Category: Entertainment

Gaining thousands of streams in its first week, DJ Dynamiite’s latest single, Priscilla, featuring Minz and the afro-pop duo, Boybreed, hit streaming platforms in March.

The artists brought their unique talents and perspectives to the project, producing an upbeat love song that celebrates love and desire.

The energetic ballad got the attention of industry heads and influencers and made its way to four Spotify editorial playlists as well as Apple Music’s Africa Workout and Africa Rising playlists.

Just as DJ Dynamiite envisioned, afrobeats devotees are creating TikTok challenges with the song and using it to express themselves however they see fit.

Following the release of Minz’s hit record, “WO WO,” DJ Dynamiite visualized Minz’s sound on a track and looked forward to collaborating with the upcoming Nigerian artist. The two were connected by a mutual friend and began working on “Priscilla.” Coincidentally, Boybreed was in the studio with Minz, and the duo recorded some verses on the piece. DJ Dynamiite was impressed with their verses, and “according to him, collaborating with the artists was smooth and “super easy to work with.”

DJ Dynamiite’s goal with the track was to produce a “vibrant, uplifting afrobeat banger that would just get everyone grooving.” As he evolves on his disk jockeying journey, the international DJ is looking to use music as an outlet to make a mark in the industry. According to the Canadian-based DJ, “Priscilla” was a way to test the waters in the music production scene. As he explores new interests in the industry, he plans to highlight innovative sounds coming out of Nigeria and support emerging talent.

DJ Dynamiite anticipates promoting the tune as he tours Canada with NSG this Spring and looks forward to exporting the track across the globe as he plays alongside BNXN on the “Bad Since ‘97” Europe tour this summer. There’s more lined up for the international DJ as he works on releasing new music and collaborating with other talented voices in the industry.

A decade and three years have passed since the untimely passing of one of Nigeria’s most pioneering hip-hop and afrobeats artists, Dagrin. On April 14th, 2010, the music world was left in shock and grief as the young indigenous rapper was involved in a fatal car accident at just 25 years old.

Today, we remember and celebrate the life and times of Dagrin, whose legacy continues to inspire and influence Nigerian music.

Dagrin, whose real name was Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun, was born on October 25, 1987, in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Growing up in Meiran, a suburb in Lagos State, Dagrin’s love for music started at a young age. He began his music career as a DJ before transitioning into rapping and making a name for himself on the Lagos music scene.

Dagrin’s music was a unique blend of Yoruba and English lyrics, and his gritty and realistic portrayal of life in the streets of Lagos resonated with many Nigerians. His debut album “Still On The Matter” released in 2006 was a hit, and he followed it up with his sophomore album “C.E.O.” in 2008, which solidified his position as one of Nigeria’s most talented and influential rappers.

Beyond his music, Dagrin was known for his humility, kindness, and infectious smile. He was a true ambassador of Nigerian culture and used his platform to speak truth to power and give a voice to the voiceless. It was evident that he loved and lived for his craft, which was evident in the quality and authenticity of his music.

In a statement by Vuga Music Inc,
“It is with great pleasure that we announce the upcoming release of a 3-track EP titled ‘I Am Dagrin’ on April 20th, 2023, in commemoration of the thirteenth anniversary of his passing. The EP, released by Vuga Music Inc. in collaboration with Misofunyin Entertainment, features three remastered tracks that showcase Dagrin’s lyrical prowess.

“Track one, “What You Know,” was originally recorded in 2007 and never released. However, Dagrin requested permission to use a verse on his 2009 hit “Pon Pon Pon,” which was released on his final album “C.E.O.” Track two, “Pay My Money,” was also recorded in 2007 but was never released. Dagrin, being an honorable artist who always had copyright at the back of his mind, requested permission prior to using the verse as an opener on his iconic Jimmy’s Jumpoff freestyle.

“The third track, “I Am Dagrin,” features popular Nigerian artist Falz and diaspora artist Tmoney Jasi1time. This tribute track has been remastered and is a fitting tribute to Dagrin’s life and music.

“It’s worth noting that without Dagrin, some of Nigeria’s biggest artists today may never have existed. For example, Olamide and the YBNL crew were inspired by Dagrin’s music and his legacy. The biggest afrobeats artist of 2022, Asake, may not have happened if Olamide didn’t sign him to YBNL, and YBNL wouldn’t be what it is today if it weren’t for Olamide trying to be like Dagrin.”

The founder and president of Vuga Music Inc, Ralph Amachree, and D-Squad’s Chris Okekeze revealed that they were childhood friends of Dagrin and were around during the recording of Dagrin’s first studio album “Still On The Matter” between 2005-2006 at Lion’s Studio in Magodo, Lagos, Nigeria. Their personal connection to Dagrin makes this EP even more meaningful, and it’s evident that this is a heartfelt.

Nigerian-born music superstar, business visionary and international nomad Mr Eazi has announced the formation of a new pan-African music group, Choplife Soundsystem.

The group will also consist of UK-based, Kenyan-born afrobeats selector and tastemaker DJ Edu, as its resident DJ, along with an informal crew of contributing DJs, artists and producers from across the continent. Mr Eazi will be the primary vocalist on Choplife Soundsystem recordings, and will also serve as its MC — or Minister of Enjoyment— at live events.

Choplife Soundsystem derives its name from the popular West African pidgin slang phrase chop life, meaning “enjoy life,” along with the traditional soundsystems that are the backbone of Jamaican music culture. In Jamaican parlance, a soundsystem is a mobile crew of DJs and MCs, typically financed by a prominent local businessperson, who present music together at public events, such as street parties, clubs and festivals.

Recent years have seen international outfits like producer Diplo’s Major Lazer project put their own spin on the format, functioning as both creators and performers of original music, as well as a tastemaking DJ crew. With Choplife Soundsystem, the always-visionary Mr Eazi is putting a modern, African twist on soundsystem culture, incorporating genres like amapiano and afrobeats to curate the ultimate African party experience— both on original studio recordings and at curated live events.

Inspired to take the vibe and spirit of his successful Ghana holiday party Detty Rave on the road, Mr Eazi “soft launched” Choplife Soundsystem with events in Cotonou, Benin; Stockholm, Sweden; and Kigali, Rwanda, in 2022. Mr Eazi will announce further details about Choplife Soundsystem, including new music releases, partnerships and live events, later this Spring.

“I’m going back to where I started from, hosting the biggest parties at uni,” Mr Eazi says. “That’s how I started singing. I am looking forward to this new and fun ride, and I can’t wait for all the music to start dropping and the accompanying live experience”