The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagbaja

  • Lagbaja, Simi exchange love letters

    SONOROUS songstress, Simi, has described  her performance on same stage with Afrojazz genius, Lagbaja, as a milestone in her music career.

    Both artistes had performed at the Abuja version of Johnnie, Jazz & Whisky (JJW), where they thrilled fans to the best of their songs and stagecraft.

    She described Lagbaja as a legend, and their performance together as time of her life.

    “So yesterday I met a LEGEND!!! I had the time of my life #JJW #LivingMyDreams #GodisGood  – @officiallagbaja,” she wrote on IG.Lagbaja in his response called her an angel: “How many of you got to see this beautiful mashup with the lovely @symplysimi? She’s an angel,” he stated.

    Simi’s disposition may have stemmed from the larger-than-life image the Afrojazz maestro evokes in the African music scene and beyond.

    Simi was just five years old when Lagbaja released his first album,‘Ikira’ in 1993 and had not started recording professionally, when Lagbaja clinched the Channel O Music Video Award for ‘Never Far Away’, the song the duo re-enacted with their performance at the JJW concert.

    The post which has garnered over 50, 000 likes and 1, 260 comments at the time of this report, highlighted more ecstatic fans who are joyful for the singer, while requesting for a collaboration from the duo.

    JJW is the premier platform for live performances sponsored by Johnnie Walker Black Label. The last session was held in Abuja on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at the Central Park.

  • JJW: Simi burns for a performance with Lagbaja

    Multiple award-winning singer, Simi, is all set for an evening of fun and music, as she thrills her fan in Abuja today.

    In the event tagged, Johnnie, Jazz & Whisky (JJW), Simi said she is ready to storm the stage and give her fans  her best, just as she longs to perform on the same stage with notable Afrojazz musician, Lagbaja at the event.

    “As an artist I appreciate my flavour of music and there are other flavours that have stuck with me through time, like what Lagbaja for instance brings to hearts and minds of many; it’s often edgy and smooth at the same time.  I have always wondered what my creamy and tropical flavour would be like if it mixed with Lagbaja’s smoky feel. I think you and I can find that out at the JJW in Abuja.”

    Talking about the show, the X3M music act said, “Music and I are one and the same; we are pretty much inseparable- its gentle rhythm and pulsating notes; I’m simply lost without music. All music lovers have different flavours, but I would describe my blend of musical flavour as creamy and tropical. It just can’t help but take you places in your head.”

    JJW is Nigeria’s premier afro-jazz platform showcasing the true beauty of a live performance. Each JJW night is best described as a blend of music and flavours.

  • JJW: Simi burns for a performance with Lagbaja

    Multiple award-winning singer, Simi, is all set for an evening of fun and music, as she thrills her fan in Abuja this Saturday.

    In the event tagged, Johnnie, Jazz & Whisky (JJW), Simi said she is ready to storm the stage and give her fans more than her best, just as she longs to perform on the same stage with notable Afrojazz musician, Lagbaja at the event. 

    “As an artist I appreciate my flavor of music and there are other flavours that have stuck with me through time, like what Lagbaja for instance brings to hearts and minds of many; It’s often edgy and smooth at the same time.  I have always wondered what my creamy and tropical flavor would be like if it mixed with Lagbaja’s Smoky feel…. I think you and I can find that out at the JJW in Abuja.”

    Talking about the show, the X3M music act said, “Music and I are one and the same; we are pretty much inseparable – Its gentle rhythm and pulsating notes; I’m simply lost without music. All music lovers have different flavours, but I would describe my blend of musical flavour as Creamy and Tropical; it just can’t help but take you places in your head.”

    JJW is Nigeria’s premier afro-jazz platform showcasing the true beauty of a live performance. Each JJW night is best described as ‘A blend of music & flavours’.

  • JJW: Lagbaja returns with Simi

    A frojazz singer, Bisade Ologunde, aka Lagbaja has returned to Nigeria after a long while, and will be performing at the Johnnie, Jazz & Whisky (#JJW); Nigeria’s premier Afrojazz platform in Abuja, where sonorous songstress, Simi is also billed to perform.

    The event which kicks off at 7pm on Saturday July 28, 2018 at Central Park Arena, Abuja, will have the superstars deliver performances at an evening of good conversation, networking and diverse blends of the famous Johnnie Walker Black Label.

    Simi, while foretelling the evening as a night of music and flavours in a promotional video, says: “I have always wondered what my creamy and tropical flavour would be like if it mixes with Lagbaja’s Smoky feel. I think you and I can find that out at the Johnnie Jazz & Whisky in Abuja.”

  • ‘Lagbaja girl’ opens up on stage play, ‘August Meeting’

    ‘Lagbaja girl’ opens up on stage play, ‘August Meeting’

    Many know her as the backup and lead vocalist for Afrobeat artiste, Lagbaja but singer and songwriter, Ego Ogbaro, is much more than that. She is currently starring in the stage play, August Meeting directed by Kenneth Uphopho.

    In a chat with The Nation, she admits that though she is known more for her exploits with Lagbaja’s band, she also has an acting career going.

    “A lot of people don’t know that I’ve been acting. I’ve always liked acting, especially stage drama,” she opens up.

    Speaking on the upcoming production, she says that it is a topic dear to her heart, especially as it is gender-sensitive themed play.

    “You should expect a lot of fun. It is a serious topic but we tried to put some laughs into it. But at the end of the day, we tried not to lose the seriousness of what we are talking about,” she said.

    Explaining the theme ‘August Meeting’ seeks to explore, she said that the drama talks about women, the tough times they face, and the difficult situations they find themselves.

    “There is widowhood, there is bareness. These are things that a lot of women have been going through, and they are still going through it. It was set in the early 1900s, basically 1929 to 1930, but it is still something that a lot of women relate with because it is something that is going on now. Not just in Nigeria. We just want to talk about that,” she revealed.

    She is also known to play a recurring role in acclaimed TV series, ‘Tinsel’. And although she joined the set two years ago, she’s not a regular feature. However, between music and acting, she admits that music is her first love.

    “I think they both depend on each other. Because I do a lot of stage plays, I get to sing in them, especially if it’s a musical. That way, my career as a musician comes in handy. Also, when I’m singing, sometimes I get to do a bit of acting. But if you ask me, I would say I am more inclined towards music,” she says.

    Ogbaro was lead vocalist for Lagbaja for 12 years before going solo in 2017. She released her debut album, ‘FirSTeps’ in 2013 and has been performing with her band, Indigo for over 10 yrs. As a stage actor, she was part of the Wole Oguntokun’s ‘Vagina’ and ‘Tarzan”’ monologues in 2010. She currently plays Dr Raji on Mnet’s Tinsel.

  • BETWEEN LAGBAJA AND BIGGIE

    BETWEEN LAGBAJA AND BIGGIE

    ONE of the myths of the Big Brother show is the voice of the chief voyeur and instructor called Biggie. He is to be heard, not seen; neither by the housemates nor the fans of the show – only by his clients who would do anything to conceal his identity.

    The curious case of this stern and sometimes genial personality, one could say is similar to that of Nigeria’s mask styled Afrocentric singer, Bisade Ologunde, aka Lagbaja, who separates his career personality from his person.

    But just as some people have bumped into the singer without his mask, many would have bumped into Biggie without knowing he is the one.

    Such is a celebrity status that celebrates the inner person and painfully so, a stardom that is concealed by contract.

    Those who think they know big brother were wrong, because the organisers are smarter to modulate the voice even further. Come to think of it, it is a serious disservice to try to know the face behind the voice, as to give up his alibi, as such revelation would mean the end of a contract for the ‘spirit’ man.

    The only set of people who know Biggie so well are the housemates who, although have not seen him physically, but have come to build a mental image, going by their daily interaction had some sense of intimacy.

    Indeed, Big Brother is all you need to know of him. He is a voice, not a person in a way. That is why he’d always respond to the housemates’ greeting by saying: ‘Big Brother is fine, Big Brother is always fine.’

    Those who follow the show closely would tell you that each time you think you have Biggie figured out; he takes an entirely different direction.

    Few weeks back, the task by Biggie was centered on art, and housemates were asked to allow their imagination gallop away as they draw what they imagine an invisible force like Big Brother, who is everywhere and sees everything, would look like if he were a human being. The outcome was very interesting.

    Efe came up with an interesting picture that depicted Biggie as a faceless, yet ubiquitous person who sees everything. Debie Rise depicted Biggie as a father figure who is warm and stern at the same time, while TTT drew Biggie as a faceless yet omnipresent person.

    Uriels’ imagination had to do with a man who wore glasses and was part of the beard gang, while TBoss depicted him as a Cyclops with one eye that could see everything. She even gave him a funny hairdo. As for Marvis, she just scrawled the word ‘Big Brother’ and perched a crown at the end of the word Big, while Kemen’s picture was a bit confusing. The only visible thing on it is the Big Brother logo.

    While listening to their reasons for picturing him the way they did, Big Brother commended housemates and told them that the Big Brother house was also a forum for continuous and constant learning as well as an avenue for showcasing their creativity.

    Indeed, housemates captured the many faces of Big Brother and as eviction day drew closer, no one knew which face Big Brother was going to put on in this game where a whopping N25 million is at stake.

    Indeed the housemates were all correct; Biggie was everything they ever painted, even more than they ever imagined.

  • Reason I’m still relevant, by Lagbaja

    Reason I’m still relevant, by Lagbaja

    Bisade Ologunde, better known as Lagbaja has said the reason he is still relevant in the music industry is because he was strict with the business side of his music.

    The masked singer made this known while giving his view on intellectual property rights viz-a-viz the scourge of piracy bedeviling the music sector, during the second day of the COSON week which held last Monday at the Sheraton Hotel and Suites, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Themed Intellectual Property rights in the Digital Economy, Lagbaja, in his opening submission on the panel, said: “Bill Gates is the richest man in the world because he created the software used by computers, and until recently did not build computers, only writing the software programs that run the computers. Unfortunately, in our country, we do not respect the intellectual property rights of people.” At present, the punishment for pirating the creative work of someone is a paltry fine which is nothing more than a pat on the back.”

    Decrying the absence of stringent punishment to serve as a deterrent to those who break copyright laws, he said, “Even seven million naira is a small fine. When you ask a pirate to pay a fifty million or a hundred million naira fine, he will think twice about breaking the law. ”

    Lagbaja lent his voice to the cry of Nigerian entertainers against the scourge of piracy, and the Alaba Boys, saying; “When you hear Happy Birthday to you played on radio, or a public place, someone gets paid. That someone is the person who wrote the song”. In the same vein, “Seventy years after my death, my heirs have the right to enjoy the royalties from my work should anyone decide to use my song as their movie soundtrack.”

    Lagbaja who was also decried the unserious attitude of musicians to matters that concern them said, “My colleagues in the industry who need this knowledge are not here, but will show up for the red carpet event, which they feel is more important. Lagbaja is happening today because I learnt to take care of the business side.”

  • I’D LOVE TO TO WORK WITH LAGBAJA

    I’D LOVE TO TO WORK WITH LAGBAJA

    Many artists struggle to establish their musical identity, laboriously trying on different musical styles like a piece of clothing, looking to find what fits. But there are others that emerge fully formed, in full command of their craft, their identity and their music. Jesci fits firmly in the latter category. In this interview with EZEALI CHIJIOKE, he reveals the release of his sophomore track ‘Turn Upside Down Featuring Efa’ and other issues

    What does your name ‘Jesci’ mean?

    Well, my full name is Joseph Chidike Kwame George Nnadede. I grew up being called ‘J.C’ which is an abbreviation of my first and second names. In secondary school, I had this skill of giving my friends suitable and dope nick names for a fair price. So, I thought I should coin one for myself too, so I transformed ‘J.C’ to Jesci. To me, Jesci means freedom.

    How did your foray into music start?

    I’m going to risk sounding cliché but I never chose music; music and entertainment generally chose me. I’m quite shy and reserved as a person. The only thing that brings me alive is music. As a kid, I was the youngest in the choir; I was an alto singer then and was popular at that stage.I headlined stage drama performances, formed an acapella group in secondary school.In short, I’ve being doing this all my life. After leaving Federal Polytechnic NekedeOwerri in 2012 where I studied Mass Communication. I tried out music a bit, but the struggle was not easy at all; affording to work with good hands and gaining recognition was a huge task. I later chose to practice Journalism, as it was the closest thing to my passion at that point. Well, it has been quite a journey. I released my official debut single, I Need You earlier this year (2015) and I thank God for the level we’ve attained so far.

    What was the inspiration behind I Need You?

    I Need You is a song I wrote in junior grade, JSS2 thereabout. It’s so special because it played in my head everyday and I thank God I am able to share it. It’s a song that connotes passionate and unconditional love and it has received massive airplay and I am grateful. I’m going to be revealing this for the first time.Before I recorded I Need You, I was working on a beat music producer, DreyBeats to record a track and he promised to get Skales on the remix. To shorten the story, DreyBeats surprisingly stopped responding to calls, so I moved on. While voicing the track at my friend Smokey Tunes’ studio, I asked him to stop recording that I felt like doing another song entirely. At that point I chose to record I Need You. God works miraculously you see.

    Tell us about your new single titled; Turn Upside Down?

    My debut single opened a lot of doors for me but I’m turning the tempo up in this new single produced by SmokeyTunes and featuring prolific rapper, Efa. Turn Upside Down is a twist from the regular Turn Up phrase. It started out as freestyle and along the line; I knew I needed Efa on the track because of his style of rap. Turn Upside Down is massive. Expect nothing less.

    What kind of music would you say you do?

    I am not the kind of artiste you can easily put in a box or classify. The reason is because I grew up listening to different kinds of music and that really widened my sense and taste of music. I am very unpredictable, even in listening to music. At my formative stage, I listened to a lot of Elvis Presley, UB40, Mariam Makeba, Fela, Obewe, Abba, MJ, Led Zeppelin, Celine Dion, Cold Play and so many more. I know people find it easier when they can easily put you in a box and say, “he’s a reggae, R&B, rock or pop singer.”But for me, my music is an invention. I’m just a musician.

    The music industry is booming with new acts emerging everyday.How do you plan to handle the competition?

    There is definitely no competition. We have different stories, experiences, influences and characteristics. One can only use one’s ingenuity to make one’s previous work one’s competition.

    How has the relative success of your debut song I Need You affected you?

    I am very grateful to God for giving me the talent and inspiration to get to this point. I also appreciate those who are supporting the movement. I have tens of songs written on my diary and I Need You, by my judgement, isn’t amongst the top twenty. But it has really established me as a music artiste in the business; I’ve been to several shows and gigs, not to mention the fair endorsement deals I have bagged. I’m simply grateful

    How did your parents react when they found out you were doing music?

    I’m not sure my dad has found out yet though he knows I’m an entertainer. He noticed when I played football, when I joined the choir and come home late from rehearsals, when I bombarded our small living space with costumes and all but he never complained because I always came top in class. That was my saving grace. My mom is late. She died when I was about three years old.She’s Ghanaian.

    Have do you relate to your female fans?

    Well, anywhere anytime I come across female fans, it’s all love and respect. I call them my ‘Homies’

    What is your relationship status?

    My relationship with God is tight! For me, I’m very reserved. That part of my life is pretty private. Until I say there is someone, let’s assume there is no one.

    What’s your inspiration?

    God, nature, my environment and music. Sometimes, I listen to songs, I learn from others mistakes and I create something fresh.

    Which Nigerian acts would you love to work with it?

    It depends on the song I’m working on and the direction I might want to take it. But by default, I would love to work with Lagbaja, Asa, 2Baba, Burna Boy, Wande Coal and Styl-plus though I learnt they split up.

    What are your Hobbies?

    Writing, sketching, beat boxing, playing video games, watching animated films, comedy movies and surfing the Internet. You can find me on YouTube any day checking stuffs out. That’s how I roll.

    How would you describe your fashion sense?

    ‘Freedom’…Nobody dictates trends to me. I’m hip yet classy in dressing. I do what I want regardless of whom is having sleepless nights over it. I dress ‘Me’.

  • Lagbaja hits Obasanjo in satire video

    Lagbaja hits Obasanjo in satire video

    In what fans and music lovers describe as overkill, Afrobeat singer, Bisade Ologunde, better known has Lagbaja, has parodied two-time Nigerian leader, General Olusegun Obasanjo, in the video of the song, 200 Million Mumu.

    Lagbaja is seen as going overboard in the satirical video when he takes shots at ex-president Obasanjo, making mockery of his failed third term bid, among many other issues. The video shows the caricature of Obasanjo addressing a society that cannot do anything about the decisions their leaders make, saying; “there is nothing that I have wanted that God has not given me, except a third term.”

    It would appear that Lagbaja is becoming more vocal in the nation’s political space. He recently declared publicly that he has picked up his Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) while stating that he wants the incumbent President, Goodluck Jonathan, out of office in the forthcoming presidential election.

    The Koko Below singer, who is also a Glo ambassador, shared a photo of his PVC on Facebook with the caption: “Congratulations Nigeria! I don collect my Voter’s Card and there will be no 2nd term for President Jonathan.” The singer noted that the Jonathan-led administration has not been people-oriented as he had wanted it to be.

  • Lagbaja dazzle at Glo Privé

    Lagbaja dazzle at Glo Privé

    IN a night of glitz and razzamatazz attended by over 400 hundred guests, Globacom subscribers were recently treated to top-notch entertainment at the unveiling of Glo Prive at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel, Lagos.

    Multi-talented guitar maestro, Bez Idakula, performed four of his popular numbers, including the monster hit, Stupid Song, which got some members of the audience dancing.

    The dance drama tagged Full Circle presented by Terra Kulture was the icing on the cake of the night as the 50-member cast took attendees on a century- long odyssey of epic musicals in an ancient and modern alternative format.

    The dance drama, which opened with a classroom setting of medical students attired in white overcoats and discussing the usefulness of music, dove-tailed into a rendition of a popular Yoruba folklore music, Epo nbe.

    Whilst the students were singing, their lecturer sauntered into the classroom to ask for the definition of anatomy. The students gave unsatisfactory answers, which led to an extended dialogue on the composition of music between the students and their lecturer.

    The lecturer reminisced about Moremi, a song composed by the late Duro Ladipo as well as the philosophical melodies by the late Hubert Ogunde to which his students countered with a beautiful and choreographed rendition of Diana Ross’ He lives in you. It then morphed into a graphic display of dances across the ages, with appropriately dressed dancers performing Tango, Twist, Tch-Cha, capping it with the modern chicken dance.

    This kaleidoscopic exploration of music and dances across the years with matching costumes was greeted with applause and the drama gave vignettes of artistes like Osibisa with the ipi tombi rendition, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Kenny Rodgers and a re-enactment of love scenes from “Grease” and “Saro, the musical”.

    By far, the biggest surprise of the evening was the performance of Ego Ogbaru with her former leader, Lagbaja, through a duet and collabo on the popular Always on My Mind song.