The Nation Newspaper

Category: Victor Akande

  • Why should they stop piracy? (2)

    The issue of piracy appears to be the most regrettable problem of the Nigerian motion picture industry. And although the crime is not peculiar to Nigeria, the impunity displayed by offenders is a serious cause of concern.

    This is so because the highest punitive measure meted on offenders in Nigeria ranges from a N2, 500 to N250, 000 fine and a two-year jail term, whereas in the United States, the maximum criminal penalty for copyright infringement is a fine of up to $250,000 (about N90 million) and a jail sentence of up to five years.

    This mild punitive measure, for which rights owners have been canvassing stiffer penalty, is the reason piracy offenders in Nigeria have triumphed in evil.

    In the United Kingdom, the Piracy Act 1837 (7 Will 4 & 1 Vict c 88) is an Act of the Parliament that abolished the death penalty for most offences of piracy, but created a new offence often known as piracy with violence, which was punishable with death.

    You may want to ask if Nigeria has the worse legislation against piracy. The answer is No and Yes, and this is in perspective. In Switzerland for example, downloading copyrighted content for personal use is perfectly legal. Spain too has similar rules. But you cannot distribute the content or use it to make profit. This is just as Canada, Mexico and Netherlands are also known to tolerate downloading copyrighted contents for personal use. But Nigeria is above board in its excesses. Piracy is a serious business for which offenders have formed a cartel. One of which makes it impossible to penetrate the popular Alaba International Market in Ojo, Lagos, to apprehend offenders.

    When some rights owners tried to beat the trend by boycotting CD/DVD and releasing online after cinema exhibition, downloading process has been so porous, and this is no thanks to our regulatory agency.

    For example, while in a country like South Africa and France, you can watch a Nigerian film on YouTube, but would hit a brick wall if you attempt to download same. This is the kind of restriction put in their space for internet download, unless through a purchase process.

    While this constitutes loss of revenue to intellectual property owner, government is no doubt losing revenue as well, since it can only tax products on the right path.

    One credible analysis by the Institute for Policy Innovation in 2014 concludes that global music piracy causes $12.5 billion of economic losses every year, 71,060 U.S. jobs lost, a loss of $2.7 billion in workers’ earnings, and a loss of $422 million in tax revenues, $291 million in personal income tax…

    Piracy has been said to cost the worldwide motion picture industry an estimated $18.2 billion in 2005. This includes producers, distributors, theaters, video stores and pay-per-view providers in the U.S. and around the world.

    The argument remains that Nigerian government has only been paying lip service to the problem of piracy. Apart from the weak legislation which is long overdue, raiding of notorious piracy spots such as the Alaba market have been treated with less concern. There is also the issue of the private copying levy tax which ought to the explored.

    A private copying levy, also known as blank media tax or levy, is a government-mandated scheme in which a special tax or levy (additional to any general sales tax) is charged on purchases of recordable media. Such taxes are in place in various countries and the income is typically allocated to the developers of “content”.

    In a simple language, every user of a smartphone is chanced to download music and movies by virtue of the gadget they carry. A little tax on each imported smart phone is what intellectual property owners are asking for through their collecting societies for music and sound recordings, as well as audio visual works.

    The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has been making the most noise about this to government, but there appears to be less understanding of the need for private copying levy by government or an underrating of the entertainment industry, as usual.

    Until IP infringement is seen as an immediate threat to economic success, or advanced as a vital state interest, the journey towards alternative source of the country’s GDP outside oil remains far.

  • Memoir for Nollywood content market

    First, they said the Nigerian motion picture industry was the third largest in the world. It soon moved to the second place, and this, of course, is in quantum.

    Quantum in this contest is not a problem because business strives on numbers. As a matter of fact, one of the things foreigners say we are taking advantage of, in Nigeria, is our population, which they say is good for business.

    On the other hand is the art of filmmaking which gives us what you may choose to call academic recognition. It is the art of filmmaking that takes a filmmaker round the international film festival circuit. It is where we speak highly of creativity, of technical know-how etcetera. It is the art of filmmaking that wins awards like the Oscar, Golden Globes, AMAA etcetera for the artiste. It is the art of filmmaking that gives the filmmaker recognitions for thematic subjects that are critical of local and global issues of health, of culture, of diplomacy, of diseases, of bad governance. It is the art of filmmaking that keeps record of history, investigative in nature, and brings the problems of small societies to global attention.

    To understand that quantum of film production is not derogatory. Even the American and the British film industry that are better known for arty stories, also thrive on commercial filmmaking, and this has impacted significantly on their countries’ GDP.

    Film is also a major export of countries like China and India, to mention a few. This is where Nollywood’s strength is derivable, being the second largest producers of home video in the world.

    In relation to our population that I mentioned earlier, which is about 200 million – that is huge, even for local business without adding the potential of export. The proviso is, however, for the right structures to be in place.

    Talking about structures, one of them, and fundamentally too, is Distribution in form of cinemas.

    The cinema is an antidote to piracy of CD and DVD form of Distribution, yet (in my opinion); we have less that 5 percent of what we can call an average number of cinemas/screens in Nigeria. Of course, one could count the number of cinemas in Nigeria on the ‘fingertips’. This indicates that there is a serious deficit.

    This is why pundits have canvassed for community cinemas. Some have even suggested that the SDP/NRC buildings in every local government could serve this purpose, at least as a palliative.

    The government must stop paying lip service to the plight of Nollywood. It has said several times that the industry is an alternative to oil in its economy diversification agenda, but not much has been done to create this enabling environment for the business of film to thrive.

    Thank God for technology; this allows filmmakers to find another market in online streaming. This has led to the rise of the likes of iRoko…. And now the biggest online streaming company in the world, Netflix, has found its way into Nigeria.

    An indication of Netflix’s real readiness for the Nigerian market happened in September 2018 when it announced Genevieve Nnaji’s ‘Lionheart’ as ‘Original’ after acquiring the film. Of course, before then, we have had Nigerian films like ‘October 1’, ‘Fifty’ etc in the repertoire of Netflix.

    It is obvious that Netflix as a business entity recognises the viability of Nigerian films, and the market for same among Nigerians at home, Nigerians in the Diaspora, Africans at home and in the Diaspora, as well as the Caribbean etc.

    This is huge and good projection for Netflix, but we must be advised that internet is the current issue, and this would define how far the business will go.

    Up next! Netflix and Nigeria’s internet service providers…

  • Shefiu Alao: ‘I belong to no party, I belong to all party’

    Nigerian musician, Shefiu Alao Adekunle, widely known as ‘Omo Oko’, is not a run-of-the-mill Fuji artiste. The veteran singer continues to make a difference both in his stimulating music and simple lifestyle. The Abeokuta, Ogun State-based singer spoke to VICTOR AKANDE at a Censors Board’s workshop on film classification in Lagos, where he was a guest recently.

    As a guest of the National Film and Video Censors Board, what is your view on the essence of film classification?

    First, I am so excited to be here today. And I must say that continuous educative programme like this, is very important. There is no gain saying that a workshop of this nature helps filmmakers gauge what they deliver to the people, especially because people can be very rigid in accepting corrections. I also like the fact that this training will enable them to understand that the classification rules are for the good of their family, especially the children.

    Your music is lyrically and culturally rich. One would have thought that you would veer into movies, knowing that people are moved more by what they see…

    Well, I do act too, but not as often as music which takes most of my time. Music and acting are interwoven. I have no doubt that people can learn as much also from music because it is an easier companion. Unlike a movie, you listen to music when you are bathing, driving, working etcetera. It is also deep, as no musician should be singing without making research. Music and acting should serve as peacemaker between families and friends and be used as a learning tool to a young man who desires better knowledge, wisdom among their peers.

    You are popularly called ‘Omo Oko’ (Village Boy). I feel that your present status should have overtaken that moniker?

    (Smiles) I still remain ‘Omo Oko’, because I still live in the village. I have not relocated. But you ca say that I have upgraded to Baba Oko (Village Man).

    2019 elections are fast approaching. How would you describe Nigeria’s politics?

    Unless we want to deceive ourselves, politics in Nigeria has no proper structure. It is meant for powerful people who, instead of serving the masses, what we see are people who are flexing their muscle and using their power to oppress us. The politicians direct the country towards their preferred routes, and imposed their candidates on the people; not the ones the masses want. They disregard anyone who is loyal to the poor, and appoint only those who are loyal to them. It is only God that can help us.

    What would you advise the masses?

    This coming election, people should abstain from violence. The youths need to be wiser now. They should not let any godfather use them for election conflict. They must ignore unnecessary battles that do not concern them, because they are the leaders of tomorrow.

    Which political party do you belong?

    I don’t belong to any political party. I am just a musician, but I do sing for all of them when the need arises. I am not a card-carrying member of any party, so to say. If you see any musician who says he belongs to a particular political party, definitely he or she is benefitting personally from the party.

    What would be your advice to upcoming music acts?

    My advice to younger artistes is that they should be creative and decent in their craft. Their mode of dressing is important; how they relate with people is important, and most importantly, their lyrics must be educative and informative because anyone who sings meaningful songs gets meaningful money from people who cherish value.

  • Alexx Ekubo praises Ezekwesili’s selflessness

    Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has praised the presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, for withdrawing from the race on Thursday, describing her move as selfless.

    “Now this is the level of selflessness I’m talking about, putting the country’s interest over one’s personal interest & ambition,” he wrote on Instagram, using the hashtag, #PowerOf1.

    Ezekwesili said she was withdrawing from the race so as to build a coalition against the two major political parties in the country – the All Progressives Congress and the People’s Democratic Party.

    Ekubo said he is tired that Nigeria is not working and there was need for drastic action.

    “Until we as a people want better for ourselves & our unborn generation, we would continue our rigmarole from frying pan to fire, Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gun powder, we CANNOT afford another civil war, trust me when I say we are on the brink of it. I’m sick & tired of the disparity btw things as they are & as they ought to be, I’m tired of lying, I’m tired of covering up under the guise of Patriotism, the honest truth is NIGERIA IS NOT WORKING, its 2019 we still cannot boast of steady power supply, a feat bigger countries with less resources have conquered, & moved unto greater things like self driving cars, electric cars, space programs, & we are still here groping in the dark, inventing new dance moves like Zanku & Shoki, I weep for my pple. Everything Baba Fela sang about decades ago, is still happening like he sang it yesterday, we are still “suffering & smiling.”

    He then enjoined youths not to sell their votes and support their candidates wisely.

    “Dear Nigerian Youth, if you sell your vote in this upcoming election, you are part of the problem! If you support a candidate simply because he is from your geopolitical zone, or the same religion as you, shame on you!

    “Let us take cue from Aunty Oby & put the country first! Put our unborn generation first! Put our collective wellbeing first! Abi are you not tired?

    “Thank you mama, you have truly led by example, posterity would never forget you.

    “Dear @feladurotoye @yelesho @moghalukingsley pls we are running out of time “The 3rd Force” stands a better chance as an alliance. Make it happen for a new NIGERIA.”

  • As creatives continue to find their bearings

    There is no doubt that the Nigerian creative industry is yet to maximize its potentials, thus, each election year, they seek a messiah.

    This was the case last Wednesday, when PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar met with stakeholders in the film, theatre and music sectors at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    It was the second leg of the PDP flag bearer’s town hall meeting that day, after an Economic Summit that held earlier.

    One would have thought that the entertainment industry, being the much talked about alternative source of income to oil, would be part of the economic summit that held earlier, as a way of ranking the sector with other serious economies. But it is understandable that the audio visual and motion picture industries are a special breed that requires special attention.

    So much was said about how successive governments in Nigeria have used entertainers as political campaign tools to ‘win’ elections; how their best had been seen and treated synonymously to the glamour of their profession; and how, when it comes to leadership positions, they are not considered fit, because such managerial positions appear to be purely political.

    So much was said about how filmmakers, especially, cannot even be bosses of their art in the face of intellectual property thieves who, ironically, are lords in the business, smiling to the bank at the expense of rights owners.

    So much was said about enabling environment from government in forms of security at film locations; import waivers, especially for capital equipment and support for trade related initiatives; transformative policies around access to finance and distribution.

    All these, the industry people reiterated, as they met with Atiku who was flanked by his Vice Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, and Senate President Bukola Saraki at the event.

    Personally, I do not know where they got it wrong, but these creative people are some of the most brilliant people I have known across all professions in the world. These attributes, they often exhibit before the politicians, who, obviously will agree to every demand but bow to whatever superior interests when the ‘stew’ is done. Not deterred, they have continued to find their bearings.

    There was no unnecessary smiling and laugher, except the usual camaraderie among them, and of course, some clapping and cheering when their own made a frantic point.

    Norbert Ajaegbu, Obi Asika and Don Pedro Obaseki were among those that spoke to the situation. Obaseki even pleaded that the crowd should not clap for him. It was understandable that the industry had enjoyed a lot of encomiums, but that should be confined to concert grounds and cinema halls, they appeared to be saying. They were angry albeit diplomatic, and it was clear their lead guest got the message.

    He wanted them to record his promises, and take him on, should he be elected President of Nigeria in February 2019.

    They were not in for handouts. They wanted their work to speak for them, knowing there is nothing like being their own fishermen. They also wanted to be able to monetize their intellectual property by taking back their fortunes from pirates.

    One of the issues was to have professionals head agencies of the creative industry rather than political appointees; and he so promised, with much more. They believed him, and cannot wait for that time to come. In expressing their faith, some of them referred to him as president in waiting. They all smiled home, waiting, and hoping that with the passing of time, they will find their bearings in a government that truly cares about the business, and not just the art of entertainment.

  • Facts about Big Brother Naija Fourth Season

    Africa’s popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, is set to return for a fourth season with the producers of the show also revealing that the Big Brother House will be in Nigeria. Auditions for the show will hold on the 1st and 2nd of February 2018 in eight locations across Nigeria, an increase from previous editions.

    In addition, Nigeria’s number one betting website, Bet9ja, has been announced as headline sponsors of the new season.

    The reality TV show which follows the format of the international Big Brother franchise is known to bring excitement and entertainment to fans and viewers across the continent as it houses strangers over a period of three months who contest against each other in a battle of wits for the ultimate prize.

    Speaking on the return of Big Brother Naija, the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr John Ugbe said: “This fourth season promises to be even bigger than previous editions and underscores MultiChoice’s position as the biggest investor and driver of entertainment content on the continent”.

    Since its maiden edition in 2006, the Big Brother Naija reality TV show has produced some of the country’s biggest pop culture influencers and celebrities including Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Gideon Okeke, Katung Aduwak, Bisola Aiyeola, Efe Ejeba and Uriel Oputa and mostly recently Miracle Ikechukwu, Tobi Bakre and Cynthia “Cee-C” Nwadiora.

    Speaking at the press conference, Bet9ja’s Chief Executive Officer, Ayo Ojuroye said: “As the leading gaming company in Nigeria, we believe in changing lives. This singular attribute coupled with the zeal and passion attributed to the Big Brother Naija platform aligns with Bet9ja’s core values and we are honoured by the opportunity to headline this year’s edition. Bet9ja will continue to support programmes that will connect more young Nigerians to their dreams”.

    Organisers say specific locations and times for the auditions in February will be announced subsequently.

  • Re: Who dares a Lionheart?

    Standby follower, Olaitan Faranpojo reacts to the controversy that trailed the cinema release of Genevieve Nnaji’s ‘Lionheart’ as analyzed in this column on December 22, 2018.

    Hello Victor,

    I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

    There are so many different elements to this (article) that I don’t know where to begin.

    I will not discuss the politics of the issues raised. Some are universal problems and some are probably specific to Nigeria:

    Global problems:

    ALL filmmakers believe that the market and distributors are not treating them fairly.

    They believe that their film will be the top box office film of the year if they are only given a chance.

    They will search for excuses for why their film is not as successful as it should be and do not pay attention to market forces. It is usually very expensive to launch a movie in cinemas (in the US, the general assumption is about $10,000 per screen for the opening week). The money is not out of thin air, it is real money. The cinemas are expensive to run and usually don’t make a strong profit unless they fill all the seats. It is a business decision rather than a personal decision.

    Sometimes it is a personal decision, but that is rare. If people think they will make money and sell tickets they will find a way to overcome their personal feelings.

    Nigerian issues:

    NETFLIX – I counseled a filmmaker recently on an offer for worldwide subscription VOD (Netflix) and told him to make sure he maintains the rights in Nigeria or at least have a long period where he can do a theatrical release, VIP/Sponsor screenings, etc. If the film appeared on Netflix at the same time it was opening in the cinema, that is obviously a problem.  A Nigerian film will always make the most money in Nigeria, so the filmmaker needs to keep control of those rights even if it is flattering to receive worldwide distribution.  Those deals are usually only $150,000 to $300,000 compared to potentially a million from the Nigeria market after you add together all the revenue streams.

    Piracy – Obviously this is a problem for any film that is presented in any format anywhere in the world. Do you know how common piracy was of LION HEART before the theatrical release?  I would guess that it was seen by most people before the release.

    Most local films don’t make money in cinemas. I am not certain about this now, but if you look at the box office results for local films that manage to get a theatrical release, the results are disappointing for at least half of those. In some years, just a handful of movies really make a profit in theatrical release. This is a common problem everywhere, but since the number of screens and the number of local releases is limited, it is easy to make the analysis.

    Finally, Nigeria needs more specialization between the creative jobs and the business jobs. This is much better than it was in the past where it seemed that the director was also the producer, star, screenwriter, publicist and distributor. I don’t know the details here, but if Ms. Nnaji is the person negotiating for the theatrical release of her film, that is probably not good. The director is usually too emotionally attached to the film to make good business decisions about it, especially when that means not spending money for a big theatrical release if the business situation dictates that conclusion for any reason (bad reviews, piracy, bad genre for cinema release, etc.).

    This is all very interesting to me and I will try to watch the movie as soon as possible. I’m very sure the whole issue is going to be a plus for LIONHEART, because it has created more publicity for the film.

    On ‘Chief Daddy’, Mo Abudu is just a fantastic business Madam. While our Nigerian filmmakers are busy jumping from twitter handle to Histogram page, Mo Abudu was busy listening and studying the audience. She is just doing fine and I am happy for her.

    I hope you have a joyous and blessed New Year.

    Cheers.

    …Faranpojo Olaitan is CEO, Gospel Film Festival.

  • Simi, Adekunle Gold’s quiet wedding

    After a secret romance, singers Adekunle Gold and Simi, during the week, held their traditional and white wedding ceremonies. The intimate events both held in Lagos with the white wedding taking place at Ilashe Beach. The duo who had been severally linked romantically only publicly declared their love about a month ago. In fact, ‘Orente’, Adekunle Gold’s chart-busting song, was inspired by Simi.

    With their wedding, Adekunle Gold and Simi have toed the path of celebrity couples like Banky W and Adesua Etomi. However, shunning publicity, the couple who had been dating for about a decade banned attendees, as only family members and close friends were reportedly invited to the ceremonies which held on Wednesday at Victoria Island and on Thursday at Ilashe Beach. Some celebrities at the events include Falz, Do2dtun, Smade, Praiz, Olamide, Moelogo, and Pheelz.

    It was also gathered that celebrities were banned from taking pictures or recording videos at the wedding. Fans have, however, pled with the couple to publish their wedding photos.

    Some facts about Simi and Adekunle Gold

      SIMI

    1. She was born as Simisola Bolatito Ogunleye April, 19, 1988 in Lagos, Nigeria.
    2. She started singing at age of 8 and wrote her first song when she was 10 years old
    3. She joined her teenage church choir called “Outstanding Music Group”.
    4. She holds a degree in Mass Communications from the Covenant University and enjoys broadcasting and blogging.
    5. She signed to Oscar Music Production in 2013.
    6. She signed a record deal with X3M Music in 2014.
    7. She released two of her hit singles titled “Tiff” and “E No Go Funny” in 2014 and also got a number of award nominations.
    8. A huge football fan, she supports Manchester United
    9. She released another hit single titled “Jamb Question” which the remix featured the Nigerian rapper, Falz.
    10. She also won the Most Promising Act to Watch award at the 2015 NEA Awards.
    11. Her movie debut is in Kunle Afolayan’s yet-to-be-released ‘Mokalik’

    ADEKUNLE GOLD

    1. He was born Adekunle Kosoko on January 28, 1987 and hails from Lagos Island.
    2. He is a prince of Lagos and member of Kosoko royal house of Lagos.
    3. With three sisters (one late), he is the only son of his parents and Jide Kosoko’s nephew
    4. He wrote his first song at the age of 15 and joined the junior choir of his church.
    5. He has an HND in Arts and Design from the Lagos State Polytechnic while majoring in Graphics.
    6. Adekunle added Gold to his name after a session in church with the inspiration coming from an excerpt of the pastor’s preaching.
    7. He was a member of a boys band called The Bridge.
    8. The group dropped a couple of singles and featured acts like Skales and GT the guitarman before it was disbanded.
    9. He designed YBNL’s official logo.
    10. He got the moniker ‘King of Photoshop’ after photo-shopping himself into photos of popular celebs
    11. His debut single, ‘Sade’ is actually a cover of One Direction’s ‘Story of my Life’.
    12. The single won the Best alternative song award at the recently held 2015 Headies awards ceremony.
    13. Simi actually helped Adekunle Gold define his style and helped named his genre, ‘Urban Highlife’.
    14. Simi mixed and arranged Adekunle Gold’s three singles, ‘Sade’, ‘Orente’ and ‘Pick Up’.
    15. He won the award for ‘Revelation of the Year’ at the 2015 edition of AFRIMA.
    16. He made his movie debut on Kunle Afolayan’s ‘The CEO’.

  • One lyrical shot at stardom

    Listening to Mannie’s dating-fever programme – Say My Name – on the popular Good Morning Nigeria show on Cool FM recently, a young guy, Briggs, called in, as is the tradition, wanting to be sure where he stood with his girlfriend, Sonia, who resides in Abuja. It became clear that Sonia preferred another guy, Michael, who not only shares proximity with her but who, apparently, was better loaded (if you know what I mean).

    Considering the manner in which Sonia, who was so unpretentious, dazzled the presenters; Mannie and Taymi B, another caller who was equally blown away tagged her president of all the ‘Amakas”.

    To understand the new meaning given to Amaka, a beautiful Igbo feminine name is to listen to Innocent Idibia’s latest song under the same title. The phrase, Amaka Disappoint Me in 2Baba’s story is a jibe that has made the song even more popular. Not only have comedians been using Amaka as synonym for everything unfaithful about a woman, someone also sang a cover of the trending 2Baba’s song – all for the fun of it.

    Back to the story of Sonia, two things that further convinced the caller that she was the president of all the ‘Amakas’ were the punch lines she borrowed from some trending songs. One, she said something like, ‘Na Dem Dey Rush Us’ to buttress her status as a woman in high demand. That phrase is from CDQ’s song titled ‘Fine Boyz.’ When asked what song she would like to listen to in closing her phone-line session, she simply said: ‘If We No Make Money, Wetin We Gain.’ That lyrical phrase is another strong one, coming from a new artiste who is obviously blowing as we speak. His name is Victor AD, and the title of the song is ‘Wetin We Gain.’

    It says in part:

    “Phone dey ring

    Na family dey call oh

    If no be billing, na something dey sup oh

    Anyhow e be, omo money is involve oh

    Oluwa bless me ’cause I no fit dull oh…

     

    {Chorus}

    If we no make money

    Wetin we gain o? (Wetin we gain?)

    My brother wetin we gain (Wetin we gain?)

    If we no buy the benz

    Wetin we gain? (Wetin we gain?)

    My brother wetin we gain? (Wetin we gain?)

    Wetin we gain o? (Wetin we gain?)

    My brother wetin we gain (Wetin we gain?)…”

    Like Sonia, music is the language that defines the aspiration of many young people of today, and it takes a music wannabe who wants to break into the highly competitive market to understand how this fact, and evolve a strong phrase that may appeal to the aspirations of potential fans.

    This next one – “My Papa No Be Dangote, Adeleke, But We Go Dey OK” is another promising song from a new kid on the block, Teni. It is titled ‘Case’. Teni uses ‘Case’ to prove her feat wasn’t a mistake, after winning Headies’ ‘Rookie Of The Year’ early this year. Such is the power of punchy lines as part of the ingredients of good music.

    Going back in time, we can recall how 2Face’s ‘African Queen’ and its video has remained a classic. Now, every good woman from this part of the world is an African Queen, and you would think 2Face owns the franchise to the two words.

    There are other few examples of lyrical catch phrases that have become day to day slang among music fans.

    Olamide, in “Pepperdemgang” gave us Pepper Dem Gang; Slim Case in “Issabanga” gave us ‘Oshaprapra, Oshapropro’ to connote something potent; Zamora in “Importanter” gave us ‘Importanter’ as something or someone more important; Mavin crew gave us “Dorobucci’, with Doro as a prefix to something and everything beautiful; Tiwa & Don Jazzy tickled us with “Eminado”, a word that generated controversy; Davido took the slang “Gobe” to another level with See Gobe; Small Doctor’s song, “Penalty” which gave him a break not only used a football language, the phrase, If You No Get Money, Hide Your Face became an anthem; Korede Bello’s “Godwin” soared with ‘I Don Get Alert, God Win,’ launching the artiste into fame; Davido’s “Aye” got people talking with ‘She No want designer, She No Want Ferrari, She Say Na My Love O…’, just like “Da Mi Duro” the song that brought him to limelight with ‘Ema Da Mi Duro… Emi Omo Baba Olowo’… another artiste that rules the airwave is Harrysong whose ‘Reggae Blues’ became a street anthem with phrases like, ‘After The Reggae Play The Blues….Share The Gala Share The Booze… Enjoy Yourself Baby Boo, Cos Even Your Boo Get a Boo’. Of course, that earned him an endorsement by Gala, and the rest, as they say, is history.

    As much as most music of today have been said to be all-sound and no-message, there is commercial potential for creativity, and upcoming artistes only need one strong outing to give them the reign while it lasts.

  • STARS MOURN AS DJ XGEE COMMITS SUICIDE

    Just two days into 2019, the gory news of Lagos-based DJ Xgee committing suicide has got the entertainment circuit worried. Apparently suffering a case of depression, DJ Xgee whose real name is Seun Omogaji, reportedly committed suicide by drinking ‘Sniper’, on Wednesday after his wife left him.

    Dropping a post on Instagram, he dropped what appeared like  a suicide note in which he implored his loved ones to mourn him wearing white.

    “Okay there is a twist to this last respect people  give to their loved ones when gone,” he wrote.

    “Black is sign of sadness …but in my case please Rock WHITE Cos i love this colour so much.

    “To all  I have made to smile and to those i have pissed off,  trust me I’m only being human. Enikorewa i love u so much , Erinayo,  your name sums it all up. You  are truly d reason for my Joy.

    “Omobolanle  Ajoke u know i care .. Moradeke my mum may my God heal u and to my in-laws stay blessed always.”

    Reports from those who knew him stated that he had been having issues with his wife who had left their matrimonial home. His pleas to her to return reportedly fell on deaf ears before he decided to commit suicide on Wednesday.

    Fans who responded to the post expressed pain and shock  wondering why the DJ resorted to taking his own life. Celebrities like Alibaba, MI, Wande Coal, Basketmouth, Ushbebe, and Bovi mourned the late DJ.

    Taking to Instagram, Alibaba posted the DJ’s picture and wrote, ‘Do more of what makes u happy, you are responsible for ur happiness’ while Basketmouth wrote, ‘Together…we created some amazing memories, you my friend…you will be missed. I can’t believe that the last time I saw you would be my very last. Rest in peace,  blood.’

    MI also wrote, ‘Link up in heaven…@djxgee rest in peace.. thank you for blessing me with your talent one last time on the 30th. Rest well now brother.

    Comedian Seyi Law wrote ‘Seun Gaji, my secondary school mate, my class mate, my industry mate. Why Seun? Why? We were still together on Saturday. You left after sound check to another event and came back on the same bike. What were you hustling for when you were going to go without enjoying it? I was so happy seeing you were playing for @wandecoal and your last words to me was ‘Non sibi’. I am saddened by this. RIP my brother, Seun Gaji, @djxgee.’