Tuesday 31 January 2012

THE LENS




Amanda Akokhia.

BLAST FROM THE PAST



Tolu Falode.

Monday 30 January 2012

YOU LIVE...YOU LEARN

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS.
The sun glistens brightly through the crystal clear window in my room bathing my brown skin in its joyful radiance. Filled with internal bliss, my thoughts are left to wander freely as I ponder on the amazing beauty of my home-Lagos. I love this city deeply because it represents an important part of my being. In this bustling city I took my first fragile steps into the world and that is the reason for the unique connection I feel towards this mother of mine.
 Despite the dangerous broken down roads, the moans and groans of the impatient drivers as they try desperately to beat the unbeatable traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge and the sweltering heat in the market places as Lagosian women hustle to draw your attention to their food stalls, this city which lies at the core of my country has shaped my life through the years. I remember a time when I had felt the childish desires to be free from the restraints of my family; to see more than the friendly faces of my people and explore more than the busy rowdy streets of my hometown. I should have wished more carefully. Those first few months I spent away from home changed my perspective of Lagos.
 At first, my heart was filled with ground breaking joy at the fact that I was finally free to see a different place and meet a different set of people. I was free to explore the boundless shores of adolescence. I was free for a while as all my hopes where met with the delightful people and places that confirmed this desire within my soul. Slowly but surely my home began to call back to me as I watched my surroundings change before my eyes. I longed for the brilliant rays of the sun on my face as I walked down the cold, slippery streets to school. I looked around at faces I could not understand; faces that reminded me of the joy and laughter of my people and voices that made me long for the friendly chatter back home between old friends.
I realized that family and home would never be replaced as I tried hard to constrain the warm feeling of nostalgia swelling up in my mind, body and spirit. I knew I would always love to travel and broaden my horizons but at the same time, I accepted that I could never fully be content without coming back to my roots once in a while. Stepping out of the airport into the burning heat and constant noise of my native land I knew this was true as I felt a deep connection with this paradise I love. Home is truly where the heart is.


Tolu Falode.

CULTURAL TUNE OF THE WEEK

CULTURAL WORDS OF WISDOM

A speedy wrestling and a bad fall go hand in hand.
Good conscience is a powerful weapon of war.
The mediocre brags in the absence of the grand masters.
A child's face is his mirror.
A tree is known by its fruit.
The house roof fights the rain, but he who is sheltered ignores it.
The hunter does not rub himself in oil and lie by the fire to sleep.
When the mice laugh at the cat, there is a hole nearby.
The one being carried does not realize how far away the town is.
A bird can drink much but an elephant can drink more.

Tolu Falode.

NAIJA BEATS

NAIJA BEATS

Sunday 22 January 2012

POCAHONTAS TRIBUTE

POCAHONTAS.

Time for another animated feature! And this week, its ‘POCAHONTAS’. Pocahontas was the daughter of a chief of a North American tribe called the Powhatans. Pocahontas means ‘Little Mischief’.Its Disney’s 33rd animated feature.
Mel Gibson plays Captain John Smith; David Ogden Steirs plays Radcliffe.
Linda Hunt,Grandmother Willow and Irene Bedard as Pocahontas.
Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz-created 7 new shorts for the film.
This Disney Animated Feature is based on a real person.
The late Roy E. Disney says that Disney knew Pocahontas was a bit younger when she met John Smith but the relationship of people from two different civilizations added to the emotional impact of the story.
The bond between the English rogue and the Powhatan Princess is at the core of the story.
Glen Keane who was the supervising animator of Pocahontas says ‘she was the strongest heroine we’ve ever had in a Disney film’ while Jim Pentecost describes her as ‘open, athletic, vivacious, quite beautiful.’
Disney animators knew that somehow they had to capture the personality of Pocahontas.
Glen Keane says that ‘in the case of Pocahontas I thought I need to go to Jamestown.’
The story begins at the departure of the Virginia Company from a port London port; their mission, to return with any gold they can find; John Smith’s duty on this journey is to provide security.
This New World, surrounding the Jamestown settlement was habitated by the Powhatans who appreciated and respected their environment.
Disney Animator’s had to ask themselves: How would Pocahontas react to the Disney settlers? What kind of person was Pocahontas? Before they could tell her story, they had to know here.
They knew they wanted her to be a spiritual person whose thoughts run deeper than the surface but it took a fine balance to find who Pocahontas was.
And in order to do this, they conducted an intensive research into her story.
Russell Means-Chief Powhatan-mentioned to the Disney animators that all the dwellings face east in her culture. Mel Gibson describes working in the studio-Is like cutting off your senses and using one aspect of yourself. ‘They put hidden video cameras around the place...you catch that they’ve stolen an expression off your face...it’s very clever.’
The voice actor of Pocahontas Irene Bedard, says ‘I think the story of Pocahontas is one of the most beautiful love stories ever told’
Judy Kuhn plays the singing voice of the Princess.
David Ogden Stiers mutitasks beautifully as the voice actor for both Radcliffe and Wiggins.
Here are some words from the people that helped bring Pocahontas to life:
Supervising Animator of John Smith-John Pomaroy-says that the ‘amount of substance that the animator would craft into the character...it radiates a certain spirit or life source that convinces the viewer.
Radcliffe’s animator states ‘Largely he is greedy and corrupt...We raised his center of gravity to his chest so he seems more pompous.’
Meeko’s supervising animator makes an interesting analysis of creating this adorable creature-‘you have to become the character..Pocahontas does something to you... how would you react without saying something...I try to get it from within’
Alan Menken-the talented composer says that  ‘you really want to tell the story through song..you need to be right there from he very beginnning.’
The song ‘Just Around The River Bend’ is created to reflect the moment ‘when Pochaontas realizes she’s different’ as said by Alan Menken.
Schwartz, the other equally talented composer says, ‘I like it when I’m able to say something in an unexpected but very simple way’ to describe the creation of the beautiful number ‘Colors of the Wind.’
This animated feature is one of Disney’s finer works as it turns the story of a beautiful young girl’s power of perception into a story that has warmed the hearts of millions. Here’s to Pocahontas!
Tolu Falode.










Saturday 21 January 2012

YOU LIVE...YOU LEARN

  GRANDMOTHER. 
  As I sat in the sitting room listening to the broken radio of the ‘mallam’ downstairs and the peaceful chirping of birds outside I was at peace. Suddenly, I heard the distant shuffle of footsteps and saw my grandmother’s frail figure as she made her way to the chair slowly. Mama had changed since the last six years I had last seen her. The strong stout woman that once guarded me ferociously as a child was now fragile. Her loud voice that had struck fear in my soul had become small and strained. But most importantly, her memory; one of her outstanding features had diminished over the years.
   As she sat down and stared at me I knew she was about to take me on a trip down memory lane. What I didn’t know was whether she would decide to take me on a trip down her route or mine. To my surprise, she had chosen mine. I listened with new found attention as her words moved smoothly from her mouth dragging me down to a part of my past that I had forgotten to remember.
   The sun shone threateningly down my back as fresh drops of sweat broke all over my young agile body as I ran round the house screaming for help. I could hear the distant patter of the dog slowly gaining ground as she moved closer to me. Suddenly she pounced. ‘HELP!’ I screamed. Where was everyone? My heart leaped in relief as I heard rapid footsteps and felt the dog’s weight being pulled off my body. The familiar arms of my mother wrapped around me protectively.
   I looked at my grandmother in astonishment as she described how she had heard my cries for help and alerted my mother. I had never known who or how I had gotten help that day but I felt a deep appreciation as I stared at this old woman who played a massive part of my childhood. I smiled to myself realizing her memory was still as strong as ever. ‘Mama e he so’ –Mama I have heard- I said in her traditional Benin language-Ibie.
   As I spoke those words, I knew she was the reason for my love and devotion to languages. As a child she had refused to speak a word of English to me; always, she insisted I speak ‘Ibie’. I had stubbornly refused to forget ‘Ibie’ while Mama was away and had partly succeeded. I watched her as she stood up from her chair and tentatively grabbed her walking stick. As she moves gradually across the room, I remember the moment she had first seen my brother and I again after six years. Her wrinkled face had lit up with pure joy and happiness as she hugged us warmly greeting us with excitement in her native tongue. As I reflected on our brief conversation, I realized Mama might have changed over the years but she was still the same in so many ways. Contented, I let the music from the broken radio drown my thoughts.

Tolu Falode.

AFRICAN INFLUENCES

AFRICAN INFLUENCES

CULTURAL WORDS OF WISDOM

Don't set sail on someone else's star.
It is not what you are called, but what you answer to.
A chattering bird builds no nest.
If you run after two hares you will catch neither.
No one tests the depth of a river with both feet.
The moon moves slowly but it crosses the town.
Rain beats a leopard's skin but it does not wash out the spots.
If you understand the beginning well, the end will not trouble you.
Move your neck according to the music.
Knowledge is like a garden, if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested.


Tolu Falode.











NICKI'S PAGE

AFRICAN INFLUENCES

8 FACTS (CHIEF COMMANDER EBENEZER OBEY)

Obey's full name is Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi.
He was born in Idogbo, Ogun State.
He began his professional career in the mid-1950s.
He formed a band called The International Brothers in 1964, playing highlife-juju fusion.
The band later metamorphorsed into Inter-Reformers in the early 1970s.
Obey experimented with Yoruba percussion style.
Obey is renowned for Christian spiritual themes in his music.
Since the early 1990s he has retired into Nigerian gospel music ministry.






Tolu Falode.

NICKI'S PAGE

Wednesday 18 January 2012

NAIJA BEATS-FEATURING TIWA SAVAGE

THE SCOOP!

TIWA SAVAGE.
How did your interest in music start?
I actually had a crush on a boy in school and I noticed he used to hang out with other singers so I told my music teacher one day that I didn't want to play the trombone again and wanted to sing. He heard my voice and was actually very impressed. But I still didn't win the boys attention lol.
How did your family respond to your interest in the musical industry?        

At first they encouraged me to study business and accounts because they wanted me to have something to fall back on because the possibility of making it in music is slim but now they are my biggest supporters.
Who were your musical icons while growing up?                                         

I loved and still love Brandy.
Where there a lot of hurdles before you achieved this level of success?       
Yeah there was. People think this is just overnight success but I have been working at this for years. And I still face a lot of challenges now. Its not an easy road. Your every move is scrutinised and your private life no longer exists.
How did you overcome them?  

I have so much love and suppport from my family and my team. My manager, PR, label, etc. I am always very prayerful. God is my strength when I am weak.

Can you share some of the lessons you have learned that would help budding artists in the industry?             
I always say this. Never give up. God's time is best. No matter how long you have been trying just stayed focused and consistent. Nothing great comes easy and if you read the success stories of great artists you will see their struggle and see that it didn't happen overnight.

Do you play any musical instrument? 
I used to play the trombone.
Would you like to learn how to play any instrument and why?                                                                      
I would love to learn how to play the bass guitar. Its my favourite instrument and not many females play it.
Who is Tiwa Savage as a person?       
I am actually more reserved in person, I love quiet nights at home and I love making people happy
Is there any special person in your life right now?                                      
Lol like I said earlier my private life is not so private anymore so this is one of the things I still try and guard carefully.
How are you dealing with the fame you have found in the Nigerian music scene?                                                  

I am so honoured that so many people support and love my music. Sometimes it is hard to deal with people who just hate for no reason but the ratio of supporters outshine that by far so I am blessed
I love the single 'Kele Kele Love'; what inspired the song?   
Its just a mixture of things I had experienced and things I had seen my friends go through. Its a common thing women go through which is why the song became so popular

'Love Me (x3)' is equally a powerful song for the average woman;what inspired it?                                    
Again it was based on past experiences when u first start dating someone and everything is beautiful.You miss that even as soon as they walk out the door lol
Both songs seem to have opposing messages- 'Kele Kele' promotes female independence, 'Love Me (x3)' has a more submissive tone-what messages did you seek to promote through both tunes?                             
Kele kele is not actually talking about female independence it is talking about a female that wants a good man and not someone that wants to play her. So both songs are actually about love. "Love me" is more about a girl who has already found that man and is now just expressing her affection.
Both songs are equally catchy and enjoyable; how did you decide on the sounds for these tunes?                
There wasn't a strategic decision. I just wrote both songs one after the other and everything just seemed to fall into place.
You have a lot of experience from writing songs for populamusicians; how has this shaped your own music?                                           
My album so far is very diverse because of this very reason. I have worked with various artists and this has influenced me in a very good way. I am able to create music and topics that people can relate to.
Can you share some of the lessons you have learned that would help budding artists in the industry?            
 I always say this. Never give up. God's time is best. No matter how long you have been trying just stayed focused and consistent. Nothing great comes easy and if you read the success stories of great artists you will see their struggle and see that it didn't happen overnight.                                                                      

How does it feel to be a Grammy Nominee?                                             
It feels great but I have to give the glory to God without Him it would not have been possible. I worked on that song on a night that I was frustrated with music and God turned that frustration into my blessing.
Are there any Nigerian artistes you would lke to collaborate with? Why?      
Yeah many of them and I have had the opportunity to work with some already. Great artists like 9ice, Psquared, Don Jazzy, Sosick, Leo Wonder, Tosin Martins, Banky W, Eldee, Weird MC, May D. I would still love to work with wande coal, 2face, Asa and many more. There are so many wonderful artists in nigeria I look forward to many collaborations.

                                                                                                                How would you define your style?    
My style varies according to my mood. Whether I am feeling glamorous, girl next door or just wanting to be comfortable. I mainly love simple, classy cuts.
What are your plans for the future?  
By the grace of God more music, more videos and more avenues to encourage women and give back.
Any words of wisdom for aspiring Nigerian artistes?                                  
Like I said in the earlier question and that is "never give up" and always keep close to God.    






Tolu Falode.






                           

















                  
                                      

AFRICAN INFLUENCES

Tuesday 17 January 2012

CULTURAL TUNE OF THE WEEK

THE PULSE

THE VAULT

THE VAULT

THE VAULT

THE VAULT

BLAST FROM THE PAST(LAGOS)








Tolu Falode.

BRYMO-ARA

THE SCOOP!

BRYMO.


Brymo’s Profile.

Ashimi Olawale ''Brymo'' was born in Lagos in 1986. He is the only child of a father who was a carpenter and a mother who was a petty trader. He was raised in a suburb called Okokomaiko in Lagos State. And like most ghetto kids, he grew up in a community where opportunities were hard; despite all the hardship, his parents ensured that he got an average education, and a good upbringing.
He attended Aganju aka primary school okokomaiko, Lagos (1990-1997). He later attended Ajangbadi high school (1997-2003). Olawale gained admission into Lagos state university in 2007 where he studied zoology.
In 1999, Olawale wrote his first chorus at age 14. In 2002 he came together with three other friends and they started a band called ALIENS. Brymo played a very important part as a member of the group, his job being writing and compositions of songs. In a period of two years, he wrote over 85 songs. In 2005 the group broke up as some members had to go back to school.
Later that year he moved on to a solo career, recording his 1st single. In 2007 He came in contact with a local talent manager who helped him record his debut Album 'BRYMSTONE'. Later that year Music was slow in the year as he got admitted into the lagos state university. In 2008, he went on to promote his then hit single Shawdy with a video that gained maximum airplay nationwide which got him nominations and rave reviews. The video went on to be the number 2 spot on the MTV Base African Top Ten Countdowns and number one on the Nigezee Top Ten.
In 2010 he hooked up with Nigerian sensational Rapper M.I, whom later introduced him to Jesse Jagz and Iceprince ushering him into chocolate city music label.  

He has been described as the master of hooks; this is because of his contribution to the success of Iceprince monster hit single Oleku’.
On 18 September 2011 Brymo dropped his 1st single under Chocolate City. Within 12 months of being in the limelight, and without a mainstream single to his name, BrymO is already being touted by many as Nigeria’s hook master but this changed as soon as his single ARA dropped.
ARA is BrymO’s 1st official single of his SON OF A KAPENTA album as a Chocolate City artiste which will be dropping next year. ARA was the number 6 trending topic globally on twitter and within just 2 months the song rose to the top as the number 1 song in the country on Cool fm Top Ten and the Beat FM top ten 10 songs.
He has had collaborations as well as featured on the works of M.I, Iceprince, Jesse Jagz, Ill Bliss, Sasha, 2 Shotz, Playboy, SARZ, Mikky mi.


Discography
  • Brymstone ‘Debut Album' (2007)
  • Shawdy 'single' (2008)
  • Ara ‘single' (2011)


Nominations
  • Best special effects and graphics- Soundcity Music Video Awards 2009
  • Most Promising act to watch- Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2011




Performances and Appearances
  • Silverbird 30th anniversary- Lagos, 2010
  • Star mega jam- 2010
  • Hennesy concert- 2010
  • Rick Ross private party-Abuja
  • Face of Selara- 2010- Abuja, 2010
  • Runway Fashion show-Abuja, 2010
  • Glo Rock & Rule Tour (Nigeria) – Feb – Apr 2011
  • M12 Album Launch (O2 Arena London)- 28th April, 2011
  • Big Brother Africa winner welcome party- 2011
  • Hennessy Artistry V.I.P  Night- 30th Sept, 2011
  • Rhythm Unplugged (Abuja)- Oct 2011
  • M-Tech E.L.I Launch (Kenya)- Oct 2011



        Brymo is signed to Chocolate City music and management

                                     www.chocolatecitygroup.com
Interview.

Brymo, tell me a bit about yourself?
My name is Ibrahim Olawale Ashimi. I am a Nigerian and a
recording/performing artiste signed under Chocolate City Music.

How did you discover your musical talent growing up?

I started music from a young age. I listened to my mum singing some old
Fuji and Juju tunes of Sunny Ade, Wasiu and the likes. I also started
writing my music at the age of 14. And then went professional in 2007.



Who are the artists that inspire your music?


The likes of R.Kelly and Tu-Face.

What are your musical plans for 2012 under the Chocolate City Label?

To release a few more singles and then drop the album.

How where you discovered by this label?

I was at home in Okokomaiko and then I got a call from Denrele of
Soundcity. Denrele told me M.I wanted to work with me and that I
should call him. I called M.I and spoke to his manager.
He  invited me to M.I's home and that's how I met Jesse jagz.
I recorded my 1st collaboration with the Chocolate City Label; the name of the song is
L.O.V.E on jesse jagz "jag of all tradez album". 
Some days later, I got a call from M.I and he asked if I was signed to any
label; I said no and that was it. I met with Audu the CEO of Chocolate
City and the rest was history.

You have a rich, soulful voice in 'Oleku' which you worked with Ice Prince on, do you have any future collaborations planned?

Yes I do and their all in the works.

Do you have any new singles planned?

Yes I do.


What genre would you say your music falls under?

Afro Pop.


How have you enjoyed the year 2011?

I enjoyed the year 2011 because I travelled to a whole lot of places
to perform and the love shown to me was wonderful; I really had
fun and then my 1st single under chocolate city titled "Ara" dropped
in September of 2011.

Would you be releasing an album soon?

The Album will be dropping in 2012.


Any New Year Resolutions?
My New Year Resolution is to make more music that everyone will truly enjoy.

Thank you so much for your time Brymo and good luck in the future!

Thank You.










Tolu Falode.