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Tag: chocolate city

  • Chocolate city partners FG to transform National Film Institute

    Chocolate city partners FG to transform National Film Institute

    The Nigerian Government, through Barrister Hannatu Musawa led-Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy has entered into a partnership with entertainment company, Chocolate City Group, to transform the National Film Institute (NFI).

    The recently announced partnership in Cannes, France, is aimed at transforming the National Film Institute (NFI) into a world-class film school and production center.

    The agreement was signed during the Cannes Film Festival, where the Nigerian delegation made an impressive showing through the “Screen Nigeria” initiative.

    The NFI transformation forms a key component of the Nigerian government’s growth plan, “Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere,” which aims to create 2 million jobs and contribute $100 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2030 through expansion of the creative and tourism sectors. The partnership with Chocolate City Group will completely revitalize NFI’s facilities, curriculum, and industry connections while establishing international exchange programs with leading global film institutions.

    This agreement builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year in Abuja between the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy and Chocolate City Group.

    The partnership is also focused on developing small-scale live arenas nationwide, identifying and nurturing talent, creating global distribution channels for Nigerian content, and strengthening intellectual property frameworks.

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    It was further agreed that the ministry will support the project through the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Company (CTICo), the Federal Government’s new investment vehicle for catalytic infrastructure in the creative and tourism sectors. CTICo will provide strategic capital and oversight to ensure the transformation of NFI into a globally competitive institution is fully realized.

    Currently operating with limited production facilities, the NFI has struggled to meet growing demand from Nigeria’s booming film industry. Despite training hundreds of professionals who now work in Nollywood, the institute’s infrastructure has limited its ability to provide hands-on experience with current technologies.

    The institute will train 10,000 students over the next decade, with at least 2,000 graduates placed directly into industry jobs. Chocolate City Group will leverage its extensive network to secure sustainable funding and create pathways to employment across the global entertainment industry.

    Reinforcing the importance of education to Nigeria’s creative future, Audu Maikori, Chairman of Chocolate City Group, noted, “We’re witnessing Nigeria’s creative renaissance, and education is the foundation that will sustain it. Reimagining film education from the ground up will ensure we prepare students for existing opportunities and empower them to create new ones while putting Nigerian storytelling on the world stage.”

    Concluding, Abuchi Peter Ugwu, CEO of Chocolate City Music, explained, “We have two decades of experience nurturing Nigerian creative talents. Our goal with this partnership is to create an ecosystem that nurtures talent from concept to career. We will build a self-sustaining pipeline that transforms Nollywood’s potential into economic opportunity while establishing Nigeria as a creative and technical hub for global productions.”

  • Chocolate City unveils cypher in celebration of 50 years of hip-hop

    Chocolate City unveils cypher in celebration of 50 years of hip-hop

    In a tribute to the golden anniversary of Hip-hop, Chocolate City Music, renowned as a pioneer in the African music industry, proudly announces the release of the Chocolate City Cypher. The tribute track features an elite lineup of artists, including MI Abaga, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, A-Q, Loose Kaynon, and Blaqbonez, marking a celebration of the genre that has shaped generations.

    Since its emergence in the Bronx in the early 1970s, hip-hop has grown from a local movement to a global phenomenon, influencing fashion, language, and lifestyle. It has given a voice to the voiceless and brought diverse communities together. As hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, Chocolate City honours this legacy by showcasing the best of Nigerian hip-hop through the Chocolate City Cypher.

    Abuchi Peter Ugwu, CEO of Chocolate City Music, remarks, “From the days of MI’s groundbreaking hits to the current era of Blaqbonez, we have not only witnessed but also shaped the evolution of this genre in Nigeria. This Cypher celebrates that legacy and our ongoing commitment to hip-hop.”

    Chocolate City’s impact on Nigerian hip-hop can be traced back to the late 2000s, with MI’s “Safe” remix revolutionizing the industry. MI’s lyrical prowess and storytelling set a new standard in the Nigerian music scene, paving the way for future hip-hop artists to thrive. MI would go on to win the MTV Africa Music Awards as “Best New Act” in 2008 and numerous other awards for his hip-hop style. 

    The introduction of the Choc Boiz, a rap ensemble made up of MI, Jesse Jagz, and Ice Prince, marked a new era in Nigerian hip-hop, blending Afro beats with contemporary hip-hop rhythms and creating a unique sound that resonated across the continent.

    Post the Choc Boys era; Chocolate City has continued to shape the careers of some of the most respected names in Nigerian hiphop culture, providing a platform for rappers like Loose Kaynon, AQ, Pryse, Candy Bleakz and Blaqbonez. To date, the label has produced over 25 hiphop albums, stamping its authority as the number one hiphop label on the African continent. 

    Aibee Abidoye, VP of Music at Chocolate City Music, adds, “Through this Cypher, we’re weaving the past, present, and future of Nigerian hip-hop around music that fans will enjoy. The Chocolate City Cypher showcases our contribution to the genre and reminds us of its power to voice societal narratives. We’re proud to be a driving force in this journey.”

    The Chocolate City Cypher blends topical conversations articulated through brilliant wordplay and effusive lyrics. Each artist brings a unique style and perspective, ensuring that the Cypher resonates with a wide range of audiences. The track is available for download on all major digital music platforms. 

  • Mavin, YBNL, Chocolate city, others battle for Beatz Awards

    Mavin, YBNL, Chocolate city, others battle for Beatz Awards

    Organizers of the Beatz Awards have hinted that this year’s edition will be remarkable as all hands are on deck towards the successful execution of the event.
    In its second season, the award is targeted towards awarding creative professionals behind music production and business.
    Slated for December 17 at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, the event is expected to attract top players in t.
    In a keen contest at this year’s edition, DJ Coboulon, Cobhams, Pheelz, Mastercraft, Sarz and Selebobo will slug it out in the Best Producer of the Year category.
    Also, Don Jazzy-led Mavin Records will go head-to-head with YBNL, Starboy Music Worldwide, Fivestar, X3Music, G-world entertainment and Chocolate City for the Record Label of the Year category.
    The bloggers are not left out of the race as Linda Ikeji, Olorisuper Gal, Lazywrita, Bellanaija, Ynaija and The Bbbuzz wer also nominated in the Best Blog category.
    To be hosted by comedian Seyi law, The Beatz Awards, which is packaged by Lanre Makun, is an initiative of Eliworld international limited.

  • Chocolate City, Arewa24 to promote artistes

    The Chocolate City Group, a music, media and entertainment brand in Africa and AREWA24, the 24/7 Hausa entertainment and lifestyle television channel in the North, have announced a new show “Artist Showcase Series” meant to promote artistes from the North.

    It features some of the most talented and popular artistes from the North.

    Each of the short vignettes follows the musical journey of the Chocolate City artistes, from childhood to current status, and shines a spotlight on their inspiration from their home cultures and communities across the region.

    The artistes participating in the initial Chocolate City-AREWA24 showcase include Ruby Gyang, Jesse Jagz, Loose Kaynon, DJ Lambo and Chopstix.

    “We are excited and proud to work with AREWA24 in highlighting the tremendous contributions that our northern artistes are making to the Nigerian and African music scene, while looking forward to Northern Nigerian audiences getting to know not only the music, but also the personal side of our artistes,” Chocolate City Group’s co-founder and CEO Audu Maikori said.

    AREWA24’s Head of Programming and Production Bob Reid added: “These Artist Showcase vignettes will give our viewers a deeper appreciation for how influential the Hausa culture has been in shaping the talents of artists whose music has broad appeal beyond Northern Nigeria. We are delighted to tap into the wealth of Chocolate City Group’s amasing talent and believe our audiences will be pleasantly surprised to learn some new things about the artists, as well as to share the endless joy of their music.”

  • CHOCOLATE CITY EMBRACES FILM BUSINESS

    CHOCOLATE City Group, an indigenous Record Label is diversifying from its core business area of music, to television. Speaking to The Nation, the Label’s President, Audu Maikori spoke about the firm’s forthcoming movie, saying, “. . . It’s a comedy about the music business and will be unveiled next year, as we have made substantive progress.”

    Maikori said that in 10 years of its operation, the company has evolved and grown into a multi-million business. “Our company is worth about five million dollars, and making something in the region of twenty something million dollars, so I think that government should establish, not just by speech but also by actions that they are serious about the industry.”

    “The organisation also has in the works an event called Music Rules Africa; a Pan African conference that will celebrate music from all over Africa and form collaborations especially outside the country. Nigerians believe that Nigeria is the hub of the industry in Africa, but South Africa is actually the most viable country on the continent,” he quipped.

  • How to be a member of Chocolate City, by MI

    How to be a member of Chocolate City, by MI

    AS Chocolate City held its first press conference under the leadership of its new CEO, Jude Abaga, better known as MI, The Chairman has reeled out some of the conditions artistes must possess if they must get signed on to the record label.

    According to Abaga, any artiste with the intent of working under the label must be hard working and should have been able to record close to 100 songs. The person, he said, must have about 10,000 followers.

    He also stated that the artiste must have a home base, meaning that he or she must first be a star wherever they are residing.

    “This is very important. Because there will be no need for you to say, ‘give me a chance’. They love fame, spotlight, and money. But that is the secret. You have to be a fan of music first, because the people you call mentors have a large knowledge of music,” the ‘short black boy’ stated.

    Currently, the label has the likes of Jesse Jagz, Pryse, VK, Koker, DJ Lambo, and Ruby under its wings.

    M.I is a Nigerian hip hop recording artist and the current CEO of Chocolate City Music. He has won several awards including the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009. He was nominated in the Best International Act category at the BET Awards 2010. He rose to prominence in 2006 when his song, Crowd Mentality, became popular in his hometown of Jos. On December 11, 2008, M.I released his critically acclaimed debut album, Talk about It.

    M.I is famed for having moderated the former Governor of Lagos State Babatunde Raji Fashola’s first ever Google+ hangout on energy conservation.

  • Audu Maikori hands Chocolate City to MI

    Audu Maikori hands Chocolate City to MI

    The burden of running one of Nigeria’s biggest record labels, Chocolate City, has fallen on the shoulders of one of the nation’s rap champions, Jude Abaga, aka Mr Incredible. Though the former CEO of the label, Audu Makori hinted that he would be handing over the baton in July, it still came as a shock to many.

    However, once he was confirmed as the newest boss in town on Tuesday, MI got the entire Chocolate City family together to make a short appreciation video which he posted on Instagram. “On behalf of Chocolate City, we just want to say big thank you to the greatest CEO ever, Audu Makori’, he said in the 15 seconds clip. This was followed by shouts of ‘thank you Audu’ by those featured in the video.

    He also captioned the clip; “Big thanks greatest CEO ever @audumaikori the real MVP you have blessed lives.. Changed destinies.. Affected your generation.. History will sing your praises… God Bless you Sir!!!”

    After 10 years of hard work, Audu Makori handed over the reins of Chocolate City yesterday to MI while Panshak ‘Ice Prince’ Zamani comes as the Vice President of the music label.

    It will be recalled that in April 2015, at the Nigeria Entertainment Conference, Maikori hinted of his resignation, which got MI commending him.

    Maikori has also congratulated his former Vice, MI Abaga, on his new role. “The New CEO of @choccitymusic is @MI_Abaga ! Congratulations to a great leader and partner! The New Vice President at Chocolate City Music is @Iceprincezamani ! Congratulations to you my brother,” Makori announced.

  • Chocolate City artistes to release joint album

    Chocolate City artistes to release joint album

    The newly restructured Chocolate City Music label has finally confirmed the collaboration project involving its artistes.

    The compilation album, titled The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation, will feature all the stars and related artistes on the Chocolate City – Loopy Music roster, and will be released this week for free streaming exclusively on Star Music App, according to its management.

    Featured in the album are Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, M.I, Nosa, Ruby Gyang, Victoria Kimani, Pryse, DJ Lambo, DJ Caise, Loose Kaynon and Dice Ailes amongst others.

    The label members of the former Chocolate City have been in the news a lot lately, ever since the surprise return of Jesse Jagz to the label, as well as the release of critically acclaimed singles Summer Time and Suite 99.

    Speaking about the recent development, M.I. said; “We are very proud and excited to enter this new chapter in our individual and collective careers and are particularly delighted to partner with the premier Nigerian music mobile and web platform to bring music to our fans. We have such good music for our fans, and we are eager to explore this avenue for reaching them.”

    He also confirmed that a general release of the album will then follow two weeks after its exclusive release on the app.

  • Choc City stars to release album

    After weeks of speculations, the rumoured collaboration project from the newly restructured Chocolate City Music label has finally been confirmed. The compilation album called “The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation” will feature all the stars on the Chocolate City – Loopy Music roster and related artistes and will be released this week for free streaming exclusively on Star Music App.

    It will be recalled that during MI’s presentation, the new record label, a merger of Audu Maikori‘s Chocolate City and M.I’s Loopy Music was announced at the 2015 Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive 3) on April 22, 2015 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Chocolate City have been in the news lately after the surprise return of Jesse Jagz to the label and the social scene has been buzzing with the latest singles, Summer Time and Suite 99 which were released first on the Star Music App.

    Speaking exclusively to Star Music, M.I. said, “We are very proud and excited to enter this new chapter in our individual and collective careers and are particularly delighted to partner with the premier Nigerian music mobile and web platform to bring the music to our fans. We have so much good music for our fans and we are eager to explore this avenue for reaching them.”

    M.I. also confirmed that a general release of the album will then follow two weeks after its exclusive release on the app.

  • Jesse Jagz returns to Chocolate City

    Jesse Jagz returns to Chocolate City

    Popular rapper, Jesse Jagz Abaga, has returned to his former record label, Chocolate City, if reports are anything to go by.

    According to inside sources, the artiste is back with Chocolate City, a label he quitted two years ago, amidst controversy.

    Jagz is younger brother of M.I, Vice President of Chocolate City and friend of Ice Prince, another staunch member of the label, but his relationship with the latter could not influence his earlier decision to quit the label.

    The singer, rapper and music producer is the head of Jagznation, a label he founded after his exit from Chocolate City in 2013.

    Now after two albums, Jagz is set to reunite with his friends and ex-labelmates, M.I Abaga and Ice Prince.

    In 2013, Jagz left Chocolate City, the label under which he launched his music career, citing ‘need to focus on his career’ as reason. However, in a recent development, an undisclosed source said; “Jesse is reuniting with Chocolate City,” adding that “a deal has been struck which would enable him return to the label.”

    Since leaving Chocolate City, he has released two albums, Jagznation Volume 1 and 2, which has further proved his position in the country as an amazing rapper.

    Commenting on the initial departure of the artiste from Chocolate City, MI said; “I think when Jesse left, it was a different relationship than when Brymo left. Generally, the whole affair was very messy, but we had it easier than a lot of other people, if you look at Mohits and the other labels that had issues. It is a very tough and competitive industry. It is easy for people to write and talk about it, but it is very painful when you are inside. We just wish everybody well in this industry.”

    Reports have it further that Jagz’s return will be officially announced by the label in the coming weeks.