. The source of their quarrel is the alleged romance between Ruggedman and 9ice’s enstarnged wife, Toni Payne.
CHUDDY K/BETA TUNEZ
Beta Tunez Records didn’t find it funny earlier this year when another record label was offering his signed-on act, Chuddy K a recording contract. The label did all they could especially in the media to make sure the artiste remained on the label. Chuddy K will remain on the label till 2012.
KEL/CAPITAL HIll.
Theirs also made headlines. Rapper Kel claimed she is dissatisfied with the way the label is handling her career and threatened to leave but the label insisted that she can’t leave until her contract expires. After so many troubles, the rapper finally left the label. Kel and CEO of Capital Hills, Claraence Peters allrgrdly had on and off relationship before the final break up.
MI/GODWIN TOM
Rising artiste manager Godwin Tom and Nigeria’s hottest rapper MI stopped being business patners. Godwin was MI’s former manager.
HITV/NIGEZIE
The Nigezie bouquet of music programming left HiTV cable platform this year after irreconciliable differences. The cable station immediately replaced Nigezie with One Music channel.
KELLY HANSOME/NOISE MAKERS
The lists of the noise makers by Kelly Hansome included D’Banj, 2-Shotz, MI, Kennis Music, Terry G, Wande Coal and other Mo’Hits crew. According Kelly, they had their different offences and he fought all of them lyrically. He demands respect from all of them.
TERRY G/NANS
Terry G was arrested and detained after failing to honour a performance engagement in the University of Benin vis National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).He was contracted to perform at a January 29, 2010 gig organised by the University’s Student Union Government but failed to show up.
COSON/MCSN
The two copyright collection companies, COSON and MSCN spent the best part of this year arguing and challenging themselves in the papers, in court and physically as to who has the right to collect royalties. While COSON insisted they are the only approved body to collect royalties in Nigeria, MCSN believes royalty collection shouldn’t be the sole resposiblity of one company. Adding that artiste should have options to choose from.
THE GOOD
.2Face Idibia
Idibia reissued his Unstoppable album in May 2010, with a pricing that shocked many; it went up to N1000 from N150 retail price. CDs were presented in Jewel casings, with multi-page sleeves containing album notes, lyrics and credits.
FELA!
The hit Broadway musical FELA! which bagged 11 Tony awards nomination received three Tony plagues for the Best Choreography, Best Costume Design of a Musical and Best Sound Design of a Musical category at at Radio City Music Hall in New York City., FELA! Chronicles the true life story of Nigerian Afro beat maestro, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
P-Square Moves into Their New House
The Okoye brother, Peter and Paul popularly known as P-Square finally moved into their new house in Omole Estate, Lagos after series of quarrels with their former landlord.
Plane Mishap
Designer, Clement Mudiaga Enajemo (MUDI) and five other stars like Fred Amata, Victor Osuagwu, Gentle Jack, Basorge Tariah Jnr. and Emeka Ossai traveling together from Nigeria to Kenya for the launch of the designer’s office in Kenya escaped a plane crash
AZADUS
Exactly one year after losing his son to the cold hands of death, God gave him and his wife another son in April, 2010. Their joy was restored.
ARA
Drummer-girl, Ara is one of the happiest this year.His son named Prince Maleeq, born in Miami, US on May 18 2008, shortly before the singer-drummer returned home was placed on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The boy survived it
THE BAD
DJINEE
Singer Djinee was robbed on his way home from Victoria Island in Lagos on Friday, March 5, 2010. He was lucky not to have part with more than his phone.
TERRY G
Terry G is lucky to be alive, after a nasty accident that left his car badly damaged.The singer-producer was on his way home, after hanging out with friends in Ikeja, Lagos, when he ran into the road demarcation around Chemiron, close to Sunday Market, in Ogba, Lagos.
DANNY YOUNG
The young artiste was also involved in an accident in Lagos but doctors certified him okay after carrying series of test on him.
Femi Loses At The Grammy
Afrobeat giant Femi Kuti lost his second opportunity to win the Grammy. The musician who had been tipped by many industry insiders as the man most likely to win the prize, lost the Grammy to Bela Fleck – a multiple Grammy winner with over 30 Grammy nominations.
.MARRIAGES
COBHAMS ASUQUO
Celebrated visually-impaired producer, Cobhams Asuquo wedded his long time fiancée this year on December 2, 2010 at ‘Jesus is Coming Soon’ Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of Gid, inside the Redemption camp along Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Sammie Okposo
Okposo’s marriage was one of the expected marriages of 2010. Having given the issue proper consideration, he tied the knot with Ozioma. The wedding made headlines
Muma Gee
Musician/fashion entrepreneur Gift Uwame aka Muma Gee got married to a prince who is also an actor.
Jeremiah Gyang
Gyang got married on Saturday Augiust 28, 2010 to his beautiful lover and friend of over a decade, Ladi in his home base, Jos.
Cynthia Okpala
The 24 year-old MTV Base got married to her partner Ozoemene Mbanefo. The wedding ceremony took place at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja
Kween Onakola
Kween Onokala and her partner Dotun Omotoye exchanged wedding vows at a Lagos registry on Tuesday December 21, 2010. Dotun is the father of her second son, Tyronne.
THE DISGRACE
IKECHUKWU
Rapper Ikechukwu threw caution to the winds when he fought with a bouncer at Rehab Club in Lagos. It was a messy fight and the artiste has been battling to redeem his image ever since then.
EEDRIS ABDULKAREEM
Kennis Music returnee, Eedris Abdukareem was his old self at Club 10 during the album launch of label mate, Goldie. Shouting at the top of his voice, Eedris almost brought down the roof of the during an ego trip.
ENDORSEMENTS
2Face joins Airtel
Multi-talented musician, 2Face Idibia was once again recognized for his immeasurable talents in his chosen profession. He was signed by Airtel as its new ambassador. Airtel is what Zain Nigeria metamorphosed into due to the investment of Bharti Airtel, an Indian firm who bought over the African operators of the Zain Group.
P-Square join other Glo Ambassadors
Award winning twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye popularly know as P-Square finally agreed to be part of the Globacom ambassadors. They signed four years contract with company to the tune of millions of naira.
THE BREAK-UPS
9ICE AND TONI PAYNE
Celebtrated couple, 9ice and Wife, Toni broke up in a controversial manner. Dirty tales continued to trail the break-up till then.
DOKTA FRABS AND OMAWUMI
Singer Omawumi and producer, Dokta Frabs who were suddenly becoming an item broke up. The loverbirds, who made their relationship public, last year, has gone their separate ways.
REALITY SHOWS
GLO NAIJA SINGS
After 8 weeks of stiff competition amongst 10 contestants, Casey was announced the winner of the second season of Glo Naija Sings. He went home with $100,000 (N15m) grand prize and a Toyota Rav 4. He also became an automatic Glo Ambassador.
BIG BROTHER ALL STARS
A Nigerian, Uti Nwachukwu won the Big Brother Africa reality show amidst stiff competition and high tension. He came back home with the prized money of $200,000 (N30m).
CENTAGE SUPER STAR
Adewale Lawson emerged winner of Kennis Music’s talent hunt – Centage Super Star. He went home with a brand new Toyota Prado jeep, 2 million naira cash and a 10 million naira record dea.
MTN PROJECT FAME
Chidinma was t pronounced the winner of Project Fame West Africa season 3. She was presented the cheque of N2.5m and keys to a brand new Toyota RAV4. She’s also entitled to a recording contract. She is the first lady to win the contest.
NIGERIAN IDOL
Lagos-based production company, OMG, secured the rights to stage the first-ever Nigerian Idol. The show is still on as the winner is yet to emerge
GULDER ULTIMATE SEARCH CELEBRITY SHOWDOWN
* Actor Emeka Ike won the first-ever Gulder Ultimate Search Celebrity Showdown making him the Ultimate man. He won a cash prize of N7.5M.
STAR QUEST
The winner of this year’s Nigerian Breweries sponsored reality show, Star Quest is Jukebox. They went home with 7.5 million recording contract and N600, 000 for each member of the band plus an SUV. The members of the band are Eghosa Frank (leader of the band), Joshua Itietie (Guitarist), Agunpopo Josephine Olamide (vocalist), Wilson Emeka (vocalist), Gregory (keyboardist), Asindi Sam (bass guitarist).


BABIES
*Popular on-air personality Dan Foster an his wife Lovina celebrated the arrival of their second child, a baby boy on Thursday May 27 in a Lagos hospital.
*Rave producer, ID Cabasa also got baby two.
*Singer Ashionye and hubby Carl Raccah was blessed with a baby boy – less than a year after getting married
OTHER ISSUES
*At the Silverbird’s 30th Anniversary concert, which held at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos on Saturday November 6, 2010, President Gooluck Jonathan promised to donate the sum of $200,000 to the entertainment industry.
*Multiple award-winning rapper, Naeto C graduated with a Master’s of Science in Energy Economics from the University Of Dundee, Scotland, one of the leading energy schools in the world.
*Ekaette’ by Maye Hunta was banned on Nigerian radio stations and TV Channels in April 2010. A memo was sent from Nigeria’s National Broadcasting commission (NBC) to different media houses. The memo is titled ‘Caution for Broadcast of music with Vulgar lyrics - Ekaette by Maye Hunta
*Nigerian artistes for the first time got nominated in the BET Awards, but in the Best International category. P-Square and MI were nominated but lost to Dize Rascal
*Singer, songwriter and producer, J.Martins put pen to paper on a recording contract with Storm 360. The deal, which is a multi-level partnership deal between Don Family Records and Storm360, will see the two companies jointly promote the hi-life crooner’s career henceforth.
*R-Kelly performed again for the second time at the Star Mega Jamz. His fist outing in Nigeria was at Thisday Festival.
* D’Banj and Genevieve Nnaji continue d to make headlines with their relationship, stepping out together as lovers. Prominent among the events they attended together were MAMA and P-Square birthday party.
* Five years after kicking off her music career with the debut album ‘Gba’, Nollywood star Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde returned into music with a sophomore album.
*One of Nigeria’s leading dancers and choreographers Kafayat Shafau a.k.a. Kaffy launched her music career, after over a decade of her reign as the music industry’s number one dancer. She debuted with two singles, ‘Omo Lasgidi’ and ‘What U Got’.
*D’Banj Bags Chieftaincy Titles in 2010. He officially became the chief Oluoma 1 of Abayi Amaugwu, Osisioma Ngwa L.G.A autonomous community in Abia State. He was also decorated as the Are Makun of Shagamu
MAJOR MUSIC EVENTS OF 2010
Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA)
Thisday Music Festival
Hip Hop World Awards (HHWA)
Soundcity Music Video Awards (SMVA)
MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA)
Star Mega Jamz
The Experience Concert
Kennis Music Easter Music Fiesta

ALBUMS RELEASED IN 2010
Timaya- De Rebirth
My Story- Iyanya
Turning Point- Dr. Sid
I Am Me- Chuddy K
Unstopable (International Edition) – 2Face Idibia
Jags of All Trade- Jesse Jagz
Franchise Celebrity- Mo’Chedda
Legacy- Duncan Mighty
Unfinished Business- Eedris Abdulkareem
Special Request- Mallam Spicey
Reconfigurated- Durella
African American- Sauce Kid
I Am William- 2-Shotz
Gold- Goldie
8th Mainland Bridge- House of Ginger
Da Vinci Mode- Modenine
I Am YQ- YQ
The Statement- Sammie Okposo
Beautiful Imperfection- Asa
MI2- MI
Fimile- Kas
Untouchable- Ruggedan
Is It Your Money (Mix Tape)- Eldee
Hustle Or Die- OD
Etcetera
Alliance Reconstructed- Ikechukwu
End of Discussion- Raw Nwanne
ARTISTES HYPED TO DROP ALBUM THIS YEAR BUT YET TO HIT THE STORES
SASHA-
NAETO C
9ICE
D’PRINCE
Waje
D’Banj-
Timi Dakolo
Terry ThaRapman
Femi

BET Awards: Lara George Joins Voting Academy ...Shoots new video

Come June 27, the stars will grace the red carpet and shine on stage at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles for the 2010 BET Awards. The multi-talented actress, singer and MC, Queen Latifah will host the show as BET attendees and viewers celebrate 10 years of the award show that highlights the accomplishments of Black musicians, actors, athletes, directors and young stars on the rise.
In recognition of other black talents around the world, the award organisers decided to include a new category this year. The category is the Best International Act category and it has the likes of Corinne Bailey Rae (UK), P-Square (Nigeria), M.I (Nigeria), K'naan (Somalia), Hip Hop Pantsula (South Africa), Estelle (UK), Dizzee Rascal (UK), Chipmunk (UK), Kojo Antwi (Ghana) and Sade (UK) as main contenders.
Nigeria’s respected vocalist, who won the Best Vocal Performer (FEMALE) at the just concluded Hip Hop World Awards, Lara George has been selected as of the voting academy members. She is now one of the international members of the BET Voters Academy set up to decide the winners in different categories. This further shows that Lara’s recognition and contribution to the music industry is beyond the shores of this country.
To further promote her kind of music, she will be shooting the video of one of her popular songs, Halleluyah featuring Patricia King of Midnight Crew in a couple of days from now. The video will be directed by Wudi Awal.

Duncan Mighty Drops Sophomore Album

Port-Harcourt based dancehall act and one of the most sought after acts in that region- Duncan Mighty has released his sophomore album titled Ahamefula.
The fifteen tracker album has tracks like Golden Ring, Indian Girl, Same Girl, Hand of Jesus, Port-Harcourt Son, Na God and Isimgbake, among others.
It will be recalled that the lead single in his debut album, Dance for Me, was released to critical acclaim which immediately turned him into a household name. Despite the fact that he is based in Port-Harcourt, he received invitations to Lagos and other parts of the country on different occasions to spice up several events with his hit number and his electrifying stage craft. But few months after the release of the single, it was banned by the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) for obscene lyrics.