The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Artistes

  • FULL LIST: 10 new school artistes to watch out for in 2026

    FULL LIST: 10 new school artistes to watch out for in 2026

    Nigeria’s music industry continues to thrive on the strength of a new generation of talents redefining Afrobeats and contemporary African sounds.

    From breakout hitmakers to underground sensations gaining mainstream attention, these artistes have shown consistency, originality, and momentum that could shape the sound of 2026 and beyond. According to a list by The Brain Media, some of the key talents to watch include:

    1. Fola

    Nigerian artiste FOLA has achieved significant milestones in his growing music career, earning recognition for his unique sound and consistency. He has released multiple well-received songs that have gained strong listener engagement across digital streaming platforms and social media.

    FOLA’s music has attracted a steadily expanding fanbase and industry attention, positioning him as one of the promising emerging talents in the Nigerian music scene. His ability to connect with audiences through relatable lyrics and modern Afrobeats production continues to drive his rise and solidify his presence in the industry

    2. Shoday

    Nigerian artiste Shoday has gained widespread recognition following the success of his hit single “Hey Jago,” which has enjoyed strong traction across digital streaming platforms and social media. The record significantly boosted his visibility, earning him a rapidly growing fanbase and positioning him as a standout emerging talent in the Afrobeats scene.

    The success of “Hey Jago” marks a key achievement in Shoday’s career, highlighting his consistency, catchy sound, and ability to connect with listeners nationwide.

    3. Morravey

    Moravey, a signed artiste under Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), has recorded notable achievements in her fast-rising music career. She gained major recognition following her introduction to the label, with her debut releases receiving strong reception from fans and industry stakeholders alike.

    Moravey’s music has garnered impressive streaming numbers and widespread attention across digital platforms, establishing her as one of the standout new voices in Afrobeats. Her growth under DMW continues to position her as a promising talent with strong momentum in the Nigerian music scene.

    4. Ayomaf

    Nigerian artiste Ayomaf has made steady strides in his music career, earning recognition for his distinctive sound and consistency. His releases have gained positive reception across digital streaming platforms, contributing to a growing and loyal fanbase.

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    Ayomaf’s ability to blend relatable themes with contemporary Afrobeats production has positioned him as a promising emerging talent within the Nigerian music scene, attracting increasing attention from listeners and industry stakeholders

    5. SKY JAGA

    Rising music sensation Sky Jaga is making 2026 his year with the release of his standout EP JAGAJANTISII and its latest single, “Jagajantis.” Already celebrated by a dedicated underground fan base, Sky Jaga is quickly turning heads with his signature blend of infectious melodies, raw lyricism, and genre-defying sound.

    “Jagajantis” showcases why Sky Jaga is more than just an emerging artist—he’s a force to be reckoned with. His music effortlessly bridges the underground and mainstream, earning him recognition from fans and critics alike.

    6. GeedyNGB

    GeedyNGB is quickly rising as one of the most exciting voices from Nigeria’s new school wave. In 2025, he reached key career milestones that solidified his growing influence, marked by sharper artistry, increased visibility, and a sound that connects deeply with today’s youth culture.

    One of his standout records, “I No Dey Send Again,” produced by heavyweight hitmaker Masterkraft, showcases his confidence, versatility, and street-driven appeal. The track signals GeedyNGB’s readiness for the next level and reinforces his position as an artist with both momentum and longevity.

    7. Kaartoon.k

    He is one of the artistes to look out for in 2026, representing the new wave of Afrobeats talents based abroad. His hit single “Houdini” has gained strong acceptance in Cyprus, the UK, Ghana, and Nigeria, highlighting his growing international reach. Known for quality and creativity, Kaartoon.k also delivered a visually impressive official video for “Jowo,” reinforcing his position as a future face of Afrobeats.

    8. Og Abbah

    Og abbah has become one of the hottest names in the African music scene with his latest smash hit “Wayo Allah Na”. Dominating airwaves across the continent, the track has quickly become one of the biggest songs in Nigeria and Africa, resonating with audiences far and wide.

    With its infectious beats and captivating lyrics, “Wayo Allah Na” has propelled Og Abbah into the limelight, making him an artiste to watch. As the track continues to climb the charts, Og Abbah’s distinct sound is positioning him as one of the future stars of Afrobeat, showcasing the genre’s international potential.

    9. Mavo

    A leading voice of the new school Afrobeats movement, Mavo is one of the most exciting artists to watch in 2026. He has scored major collaborations with Afrobeat legends including Davido, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, CKay, DJ Tunez, and DJ Maphorisa. His hit “Shakabulizzy (Remix)” featuring Davido cracked the Spotify Nigeria Top 10, while multiple songs simultaneously topped the Apple Music Nigeria charts. Named Billboard African Rookie of the Month, Mavo’s rapid rise and street-influenced sound position him as a future global force in Afrobeats.

    10. KVNBLAQ

    the fast-rising musical sensation ready to take over the global stage. Born Ogbuji Ugochukwu Kevin, this dynamic artiste hails from the vibrant city of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where his sound first began to take root.KVNBLAQ is not just another name in the game; he’s a movement. With a unique blend of raw energy, lyrical depth, and cultural influence, his music speaks directly to the streets and the soul. His breakout underground hit, “Opueh,” is already making waves and turning heads, earning him a loyal fanbase and the attention of major industry players.

  • FULL LIST: Africa’s best-selling music artistes of all time

    FULL LIST: Africa’s best-selling music artistes of all time

    Africa is a continent bursting with musical talents with its artistes making waves on the global stage. From Afrobeats to Rai, from Highlife to R&B, African musicians have not only defined genres but have also achieved staggering commercial success.

    This list, according to Africa Facts Zone, celebrates the continent’s best-selling artistes, those whose music has resonated far and wide, racking up millions of units sold across the world.

    Whether it’s the legendary Cheb Khaled from Algeria or Nigeria’s global hitmakers like Wizkid and Burna Boy, these stars have helped shape Africa’s sonic identity while breaking barriers and setting records.

    Read Also: Iyanya predicts Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy’s collabo

    Here are Africa’s best-selling music artistes of all time:

    1. Cheb Khaled (Algeria)– 81 million units

    2. Wizkid (Nigeria) – 65 million units

    3. Amr Diab (Egypt) – 50 million units

    4. Burna Boy (Nigeria) – 45 million units

    5. Tamer Hosny (Egypt) – 40 million+

    6. Sherine (Egypt) – 40 million+

    7. P-Square (Nigeria) – 40 million

    8. Rema (Nigeria) – 30 million

    9. CKay (Nigeria) – 25 million

    10. Tems (Nigeria) – 20 million+

    11. 2Baba (Nigeria) – 20 million+

    12. D’banj (Nigeria) – 20 million+

    13. Tyla (South Africa) – 13 million+

    14. Prince Nico Mbarga (Cameroonian-Nigerian) – 13 million

  • Artiste managers association visits Premier records

    Artiste managers association visits Premier records

    The Association of Artiste Managers in Nigeria (AMAN) recently paid a visit to the management of Premier Records Limited at its corporate office in Festac, Lagos.

    The delegation was led by the President of AMAN, Collins Enebeli aka Mavin Grandpa, alongside the National Spokesperson, Karifest Duchess.

    The purpose of the visit was in two folds – to familiarize AMAN with key players in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, particularly major record labels like Premier Records, who have had a significant impact on the country’s music scene and to formally inform Premier Records about the association’s upcoming AMAN at 30 celebration, which will mark three decades of the association’s contributions to the industry.

    Read Also: Gospel artistes Eben, Adenuga, Adegoke ignite worship at RCCG ‘Praiz Extraordinaire 2.0’

    During the visit, the Premier records Limited management team, led by its CEO, Michael Odiong, expressed gratitude and appreciation to the association for considering Premier records a worthy partner in the quest to nurture new talent.

    Odiong commended the association’s efforts in strengthening the music ecosystem and assured them of Premier Records’ continued support in shaping the future of Nigerian music.

    The meeting highlighted the growing synergy between key industry stakeholders and emphasized the vital role of collaboration in elevating the entertainment sector.

  • Artistes seek freedom of expression

    Artistes seek freedom of expression

    Stakeholders from various fields of the creative sector, especially the filmmakers recently converged on Kongi’s Harvest Art Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos to chart a new path for policy reforms that address issues and concerns about government actions and policies that are capable of undermining creativity and threaten artistic freedom. The one-day summit organised by Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA), in conjunction with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Media and Creativity Committee, and Elixir Trust Foundation specifically focused on pivotal issues bordering creativity, censorship, and policy reforms within the Nigerian creative industry.

    Do artistes have the right to use police, armed forces, and other security agencies’ uniforms as costumes in their productions? Do artistes really need permission before they can portray them in their productions? What is the position of the law?  Are there exceptions for artistes? Which area does the industry need reforms? These are some of the pertinent questions that form the thrust of the summit, which has as theme Safeguarding Creativity on Digital Platforms.

    Also of interest at the summit was the recent pronouncement by the National Film and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB) with regards to a new regulation that would restrict smoking and ritual scenes in movies, skits and music videos.

    Executive Director of UVA, Ayodele Ganiu, recalled that in recent times, there has been a ban on using uniforms of law enforcement and security agencies in movies and skits. He noted that according to the police, it is illegal under Section 251 of the Nigerian Criminal Code and Section 133 of the Penal Code to use police uniforms in movies and skits without permission.

    “The police also say that wrong portrayal of the police institution undermines the integrity of the force and dampens the morale of its personnel. Therefore, permission is required before the portrayal, failure of which leads to arrest and prosecution. These threats have created fear in the minds of many artists who want to use their works for correcting the ills in our society,” he said.

    Head of Research Advocacy and Secretariat of UCA, Shola Alamutu, spoke of art as depicting society, emphasizing that film makers and the media’s responsibility is to depict society in their movies, hence their need to imitate the characters of the armed forces. She added that creating restrictions to what the film makers can imitate means suppressing creativity.

    “If you see somebody wearing a force uniform, the Nigeria police uniform for example, the person does not even need to talk. We know who they are from their uniform so if I want to tell a story or I want to shoot a movie depicting that scene and you say I cannot wear my uniform, then you are telling me I cannot show what is happening in the society and that alone means you are suppressing my creative juices, and as a creative person, what i do is create,” she said.

    Alamutu stated that whatever actions the forces carry out in real life is what will be depicted in movie scenes, thereby urging them to be of good behavior in real life in order to avoid wrong depictions.

    “If they are not doing wrong, they will not be shown. If they are doing right, they will be shown. What they should be doing, is more of right, so that they will show more of it. Don’t say, don’t wear the uniform or don’t use the gadget; it’s not only about the uniform. I will have to start looking for creative ways of showing that and by doing that, because you have already made me upset by telling me not to use what is going to make my work easier, you might not like what I’m going to show. I will be so upset. I will not even try to show anything nice about you. It’s just human nature,” she said.

    She advised that the government should come to a better understanding on what needs to be done if they want good depictions from film and skit makers.

    One of the guest speakers, National President of the Directors’ Guilds of Nigeria, Victor Okhai spoke on agenda settings as he described the event as eye-opening and an opportunity to bring in synergy towards advocating for their rights as film makers.

    He said that the action of depicting the Nigerian forces in movies doesn’t need any permission as they are trying to create awareness on what they are actually doing in the real world.

    Read Also:UGOCCIE: Collaborations with female artistes not challenging

    “The police might not like their depictions in movies and have in recent times, sought to prosecute. We also have a right and unfortunately, we might not even be aware of it. Under the law, there are exceptions. You do not need permissions to depict the Nigerian force. If you want propaganda, we would give propaganda. The truth is we remain the conscience of the nation and the people, we will not seat aside and watch things go on. If we seek to bring to the fall, some of those things they may not be aware of, I don’t think we should be looked at as if we’re doing anything wrong. Far from it, we should be commended. What we’re doing is creating awareness. We don’t want our government to go naked on the street. We want the truth be told. We need to speak truth to power,” he said

    Another guest speaker, Nigerian Hip-Hop artiste, Eedris AbdulKareem, in his defence said that there is need for a balance between the Nigerian government and the entertainment industry.

    “Today’s event is a very inspiring one, in the sense that, based on the accusations of skit makers that made videos about the corruptions in the Nigerian police. We know there are some bad eggs in the police force that do these things that were shown. They even go out of their ways to kill citizens and steal their money. We all know that. You cannot affirm that what the skit maker said is a lie, its reality. I think there should be reasonable balance from both parties; the federal government and the entertainment industry. We should have a round table talk and tell us what you don’t like,” he said.

  • ‘Why we need to groom young gospel artistes’

    ‘Why we need to groom young gospel artistes’

     As the yuletide season draws nearer, top-list gospel artistes continue to dominate major gospel concerts and shows, leaving little or no space for younger talents to thrive. ADEOLA OGUNLADE writes about the need for the church to open the space for new talents to blossom

    I have a record label called Spotlite Nation. We are doing quite a lot. We are managing eight artistes who are under 23 and they are doing marvelous things. We are not losing the young artistes we are encouraging them.”

    That was the submission of a fast-rising gospel artist, Moses Bliss Uyoh Enang, popular known as Moses Bliss, as he shared his story of rising to the top with our correspondent in Lagos, yesterday.

    According to him, his rising was divine, adding that God and his church were instrumental to his success in ministry as a young artist.

    Bliss, 28, who had his debut single in 2017 titled: ‘E No Dey Fall My Hand,’ said that there are a good number of young gospel artistes who are doing well in the gospel music industry.

    Bliss cited the scriptures saying: ‘Seeth thou a man diligent in his business,: he will not stand before mean men but he will stand before kings. Be diligent and you will stand before great men.

     “A lot is happening and help is available. Those who are doing the other music, maybe that is what they want to do. God has children-son and daughters who are ready to go all the way with him all the way,” he said.

    Also, a songwriter and gospel artist, Tope Alabi, who has collaborated with up and coming artistes, said that the established gospel ministers are trying their best and as they get to know God the more, they will get it right. Jesus is the only way.

    She stated that up and coming artistes must be patient and persevere as Rome was not built in a day. ‘ You want to move on the staircase and move from one to sixty at once, it is not possible”.

    On her part, a worship leader, Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, known professionally as Sinach, stated that she aspired for the biggest stage when she started. “I was helped in so many ways. Mentoring is a big part of it. I want to speak to young people from my heart.  The fact that you are not making gains at first in serving God, does not mean you will not make gains later. Find where God has called you and don’t allow the devil to deceive you into error because of wealth, fame, and prosperity”.

    Sinach posited that helping young gospel talents is huge. “We are setting up a process to help young artistes and creatives in different ways.  If they are good., they can see that the future is so bright.

    Also, a trumpeter and producer, Evangelist Nathaniel Bassey said  “I think that by living by example and setting the example for young talents to follow is the way to go in raising new gospel talents in our generation.

     “From time to time, I take the bull by the horns through mentorship sessions and training people.  We have a project tagged: 50. It is a close meeting of emerging gospel ministers. We put them together to speak, train, and answer questions, and then from time to time, we create opportunities for them and just identify great talents and mentoring”.

    “I am sure that with a platform like The Experience, young talents hope will be greatly increased. I remember at the Experience in 2008 when it was raining, I was worshiping and singing You are Alpha and Omega. I came to love the Lord and sing and I just felt something in my heart that The Experience painted the picture of my future. Here, I am ministering back to back at The Experience. With platforms like this, we are creating hope and a bright future for our young artists. We, as top gospel artistes must live a life worthy of emulations and we expect them to follow us as we follow Christ”, he said.

    Role of the church in raising new talents

    A front runner in gospel ministry and Publishers of Today’s Music, Mr Faith Ajiboye said that the need for the church to create platforms that will help up and coming artistes is crucial and imperative. A church like Christ Embassy is leading the way in raising new gospel artistes by setting up a studio and giving the artistes a platform to encourage them. Artistes like Buchi, Eben, Sinach, and Moses Bliss have benefited greatly from the church. The church must provide the opportunity for their artistes to ‘blow’ and find expression for their talents. The church must be deliberate in disciplining their congregants including their artistes. If our youths are properly disciplined, nothing outside of Christ will entice them. I have been singing since 1989 and am still here by the grace of God. It is a function of the teachings and training I had when I started that nothing in this world will move me away from Christ. Unfortunately, discipleship is not the emphasis in many churches today as prosperity and healing messages have become the priority. It is a dangerous trend for the church

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    “There is a level of discipleship that people receive that even if the church does not give them anything, they will stay there because they know their service is not to the church but to God. When you know that your service is to God, it does not matter what the world offers you, you will not look there. Teachings, discipleship, and training are major roles the church can play”, he said.

    Also, a musicologist, Professor Albert Oikelome said that the role of the church is so huge, stating that so many pop musicians started from the church and were given the foundation from the church, and because the church did not follow up on them, they left the church. Some people feel they should be given some incentives, which I think is okay. 

    Oikeolome, who was the  National Choir of Deeper Life Bible Church, said that the church gave incentives to it choir members in those days and it was indeed an enabler for them to come. The church has the money. The church has the style of music and a ready market for gospels talents. Every church is a market for gospel artists.

    He cited Christ Embassy as a church that has a huge market for talents. The church can boast of 100, 000 congregants, it is a huge market for talents. What the church leader or set man of the church needs to do is to raise the CD or Album of the artist in front of the church and the whole church will buy it. The church should encourage artists to create songs, and let them sing these songs. Some churches missed it at the beginning. What they refused to do in the 80s or ’90s with the thinking that when they supported their artistes, that would make them shine and if possible outshine their churches. All the so-called A-lists gospel ministers in Nigeria, a good number of them had their upbringing in Deeper Life. They will tell you they started in Deeper Life and because there were no opportunities for expression, they had to leave. They will tell you they started from Baptist. Micheal Jackson and Whitney Houston started at Baptist Church and because the church was highly conservative, it affected them. They are churches learning in a fast way, that are opening their doors to their gospel artises.

    Role of the artists

    Oikolome noted that artistes who hope to be great must be at the right place at the right time with the right people and under the right mentorship of the right personality. “Be in the right place means that there are places where they kill talents. There are a thousand and one place where talents can be appreciated. The Bible says that the talents God has given to you is to profit wither. Profitable to people around and the person himself. and if you are not profitable, you are the one to be blamed. If you have the right genre of songs, you can blossom where you are planted. If you feel you are planted in a place of tears. Times are of the essence to young people. It is like women who have biological clocks. Talents have a clock. Stay with people who understand you. Learn from young people like yourself. You have to search for yourself. You will find people who believe in you so you create your niche. Find a mentor. You cannot be an island. In looking for expression, look for mentors who can help you through those expressions. You can even work for free. You can’t replace experience with money.”

    Oikeolome posited that the disciples  for three years were under the apprenticeship of Christ. “I believe the apprenticeship is what a lot of youths are missing. You can gather your talents with people In the process of learning as an apprenticeship, you will learn so much you can see in schools. Duscin Oyekan started at a loss. He composed his songs years ago and they were not accepted but  with consistency he became one of the most sought after gospel artistes in Nigeria. Consistency  is the key, Oikeolome said.

  • Artistes are human too, says Davido on Peruzzi, Pemilerin clash

    Following the assault on social media influencer, Pamilerin Adegoke, by singer, Peruzzi, hip hop star Davido and On Air Personality Denrele Edun, have intervened.

    Taking to Twitter, Davido apologized on behalf of Peruzzi, who is his artiste and noted that artistes are also human and react to certain situations.

    “I apologize to you @thepamilerin on behalf of my brother and Artist @Peruzzi_VIBES he was wrong for putting his hands on you,” Davido tweeted.

    “But pple need to realize that we Artiste are human beings and we see everything! You said some harsh words too my brother and sometimes this thing dey pain.”

    Also, Denrele has called on both Peruzzi and Pamilerin to settle the issue amicably.

    Denrele naarated how the settlement took place at his new club in Bayelsa.

    “So I invited @thepamilerin &@Peruzzi_VIBES to my club opening in Bayelsa,” Denrele tweeted.

    “Both arrived at different times. I’ve known Pamilerin for years since we all went to Dubai recently for his birthday celebration; I wanted him to cum thru not only as an influencer but to unwind for a bit!

    “Peruzzi came down a few minutes after & whilst we were catching up about his great performance d nite before, d Protocol guys called for my attention. We all stepped outside to d car park & drifted apart.

    “Next minute, I heard d sound of a LOUD SLAP & there wz commotion everywhere.

    “Dis was no PUBLICIY STUNT! It happened for real. And im rili saddened by dis turn of events! I apolologize to every1 who had to witness dis & I honestly want 2 ask @thepamilerin &@Peruzzi_VIBES to settle this amicably. Off camera. Cos I know it’s brewing hot more than we can imagine.”

    However, Peruzzi in his apology to Pamilerin, noted that there’s a very thin line between opinion and insult.

    “Someone else is somewhere feeling hurt because you don’t see that very thin line between opinion and insult,” he said.

  • Artistes donate N.5m for Buhari’s re-election

    The Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Producers Association of Nigeria, (TAMPPAN) yesterday donated N500,000 for the  re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    At the event held in Surulere, Lagos, the President of TAMPPAN, Mr Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, lauded the performance of the Buhari administration.

    He said the donation is a contribution to the President Buhari’s campaign organisation.

    Amusan pledged the association’s commitment to support to President Buhari’s re-election.

    The group urged the government to carry along their members at all levels of governance.

    Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola received the cheque on behalf of the Buhari’s campaign organisation.

    Fashola urged the creative industry to deploy their talents to project positive values of integrity and dignity, which the President Buhari administration represents in the minds of the people.

    He said it had become imperative for Nigerians to understand that the cardinal issue of contest in the Saturday and March 2 general elections was that of the change ideology.

    He said the Buhari-led administration had continued to pursue this with verifiable indices in the best interest of the larger society rather than a few.

    Fashola also reminded them of showbiz stars in the West, like former US President Roland Reagan and former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who made mark in political office.

    He said: “It is important you continue to help propagate the message of change. And if you look in other jurisdictions, you will see that not only at election times do artistes and thespians play important roles in shaping the minds and the understanding of people.

    “They also actually get involved and throw their hearts in the ring to serve and I want to suggest that your case here should not be different.

    “So there is room for everybody but we need to get involved. You really need to get involved and there is a lot of work to do. We need every good hand that we can find.”

  • BABA SALA: What artistes are saying about the late comic icon

    The late Moses Olaiya Adejumo, popularly called Baba Sala was a phenomenal entertainer. Contemporaries and younger artistes attest to his amiability and creative resourcefulness in this report.

    I once broke my arm for Baba Sala –Mr. Latin

    “BABA Sala was a legend, a pathfinder who showed us the way to be the comedians that we are today. He showed us that indeed, there is money in comedy, and we can all see for ourselves today.

    “I once had a broken arm because of Baba Sala. I was in Ilesa in 2002, when he was being conferred with the title of Baba Aladure. I was one of the artistes invited, and as I got down, the crowd was overwhelming, and as they were struggling to greet me, my hand got broken and I nursed it for five months. But the good part was that he wrote me a letter, signed personally by him, that he appreciated my coming. He was a good man.”

     

    He was down to earth -Jide Kosoko

    “He was a nice man. A leader and someone most of us looked up to while growing up. He was so accommodating and contributed greatly to the theater, especially in comedy. I remember back then, we were having meeting and everyone kicked against him, but nobody was bold enough to tell him he had wronged us. As young as I was, I picked up courage and mentioned it to him that he had offended a lot of people, and right there, he prostrated to apologise to everyone. That is to show how humble he was. I pray that God grant him eternal peace.”

     

     

    Generations of artistes gained from his craft -Joke Silva

    “Baba Sala was an amazing man, a lot of generations of artistes gained from his craft. At the height of his career, his movie, I cannot remember the name of the movie that got dubbed and flooded the market before its release, which affected him financially. But for the love of the art, he continued and did not let that pull him down.”

     

     

     

    ODUNLADE ADEKOLA: He was and still a household name

    “What I can say about Baba Sala is that, he was a mega star, an icon. Baba Sala was everything that has to do with every household. He had stopped acting for some years and a 17-year-old can still say one or two things about him without seeing any of his movies. That is to tell you how great he was. I pray that he will rest in perfect peace.”

     

     

     

    He was my mentor – Gbenga Adeyinka

    “He was not just a comedian, but a national icon and treasure. He paved way for lots of us and what we are enjoying today. For me, who took him as a mentor, I hope that his name will not be forgotten on the face of the earth and that God give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

     

     

     

    SAIDI BALOGUN: He believed in the youth

    “He was a nice man, who believed in the youths. I had once worked with him. He had much passion for what he was doing. He did a movie, ‘Orun Mooru’, which was pirated, but he did not relent as he went ahead to produce another film titled ‘Mosebolatan’, to show that he did not give up. The difference between his work then and that of today is digital. I just pray that young comedians of today would come together and celebrate a legend of comedy.”

     

     

    Baba Sala never engaged in any deceitful act –Iya Rainbow

    “Baba Sala was a good man, humble and does not quarrel. He was a man that told the truth and a man of God to the core. I had known him for a very long time and I can tell that he does not engage in any deceitful act; he will say it the way it is, no matter the circumstances.”

  • I hope artistes will talk about social issues – Femi Leye

    Afro-jazz guitarist/vocalist Femi Leye, in this interview with Adefemi Bello, speaks on challenging moments on his career and also tasks Nigeria artistes on socio-consciousness among other issues.

    What are the good and bad moments you have experienced?

    I thank God where music has taken me today. I have performed within this country and out this country. Major challenges are acceptance of my music. You know, the type of my music that I do is very humbling. Of course, I have bad days. For instance, when you’re not being appreciated enough, not being called for gigs, concerts, because you’re not the pop culture thing they need. Those are hard times in (my) area of music career so far but faith has moved me this far.

    What are the things that inspired your EP Album ‘Ekaabo’?

    You know, the album was dropped in 2015 and it was a correlation of the kind of sounds I grew up with. It was a transition from African music to contemporary sounds and the two merged together; Tell the stories, things that had happened to me. Especially my belief system and all that memories gave birth to the ‘Ekaabo’ album. That was the inspiration.

    What was your experience performing at the ‘MINT’?

    It was actually my first time performing live at the ‘MINT’ at Lekki, Lagos Nigeria, but not the first time performing at such places. I have performed at different restaurants within Lagos, Abuja and outside the country. Also, I have done intimate shows like ‘Ekaabo’ concerts. It was not my first time, but was a great time performing to a listening audience; they are audience that have ready mind to receive the music and enjoy the music.

    Apart from your new single, ‘Asiko’, what sounds are you working on currently?

    Definitely, I’m working on new sounds. ‘Asiko’ happens to be one of the new tracks. As well, I am working on my new album which will be coming out soon. It’s going to reflect my musicality.

    What’s your experience working with Chidinma on the cover of Reminisce song?

    It was an amazing experience working with Chidinma. Initially, I worked with Reminisce on the original ‘Ponmile’ song, so his team got me to produce some of the remixes. Also did the one with Chidinma and Aramide. I have worked with so many artistes and I can say the vibe of each artist is different from the other.

    What is your take on the music video ‘This is Nigeria’ by Falz the Bahd guy?

    I think the video was very inspired. Falz happens to be an amazing guy that I so much respect and an amazing guy artistically. Bringing all that into one video talking about all that’s happening in Nigeria; that’s a great thing to do and I hope other artistes will start talking about social issues in our society and we build better nation by doing that.

    What advice will give Nigeria toward 2019 Election?

    What I will say is that 2019 election is coming. Everyone should get their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCS) to vote the right person that will effect change. My last words is that people should also pay attention to Afro jazz because there are amazing guys doing great works like me, Adekunle Gold, Simi, Johnny Drille and others.

  • Artistes, drummers for ‘Ariya Repete’ quarter finals

    Winners have emerged in the ‘Ariya Repete’ traditional music and drums talent hunt, sponsored by Goldberg Lager Beer for Nigerian Breweries.

    The talent hunt, which is aimed at developing drumming skills, Juju and Fuji music genres, while also rewarding up and coming acts in the music industry saw 52 winners emerging for the quarter finals.

    The audition and selection stage was held in eight cities including Sango Ota, Ogun State, Ado Ekiti, Akure, Lagos, Ilesha, Ilorin, Ibadan and Oyo where several contestants came to slug it out for a place in the quarterfinals of the competition.

    The Artistes and groups in the first and second round of auditions impressed the judges with their talents and craftsmanship. The Panel of judges were then able to make the final selection of artistes who qualified for the quarterfinal.

    Successful contestants will now go into the Ariya Repete Academy where they will go through mentorship and grooming from experienced musicians and managers.

    Among the panel who screened the qualifiers were Juju musicians, Wale Thompson of ‘Lalale Friday’ fame, Adebayo Faleke, ace radio broadcaster, Alhaji Sikiru Kolotiti Agboola, Alhaji Kabir Kehinde Akanni popularly known as Baby Barrister, Dele Bravo and Babatope Temidayo popularly known as “Puffy-Tee”.

    Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout brands, NBPlc, Emmanuel Agu, said that participants at this year’s edition of ‘Ariya Repete’ are competing for a bigger prize money compared to the previous editions, with the overall winner in each category carting away a grand prize of N2 Million.

    He further reaffirmed Nigerian Breweries’ commitment to discovering new talents in the two indigenous Yoruba music genres as well as in drumming.

    ‘Ariya Repete’ is an initiative of Goldberg premium quality lager beer.