AS Nigerians prepare for inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term of office on May 29, arrangement had been concluded to bring some of Nigeria’s best entertainers to Abuja for an “Inauguration Day Concert”.
The show, which will hold on May 29 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, is being put together by Abuja based promotion outfit, “Montage Africa”.
Expected to be on stage are top music and comedy stars which include: music sensations, Simi, Harrysong, Mr Real, Skiibii, Okey Bakasi, MC Tagwaye, Gandoki, among others.
Chief Executive Officer of Montage Africa, Ogochukwu Ezeaku, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that the event was a way of celebrating the beauty of Nigeria’s democracy and its growth.
“We at Montage Africa are presenting the Inauguration Day Concert to commemorate the democracy day celebration.
“The concert will hold at Transcorp Hiton Hotel Abuja, on May 29, and will be hosting popular Nigerian musicians and comedians like Simi, Skiibii, Okey Bakasi, MC Tagwaye and Mr Real.
“Also expected to perform live at the concert are Gandoki, Harrysong and a host of others.
“The event is a way of promoting the beauty of our democracy and the growth it has recorded in recent times,” he said.
Ezeaku said that the concert was also a platform for Nigerian entertainers to contribute their patriotic quota through their performances which would no doubt be educative, informative and entertaining.
He assured Nigerians and invited guests from other parts of the world that the show promised to be a memorable one.
“The presidential inauguration is an event that commemorates one of the most historic development and democratic transition of leadership in Nigeria, and we intend to make it a memorable one here at the federal capital.’’
FOLLOWING the April 19 release of her ‘Omo Charlie Champagne’ album and expiration of her recording contract, Simi and X3M music have called it quits.
X3M Music announced the departure of Simi following the expiration of her recording contract in a statement signed by A&R executive Vincent Nwanze, that both parties have determined to not renew the contract.
Signed to X3M in 2014, Simi warmed the hearts of many music lovers with the hit single ‘Tiff’ which earned her a Headies nomination. Her debut album for X3M (her career second) was released to local and international acclaim in September 2017, and named album of the year in 2018, by the Headies Awards.
“We only sign artistes that we love and believe in,” X3M Music’s management said.
“We know our taste in music is rather different; but we only sign talents who meet that taste. Fortunately, we have been able to find millions of music lovers here and abroad, who share similar tastes, as is evident in the success of all the artistes we have worked with, including Simi who is without any doubt one of the biggest music talents in the country today.”
X3M Music, part of the X3M group, was founded in 2008 by Steve Babaeko, an advertising executive who is a music fan and enthusiast, and internationally-acclaimed writer.
NAN reports that although it is unsure if the collaboration will be part of the album, this is not the first time American, Diplo will be collaborating with a Nigerian artist.
He recently headlined ‘Gidi Fest’ and a successful concert at Lagos’ Hard Rock Cafe. Diplo has also worked with a number of Nigerian artists including Burna Boy, Mr Eazi and Kizz Daniel.
Following the post of her #fvckyouchallenge, via her Instagram account, singer Simi has apologised for the use of the line: “abi o ro bi mo kola ni”, a Yoruba phrase for ‘Do you think I have tribal marks’.
The singer noted that the words used in the video did not go well with some people, saying it was insensitive on her part.
Taking to Instagram to address the issue, she wrote: “Guys I had to bring down my post cos I used the line “abi o ro bi mo kola ni” “Do you think I have tribal marks?)- Which people meant to say “Am I stupid”.
“It’s an old Yoruba ‘joke’, but I never acknowledge how insensitive it is. It offended some and I shouldn’t have used it. Lots of unlearning to do. We should remember to be sensitive and empathetic to others.”
“Also I know the video is all over the place already, but it’s a step in the right direction and I apologize to anyone that was/is offended by it I only ever mean well.”
Commending the singer for coming out to address the issue without feeling offended by people calling her out for using such words, its_rumens wrote, “I love your maturity and the fact that you did the needful. Respect!!!
Popular alternative singer, Simisola Ogunleye aka Simi has announced the release date for her second album ‘Omo Charlie Champagne’.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ‘I don’t care’ singer made the announcement on her Instagram page @simplysimi with the caption, “On the day I was born, my next album will be born.”
She went on to announce the album name and the release date – April 19 on the post. This album swiftly follows ‘Simisola’, her debut album which was released in 2017.
‘Simisola’ went on to win ‘Album of the Year’ at the Headies and contained a bunch of fantastic singles, including ‘Joromi’, ‘Lovin’, ‘I Dun Care’ and ‘Ayo’.
Simi, who made her musical debut with ‘Ogaju’ in 2008, recently got married to fellow afro-alternative musician and long time partner, Adekunle Gold.
The singer’s career came into limelight in 2014 after she released “Tiff”, a song which was nominated in two categories at The Headies 2015 and further brought her to mainstream recognition. (NAN)
Popular Nigerian Afro Pop Singer, Simisola Ogunleye a.k.a. Simi said her third studio album `Omo Charlie Champagne’ would be released on April 19, her 31st birthday.
The Ojuelegba born singer who recently got wedded to her fellow singer Adekunle Gold, took to her Instagram handle @symplysimi on Tuesday to announce the release date of the much awaited album.
“On the day that I was born, my next album will be born.’’
The X3M artiste released her sophomore album, `Simisola’ in 2017.
The 12 track album enjoyed mainstream success which made it the first album to hit one million mark on streaming platform, Boom play.
`Omo Charlie Champagne’ would be the former gospel singer and songwriter’s third studio work following her debut effort, `Ogaju released in 2008.
The Jam Question and Open and Close crooner has collaborated with top artistes like Falz, Praiz, Adekunle Gold and Johnny Drille.
Her journey to stardom started in January 2014 when she released a five tracker EP titled Restless that eventually earned her a record deal with X3M Music.
The video for her song `Tiff’ was released on Aug. 30, 2015; the song was nominated in the `Best Alternative Song’ Category at the 2015 edition of The Headies Award.
Later in 2015, she won `Most Promising Act to Watch’ Category in the 2015 Entertainment Awards.
On Feb. 14, 2016, Simi released one of her most successful single, `Love Don’t Care’, a ballad which received positive reviews and tremendous airplay.
She has raised to stardom within a short time with positive vibes and it is believed that her third album would not fall below her fans’ expectations.
Ace Nigeria singer and celebrity, Simisola Ogunleye aka Simi has released the visual of her recent new single “Ayo.”
The singer shared the visuals to her latest single, ‘Ayo’ in YouTube, where she sang excitedly in a great appreciation to God.
The singer released of her first official ‘Ayo’ in audio in 2018, which was produced by Legendary Beatz Record, has finally come though with the visuals of it.
The lyrics of the song talks about the singer’s expression of joy forever and request for better things to come.
Ayo which translates to ‘Joy’ finds Simi in her thankful state as she sings about all the blessings that have come her way.
The video was shot by Director K, shows different categories of persons as they danced in excitement to the song.
The new song ‘Ayo’ was the singer ‘s first solo single for the new year after her joint single with her husband and singer Adekunle Gold in the ‘ promise’
The afro-alternative song also contained lyrics of her speaking of the joy and God’s blessing for her and her entire household this year.
Simi recently got married to renowned singer Adekunle Gold. She was a gospel singer before she released her debut in 2008 titled ‘Ogaju’
The singer’s career came into limelight in 2014 after she released ‘Tiff’ a song which was nominated in two categories at ‘The Headies 2015’ and further brought her to mainstream recognition.(NAN)
…Reveals pact with Canon, Netflix, Canal+, Air France, Pavilion Afriques…
Prolific filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan has unveiled trailers for his most anticipated movie, ‘Mokalik’ (Mechanic).
The two trailers which dropped on February 1, 2019 by 2pm, were accompanied with three posters, setting the pace for another round of media buzz for his latest effort.
“Mokalik’ stars awards-winning singer, Simi, alongside other prominent actors like Femi Adebayo, Charles Okocha, Faithia Williams, Lateef Oladimeji, and comic actors like Wale Akorede (Okunu), Ayo Ogunshina (Papa Lolo) and Dayo Akinpelu (Alabi Yellow).
Mokalik movie trailer :
.Extended version:
The celebrated director is optimistic that the film will traverse commercial and artistic ends, having been provoked by the expectations of his diverse audience and fan-base across the world.
Afolayan who just returned from a meeting of his company, Golden Effects Pictures with Netflix in Amsterdam, Netherlands, disclosed that he is in talks with the world leading online streaming platform for the acquisition of ‘Mokalik’.
According to him, the deal with Netflix will include other works directed by him, including ‘The Figurine- Araromire’; ‘Irapada’; ‘Phone Swap’; ‘October 1’; ‘The CEO’, ‘The Bridge’ and the yet to released ‘Tenants of the House’.
“We are excited about having our other films, including ‘Mokalik’ on Netflix, as that will assuage our fans who have been sending messages from all over the world, complaining of not having access to our films,” he said.
For ‘Mokalik’ which was shot on EOS C300 Mark II, with Canon Cine lenses, the filmmaker says: “We are very delighted and grateful for the camera support extended to us by Canon Central and North Africa team here in Nigeria,” adding that, “EOS C300 Mark II – Stunning 4K quality and versatility allowed me as a producer to experience the creative vision in stunning cinematic details and provides footages, suitable for extensive post-production work.”
Senior Sales & Marketing Manager – B2C, Canon Central & North Africa, Mr. Amine Djouahra, expressed delight over the partnership, saying: “We are very proud to be part of this esteemed mainstream commercial and artistic movie, ‘Mokalik’, produced in Nigeria , one of the largest growing film industries in the world, and at Canon, we continue to listen to our customers when developing the product range to ensure our innovations meet their needs, enabling story tellers for creative filmmaking.”
Djouahra disclosed that Canon is looking at having a media screening of ‘Mokalik’ in Nigerai between March 19-21, 2019.
As part of the world slating for ‘Mokalik’, Afolayan, an Air France partner plans to have the film on several platforms including the French premium television channel, Canal+, which he said has showed interest in ‘Mokalik’ and ‘Odu’ (Capsule of Tales), a TV series in the works.
As Pavillon Afriques at the Marche du Film, Cannes Film Festival 2019, makes debut this May, Afolayan, on Thursday, was named Ambassador of the pavilion, and will be joining the showcase by other filmmakers from the continent by curating a Kunle Afolayan/Golden Effects Pictures retrospect. This is in addition to plans to get ‘Mokalik’ listed in the official selection of Cannes, among other major film festivals around the world.
A letter sent to the filmmaker reveals that Afolayan, having been listed as Ambassador on Pavillon Afriques – VIP page, is expected to wear a special ambassador’s tag during the event and function as a panelist on content sourcing, distribution and storytelling sessions among other roles.
Happy about the feats attained by the filmmaker, Commercial Director of Air France/KLM, Mr. Remco Bohre said: “Our partnership with Kunle Afolayan is another way of showing how excited we are, at Air France and KLM, about Nollywood and the Nigerian entertainment industry at large.”
‘Mokalik’ follows the career of an 11-year-old boy, Jaiye, from the middle-class suburbs who spends the day as a lowly apprentice at a mechanic workshop in order to view life from the other side of the tracks… When his father arrives to take him home, Jaiye has to make up his mind if he wants to return to school… or take on his apprenticeship full time.
