Wizkid – Lowkey Freestyle

EME Star, Wizkid today shares a leak to his freestyle titled ‘Lowkey’ produced by one of the best producers in Nigeria, I’m talking about Samklef. The guy goes in hard on this freestyle but I must say it has some explicit content. Enjoy, download and share your thoughts.






click play to listen

DOWNLOAD

Monicawas announced Winner Of MTN Project Fame West Africa Season 4

Monica is winner of MTN Project Fame 2011! Season 4

It was to everyone’s delight that the 22 year old was announced winner of  2.5 million naira, a fully loaded Toyota RAV 4 jeep and a
recording deal worth millions of naira.

The competition which has kept viewers glued to their TV set for 10 weeks was down to six finalists – Ethel, Ruth, Yvonne, Roy, Ese and
Monica came down to its final four this weekend, Sunday, December 18, 2011.

Monica emerged winner and went home with the grand prize while Roy, the last man standing came out as the first runner up (1.5 million naira and a fully loaded Toyota Corolla car). Ese was the second runner up and went away with 1 million naira and a fully loaded Toyota Yaris and Ghanaian Ethel was the third runner up (one million naira).

The final contestants also known as the “Sensational Six” presented two performances each during the show. They performed one of the memorable songs they had done earlier in the competition as well as their personal compositions.

Their music videos were premiered and sync ed with their stage performances. Monica stood out as she sang 2face Idibia’s “Only me” and her own personal composition “Na You”.

“You have an amazing voice and you know how to connect with the audience with your voice and your body language. You have greatly improved since you entered into the academy and you have evolved into a star…Weldone!” Kwame told Monica after her performances.

“You always know how to put the perfect amount of energy and body language into a song. You also know how to engage your audience in every song you perform and you have an amazing voice…you were definitely born to do this!” Ige said to Monica after her performance.

Speechless after being pronounced winner of the MTN Project Fame West Africa season 4, Monica appreciated God, the Project fame Judges, Faculty and fans. “I am very grateful for all the love and training I have received since I got into the academy. I feel very blessed and I promise not to let you all down.”

The event was well attended by the cream-de-la-cream in the society and also had surprise guest performances by International R&B group, Dru Hill who thrilled the crowd with amazing songs from their old time album. Award-winning rave of the moment, Wizkid was also at the show and he pulled the house down with an exciting performance. Winner of MTN Project Fame West Africa season 3, Chidinma who launched her first album titled “Chidinma” on Saturday, December 17, 2011 on the Project Fame stage, also performed at the grand finale.

The other 11 contestants who got evicted during the competition were also present to support the final six contestants and show them love.

Notable faces at the event include Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Honorable Abike Dabiri who presented Monica with her prize, Mr Bola Akingbade (C.M.O, MTN Nigeria), Veteran Actor, Chief Olu Jacobs, international artiste, Leanne Lyons from R&B group, SWV(Sisters with Voices), Ayo Animashaun, Saint Obi, Omobaba among other guests.

MTN Project Fame West Africa which started in 2008 has produced some of Nigeria’s rising stars and Monica has now joined the list of winners in Project Fame West Africa.

Hon. Abike Dabiri

Hon. Abike and Monica

The Winner of Project Fame West Africa Season 4

Chidinma PFWA Season 3 Winner

Dru Hill Performing on Stage

Dru Hill

Ese receiving her prize money and car keys

Ese Second Runner up

Ether Third Runner Up

Ethel Receiving Her Price

Monica hugging her Mum

Monica and Mum

Monica and the Hosts

Monica announced as the Winner of Project Fame West Africa Season 4

Monica Performing on Stage

Olu Jacobs presenting Roy (1st Runner up) with his prize money and car keys

Roy performing on stage

Roy and Mum

Ruth

Wife and Saint Obi

The PFWA Faculty

The PFWA Judges

Wiz Kid

Wiz Kid performing on stage

Yvonne

Yvonne

RoofTop MCs’ Snatcha Ties The Knot

The name Adekunle Adeyoola might not ring a bell, but his moniker ‘Soul Snatcha‘ probably does.

One half of veteran Gospel rap duo, The RoofTop MCs, Snatcha recently revealed that he’s gotten married!

Although Snatcha shared the good news today, Friday, December 2, 2011 via twitter, putting up a picture of himself and his wife Abimbola, he said they actually got married back in October.

‘The Rooftop MCs travelled for a series of shows in the UK, that’s where I met her (Abimbola). She came to have dinner with a couple of friends of mine at a restaurant. I quickly ended my meeting just to sit with her’, Snatcha tells Nigerian Entertainment Today.

On New Year’s Day, Snatcha says he and Abimbola drove round town and ended up at a friend’s party.

‘For the first time in my life I knew I have found the one. Before I returned to Nigeria I had spent days, hours and minutes on her case so we started dating’, he said.

He popped the big question in February and in August he met her parents.

The RoofTop MCs, consisting of Snatcha and long-time friend SoKleva made their music debut in 2002 with their album ‘Shock Therapy‘.

They have released five albums including ‘Shock Therapy: The Minority Report‘ which featured the hit song ‘Lagimo’ featuring Cobhams Asuquo.

Aki tied the knot with his heartthrob Nneoma

Chinedu weds Nneoma

Nollywwod actor Chinedu Ikedieze better known as Aki and one half of the ‘Aki and Paw Paw’ duo on Saturday, November 26, 2011 tied the knot with his heartthrob Nneoma Nwaijah.

The traditional wedding took place at the bride’s home town in St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Primary School field, Obolo Isiala Mbano, Imo state.

As reported earlier, Aki who was conferred with an MFR National Honour in 2010  and Nneoma will walk down the aisle on December 10, 2011.

The Couples

Couples Dancing

Cutting the Cake

We’re Surprised Embarrassed By GTBank’s Actions

The management of popular record label Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) have finally made an official response to the on-going controversy surrounding whether or not their act, pop singer Wizkid  was billed to perform at the GTCrea8 eSavers Campus Concert  which took place at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB) and was organized by GTBank.

EME in a press statement released today Friday, November 25, 2011 said that they are ‘surprised, shocked and embarrassed by the unlawful exploitation of the name, image, goodwill and personae of the artist Wizkid without their permission’.

Nigerian Entertainment Today had reported that GTBank, organizers of the campus show had earlier announced on Monday November 19, via Twitter, that the pop act would be performing at the convocation grounds of the school’s campus on November 23. The show as announced was to take place from 3PM to 6PM. Wizkid never turned up.

‘The flagrant misrepresentation and unlawful exploitation of Wizkid’s name and image by Guaranty Trust Bank has caused significant distress to Wizkid and EME as the artist has been accused by various fans, of not honouring a show for which he was purportedly paid millions of naira’, Wizkid’s management, who claim he was never contacted for the event, say.

Earlier today, our reporter paid a visit to the corporate Headquarters of GTBank and was met by an official who says the bank is yet to release an official press statement but will do so in matter of days.

A manager who pleaded for anonymity told us the bank’s position will be made public ‘soon’.

Meanwhile, we’re told EME may be pressing charges, depending on the outcome of talks with the bank.

The statement, signed by Wizkid’s manager Osagie Osarenkhoe mentions that the label has contacted their lawyers L & A- Legal Consultants who are in talks already with the GTBank.

EME PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24TH 2011

The artist “Wizkid” and the management of Empire Mates Entertainment Limited (EME) are surprised, shocked and embarrassed by the unlawful exploitation of the name, image, goodwill and personae of the artist “Wizkid” without their permission through Guaranty Trust Bank’s unlawfully misrepresentation to the general public that “Wizkid” was billed to perform at the GTCREA8 ESAVERS CONCERT which was slated  for  Wednesday, 23rd November 2011 at the Convocation Grounds, University of Abeokuta, (UNAAB) Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The management of EME wishes to state clearly and categorically that it was never consulted or informed of the occurrence of the concert and “Wizkid” was not billed to perform at the said concert. 

Investigation has revealed that the concert was repeatedly tweeted, advertised and posted from and on Guaranty Trust Bank’s official Twitter wall, official Facebook page and the GT Community page of its Official website. This flagrant misrepresentation and unlawful exploitation of “Wizkid’s” name and image by Guaranty Trust Bank has caused significant distress to “Wizkid” and EME as the artist has been accused by various fans, of not honoring a show for which he was purportedly paid millions of naira. EME has briefed its lawyers L & A- Legal Consultants who have brought the matter to the attention of Guaranty Trust Bank.

EME, “BankyW”, “Wizkid” and “Skales” remain committed to providing the best music and entertainment to their numerous loyal fans and friends across the campuses in Nigeria and particularly to the fans at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Signed

Osagie Osarenkhoe

For: Empire Mates Entertainment Limited.

Fake Doctor Injected Girl With Cement and Super Glue During Booty Inplant

Is there anything people won’t do to make their butts bigger?

A fake cosmetic surgeon set up shop in Miami Gardens, Florida, then proceeded to inject everything but the kitchen sink into his patient’s rear ends.

30-year old transgender woman, Oneal Ron Morris, is accused of injecting cement, mineral oils and fix-a-flat into the buttocks of at least one woman. He then sealed the incision with super glue.

The not-yet-identified victim became seriously ill, and had to be hospitalized with a staph infection (MRSA) and pneumonia.

Cement was one of the chemicals Morris injected into his victim

“This cocktail of chemicals went into her body and caused her terrific pain,” said Sgt. Bill Bamford.

Morris, who also injected himself with the chemicals has been arrested and charged with practicing medicine without a license and causing bodily harm.

The victim in the case paid $700 for the procedure and is lucky to be alive.

Watch the video

P SQUARE CLOCKS 27

The duo of Peter and Paul of the P.spuare fame clocked 27 years on friday Nov 18. Watchout for pictures on your darling Naija Whistle. What do you think of the replay of their celebration?








History
The story of P-Square began in St. Murumba secondary school, a small Catholic  school in Jos, Nigeria. Identical twins Peter and Paul joined their school music and drama club where they began singing, dancing, and miming songs by MC Hammer, Bobby Brown and Michael Jackson.

They later formed an acappella quartet called "MMMPP" (M Clef a.k.a Itemoh, Michael, Melvin, Peter and Paul). Drawing inspiration from their music idol Michael Jackson, they began break dancing, formed the group called "Smooth Criminals" in 1997. They droped M Clef from the group "MMMPP" which later was changed to "MMPP". Their artistic talent and precise dance routine soon made them household names in the city of Jos, where they performed at school functions and other occasions.

Later in 1999, Peter and Paul returned to music school to develop their skills on keyboard, drums, bass and rhythm guitar. Their work includes the soundtracks for a number of films like Tobi, Mama Sunday, Moment of Bitterness and Evas River.

Later in 1999, they applied to the University of Abuja to study Business Administration. The Smooth Criminals disbanded when its members left to various other universities. Subsequently Peter and Paul formed their own group, variously called "Double P", "P&P", and "Da Pees", until they eventually settled on "P Square". They are managed by Bayo Odusami aka Howie T, a seasoned concert promoter and the CEO of Adrot Nigeria Limited.

In 2001, "P-Square" won the "Grab Da Mic" competition, and hence Benson & Hedges sponsored their debut album, titled Last Nite, which was released under Timbuk2 music label. P-Square was also nominated as "Most Promising African Group" in the Kora Awards three months after the release of their debut album. They eventually won the 2003 Amen Award for "Best R&B Group".

In 2005, P Square released their second album, Get Squared under their own label, Square Records. This album was marketed nationwide by TJoe Enterprises, although they were still managed by Howie T of Adrot Nigeria Limited. The video for the second album held the #1 position on the MTV Base chart for four straight weeks.

They have an ever growing fan base across South Africa with a particular stronghold of die-hard fans in Cape Town.

The group has performed alongside the following international artists like Ginuwine, Sean Paul, Akon and Busola Keshiro. The members of P Square are now located in Lagos.

Late in 2007, they released their best selling album so far, Game Over. It has sold 8 million copies worldwide.

In 2009, P-Square released their fourth studio album, Danger. The album features collaborations with 2face Idibia, J Martins and Frenzy. The first single called "Danger" is a hip hop song with cutting synths and a frog bass baseline similar to an Eminem song. The video affirms this with the presence of clowns and staggered movements in front of the camera reminiscent of comical videos by Eminem. They are also known for the close resemblance which the twins have to American R&B Superstar, Usher Raymond.

On 4 April 2010, P-Square was named the Artist of the Year at the KORA All Africa Music Awards in Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso while they were in London for a Concert at the Troxy, and they will receive a whopping sum of $1 Million Dollars as the Award Winners, in Ebebiyin City.


Controversies
The duo are reported to handle most of their production/beat making in house. The band has been faced with many controversies for their habit of sampling western songs and popular hits in their records. They have addressed the issue many times in interviews as well as in the lyrics of their songs.[2] Technically speaking, P Square does more in the line of reconstructing the drum patterns, chord progressions or lyrics of the sampled songs as against actually cutting parts of the song and directly sampling into their production. This accounts for the largely electronic feel of their sound.

Some of the songs which have been called up on this account include "Get Squared", "Game Over", "Danger" and others.

P-Square attracted headlines when they reportedly turned irate when they were notified in the middle of their at the Guinness Show performance by the organisers about some change in plans which would affect the length of their performance, and that of the next act, 2face.

As reported by a news site vanguardngr.com, the info apparently stirred up resentment as Peter immediately said "I don’t know why, anytime a foreign artiste comes to Nigeria, they (show organizers) wanna treat us like slaves in our country". Although initially they continued their performance but midway through, they threw their microphones to the ground and angrily stormed out of the stage saying, "We are leaving; they don’t want 2face to come on stage" They were said to have immediately left the premises of the show, but after intervention of the show organisers, they came on stage later with 2face for a performance, but later on were apologised to.

Saturday, November 19, 2011 Nollywood's cursed marriages: Kate Henshaw joins the list

If marriage is a diamond, then for majority of Nigerian actresses, finding that diamond is akin to looking for a needle in a haystack. Even among the lucky ones, many have discovered to their dismay that ‘‘diamonds are not forever”.
This poignant reality was recently reinforced by the shocking news that the marriage of Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, one of Nollywood’s top actresses, has hit the rocks. The Rivers of Tears actress, who turned 40 in July, called it quits with her 12-year old marriage to her British husband, Roderick James Nuttal. She told EE: “I have no comment on the issue. I have my daughter to think about.” The out-of-love couple is silently swotting in the background to effect a rancour-free and publicity-devoid divorce. For friends and fans of the star actress, and general observers of the Nigerian film industry, this latest development is sad and shocking.
What made the separation so repugnant is the fact that Kate Henshaw’s union used to be regarded as one of the few “working marriages” in the industry.

With the sad development, observers of the Nigerian film industry can’t shy away from the big question: Why is marriage such a cross for Nollywood stars? Earlier in August, another A-List actress, Mercy Johnson, got married under unwholesome circumstances that generated a deafening media noise.
Is marital failure in the movie industry such a big deal? After all, here and there, a slew of marital misadventures litter the corridors of Nollywood. However, when the facts and figures, the personas and personalities involved, are properly distilled, the disturbing result would make one jump to the conclusion that a ‘star marriage’ is jinxed. All it takes is a browse through the ‘Black Book’ of Nollywood marriages, to discover that not less than 25 top actresses had waded through the ‘marital swamp’ and came out divorced or separated.

Many reasons, one result
If every actress concerned were to narrate “My Failed Marriage Story,” the slants of individual experience will vary. Some unions were dissolved on the altar of infidelity. Eucharia Anunobi (Glamour Girls II) claimed she caught her husband and their housemaid on the couple’s matrimonial bed in a compromising position. The Face of a Liar star, Stella Damasus, in a reverse order was shown the red card by her 10-month-old second husband on an alleged sins of promiscuity, notably, a particular romp in London which was uncovered by a Lagos-based tabloid.
Other actresses were casualties of Runaway Husbands Syndrome (RHS). Representatives of this category include: Jennifer Eliogu who lost her five-year-old marriage to a Swiss lady, when her husband suddenly took a walk from their marriage. Stephnora Okere, whose ex husband, Lanre Falana wedded here in Nigeria and later abandoned for his London base without returning to their matrimonial home in Nigeria, again. Shan George, a veteran of three-crashed marriages, whose husbands No. 1 and No. 3 checked out of the union by ‘absconding’; the latter, a Nollywood producer, relocated to Germany. Oge Okoye and Chika Ike, are also top players in this category.
Other marriages were rendered asunder on account of domestic violence. Kiss and Tell actress, Monalisa Chinda is a renowned example of those inside the ‘domestic violence quadrant’. Beaten ‘blue and black’ by her hubby, she vacated her marital sanctuary in 2009 and has been living a more secured life of single parenthood.
Some actresses, who found themselves in the ‘offside position’ of the marital field, blamed the fiascos on “irreconcilable differences”; from  Fathia Balogun, (whose marriage to her second husband, fellow actor Saidi Balogun, hit the rocks in 2008) to Ayo Adesanya, (who reportedly packed out of her matrimonial home due to incompatibility and an unending battery and assault from her husband, Hassan Goriola) and Out of Bounds actress, Foluke Daramola (who jumped out of her crisis-plagued four-year-old marriage because of the trauma of domestic frictions).

The All Seasons Singles Club’
Still, the Nollywood marriage conundrum has yet another flipside: a seraglio of screen sirens stranded on the cusp between “in a relationship” and “inside a marriage” - not for lack of charms, nor for dearth of suitors. This bevy of beauties achieved fame and fortunes within our living memory. Some of them have spent a decade or more on the big screens. In a parallel world, as professionals in other fields other than acting – bankers, nurses or lawyers - they would all have been married. Every season, they remain spinsters, even though they ‘ride on chariots of blue-chip relationships’. The roll call include multiple award-winning Genevieve Nnaji, multi-talented Uche Jombo, and devil-may-care Uche Ogbodo. The trio of Rita Dominic, Funke Akindele and Benita Nzeribe also belong to the singles circle alongside Oby Edozieh. The ‘Spinster Squad’ also include famous beauties like: Lilian Bach, Bimbo Akintola, the one and only “Our Lady of Boobs”, Cossy Orjiakor. Queen of controversy, Empress Njamah, is also on the register.

The pass mark
On the balance sheet of Nollywood marriage, the credit side is lean. Marriages that are intact are few and still ‘green’ to be declared successful. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, whose 15-year-old marriage has produced four children, is the best known example. Then, there is mother-of-three-sons Omoni Oboli. The star of the award-winning Anchor Baby has sustained her marriage for 11 years. Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha has clocked five years in her marital sojourn. Ini Edo-Ehiagwina is in her third year. Dakore Akande has just experienced 10 months of marriage. A further four or five names can be added to the list and that is about the size of it. The “working marriages” still have the hurdle of 25-year silver benchmark ahead. To become a vintage marriage, they have to beat the Olu Jacob-Joke Silva test.

Breaking the riddle jinx
Sultry star actress, StephNora Okere, a casualty of a failed marriage, in an exclusive interview with EE recently, avows: “Broken marriage is not a Nollywood thing; it’s a society thing. But it is an anomaly, because this part of the world is quick to pick up vices from the western world; it’s part of the vices Third World countries are picking from the Americas of this world.”
Ngozi Nwosu, another victim of a failed marriage, who played the character of Peace in the popular television comedy series, Fuji House of Commotion, once provided an insight based on her personal experience:  “Suddenly, I became a star and he (her husband) grew uncomfortable with it. This was the genesis of our quarrel. He wasn’t at home with the attention I was getting”.
Bukky Wright, the twice-married, twice-divorced sexy actress also sang the same tune. “Nigerian men lack confidence, especially to manage successful women”, she once asserted.
Another victim, revered thespian, Clarion Chukwura, star of the 1984 Mirror in the Sun had a poignant perspective of what she called “marriages that don’t work”. Marriage, she opined, is a fusion of two minds on the platform of joyful co-existence, and when it goes awry, she averred, “Either of the parties should walk away instead of living in misery.”

Despite the gloom-doom aura surrounding ‘star marriage’ in the film industry, actresses still hold it in high esteem.  Those who are yet to marry talk about “marriage when it is right” or “marriage with Mr. Right”. Marrying right seems to be a jinx in Nollywood.

Love In The Air’ – Ijeoma Feat Vector

In the spirit of the upcoming yuletide season, Ijeoma who premiered  her first single Oloomi a while ago, has decided to release a song dedicated to the holiday season.

The title of the song is Love In The Air and it features one of Nigeria’s fast upcoming rappers Vector. It’s not too early to start celebrating is it?

The concept of the video is setting in a homely gathering with friends and family. Something everyone wishes to be part of. Cameo appearances include Terry Tha Rapman, Djinee and Wale Waves.

Click Play to watch

Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo interview in UK

Ace music producer singer and avid songwriter Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo is nothing short of a professional in the field of music. Although he is visually impaired, Cobhams’ works have given birth to different careers such as Asa and Bez through his Cobhams Asuquo Music Production (CAMP) outfit.

Having worked with a handful of artistes including Darey, Banky W and Omawumi, Cobhams who signed to Sony ATV in 2005 has over the years risen to be one of the best producers in the country.

The award winning producer recently met up with Adesope Olajide of Factory 78 in the UK for a concert held by Aaron T Aaron and friends in London….

Good day, how are you doing sir?

I’m very well thank you and you sir

Not bad at all we had to come here to meet you like we usually do when people come out to the UK, we come out and speak to you because we have been hearing a lot about you for years now so to be in the presence of Cobhams Asuquo, you know the great one like Banky W would say. How was your trip coming down?

Absolutely, I don’t know what you are talking about, my trip was good and I loved it.

You are a producer, musician, let’s take it back for a lot of people that have heard your music for a long time, this might actually be the first time people see and hear from the horse’s mouth. (Laughs) So Mr Cobhams tell us how you got into the industry, where did that fire come from?

(Sigh) In a matter of senses I think I was born to be a musician, express myself through music so I think I was born to use music as a tool, as a driving force to make my mark, say what it is you know have been called to establish my purpose on earth and I think I started music by puffing my cheeks in trying to play the tough five blues when I was around five, six and it progressed. I hate to say this but it’s true; a friend of mine Wrangler Rotimi stole his sister’s piano and brought it to me so I had to learn how to start playing the piano. I proceeded to play for the Catholic churches as an organist, at the age of nine I was playing the organ and you know other stuffs like that but I think my entry into the industry was through creating adverts materials for advertising agencies. The whole story began when I met Big Bamo from Maintain, Back then, he will decide to give me the chance to produce some songs and then I did ‘Catch cold’ and a couple of other songs so I guess it just started from there, I met Faze of the Plantation Boiz and a couple of others who thought my sample was different at the time. I heard a lot of music but I yearned for a different sound and I wanted the music that I heard to be represented in my country with our indigenous sound blended into it and I wanted a certain quality of music instituted into the system and there were the likes of Paul Play Dairo and OJB Jezreel were doing that so I guess I just rode on their wings, on their shoulders and have gone far in the industry.

You were once signed to Questionmark, was it as a musician, producer or a writer?

I was an in-house producer and writer for Questionmark for about a year, very interesting time in my life quite honestly, a time I’m grateful for.

That’s where you met a couple of people like Asa. Was that where the union between you and her came to be?

Actually that was where but I can say I actually took Asa to Questionmark because she and I were friends before Questionmark came into the scene. A friend of ours, a mutual friend Janet, who later went on to become Asa’s best friend and manager introduced us, brought us together and then you know Muyiwa Majek her then manager got interested in me working with her so we got together and then Questionmark came into the scene and it was the next big thing for all of us so we literally scampered there like little rats that came to cheese. So we were in there, you know that was the transformation point of our lives until Asa moved on to Naïve in  France and I moved on to start my own business Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions.

In the press here especially when we were reading stuffs online, on the internet, we found information that you also worked the Sony music international. Is that authentic or its just internet chatter?

I was signed into Sony ATV which is the publishing arm of Sony music in November 2005 as a songwriter, so it isn’t internet chatter, (laughs).

You know one aspect of your sound, your talents that surprises a lot of people is that you have not been visually impaired to disturb your productivity, your success in the industry or your line of work. Tell us the inspiration about that and how you channel such energy to be useful especially millions of people around the world that listen to your music?

I think my inspiration is straight and simple, God. I think God is the source of every inspiration whether or not we don’t choose to admit it; it doesn’t change the fact. I’m inspired by God through various means and through different people. I think if we should look at some things we all have our different forms of shortcomings or impairments from God. For instance, I don’t know that you can play golf, can you?

No
Great, there we have it.
I can’t play the organ as well

Yes, you can learn, who is to say technology in the next 15 years cannot make it possible for me to play golf so you think it is taking advantage of what you can do and you’re focusing on it but there is a lot that we can still do. For me I have decided to focus on the things that I can do and have observed that there is a lot that I can do so it’s just practice and practice and trust in God because that is the starting points.

Plus I’m a very positive person and I see results from all what I can do and results encourage you because you see positive things from it all and you know as it grows into a tree it gives you the effrontery, the audacity to try more. So I think that is what it is for me I think have seen my little things yield results so that’s what edged me on to try bigger things.

Another interesting part for music producers especially today in the United States R&B, Hip-Hop they usually have one young one that they’ve listened to, learned from. But looking at your work and reading stuff about you, I saw that yours is Classical music, you said something about the church and you also did Akpala Music as well. What were your influences when it came to production and music in general?

I think us as human beings, our products of influence in general and I have allowed myself to be influenced by so many varying opinions, sight ideologies, device and the rest. There was a time in my life when I was listening to Haruna Ishola, Aina Omowura, Atawewe and the likes of them and there been times in my life when I have listened to underground Hip-Hop like Guru and Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Nas, Common to everyday music Rihanna, Jay z, Beyonce, I’ve been influenced by the likes of Dr. Dre, Timbaland to classical music Tchaikovsky and the likes, I could go on and on Jazz music like Joe Sample, Macias Miller and the like. I mean I love music and have allowed myself to be influenced by it all. My family played a very integral role so did my father; he played a lot of music like Jimmy Cliff and all that and it really just drove me…. and I think this is something that has influenced me and has moved me into a different genre of music that I’m able to produce and we are creatures so we are able to sort of mimic and also improve that mimicry so that is how we learn to talk, to walk and also interact, to go to school and gain the knowledge that others have gained, we could step forward and I think I will try my best to put myself in that category. It’s not easy but it is what it is.

Absolutely I feel I’m in school and I’ve gone through R&B, Jazz and Hip-Hop, Apala music. I’m sure a lot of people would like to know Cobhams, who out there in the Afro beat scene or the internationally, tell us

Internationally do you mean the African circuit?

No let’s start with the international aspect.

That’s very tough, which international act am I feeling right now? I don’t know, there could be a lot of African acts in my mind right now that are international because I think they are breaking into that circuit. I’m definitely feeling Asa, Zamajobe. There’s this new, well I think she is. I don’t know, is she’s international? But I think she is because I just met her a few days and I’m feeling her music she is called Mutabi Sing, she’s from South Africa. You know I’m feeling her stuff and I think Lagbaja is an international musician by all standards and he is a major influence to my life, you know I feel his stuff. Who I’m I feeling? (Sigh) I don’t have a favourite person. I have moved from different points in my life, from Fred Hammond to Danny McCauley and Dan is someone I have a lot of regards for so I don’t know if there is any international act that I can mention whose name comes to mind you know, they are in number.

Now with the names you’ve mentioned, I’m sure a lot of people can see that there is a similarity in the artists that you’ve mentioned, first of all they are conscious musician, they play one or two instruments and they have strong vocals so basically what you are trying to say is a credible musician?

Music is an art, no matter how much you try to commercialize it. It is important to commercialize it so that it can have saleability so that you are not speaking a language that is ambiguous to everybody but music is still remains an art and there is something that distinguish a Caravaggio painting or a Leonardo da Vinci painting, I mean whatever painting from just everyday bubble gum gravity or regular work of art, music is still an art and I think that sacredness, that thing that makes it music should be respected and I respect it because that is why I do music and I respect other artists who for whatever reason tilts in that direction.

Fantastic, you are here in the UK; you are performing with one of Nigeria’s finest gospel act, Aaron T. How do you feel?

Yes. ‘Performing’ is a word that I’m a bit hesitant to use when I think of myself, doing what have been called to do what I’m supposed to do, which is sharing the world of gospel with the people through music, and just encouraging people, inspiring people. It’s a ministry, you are ministering to people, you are changing someone’s opinion; being a part of a process that changes someone’s life. So ministering in my mind is more appropriate, so I am ministering tomorrow with Aaron T. And you know I am excited because this is someone that have spoken to countless times and he has such a heart for God that’s amazing, especially in these times. We’re just sort of Prevaricate, you know a lot of people are prevaricate of thoughts, the way they say these things that are not necessarily true, about their faith, about their way of life. But Aaron for me is someone who I can trust because I’ve received countless of invitation from people in the U.K to do things, but for me it’s important that the heart is right, because you will face the consequences of your action at the end of the day. So Aaron is someone I’m so humbled by and encouraged to be doing this with. And everyone is proud of his team, from Gozie who I used know way back in secondary school, to Muyiwa Olanrewaju who is an icon and someone we all respect. So it’s an amazing opportunity for me and I’m excited about it.

Speaking about the heart, you’ve just been married couple of months ago.

Yeah. (Laughs)

Tell us about married life especially for someone that works so hard? You are always in the studio either working with artistes or producing music for yourself and producing for other people as well. So how are you settling into married life and how’s the Mrs Taking those long hours in the studio?

I have to say, the Mrs is the most beautiful, the most understanding and she is also completely special, and I think that’s what happens when you marry right. I don’t know any man has the wisdom to marry right, which is why it is important that God is involved in the whole process. I went into marriage taking certain things into consideration. Number one; there is no marriage built on the foundation of God  that will not make it through, and number two; it is important that you marry your friend. Number three; it is important that you marry for the right reasons and beauty is not exactly one of them, it may be a reason but it is not top priority. And this has nothing with me not being able to see. And trust me, because I have met and I’ve known beautiful women in my life.

She’s stunning
She’s absolutely amazing, I know that.

Laughs

You know what I mean. So trying to marry because of beauty is completely vain. So I think I’m in marriage for the right reasons and I absolutely love it. My wife inspires me; she’s also come to join our business. She used to work with one of the foremost telecommunications companies in Nigeria and she just resigned her position in the business just to join me in the business and I think it is a sacrifice that doesn’t come cheap. You don’t find that these days everywhere. So as far as timing or managing my time is concerned; I know when to work and I know when not to. No matter how busy it is, if get past a certain time; I’m out of that studio, because for me, family is important.  I have a role to play as a man and also head of my family and I have to inspire my kids, to lead them in the right direction, to teach them and to be there for my wife and make her feel special. And not to say I do have children. Laughs

You are speaking in like futurists term

Yes, I have time for my family no matter how busy I get, I break away once it’s time to pay attention to them and no matter I will get in the future, it is imperative for me. God is my provider and sustainer so it’s not about how much I want to burn the midnight oil; I did that enough when I was growing up as a man and before I got married. So I think it’s time for me to sit back, relax and kick it. That’s exactly what I’m doing right now.

Wow, that’s ‘Life 101’. The next thing is I can exactly see that your wife is doing a great job. Your pot belly is really showing.

I’ll do something about that.

Aaron T is a blessed artist. He sings fantastically well. People are going to see you on stage as well, you know I can’t wait to be there and I’m definitely looking forward it. You were talking about your business, you didn’t mention the name?
I run a business called Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions, CAMP for short. It’s an all-encompassing company. What we do is, we discover, nurture and develop talents out of Africa and introduce these talents to the international circuit. There’s Idacula, and he’s one talent that we’re presently managing. He’s absolutely amazing. And trust me when I say talent, I don’t just speak of the gift in because talent is not enough. There’s an amazing person, as well as a gifted guitarist and songwriter. We go out for unique and amazing people. Part of what we also do, is that we create contents for advertising agencies and we’ve worked for some of the best names. We’ve worked with from food and beverage companies to telecommunication companies, to banks; just general consumer product companies. The best in the biggest names out of Nigeria, out of Africa and internationally. And we’ve created contents for international brands. These are just some of the things we do under Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions.

Thank you very much, people would like to follow you and get you online, perhaps your music where can they do that.
My music perhaps that is interesting, this is what I have to say about my music because it’s kind of, I haven’t said it like this before but I have to come out to say this. So I’m saying this for the first time. I think I said it on Facebook. I’ve been working on my album and its due for release next year, first quarter of next year. It’s an amazing project if I say so myself, and it’s not because I’m working on it but because of the art behind it and the people that are behind it. It’s been recorded in my studios in Nigeria, and Houston. I’m working with some of the best hand. It’s just going to be amazing, it will be simple and it might disappoint some people, because it’s complete reflection of all the stuff I’ve created. It’s certainly not bubble gum music and it’s certainly not popular music, it is music that is out of my heart, it is music that is meant to bring about a change and create an atmosphere. So you will get that when that comes out. If you want to follow me on Facebook, the name is Cobhams Asuquo. And my twitter handle is Cobhams Asuquo. I would love to stay in touch.

Thank you very much for spending time with us.
I appreciate it.

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow, and the next time you come into the U.K please don’t be a stranger.

B.E.A.T Band Emerges As Star Quest 2011 Winners

B.E.A.T Band

The 10th edition of Star Quest, the popular music talent hunt ended on Saturday, May 7, 2011 as B.E.A.T band were voted the most popular band and declared winners.

The grand finale, which took place at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos was lit up with beautiful performances from the finalists B.E.A.T, Harmonics and Storm bands as the all gave two performances each.

But it was B.E.A.T who gathered the highest number of votes from fans within and outside Nigeria; clinching the top spot and immediately earning the title ‘Star Quest Band 2011’.

‘We are so happy that we won and we dedicate our victory to all Nigerians and others who voted for us. We say a humble thank you for choosing us and we promise not to disappoint you’, B.E.A.T, made up of  Sammie Tochux, Beauty Aghedo, Enid Eyube,  Charity Adubi, Efetobor Ojarigho and Justice Adigho said excitedly after they were pronounced winners.

Having won, members of B.E.A.T band also secured for themselves, a delightful reward package consisting of N3.6 million cash prize, a recording contract worth N7.5 million, a mini-van and one-year free accommodation in Lagos.

The band which is made up of three males and three females join the list of Star Quest winners – KC Presh, D’ Accord, Jewelz, Diamondz, The Pulse and JukeBox.

Check out pictures of the night below:

The B.E.A.T band emerges as star quest 2011 winners

Rugged Man - The Host

Ras Kimono

The B.E.A.T named the winner

KC - former star quest winner

KC, Jaywon, Presh

Keke and Kenny Saint Brown

Presh - Former winner of Star Quest

Essense

The B.E.A.T Girls

The B.E.A.T celebration

Gbenga Adeyinka announcing the winner

The B.E.A.T on stage

The B.E.A.T performing on stage

Zaki spotted

Star Quest 2011 Prize