Germany based Kenyan born singer, Patricia Mwaura whose stage name is Treesha has hit the Nigerian radio airwaves with her brand new lovers rock single ‘Angel of Mine’, a cover originally done by Eternal. Treesha, the last child of a family of four children started singing at the age of 8, influenced by her dad John Ben Mwaura who was also a singer and a guitarist.
After moving to Europe and training as a medical assistant, she joined international reggae act Gentleman as a background vocalist whom she still works with and this experience brought her in contact with Skarra Mucci, who released her album under his label. Treesha was also part of Gentleman’s team that performed at Femi Anikulapo’s Shrine in 2013 when the artiste came to Nigeria.
‘Angel of Mine’ continues to enjoy massive airplay Nigerian radio stations especially in the south western part of the country while popular reggae music presenter Daddy Faizer says the music will be be pushed further to other parts of the country in the coming weeks. Angel of Mine is a production of BuffBaff Records
First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced its partnership with Arese Ugwu for the TV adaptation of her best seller, Smart Money Woman. The weekly show – in its first season – is billed to premiere on Africa Magic Showcase on Wednesday, 23rd September 2020 at 9:30pm.
The Smart Money Woman is a programme that shows the experiences, sacrifices, struggles and vigour of women in society as they carry out their day to day activities in spite of the gender imbalance in the society, especially in Africa. The series is an adaptation of Smart Money Woman written to tackle debt, providing tips on inculcating the right savings culture of the African middle class (why don’t we say – every individual – as against limiting to African middle class), the fear and misconceptions surrounding money and the lack of it, love, friendships, cultural and societal pressures and the roles they play in success.
The half hour 13-episode series which is directed by Bunmi Ajakaiye and Co-, produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, Akin Marinho and Arcadia Tv Africa will have viewers exposed to financial literacy nuggets. Its cast include; Osas Ighodaro, Toni Tones, Ini Dima-Okojie, Eby Eno, Eso Okolocha, Timini Egbuson, Karibi Fubara, Tope Tedela, Seun Ajayi and Temisan Emmanuel.
According to Author and Executive Producer, Smart Tribe Media, Arese Ugwu; “The Smart Money Woman is a love letter to every modern and upwardly mobile African women who are exploring life opportunities and experiences to find that right balance in their day to day activities especially in their career, friendship, relationship and of course, family.”
“We thank First Bank of Nigeria Limited for being the first corporate sponsor to believe in my dream and take a chance on a first-time producer. This is a partnership we are pleased to reckon with, whilst we recognise how they have successfully empowered women across the geo-political zones in Nigeria through its various initiatives, especially the FirstGem product. They have provided mentoring, support and capacity building opportunities for all to create a new generation of financially literate women thereby contributing to the continued growth and development of the country.”
Speaking on the TV show, Folake Ani-Mumuney, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited said “FirstBank has been at the forefront of promoting female empowerment and we understand the role financial literacy plays in deepening financial inclusion, whilst promoting female independence. The essence of the TV programme is to raise financial awareness to inspire every individual in the society, especially women, to make informed choices and take effective actions for their financial wellbeing, she concluded.”
This feature article by Segun Kasali takes a look at how The Voice Nigeria Season 3 is discovering raw music talent in the country and nurturing them into music superstars in the nearest future.
The challenges of cost of production, cost of promotions and especially identification with renowned music record label, amongst others, have been identified as among the many challenges confronting upcoming artistes while making efforts at showcasing their talents. Asides the talent showcase of the craft, music plays a pivotal role at providing employment opportunities for key players in the industry – especially musicians – at making ends meet, whilst contributing their quota to the growth of the industry and the national economy as a whole.
These challenges undoubtedly handicap the young talents from realizing their potentials which invariably translate to debarring them from making meaningful contributions to the country’s Gross Domestic Product as it had been said that the entertainment sector contributed 2.3% (NGN239 billion) to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016 and has been one of the priority sectors identified in the Economic Recovery and Growth plan of the Federal Government of Nigeria with a planned $1billion in export revenue by 2020.
In contributing to the growth of the music industry in the country, The Voice Nigeria was launched on the 10th April, 2016. The Voice Nigeria has since refined and helped unleash the brightest of Nigerian musical talents for the global stage as the country’s music industry continues to enjoy international attention. The Voice is a multinational singing competition with a television franchise in over 50 countries around the world.
The winner of the maiden edition of the music reality show, Agharese Emokpae was awarded a recording contract, an SUV worth N7 million and a 4-night all-expense paid ticket to Abu Dhabi, courtesy Etihad Airways. Sharing her experience, she noted that that they (participants in the competition) were on a different journey in terms of attention to detail, mentorship by the coaches and the incredible training sessions. All the contestants showed incredible growth personally and professionally with gratitude for the experience, the exposure and the platform which attests to discovering, nurturing and empowering musical talents.
Also, in Season 2 of The Voice Nigeria, Daniel Diongoli, popularly known as Idyl, was announced the winnerbeating finalists Ebube, Syemca, Wow, Chris Rio, J’Dess, Jahtell andYimikato win the grand prize of a record deal with Universal Music Africa, a GAC car and an all-expense paid trip to Dubai.
One of the sponsors of this year’s edition, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has expressed its delight over the partnership with UN1TY Limited, organisers of The Voice Nigeria Season 3, as it is poised to empowering and investing in the Nigerian youths and demonstrating its contribution to the projected revenue of 86 million dollars by 2021 from the Nigerian music industry aimed at promoting a diversified economy in line with the federal government of Nigeria’s economic diversification policy.
Interested participants are to register via the link www.thevoicenigeria.com with their FirstBank account number as a requirement. Should one not have an account with the Bank, then dial the Bank’s USSD code, *894*0# to be a FirstBank account holder. The audition is open to individuals within the age of 18 -50 years who are have been residing in Nigeria for 12 consecutive months. The registration for audition closes at 11:59pm on Saturday, 19 September 2020.
The financial institution also stated its unrelenting passion for giving voice to the young and indeed all Nigerians, which would translate to creating employment, economic empowerment in the country.
Expressing her delight on the partnership, Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communication, FirstBank said; “FirstBank has given voice to Nigerians for the past 126 years, and will continue to give voice to Nigerians by creating employment, economic empowerment in the country through its products, services and initiatives and it remains committed to strengthening the creative industry which is fast growing into a multibillion-dollar business, with potential to be a leading contributor to Nigeria’s GDP in the near future.”
She concluded that supporting The Voice Season 3 means a lot to the Bank, especially as “it is a demonstration of the bank’s commitment to contributing to the projected revenue of USD86 million by 2021 from Nigeria’s music industry aimed at promoting a diversified economy in line with the Federal Government’s diversification policy.”
Sunday Tribune gathered that the registration for The Voice Season 3, which is open to both female and male contestants who are Nigerians and have a government-issued means of Identification, is free. Further to registering, talents are to have a one-minute video singing without a sound track, upload and fill the form on the website.
Talents and fans will go home with over 100million naira in prizes as The Winning Talent of The Voice Nigeria Season 3 will go home with monetary reward, a brand-new car and an international recording contract. The Voice Nigeria will take an interesting twist this year with many virtual engagements with fans, talents and the general public.
Sources close to Nigeria’s foremost thespian, Dr Helen Paul have revealed that she is on the verge of becoming a professor, as she is currently taking a post-doctorate study in a United States of America university.
Last year, the versatile entertainer became Nigeria’s first popular stand-up comedian to bag Doctorate Degree, after completing her Ph.D programs in Theatre Arts from the prestigious University of Lagos (UNILAG).
But Dr Helen’s quest for education is obviously unstoppable as she is reportedly set to become a Professor.
According to our source, “Yes, Helen Paul has been shuttling between Nigerian and the US for some months now. While studying to become a Professor, she is also working as a lecturer in one of the institutions in the US.
“She is really an inspiration to this generation because combining these academic feats with her comedy career in Nigeria is no child’s play.”
The world is about to listen to yet another great tune that promises to make positive impact, as talented award winning United Kingdom based gospel singer, Sophy-Yah, is set to drop a new single. The much anticipated effort titled “Stop the Hurt” is slated for release come Monday 21st, September 2020.
“Stop the Hurt” is a conscious composition targeted at condemning domestic violence.
The high flying singer, Sophy-Yah, whose style of music is Gospel Hip-Hop and RnB, during a chat said, no one is should go through any sorts of abuse, be it physical, psychological or emotional as it can be really damaging.
The song is being released in support of Women’s Aid UK, a UK based charity that looks after abused women.
Christened Sophia but goes by the stage name, Sophy-Yah, is a dynamic and anointed singer, who encourages and blesses the heart of people with her God given voice. The Nigerian-born artist now based in the United Kingdom, gave her life to Christ at age 13 and became passionate about things of God.
She started exhibiting her talent at a very young age and she featured in at Christian concerts, seminars, award ceremonies, both in Nigeria and UK. Most noticeably, in 2012 she was a member of the choir that recorded the British Broadcasting Cooperation (BBC) theme song titled “first step” at the legendary Abbey road studio, UK for the 2012 Olympics.
She has shared platform with great gospel musicians like Chevelle Franklin, Noel Robinson, Bob Fit, Original King Arthur, Nicole C. Mullen, Damita Haddon, Sonnie Badu, Kym Mazelle, Lurine Cato, Tim Godfrey, Raymond & Co. as well as a host of other UK, African and American gospel artistes.
Sophia’s purpose is to express her creativity in music to touch lives and souls in order to bring them back to right standing with God and to also inspire people of different age groups to reach their full potential. Her desire is to help people connect to the love that is eternal, which is the reason of our existence.
She is blessed and privileged to be one of God’s chosen vessels in this end time to preach God’s word through music. Sophy-Yah is presently the Music Ambassador for London based International Women of power, (IWOP). She’s equally a youth influencer for another London based organization “The Truth about Drug”.
Sophia is also a brand Influencer for lots of brands that include, Hairfinity USA, Mumzz Backpack Singapore, Shero Science USA, Poppy Apparel USA, Femme Luxe UK, Organic Asap Hong Kong, Pro teeth whitening co UK, and a host of others. She is a Multi-Award Winner, an actress, and a TV presenter.
One of Nigeria’s leading and front-line Juju music act, Yinka Best has been in the news of recent, especially after a successful launch of his newly released 3 albums at a go in America, United Kingdom and Nigeria.
In this exclusive chat, the ‘Ko Gb’oge Wa’ crooner opened up on his musical career, experience in the United Kingdom and most importantly his grievances with afro juju act, Sir Shina Peters. Excerpts…
What has been happening to Yinka Best?
A lot has been happening to Yinka Best, ups and downs, hustling and bustling to make ends meet. I am also trying to promote my newly released albums.
You appear to stay out of the country now?
Not really. Although, I have been traveling around when I am needed for shows outside the country. This shuffling has been made possible with the support of God, fans, friends and family.
What are you cooking presently?
At the moment, I am working on the production of video and promotion of my albums.
With your exposure to the outside world, how would you compare Nigeria’s music industry with America and Europe?
There is no basis for comparison with Nigerian music, because Nigerian music, to an extent and on its struggling note gone far and wide and recognized all over the world. There is nothing really to worry about because Nigerian musicians are doing well. All we need is the support of the government to make things work better.
Talking about your brand of music, what exactly is happening to Juju music?
I want to correct this impression that I play only JuJu music, I also play highlife and Jazz music. And as for JuJu music, a lot has been happening. For instance, there’s no love amongst some JuJu artistes that we look up to. Some of the leaders we look up to in JuJu music are not responsible at all. The wicked amongst them is Sir Shina Peters. All the problems we are having now in JuJu music stems from him. He does not want other JuJu musicians to grow, he wants everything to be all about him alone and this is affecting the JuJu music industry. Most of my colleagues in JuJu music have one or two things to say about his attitude towards them. It high time someone spoke out. We can’t continue like this. I can only speak for myself on this issue; Sir Shina Peters has been on my case for the past 20 years, from blocking me from shows and also not allowing promoters home and abroad to work with me. Despite all these, I still try to be at peace with him and all my effort has been made futile. Imagine Sir Shina Peters saying he doesn’t want to have any dealings with someone that’s associated with King Sunny Ade when I invited him to the launch of the album I produced in honour of King Sunny Ade, for his role and contributions to JuJu music.
Personally, I feel this is highly disrespectful to the person and position of King Sunny Ade. Sir Shina Peters even went on to request for money before he could honour the invitation. Unfortunately, he did not attend the event.
How has Juju music fared in the last couple of decades?
To God be the glory we are pushing ahead JuJu music. Thank God for someone like King Sunny Ade, he has been a great support and pillar in the JuJu music.
What exactly are the factors working against the progress of Juju music?
Number one factor is jealous. Also are greed and selfishness, especially from our so called leaders like Sir Shina Peters. People we should be looking up to are the ones letting us down. There are lots of JuJu artistes that need support but they are being let down by his act of greed. He is all about himself. We need to support one another and work on copy right. Don’t wait until Yinka Best, Wale Thompson, Segun Nabi, Dele Taiwo and Tayo King release albums, let us promote originality. Another advice I will like to give to all JuJu musicians is that achievement is not about tactics, it’s about commitment, hard work and perseverance.
What efforts are people like you making to turn things around for good for Juju music?
As I said earlier, I have been working on my albums and also encouraging up coming artistes. I believe when more albums are released, it will help to lift souls and promote sanity. I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity especially, juju music. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves good music. One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain
The Big Brother Naija Lockdown has been living up to its billings in terms of intrigue, and yesterday’s eviction and disqualification has set Nigerian social media into frenzy like never before. The eviction of Lucy caught many unaware especially giving that Tricktee and Vee survive it, another issue like that is the disqualification of Erica who is not up for eviction.
Erica seems to have on Monday secure her place for another week by her emergence as the Head of House, though on two strikes for infringing on house rules it was the general believe that she will at least scale through this week eviction but that is not to be over issues that we can say is more the fault of Big Brother than hers.
I know many people will be wondering how I arrived at my conclusion. Let’s look at it this way, the genesis of the issue that led to her disqualification was her trying to kiss Laycon during their Saturday party sponsored by Johnnie Walker, it is the party that happens like 4 weeks back that has DJ Consequence on the turntable, if you could recollect most of the Saturday parties before then are sponsored by Guinness but this was the first time a spirit drink brand will be the drink for the Saturday’s party and Erica became so intoxicated that she could hardly recollect event of the night.
Knowing her weakness for spirit drinks she was this time around allowed to indulge in Gordons Dry Gin, someone once said gins are revered even by the ancestors that they only drink it with the cover, the decision to again expose her to spirit drinks when she’s already on two strikes is to me a deliberate attempt to quickly send her home and that was the case yesterday.
My belief is that should there be Origin present she may not be that high to act the way she acted but exposing her to consumption of gin is partially the fault of Big Brother but mainly her fault for not knowing her ability, if not there won’t be need for young Nigerians who had campaigned intensely for her to be contributing the money the are supposed to be using for upkeep to support her.
Stay tune while we expect the next drama to be linked to the follies of the Big Brother.
One singer who has kept the flag of Fuji music flying in Ekiti state is no other than Akanmu. He’s also called Chief Banuso of Fuji worldwide.
The Ado-Ekiti based Sensema who was decorated as Eyinju Oganla by the Oganla of Fuji, Pasuma Wonder, is set to release a new album. The new effort is titled, Assignment.
The album which was produced by prolific music producer, Prince Ademola Adelakun, is slated to be launched 6th September at the prestigious Oyebam Hotel in Ado-Ekiti.
Some of the tracks on the highly danceable and philosophical album include, Motide, Ogbon, Education, Okudu 1, among others.
Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has made her debut in a movie produced by award-winning, and proudly Nigerian movie producer, Kunle Afolayan. The movie, Citation, is created to correct one of the greatest ills – rape and sexual molestation – which affects the educational system and indeed societies around the world.
Mrs. Awosika plays the role of the dean of a university faculty, overseeing the senate hearing panel of a female postgraduate student (Moremi), played by Temi Otedola, who has been a victim of sexual harassment. The movie was shot to lend a voice to support victims of sexual harassment and rape, beyond the university environment. Ibukun Awosika was chosen due to her leading impact on women advocacy and leadership.
Unveiling Ibukun Awosika, the surprise cast of the movie, Kunle Afolayan posted on his official Instagram handle; “It all began in 2018 with the pre-production of Citation, then the production in January 2020, and now the 30th of August, we officially had the first private screening of Citation at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
“Why OAU? Well, not only was Citation shot at the University, but our surprise cast is an alumna of the school.”
Expressing her delight on the movie, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, FirstBank said; “the physical and psychological effects of sexual harassment have a considerable toll on individuals and institutions in terms of cost. The effects of can hamper growth and the potentials and can stop the victims from engaging fully in life. We must, therefore, (as stakeholders, governments, institutions of learning; parents; media etc.), collectively rise against this menace and never let the deplorable behaviour of sexual harassment to fester.”
“I remain upbeat about this project – being part of a collective goal to continually keep dreams and hope alive; sacrificing and holding strong to our commitment to reignite the lost values. The casting experience has been very enriching and impactful to me. I am delighted to be amongst the very amazing casts in such an intriguing and brilliantly scripted movie.
Obafemi Awolowo University played host to the movie which was written by Tunde Babalola. Other stars in the movie include; Joke Silver, Jimmy Jean Louis, Sadiq Daba, Gabriel Afolayan and Temi Otedola, amongst others.
AKAD RECORDS is a music discovery company, dedicated to discovering, supporting, and promoting visionary African artists from around the globe.
Its pioneer act, Lil Dee has been signed to the record label while the new company also aims to sign one of the hottest producers around.
CEO of the company, Akinwale Ademokoya offers a sneak peek into what this new record label has to offer; with the release of the hot new single by its artiste Lil Dee titled “OWO” featuring Jaywon.
As a Management Company, Akad Records will make its mark in West, East, and South Africa through their proposed offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and the company’s launching is a boost for the music industry in Africa.
The Group Chief Executive of Akad Records, Akinwale Ademokoya, said this announcement was a watershed in the history of music in Africa. “With the launch of AKAD RECORDS, we are now positioned as a uniquely Pan-African label,” he said. “We will coordinate releases to synchronize in unison from Lagos to Lesotho and from Nairobi to Niamey.”
Adding that he was very excited about the opportunities of a “borderless Africa.”
“I am excited to make a movement that is borderless and that exports Africa’s best talents to the world,” Akinwale said. “The world is about to experience a new superpower.”
Expressing his excitement about the company, Akinwale also said this is a long time dream come through “This is something I have been excited about for a long time,” he said. “We are joining forces with some international players in the industry who are already doing it big and we will keep pushing to make beautiful music.”
“At Akad Records, we believe in dreams, we believe in success, we believe in greatness, together [WE OWN THE CITY]”
Akad Record is ready to begin a new journey by delivering the best of Africa to the rest of the world.
