Singer Afrocandy addresses critics of her song and video for ‘Ikebe na money‘. Judith ‘Afrocandy’ Mazagwu combines acting, producing, singing and modelling with a job as medical billing and coding specialist. The single mother is a very legal citizen of the US. The song and video for ‘Ikebe na money‘ almost immediately raised a stir when it released.

It’s time to set the record straight about my video Ikebe Na Moni. First of all I want to talk to my critiques, I guess you guys think I am not smart enough to allow you criticisms get to me right? Well, I have to tell you that you are all wasting your time, losing your sleep, instead of getting off your computers to look for something else to do. You’re ranting, cursing and wining would never change a thing as it cannot stop me from doing music. I went through most websites and saw most of the comments posted on them, they are rather harsh and I tell you, it only take a very strong heart to survive in the Nigerian Music industry.

I’ve heard and watch a couple of talented Artists, most of them who tried to branch into music from acting just drop their God’s given talent , wind up and go all because of criticisms. I will not fall out like that for your information, I am here to stay and if you do not like my style, I can tell you that it’s a “Free Ride” you either shut up and enjoy the “Ride” or get out, it’s not by force.

Again, the message on my song/video is not telling anybody to go on and prostitute themselves or sell themselves cheap, it only advising most African ladies that do not know how to use what God has given to them which is the “Ikebe” (butt). For instance, when I was shooting the video for my first single, I met a young lady of about 25 yeas of aga in a retail store; she had two kids with her and I learnt they were her kids. The lady was biracial and she had one of the most beautiful curved bodies I have ever seen in my life. I approached her to use her in my video but she rejected my offer saying, “Ooooooh my boyfriend would kill me”. I was like ‘who is your boyfriend and where is he?‘ Not knowing that the Crack-head-looking guy beside her was the guy. From my own standing, that guy had no future and he is about to waste the beautiful thing like that if no one comes to her rescue soonest. If he had the opportunity to listening to my Song and follow my advice, she would at least have ended up with a better guy and I presume she knows how to work her ‘Ikebe’ to have giving birth to 2 kids already at 25.

Another instance, I would not call names here but I have some African girlfriends who told me, they never “go down” or “give heads” to their men. What would you call that? To me it’s not civil and ignorance. They live like that with their miserable lives complaining every time that their men don’t give them cash or buy them gifts, that their men go out chasing “Akata”[other women]. Who is resposible…..eh? You brought it upon yourselves.

So my people, we need to grow up, wisen up and learn instead of standing in the way of civilization. Take my advice and work ‘what your Mama gave you’ and see what happens. I am talking from experience because I’ve been there done that. When I was married, I worked with mine and any night I performed well, I got whatever I wanted from my HUSBAND the next morning.

Let me tell you something, Men are Not stupid!

Ok enough said so far. Let me introduce myself to most of you that do not know me.

My name is Judith Opara Mazagwu a.k.a. Afrocandy. I was born into the family of Late Nze Ogadimma Opara and Agatha Opara of Umuduruebo Ugiri-ike in Ikeduru Local government area of Imo state, Nigeria on July 12, 1971 and I will be 39 years old by July. I am proud to say my age anywhere, anytime and any day because I don’t look it and most people don’t believe me when I say it. I am an actress, model, script and song writer, a performing artist, who writes her own songs and beats, an independent producer, a medical billing and coding specialist. I also have an associate degree in Office Administration and an undergraduate of Bachelor of Science in Business management. I am a trained fire guard/security officer, the CEO of INVISIBEL TWINS PRODUCTIONS LLC and above all, I am a single mother of two beautiful girls. I am a humble, down to earth, friendly, intelligent, hard working and career oriented woman. I migrated to the United States of America. A beautiful country that gives you the opportunity to be what you want to be and I travelled with my Legal documents (Green Card). I have never committed a crime, I keep my hands straight but you can bet I’ll do anything for Showbiz which is what I love to do. So you can call me a “Jack of All Trade”

By His grace, my album of 8 tracks has been released online and you download it from my website: www.Afrocandymusic.com

The Lagos State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola last night publicly apologised for not being around to receive the Enough is Enough group during their visit to his office on the 13th of April.

Mr. Fashola made the remark last night at the dinner organised for the ongoing 5th Lagos Economic Summit at the Lagos City Hall. He had come straight from the airport after arriving from the United Kingdom, where he had been stranded for almost a week due to the volcanic ash that grounded flights all over Europe. Mr. Fashola was away in the United States when the EiE coalition marched in their hundreds to his office, to present their demands for good governance, for onward passage to the Council of State and the Governors’ Forum

According to the governor, “I got a lot of text messages from Ali Baba, when he and others were protesting the state of the nation and I was not around to receive them. I am deeply sorry for this and I strongly commend (EnoughisEnough) because you are doing a great thing at this point in time for this nation.”

Ali Baba was the master of ceremony at the event that had former President of Mozambique and inaugural winner of the Mo Ibrahim prize for good governance in Africa Joaquim Chissano as the guest speaker at the dinner. Mr Chissano spoke on the link between Investment and Good Governance.

by Ayodele Okulaja
*Okulaja is a journalist based in Lagos

Sources just informed that rapper Da Grin is dead. He was hospitalized at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Idi Araba after he was involved in a collison on the 14th of April. Doctors had informed he was pulling through after he was moved from the intensive unit of the hospital to the wards to be seen/visited by friends and family members. Rock solid and reliable sources just informed the Rapper is dead.

He was born Olaitan  Oladapo Olaonipekun.

A friend of the 26 year old rapper also confirmed the news and informs his family members are not dealing with the loss well.

The Rap artiste who was nominated for the 2010 Hiphop World awards to take place in May was on his way from a friends place when he drove into a stationery truck.

Rest in Peace Da Grin.

UPDATE: The cause of his death has been raised. DJ Mighty Mike informs that the cause of his death is not certain “[but It's either] internal bleeding, collapse of vital organs, loss of blood, lack of adequate medical facilities , no XRay, no CT scan, no BCG machine or  lack of enough information from his CABAL, May be more equipped hospital would have taken over or they tell us maybe we will suggest Ghana or Europe. now every thing is MAY BE, I weep for the parents and Nigeria at  50. I’m very sorry 4 Naija o” a colleague told him.

A statement released by his publicist read: He died at 6:00pm on Thursday April 22 – exactly eight days after he was involved in a ghastly accident in front of Alakara Police station, off Agege motor road, Mushin, Lagos.

He survived a serious head injury, as a result of the crash.

He was initially admitted at Tai Solarin Hospital, Baba Olosha Bus stop, Mushin before he was transferred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Idi Araba where Doctors made serious efforts to save his life. He was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit and operated upon, and later moved to the private wing of the hospital.

Doctors worked day and night; we fasted and prayed, but all efforts to save his life proved abortive. We lost him on Thursday April 22, 2010 at 6:00PM.

NEXT: 10 things you might not know about Da Grin.

Apparently Turai Yar’adua is said  to be behind the Sun Newspaper report with the screaming headlines – Yar’adua Recovers. It is reported to be one of her surprises she plans for the next 10 days. To compound the chaos, Dimeji Bankole, the embattled Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, told everyone he met in London that Yar’Adua would resume duties this week.

Sun Newspaper reported that ‘Ailing President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua sprang a surprise on the nation last night when he came down from his room upstairs at the presidential villa in Aso Rock. ‘ and Turai claiming her husband last night made a “surprise” appearance to see and embrace his mother.

Rock solid source reveal that Yar’Adua can still neither walk around unaided, nor speak audibly.

Last week, Turai boasted to her close aides again that she would pull a surprise in the next 10 days.

Turai’s latest plot is coming on the heels of Acting President Goodluck Jonathan’s return from the US following a four–day working visit described by US officials as lackluster. Turai is believed to be upset that Jonathan’s visit signals US acceptance of Jonathan as Nigeria’s legitimate leader at the moment. President Obama had studiously avoided any interaction with Yar’Adua before he took ill last November.

A few weeks before Jonathan’s trip to the US, Turai staged elaborate stunts that saw Islamic clerics and Christian clergymen visiting her ailing husband with the aim of scuttling the swearing-in of new ministers that had been nominated by Jonathan. The stunts however backfired as public statements made by the Islamic clerics regarding the visit indicated that they were hired to create disaffection among Nigerians.

In particular, a statement credited to Dr. Ahmad Datti said that Yar’Adua’s removal would yield serious consequences betrayed the purpose of their visit. Also, claims made by the Islamic clerics that they shook hands with Yar’Adua were somewhat disputed by Christian clergymen who were permitted to see him thereafter.  The Yar’adua they saw, they said, did not appear to be capable of shaking hands with visitors.

As for Yar’Adua, his recovery remains very slow and uncertain.  Medical sources knowledgeable about his treatment said the question of returning to office is not on the cards now, but that a meeting might be in the offing between Yar’Adua and Jonathan as part of his therapy.

Source

The new managing director Cyril Chukwuma is as corrupt as it gets only enriching himself, his ally and numerous mistresses.

Cyril Chukwuma took over as Bank PHB MD after the sacking of Francis Atuche by the Sanusi Lamido led Central Bank of Nigeria.  The new board head by Cyril Chukwuma is nothing to write home about as they are rolling in one scandal or the other with everything boiling down to fraud and mismanagement.

Shortly after he took over last October, Cyril Chukwuma demanded and allegedly collected a whopping sum of  One hundred and twenty thousand dollars ($120,000.00) as offshore vacation allowance for the financial year that ended December 31, 2009; after spending only three months at the helms of affairs of the bank that in the state of comatose.

However, according to BankPHB regulations, only employees who have been employed by the bank for more than six months were entitled to annual leave allowance package. Thus, Mr. Cyril Chukwuma who apparently suffers from acute money mindedness, circumvented laid down rules and fraudulently collected funds he was not entitled to.

He was also alleged to have ordered that a whopping sum of $3.13 million be laundered out of the country, however, the monies was intercepted at the airport by vigilant security agency attached to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Not done in his quest to put the bank into more trouble, he single handedly changed the policy of the bank on status of cars for executives to monetization and he is  allegedly collecting a monthly take home of N2 million in exchange for the official cars.

Cyril Chukwuma was also alleged to have approved N60 million mortgage loan in favor of a yet to be confirmed (still on probation) deputy general manager that recently joined the bank, which is also against the policy of the financial institution. Those who are in the know revealed that the loan approved by Mr. Chukwuma for the general manager was about N21 million above the official limit for staff members in that category.

Cyril Chukwuma single handedly approved his appointment as a director of BankPHB without informing other board members, this he did to send packing two of the existing directors in the bank overseas office.

Checks reveal that Cyril Chukwuma is a “deal man”, making all sorts of dirty deals with people that are indebted to the bank. According to sources, Cyril Chukwuma is in the habit of asking for kickback from BankPHB debtors to restructure the loans owed the bank.

Source

Two days after its failed attempt to enter Oghara to arrest the embattled former governor of Delta state. The Nigerian police returned to Oghara Wednesday with serious reinforcement, as Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), trucks and several dozens of mobile policemen are now stationed around the Oghara and surrounding villages.

In the words of government source who elected anonymity, “It is in Ibori’s best interest that he surrenders willingly, because operatives have instruction to do everything possible to apprehend him”, (i.e. dead or alive).

As  previously reported a contingent of Policemen led by AIG zone 5, Mohammed Abubakar, ransacked Chief James Ibori’s country home in Oghara, Monday evening.

According to the ex governor’s media aide, Tony Eluemunor;“They came in seven Hilux Pick Up vans and two Peugeot Expert vans, which had all vehicle lights on. They were led by two motorcycle out-riders”.

Continuing,Eluemunor  said  “the operatives harassed and manhandled people they met at Ibori’s home before spreading the mayhem they brought with them into Oghara town, making people to run helter-skelter, as there was panic everywhere.”

“This show of naked despotism and reign of rabid impunity was done despite the Court ruling of 19/4/10 of the Federal High Court, Asaba, that the status quo was maintained. In open court the EFCC counsel made an undertaking that EFCC would maintain the status quo, thus making the Judge not to grant and express court injunction.”

However,  checks reveal that security team led by Mr. Abubakar, were resisted and fiercely attacked by youths of Oghara, who had earlier had protested against his being declared wanted by EFCC.

EFCC affirmed that Chief James Ibori is wanted for questioning over his role in the use of Delta State government owned N825 million of Oceanic Bank Plc shares to secure credit for Ascot, a company owned by him.

Investigation reveals that the embattled former governor used the oceanic shares as collateral to obtain a loan from Intercontinental Bank Plc.  Eventually, the shares were liquidated at the former governor’s authorization, when Ascot was unable to meet its obligation of repaying the credit.

Ibori used the loan obtained from Intercontinental bank to finance the acquisition of Wilbros, an oil servicing company.

Chief Ibori, the former governor of Delta State is alleged to shuttle between the creeks in the Niger Delta and his home town, Ogharra, Delta State.

Inaddtiton, Ibori is said to have engaged the services of some criminal elements within the Niger Delta militant as personal security. Against this backdrop, the Nigerian government has withdrawn the twenty nine security officers attached to the former governor.

Source

The culture of impunity, lawlessness, extreme looting of public treasury as well as the sorry state Nigeria and its people are today is a direct legacy of General Babangida (IBB) as a military dictator between 1985 and 1993. Nigerians must resist his second shot as president. It is a bad omen for our “democracy” and our country.

In the Nigerian mind, IBB is synonymous with gross human rights violation, massive corruption, inter-faith crises, breathtaking administrative incompetence and, above all, annulment of the most credible election in our nation’s history (June 12, 1993).

In a speech at the Sani Abacha 10th anniversary lecture in Kano, IBB said, “It is not true that he (Abacha) looted public treasury. I knew who Abacha was because I was close to him.” He went on to say that Abacha’s contributions to our national economy are indelible and the best thing that has happened to the Nigeria nation. The last time I checked over $1.9bn has been recovered from the Abacha family, $750m came from voluntary surrender, N570m from Switzerland, $380m from Jersey and $150m from the United Kingdom. Ibrahim Babangida could not have more vividly illustrated his manifesto for the 2011 presidential election

Here is a man whose military and political career were derived from undemocratic acts. He has been linked with most military coups that have taken place in our country. He stole power in a military coup under the pretence of ending human rights abuses wreaked on the Nigerian people by the Buhari/Idiagbon led military junta and a promise to hand over power to a civilian government. He became the worst human rights abuser in Nigerian history, tried to make himself president-for-life, and destroyed all that Nigeria stood for.

Babangida did not only cause the worst human rights abuses, he set back our democratic process by almost two decades by annulling the June 12 1993 election. The election was adjudged by local and international observers as the freest in Nigerian history. Till this date Babangida has refused to apologise for the atrocity of June 12. History has judged the general wrong; the time has come for the Nigerian people to judge the general for the untold hardship his first misrule visited on our people.

“On General Ibrahim Babangida, we are of the view that there is evidence to suggest that he and the two security chiefs, Brigadier General Halilu Akilu and Col. A. K. Togun are accountable for the death of Dele Giwa by letter bomb. We recommend that this case be re-opened for further investigation in the public interest.” This was the finding of Human Rights Violation Investigation Commission headed by Justice Chukwudifu Oputa to investigate human rights abuses during Nigeria’s decades of military rule. IBB should be facing trial for the murder of Dele Giwa and the countless Nigerians he murdered and not conresting election for even the lowest office in our land. Is this the man we want as our president?

On corruption and mismanagement, Babangida heads the pack. The late Dr. Pius Okigbo Panel Report is an indictment of IBB over the $12.4 billion in gulf oil windfall in 1991. The report, which called for IBB’s prosecution, mysteriously disappeared from government archives shortly after it was released. The failure to prosecute IBB and his associates for the mismanagement is a serious breach of our anti-graft laws. These are funds that could have been used to develop the Niger Delta region in particular and Nigeria in general. Surely, this is not the leader we are looking for.

IBB contributed to the inter-faith crises in our nation by unilaterally upgrading Nigeria’s status in the Organisation of the Islam Conference (OIC), from a mere observer status to full membership. After public outcry and initial denial by Babangida, Nigeria’s status in the OIC was later terminated. Also, the Commission that investigated the recent religious riots in Jos has identified Babangida as the reason why peace relocated from Plateau State.

As head of state, the Commission said, IBB created municipalities in Plateau state through the States (Creation and Transition Provision Decree No 2 of 1991) against the concerns of the indigenous people. The Justice Bola Ajibola led Commission faulted the creation of the Jos North local government area by Babangida, observing that the cause of the crisis is the creation of that local government.

It is time that Nigerians vow that never again will we allow our nation to be governed by criminals in the likes of IBB. A second shot at Nigeria’s presidency for IBB could be catastrophic for our nation.

By Felix Ayanruoh Esq. fayanruoh@yahoo.com

# I hate that after doing his/her job in d studio, an artiste has to come to twitter and facebook to beg for votes. I think it’s demeaning!
# A competent jury is all you truly need. We KNOW that d voting is merely mre revenue for organizers and little else.
# As the HHA voting gets on the way, let me get this off my mind now: I hate all forms of public voting for awards.
Which of the global awards uses ds method in d public space? y r we always d poor cousins? Btw, av u evr sn d result of d votes?
# I dont hold this to be gospel, but I really feel that artistes dont deserve the insult.
# I confess that I have NEVER voted for any artiste for any award.
#  [on wether the artiste should just let his team campaign for his vote] makes no diff to me as d artiste’s name would still be used. Get a competent jury. Give the awards. Get it over and done with.
# [on why Nigerian awards must have a vote center], r we d only ones who do awards? Y isn’t this kinda cheap buzz needed elsewhere? ‘special situation ‘ argument is defeatist.
#we actually have dz die-hard fans : its d reason there’s an industry at all!

- Chris Ihidero via twitter

Smooth Promotions, the producers of one of Nigeria’s most respected Awards, the Hip Hop World Awards have released the Final Nominees for the 5^th Edition of the Awards, here is an in depth constructive analysis of the nominees for the categories.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Best album (solo or group) in year under review, that meets judges’ requirements of excellence (in every realms: song writing, production, rendition and promotion) and acceptability (sales, popularity)

C.E.O

Artiste: DAGRIN

Producer(s):                             Sossick, Sars, T-Frizzle and Dokta Frabz

Record Label:                         Missofunyin Entertainment

MUSHIN 2 MO’HITS

Artiste: WANDE COAL

Producer(s):                             Don Jazzy

Record Label:                         Mo’Hits Records

UN-DAREY-TED

Artiste: DAREY

Producer(s):                             Tee-Y Mix and Cobhams

Record Label:                         Soul Muzik

DANGER

Artiste: PSQUARE

Producer(s) –                           Paul Okoye, Peter Okoye, J Martins, Frenzy

Record Label –                        Square Records

LEAST EXPECTED

Artiste:                                                BRACKET

Producer(s):                             Dekumzy, J Martins, Phino

Record Label:                         Ape Planet

Opinion: Nominations for this category was fair enough, the inclusion of P-square was surprising too as their album didn’t receive so much attention from the listening public-conspicuously missing in this category is Banky-W’s the W Experience, but the organisers say the period under review is December 2008-November 2009, which is a faulty timeline to be used.

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Most critically and commercially adjudged artiste in the year under review Overall most successful artiste for the year under review.

WANDE COAL

Real Name(s):                         OJOSHIPE WANDE JNR.

Album Title:                            Mushin 2 Mo’Hits

Record Label:                         Mo’Hits Records

TERRY G

Real Name(s):                         GABRIEL AMANYI

Album Title:                            Ginjah Ur Swaggah – Season 1

Record Label:                         Bluemoon Entertainment, TGP Recordz

DAREY

Real Name(s):                         DARE ART ALADE

Album Title:                            Un.Darey.Ted

Record Label:                         Soul Muzik

BRACKET

Real Name(s):                         NWACHUKWU OZIOKO and ALI OBUMNEME

Album Title:                            Least Expected

Record Label:                         Ape Planet

DAGRIN

Real Name(s):                         OLAITAN OLAONIPEKUN

Album Title:                            C.E.O

Record Label:                         Missofunyin Entertainment

Opinion: The nominations for this category seems to be standard as all the artistes nominated did rule 2009 in their various ways.

SONG OF THE YEAR

Most popular song from an album in year under review. Decided by voting

“YORI YORI”

Artiste:                                                BRACKET

Album: Least Expected                                   

Producer: Dekumzy

Record Label Ape Planet

“KOKOROKO”

Artiste:                                               KEFEE

Album: A Piece Of Me                                   

Producer: K Solo

Record Label Branama Afrique

“YOU BAD”

Artiste:                                                Wande Coal

Album:                                                Mushin 2 Mo’Hits

Producer: Don Jazzy

Record Label:                          Mo’Hits Records

“FREE MADNESS Pt. 2”

Artiste:                                                Terry G

Album:                                                Ginjah Ur Swaggah – Season 1

Producer: Terry G

Record Label:                         Bluemoon Entertainment, TGP Recordz

“ALANTA”

Artiste:                                                Art Quake

Album:                                                Art Work

Producer(s): Puffy T, Del B, Austin Beat, Cheefo & Soso Beats

Record Label:                          K.I.P Entertainment

Opinion: This category as its own faults and surprise, on one part is the inclusion of Kefee’s hit single “kokoroko” which is a surprise, but the inclusion of “Alanta” is a fault, this category says song of the year IMAO, Alanta could have passed better for POP song of the year.

RECORDING OF THE YEAR

Best single recording (on-air only or released) by artiste or group in year under review. Originality and production very essential

“STRONG TING”

Album – THE W EXPERIENCE

Artiste – Banky W

Producer – Cobhams Asuquo

Record Label – Empire Mates Entertainment

“I LOVE U”

Album – DANGER

Artiste – P-Square

Producer(s) – Paul Okoye

Record Label – Square Records

“HEAVEN PLEASE”

Album – TIMI (Unreleased)

Artiste – Timi Dakolo

Producer – Cobhams Asuquo

Record Label – (Unreleased)

“KEEPER OF MY DREAMS”

Album – Lara George

Artiste – Lara George

Producer(s) – Wole Oni

Record Label – Soforte Entertainment

Opinion: At this point I’d tend to think the organisers in one way or another want to please P-square, the I love U track doesn’t strike me like a recording with originality, and please where did Lara George’s single come from, What happened to Darey’s No stars?, Badman by Modenine?, this were original singles that raised the bar in their respective genres.

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

The individual responsible for producing the most acclaimed songs/album in the year under review. His CV for the year includes top notch tracks and production credits no one can fault.

TEE-Y MIX

Album/Song Title – “More”, “Love Truly

Artiste(s) – DAREY ART ALADE, IYANYA

COBHAMS

Album/Song Title – “Strong Ting”, “No Stars”

Artiste(s) – Banky W, Darey Art Alade

DON JAZZY

Album/Song Title – “Banana”, “U Bad”

Artiste(s) – Wande Coal

SOSSICK

Album/Song Title – “Everyday”, “Igboro”

Artiste(s) – Dagrin

DOKTA FRABZ

Album/Song Title – “Thank God”, “Ako Mi Ti Poju”

Artiste(s) – Dagrin, Naeto C

Opinion: the usual suspects are listed. Not too much could have been expected from this category, but for the inclusion of say Terry G.

BEST MUSIC VIDEO (AWARD GOES TO DIRECTOR)

Best conceptualised, best edited, best picture, best directed and most exciting video in year under review as voted by fans and decided by the jury.

JUDE OKOYE

Music Video Title – “DANGER”

Artiste – P Square

WUDI AWA

Music Video Title – “Kokoroko”

Artiste – Keffe

CLARENCE PETERS

Music Video Title – “Finest”

Artiste – Knight House Ft. Sauce Kid & Teeto

BOBBY BOULDERS

Music Video Title – Ako Mi Ti Poju

Artiste – Naeto C

MEX

Music Video Title – “Safe”

Artiste – M.I

Opinion: Did I just see MI’s safe included in this list? NO!! It was nowhere near Video of the Year. Conspicuously missing in this list is Banky-W’s strong thing-I mean- this category isn’t fair.

BEST R ‘N’ B SINGLE

Best R&B single in year under review (by single individual or group)

“STRONG TING”

Artiste(s) – Banky W

Producer – Cobhams Asuquo

“NEVER FELT A LOVE”

Artiste(s) – Femi

Producer – Sure Fire Group USA.

“I LOVE YOU”

Artiste(s) – P-Square

Producer – Paul Okoye

“NO STARS”

Artiste(s) – Darey Art Alade

Producer – Cobhams Asuquo

“OVERKILLIN”

Artiste(s) – Djinee

Opinion: Now I’m Laughing out Loud, Overkillin by Djinee is an RnB track, Hell NO!! I beg to differ, Why didn’t they consider the various singles by G-xploits- nice RnB group there, yori yori fits in better as an RnB track than Overkillin,it sounded too “hiphopish” that track was too hard!

BEST POP SINGLE

Best pop single in year under review (by single individual or group)

“YORI YORI”

Artiste(s) – Bracket

Producer – Dekumzy

“U BAD”

Artiste(s) – Wande Coal

Producer – Don Jazzy

“KOKOROKO”

Artiste(s) – Keffi

Producer – K Solo

“DANGER”

Artiste(s) – P-Square

Producer – Paul Okoye

“HOTTER THAN FIRE”

Artiste(s) – Dr. Pat and Sheyman

Producer – Sheyman

Opinion: GOOD! Especially the inclusion of Hotter Than Fire, Alanta fits into this category more than its inclusion in the Song of the year category.

BEST R ‘N’ B/ POP ALBUM

Best R&B or pop album in year under review (by single individual or group)

MUSHIN 2 MO’HITS

Artiste- Wande Coal

Producer(s) – Don Jazzy

Record Label- Mo Hits Records

DANGER

Artiste- P-Square

Producer(s) – Paul Okoye, Peter Okoye, J Martins, Frenzy

Record Label – Square Records

LEAST EXPECTED

Artiste- Bracket

Producer(s) – Dekumzy, J Martins, Phino

Record Label- Ape Planet

UN.DAREY.TED

Artiste – Darey Art Alade

Producer(s) – Tee Y-Mix, Cobhams

Record Label – Soul Muzik

Opinion: Well…

BEST RAP SINGLE

Best single released on-air recording of a rap song

“AKO MI TI POJU”

Artiste(s) – Naeto C

Producer – Dokta Frabz

“OWO ATI SWAGGER”

Artiste(s) – Catiair

Producer – J Sleek

“FINEST”

Artiste(s) – Knight House ft. Sauce Kid & Teeto

Producer – Knight House

“SAMPLE Remix”

Artiste(s) – Terry Tha Rapman Ft. Stereo Man & Pherowshuz

Producer – Pherowshuz

“SOMEBODY WANTS TO DIE”

Artiste(s) – M.I

Producer – M.I

Opinion: IMAO, Sample by Terry the rapman wasn’t a Rap hit single Per se, Modenine’s Bad Man should have been Included or Thank God by Da- Grin.

BEST RAP ALBUM

Best album by a rap artiste or group in year under review

CEO

Artiste – Dagrin

Producer(s) – Sossick, T-Frizzle, Dokta Frabz, Sarz

Record Label – Missofunyin Entertainment

DAT IBO BOY

Artiste – Ill Bliss

Producer(s) – Micworx, Osh, Suspect, Terry G, Frenzy, Tee Y-Mix, Elajoe, Paul Play, XYZ

Wazbeat, M.I, Jonah the Monarch

Record Label – Gorretti Records

MORE THAN RAP MUSIC

Artiste – Cartiair

Producer(s) – J Sleek, Spanky, Sossick, WC, Mic-On, Kid Connect

Record Label – Magic Records

THE INVESTMENT

Artiste – Kel

Producer(s) – Suspect, Jesse Jags, Tee Y-Mix

Record Label – Capital Hills

Opinion: Correct!!

LYRICIST ON THE ROLL

Rap Artiste with best lyrical depth and performance on a single song or album

M.I

Song Title – Somebody’s Gat To Die

Album Title – (Unreleased)

Record Label – Chocolate City

MODENINE

Song Title – Bad Man

Album Title – Da Vinci Mode (Not released in year under review)

Record Label – Red Eye Music

OD

Song Title – Got To Love Me

Album Title – (Unreleased)

Record Label – X3M Music

PHEROWSHUZ

Song Title – Sample Remix (Featured by Terry Tha Rapman)

Album Title – Boys Are Not Smiling (Unreleased)

Record Label – Megaphunk

Opinion: Modenine’s Badman shouldn’t have made the nominees, and if it did Pherowshuz was featured in the “sample” song and didn’t have more than 20 bars thereabout to show his lyrical dexterity which is not enough to judge. I’d have loved seeing Da-grin win this category with any of his songs say Everyday or Ghetto.

BEST COLLABO

Best R&B, Pop or hip hop collaborative track (including cameos) in year under review

“KOKOROKO”

Artistes – Kefee Ft. Timaya

Producer – K Solo

“FINEST”

Artistes – Knight House Ft. Sauce Kid & Teeto

Producer – Knight House

“AYE PO GAN”

Artistes – Ill Bliss Ft. Terry G

Producer – Terry G

“SAMPLE Remix”

Artistes – Terry Tha Rapman Ft. Stereo Man & Pherowshuz

Producer – Pherowshuz

Opinion: again there are better collaboration in 2009 than Terry tha rapman’s sample, good example is Lami ft Mi, Da grin ft. Omawunmi etc.

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)

Single male artiste with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album

DARE ART ALADE

Song Title – “NO STARS”

Producer- Cobhams

BANKY W

Song Title – “STRONG TING”

Producer- Cobhams

WANDE COAL

Song Title – “BANANA”

Producer- Don Jazzy

GT THE GUITARMAN

Song Title – “KINIMATISE”

Producer(s) – Gospelondebeat

TIMI DAKOLO

Song Title – “HEAVEN PLEASE”

Producer- Cobhams

Opinion: Okay, but there are better Gt tha Guitar man tracks than Ki ni Ma ti se like O si ma gbo mi.

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)

Single female act with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album

IBIYEMI

Song Title – “DON’T LEAVE ME”

Producer – Ross Oscar

KEFEE

Song Title – “KOKOROKO”

Producer – K Solo

LARA GEORGE

Song Title – “KEEPER OF MY DREAMS”

Producer – Wole Oni

WAJE

Song Title – “Kolo”

Producer – 37

EVA

Song Title – “NO CRY”

Producer – Wole Adesanya

Opinion: Good, but what happened to Essence?

BEST STREET HOP

The most popular street-hop single in year under review

“FREE MADNESS Pt. 2”

Artiste(s) – Terry G

“IGBORO TI DARU”

Artiste(s) – Klever J Ft. Eedris Abdul Kareem

“FILE BE”

Artiste(s) – Jaywon

“ALANTA”

Artiste(s) – Art Quake

“ONE BY ONE”

Artiste(s) – Side One

Opinion: The phrase free Madness on its own is not a slang. If they had to put Terry G at all cost, they could have nominated, Troway or Sangalo.

NEXT RATED

Most promising upcoming officially unreleased act in the year under review

GENERAL PYPE

Song Title – “CHAMPION”

MO CHEDDAH

Song Title – “IF YOU WANT ME”

JESSE JAGZ

Song Title – “WETIN DEY”

D’PRINCE

Song Title – “OMOBA”

SKUKI

Song Title – “BANGER”

Opinion: This category hurts me a lot. First of all, In no way is Jesse Jagz a next rated act, as he is at the verge of releasing is debut album which was earlier scheduled to be released late last year, Secondly what is Skuki doing on that List, acts like Wizkid, Skales, Vector were completely ignored. Then we have D’Prince, there are several others who should have replaced him [D'Prince].

HIPHOP WORLD REVELATION OF THE YEAR

Best New artiste in the year under review

WANDE COAL

Real Name(s):                         OJOSHIPE WANDE JNR.

Album Title:                            Mushin 2 Mo’Hits

Record Label:                         Mo’Hits Record

KEL

Real Name(s):                          KELECHI OHIA

Album Title:                            The Investment

Record Label:                         Capital Records

DJINEE

Real Name(s):                         NOSA OSAYAMWEN

Album Title:                            Djinee

Record Label:                         None

ILL BLISS

Real Name(s):                          Tobechukwu Ejiofor

Album Title:                            Dat Ibo Boy

Record Label:                          Gorretti

OMAWUMI

Real Name(s):                          Omawumi Megbele

Album Title:                            Super Woman

Record Label:                          OMA Records

Opinion: Kel wasn’t a Revelation in 2009, neither was Ill bliss and Djinee was nowhere near being a revelation. Rather Da-grin was a revelation, Banky W was a revelation and so was Terry G.

Overview

Conclusively, since the awards committee have their yard stick for nominations and the deed as been done, we just hope the appropriate acts win in each categories. we would be giving you the list of winning days before they are announced at Eko Exhibition centre in Lagos on May 27th.

P.s. Did you notice that the Reggae/Dance hall album of the year was scrapped on the list? What would be their reason? So no reward for shank, African China Et al.

by Mr. Turbo

Dave Harmony and his rep have informed that they are suing Side one for using one of their beat.

“He [Sideone] first used the beat on the intro of his ONE by ONE video.Now as a full track on his coming album. If Side One and his management have any proof let them come out with it , we have proof and we will take it up with them. For months we’ve been in touch with them and they’ve been trying to play smart.” His rep informed.

Side one denies knowing any one by the name Dave Harmony or ever been approached by his rep.

“We know Nigerians are not fools, we just want to put a stop to all these mess of copyright violating. We are complaining about the pirate while we in the industry ourselves are violating copyrights.” Dave Harmony’s rep said further as he informs of their plan on taking legal actions against Sideone and his Spring Records.

“The song was registered with the copyright office both here in Nigeria and in UK. Spring Records, the Label of Side One boss is a UK based business guy. We will take him up and here in Nigeria we ready to take them up also.”

“Side One and his Spring Record Crew are criminals.” He fumed.

When contacted Sideone responded thus: “I don’t know Dave Harmony and K- Solo produced the beat. The song was produced last year June and the video has been shot. I don’t know what the guy is talking about.” suggesting we call  K-solo to verify.

Is this an attempt at ‘cheap fame’ by Dave Harmony?

Talk With Funmi host, Funmi Iyanda recently threw caution to the wind as she lambasted the duo of KC Presh at an award presentation. She went on to say there were just noise makers in their face. A Witness informs that she told them that “Enough of all this noise, your music is constituting nuisance and I am not finding it so interesting” on stage as they were about to perform their hit single ‘shokori bobo’. There was no report of a previous discord between them and Funmi’s uncautioned outburst  surprised the guest present.

by Sheifunmi