The Nation Newspaper

Tag: singer

  • ACI signs US-returnee singer, Kofo The Wonderman

    Front-line Nigerian entertainment company, ACI Entertainment, has signed popular US-based Nigerian singer, instrumentalist and composer, Kofo The Wonderman as he relocates to Nigeria to bring his music back home.

    Kofo who is also a lecturer at the World Rhythm Center New York where he teaches Talking drum and African dance has a wide recognition as the  ‘best  Mainstream Talking Drummer in the world.’ And after 20 years of playing music globally with his all-white ‘Daylight Stars’ band members, Kofo believes his return to Nigeria is timely and will help to mentor the younger generation.

    “In the last 20 years of my career, I have travelled around the world and played alongside international musicians of repute,” Kofo said.

    “I believe my people in Nigeria and Africa also have right to enjoy my music. More importantly, I want to pass knowledge to the younger ones which I think it is still the right to do.”

    Speaking on the structures of the music industry in Nigeria compared to that of America, he said he has found a strong team to work with in Nigeria and that is the reason he finally made up his mind to come back home.

    “I have been trying to come back home for a while now but the situations of things in Nigeria prevented me from doing that. The kind of music I do cannot be handled by people who are not professionals and who doesn’t have the resources. I am an established musician and not a hustler. So everything must be properly done. I was lucky to meet ACI Entertainment in America and we are both interested in working together. ACI Entertainment has the experience and wherewithal to handle my music professionally as expected.”

    Speaking on the talents of Kofo The Wonderman, ACI CEO, Mr. Wole Adeniyi, said many Nigerians who are yet to listen to Kofo’s kind of music will simply be blown away.

    “Kofo The Wonderman is on another level musically and I can say that he is specially gifted,” said Adeniyi.

    “Whenever he is on stage, he is a different person. Over there in America, white folks are always amazed by his talents and his dexterity on the talking drum. Despite the fact that they don’t even understand what he is saying or singing about, they can’t resist the rhythm and melody of his music.”

    Kofo’s music is a rich blend of Yoruba folklore, funk, jazz, blues and highlife.  Perhaps his most distinguishing act is on his talking drum.  An accomplished percussionist, Kofo can play entire scales on his talking drum.  He has performed at various shows including David Letterman’s ‘The Late Night Show’,  Lincoln Center’s Summer Festival, The World Trade Center’s  Summer  Stage,  Nuits  D’Afriqu  (African  Nights),  Festival Afro-Carib and ACI Africa Music Festival. He has also toured the USA, Australia, Canada, Mexico  and  Africa  with  the  Prisoners  of Conscience and his own band, the Daylight Stars.

  • Singer, daughter were violently killed, says pathologist

    Lagos High Court in Igbosere yesterday heard that a Nigerian singer, Zainab Nielsen and her three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Petra, died violently.

    A consultant pathologist, Prof. John Obafunwa, told the court that a coroner required him to carry out an autopsy on the deceased because of the gruesome state their bodies were found.

    The witness testified yesterday in the twin murder trial of a Dane, Peter Nielsen, who is alleged to have killed Zainab, 29, and Petra on April 5 at the couple’s Banana Island, Lagos home.

    Nielsen, 53, was arraigned on June 13 on a two-count charge of murder, contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Lagos Attorney-General (A-G) and Commissioner for Justice Kazeem Adeniji told Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile that Nielsen killed Zainab and Petra about 3:45am at No. 4, Flat 17, Bella Vista Tower, Banana Island Ikoyi.

    Nielsen denied the charge.

    On Monday, Obafunwa told the judge that Zainab, alias Alizee, and Petra, died of head injuries and asphyxia (or suffocation) that were not self-inflicted.

    He said the result of his post-mortem examination of mother and child suggested that they were killed when their noses and mouths were forcibly closed, which deprived them of oxygen.

    Zainab, in particular, also suffered bruises around her head, which were consistent with “blunt force trauma that was not enough to cause any fracture.”

    Obafunwa said evidence showed that she struggled to free herself of her killer’s grip, using her hands and nails.

    The result of a DNA analysis of Zainab’s nail clippings, the witness added, revealed the presence of her DNA material and that of “another individual described as Peter”.

    At the commencement of proceedings yesterday, the professor affirmed his testimony under cross examination by Nielsen’s counsel, Mr. Olasupo Shasore, SAN.

    He said the coroner ordered the post mortem because the incident fell under the categories of reportable deaths.

    According to him, reportable deaths are those that are suspicious, violent, suicide deaths, asphyxia deaths, surgical deaths or industrial deaths of poisoning.

    Obafunwa said in this case, it was a violent death, following which the coroner ordered a post mortem examination of the deceased victims.

    He maintained that his findings were consistent with the presumption that “there was an assailant in this case, that another person was involved.”

    When Shasore, a former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, asked if it was unusual for a husband’s DNA to be on the wife, the pathologist did not disagree.

    Responding to another question, the witness said he couldn’t ascertain who died first because he wasn’t called on when the incident occurred.

    When asked if he saw photographs of Zainab and Petra, when he visited the scene, the pathologist said: “I was shown some photographs that were taken by the police of when the bodies were discovered. In one of the photographs, I observed foam in the mouth of Petra”.

    Justice Okikiolu-Ighile adjourned till November 29 for continuation of trial.

  • DAVIDO: 10 THINGS TO EXPECT FROM SINGER’S NYSC ORIENTATION

    FOR a celebrity millionaire like David Adeleke, aka Davido, a three-week orientation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp is a walk in the park.

    Indications started on Thursday when the pop singer arrived the Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos orientation camp like royalty, thus one can safely speculate 10 regular NYSC camp experiences that will elude the singer, as a post graduate Nigerian youth.

    1. With the option available to youth corps members serving in Lagos to report to camp from home, it is obvious Davido will not domicile in camp for the duration of the exercise.
    2. This is understandable considering that the superstar desires some level of privacy and security, as he was almost mobbed by the ecstatic crowd on Thursday. Who knows, a sympathizer of one of his baby mamas may be among the crowd, who may want to harm the singer.
    3. If Davido appears for any of the early morning parades, drilling exercises, obstacles and endurance treks, it would only be for photo ops, just as in the case of the opening day.
    4. Davido is sure to add fun to this year’s camp exercise by performing free-of-charge to his camp mates during some of the social activities.
    5. The military personnel will no doubt show a soft spot for the singer in their supposed drilling exercise, and they are most likely to enjoy his philanthropy.
    6. It is certain that Davido does not need the scheme’s bicycle allowance for anything. One lucky person on camp stands to be gifted that money; that is if the singer would not choose to make a show by flinging the naira notes into a choice crowd.
    7. What does Davido need the camp foods for? For sure, he would not be caught among the crowd queuing for a bowl of ogi (palp) and akara (bean cake); beans and some ridiculous loaf of bread or the usual rice ‘concoction’.
    8. Davido will not be a part of the Mammy Market experience. While his peers will be there to eat and drink at their leisure, he will probably be at some eyebrow clubs chilling with his class.
    9. Three weeks is too long for Davido, a rave-of-the-moment singer to undergo the camp routine. While his colleagues are in camp, he is likely to be performing at one show within or outside the country.
    10. Davido will be a distraction to the normal activities of the camp. This will make the job of the camp officials more difficult. Therefore, it will be a relief to the authority if he plays truancy. Recall that on Thursday, officials struggled to stop outsiders from scaling the fence into the camp.

  • Patoranking collaboration excites singer, Leki

    Budding singer, Ernest Augustine Effiong, aka Leki is currently making waves in the Nigerian music industry with his recent release of a spanking single titled ‘Dependin’.

    Featuring Dancehall superstar, Patoranking, the singer says that love is the main inspiration behind the new track.

    “It is all about the power of real love and being there for each other unconditionally,” he says, describing the style as Afro Fusion.

    Leki who also has degree in Mass Communication and journalism at Sikkin Manipal University, Ghana says that he draws a lot of inspiration for his Afro Fusion music from Fela, 2baba, Burna Boy, Jesse Jags amongst others.

    The major collaboration between the upcoming singer and established act has caught the eye of music buffs and has been enjoying good rotation on music TV channels as well as urban Radio channels across the country..

    In retrospect, the singer recalls his chemistry the ‘My Woman’ crooner as an instant connection.

    “I felt Patoranking’s kind of music will connect well. From the first day we met at the studio I was certain his sound would blend well with mine. We had so many freestyle sessions and I enjoyed every bit working with him. I don’t mind working with him on another project, later in future.

    “I want to be recognized and remembered for my music even after I am no more. Global recognition for my Brand and African sounds,” says the singer.

    In October 2017, Leki got signed to V Nation Music. The new track, ‘Dependin’ was produced by E Kelly.

  • Singer, Annjay gifts JAMB applicants with free forms

    Singer, Annjay gifts JAMB applicants with free forms

    As her way of helping her fans fulfil their dreams of getting an education, singer, song writer, model and entrepreneur, John Angela Chioma, better known as Annjay, has donated JAMB forms to them.

    According to the singer, the move is aimed at not just starting the year on a bright note, but also to put a smile on the faces of her fans while giving them a ray of hope, no matter how small.

    Taking to her Facebook and Instagram pages, she wrote: “Few 2018/2019 Jamb forms up for grab from me….Send your phone number/Email address to my Dm. My team will contact you if you are among the lucky people. Start now as entries closes by 6pm today. For student in Lagos only pls. All the best.”

    Annjay stated that she will be giving out a number of forms only as the applicants have to do the registration themselves.

    “I don’t want to disclose the number of forms because the aim is not to brag about it,” said Annjay, who released a couple of singles including, ‘Man No Be God’.

    “However, I and my team are comfortable knowing that we have set the process in motion for some people. That is the reason we are not taking photographs with them. Education is a very important part of human existence and we would like to be a part of someone’s process.”

    She also launched Annjay Hair, a product which she says caters for all females, irrespective of class.

    Speaking on the quality of her products, the singer said; “We are presently well stocked with Brazilian Virgin human hair, eye lashes for women and we have a range of other products which we will be introducing into the Nigerian market soon.”

    On the music front, she said that her fans should expect more singles from her before the year runs out.

  • British singer Michael dies at 53

    British singer Michael dies at 53

    British singer George Michael, who became one of the pop idols of the 1980s with Wham! and then forged a career as a successful solo artist with sometimes sexually provocative lyrics, died at his home in England on Sunday. He was 53.

    In the mid-1980s, “Wham! was one of the most successful pop duos ever, ahead even of Simon & Garfunkel, with singles like “”Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, “”Careless Whisper”, ““Last Christmas” and ““The Edge of Heaven”.

    “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period,” his publicist said in a statement.

    “The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage,” the statement said.

    British police said Michael’s death was “unexplained but not suspicious.”

    Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou June 25, 1963 in London to Greek Cypriot immigrant parents in a flat above a north London laundrette, Michael once played music on the London underground train system before finding fame with Wham!.

    With a school friend, Andrew Ridgeley, he formed Wham! in 1981, a partnership that would produce some of the most memorable pop songs and dance-floor favorites of the 1980s.

    “I am in deep shock,” said Elton John. “I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP.”

    British singer George Michael performs on stage during his ‘Symphonica’ tour concert in Vienna September 4, 2012.

    The duo had their first hit with their second release ““Young Guns (Go For It)” (1982) before their debut release “”Wham Rap” became a hit the following year. The 1984 album “Make It Big” was a huge success in the United States.

    ““No way could I have done it without Andrew,” Michael once said.

    “I can’t think of anybody who would have been so perfect in allowing something which started out as a very naive, joint ambition, to become what was still a huge double act but what was really…mine.”

    But Michael was keen to reach beyond Wham!’s teenage audience and to experiment with other genres. Wham! announced their split in 1986.

    A pilot solo single “”I Want Your Sex” was banned by daytime radio stations but was one of his biggest hits.

    “I want your sex, I want you, I want your sex,” he sang. “So why don’t you just let me go, I’d really like to try, Oh I’d really love to know, When you tell me you’re gonna regret it, Then I tell you that I love you but you still say no!”

    In the space of the next five years, Michael had six U.S. Number One hit singles including ““Faith”, ““Father Figure”, ““One More Try”, ““Praying For Time” and a duet with Aretha Franklin ““I Knew You Were Waiting For Me”.

    Questions about his sexuality were raised when he was arrested in 1998 for “engaging in a lewd act” in a public restroom of the Will Rogers Memorial Park in Beverly Hills, California.

    “I feel stupid and reckless and weak for letting my sexuality be exposed that way,” Michael told CNN at the time. “But I do not feel shame [about my sexuality], neither do I think I should.” (Reuters/NAN)

  • Singer Easy Lizzy, partner plan free summer classes

    Singer Easy Lizzy, partner plan free summer classes

    Upcoming singer and event planner, Taiwo Elizabeth Olapeju, aka Eazy Lizzy is fulfilling her other dreams in life, through a free summer programme for youths in three local government areas of Lagos State.

    The project, The Community Initiative for Child Education is in partnership with Hon Ayo Adesanya, the initiator of the programme.

    Speaking to The Nation, Easy Lizzy revealed that the organisation is set for a seminar tagged, Security Challenges of the Nigerian Child in Recent Times, noting that the program will run in three locations including Nathan Primary School, 24 Nathan Street, Surulere, on September 1, 2015; Alimosho LGA African Church Nursery and Primary School, Mosan, on September 2, 2015; and Isolo LCDA Secretariat, Osolo way, Isolo, on September 3, 2015.

    Eazy Lizzy is a dynamic and compassionate young lady who has an abiding love for disadvantaged youths, especially girls. She recently added youth education and empowerment to her schedule of duties as an entertainer.

    She revealed that from its humble beginnings, nine years ago, with 45 students at Nathan Primary school, Surulere, the non-profit organization has grown to giving free summer coaching services to over one thousand youths in three locations in Lagos.

    The founder; Hon Adesanya, is a self confessed lover of children who started the summer program with the aim of keeping young people engaged during the holidays, and keeping them out of danger.

    According to Adesanya, “Nine years ago, a young child in my vicinity died in an accident due to unsupervised play during the holidays, and that deeply affected me. I believed that the boy died because he was not supervised because his mother was away at work. Had he been in school, it would not have happened,” he said.

    Commenting on the challenges he faced as a young, unemployed graduate, just starting a non-profit organisation, he said, “We started with volunteers because we could not afford to pay quality graduate teachers.  I had to buy chalk from my pocket, and also had to arrange to watch the infant siblings of our students, as some parents made it clear that it was the only condition under which they would release their teenage children who were responsible for taking care of their younger siblings in the absence of their parents.”

  • Two singles from Gogowe

    YEARS of Gogowe’s fondness for music have come full circle as the upcoming artiste recently announced the arrival of her new singles Waka and Sun Mo Mi featuring prominent rapper, Vector.

    Currently a protégé of popular singer, Udoka Ogumanam, a.k.a Slam, and music producer, George Nathaniel, who manages her affairs, Gogowe explained that her songs are a culmination of an unflinching belief in her lyrical abilities. Describing her style as a blend of R&B and Afro pop, the artiste attests that her long list of role models includes Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Tiwa Savage and Omawumi.

    She says that she is inspired by her family and friends as love is also a prominent feature of her songs, which will feature ten of such tracks in her initial album for release this year.

    Gogowe added that Waka, which she singlehandedly wrote, is inspired by confident women, while its twin ambitions are to empower womenfolk while adding to their confidence.