Sunday, July 31, 2011

9ija's Finest Yakub Jubril YQ Dominant In R&B, Reggae & Soul

Real Name Yakub Jubril YQ is a Nigerian singer. Hailing from the center of the country, the confluence of two great rivers, it is no surprise that YQ himself is the meeting place of different music genres. Dominant in his sound are R&B, reggae and soul. He blends them all smoothly, before adding a pinch of Yoruba flavor.

YQ has been called the hook master, and with good reason. His collaborations with MI, Mode9, 2shotz, Naeto C and a host of others, have helped  their songs to climb to the top of the charts. Partners, rivals, fans, media and record labels swoon over this young talent. But the singer has not always been so celebrated. It took many years to make this diamond shine.

Born Yakub Jubril, YQ knew early that he’d grow up to be fulfilled but what he did not expect was that stardom would come to him from the tightness of his rhymes, a gift he became aware of in the mid-nineties. For about ten years, he honed his craft behind closed doors. The second of seven children, music was first and foremost his way of dealing with his feelings.
In 2003, he formed the group Q-Krest with his partner Krest-up. They released a musical video for their song ''Fire Dance,'' which got rave reviews and earned them performances at the Play Safe Rave by Tequila Events in 2003 and The Coca-Cola Show (Q-Krest opened for Ivorian sensation Magic System). In 2004, the duo performed together one last time at the Tetnisik, before deciding to go their separate ways.
Musically, He lists Bob Marley; R. Kelly, 2Face and Born Jamericans as major influences. YQ paid his dues, bouncing from one label to the next, in search of his big break. It wasn’t long before he got signed by 2Koncepts Entertainment, after he did E fi mi le with the late DaGrin. MK of Two Concepts Entertainment immediately invested in studio time for the emerging artist; a visionary businessman, he knew he had struck gold.

Following the advice of artist Benny Willis, YQ who was known for his rhymes turned to singing
revealing an even bigger gift. His career grew from strength to strength as he worked on songs, old and new, with Durella, Marvellous Benjy, Buzzman, Dagrin and former partner Krest-up, enlisting the production magic of Dr. Frabz, Sossick, Terry G and Sarz. The result is the highly anticipated and newly released album, I am YQ.
This album testifies to the coming-of-age journey of an artist who gave up the comfort of his home, barbed hair, sold recharge cards, and turned his back from semi-professional football. His wealth of experience on the streets of Lagos is translated in his album by the use of Yoruba (YQ’s mother tongue is Igala) and Pidgin and a general sense of humility. This influence is balanced out with a predominance of English, an appreciation for the luxuries of life and his exposure to American R&B. “I sing to touch people’s lives, rich or poor,” says the crooner.

YQ is signed on an alliance between 2Koncepts Entertainment and Storm Records. Before his album, He has been nominated for numerous awards including; Hip-Hop awards for Next rated, Hip-Hop awards for Best Street Hip Hop, Hip-Hop awards for Best Collaboration, SMVA fro Discovery of the Year, NEA in USA for most promising act and hottest song of the year (E FI MI LE) and Dynamix Awards 2008 for Best New Act and Hottest Single.
I AM YQ
Having lent his voice to the chart-topping hits of so many artists (Area with MI, Oyoyo with 2 Shotz), YQ now expands his horizons with an album of his own. He has been called “the most known unknown” but all that is about to change with the release of his debut album “I am YQ” which explores the themes of money, girls and gratitude. Indeed, after the astonishing success of his hit single “I like girls,” YQ is not done crooning to the ladies. He‘s put together something both for the fun-loving girls and the wifey-types against a backdrop of hip-hop and R&B, reggae and salsa which including the instant sensations “E fi mi le” feat. Dagrin, “Winney” feat. Terry G

Connect with YQ on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamyq
On Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/YQJUBRIL
Enjoy his Videos Here: http://www.youtube.com/stormnigeria

Meet The Nonilizing Producer, Writer and Musician Samuel Oguachuba a.k.a SAMKLEF


Samuel Oguachuba a.k.a SAMKLEF is a talented music producer cum artiste signed to NONI RECORDS/ACE-STAGE ENTERTAINMENT. He is from Imo State, Nigeria but was born and bred in Lagos. As a producer, he has worked with names like Sunny Neji, Ruggedman, Durella, Wizkid, Skales, D’Prince (Mo’ Hits), Simisola, J Bryte, Emmsong, O'cube, Jahdiel, Vector, Mudina, to mention a few. He has also worked with several firms in the entertainment and advertising industries like Sound Factory, Flow Records, Smashers Records, Back 2 Black, Mindfalls and Exp & i360.Life on the streets amidst the harsh survival conditions of the typical Nigerian ghetto toughened Samklef and gave him an opportunity to see life from different perspectives. This is very evident in his music where he shares his strong beliefs from the lessons he has learnt from the streets.

Samklef spans several years in the entertainment industry and the outcome is vast experience, which can only be garnered by working with some of the best hands in every field. His influences include international producers cum artistes – Timbaland and Kanye West, as well as his industry colleagues - Don Jazzy and Tuface Idibia. His mastery of the art of music production is evident on monster hits like Durella's “My Life” (Enemies), Wizkid's “Tease Me (Freestyle) and “Don’t Dull”, and not leaving out Vector’s “Kilode” and D'Prince's “Jonzing World”. 



Samklef has successfully established himself as one of the best producers from this part of the continent.  Not resting on his oars, he decided to explore and unveil yet another side of himself – an inspirational singer with a very strong passion for communicating God's love and hope to humanity.He released his debut album titled “NONI” in 2010 and recently re-packaged and re-introduced it with an international edition titled “NONILIZING”, released in January 2011. Music lovers with a copy of the album will find tracks “Noni” and “Classic” off the ‘NONI’ album alongside new hot joints like “Labalaba” Ft. Skales, “Nonilizing” Ft. Wizkid, “Molowo” Ft. Wizkid, D’Prince & Ice Prince and “Mi Ole Beru” Ft. Olamide and B’ranks.  

This project has also been backed with videos – “Noni” shot by Gini, “Laba Laba” and “Mi Ole Beru” (shot by Patrick Elis) and just recently the buzz making “Molowo Noni” shot by award-wining cinematographer Clarence Peters. The loaded album which features brilliant acts like Wizkid, D’Prince (Mo’ Hits), Iceprince, Vector, Skales, Olamide and others is hoisted on the pole of ACE-STAGE ENTERTAINMENT and is marketed and distributed by SAMMY VIBES ENTERTAINMENT.

Friday, July 29, 2011

TILLAMAN Returns With The Reintroduction EP

Superstar African artist, songwriter and producer Tillaman returns with his first official EP - the 7-track The Reintroduction EP to whet the appetite of his fans and music critics alike as he preps for the release of his debut album due out in the Autumn of 2011.

Kicking off with the stellar freestyle record "Another Tillaman" and closing with a brand new remix of the popular song "Puyanga" as a bonus track, The Reintroduction EP does exceptionally well to highlight the artistry and dexterity that Tillaman has painstakingly put into his music and craft over the years. It also serves as an ample reminder that he is a real force to be reckoned with in the African music industry.

All you need to do now is download the EP and let it put you on a different level.

The Reintroduction EP: DOWNLOAD LINK : http://bit.ly/tillamanthereintroduction

TRACK LIST
1. Another Tillaman
2. Puyanga
3. Fori Fori
4. Get Low
5. Different Level
6. Trying
Bonus Track: Puyanga (Remix)

ABOUT TILLAMAN

Adeyemi Adetona - better known as Tillaman - is an international recording artist known domestically and internationally for his sensual, melodic voice, engaging lyrics and exciting genre of R&B/Pop music. This Nigerian bred artist began cultivating his knack for musical expression at an early age and in 2001 after he moved to the UK, Tillaman decided to unleash the talent in him and share his passion and gift with world.

Tillaman - a singer, song writer, producer, arranger and music video director - has had the honor of working with several established producers and artists. In addition, Tillaman has written and produced with artists such as Bouqui, JJC Skillz and his co-label owner Dolla Billz. He has also performed with fellow international recording artists like Lloyd Banks, Montel Jordan, MoHits, and Dotstar.

Tillaman's collaboration with his cousin Dola Billz gave him his due break into the fast growing entertainment (Music) industry in Nigeria as everyone fell in love with his smooth delivery of his verse in the song "Puyanga" making him one of the most sought after artists in Nigeria. Tillaman has since worked with Dagrin, YQ and Sarz. Tillaman - realizing that longevity is key in a market that is over-saturated with one-hit wonders - decided to relocate to Nigeria to pursue his music career.

Tillaman strives to create classic music that transcends genres. Get familiar because Tillaman is a movement and this EP The Re-Introduction will keep his fans happy while he works on his forth coming album due to be released in October 2011..

Monday, July 18, 2011

BLEND DE LUXE CONCEPTS: A Break Out Of The Norm Olanrewaju Ogunmefun a.k.a VECTOR.

Olanrewaju Ogunmefun a.k.a VECTOR. This dude has been widely celebrated as one of the best underground rappers from Mainland Lagos all the way to the Lagos Island.
Vector’s journey into hip hop dates back to junior high in the year 1994 as he’s vibrantly involved in social activities entertaining his peers from the stage as a young rapper.In 1999 he formed a group “Badder Boiz”. So determined they were about hip hop that they started writing their own songs and along the line, in the same year, they started performing at showcases combining their various skills, aimed at selling the underground sound to the surface.

They recorded their first demo series in 1999. The three did not leave any stone unturned as far as making their presence felt at talent showcases. Vector was going the way of an emcee as his freestyle skills became obvious to the other members of the group. As a group of three, they were together till 2004 when Krystal left the group due to irreconcilable differences with Blaze leaving also while Vector creatively remained glued to his dream. Vector’s versatility runs through the fast and equally slow tempo, a rapper cum lyricist, an excellent songwriter, and producer. Vector is an undisputed emcee endowed with freestyle skills and flair that he awesomely displays on several freestyle battles e.g. Channel O Lagos Party at the Vaults, Unilag Rap King Etc.

The act Vector is synonymous with creating raves and hitting the mark when it’s all about making tunes. Vector is one act that craves for songs transforming into lifestyle and beats that will transcend our Hip Hop boarders. Not stopping there he plans to affect lives positively with his chosen career further proving a point globally with numerous Crossover-Hybrid synergies with Naija Hip Hop songs to his credit, such as his collaboration with Maye Hunta on the track titled "Paparazzi(Superstars)", which eventually became the theme song for Endemol/MNet's BigBrother Africa Allstars, and still counting.

VECTOR is officially signed to YSG Entertainment. His first official single KILODE featuring Emmsong,was released in Feburary 2010 while the 2nd official single MARY JANE dropped in April of the same year. The critcally acclaimed third single GET DOWN featuring Tuface Idibia was released in August 2010.
 Vector's highly anticipated debut album titled “State Of Surprise” was released on the 29th of October, 2010. The album features an array of artist such as Tuface Idibia, General Pype, Chuddy K, Emmsong, Ade Piper and H-Code, with production from H-Code, Da Piano,Shogon, Sam Klef,J Smith, Vector and Vibez Production.
Vector's 2 brand new singles "Angeli" ft. 9ice and "Mr. Vector" ft Jazzy,both produced by Sagzy were released on the 19th of May, 2011 and are on heavy rotation on radio stations around the country.

Audio Guest Appearances:
General Pype – Champion Remix ft DaGrin, VECTOR, Naeto C, Sasha & GT The GuitarMan
Maye Hunta – Superstar (Big Brother All-stars Theme Song) feat. VECTOR
Mudina – Like Pami feat VECTOR
J-Martins – Good Or Bad Remix feat VECTOR
Bigiano – Shayo Remix feat VECTOR, Ill Bliss
Knight House - Live @ 51 feat. VECTOR, GEN. PYPE

Music /Video Appearances:
VECTOR ft. TuFace - "GET DOWN"
VECTOR – “I LOVE U NIGERIA”
VECTOR – “KILODE” feat. Emmsong

“Superstar” (Big Brother All-stars Theme Song) - Maye Hunta feat. VECTO”IWO NI” - H-CodeE feat VECTOR & Tasty
”Champion Remix” - General Pype ft DaGrin, VECTOR, Naeto C, Sasha & GT the Guitar Man“Like Pami” - Mudina feat VECTOR
Jimmy’s Jump Off - Hosted by DJ Jimmy Jatt



Note: Vector was the voice behind the Sprite Commercial that aired on most radio stations across Nigeria in 2009

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Petkus Allstars Nigeria's Young Music Group..

No doubt that they are creatively one of the young music group Nigerian Music industry has to offer, Petkus Allstars, a group under the management of Petkus Records which consist of HONNY,RAELLAR,O'CUBE and JAYLEX with real names Oyinlola Oluwatosin ( HONNY ), Abdulrahman Isreal ( RAELLAR ), Omomeji Oluwaseun Olakunle ( O'CUBE ) and Aliu Stanley ( JAYLEX ) respectively.

Petkus Allstars is a Combination of individual talent from each of this young lads coupled with a lyrical quality mixed with Creativity.Having performed in top quality shows of massive crowds and a combination of an energetic stage performance coupled with a great sense of stage interaction with the fans..''Omoge Timbolo'' which is the hit single of this group of multi talented individuals,Omoge Timbolo has proved to be an instant Success , with it performance in shows like DA P Blast with Durella,MTN fun link on your Campus (Ilorin Edition) with Klever J, Iyanya and the Petkus Allstars, Glo rock and Rule 2009 to mention a few. The group has been sensational since there coming together and this brought about the release of their first Video which was directed by one of the Best and leading Video Directors in Nigeria, ''Moti Hot'' by Akin Alabi and other hit songs like Soko Soko e.t.c.






Most recently, the group broke the long awaited silence by releasing the much anticipated ''omoge Timbolo'' Video which was directed by the same Video director of Wizkid's Holla at your boy Video, Patrick Elis. This is a group to watch out for. Watch omoge Timbolo Video and see what we are talking about.

Petkus Records has 4 Artistes under its Label and the names of the artistes are ( Jaylex, Honny, Raellar and O'cube ). Watch out for the  PETKUS ALL STARS Album set to drop 2011.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Meet Ibrahim Babatunde Ibrahim."Channel Manager NIGEZIE"..A.K.A Skilz

Ibrahim Babatunde Ibrahim popularly known as SKILLZ YBRL is a well connected entertainment media practitioner.He is at present the channel manager of popular music and urban lifestyle channel NIGEZIE owned by Virtual Media Network LTD. He therefore is in charge of musical content on the channel which feeds millions of viewers across the world from Nigeria to the rest of Africa, to Europe, the USA and Canada.

Doubling also as the online content manager of the company, he is in charge of sourcing for and feeding the online portals of the company with up-to-the-minute info, news and happenings on the entertainment news both at home and globally.

Asides working at NIGEZIE, he at the same time is a contributing editor for ACE MAGAZINE (Future Awards' Magazine Of The Year '09) and a respected publicist in the entertainment industry, handling PR affairs for several artistes, fashion designers, models, video directors and even night clubs, under his media consulting firm; YBRL CONSULTANCY (publicists & entertainment media consultants).

Some of the people he's worked with are the late Dagrin, Tillaman, the 166 Family, YQ, Magnito and Z.amunda Nite Club, amongst others.

He's currently rendering publicity services for Samklef (ace producer/artiste), Anis Halloway (Nigerian Idols host), Morachi (Hapuya crooner) G Muzik Ent. (Record label: Chief Capo, Mo' Blow, Dee Splash), Dotun Cool FM (radio OAP), Yinka Obebe Photography (Elite Photographers), Elinee (Ghanaian artiste), McRabbit Wears (UK designer), Esure, amongst others.

Starting out as a rapper himself, he has not completely ruled out coming back to the mic as he still constantly features on notable mixtapes and do cameo appearances on strategic music videos.
Follow Skilz on Twitter @Skillz_YBRL

Thursday, July 14, 2011

BLEND DE LUXE CONCEPTS: FARENHEIT ENTERTAINMENT

BLEND DE LUXE CONCEPTS: FARENHEIT ENTERTAINMENT: "FARENHEIT ENTERTAINMENT “ The Company Profile” CORPORATE INFORMATION Farenheit Entertainment is a full service Entertainment Company ..."

BLEND DE LUXE CONCEPTS: MTN Young Model of the Year Competition at Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2011

BLEND DE LUXE CONCEPTS: MTN Young Model of the Year Competition at Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2011

MTN Young Model of the Year Competition at Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2011

MTN Young Model of the Year 2011.

It is of particular concern to MTN and Style House Files to grow and develop the Nigerian modeling industry and to give them a platform to express their modeling skills. It is our aim to promote and nurture future faces of the modeling industry and to nurture them into international ambassadors that can be presented to the world at large.

How do we define a young model?

    * A person who possesses adequate understanding of what it takes to be a model
    * The model must not have been over exposed to runway shows, photo shoots and commercial shoots
    * Must be available and willing to learn

How do we select the young model of the year?

    * Applications are now open to the relevant industry till the 24th of July 2011.
    * Applicants can apply by completing the application form and attach a portfolio which includes photos of them.
    * A shortlist of up to fifty (50) finalists from each region – Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja, will be announced in July on our website. Short listing is done in collaboration with a panel that
    * The short listed candidates will be called upon for a brief presentation to the panel of judges followed by a question and answer session. The judges will assess each candidate’s application form, their presentation and responses to questions and score them.
    * The final pre selection will take place in August. A high profile interview panel that is representative of the sector will select the 12 finalists for the Young Model of the Year Award Category.
    * The 12 finalists will be announced at a networking event at the end of August.
    * The 12 finalists will be participants at a series of workshops to be facilitated by our preferred modeling agency
    * The 12 finalists will be hired to models during the MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week October 2011
    * The final judging will take place in October 2011 by a select expert panel of judges at the MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2011 at the finale event
    * The lucky winner will be announced at the finale event

FARENHEIT ENTERTAINMENT

FARENHEIT ENTERTAINMENT
    “ The Company Profile” CORPORATE INFORMATION

Farenheit Entertainment is a full service Entertainment Company that has worked its way up the Nigerian entertainment industry and is presently prepping itself to become a pioneering media & entertainment firm with its primary aim based on providing fresh innovations in music, events and television in Nigeria, through Africa to the world over. Following a worldwide trend, the
Nigerian Entertainment industry has fast evolved and is gradually transforming itself into an African entertainment juggernaut… one now being reckoned with worldwide, with talent endorsements, international artiste collaborations, and locally located international events.

Thus, in the pursuit of this, our core values define the character of our company and shape our culture and what we believe. These values guide how we behave, our approach to work and our
relationship with clients.

VISION 

 Developing and expanding the entertainment industry in Africa by setting the benchmark,
touching every possible spot.

MISSION 

Discovering, nurturing and packaging new talents from the grassroots, and showcasing them to
the world via standard music production, generically packaged live shows & events, in-depth multimedia & artiste marketing.

Introducing new & creative innovations in entertainment like never before to Nigerian
viewers & the world at large via groundbreaking television & radio content provision and productions.Breaking new frontiers and expanding the territories of our innovation.

SERVICES OFFERED
General Music Production (Audio/Visual)Artiste Management TV.
Commercials/

Jingles Documentaries/Films Events Post Production Media
Consulting Promotions

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

A Song Writer,Singer & Performer "Odemonke Igri Bassey" A.K.A Odems

Biography

Odemonke Igri Bassey,was born on may 14,in Ugep in yakurr Local govt.area of cross river state ,to the family of late Engr.And Mrs Grace Igri Bassey from Ekori in Yakurr,she grew up in Calabar the capital city of Cross River State 'the people's paradise ‘in a relatively well off  family, she is the last born in a family of seven(7)girls, seriously minded, strong willed and a brilliant woman, she obtained a diploma in personnel management institute of public policy and administration at the university old  calabar, and B.sc in Economics.

As an adolescent, Odems already had love for music because she was blessed with a father who was a music lover too and even headed a band called orchestra in the 80`s. She was exposed to music very early in life at the age eight. I can never forget the family gathering round the sitting room practicing and singing beautiful melodies she recalls.Her love and knowledge for music opened so many doors and opportunities for her music career. Before she started composing her own songs she has always done lead vocals for the children choir in church and even now in her local parish.

As a song writer, singer and performer she has written a done several jingles for various organizations and church's and also done back up singing for various artists.

Discovered by Mr Totsman Etoty in 2005 at the annual Calabar carnival/ Christmas festival, a global festival which as gain gained recognition world wide just like the carnival in Trinidad and Tobago,

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Azeez Olanrewaju Ojutiku A.K.A Kash 11

A gifted artiste and producer, Kash 11 has been able to create a followership that appreciates good music both within and outside his territory- Lagos Island. Born Azeez Olanrewaju Ojutiku in Lagos Island, Kash 11 got his stage name from one of his names Kashimawo ‘Kash for short (let’s wait and see) and his tribal mark represents the 11. 
This grandson of late sakara music legend ALHAJI LEFTY SALAMI BALOGUN, started rapping in
1994, with a group called D-L-B which comprises his brothers Dapo Balogun a.k.a
DJ METHALIC and Bayo Balogun a. k. a BRASSBELL under the name Larry O-Jay.


In 1998 Dapo and Bayo travel back to Canada so he started a group called DA MIGHTY KIDZ which was made up of him, K-FLOW(IBRAHIM SALAWE now C.E.O SATTY RECORDS),Soburino and Clef. The group recorded some songs, gain some airplay, performed at the French cultural centre, Falomo, Lagos, campus shows etc but broke-up in 2000 when K-Flow travelled to London hence everyone went on to pursue their solo career Bent on being a music star, he join a group of 12 rappers called X-CHRONICS to record a mix tape album, released 2 singles on radio and received heavy rotation on some radio stations.




However in 2001, the multi talented act decided to go into music production and studio engineering and as fate would have it, he met Big Lo on the internet;

Monday, July 4, 2011

Prince Banton

Biography

Growing Up

Growing up in a family where music was not an option, it was not one of the advice my dad gave me, many asked me how did he eventually got involved with music, nature and talent they say cannot be bought, for Dare Egerega now knows as Prince Bantan chose to be a singer, song writer and performer. Being a member of the House of Ginger a group know well with renowned singer and producer Terry G, Its time to give vent to a solo carrier which most of his teaming fans waits and see what more contributions he has to entertainment industry at large

Since his emergence into the music scene, few years ago, Prince Banton has made do of his musical strength featuring in fellow artist album and singles. His musical strength has made him worked with Klever Jay, Oritse Femi, Terry G, Collabo and to mention a few of array of artist.


HIS EARLY LIFE

Passion, nature and talent obviously has a crush on him being a teenager; this made him a better artist. Prince Banton was born in the early 80s into an average family. His mum being a Yoruba woman and His dad Mr. Edward Egerega,a native of Argba Orogun, In Delta State, whom he lost few months ago, The first of six kids, he was educated at the Coker memorial primary school, he was unable to further more with education due to lack of funds, He went into petty jobs to make ends meet for the family in other to support the family pressure, this did not derail his focus in life.

He Recalled,” My teenage was fun and challenging, My dad was worker in a company, which salary could not make provision for all the family needs, so as the first child and being a male took it upon myself to support the family needs, most of my teenage years was in ojo, so basically the street was where I grew up, where i found music and where i am given music back to.

MUSIC

Music found me and i accepted to be part of life most interesting gifts, grooming my musical carrier also came up the hills with me listening to Buju Baton, Bob Marley at the tender age, mimed and follow their style of music which is a big boost to my personal carrier as an artist. Years have gone by which makes in a bit difficult to pick a date on my first ever performance as an artist and an entertainer,

GOING PROFESSIONAL

With the name already in the heart of my fans, previous works with artists like Clever Jay, Terry G and House On Ginger. My professional carrier is just about taking its shape and going to the height of levels with my album dropping soon. “Just stay close because the best of music is going to be unleashed, the album title, lets keep it safe and secret for now...

Mostly you can find me with peeps and studio section is always important to me.