The Nation Newspaper

Tag: MI

  • 2BABA, MI REJECT BABYLON IN NEW SINGLE

    2BABA, MI REJECT BABYLON IN NEW SINGLE

    TWO of Africa’s biggest musicians, 2Baba and MI, have come together to deliver yet another smash hit song titled Babylon.

    According to some lyrics on the song, “oh Jah my country is in problem, we voted for change and now it seems the change cannot solve them all. The politicians is Babylon eating while all the masses are going hungry to the point that we carry gun, Oh lord the people are hurting, the people are searching nothing is working and oh lord the people are crying the rulers are lying “

    “And at the end of the night everything will be alright don’t ever give up the fight whatever pattern you choose though you gat nothing to lose try not to be used, don’t let the devil to use you”

    Babylon is a song that preaches hope for the Nigerian people and everyone who’s facing difficult time to embrace peace while the struggle last.

    They both delivered suiting lyrics with each artiste showing why they are Africa’s favorites.

    Both artistes had collaborated on songs in the past including Be there and Nobody.

  • Banky W, MI, others grace Jacaranda opening

    Banky W, MI, others grace Jacaranda opening

    With the aim of boosting nightlife in Lagos and improving the gaming culture of Nigerians, Jacaranda Casino, last Friday, opened a new outlet in Lagos. Joining its three other outlets in Abuja, Imo and Port Harcourt, the management of the casino stated that with the opening, Lagos State just became a much more fun place to be.
    The opening, which witnessed the presence of crème de la crème of the Lagos social circles including big names in the entertainment and business world, took place at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, where the casino is situated.
    Addressing the media, prior to the opening party, Group Managing Director of Jacaranda Casinos, John Storey, said that the decision to open another outlet stems from his love for Nigeria.
    “We have been here for about nine years now and this is out fourth casino. This is our new flagship. We decided to be a new part of the Nigerian night life. When we first came in, we found that the hotels were pretty boring in Nigeria. That was many years ago. Casino business in Nigeria is just at its infancy. Nigerians are just getting used to night life so with this opening, Lagos has become a much more fun place to be,” he said.
    For Yahaya Maikori, a director at Jacaranda Casino, there is no better time to launch in Lagos than now.
    “We have a huge gaming culture in this country, it’s just that we are being private about it. We are bringing an international standardised facility that is comparable to any other facility outside the country. We are bringing a facility that Nigerians will be proud of, that they will be able to spend time in and enjoy themselves. It is our hope that we will open a big business, employ more Nigerians and list Jacaranda in the Nigerian Stock Exchange sooner than later,” he added.
    Compered by Freeze of cool FM, among those present were Banky W, Shina Peller, MI. Others who attended the unveiling were Goodie Ibru, Chairman Sheraton Hotel, Lanre Gbajabiamila, Chairman Lagos State Lottery Commission and a host of others. The event was sponsored by Red Bull and D’usse Cognac among others.

  • STARMUSICTREK: MI, JESSE JAGZ TO PERFORM IN BENIN

    STARMUSICTREK: MI, JESSE JAGZ TO PERFORM IN BENIN

    MI and his brother Jesse Jagz have been billed to perform together today in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.

    The show, which is scheduled to hold at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, follows last weekend’s outing in Sapela, Delta State.

    •MI
    •MI

    Although MI and Jesse are brothers, they will be making a rare joint appearance onstage at the concert.

    This is also coming after MI took over as Chairman of Chocolate City and Jesse finding his path of return to the label.

    The Benin show which is tagged #BeninRocks will also feature artistes such as Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Sheyi Shay, DJ Neptune, DJ Switch and hometown girl Cynthia Morgan.

    “I can’t wait to get in front of the crowd in Benin City and show them what I have for them. It’s going to be a party,” said MI.

    Following BeninRocks! The 2015 Star Music Trek will move to Ibadan on August 22 and will round off in Lagos on August 29.

  • STAR MUSIC TREK: 2FACE, YEMI ALADE, MI, KCEE, OTHERS EXCITE FANS

    STAR MUSIC TREK: 2FACE, YEMI ALADE, MI, KCEE, OTHERS EXCITE FANS

    IT was home-coming for 2Face Idibia, who was at the show group mate, Faze of the defunct Plantashun Boiz. But with an impressive line-up of artistes that include Kcee, Yemi Alade, MI, Jo El and Runtown, Makurdi, the Benue State capital came alive last Saturday when the Star Music Trek team stormed the city.

    It was the kick-off leg of the second phase of the pan-Nigerian road show, which also had top-rated Deejays such as, Dj Neptune, DJ and Tony Blaze, and hosted by popular Master of Ceremonies, Gbenga Adeyinka.

    Staged at the IBB Square arena, the show wore a carnival-like atmosphere, featuring amazing performances from upcoming local talents who were given the opportunity to perform on stage.

    Dance crew the Tythanz started the show with a dance medley, which ended with Jo El’s popular single, Oya Now. Jo El then emerged for a surprise cameo appearance, which got one of the loudest cheers of the night.

    Next on the list was Runtown who made an energetic debut on this year’s edition of Star Music Trek. The artiste drew from his songs such as Gallardo, Successful, The Banger, Bend Down Pause and The Latest.

    KceeKCee who thrilled the crowd for about 30 minutes brought his A-game to bear, performing songs like the popular Pullover, Limpopo, Hakuna Matata and Your Face. Adding to the excitement, the Limpopo master as he is fondly called, gave out N70, 000 to two lucky members of the audience following an impromptu dance contest.

    One of the cheering moments of the night happened when Yemi Alade who just won the Best Female Act at the 2015 MAMAs, made a grand entrance with the smash hit Taking Over Me. This was followed by renditions of the popular Johnny, Kissing, Na God, Tangerine and a number of other successful singles off her award-winning debut album.

    With tracks like Kolomental, My brother and Originality, Faze evoked memories of his return to the music scene a few years back. MI then showed up in a haze of smoke and flashing lights and the crowd promptly went berserk.

    He performed Monkey, Beef, Bullion Van and finally, the popular African Rapper Number One. And similar to Kcee’s stunt, MI who spotted a fan reciting his lyrics perfectly invited him to the stage, took off his Gold MK watch and gave it to the bewildered fan.

    And then came the moment everyone had been waiting for  hometown hero 2Face finally made his appearance onstage with the frenzied hometown crowd struggling with the stage security. Quickly, he launched into his considerable catalogue of hits with songs like Rainbow,  Implication, One love, African Queen and several others.

  • Star Trek resumes with 2Face, MI, Yemi Alade, others 

    Star Trek resumes with 2Face, MI, Yemi Alade, others 

    The popular pan Nigerian concert, Star Music Trek, sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc., will resume its second leg in Makurdi, this Saturday.

    Scheduled for the IBB Square, beginning from 7pm, the concert is expected to feature performances by some of the biggest names on the Nigerian music scene, such as 2Face, MI, Faze, Yemi Alade, KCee, Runtown, DJ Neptune and DJ Tony Blaze.

    Returning its regular host, Gbenga Adeyinka, the show had earlier held in Calabar, Abakaliki and Awka. Organisers say the second phase “aims to continue with the theme of inspiration and promoting success by inspiring youths with captivating performances in Makurdi, Sapele, Auchi, Ibadan and Lagos.”

    Speaking on the upcoming concert tagged #MakurdiRocks! 2Face who hails from Benue State said, “This is where it all began for me so obviously it’s a highly emotional experience. It’s a bit like a homecoming and I can’t wait to get in front of the crowd in my home state and show them some of the love they have showed me. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to perform for my people at home on such a large national platform. Credit to Star Lager.”

    According to the Corporate Media & Brand PR Manager, NB Plc, Edem Vindah, “Star Lager is committed to providing a platform to inspire Nigerian youths wherever they may be, and #MakurdiRocks! is another instance of this. We are particularly excited to present 2Face to his hometown crowd in Benue State for inspiration to Benue youths.”

    Next to the Makurdi show are the other ones in Sapele on August 8, Auchi on August 15, Ibadan on August 22 and Lagos on August 29.

  • MI urges students to follow social trend

    Top Nigerian rapper and new boss of Chocolate City, M.I Abaga has lauded the contribution of digital devices to the advancement of the Nigerian music industry.

    The artiste whose new single, Monkey, has almost turned a street anthem, stated this while addressing students at the second edition of the Edge Series Students Summit 2015 with the theme, “How To Drive A Digital Economy”.

    “Gone are the days whereby people struggle to have songs on their phones and other devices. Songs can now be downloaded for free.Even albums can be sold online which makes things easier and accessible.” MI said.

    According to him, “the music industry can be regarded as the next big thing in the world. Musicians are now brand ambassadors, which authenticates the fact that the music industry is one to be reckoned with.”

    The prolific rapper further urged the students to pursue their dreams and never relent.

    M.I rounded off his presentation by giving the audience a tidbit performance of Monkey.

    The event which lasted for hours had speakers that challenged the students to be proactive in following social trend. They include International Communication Consultant, Gina London; Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria and Kabelo Makwane, among others.

  • MI ABAGA, ICEPRINCE OTHERS FOR ‘BEAT OF LAGOS’ CONCERT

    THE Beat of Lagos concert has been endorsed by the Lagos State Government via its Ministry of Tourism.

    Holding in August at the Federal Palace Hotel Lagos, the organisers of the show, Motbensonz, have said that the gig provides an atmosphere for networking, and also serves as a time to celebrate entertainment icons and songs that have kept us dancing all year round.

    Its CEO, Omotoye Benson, announced that there will be a command performance at the same venue, and artistes from the official talent sponsors; Chocolate City Records, namely, MI Abaga, Iceprince, Jesse Jagz, Ruby Gyang, Victoria Kimani , DJ Caise and a host of others will be on ground to entertain guests.

    The maiden edition of the concert was headlined by P Square and several other A-list artistes in 2011. Last year organisers introduced the Beat of Lagos Award, resulting in an online voting by Lagosians.

    The show is also supported by Cowbell Coffee

  • I deserve the good things of life, says MI

    I deserve the good things of life, says MI

    NEW CEO of Chocolate City Records, Jude Abaga, also known as MI, has said he deserves good things in life, having been brought up in a poor home.

    According Abaga, “there is something about wearing a tailored suit. I read somewhere that it is a man’s armor in the modern world and I quite agree. But even more than that… as a kid from a financially poor family… I take it as a duty to master sophistication when necessary, because nobody deserves good things in life more than me…or you…no matter where you are right now.” He wrote.

    The rap artiste, who recently took over from Audu Maikori as the President of Chocolate City, has won several awards.

    He rose to prominence in 2006 when his song Crowd Mentality became popular in his hometown of Jos.

  • 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.

  • MI, others thrill at Smirnoff’s party

    MI, others thrill at Smirnoff’s party

    The unfamiliar party scene set the pace for an exciting night for the ecstatic crowd who were eager to experience every moment of the party.

    The show was the launch of Smirnoff new variant, Smirnoff Ice Double Black with Guarana, which held in Lagos over the weekend.

    Guests at the party witnessed an interesting double side of entertainment, as the people behind the renowned brand transformed an auto workshop into an amazing party scene.

    Their appetite was whet further when a real boxing ring transformed into rap battle, as participants engaged themselves in an interesting rap contest, landing great punch lines of smooth rap lyrics and showcased their street credibility to the delight of the rapturous crowd.

    The combination of City FM presenter, Sensei Uche and MTV Base OAP, Ehis, set the tone for a spectacular night of fun, as they got the party off to a thrilling start with loud cheers from the expectant crowd.

    At the end of the contest, GDK proved a worthy rap gladiator in the ring, against a number of other contestants who paled in comparison to his rap prowess. The pair of DJ Spinall and DJ Nana showed up in their double side, appearing in complete native wear, an outfit unusual for such an event. The duo later squared up in an impressive DJ battle, as they both dropped their particular brand of mix that left the crowd breathless and excited.

    R&B crooner Kola Soul took live performances at the party to another level, with his delectable rendition. The fun continued with the Ginja Master Terry G, who later took the centre stage. Terry G, spurred on by the crowd, delivered an outstanding performance of both his old and new tunes. He also showed his double side by playing the Saxophone for the guests to sing along. The highpoint of the night was when the number one African rapper, the incredible M.I, hit the stage and delivered a stunning performance that got the crowd screaming for more.

    Speaking at the launch, Liz Ashdown, the Head of Marketing, Spirits and RTD, Diageo Brands Nigeria, said “Smirnoff Ice Guarana isn’t your ordinary drink, as it contains Smirnoff spirit with extracts of Guarana and Soda. So, it was important that the double side party was anything but ordinary. It was an opportunity for the bold to experience the unexpected, double side of the Lagos party scene and enjoy the hottest new drink in the market. The drink has been produced to be the bolder choice when the night steps up.”