OJB |
Babatunde Jezreel Okungbowa aka OJB Jezreel
It would be mighty unjust to document Nigeria's urban music renaissance
without a mention or indeed a celebration of its most consistent creative
vanguards, a class with a membership of less than half a dozen including
the object of this piece. Sadly, this has never been the case as music
writers and presenters have continually shown preference for the musician
over and above the silently assiduous boardsman. But not this writer
though. Never one to pass over timeless and priceless ivory for overpriced
platinum jewelry, yours sincerely sought a meeting with this phenomenally
talented urban music impresario.
For Babatunde Jezreel Okungbowa a.k.a. OJB Jezreel music is undoubtedly
the essence of his life and making beautiful music the purpose of his
existence. Jigga, as he is affectionately refered to by his Gbaja Street
homies has been the creative force behind the numerous hits of a countless
number of artistes. Name them, from Ruggedman, 2Face Idibia, Jazzman
Olofin, Nomoreloss to Raskie, K-Show & Six-O, C-mion, Abounce,
Jafaar, Amah, Funke, the list is endless.
"How did it all begin"? Is obviously the first question any interviewer
will ask this soft spoken, unassuming father of two. OJB isn't so sure
of when he caught the production bug but believes it started sometime
in 1986. The artiste who confesses to having a rather uneventful childhood
started making beats in backroom studios, first in his Surulere neighbourhood
and later in other parts of the city. Inspired by music made by legendary
producers like Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Dallas Austin, LA Reid & Babyface,
Teddy Riley and later R.Kelly, he and his friends, Micheal Richman
and the three Dairo brothers, Henry, Banji and the now famous Paul
Play, scions of Nigerian juju music icon,IK Dairo, formed a production
crew called Playground, House n Effects(PHE) and started making and
offering Hip Hop/R&B beats to popular Nigerian artistes at the
time.
But that was the late 80s and such sounds were alien to mainstream
Nigerian artistes who were more into reggae, afro-pop, afro-funk and
disco. Even their attempts to give the beats away for nothing except
credit on albums were spurned. Rather than give up on their dream of
creative fulfilment, the quintet restrategized, this time they learnt
the polyrhythmic style of the time as pioneered by famous producers
like Odion Iruoje, Lemmy Jackson, Laolu Akins, Emma Ogosi, Tony Okoroji
and Harry Moscow which incorporated elements of reggae, pop funk, punk,
disco as well as indigenous genres like juju, highlife and afrobeat.
While their self re-education lasted, OJB kept his ears to the streets,
across the atlantic that is, listening up to the works of emerging
beatsmiths like Eric B, Dr. Dre, Erick Sermon, The Bomb Squad, Marley
Marl and DJ Premier, knowing fully well that sometime soon the sound
created in the south of Bronx will rule the world. OJB honed his singing
and songwriting skill so much that he became as consummate a performer
as he was a producer haven learnt how to play the drums, guitar and
piano during the same period.
Their second attempt at industry recognition was a little more successful.
Their beats made the cut on top artistes' albums but they still didn't
get credit let alone cash. But they had put a foot in the door of recognition.
Lack of income led to the dissolution of the crew in the mid 90s with
some members opting out of music and others like Paul Play changing
position from behind the boards to behind the mic. OJB wouldn't dettach
himself from the boards even when faced with enormous personal and
social challenges like a pregnant wife and family disapproval of his
chosen profession. He also had to cope with the ignominy of being a
school drop out. But the cast-iron resolve of this Agbor, Delta state
native to make it as a producer wouldn't be broken. OJB had another
idea on how to break through the industry's glass ceiling.
This time he focused on making beats for talented and determined groups
made up of youngsters like X-Appeal, Harmony and Plantashun Boiz. This
initiative, concretised and christened Silver Point Productions, coincided
with the emergence of more privately owned radio stations in Lagos.
The plan worked as joints from these young guns got appreciable airplay
on the new stations. His name started making the rounds amongst music
industry insiders, especially young upstarts in search of a distinct
identity for Nigeria's hip hop generation. The money trickled in, enough
for him to acquire basic studio equipment and a system.
Jigga knew music made from a computer software was the way forward.
In the middle of all this he had his first stab at recording with the
release of his debut album, Deep Light, on Ayetoro Records in 1999.
The album was a commercial failure mainly because the label didn't
know how to go about promoting a hip hopr&b album. It however announced
the arrival of one of the most well rounded artistes of our time. His
profile as a producer continued to rise with further credit for work
on Baba Dee's hit single Governor's Daughter and Daddy Showkey's sophomore
album. Silver Point grew rapidly with young production understudies
like Jokaynie, Mr. Smith, Segzion and Niyex making the grades and becoming
bonafide hit makers. OJB points out that his Surulere hit factory is
the creative engine of their fledgling label, Point Beat Records, and
they have already rounded up the usual suspects for their inaugural
foray into the Nigerian music industry.
These days the self confessed studio rat lives under less socio-economic
pressures, charging a handsome five figure for a beat and a king's
ransom to produce an album especially when the client is a sexy but
musically deficient screen godess looking to cash in on the loyalty
of undiscerning fans. Make no mistake, Jigga hasn't lost his touch
with the yes y'all. Still very much in the mix, the beatsmith still
laces straight up, funked out hip hop beats for thoroughbred mc's (and
the fizzy drink variant for air headed teeny bopper hip hoppers).
OJB recently took the business arm of his game to another level with
the signing of a distribution deal with Kennis Music, the record distribution
behemoth run by industry fat cats, Kenny "Keke" Ogungbe and Dayo "D1" Adeneye.
His first assignment was to do an urban makeover of Ace, the classic
album by juju music maestro, Sir Shina Peters. The charismatic entertainer
had also signed a deal with the enterprising duo for the re-release
of his 1989 classic. OJB has also just released his sophomore offering,
a seventeen tracker titled Jah's My Lite. With an intriguing variety
of styles and sounds, the album is one of the best hip hopr&b albums
ever released in Nigeria. The album moved 20.000 units in it's first
week, an impressive figure for an artiste more renowned for his skills
behind the boards than behind the mic. His label has packaged a tour
of the U.K. for the international promotion of the album. It is expected
to commence in June 2005.
Beyond making music OJB is the creative director of an ambitious new
multimedia outfit called One Beat. The company intends to run a TV
programme of the same name to showcase the arts, music and culture
of contemporary Africa to Africans at home and in the diaspora. It
is expected to air first on local TV networks in selected African countries
before going on cable TV.
With an astonishing number of competences, OJB seems destined to emulate
his number one role model, the legendary Quincy Jones. |
Genevieve |
Genevieve Nnaji, like the great Nigerian model Oluchi Onweagba before
her (http://www.oluchi.com) hawks
possibilities, the fact that the girl next door can grab the stars
and walk above the clouds. She symbolizes hope for many who dream of
breaking into the burgeoning Nigerian movie industry. She plays all
the romantic leads, representing the girls about her age who are in
reality just discovering love and heartaches and kisses and stuff.
She also sells intrigue and mystery and has a member of the Naijarules.com
movie forums wondering with confidently marshaled statistics why Ramsey
Noah appears only to touch lips with her and no other leading lady
in many movies?
Nnaji gives many aspiring youngsters out there a chance to believe
that they can also become somebody, stars paid for doing what seems
so simple, something they love. Genevieve has got a lot of youngsters
considering a career in the movies. Talented, fashionable, great looking,
photogenic, getting well paid… These are all characteristics that the
average youngster seeks. Everyone wants to be popular. Everyone wants
to shine like a star…and the star today has a name: Genevieve Nnaji.
All the girls want to be Genevieve Nnaji.
To become a superstar, Nnaji has to be exportable, and that she is
already. Projects in Ghana, Sierra Leone, London, all over. Nnaji appeals
just as warmly to Kenyans and Liberians and South Africans and Ghanaians
who avidly watch Nigerian home videos at home and abroad. Genevieve
is leading that market into new territories today.
She took the extra step of projecting herself beyond Nigeria by having
a website constructed, arguably the most trafficked Nigerian site on
the Internet as at the time of this writing. WhoIs information reveals
the Domain was only registered late in September 2003, and at the rate
of about 200 Guest Book entries daily, it has been online for about
17 days as at the time of this writing. Its fame spread like wildfire,
a jolly virus. 3549 entries in 355 pages in two weeks… That is phenomenal
by Internet standards, probably unequaled by any star below the level
of a Britney Spears. It has become one of the most popular sites on
the Internet in a matter of days, a Mecca for her legion of fans who
are seemingly incapable of getting enough of this beautiful princess
from some hyperbolic dream, a fantasy creature strutting her sweet
stuff across our captivated reality.
"God's gift to you is you life and what you become in life is your
gift to him. You must give your life totaly to god. Use the gift he,
god, has blessed you with to win souls for him. Then you can sit back
and smile at the work of your hands." - A Nigerian Movie Fan.
Hers was the second site to come online, second only to Richard Mofe-Damijo's
rmdpromotions.com. And she filled the space only with what they want
- little information, a little taste of her glamorous world. The website
adds to her mystery, from the first page where she peeps from behind
a veil asking you to come in and discover - through the carefully selected
photos that adorn the sparse pages. Every image flashes that mischievous
smile that is melting and breaking hearts around the world.
The entries in the Guest Book are mostly from Nigeria, but African
countries and North American regions are also well represented. The
thoughts expressed in the pages are often sporadic, but true in their
spontaneity, sincere in their intentions. Love is the word used most
on his website. "I love you…" I don't think the word has ever been
used within any limited space as often as is used site. They love their
icon. Many leave their phone numbers, email addresses, in hope of a
reply…especially the young men who just want to marry her.
She hasn't acted in an international collaboration the size of Richard
Mofe-Damijo's Critical Assignment. Unlike RMD, she does not have an
agent in South Africa, but her name is just as recognisable as his,
if not more so. And she is 18yrs younger than he is. As it says in
the pop hit, "time is on my side" should be Nnaji's song. The best
years of her career are still ahead.
Genevieve is an MGN Productions Nigeria, Perfect Pitch and Blue Pie
Productions artist. Genevieve is available at all leading digital retailers
on the planet. |
Owumi
Pedru AKA Oma-Pedru Eyeowumi |
Owumi Pedru AKA EYEOWUMI OMA PEDRU, started writing and singing at
the age of 15, after being inspired by some of his mates who were entertaining
students during break and asking for anyone who could write and sing
to join the group. Inspired and challenged, Owumi quickly scribbled
his first lines ,sang and became the second lead singer of the group.
After a standing ovation performance with his sister at their local
church he was sure of his talent as a singer and joined other singing
groups later at the university were he performed in various gospel
concerts.
Owumi’s music style developed from listening to Soul, Pop and RnB which
he blends with Nigerian local music styles such as highlife and afro
which he sings in Pidgin English, English and other Nigerian dialects
using soulful vocals to create his own unique form of afro music.
As Owumi says: " Singing and song writing for me,is expressing life
in it's entirety. From physical beauty to spiritually deep and abstract
things,which are shown in our emotions of love ,hurt anger, hatred,lust,anxiety,beliefs,descisions
and so much more. It is a vehicle i use i to drive my understanding
of life and give others a piece of me.
As an African and Nigerian, I want my people and the world experience
life and music that exposes them to the changing ways of our music
as a result of fussion with other cultures. This guides my song writing
and singing in pidgin and english,and other local dialects,with emphasis
on fussing both traditional and moden instrument and style of play
when possible. My current and first work(My Introduction),has grown
purely out of creativity,and the need to blend the western influences
with Nigerian style of music around me to produce a more contemporary
form. |
Majek Fashek |
Majek Fashek is one of the increasing number of African artists to
be drawn to the music of the Caribbean, specifically reggae, rather
than indigenous hybrids such as fuji, juju or highlife. Having grown
up in a fervently religious and musical family, he was exposed to the
imported sounds of Bob Marley at an early age, alongside the innovations
of local stars such as Fela Kuti.
After learning to play the guitar he made his first notable appearance
on a television show in the early 80s, before spending the rest of
the decade touring Nigeria with the Mandators. He left that group in
1987 and quickly fashioned a solo career that made him Nigeria's biggest
reggae star. Following the receipt of no less than six awards at the
annual PMAN ceremony, he was signed to CBS Nigeria in 1988. However,
soon afterwards he transferred to Island Records" subsidiary Mango,
a label more accustomed to marketing reggae internationally. His first
album for the company included acover version of Marley's "Redemption
Song". It saw him begin to rival Alpha Blondy as Africa's foremost
reggae star.
America few years ago, the dark clouds seem to have rolled over.
Majek had joined international stars like Jimmy Cliff and Tracy Chapman
on a tour of major American cities, performing and drawing accolades
to himself. But no sooner had the tour ended than the “ Rainmaker”
fizzled out of the scene: He had been hooked on drugs, the mind-bending
substances. However, after about a decade in limbo, Majek literally
“resurrected” last Christmas in a jam at the Temple Bar, Santa Monica,
Los Angeles.
African reggae star Majek Fashek has been called a prophet and a poet,
and has become one of Africa's greatest singers and musicians with
his powerful world beat sound.
His new album Little Patience on the Coral Music label is in many ways
Fashek's masterwork - the culmination of his life's extraordinary journey.
With powerful and provocative songs like the soulful "Power of a Woman," or
the inspiring "Someday One Day," it is a remarkable collection that
incorporates Majek's core influences of Bob Marley, Fela Anikulapo
Kuti and Jimi Hendrix. He seamlessly meshes roots, rock, reggae and
Afrobeat into a unique signature sound called kpangolo. Majek describes
it as "the sound of many cultures coming together."
Majek Fashek has always sung from the soul about the political and
social struggles he has faced in his long and winding road from Nigeria
to the U.S. He first attracted international attention in 1987 when
his song, "Send Down The Rain" seemed to coax a rain storm that ended
one of the worst droughts in Nigeria' s history. Performing at an outdoor
theater, he saw the thirsty crowd yearning for just a few drops of
water. No one could imagine the possibility of a downpour, but as Majek
sang the lyric "the sky looks misty and cloudy: it looks like the rain's
gonna fall today," clouds gathered in the sky, thunder cracked and
rain soaked the barren ground.
Since that momentous occasion, Fashek has become one of Africa's most
revered contemporary musical performers, rivaling compatriots Alpha
Blondy and Lucky Dube in recognition and popularity around the world.
Majek was born "Majekodunmi Fasheke" in Benin City, once the center
of the ancient Sini kingdom. He inherited his love of music from his
mother, an Edo woman who raised him following the death of his father
when he was eleven years old. A businesswoman, who supplied concrete
to road contractors, she inspired him through her participation in
traditional religious ceremonies where the Olokun rhythms were used
to accompany worship of the river goddess. As a youngster, Fashek played
maracas during the ceremonies.
Whether playing maracas and congas as a child at these religious events
or singing and playing guitar as a reggae superstar, Majek has always
been "on a mission" to deliver God's message through his music.
While he developed an early interest in Jamaican riddims, Fashek was
equally drawn to the music of Indian cinema. Learning to play guitar
while in secondary school, Fashek joined a band called Jah Stix and,
after graduating from the New Era College's Arts Program, he began
playing in Lagos nightclubs, universities and even prisons. Majek also
worked as an A&R man, helping local musicians like the Mandators
and Ras Kimono.
In 1987, he embarked on his solo career and soon became Nigeria's biggest
reggae star. After winning six awards at the annual PMAN ceremony,
he was signed to CBS Nigeria, but soon transferred to Island Records?
subsidiary Mango, a label more accustomed to marketing reggae internationally.
His debut solo album Prisoner Of Conscience,released in 1988, sold
more than 200,000 copies in Nigeria alone. It was followed by "Spirit
of Love" a year later, produced by the inestimable Little Steven. The
Best of Majek Fashek was released in the UK in 1994, incorporating
much of Majek's classic African material, and in 1997 Rainmaker was
released on Tuff Gong International.
On Little Patience, Majek's acid tongue and sharp wit offer insightful
and powerful lyrics over fresh Afro-reggae grooves. He combines so
many types of music because as he says, "when the styles blend together,
music can free the world."
"When there is too much hustle in life," Majek observes, "you've
got to be patient and wait for your time. You've got to pray and you've
got to keep working. Don't be lazy, but watch where you're going -that's
a little patience."
MEDIA MAGIC ABOUT FASHEK
Sunday Sun columnist, Ose Oyemendan, who watched the concert live wrote
that Majek “showed he still has a connection with the drums. His voice
still had that ring of the glory years. But what stood out was his
stage presence.”
Few months ago, Majek’s new CD, “Little Patience” was released on Coral
Music label in America. The 11-tracker that has been enjoying generous
airplay in Nigeria, parades hit songs like “I Am Not Afraid”, “Water
No Get Enemy”, a remix of Fela’s song of same title, “Josiah”, King
of Kings”, Ovbiye”, “Man of Sorrows”, “Little Patience” and “Joe Lamentation”,
a track dedicated to his late brother, Joe Fabro.
Indeed, “Little Patience” is vintage Majek. It proves that the reggae
artiste is still in control of his music despite the long years in
the doldrums. What is more, the title track, “Little Patience” is a
testimony to Majek’s ability to carry his fans along as he wails: “If
you have faith, you can move mountains: all you need is a little patience.
Don’t worry my brother, don’t worry my sister, don’t worry my friend.
Jah has done it.”
Yet, exuding confidence, in “I’m not afraid”, Majek croons: “Even though
I walk through the valley of sin, I’m not afraid…Jehovah guide I.”
According to Majek, the inspiration for “Little Patience” came a few
years ago while peeping through the window of his Maryland, Lagos home
and spotted a little girl who was hawking oranges in the scorching
sun. He recalled: “I was touched. I called her and gave her some money.
I told her to go home. ‘You will make it one day my sister. Just have
a little patience.’ Then the song came to my mind. It is a song of
hope.”
Majek added: “This is one of my best works. In fact, the best because
I am coming from the wilderness after a long while. Now, my music is
stronger and better.”
Only recently, Majek featured at the 27th edition of Harmony Music
Festival in Santa Rasa, San Francisco. A Nigerian artiste, Charles
Novia, who watched the show, said the musician had worked the audience
to frenzy with a blend of his old and new songs.
Responding to a question concerning his health, Majek said he was okay
but confessed that his career had almost gone down the drain before
it was retrieved by Coral Music boss, Charlie D’Agastino: “I’m okay.
I was almost gone but thank God for Charlie D’Agastino who believed
in me and helped me out of the darkness. No black man can do for me
what Charlie did…Even my own brother left me to my fate but Charlie
has brought my music and message back to the people.”
Corroborating Majek, D’agastino, who doubles as his manager, said:
“Majek is 100 per cent okay. Can a mad man record a coherent album
like this? Majek is the first musician in this 21st Century that has
evolved a new genre of music. The world has never seen anything like
this since Bob Marley and Fela.”
Born in Benin, Edo State, Majek began music at a tender age. After
his secondary education, he joined a band, which became defunct. The
fair-complexioned musician later teamed up with friends to form a reggae
band, Jastix Ital that went round the country performing in various
prisons before splitting in 1987. Majek then went solo and in 1988
released his debut, “Prisoner of Conscience”, which became an instant
hit.
Majek earned the nickname, “Rainmaker” because of his track: “Send
Down the Rain” that became prophetic and later won him four awards
at the maiden PMAN awards in 1989. The same year, Majek released his
second album, “I & I Experience” and followed it up with “So
Long, Too Long”. His last album before disappearing from the scene
was “The Rainmaker”.
However, there is no place like home. After his sojourn in America,
Majek, we hear, is eager to return home. He reportedly said: “I miss
home. I am coming to Nigeria with a special message in November.” |
Lord of Ajasa
|
 |
|
The Nigerian Hip Hop scene is rapidly evolving and one of the new
bright stars is the Lagos rhymesayer known as Lord of Ajasa.
The Lord of Ajasa brings an interesting dimension to the rap game
with his kamikaze flow and compelling use of Yoruba street lingo.
Some may argue that these qualities are not enough to set him apart
from Nigeria's army of jobbing rappers considering the fact that
his themes are not a radical departure from the debauchery that
characterizes today's rap music. But those with keen ears will
readily agree that this Akure, Ondo State bred rapper has given
us some of the wittiest and most laconic lines ever delivered in
Yoruba language.
Born Olusegun Osaniyi, Lord of Ajasa's interest in Hip Hop started
in the early 90's when he began to pay attention to rappers like
Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Ice-T, KRS-One and NWA. Like most young rappers,
he first started mimicking joints by these MCs before he started
writing and delivering his own rhymes. As time progressed, he saw
the need to develop his own style, one that he would not only be
comfortable with, but would also appeal to a greater number of
Hip Hop enthusiasts who couldn't really decipher and appreciate
the lyrics of their favourite American rap stars or their counterfeit
Nigerian counterparts. He started delivering his rhymes in Yoruba
with a sprinkling of English and Pidgin, and focused on themes
that portrayed the numerous frolics of street-smart Yoruba youngsters
in contemporary Lagos. His chosen moniker, Ajasa is a Yoruba word
for flavour.
Lord of Ajasa has just released his debut album, a 12 track set
titled, "It's
tooooo much" Produced by Ajasa and his collaborative partner, Idowu
Olumide a.k.a ID Cabasa.
The Lord of Ajass is one of the hot new stars from MGN Productions.
He hails from Nigeria and has been entertaining since he was a child.
Real Name: Olusegun Gbadura Osaniyi
Stage Name: Lord of Ajasa
Family Background: Family of five I am the forth born I’m from
Ondo State and a native of Ikare - Akoko
Which year did you start: I started professionally in the year
2000
Awards:
The best indigenous rapper for the year 2000
Afro-Hip-Hop Awards organized shrine Nigeria.
Best creative for year 2005. ‘‘Gbedu Awards’’
Relaxation mood: Write, watch movies, playing music.
Thoughts for the world:
Be yourself, believe in yourself, in anything you do
Be persistant and don’t give up on your dreams.
Thank You very much for appreciating my music.
Lord Ajasa
|
Faze |
Faze grew up in the ghetto streets of Africa where he started singing
as a tender age. Music to him was a human affair because he grew up
in a family where music is part of their everyday life. Faze started
performing at nightclubs, street jams and soon gained the popularity
of the African and Jamaican streets. Recently Faze recorded a track
with Wyclef and naughty by nature and his single titled Faze alone
was da bomb. He released another single angel Gabrielle which is in
fact the sweetest song that can send emotional touch to your soul.
Faze can best be described as a artiste of universal talent because
he sings different kinds of music like dancehall reggae, rnb soul,
hip-hop. Faze has performed on stage with different American artiste
like 50 cent, Usher, Wyclef, Shaggy and Ginuwine and has toured different
parts of the world and gained the global mark of excellence. Faze's
new album is no doubt a compilation of various dance ditties, complemented
with all kinds of improvisation available to the artiste, which further
culminated in a cluster of rhythms, harmonies and bars which produce
undoubtedly, soothing sound for the ears.
Opening with a very mellifluous tune which introduces the artiste,
Faze Alone further lets out songs ranging from blend of calypso, through,
rhythm and blues (R&B) to almost had funk as well as what can pass
for dance-hall reggae.
A keen music buff will definitely conclude that Faze, in trying to
exhibit his versatility, lounged into a display of immodesty as he
sings in the title-track Faze Alone... I will make it alone."
This feeling is carried through most of the tunes in his medley to
the extent that one's attention is riveted on his attempt to impress
rather than impress his listener.
From the slow sentimental through mid-tempo to his up-tempo tunes,
Faze has in his debut outing attracted the attention of music listeners
and buyers alike through his impressive instrumentation and controlled
vocal range.
Faze Alone is a collection of songs which stands the chance of winning
more admiration as it is increasingly heard.
|
Ras Kimono |
Born in Shanty town in Nigeria, Ras Kimono was bred in the Ghetto.
As a youth, he experienced oppression, brutality, hardship and inequality,
factors that became a major influence on his philosophy as a man: detesting
injustice, corruption, favoritism and discrimination. Ras Kimono now
goes around the world, propagating unity among humankind, irrespective
of color, creed, religion, race or geographical boundaries.
Ras Kimono is Nigeria's number one reggae artist and an indisputable
leader in Africa, but Kimono's popularity transcends the reggae boundaries.
His message is embraced by lovers of good, positive vibrations and
his ardent followers can be found amongst lovers of all kinds of music.
A vegetarian, Kimono is a Rastafarian in the purest form. He is a farmer,
fisherman and God-fearing.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Released by Polygram International in 1988, Kimono's debut album, UNDER
PRESSURE, won the Gold Disc Award. The follow-up, WHAT'S GWAN clearly
surpassed the first with Platinum Disk. That album swept all major
music awards in Nigeria including:
Reggae Artist of the Year Award
Song of the Year Award
Album of the Year Award
Artist of the Year Award
Very solidly, Kimono has moved from height to height, balancing high
record sales with outstanding impressive stage performances. He has
taken his message out of Nigeria onto the world by playing major concerts
in the United States, England, Italy, Kenya, Ghana and Papua New Guinea
where his Benson and Hedges stadium concerts attracted a record average
of 45,000 people per concert. He is an all round performer who handles
the guiter and saxophone. He has also emerged as a powerful composer,
arranger and vocalist. He has developed his own style of root reggae
music that skillfully blends his African roots with classical Jamaican
rhythm. Ras Kimono has performed with Top Reggae artist such as Shaggy,
Shaba Ranks, Lee Perry, Lucky Dube, Culture, Inna Circle, Steve Wonder,
Eve and K.C. and JoJo and a host of other international artists.
In the United States, where he is presently based, Kimono has performed
in reputable clubs such as New York's Tramps, SOBs and MONDO Festival
at the Central Park. He has also played at the Equator (Chicago) ,
Carabana (Houston), Masquerade (Atlanta) and in various clubs in St.
Louis.
Elsewhere, he performed at the PANAFEST in Ghana, URTNA in Kenya, ROTOTOM
Reggae Sunsplash in Italy and Golden Tones and Raggae Sunsplash (Lagos
and Kano, Nigeria)
Kimono has six albums to his credit. |
Tony Tetuila |
For Tony Tetuila AKA Anthony Olanrewaju Awotoye, singing is a passion
for him. He had always wanted to sing right from his days in secondary
school. He didn't get the chance to demostrate his love of music however
until he got to the Federal Polytechnic at Offa, Kwara State, where
he had been admitted to study Business Administration.
For him, the only extra-curricular activity he was interested in was
music and its promotion . He was thus involved in the promotion of
musical shows on campus. He would invite DJ's from Lagos and other
places to come and jam in his school. He would also invite many talented
but yet budding musicians to perform at such shows.
Soon, it became inevitable that even he would one day mount the stage
and showcase his love of the crooming profession.
Though stage shy at first, Tony Tetuila soon learnt to be master of
his performance on stage. He also learnt to appeal to the group he
considers his most intimate constituency, the ladies. On the campus
at that time, not attending any show at which he was invited to perform
was virtually an unheard of thing for the happening babes'.
He was that popular amongst the ladies. Soon, it was inevitable that
he form an alliance with others who had an inclination towards singing
the same kind of Nigerian flavoured rap and hip hop that he sang. Idris,
a budding DJ provided the sort of perfect partnership that he sought
then and so they teamed up and began playing at shows and dance halls
together. The approval rating of the duo amongst their colleagues continued
to reach for the skies.
Later on, Eddy, another budding musician jointed the duo and thus they
formed the Remedies, Nigeria's first home made rap and hip hop group.
The success of The Remedies is certainly unquantifiable. So is their
contribution to Nigeria's hip hop scene. Utilising a musical technigue
that incorporated the best of Western rap and hip hop and then flavouring
these with Nigerian themes and sands, The Remedies always managed to
set dance halls, clubs, shows and parties alight anytime their debut
album was played. Containing different variations of just two songs,
Judile and Sakomo, the album was a major hit in the Nigerian music
scene. It also marked the turning point of Nigerian music as more and
more people have since latched on to the new musical `genre' they created.
Hip hop, rap and ragga have since become a Nigerian affairs courtesy
of the pioneering effort of The Remedies.
Tony was however not destined to last as a member of the Remedies group.
Irreconcilable differences soon saw Tony having to part ways with the
group he had helped found. And though he left the group, Tony did not
leave music. He was to demostrate the power of his creativity further
when he went ahead to establish another alliance with another upcoming
group of youngsters who were also experimenting in the hip hop genre.
With the plantashun Boiz, the group he bounded with, Tony Tetuila went
ahead and released his own CD. Titled morning Time, fans of the yellow
haired crooner were certainly not disappointed with his effort in the
new CD. With tunes like Omode Meta, Morning Time, your kind of woman
and a host of others, Tony confirmed himself as the crown prince of
Nigerian hip hop music. Right now, at concerts, shows, parties and
clubs, Tony Tetuila and the Plantashun Boiz are the hottest group in
Nigeria. Their music is loved by all and sundry as both young and old
are wont `shake body` to their highly danceable tunes.
**************************************
AN INTERVIEW WITH TONY
Whenever Afro hip-hop artiste, Tony Tetuila, reminisced, on the past,
he would have every reason to thank his creator. Here was a young man
who claimed he was unceremoniously ejected from the hip-hop group,
Remedies, following their hit debut, Shako Mo. At a time when his peers
would have thought him crest fallen, the young man took everything
in its stride
. No sooner than he left the group that fortune smiled on him and he
came up with an album, Morning Time,in 1998. His second effort, My
Car became an instant hit, just as his latest release: E go Better
which is currently enjoying tremendous airplay. Apparently, there has
been no looking back for this talented artiste who, within a space
of six years, has carted home many awards locally and internationally.
A magnanimous Tetuila however declared that he had since forgiven his
friends, Eedris Abdulkareem and Eddy Brown and that at any given opportunity,
he would still like to work with them. The musician spoke to Daily
Sun on his childhood, early life, career, and reasons why he pulled
out of the Remedies.
Background
My name is Tony Tetuila. But my real name is Anthony Olarewaju Awosanya.
I am from Oro Town in Kwara State. I am the last of my mother’s children.
My father married two wives and my mother happens to be the first wife.
We were eight from my mum. Two have died and I’m still the last born.
We are six males and two females. A male and a female are dead, so
we are now six.
I attended St Catherine Model School, Yaba for my primary school and
later St Finbarr’s College, Akoka. I also attended Kwara State Polytechnic
in Ilorin where I obtained my Ordinary National Diploma in 1997.
Childhood
Growing up was fun because being my mother’s last child everyone dotted
on me. They showered love and attention on me. But the music thing
has been with me right from childhood. Then as a child, my mum used
to buy musical toys for me, such as piano, guitar, and drums. And now
everything has turned into reality, just like a dream. My mum knew
quite well that I would have something to do with music in future because
she had seen the talent in me.
As a young boy my ambition was to be a musician. Almost every one around
me then knew I had talents in music.
Early days
After obtaining my OND, the thought of travelling abroad to study music
came to me but that was also the time that I met Eedris Abdulkareem
in Ilorin. When I was at Kwara Polytechnic, I used to organise shows
then. The DJ Shina was the one that introduced Eedris to me. When we
met, we discovered that we had one or two things in common.
I told him about my plans concerning music and he said okay, when we
get to Lagos we will talk. He had come from Kano to see DJ Shina who
was his friend. So when we got to Lagos, we started working together.
Then Eddy Brown joined us when we were about entering the studio. Eddy
and Idris had known each other long before I met them. That was how
The Remedies came about and together we came out with a single Shako
Mo in 1998, which became an instant hit.
Why we broke up
Breaking up was inevitable when you consider the way the entertainment
industry in Nigeria is. When we were together, the returns were quite
small and considering that we were three, we were not really happy
with what we were getting. Each of us believed we could do something
independently. So I was the first to leave. When I left, I prayed to
God that if playing music was the profession he chose for me, then
‘Thy will be done.’ If not, let me just go back to school to complete
my studies.
Albums
God answered my prayers and I came out with my first solo album, Morning
Time, which had the hit song Omode Meta Nshere in 1999. It was released
in 2001 also on Kennis Music label with eight tracks. In fact, God
surprised me with the success of that album. The song My Car was the
last track that we needed to just fill the album.
Luckily, the album My Car fetched me many awards. This was how that
particular song came about: On two occasions, motorists hit my car
in a manner that left me dazed because the second one happened just
about two days after the first incident. And it was at a time I had
no money and I just went out in search of people to bail me out when
suddenly I heard a bang. When we both came out, the other guy started
speaking grammar and I said ‘Ah Oyinbo repete o, you have to fix my
car.’ I told him we should share it 50-50. So we went to fix the car.
Just then the chorus started bugging in my head. I got it down in my
midget, got home and started working on it immediately.
The Tinubu part came in when I was writing the lyrics. I just thought
of a good way to end the story after being hit by my friend and not
having money. That was why I brought in Tinubu to bail us out of the
problem.
Tinubu and my car
It was rumoured that the governor gave me some money after the release
of that album. All I can say is that for now, the governor has not
given me any money but promised to support my career. He liked the
song and said he would support me and I believe he is going to do it
because now he is very busy trying to give Lagosians a good life.
My third album E go Better was released about four weeks ago. It has
eight tracks, E Go Better, Call My Name, E Wa Bamijo, No One Like U,
Na U Sabi Lagbaja, A.I.D.S, and Fefe na Efe.
My music
I play Afro hip-hop. That is hip-hop from the African perspective.
Why I play this type of music is because it is the music of my own
generation. The only way our own kind of hip-hop can be accepted here
is by infusing our own culture into it. That is why some times you
hear us singing in Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa, so that people here can understand
what we are saying. That is why we call it Afro – hip-hop.
Young artistes and hip-hop
Yes, we are so many because hip-hop music is changing the face of entertainment
in Nigeria. In my new album, E Go Better, I did a song Fefe Na Efe
in which I feature a Ghanaian artiste Tic Tac. Fefe Na Efe has to do
with hip-life and hop-life is from Ghana. We entered into a collaboration:
it is in my own album, as well as in his own album. It’s like taking
hip-hop to another level.
Inspiration
My inspiration comes from God. Without God, nothing is possible. With
Him, all things are possible. It also comes from things I live with:
things I see, eat or drink as well as people around me. How I write
my songs? Where ever I go, I always have my midget with me. And whenever
I want to write a song, the chorus is the first thing I deal with.
When I have the chorus, I can keep it in my midget until I get home.
Challenges
There are a lot of challenges. Your contemporaries are there, so you
have to push your self real hard because you want to do something that
will satisfy your fans and give them something even better than what
you have done before. When you play this kind of music with a lot of
artistes, you have to thank God that you are among the chosen. When
you climb the music ladder, you want to remain there. You don’t want
to get down. There are some other challenges in different kinds of
ways.
Meeting K. K. Ogungbe (CEO) Kennis Music
I count myself very lucky meeting K. K. Ogungbe because he made everything
so easy for me right from the beginning. I did not have this problem
of going from one record company to the other looking for deals.
You see I went to Ray Power to give them my song to play on air so
I met Kenny Ogungbe and he told me that he plans to start a records
company and asked if I was interested. And I said, ‘Ah I don’t mind’.
I just count myself lucky meeting him because he has been there for
me and up till now, he is still there for me and everything is working.
Message
The message is about things that are happening in Nigeria. It is not
as if we are talking bad about it. We are saying that no matter how
bad things are now, we should be hopeful that things will get better.
I see young people leaving the country to look for greener pastures
abroad. So my message is that if we all work together, Nigeria will
be better. We have to support the government.
There is also a message that has to do with giving thanks to God for
what He has done in our lives. There are some other tracks that urge
my fans to enjoy themselves.
Awards
I have won many awards both in Nigeria and abroad. My first album fetched
me the FMA Best New Artiste Award in 1999 and in 2000, an award from
NISOFEST (Nigerian Song Festival).
Performing Music Award from Grand Hotel, Asaba, Fame Music Award and
City People Award, Musician of the year 2002. AMEN’s Best Artiste of
the year, Song of the year (My Car )in 2003. I also got awards from
different universities: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and University
of Ibadan. I also got the REEL Award for the Best African Pop Rock
from Channel O in South Africa last year.
Social life
I like going out to meet friends. I don’t smoke. In fact, I have never
tasted cigarettes in my life and I will never taste it. That’s the
truth. I don’t smoke, but I do drink beer. However, I know my limit.
I don’t take anything before going on stage because from the start,
I have never gotten myself addicted to such things. I don’t think I
have to get inspiration from drinking or smoking before going on stage.
Women and me:
The fact is that we can’t do without women because they can make or
mar you. If you are dealing with them, you have to be diplomatic. I
have them around me, but most of them are my friends. When people see
women with me, they think I like women, they are people you have to
respect in order to succeed in this business.
Yes. I have a serious relationship. Very soon, we will start sharing
the invitation cards.
Most embarrasing moment
We went for a show in Abuja, the show was not well organised and we
were stranded in Abuja. We had to enter some clubs to perform so we
could raise money for our transport fare back to Lagos. We had to go
and stay with a friend that lives in one room. We were nine artistes.
That was our first time in Abuja, but it was fun. We even realised
more money that we expected. The show was tagged Night of the Shinning
Star but that night: the stars did not shine. It was really funny,
in fact, that was my most embarrassing moment.
Role models
I like Lagbaja and Femi Kuti. They are my role models because they
are talented and have done a lot to promote the music industry in Nigeria.
But my godfathers in entertainment are Mr Kenny Ogungbe and Mr Dayo
Adeneye (D-One)
Aspirations
I want to have a recording company where I can help budding artistes.
I would like to have a place where I can play once a month.
My hair
My hair has been my identity right from when I was with Remedies and
I think it has really helped me. Some people can’t even recognise my
face but once they see my hair, then they know it’s me. I take care
of it with a good hair product.
Born again
I can’t say I am born-again the way many people say it, but definitely,
I know I am closer to God. In everyman’s life, I believe God should
be there. With God all things are possible and I think He has been
there for me. It doesn’t cost me anything to worship him, that’s why
I call His name all the time.
|
Sunny Nneji |
Born on October 24, 1965 in Lagos to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Neji, Sunny,
the youngest of five kids (three boys, two girls) had his primary education
between 1972 and 1978 in Ogoja, Cross River State, his home town. He
completed his secondary education at Government, College, Ikorodu,
Lagos in 1984 and proceeded to Yaba college of Technology where he
obtained a Diploma in fashion design.
Sunny Neji’s active involvement with music began at an early stage.
His parents' love for music and his ol’ man’s collection of classic
records provided the initial tonic. As a boy, he participated in cultural
performances and steadily developed the talent through the course of
his formal education. By 1987, he took his game one step further and
ventured into recording earning a reputation in the jungle production
scene in no time. 1991 brought the release of his debut album, Captain
on EMI.
The debut was slept on but the artiste was undaunted. He joined Colours
Band with which he performed as lead singer for five years and inched
his way further into the mainstream. He made a grand return to the
recording circuit in ’97 with the release of his sophomore set, Mr.
Fantastik on GM Intercontinental Records and firmly established himself
a bona fide star whose fame stretched from Maiduguri to Bakassi. The
album sold hugely and won numerous awards for the artiste who came
to be recognized as one of Nigeria's top all-round artistes.
His third offering, Roforofo dropped in October 2000 on the same label,
GM Intercontinental and easily picked up from where Mr. Fantastik left
off. It consolidated Sunny’s position as contemporary highlife’s premiere
protagonist and further showcased an already glaring steak of versatility.
In 2002, Sunny Neji lent a hand and voice to Now Muzik's Touch of Genius:
Tribute Album to the Legendary Sir, Victor Uwaifo project and scored
again with his re-interpretation of the classic Joromi.
After narrowly escaping the January 27, 2002 Ikeja bomb blast disaster,
Sunny Neji raised his golden voice in a piercing call for support for
victims with the single, Victim of Circumstance and the massive benefit
concert at the Lagos Television grounds to mark the first anniversary
of the event. The project opened a new chapter in the artiste’s career.
It marked his involvement with O’Jez Music, the company that came all
out to support the Victim of Circumstance Project. The socially sensitive
artiste also recorded the single, Wake Up! in 2003 to challenge Nigerians
to vote right in the general elections. These special projects set
the tune for his forth full length album, Unchained, recorded in Ghana,
released on O’Jez Music, Oruka and Face Me, the pre-release singles
needed only a few days to completely dominate the airwaves and assure
everyone that another monster hit has dropped.
Sunny Neji tied the nuptial knot with Peace, his hearthrob, on November
1, 2001 and the union is blessed with a baby girl, Ntishokarome- the
one to whom the Unchained track of the same title is dedicated.
An amiable and clean-living gentlemen, Sunny Neji spends a great deal
of his time writing, playing, performing and recording music. His scandal-free
image is not contrived. His major pre-occupation is making music and
attending his regular Christian fellowship services. He watches talk
shows, documentaries and movies when he can squeeze out time and his
favourite charity is The Little Saints Orphanage. Sunny is however,
quite opinionated, passionate and vocal about the problems of the local
music industry and doesn’t hesitate to join issues with whoever represents
a part of the problem and this has naturally, rubbed a few people the
wrong way.
One thing is certain though. Sunny Neji is totally committed to his
art and intends to keep upping the ante in every regards until he completely
runs out of gas.
An interview with Sunny Nneji: A straight to point A & B with
the man who is making us all anticipate a wedding day.
QUE: For those who don’t already know, who is Sunny Nneji?
ANS: I'm from Ogoja Local Government Area in Cross-Rivers State of Nigeria.
I'm the last of five kids.
QUE: How long have you been in this business?
ANS: As an art, as long as I can remember. As a business, since the
early 90's.
QUE: What was it like starting out
ANS: Challenging. Life is always about challenges ,even now.
QUE: What would you call your style of music?
ANS: It's contemporary, its African, it's got soul, spirit, rythm and
highlife.
QUE: Tell us about your current album, Unchained?
ANS: Unchained is a 12-tracker and it was released in Dec. 2003 under
O'Jez Music label. I titled the album Unchained because its the beginning
of a revealing process.
QUE: What has the response been like?
ANS: The response has been incredibly amazing
QUE: Your song Oruka is a very beautiful song, what inspired the song?
ANS: The need to have a wedding song
QUE: Do you get a lot of wedding requests due to that song?
ANS: Very much so.
QUE: Where would you say your career is at the moment?
ANS: Right now I would say I’m climbing steadily to the Top.
QUE: Where do you see your career in another 5 years?
ANS: On top of the world.
QUE: How many albums do you have to date?
ANS: 4 albums and a single.
QUE: Who do you think your fans are?
ANS: My fan base cuts across all age groups. The young and old feel
me, even the kids.
QUE: What are your feelings about the Nigerian Music industry?
ANS: I'm not too happy about where we are presently, but I’m optimistic
that it'll get better soon.
QUE: What obstacles have you had to face breaking into the industry?
I've had to face series of rejections from recording companies.
QUE: What’s a normal day like for you?
ANS: Everyday is supposed to be different, if today is exactly like
yesterday, then something is wrong.
QUE: Are you currently working on any projects?
ANS: Currently I’m trying to strategize on how to expand my fan base.
QUE: What artists have you worked with and what artists would you like
to work with?
ANS: I've worked with Lagbaja, Sammy Okposo, Rymzo, Sola Mojeed, Dele
Taiwo, Freestyle. I'll like to work with Wyclef, R.Kelly, Salawa Abeni,
Wasiu Ayinde, K.1, Osadebe.
QUE: Any plans to break into the international scene?
ANS: Yeah! We are making plans.
QUE: What major artist would you compare your music to and why?
ANS: I cant compare my music to any artiste. I sing from the heart.
QUE: Is sunny Nneji single,? If not how does your other half deal with
your fame?
ANS: I'm married with two lovely kids. I don’t think its the easiest
thing in the world, but then everything is a challenge.
QUE: Is there anything you would like to share with our readers about
yourself?
ANS: For them to always make that extra effort to buy only the original
of my music.
QUE: What advice would you offer up and coming artist.
ANS: For them to always believe in themselves no matter the circumstances. |
Kefee |
Kefee is one of the bright shinning stars from Nigeria. She was recently
niminated by her fans for the coverted " BEST AFRICAN TRADITIONAL ARTISTE" for
Nigeria. Kefee was one of 5 nominess for the Kora award. The nominees
included:
CYPRIEN KAGORORA Rwanda
AYUBA Nigeria
JOLIDON LAFIA Benin
RAUL NEGRO Angola
KEFEE Nigeria
Irikefe Alec Godwin, also known as Kefee, is a happy girl. And she
has every reason to be happy. Only recently, she got married to her
best friend and producer, Alec Godwin, following which she released
a new album, titled Branama 2, last week.
Beaming with smiles, the musician told Daily Sun: “I am the happiest
person in the world. I asked God for three things and He has done all
for me. I am so grateful.”
Bold and beautiful, this singing talent started singing in the church
choir where she later became the head at a very young age, leading
the younger and older choristers. Gradually, she discovered that people
were always thrilled by her songs. Later she teamed up with her friend
Estee to produce an album which did not make much impact. By the time
Estee travelled to the United States to pursue a career in Nursing,
she went solo. Her solo effort, Branama, released in 2003 was done
mostly in her native Urhobo language.
Right inside her husband’s Studios in Ikeja, the singer spoke to Daily
Sun about this new album, her marriage to her producer and her plans
to go back to school.
Background:
My real names are Irikefe Godwin but my stage name is Kefee. I was
born in Sapele, Delta State. My parents are Deacon Andrew and Mrs Rachel
Obaseki. I attended Ayomanor Primary School and later Ufuoma Secondary
School, both in Sapele. I have a diploma in Public Administration from
University of Benin. I am the third child of my parents’ six children:
three boys and three girls.
Growing up was fun because my parents showered us with love but I was
closer to my dad. He encouraged me more when I was singing in the church
choir. Then I was eight years old. In fact, I was singing basically
because of him, bearing in mind that he would give me gifts at the
end of the day.
I started singing when I was eight years old. And I knew I could sing
then but I was singing in the church. I took it professionally when
I released an album with Estee in 1999.
When I left the children’s department, I graduated to the adult choir.
Then I was 15 years old. When I turned 18, I was made the head of the
choir because they said I could teach the three-parts in music. They
also loved my confidence as I could stand in front of adults to teach.
I was the youngest but I taught people who were older than me. We won
all our competitions. Later, the choir which was then known as Temple
Life Choir (TLC) released two albums.
I did not decide to go professional or take singing seriously until
Estee and I released an album entitled Trip. Estee’s father was the
founder of my church, Temple Deliverance Mission and my father was
a deacon in that church. So we became friends. When Estee moved over
to Benin-City to study Nursing, I also gained admission into the University
of Benin to study Public Administration. We decided that since we were
together in Benin, we should do something together. With the help of
his brother Alec, we went into the studio and recorded our music. The
album was well promoted in Delta and Edo States but was not properly
hyped in Lagos. We did a bit of hip-hop with some African songs.
My albums
When Estee travelled abroad in early 2002, I decided to go solo because
I knew she was not coming back so soon. She is already a nurse with
the US Navy. Actually, what I wanted to do then was hip-hop. Right
now, I am doing something traditional.When she travelled, it gave me
the opportunity.
My kind of music
I play trado-hip-hop music. Everybody likes hip-hop. So, to get attention,
I added hip-hop to my traditional music. That is why I featured hip-hop
stars like Sound Sultan and Free style in my new album. I did traditional
music because that is me and the background I came from.
The name Branama
Branama means show off in Urhobo. And this is because we want to show
off what we have in our culture and our own original stuff. Branama
has nine tracks and it was released in October 2003. The CD contained
songs like Branama, Akpo, Woruno, Let my day begin, Dance floor, OK,
among others. It was released on Alec’s Music label.
Why I sing in my language
I sing in my language because that is where I come from. I think, if
I don’t sing in my language and then ask someone from another part
to come and sing in my language, he may not do it the way I am doing
it.
If I don’t sing in my language, I don’t know in what language I should
sing. I am very original and secondly, it calls for unity. I wanted
to do something that would promote my culture. I wanted to be original.
The Impact
I have made a great impact in the lives of people. Moreover, my costume
and everything about me I believe have made an impact. I do not have
an identity problem because when people see me, they know it is Kefee.
I make my costume with George materials which is what I wear. So, I
am doing that to popularise my culture.
Inspiration
I get my inspiration from God. I also get inspired by people’s good
works. Sometimes, if I go to a seminar and they say something that
makes sense or raise a good topic for discussion, I can be inspired
to write songs on it. I also get my inspiration from everything that
happens around me and my society.
Why I am in music ?
I am in music because I know I have the talent. But it is one thing
to have the talent and another to develop it. I have been in music
all my life. I have the gift of singing. When I sing, I make people
happy, so why shouldn’t I sing?
As a celebrity !
I really feel good about it because sometimes people do not know my
real name, they call me Branama and I will say hello to them. When
I go to some places to buy things, some of them who recognise me and
love what I am doing would not collect money from me. While in some
places, they would want to cheat me. It is normal because if God blesses
you, it is good to bless others. I feel happy when I walk in the street
and people will start saying, ‘Oh that is Kefee.’ I always like to
disguise by not putting on earrings. Even at that, they still recognise
me. I feel good about it because it means people love what I am doing.
Challenges for Nigerian Artists:
What I call challenges were those times I had to travel to Port Harcourt
to shoot my video clip, pay hotel bills and then come back to Lagos.
It was rather stressful. Talking about carrying my demo from one record
company to the other, I did not experience that, Alec did the recording
for me. He had already started his record label but it was not very
big. So by the time he released my album, everyone knew he did a good
job. Now, Alec Music is a big label with so many artistes.
Awards
I have won several awards. Some of them, I have not collected. This
is because sometimes, some people would call me to say that they are
organising awards in Bayelsa, Benin, that I should come. That day,
I may have been booked to perform and would not be able to travel there.
Those ones, I am yet to receive. But I have collected five awards so
far. I got two from TOMA Awards: Best Gospel Album and Traditional
Song of the Year 2004. I got another one from Nigerian Entertainment
Award as Best Traditional Album 2004. Last year, the Catholic organisation
also gave me an award in recognition of my good works and contributions
as a youth.
What was the most difficult time 4 U ?
I have not really had a most difficult time but of course, there are
challenging moments. It was not a difficult time but I was really embarrassed
when I went to a city in Nigeria and some people said: “Look at this
artiste that refused to come to our show. The show was well promoted
there but the organisers did not invite me, they only used my name
to promote the show because they knew I had fans there. I was really
really embarrassed because I was not informed about the show and they
still went ahead to say that I refused to show up.
What is you happiest moment ?
I have a lot of happiest moments. When I went to Akwa Ibom and Enugu,
I was so surprised when I heard them singing Branama because it is
a difficult song. Most people choose to sing Woruno because it is more
of the do, do, do sound. So, it is easy to sing along. They were singing
Branama as if they were Urhobos. I was really thrilled.
Sad moments
Oh! I am a very very happy person but I feel sad when people tell me
lies. I don’t like people who make other people feel unimportant.
Aside music
Right now, I am fully into music and I am going to put in all my efforts
because I know it will reward me better than any other job.
Role models
There are many of them likeYolanda Adams, Noraine Hills. But back,
I liked Christy Essien Igbokwe as a child.
Who is Kefee?
Kefee is a very patient person, very unpredictable, even to myself.
Sometimes, I can’t say what I will do next. I do not pretend, I like
being myself and I am not a noisy maker.
Costume
I wear what I wear because it makes me feel good and makes me discover
who I am. It reminds me of who I am. It is not as if I wear them on
a daily basis. I use the George fabric to make them because that is
what we use in my area. I also use the horsetail, it is always with
me. I use it in place of the handkerchief and it is African.
Marriage
I got married in February 2005 to my best friend Alec Godwin, the Chief
Executive Officer of Alec’s Music. Well, you would say I married my
producer. We have been together before he even became a producer. We
have been very close for a very long time now. He is someone I love
and I knew I can stay with.
Showbiz couples’ marriage often crash
Well, mine will not crash. But I think it depends on the person. I
can live with anybody, good or bad. I can live with them and not have
problems. I think they have problems when they do not understand each
other.
Why I married ‘early’
I am 25 years old and is that early? Okay as an artiste I should have
waited, but I married someone I love. And I really did not want to
lose him to any other lady. It is good to get married because that
would make you get focused. I do not think it will affect my career
because we have our plans. Married life has been good, it has been
fun. I am very happy and I have more control over my life now.
How I met my husband
I met my husband in the church. His father was the founder of Temple
Deliverance Mission, Sapele. He was the choir director then. I was
20 years old when we met. Then he was like a big brother to me before
he spoke to me about marriage. I was attracted by his humility in church
and the way he treats people.
My new album Branama 2
It is a new album and a continuation of Branama. But it is Kefee with
friends in the music industry. I have Paul I. K. Dairo, Sunny Neji,
Sound Sultan, Rymzo, Pastor Goody Goody, 2 shorts, Free style, Gordons,
Recky D, Estee in Branama 2. I invited these friends because I wanted
to do something different. I also remixed Woruno which I did with Sunny
Neji. The album was released on June 20, 2005 under Alec’s Music label.
It is a 16-tracker. It features songs like Kukuruku, the African Woman
and Ohoyin, which is my response to the rumour once making the rounds
that I was dead.
Aspirations
I look forward to getting an international deal, a very big one. I
want to be recognised internationally. |
Ruggedman |
Born Michael Ugochukwu Stephens on the 20th of September in Ebem
Ohafia, Abia state, all levels of schooling were done in Lagos
state. I am a graduate of Political Science Lagos State University
Ojo. I started loving rap music from around 1989 when I was learning
the words in rap tracks I liked and rapping along to their instrumentals
- until I decided that I could do mine, then I started writing
my own lyrics. 1999 was when I put out my first cd for air play.
The cd contained two tracks: 1, What If? - which was produced by
and also featured Paul Play Dairo: and 2, "Gwo-gwo". These two
tracks got massive airplay. Then in 2002 I decided to do a track
criticizing a couple of Nigerian rappers and the track titled Ehen
Part 1 has blown sky high nation wide.
My two new songs “BIG BROS” (in which I took on a so-called music
mogul in Nigeria for trying to stop my song getting played on radio
stations 'cos I talked about him) and “WHAT YOU GOT” (which is
a dance track for people who said all I can do is diss) are both
getting mega air play in Nigeria and abroad. My dance track is
a favourite in a couple of Clubs in London and Ireland.
RUGGEDMAN is a no-nonsense, speak-my-mind type of nigga that stands
up for the improvement and promotion of good Nigerian music no
matter how much big men try to hold him down.
THE NAME:
The name came when I was in high school and fresh into the rap
game proper. Every one wanted a name that didn’t sound weak and
Ruggedman was the one I came up with, after I thought Rugged Soul
was a bit too deep and the tag 'Mc' a bit over flogged.
INFLUENCES:
My early influences came from NWA, KRS One, Poor Righteous Teachers,
Leaders Of The New School, King Sun… etc. Now they are Nas, DMX,
Eminem, Dr. Dre and especially all the wack rappers in Nigeria.
APPEARANCES:
My very first performance was at a secondary school ceremony in
1992. From then on it's been performances in clubs and tertiary
institutions. Other places of performance are: Mr. Macho - University
Of Lagos (UNILAG) - 1994: Nigerian Carnival - National Stadium
- 1994: Home movie soundtracks: Lyricist Lounge - held at club
11:45 for the Rap Legend Guru from America, Eve and Kc & Jojo
- show (performed alongside Tony Tetuila).
Some others are: part of the opening act for Lagbaja some months
back: a bit of acting in a Francis Agu movie, waka pass (movie
extra) too because I wanted to know how it’s done: radio jingle:
TV music show theme song (did the rap).
I also directed my first music video 2002, which was D’Banj’s “Kiss
me again video”. I addition, opening act again for Lagbaja on 31st
January 2003, where I started the sales of my “Ehen” singles cd
- which is doing quite well now. I also organized a mock celebrity
soccer match for The Kanu Heart Foundation, where I got other Nigerian
artistes and celebrities like Plantashun Boiz, Paul Ik Dairo, Mr.
Kool, Emma Ugolee, Maideena, Trybesmen, Nomoreloss, e.t.c, to play
football. It was mad fun.
I've likewise performed at the national stadium at the Guinness
stand for Coja All African Games: and have also performed alongside
Dance hall sensation Sean Paul. Ruggedman's been performing all
over Nigeria right now and is Nigeria's most wanted rap act.
"I am the most featured rap artist in Nigeria and the hottest out
right now."
He's been on almost every newspaper, and the radio and tv stations
love him being in their place cos he gets calls from the audience
like crazy.
My video, Peace Or War is the best video ever done by a Nigerian
and was number one for two and a half months on MBI top ten video
count down. Ehen has so far spent a year on the MTN top ten count
down on Cool fm. My new dance track “WHAT YOU GOT” has been #1
two months running on Star 101.5 fm's World New Flavour chart show
and is on all the radio station charts.
I recently just got back from Ireland, Europe where I went to chill
out a while and also promote myself and my music. I spread my cds
to Near fm 101.6 Dublin - where I was also interviewed, and Today
fm 100-102 Dublin. I shot clips for my new song Big Bros and met
Raekwon The Chef of Wu Tang Clan.
AWARDS:
I won the Nigerian Fanta Fame Award for best new rap act/group
or duo 2003 on the 31st of October. I also added to that, three
awards at the just concluded Gbedu music awards for RAP ARTIST
OF THE YEAR, BEST VIDEO OF THE YEAR, AND SONG OF THE YEAR. Awards
have also been given to me by high schools and tertiary institutions
for my contribution to the development of Nigerian rap music.
ARTISTES I HAVE FEATURED ON THEIR SONGS RELEASED & UNRELEASED:
Believe it or not, I am the most featured Nigerian rapper. I have
rapped on over 20 tracks for people. Most of these were done before
I even released Ehen part 1. "...meaning my voice is going to be
heard for a long time to come in this country and wherever the
music is taken to…feel me?"
**************************************************
Profile of Nigeria's Rugged Man
Contributed on Wednesday, July 28 @ 21:34:04 SAST
Topic: Biographies
Ruggedman, (real name Michael Ugochukwu Stephens) was born on the
20th of September in Ebem Ohafia, Abia State in Nigeria. He is
a graduate of Political Science at the Lagos State University.
He started loving rap music from around 1989 and put his first
cd out in 1999...
The cd contained two tracks:
What If? Produced by and also featured Paul Play Dairo.
Gwo-gwo
Both of these 2 tracks enjoyed massive airplay. Then in 2002 he
decided to do a track criticizing a couple of Nigerian rappers
in the track "Ehen Part 1"
His two new songs “BIG BROS” (in which he took on a so called music
mogul in Nigeria for trying to stop his song getting played on
radio stations because he was talking about him) and “WHAT YOU
GOT” (which is a dance track for people who said all he can do
is diss) are both getting mega air play in Nigeria and abroad.
His dance track is a favourite in a couple of Clubs in London and
Ireland.
Ruggedman is the type of guy who speaks his mind and stands up
for the improvement and promotion of good Nigerian music
THE NAME:
"The name came when I was in high school and fresh into the rap
game proper. Every one wanted a name that didn’t sound weak and
Ruggedman was the one I came up with, after I thought Rugged Soul
was a bit too deep and the phrase”Mc” a bit over flogged cos I
also tried Soul Mc."
INFLUENCES:
"My early influences came from NWA, KRS One, Poor Righteous Teachers,
Leaders Of The New School, King Sun…etc,
Now they are Nas, Dmx, Eminem, Dr.Dre and ESPECIALLY all the wack
rappers in Nigeria."
APPEARANCES:
"My very first performance was at a secondary school ceremony in
1992. From then on it's been performances in clubs, tertiary institutions,
Mr. Macho UNILAG University Of Lagos State 1994, Nigerian Carnival
(National Stadium 1994), Home movie soundtracks, Lyricist Lounge
held at club 11:45 for the rap Legend Guru from America, Eve and
Kc & Jojo show (performed alongside Tony Tetuila). Part of
the opening act for Lagbaja. Did a bit of acting, waka pass (movie
extra) too because I wanted to know how it’s done. It was a Francis
Agu movie. Radio jingle, TV music show theme song (did the rap).
Directed my first music video in 2002, which was D’Banj’s “Kiss
Me Again Video”. Opening act again for Lagbaja on 31st January
2003, where I started with the sales of my “Ehen” singles cd. I
organized a mock celebrity soccer match for The Kanu Heart Foundation
to help raise funds for children who needed heart surgery. I got
other Nigerian artists and celebrities like Plantashun Boiz, Paul
Ik Dairo, Mr.Kool, Emma Ugolee, Medina, Trybesmen, Lexzy Doo, Teju
Baby Face, Nomoreloss to come and play football. It was mad fun.
Performed at the national stadium at the Guinness stand for Coja
All African Games. Performed alongside Dance hall sensation Sean
Paul in April 2004. Was also at the just concluded MTN Yellofest
show recording for Channel O in June 2004.
He also goes on to say that:
"I am the most featured rap artist in Nigeria and the hottest out
right now. I have been on almost every newspaper there is, radio
and tv stations love me being at their studios because I get calls
from the audience like crazy. My video, "Peace Or War" is the best
rap video ever done by a Nigerian and was number one for 2 and
a half months on MBI top ten video count down. Ehen has so far
spent a year on the MTN top ten count down on Cool FM. My new dance
track “WHAT YOU GOT” was #1 two months running on Star 101.5 FM's
world new flavour chart show and is on all the radio station charts."
"I recently just got back from Europe, (Ireland) where I went to
chill out a while and also promote myself and my music. I spread
my cds to Near FM 101.6 in Dublin (I was interviewed there) and
Today FM 100-102 in Dublin. I shot clips for my new song "Big Bros" and
met Raekwon The Chef of Wu Tang Clan."
AWARDS:
"I won the Nigerian Fanta Fame Award for best new rap act/group
or duo 2003 on the 31st of October.
Won three awards at the just concluded Gbedu music awards for RAP
ARTIST OF THE YEAR, BEST VIDEO OF THE YEAR AND SONG OF THE YEAR.
Awards have also been given to me by high schools and tertiary
institutions for my contribution to the development of Nigerian
rap music."
PROJECTS:
"I am currently working on the full Ruggedman album which is due
out end of July 2004. It is a 15 track album.
Also my Ruggedman VCD/DVD is in the making, which will consist
of all my videos, the two that you know already...Ehen and Peace
Or War and three others including Baraje and Big Bros and a short
documentary on Ruggedman before and after the fame and controversy."
ARTISTS HE HAS FEATURED WITH (RELEASED & UNRELEASED):
Tony Tetuila (2 Tracks on his latest album)
Paul Play Dairo
Tony Tonnero
Lexzy Doo - formerly of the group X-Appeal
Sabina Jabari
D’Banj’
Segun Fakeye (Gospel)
P-Flow (Gospel)
Niyi (Gospel)
Shawa
Chi Chi
Artquake
Nutty Pin
OJB Jezreel
Magnum (London based rapper)
George Nathaniel
Slam,
Mr.Kool
ARTISTS FEATURED ON HIS ALBUMS:
Paul Play Dairo
C-Mion
Abounce
Jaffar
Azadus
Frank Ogbebor
Harmony
Josh (A Congolese rapper)
PRODUCERS HE HAS WORKED WITH:
Paul Play Dairo
Omololu
Ojb Jezreel
Freestyle
Xaviar (A French Producer In Ireland)
P Squared |
PSquare (paul) |
The amazing story of P-square begins in a small catholic school
called St. Murumba College in Nigeria. A set of gifted identical
twins, Peter and Paul joined their school music and drama club
where they began singing et dancing. They later formed an accapella
quartet called M.M.P.P (Michael, Melvin, Peter and Paul). They
became an instant hit and a delight to the church congregation
with their beautiful voices and song delivery.
They began break-dancing and formed the group called the "Smooth
Criminals" in 1997. In 1999, Peter and Paul returned to music school
to develop their skills on various music instruments. Later the
band dispatched and Pierre and Paul went on their own. They talent
got noticed by nigerian movie producers and they were soon making
movie sound tracks.
In 2000, P-square composed three songs called: "My Life", "Kolo" and "Last
night". In 2001, they won the "Golden Tones-up & Coming Band" competition
with the track "Kolo", "Last nite" is the title track of their
debut album.
Playing without a band, upcoming hip-hop group, P Square’s failure
to create a lasting impression on the audience through music was
made up for in dance. Actually, their costume comprising winter
jackets and black baggy trousers availed four-man group enough
freedom to express themselves in calculated steps, and frenetic
body movements. Their dancing was reminiscent of the era of break-dance
in the early 80s. Unlike most of Nigeria’s new generation hip-hop
artistes who give local flavour to an imported genre, P Square’s
Nigerian identity was reflected at the tail end of their performance
with the numbers: E go tey, and E no good. With the two numbers,
the group received some acclamation and loud cheers that made their
exit from the stage more glamourous than their entry.
It was quite apparent that popular rap artiste, Idris Abdul Kareem
needed little or no introduction. When his entry onto the stage
was announced, the crowd became very expectant. The musician’s
wild ways was registered in his loud entry onto stage when he came
in after P Square. With his trade mark, the towel hung on his neck,
Idris quickly sent the auditorium into ecstasy with his popular
refrain, O wole o. Supported by a nine-man band, and a female back
up and a dancer, Idris dovetailed to social criticism with the
song Nigeria jagajaga ( disorganised country). Romance came the
hard way when he performed: Say dat you go marry me. The rapper’s
show was followed by what one may call an interlude.
The P Square story continues ......................
Peter & Paul Okoye popularly known as P-Square are a set of
identical twins that live in Lagos. They are natives of Anambra
State and are currently studying Business Administration at the
University of Abuja. Hard-work and determination are the watch
word that got them where they are today.
They were discovered by Bayo Odusami (Howie T.) of Adrot Studios
at the Gold and Tones "Grab da Mic" competition in Jos and ever
since they have being under the management of Adrot Studios. Peter
is the choreographer of all their dance routines. He also plays
the acoustic guitar, bass guitar and drums while Paul plays the
keyboard and does all their production and sequencing. Their kind
of Music is Afocentric Hiphop and R&B spiced up with choreography. |
BlackFace |
 |
|
Black Face ( Ex Planteshun Boiz - Nigeria ) is one of the hottest
rising stars from Nigeria. His musical carreer started at an early
age and it was through his friendship with 2FACE he formed the
Plantashun Boiz. They rose to massive success and now Black Face
has started out on his own solo career.
Blackface represents the new generation of Nigerian Artist(s).
Having Recorded /tremendous success, his style of music has taken
over the genre of music in Nigeria.
He started professional music with his friends Tu-face Idibia and
both formed the popular group “Plantashun Boiz”. They latter became
a trio with the inclusion of Faze. The group did 2 albums – Body
and soul, N soul out, which changed the face of the Nigerian music
industry.
The group won several honors/awards and nominations. They all later
went solo. Blackface had to create a niche for himself and went
underground for a while to find a new style, and create his type
of music. Being a realist,” Ghetto Child” his first solo album
was borne. His 1st single, “Hard Life” is the most celebrated dance
hall sound in Nigeria. ………Which talks about the ills in the society
and how much it affects the people.
Blackface’s music is motivational and inspirational. His music
is a fusion of hip-hop, dance hall, R&B and Afro. His vocals
command his music. On stage, Blackman and his crew (TRYBUNAL) are
a delight to watch. Every track in the album “Ghetto child” is
popular with the people and their response has always been that
of an ovation for Blackface and his crew.
Blackface as an Artist has other qualities that stand him out.
He is highly educated. He is an instrumentalist and also a songwriter.
He wrote all the tracks in “Body N soul” and “Sold out” for the
Old Plantashun Boiz. Also, he had written a lot of hits for artist(s)
in Nigeria, some of which include weird Mc, Tony tetuila, Blacktribe
and Tu-face Idibia’s African Queen” which won him the MTV award
(Best Male Artist in Africa).
His next album “Evergreen” is currently ready and had been placed
for international on-line digital marketing through the Partnership
of MGN Productions/BluePie/PerfectPicth.
Blackface, through his music wants to be put amongst the greats
like Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, Fela Anikulapo
Kuti, Emperor Salasie and lots of black revolutionaries.
ABOUT BLACK FACE & 2 FACE & THE PLANTASHUN BOIZ
BY now, it’s almost no longer news that 2Face was born into a humble
family. “I’m from a poor background, poor in the sense of money,
but not in spirit,” he told a Nigerian Magazine last year. Growing
up around several cities (including Jos, Makurdi and Enugu) while
his father, Michael Idibia, worked with the Ministry of Agriculture,
Idibia learnt to be content with the family’s humble life. All
through, his mother was a teacher (who’s now with Loyola Jesuit
College, Abuja). Then as if driven by a strange force, he abandoned
his studies at the Institute of Management Technology, Enugu to
face music full time. While in secondary school, he had formed
his first group, Black Universe (in 1992 with three other guys).
Bad Manners was later to replace Black Universe while he was in
Jos for a one-year remedial (1994).
But leaving Enugu after his OND, he formed the Plantashun Boiz,
along with his long-time school mate Blackface whom he had been
performing with since 1995.
Back then, 2Face was known as L.A while Blackface was called Pirate.
They soon found their way to Lagos where they discovered music
business was not as easy as they thought. “We were just like average
young guys trying to make things happen. But so many things were
holding us down. Financial problems, economical problems and so
many things peculiar to this country. It was just like we were
in mental chains, slaves to all these forces,” 2Face said in a
recent interview.
Obviously, not being known was an obstacle for 2Face and Blackface.
But, determined to make their mark, they stuck to the game, managing
to get minor mentions in Hip Hop World and Fame Weekly. They also
performed the montage for Cally Ikpe’s Live Beats. Despite difficulties
with a permanent abode, finances and getting airplay, the Plantashun
Boiz found their way into mainstream circles. Their talent opened
doors for them, and won them the love of the likes of Dorcas Awuru,
Edi Lawani, Willie Workman, Nelson Brown, Cally Ikpe and Charly
Boy.
Today, after enjoying wide debut success with the Plantashun Boiz
(which later included Faze), Idibia, who opted out of the group
in 2004, can look back and sing songs of praise.
Black Face and 2 Face remain good friends and often talk today.
**********************************************
Marijuana reconciled me and my wife – Blackface
By SEGUN AJAYI
Friday, December 9, 2005
Popular singer of the defunct Plantashion Boiz, Black face, Augustine
Ahmedu has revealed the secret of his success, saying it is Marijuana
(Indian Hemp) popularly known as Igbo or Weeds in Nigeria.
Relating his experiences about the singers and what led to their
separation, the Ragga soloist told Daily Sun recently in Surulere
that each member of the group needed to attend to his individual
music career which was becoming a priority over other sundry
issues.
After the separation of the Plantashion Boiz, Ahmedu has been
able to prove his worth despite rumours that he was a mere Boy
in the group that made waves in the wake of the twenty-first
century in Nigeria.
With his debut album Ghetto Child, which addresses societal issues,
Black Face reveals his peculiar style of music and how fatherhood
has enriched his performance in the music industry.
Background
I hail from Agatu local government area of Benue State. I am
a songwriter, composer, arranger and performer. I did my primary
and secondary education in Benue State, before going. For now,
I am into music fully and I do not intend going back to school
for now.
Challenges
The major challenges I face are the societal ills. Our streets
have no electricity while police continue to harrass people on
the streets. And for me, producing my album The Ghetto Child
was a serous challenge and I am happy that I finished it and
a lot of people commended me. I face many challenges on a daily
basis and it’s my dream to work and make Nigeria a better place
for every one to live in.
Nelson Brown and Plantazion Boiz
He was not the one that discovered the Plantazion Boiz and his
Dove Entertainment did not live up to expectation and that was
why the Plantazion Boiz left him. A lot of other artistes too
have left him such as Sound Sultan, Azadus and the rest. But
aside that, our property (intellectual property) is still with
him and we are making efforts on how to retrieve them. Nelson
Brown was owing us royalties, he was not living up to expectation
and in fact, he was one of the major reasons why we separated.
If he had lived up to expectation, there was no way Kenni’s music
would have been able to get 2face on their record label.
Plantazion Boiz coming back?
No, I do not see the us coming together as a group for now. Everyone
is busy on his career, so the possibility of the group coming
together again is very remote.
Future plan
I am setting up my company called Loud House Entertainment. Under
this entertainment company, we shall have loud house record and
my album is coming out under this record label.
Next album
My next album is to have 12 tracks and it is called Evergreen.
It is an improvement of Black face after The Ghetto Child. After
Ghetto Child, people now know that I have a big step up. I am
also working on my friend’s albums too. So, I am working on a
lot of projects right now. As the CEO of Loud House Entertainment,
I have a lot of work on my table. I am also working on a record
deal.
Nigerian music industry
It is growing because the musicians are trying to write good
songs and sing good music. The government is not doing anything
about our music: no royalty is being paid us by TV and Radio
stations and none from anywhere. This means the industry is not
developing all, except that the artistes themselves are trying
to improve and compete with other musicians outside the country.
How did you meet your wife?
Though we are not married yet, I met her at a gathering and after
that, we had our ups and downs and after that, we realised we
still needed each other.
Who made first move?
I cannot really say who made the first move, everything just
happened the way it happened.
First kiss
Of course it was in my place that we had our first kiss.
Being a father
It is cool to be a father and right now, I am missing my kid.
Her name is Caroline Ihantu Boluwatife Ahmedu.I have always been
responsible but being a father has made me more conscious of
myself, It has equally made me more serious about my views on
the government and the need to change the society for good.
Indian hemp
What is wrong with Indian hemp? I prefer to call it Marijuana.
I smoke it because it keeps me inspired and keeps me focused.
Marijuana made me and my woman to reconcile. If something is
wrong with it, why do they legalise it in other countries, even
physicians take it.
Although I smoke Marijuana but I have never hit my wife neither
have I told my senior that he is crazy. Also I have never for
once said anything stupid whenever I smoke. It makes me feel
good and inspires me to write a lot and to be myself. As I address
you now, I am cool. As long as I am not disturbing anyone with
it, then there should not be any problem about it. I like smoking
it and it is a part of me.
Message to fans
They should be positive and stay away from crazy cocaine. Then
education is important and I want them to rise and fight for
what is t | |
