BLACKTRIBE PREPARES FOR TENTH YEAR ANNIVESARY

About 11 years ago, they started their career professionally. They recorded their first single in 1999 titled Be Ma Girl featuring 2Face Idibia and Blackface of the defunct Plantashun Boyz and it was produced by Paul Play. So far in the history of hip hop in Nigeria, Blacktribe has remained the oldest hip hop group since Remedies, Plantashun Boiz and X-Appeal broke up.
Accordingly in 2000, they recorded another successful single titled Nino and it turned out to be another hit. It was produced by ace producer, Nelson Brown. The song was well accepted then in all spheres of the society and it instantly turned them into a household name.
Their first album titled Past and Present which was made up of nine tracks was released in 2004 by CK Music. The album was produced by the duo of Nelson Brown and OJB. Tracks like Nino and You Are The One (I Dey Halla O) became the toast of all music lovers. The video of I Dey Halla O also became one of the most rotated videos on air then.
After recording success with the first album, they went back to the drawing board and followed suit with their sophomore effort in 2007 titled Make Way. The album was made up of 12 tracks featuring acts like 2Face Idibia and few other talented acts
While their third album titled addicted which was last December is currently receiving critical review and winning them converts in droves, the management has started planning of celebrating the group’s 10th year’s anniversary in 2010. Their 13 tracker new album featured acts like Timaya, 2Face, Sound Sultan, Mallam Spicey and OJB with the production imprints of K-Solo, J-Sleek, Jiggy Jeg, Spanky Dr Frabz and OJB

2FACE STEPS UP WITH RANGE SPORT 2010

Multiple award winning super star, Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly known as 2Face Idibia has stepped up big time. It was a big celebration few days back at Festac Town, Lagos to celebrate the arrival of his new wonder on wheels, a Range Rover Sport 2010 model. Different kinds of drinks flowed endlessly.
Contrary to the opinions of people that the new ride might have set him back with millions of naira, it was actually a gift from a dependable ally that has been there for Mr Idibia since their roads crossed. His name is Aye and he hails from Warri in Delta State. Another artiste that is about benefiting from his largesse is Sound Sultan.
The ride came in a black colour with a customized plate number- 2BABA with other great accessories to treasure. The ride is the latest version of Range Rover Sport produced by the manufacturer which is an addition to 2Face his Armanda Jeep.
The Range Rover Sport looks as upscale as its price suggests, with an abundance of soft-touch plastics, softer leather, and wood trim. The wheel arches have been redesigned to improve aerodynamics and highlight the 19- and 20-inch wheels. Additionally, the entire infotainment system is much more intuitive and half of its buttons have been eliminated. Optional adjustable side bolsters help the front seats fit drivers of all sizes and the seats are more comfortable to boot.
Like the other 2010 Land Rovers, the Range Rover Sport has a lot of optional gadgets. The surround-view camera system is very helpful during off-road excursions, though Range Rover Sport owners would be wise to use it during parking maneuvers to keep those big wheels free of scuffs. High beam assist allows the vehicle to automatically switch between high and low beam headlights as traffic allows. The hard drive navigation system is much faster than the old system and iPod integration is very good.A fancy, 5.0-inch TFT display is situated between the speedometer and tachometer, but currently it can only display basic information about the vehicle.

“I’M NOT MAD” Wande Coal

”Who is after Wande Coal? Who wants him to run mad? Who is spreading this wicked and malicious rumour? Where did it emanate from?” This and many other unanswered questions raced through the minds of friends and fans of Wande Coal in Lagos last week when rumour mill had it that he was no more in his right frame of mind.
One cannot actually pin point where the rumour originated from that the fast rising act had gone berserk. It suddenly became public knowledge at a popular hangout where revelers were claimed to have been praying for his speedy recovery. It is as bad as that. Different people were said to have suggested different reasons of what could have eventually led to his alleged madness. Some said he smokes different kinds of weeds which they claimed can make one go mad,
Friday Entertainment however spoke with the management of Wande Coal and they dismissed the rumour that there is no atom of truth in it. “Wande is in his right frame of mind. He never ran mad” his management claimed

MODENINE DROPS NEW ALBUM

In a matter of weeks, multiple award winning act, Modenine will release his new album. The album is tentatively billed for release in February 2010.
He spoke with us few days ago and confirmed the release of the album even though he decided to keep sealed lips about some details on the album which he revealed the title as Da Vinci Mode.
The album featured collaborations from acts like 2Face, YQ, A1, among others

9ICE AND WIFE: A LOVE STORY GONE SOUR

Abolore Akande popularly known as 9ice is every inch a gentleman but the recent news of his final break up with his wife- Toni Payne is definitely a bitter pill to swallow. Though unknown to the general public, the couple has not fully enjoyed their marriage in the past one year.
The awful and unpleasant news of their impetuous separation took many by surprise. Their marriage was celebrated on all the leading magazines in Nigeria. Even though they made it a low key affair, it became the talk of the town afterwards. Lots of people commended him (9ice) for taking such step while some terribly condemned him that marriage isn’t the appropriate step at this point of his career
Few days back, the couple announced that they are separating but that they will remain as friends and business partners. Their son- Zion will be in the custody of the alienated wife.
9ice became one of the most sought after acts in Nigeria after the successful release of his sophomore album spawning hits like Gongo Aso, Street Credibility, Party Rider, Wedding Day, among others. The album sure catapulted him to fame. His popularity soared to new heights across the length and breadth of Africa. The success of the album presented him with his first opportunity to travel to the U.K where he performed at the birthday ceremony of former South- African President- Nelson Mandela. Shortly after that, he started winning awards from right, left and center, winning fans in droves. He became so popular that no show was completed without him. His album even won the best album of the year at the last Hip Hop World Awards. No doubt, his career has witnessed an unprecedented rise. 9ice’s story is truly an exciting insight into the survival and success of a recording artiste considering how much he suffered underground before his voice was finally heard.
Since their break- up, they have bluntly refused to comment why they are going their separate ways. They also made up their mind not to grant any interview on the break-up at least for now.
We remember with glee and fondness in our heart on Thursday July 17, 2008 when the couple got married in Surulere Registry and followed it up with a traditional marriage same day. They were full of happiness that they will be spending the rest of their lives together in the presence of select family members, friends, fans and colleagues. They even took an oath to stick to together for better for worse till death do them apart but the recent turn out of events have proved otherwise. Toni and 9ice are no more together. It’s still very difficult to absorb but is the reality.
They met in December 2006 at Gbenga Adeyinka’s 5th anniversary in Ikeja, Lagos. One thing led to the other and they became lovers which eventually culminated in a blissful union blessed with a lovely baby boy. 18 months into their marriage, the popular biblical saying that “whatever God has joined together let no man put asunder” does not longer hold for the couple. The couple has decided to be separated.
“What actually went wrong? Why did they decide to go their separate ways? Why can’t they settle it amicably whatever it is and move on? Why 9ice”? These and more are some of the unanswered questions that the friends and fans of the A-list act have been asking. They wished the couple didn’t separate. They would have done everything in their power to prevent it from happening even if it will cost them fasting and prayers.
Insiders who are privileged to know little about their affair said Toni is always dotting on 9ice and sometimes very domineering which may not be unconnected with the current separation. They alleged that she wanted to take over the work of 9ice’s manager, Oladehinde Fajana but the latter did everything possible to deprive her of such. Toni wants to be charge of everything including her husband’s career. Even though she delved into artiste management because of her love for music, her husband still felt she lacks what it takes to manage him. This went on for a long time. `Later, Toni started accusing him of infidelity. We heard that they disagreed on lots of issues even at the slightest provocation. Eventually they had to go kiss the union goodbye when peace does no longer reside in their matrimonial home. Who is to blame, 9ice or Toni?
In all, nobody is happy about the break-up. Some people felt they should have looked for ways of settling whatever might be the reason for their break up knowing fully well that marriage is an institution. It requires lots of patience and tolerance

RITA DOMINIC ALLEGES THREAT TO LIFE

Star actress, Rita Dominic has raised an alarm over threats to her life and deliberate intent to damage her reputation.

In a statement issued by a publicity consultant, Bigsam Media, the actress claimed that two GSM numbers have been sending damaging messages to her loved ones.

The statement reads “we wish to alert the public that two strange numbers have been sending malicious messages to people about the actress. Since December 24,some unknown person or persons have been sending malicious text messages to people disparaging our client, Rita Dominic. The texts are coming from 0809-600-2917 and 0805-689-0336. We are responding quickly because it is clear that who ever is sending these messages is doing so with intent to harm her. This is clearly a threat to her life, reputation and career.

“we advise people who receive these messages to disregard them and we are assuring her fans that we are taking appropriate steps in collaboration with law enforcement agents to arrest the situation” .

Rita, who is a Glo Ambassador, is said to be upset and at a loss on why people would go to the extent of making up such stories and spreading text messages that are capable of ridiculing her.

THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IN THE YEAR 2009

As the bells jingle, jangle and jiggle, chime, clang and clatter, we rejoice at the approach of the birth of Jesus Christ whose life on earth was anchored on honour, humility, service, and dedicated to the redemption of mankind. Just like a flash in the pan, the year 2009 has finally come to an end. It’s indeed a year that brought lots of changes and threw up lots of surprises in the music industry. 9ice moved into his own house, Eldee’s wife gave birth to their first baby, Soforte introduced the first automated CD marketing/distribution system in Nigeria, Soul E and Queen U’re broke up, amongst so many other happenstances. The rhythm of the year was compelling and the tempo hypnotizing. There were crazy parties like we were all conscripted to encourage wild life. It’s been manifold of events that suggest that the awaited arrival of the music industry was nigh and now we are kissing the same year good bye. Glitz Stage chronicles all the happenstances and brings you The Good, The Bad and The Ugly with other interesting events that characterized the year 2009 in our music industry.

THE GOOD
THE FIGHT AGAINST PIRACY
For the first time in the industry, stakeholders in the music industry came together to form a coalition known as the Nigeria Music Industry Coalition and staged a rally against piracy. It is really an instrumental change even though the ideal was not welcomed in some quarters. The rally attracted the attention of the president, His Excellency- Umaru Musa Yar’adua and he personally wrote a letter to the pirates in Alaba to desist from all such acts or face the full wrath of the law. Few weeks back, a pirate kingpin- Mr. Tony Onwujekwe of Shop AB2 Ubakason Plaza was arrested inside Alaba International Market and is currently believed to be in police custody.

SOFORTE BERTHS
Due to the lack of good marketing/distribution system in Nigeria, we all got used to the unprofessional CD qualities and marketing system of the marketers in Alaba Market. As if everything was divinely arranged, Soforte berthed in Nigeria. Soforte is Nigeria’s first automated CD marketing/distribution network. Nigerian artistes will as from now earn royalties genuinely from their album sales unlike the fraudulent system of the past. Artistes working with Soforte can also go online at every point in time to check the number of CDS sold. The company marketed 9ice, Lara George and Koffi’s Workerman Movement album this year. Chocolate City, Mo’Hits and Storm Records are in talks with them concerning their subsequent album projects.

NIGGA RAW, SOUND SULTAN, K-SOLO AND ILL BLISS
Two Nigerian rappers, Dat Nigga Raw and Ill Bliss including talented singer, Sound Sultan and famous producer- K-Solo all quit bachelorhood this year. All the marriages took place in Lagos.

EGO TIES THE KNOT
While some marriages are crumbling like pack of cards, popular songstress- Ego and her husband re-married again in Lagos. The wedding witnessed the attendance of lots of her colleagues and other celebrities.

9ICE BECAME A LANDLORD
Rave singer, Abolore Akande, a.k.a 9ice became a house owner. The cream coloured duplex already christened Alapomeji Villa is located in a private estate in Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.
NMVA RECLAIMED GLORY
The third consecutive outing of the NMVA was impressive unlike last year when it recorded little success. Even without a corporate sponsorship, the award ceremony bounced back to reckoning.
MAMA TOO
After a poor outing last year which coincidentally was the debut edition, the MTV African Music Awards (MAMA), bounced back big time in its second edition which held in Kenya.
THE PULSE AND BUSTA RHYMES COLLABO
2009 winners of Star Quest, The Pulse, finally cemented fame eternally by featuring American rapper, Busta Rhymes in the remix of their popular single, So Te.
WANDE COAL AND MI
It was indeed a great year for Wande Coal and MI. The two acts joined the mainstream acts and headlined so may shows in the country. Wande Coal also released one of the best albums of 2009 with a great repertoire of hits.
NBC SWINGS TO ACTION
The Nigerian Broadcating Corporation (NBC) took a swipe at songs with bad lyrics especially the ones that glorified alcoholism, sex and fraudulent vices. NMVA and HHWA further made a good statement by not nominating the affected songs in their awards categories.
PUFFY T SURVIVES AUTO CRASH
Rave producer, Puffy T survived auto crash earlier this year along Lagos- Ibadan express way.
THEB BAD
AFICAN CHINA BATTERED
Reggae act, Afican China was battered earlier this year during a video shoot. There was a little misunderstanding which led to a serious beating.
SAMMIE OKPOSO, ATORISE, Dr. PAT AND K-SOLO
Despite all the blessings the year brought for the following acts, they still shed tears at a particular point in time. Sammie Okposo and K-Solo lost their dads while Atorise and Dr. Pat lost his mum.
3GGA AND RHYMZO
Austrian Nigerian based reggae act, 3gga and Ryhmzo were entangled in a war of words over the copyright owner of the song Satisfy Me. They accused each other of insincerity
THE UGLY
AZADUS LOSES ONLY SON
Dancehall act, Olalekan Fadeyi, a.k.a Azadus lost his only son to the cold hands of death. It was really a bad period for him and his wife- Seun.
TIMAYA AND EMPRESS NJAMAH
Dancehall act –Timaya and his ex-lover-Empress Njamah had a brawl this year. What made the occurrence uglier was that it occurred during the church service. We heard the act accused Empress of double dating and as such he attempted to retrieve one his cars from Empress under very controversial circumstances.
TEE-MAC AND DELE ABIODUN
Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) still remains an object of controversy especially with two factions. Dele Abiodun forcefully took over the secretariat form Tee-Mac after the law had pronounced him the authentic president of the association.

THE BIGGEST EVENTS OF 2009
NMVA- Without corporate sponsorship, Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) bounced back to reckoning. The organizers staged one of the most colourful music events in 2009.
Hip Hop World Awards (HHWA)
Thisday Music Festival
The Experience
Souncity Music Video Awards (SMVA)
Ovation Red Carol
Kennis Music Ester Fiesta
Out Of Africa with Sammie Okposo
MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA)
Star Mega Jamz

OTHER ISSUES
*Soul E and Wife- U’re broke up and dumped each other like a bad habit
* D’Banj launched his TV reality show- Koko Mansion and hangout known as Koko Lounge
* Tee A launched his lounge called Tyme Out Restaurant and Comedy Lounge.
* Ikechukwu quits Storm Records to Join Mo’Hits
* Kelly Hansome and Kennis Music parted ways


ALBUMS RELEASED IN 2009
Blacktribe- Addicted
Lara Goerge- Lara George
Eva- Eva
Lagbaja- Sharp Sharp
Kefee- A Piece of Me
Terry G- Ginger Ur Swagger
Djinee- Djinee
Olu Maintain- With All Due Respect
9ice- Tradition
P-Square- Danger
Darey- Undareyted
African China-
Cartiar-
Obiwon- Re-birth
Danny Young- Cross Over
Banky W- W Experience
ID Cabasa- ID Entity
Steel- Mirage
Bracket- Least Expected
Gxploits- How Far
Jah Bless- Re-birth
Bigiano- Shayo
Shank- King Kong
Dagrin- Chief Executive Omota
Spy-Da-Man- No Bi Dream
Omawumi- Wonder Woman
Jaywon- Meet Jaywon
Azadus- Unbound
Bouqui- Redefinition
Kel- The Investment
Eldee- Big Boy
Wande Coal- Mushin 2 Mo’Hits
Ill Bliss- Dat Ibo Boy
Ayefele- Transformation
Ayodel- Double Portion
Yemi Sax
Midnight Crew
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