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ENTERTAINMENT: AFRIMA 2022 voting starts Sunday September 25

by Adewale Adenrele on

The voting portal for the 2022 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) will be opened on Sunday, September 25, at 21:00 (CAT),  to the public, globally, to decide the winners of each of the 39 award categories.

The International Committee of the All Africa Music Award (AFRIMA), in conjunction with the African Union Commission (AUC), made this announcement, on Friday, encouraging African music lovers to vote intensively using the voting portal live at www.AFRIMA.org, before the portal closes on December 10, 2022, which is the eve of the awards.

More information on the voting process, which would also be audited by the International auditing firm, PriceWaterHouseCoopers (PWC), can also be found on the website, as well as AFRIMA’s social media (Instagram/TikTok – @Afrima.official; Facebook – Afrimawards; Twitter – @afrimaofficial).

Like it did at the AFRIMA 2021 edition, the PWC, which has audited other major global awards including the Oscars, will audit the voting portal, collate the votes and present them at the awards.

According to AFRIMA’s Executive Producer/President, Mike Dada, “AFRIMA’S core values of FACE IT – Fairness, Authenticity, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity and Transparency remain at the heart of our operations. With PWC, we are further reinforcing these value drivers, ensuring that we remain as inclusive, credible, and authentic as always.”

Recall that the list of nominees was unveiled globally last Wednesday, revealing 382 nominations across all 39 categories. The nominations, which have been greeted with positive acclaim across the world, are the fruit of a rigorous 10-day adjudication held by AFRIMA’s 13-member jury, in July. Also, only entries within the validity period of August 20, 2021, to August 5, 2022, were considered for nomination for this year’s awards.

As the ultimate recognition of African music, globally, we are a source of inspiration to both music gatekeepers and music lovers across the entire industry

According to AFRIMA’s Executive Producer/President, Mr Mike Dada, the awards body remains the ultimate recognition of African music globally, also serving as a muse to other award bodies across the continent.

“We are not oblivious to the fact that there are some other award bodies that copy our nominations every year. As the ultimate recognition of African music, globally, we are a source of inspiration to both music gatekeepers and music lovers across the entire industry. AFRIMA continues to blaze the trail in celebrating African talent and developing our creative ecosystem, and this year’s edition is a step further in that direction,” he said.

On her part, the African Union Commission’s Head of Culture, Mrs. Angela Martins encouraged music lovers to vote decisively and objectively.

She said, “We have done our part. It is left to you the fans to now decide your winners. Remember that these categories are highly competitive and are based on merit. Let your votes help the best person(s) emerge as champion.”

2022 All Africa Music Awards will now be held from the 8th to 11th December 2022. A special announcement will be made on the host country and location for the awards, on 30th September 2022.

The AFRIMA awards ceremony will feature a 4-day fiesta of music, glitz, and glamour aimed at celebrating Africa, recognizing talents and expanding the economic frontiers of the culture and creative industry on the continent. The event is scheduled to commence with the welcome soiree, followed by the AFRIMA Music Village, the host city tour, Africa Music Business Summit, and the exclusive nominees’ party and concluded with the live awards ceremony broadcast to over 84 countries around the world.

African music lovers can take part in the events on social media, live stream on the AFRIMA website at afrima.org and visit the social media platforms (IG/TikTok – @afrima.official; Facebook – Afrimawards; Twitter – @afrimaofficial; LinkedIn – AFRIMA) ), and they can watch the event coverage by tuning in to their local and cable TV providers.

In partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA is a youth-focused music platform that recognizes and rewards the work and talents of African artists across generations.

AFRIMA primarily stimulates conversations among Africans, and also the rest of the world, especially on the potential of the creative arts for fostering real human enterprise, as well as contributing significantly to social cohesion, as well as sustainable development in Africa. The Programme of events is in line with the AU Agenda 2063 which outlines Aspiration 05 as the development of the arts and culture sector including its cultural and creative industries, to boost the development of the African economy

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Entertainment

ENTERTAINMENT: P Square, DJ Neptune To Rock In Afro Beat Music Festival In Toronto

by Adewale Adenrele on

African Music Stars are set to converge in Canada for what seems to be a redefining moment as the first-ever Music Afrobeats Festival and Awards are scheduled to hold this weekend, on Friday 19th and Sunday 21st of August in Toronto.

Top African music artists led by the Nigerian Musical duo, PSquare, and others which includes Diamond Platinumz, Bnxx (Buju), Focalistic, DJ Neptune, Montess, and many more are billed to perform for the first time in the two-day show.

The event hosted by Prince George Entertainment, Toronto Canada according to one of the backers of the show, Quadri Orobiyi, the CEO of Turkish African Group (TAG) Istanbul Turkey will further put the Afrobeats on the global map.

“This mega show will be the first of its kind in the history of African Music space in Canada”, said the organizers, adding that Afrobeats Music Festival became necessary in order to celebrate Afrobeats’ uniqueness globally.

The organizers also stated that the show will further celebrate the uniqueness and successes of Afrobeats music and those who have worked hard to ensure that the genre of music became acceptable across the globe.

“We want to celebrate Afrobeats hence the reason we came up with the Afrobeats Music Festival. Over the years, afrobeat has witnessed unprecedented growth and one can see the number of artistes that have emerged from the African scene with acts from Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, and South Africa among others.

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ENTERTAINMENT: Kizz Daniel named most streamed artiste on Boomplay

by Adewale Adenrele on

Award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, better known by his stage name Kizz Daniel has broken a record in the music industry as the most streamed artiste on Boomplay.

This achievement was announced by Boomplay, one of the biggest digital streaming platforms in Africa on Wednesday.

The “Buga” crooner was able to achieve this milestone with his successful EP

Barnabas’ was the first to hit over 100 million streams on Boomplay music making him the current most streamed artist on the platform.

Apart From “Barnabas” with 133.5 million streams, other leading projects in those streams include “King of Love” with 39 million streams, “No Bad Songs” with 22.1 million streams, and his most streamed single “Buga hitting global airwaves” at 82 million streams.

With this feat, Kizz Daniel becomes the leader of Boomplay’s Golden Club.

Other Afro-pop musicians in the Golden club circle includes Burna Boy, Fireboy, Joeboy, Omah Lay, Rayvanny, Diamond Platnumz, Davido, Wizkid, Olamide, Naira Marley, Ruger, Black Sherif and Simi

Earlier in April 2022, Boomplay announced that Kizz Daniel became the first artist to hit 100,000,000 project-based streams in less than six months with his fourth studio project Barnabas EP.

Kizz Daniel recently released the video for his 2022 hit song Buga featuring Tekno in the video directed by T.G Omori, popularly called Boy Director.

The 28-year-old Afropop singer released the visuals of Buga after the song has amassed over 17 million views on YouTube. Since its release, it has topped the charts of various online music streaming platforms.

The song had achieved the status of the most Shazamed song in the world and also held the number one position in over ten countries on the Apple Music Charts.

Shazam is an online application that can identify music, movies, advertising, and television shows, based on a short sample played and using the microphone on the device.

Kizz Daniel is regarded as one of the few Nigerian singers without a bad song, as every song he releases is a hit.

These include Laye (2016) Woju (2016), Jumbo (2016), Mama (2016), Yeba (2017), Jaho (2020), Park n Go (2020), and Ada (2020) and Pour me water (2021).

The Ogun State-born singer rose to fame when he began his music career in 2014 under G-Worldwide Entertainment record before he left the label following a well-publicised contract dispute and court case.

The father-of-two later founded his record label, the Fly Boy Inc record label, in November 2017

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ENTERTAINMENT: Simi becomes first female artiste to reach 100m streams on Boomplay

by Adewale Adenrele on

Nigerian singer, Simisola Ogunleye, also known as Simi has become the first female artist to reach 100 million streams on Boomplay.

Boomplay, which is one of Nigeria’s leading music streaming platforms made the announcement across its social media platforms on Saturday to celebrate the monumental achievement.

Tosin Sorinola, Boomplay’s Director of Artiste and Media Relations said, “Boomplay is dedicated to amplifying voices and ensuring inclusion and representation in music.

“As an organization, we will continue to recognize and celebrate the strides made by female artists globally.”

Sorinola said the multiple award-winning singer’s fifth solo projects ‘To Be Honest (TBH)’, gave her the landmark achievement.

This has made Simi join the list of Nigerian artistes such as Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, Omah Lay, and Joeboy who had previously gained 100 million streams on Boomplay.

The 34-year-old Ojuelegba-born singer and actress broke into the mainstream with her single ‘Tiff’ in 2014 and had established herself as a super talented songwriter and singer.

After the hit, the last of four children, whose parents separated when she was only nine-year-old and grew up as a tomboy never looked back.

Her 2017 eponymous album ‘Simisola’ won the ‘Album of the Year’ at the Headies.

Also, her rich understanding of music had seen her serve as a judge in the 7th season of Nigerian idol, 2022.

This achievement held significant value for not only Simi but also for other female artists, whose talent had created a spine for the female side of Nigeria’s fast-growing music industry.

Simi had earlier set the record as the first African female artist to reach 100million streams on Audiomack.

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ENTERTAINMENT: R. Kelly Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison After Found Guilty of Luring Children for Sex

by Adewale Adenrele on

R&B singer and songwriter R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison today following decades of sexual abuse allegations.

Last year, after a six-week trial that included testimony from 45 witnesses in a Brooklyn courtroom, a jury found him guilty of racketeering and violations of an anti-sex-trafficking law known as the Mann Act.

At the time, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Geddes said Kelly, now 55, masterminded a scheme to “target, groom and exploit girls, boys and women.”

Before Kelly was sentenced, a group of survivors including Angela, who testified during his trial, were given a chance to read victim impact statements.

“You used your fame and power to groom and coach underage boys and girls for your own sexual gratification,” she said while staring at Kelly, according to The New York Times. “We are no longer the preyed-upon individuals we once were.”
r.kellyFor decades, allegations swirled around the singer who was previously acquitted in 2008 on child pornography charges.

In an indictment following his 2019 arrest, prosecutors alleged Kelly and his team — including managers, bodyguards and assistants — “traveled throughout the United States and abroad to perform at concert venues … and to recruit women and girls to engage in illegal sexual activity with Kelly” as far back as 1999.

According to the indictment, the “I Believe I Can Fly” singer allegedly required his victims to follow “numerous rules” in which they “were not permitted to leave their room without receiving permission, including to eat or go to the bathroom,” were “not permitted to look at other men” and “were required to call Kelly ‘Daddy.'”

he indictment also accused Kelly of “engaging in sexual activity with girls under 18 years old,” failing to disclose “a sexually transmitted disease Kelly had contracted” and producing child pornography by requesting that underage girls send him photographs.

“R. Kelly’s enterprise was not only engaged in music; as alleged, for two decades the enterprise at the direction of R. Kelly preyed upon young women and teenagers whose dreams of meeting a superstar, soon turned into a nightmare of rape, child pornography and forced labor,” Angel Melendez, special agent in charge from Homeland Security Investigations, said in a statement after Kelly’s 2019 indictment.

Gerald Griggs, an attorney for several of the victims, tells PEOPLE that his clients are satisfied with the verdict.

“It’s been a long journey for many of the accusers and their family members,” Griggs says. “My clients have been fighting since 2017, and some others have been fighting for 20 years. Today, the voices of black women were heard loud and clear. This is a process to achieve justice, and they are eagerly awaiting sentencing – as well as his three other trials. Today, justice was served for Robert Sylvester Kelly.

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ENTERTAINMENT: Kaas drops new single, set to perform at James Currey Literary Festival

by Adewale Adenrele on

Nigerian-born, UK-based music sensation, Mr Kaas, whose music video, Gum Body, was released today, will be performing at Heat African Restaurant in Oxford, on the 1st of September, 2022, as part of the opening of the James Currey Literary Festival billed to take place at University of Oxford between 1 and 3 September.

Mr Kaas is an artiste who combines elements of pop music with Afrobeats.

His dreamy vocals sets the bar higher in terms of genre definitions and sonic aesthetics, and he is always looking for new ideas and ways to reach the audience.

Mr Kaas is indeed amazing. He has, over the years, developed a distinctive lyrical style, which feels like a combination of various influences. One of the distinctive features of his music, which makes him unique, is the rich layering of instruments and vocals in his music.

Mr Kaas hails from Edo state in Nigeria. A child prodigy, he started his music career at seven by laying musical instruments such as pianos and drums, with Michael Jackson being a pivotal influence.

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Entertainment: What happen to Nigerian female emcees in the music industry?

by Adewale Adenrele on

Nigeria, popularly known for its catchy Afrobeat’s by the likes of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy was once booming with female EMCEEs. What happened?

It is not to say that there aren’t any women in the industry now, but the scene has changed drastically since the early 2000s. Take Sasha P, for instance. She was once known as the first lady of Nigerian hip-hop when they weren’t many females in the game. Songs like “Emi Le Gan” and “Adara” earned her spot as the first Nigerian female artist to perform at the World Music Awards in 2008. She even won Best Female Artist award at the MTV Africa Music Awards. She took a break from music, however, to work on her clothing line and hasn’t been heard since then musically according to HipHop Africa.

Another big hit is Eva Alordiah: a rapper, entertainer, make-up artist, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. Releasing her first hit in 2009, she remained consistent until around 2019 with features by Olamide, Phyno, Yemi Alade and more. Eva served as the face of female rap in Nigeria for quite some time before stopping to focus on herself. Despite the fame, she describes the “deep dark depression” she was in amidst a lost sense of identity. She left the rap scene to find herself and God, a necessary thing to do.

Weird MC, a British Nigerian named Adesola Idowu was another pioneer of female rap in the early 90s. You won’t see much of her on popular streaming sites, but she was topping charts in Nigeria all the way from the UK during her time. One of her songs, “Ijoya,” was produced by Don Jazzy and the album, “After the Storm,” won Best Pop Album at the 2007 Headies. Known for the way she infused the Yoruba language into her music, she continued making headway until a couple years back when a she lost a close friend and moved back to the UK.

There are more artists to name including Blaise, Bouqui, Mo’Cheddah, and more. Worldwide, but prominently in Nigeria, the rap scene is dominated by males. Today, no female truly rivals the top rappers in the country and it is a shame. Women are often sidelined to be background dancers adding to overly sensual music that degrades and objectifies women. A female artist can be a lyrical genius, but if she cannot move her body in a way that appeases record labels, it is not enough. The hope is that Nigerian Queens will take on the burden again to blaze the path for future female EMCEEs.

Daisy Firecracker may have the potential to reawaken the FEMCEEs of Nigeria.

Daisy or Anurika Happiness Mgbodim is a fire lyricist. From Anambra State, Nigeria, she has been working hard for some years now. You can hear the passion about her craft in this song “Dear Hustle” amidst the use of Pidgin English and Igbo language. This hustle is her “medicine” and she “will never leave [it].” I personally appreciate how smooth her flow is and the confidence or braggadoc(ia) in her music. As seen above, she has been proving herself in freestyle rooms, but also has singles and albums out. We will have to see where she goes from here, but I believe there is hope for women in Nigerian hip hop.

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ENTERTAINMENT: King of Boys was my first featured film – Illbliss

by Adewale Adenrele on

Nigerian rapper, hip-hop recording artist cum actor, Tobechukwu Ejiofor popularly known as Illbliss who played ‘Odogwu Malay’ in Kemi Adetiba’s movie, King of Boys has disclosed how the movie changed his life.

In an interview with Sunday Scoop, Illbliss fondly called Oga Boss noted that the movie introduced him to a new generation, adding that nobody seems to remember him as Illbliss.

In his words, “Nobody even remembers if I am IllBliss or Oga boss. The movie sold me to a new generation of film lovers. It was my first film. It was an experiment but it ‘blew up’.

“I am going to do more films but I am taking my time. As I speak to you, I have about 12 scripts on the table. Everybody is trying to have another ‘Odogwu Malay’. They are trying to typecast me and I have refused. The people I look up to are very dynamic— from Denzel Washington to Wesley Snipes.

“I will also be producing films in 2022. I am doing everything— short films, documentaries and feature films. I would also be putting out good music in 2022.

“King of Boys changed everything for me. It opened up new doors, corporate relationships and a new fan base. I don’t have a life anymore.

“I give all the credit to Kemi Adetiba. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would have had the guts to do such a movie.”

On the challenges of playing the role of ‘Odogwu Malay’, the rapper-cum-actor said, “It required a different range of emotions. Sometimes, one is happy and at other times, one is scared. I am the one they stretched the most after Sola Sobowale.”

 

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ENTERTAINMENT: Chanter And Singer, Iyadunni Akintunde Launches Album ‘SABABI IRE’, Says My Talent is Inborn

by Adewale Adenrele on

 Multi-talented broadcaster, Iyadunni Bisola Akintunde has revealed how she was motivated to become a chanter and musician by a veteran Broadcaster, Alh Bashorun Gboyega Lawal who discovered a resonating ability in her and was mentored by Komolafe Olaiya and Alh Ismail Olaniyan.

Iyadunni, while speaking with newsmen after her album launch ‘Sababi Ire’ disclosed that her talent and gift to sing is inborn because no one taught her how to sing but further explained that ultimately, she received the divine vision of singing God’s praises in a covenantal way.

Her words: “I am a Journalist, but major in broadcasting because I studied Mass Communication both at National Diploma (ND) at Adeseun Ogundoyin Campus, Eruwa in 2007 and got my HND from The Polytechnic Ibadan in 2014, but my musical talent was discovered by a veteran broadcaster, Alh Bashorun Gboyega Lawal  he noticed the talent in me.

“I recalled when he called me one day and said to me ‘Iyadunni, aside from being a presenter, I discovered you still have other talents, you can do something else apart your media presentation, and I was like, what can I do, and he gave me a particular topic to sing about which I did, and he remarked that I have some raw talent that need to be polished. That is why I described him as one of my great benefactors”.

Speaking on her new six tracks vinyl titled ‘Sababi Ire’ that will be marketed by Kenny Music the Ibadan born singer cum broadcaster however, said that her adventure in music industry has brought some challenges but are quite surmountable because of good people like Elder Komolafe Olaiya and Alh Ismail Olaniyan who are always there to motivate her.

Acknowledging the support of her husband, Alh Semiu Akintunde, popularly known as Hajj White in her music career, Folakemi said the co-operation and understanding of her hubby contributed greatly to the successful production of her new album and launch of Iyadunni Titilope Foundation (ITF) which was initiated to immortalize the passions and legacies of her late Father Alh. Bashir Titilope.

“My gratitude goes to these elders of FIBAN which include: Mogaji Kola Olootu and Alh. Ismail Olaniyan, Alh Taye Cellular, Aare Olalomi Amole, Alh Kola Akintayo, Alh Wale Lawal, Elder Akinboade Ologbojo, Elder Bade Ojuade, and Elder Bisi Kofo.

“While my special thanks also go to Evang. Ajibola Ogunkeyede, the team leader of Ufitfly, Com. Seun Awodele and the entire members of FIBAN Oyo State Chapter, Mogaji Olajuwon Adelokun, Amb. Romoke Ayinde, Alhaja Serifat Lawal Ede, Alh. Olarewaju Al-Fulany, Prince Hakeem Ajimobi, Alh. Olalekan Hameed (Foalexis)”, said the lady with a comforting voice.

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ENTERTAINMENT: Burna Boy, Wizkid, Angélique Kidjo nominated for 2022 GRAMMYs

by Adewale Adenrele on

Eight African musicians have received nominations for the 2022 Grammy Awards which is expected to take place in Los Angeles on Monday, January 31.

The artists include Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems, Femi Kuti, Made Kuti, Angélique Kidjo, Rocky Dawuni and Black Coffee.

The recording academy on Tuesday announced the nominations for each of the 86 categories for the 64th edition of the awards.

Nigeria’s Afrobeat star Wizkid was nominated in the best global music album with his Made in Lagos(Deluxe). In this category, he competes with Ghanaian Reggae star Rocky Dawuni with his album Voice of Bunbon’ Vol.1.

Also in this category are Beninese singer and songwriter, Angélique Kidjo with her ‘Mother Nature’ album. Angélique Kidjo appears as one of the Recording Academy’s favourite candidates, seeing how often she frequents the Grammy nominations list.

In the same category are Femi Kuti and Made Kuti with ‘Legacy +’

Wizkid has again bagged another nomination in the category of Best Global music performance with his son Essence ft Tems. He competes with Burna Boy who secured a spot in this category for his collaboration with Angelique Kidjo. Femi Kuti’s ‘Pa Pa Pa’ also made it in this category.

Scnsly by Black Coffee also got a nod for best dance album.

Following the announcement of the nominations, artists across genres joined in excitement with their fans on social media.

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