Category Archives: Music
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The Journey so far: meet the MTN Project Fame Winners and find out what they have been up to.
Some of the biggest and brightest Nigerian musicians have come out from the Project Fame West Africa Academy. We decided to take a deep look at those who wowed audiences across the country getting us glued to our TV sets during their time on the show and what they have been able to achieve since emerging winners.
| Season | Year | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008 | Iyanya |
| 2 | 2009 | Mike Anyasodo |
| 3 | 2010 | Chidinma |
| 4 | 2011 | Monica Ogah |
Enjoy:
1. Iyanya
Iyanya Mbuk was the winner of the maiden edition of Project Fame West Africa. He beat top contenders, Nii and Stupid Song crooner, Praiz to clinch the highly coveted title.
The year after winning the reality television show was a bit tough for the Cross Rivers born artiste but he was able to find his feet with the release of his second album after being signed to Ubi Franklin’s Triple MG record label.
Now, Iyanya is a mega star with a body most ladies drool over and his third studio album which was recently released in September, has been enjoying rave reviews. He boasts of mult-million Naira endorsements with the likes of MTN and Solo Phones.
2. Mike Anyasodo
In September 2009, Mike Anyasodo who is now known as iMike emerged the winner of Project Fame Season 2, bagging the first prize of N2.5mm, a 2010 Rav 4 and a recording contract. He went underground for a while but came back later with a bang.
In 2010, Mike recorded a song with award winning producer Cobams Asuquo feat Illbliss titled fine fine lady, a song from his debut studio album. The video was shot by Clarence Peters. He won the award at the SMVA for best RnB Video.
Mike has been struggling to stay in the limelight. He dropped a few singles but not much has been heard from him lately.
3. Chidinma
The petite singer and songwriter won the 2nd edition of Project Fame West Africa. She released her debut album in 2010 and has done collaborations with some of the music industry’s biggest acts including M.I Abaga, Ill Bliss, Sound Sultan and Olamide.
The 24-year-old fondly known as Miss Kedike because of her chart topping single with the same name is performed at some of the biggest events and concerts in Nigeria. She has received a number of local and international awards and is in high demand to lend her soothing vocals on top albums making waves in the country.
4. Monica Ogah
The Makurdi born 25-year-old with a voice like an angel dazzled audiences during the singing competition. However, her music career after the show has been less than impressive as she is still struggling to find her feet.
In August 2013, two years after her appearance on Project Fame, Ogah released her debut studio album, Sometime in August, which featured collaborations with singers Wizboyy and Chidinma.
Two years after, not much has been heard from her.
5. Ayoola
Ayoola has also been on a very lowkey since winning the music contest during its fifth edition. The Kano born soul singer is the first of five children and has been slowly trying to make a name for himself.
Since 2012, he has been dropping a few singles including his debut track since winning the competition, the Legendury Beats-produced “Amin” which also features ace lyricist, Vector. Following the success of Amin, he later dropped a collaborative effort with Igbo rap star, Phyno called ‘Ochanya’ with an accompanying video.
6.Olawale
Winner of the 2013 edition of Project Fame, Olawale has been taking his new found fame and fortune in strides. The fast rising act released his debut album titled ‘Almost Famous’ on September 26, 2014 teaming up with established producers as well as artistes like Lil Kesh, Skales and Tiwa Savage.
Although his album featured some of the biggest names in the Nigerian music scene, Olawale isn’t quite yet at the level of some of his predecessors like Chidinma and Iyanya. Still, the lad with incredible vocals holds a lot of promise to release something chart-topping in the years to come.
7. Geoffery Oji
After winning Project Fame in September 2014, Geoffrey spent the next few months performing at high profile events, establishing a presence in the real world and recording music. On January 30, 2015, Geoffrey debuted his single, ‘Bursting My Brain’ which was well received by fans and critics alike. He followed this with another single titled ‘Monalisa’.
Geoffrey is currently under a management deal with 960 Music Group courtesy of a partnership between 960 Music Group and Ultima Productions
A year after emerging winner of one of Nigeria’s most promising music talent platforms, Geoffery is still testing out the waters and trying to carve a niche for himself.
8. Jeffrey Akoh
Mr Akoh is the most recent winner of Project Fame West Africa. The Sound Engineering graduate beat 5 other finalists to emerge the winner of the 8th season of MTN Project Fame with heart melting vocals and a smile that charmed the hearts of many.
Jeffrey is a budding artiste and Nigerians patiently await to see what impact his emergence will create in the Nigerian music arena.
8. MTN Project Fame Season 9
The hit has been on, to see who among these eight contestants will be the final winner of MTN Project Fame Season 9.
*Song list.
| Contestant | Song |
| Eli (4) | ‘Different colours’ by Lucky Dube |
| Elizabeth (5) | ‘No woman no cry’ by Bob Marley |
| Winner (17) | ‘Vulidlela’ by Brenda Fassie |
| Mirabel (10) | ‘Where do broken hearts go’ by Whitney Houston |
| Pere (13) | ‘Searching’ by OJB Jezreel |
| Kitay | ‘What’s going on?’ by Marvin Gaye |
| Dapo (4) | ‘Liberian girl’ by Michael Jackson |
| Okiemute | ‘Rehab’ by Amy Whinehouse |
To vote, send their unique numbers to 306 from an MTN line. To vote on the website, text PF to 303 at N100. Watch your favourite contestant’s probation video on the website and vote up to 6 times daily. To vote via google.com.ng or google.com.gh, search for Project Fame and sign in with your google account to vote up to 7 times weekly.
2 Face Idibia Announces His Official Change Of Name To “2 Baba”
Nigerian music legend, 2face Idibia has officially changed his name to 2Baba.
The singer took to his Twitter handle to announce the name change. “Guys happy every! My handle is still the same but name is now @official2baba one love always,” he wrote.
The name change has been effected on all his social media accounts, making him lose his verification badges.
He also added that his new name follows with brand new music. “This is the season of New.New year,new name,new song,still me #codedtinz,” he said.
2baba, born Innocent Ujah Idibia, is one of the most successful African musician of all time. He has received several prestigious awards, including one MTV Europe Music Award and one World Music Award.
Here’s How Tiwa Savage’s “R.E.D” Album Listening Party Went Down Last Night (Photos)
So many people stepped out for Tiwa Savage’s “R.E.D” Album Listening Partylast night.
It was an opportunity for the Mavin singer and mum of one to make an amazing comeback from her time off from the music scene and according to guests at the event, she did not disappoint.
Tiwa Savage was supported by her Mavin crew – Don Jazzy, Dr. Sid, D’Prince, Di’Ja, Korede Bello – as well as music stars like Waje, 9ice, Tomi Odunsi, MC Galaxy, Iceberg Slim and more.
Fade Ogunro was the host of the night and we also spotted Elohor Aisien, Tania Omotayo and more fans of Tiwa Savage’s music.
We also spotted Tiwa’s hubby Tee Billz at the event.
For the event Tiwa Savage showed off her post baby body in a n**e bodycon dress paired with n**e pumps.
See fun photos from the night below.
Singer Asa Turns Light Skinned In New Beautiful Ankara Photos
What do u think? The Asa we used to know was very dark skinned!
Olamide Tops List Of Google’s Most Searched Musicians In Nigeria
If you need any further proof that Olamide is hands down the Nigerian artist of the year, Google is giving us hard data to back up that fact.
In their recently released Google 2015 trends Olamide tops both the list of most searched artist, and most searched song for his single, Melo Melo.
Other notable artists on the list are Kiss Daniel, Falz, and Don Jazzy. Other hit songs on the list include, Korede Bello’s Godwin, and Adele’s Hello.
Intense: A Live Musical Concert Of Deep Unadulterated Worship! Come Watch Tim Godfrey, Tosin Martins & Others
COME WATCH TIM GODFREY, TOSIN MARTINS, NOSA AND OTHERS PERFORM FOR FREE
God Bless Nigeria Church hosts Tim Godfrey and Friends; a Live Musical Concert starring multiple awards winning singers, including The Agidigba and Amen crooner “Tim Godfrey”, the sensational Tosin Martins, Nosa, and the songbird, Nikky laoye.
Are you hungry and in desperate need to touch God in an unusual way, come pour out yourself in uninhibited worship before the throne room of grace where nothing is impossible!
Also performing will be the Sunshine Singers and The G.M.C Band, Dare Justified, Rapture Man and many others for free.
Come and see the very best of Nigerian kingdom singers perform live !!
It’s worship and praise like you have never experienced! Don’t wait to be told! Be there!!!
INTENSE! one of its kind event in the Lagos Mainland vicinity is proudly powered by The “God Bless Nigeria” Church.
EVENT INFO
Gate Fee:- Admission into the star studded event is Free
Venue:- “God Bless Nigeria” Church, 117/119, Funsho Williams Avenue, formerly Western Avenue by Iponri Bus Stop, Surulere, Lagos
Date:- Sunday, the 13th of Dec, 2015 at 4pm.
CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Visit www.godblessnigeriachurch.org
Twitter:- @gbncommuinty
Instagram:- gbncommunity
FaceBook:- The God Bless Nigeria Church
Music: R. Kelly – I Just Want To Thank You Ft. Wizkid
Finally the R.Kelly album is out, the very one featuring our boy Wizkid, the track titled I just want to thank you is off R. Kelly’s Buffet album{deluxe edition}. Wizkid certainly does Africa proud on this one.
Download and enjoy.
Singer, Orezi, Acquires Multi-Million Naira Mansion (Photos)
Nigerian Afro hiphop music sensation, Esegine Orezi Allen, better known by his stage name Orezi has taken to Instagram to show us the rewards of ‘hard hustle’.
He has acquired a HUGE mansion, and proudly shows it off on his IG page, plus his garage of snazzy cars.
Orezi, known for such hits as ‘Shoki’ and ‘Superu’ released his debut album, ‘Ghen Ghen’ in September 2015.
MTV Base Names Olamide As The Hottest Naija Artiste For 2015! (See The Top 10 List)
If the question, “Who is Nigeria’s hottest artist of 2015?” had been posed to anyone on the street over the past few weeks, the answer would most likely have been “Olamide”, and with good reason.
The panel on the MTV Base TV special #BaseNaijaHottestArtist however, needed two days of intense debate to be absolutely sure before adding the flourish on top of Baddo ‘s wonderful year.
2015 has seen Olamide release several singles that topped the MTV Base Official Naija Top Ten for many weeks, in addition to his successful promotion of protégé, Lil Kesh, and the recent surprise release of his fifth studio album, “Eyan Mayweather” which has been topping charts.
Newly acclaimed MTV Base hottest artiste, Olamide commented on the announcement, “It’s a great feeling to know that my work has made so much impact on Nigerians and i’m humbled by this announcement. Thank you MTV Base.”
On the panel that ranked ten of the hottest artists in Nigeria for the year 2015 were, OAPs Omalicha, Do2dtun and Sade Ladipo. Joining the trio were showbiz entrepreneur Olisa Adibua, entertainment journalist Osagie Alonge, DJ Spinall and VJ Ehiz.
Commenting on the reason behind the selection, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom International, Alex Okosi stated, “ Nigerian music has evolved from where it was ten years ago and with the aid of the panelists we have chosen, we hope that the Base Naija Hottest Artist 2015’ will spark up the kind of conversations we need among music fans, thought leaders and critics in order to improve on the type of music we put out there and produce some of the best talents globally and not just Africa alone.”
Making a surprise appearance at number 2 on the list was Wizkid who had a big year in 2015 with his single “Ojuelegba” getting remixed by superstar grime artist Skepta and American superstar, Drake. Davido sneaked in at number 3 ahead of Patoranking after a year that saw him tour extensively and release a hit collaboration with Meek Mill.
Yesterday’s number 2 and 3, Korede Bello and Yemi Alade dropped to number 5 and 6 on the final list after being displaced by Patoranking who made the list at number 4 after a year that saw him scoop several hit features and a bumper distribution deal with VP Records. Yesterday’s number 9 Harrysong drops off the final list alongside Cynthia Morgan to be replaced by Lil Kesh and Kiss Daniel. Making up the rest of the list are Burna Boy and Phyno at number 8 and 10 respectively.
Speaking after the panel session, Olisa Adibua remarked,
“It was a very robust discussion and debate because there are probably 15 or 20 Nigerian artistes who had a decent chance of making it onto the list this year, but there were only 10 slots. I’m happy that MTV Base has created this platform not just because it promotes Nigerian music which obviously is a good thing, but also because it fosters a spirit of healthy competition. I’m sure that a number of artists who were perhaps a bit unlucky not to make the list this year will work their socks off next year to make it onto the 2016 list, and that is good news for all of us whether we are involved in the music business or we just like good Nigerian music.”
The show ranks the year’s ten biggest performing artists in Nigeria using a list of six criteria namely: Style, Impact, Sales/Success, Buzz, Music and Intangibles.
See the full list below:-
2016 Grammy Awards Nominations (See Full List)
The Grammy Awards 2016 nominations were announced today and there are plenty of surprises!
Taylor Swift, who had a pretty stonking 2015, has received more than one nod while The Weeknd also bagged a couple as did Brit hat wearing babe James Bay.
Nick Jonas was left off the nominations list (boo) despite having one of the biggest songs of the year with his hit Jealous.
Here’s the list of nominees for you to have a good look at. It’s a very long list.
Album of the Year
Alabama Shakes, Sound and Color
Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a Butterfly
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
Taylor Swift, 1989
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind the Madness
Song of the Year
Kendrick Lamar, “Alright”
Taylor Swift, “Blank Space”
Little Big Town, “Girl Crush”
Wiz Kahifa feat. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Ed Sheeran, “Thinking Out Loud”
Record of the Year
D’Angelo and the Vanguard, “Really Love”
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk”
Ed Sheeran, “Thinking Out Loud”
Taylor Swift, “Blank Space”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel my Face”
Best New Artist
Courtney Barnett
James Bay
Sam Hunt
Tori Kelly
Meghan Trainor
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Florence + The Machine, ” Ship to Wreck”
Maroon 5, “Sugar”
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk”
Taylor Swift feat. Kendrick Lamar, “Bad Blood”
Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Tony Bennett & Bill Charlap, The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern
Bob Dylan, Shadows in the Night
Josh Groban, Stages
Seth MacFarlane, No One Ever Tells You
Barry Manilow (& Various Artists), My Dream Duets
Best Pop Vocal Album
Kelly Clarkson, Piece by Piece
Florence + The Machine, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
Mark Ronson, Uptown Special
Taylor Swift, 1989
James Taylor, Before This World
Best Dance Recording
Above & Beyond feat. Zoë Johnston, :We’re All We Need”
The Chemical Brothers, “Go”
Flying Lotus feat. Kendrick Lamar, “Never Catch Me”
Galantis, “Runaway (U & I)”
Skrillex and Diplo With Justin Bieber, “Where Are Ü Now”
Best Rock Performance
Alabama Shakes, “Don’t Wanna Fight”
Florence + The Machine,”What Kind Of Man”
Foo Fighters, “Something From Nothing”
Elle King, “Ex’s & Oh’s”
Wolf Alice, “Moaning Lisa Smile”
Best Alternative Music Album
Alabama Shakes, Sound & Color
Björk, Vulnicura
My Morning Jacket, The Waterfall
Tame Impala, Currents
Wilco, Star Wars
Best Urban Contemporary Album
The Internet, Ego Death
Kehlani, You Should Be Here
Lianne La Havas, Blood
Miguel, Wildheart
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind the Madness
Best Rap Album
J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive
Dr. Dre, Compton
Drake, If Youre Reading This Its Too Late
Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a Butterfly
Nicki Minaj, The Pinkprint
Best Country Album
Sam Hunt, Montevallo
Little Big Town, Pain Killer
Ashley Monroe, The Blade
Kacey Musgraves, Pageant Material
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
Best Latin Pop Album
Pablo Alborán, Terral
Alex Cuba, Healer
Ricky Martin, A Quien Quiera Escuchar (Deluxe Edition)
Alejandro Sanz, Sirope
Julieta Venegas, Algo Sucede
Best Dance/Electronic Album
Caribou, Our Love
The Chemical Brothers, Born in the Echoes
Disclosure, Caracal
Jamie XX, In Colour
Skrillex and Diplo, Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü
Best Rock Song
Alabama Shakes, “Don’t Wanna Fight”
Elle King, “Ex’s & Oh’s”
James Bay, “Hold Back the River”
Highly Suspect, “Lydia”
Florence + the Machine, “What Kind of Man”
Best Rock Album
James Bay, Chaos and the Calm
Death Cab for Cutie, Kintsugi
Highly Suspect, Mister Asylum
Muse, Drones
Slipknot, .5: The Gray Chapter
Best R&B Performance
Tamar Braxton, “If I Don’t Have You”
Andra Day, “Rise Up”
Hiatus Kaiyote, “Breathing Underwater”
Jeremih feat. J. Cole, “Planes”
The Weeknd, “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)”
Best Traditional R&B Performance
Faith Evans, “He Is”
Lalah Hathaway, “Little Ghetto Boy”
Jazmine Sullivan, “Let It Burn”
Tyrese, “Shame”
Charlie Wilson, “My Favorite Part of You”
Best R&B Song
Miguel, “Coffee”
The Weeknd, “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)”
Jazmine Sullivan, “Let It Burn”
D’Angelo and The Vanguard, “Really Love”
Tyrese, “Shame”
Best R&B Album
Leon Bridges, Coming Home
D’Angelo and the Vanguard, Black Messiah
Andra Day, Cheers to the Fall
Jazmine Sullivan, Reality Show
Charlie Wilson, Forever Charlie
Best Rap Performance
J. Cole, “Apparently”
Drake, “Back to Back”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Kendrick Lamar, “Alright”
Nicki Minaj feat. Drake & Lil Wayne, “Truffle Butter”
Kanye West feat. Theophilus London, Allan Kingdom & Paul McCartney, “All Day”
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Big Sean feat. Kanye West & John Legend, “One Man Can Change the World”
Common & John Legend, “Glory”
Jidenna feat. Roman GianArthur, “Classic Man”
Kendrick Lamar feat. Bilal, Anna Wise & Thundercat, “These Walls”
Nicki Minaj feat. Drake, Lil Wayne & Chris Brown, “Only”
Best Rap Song
Kanye West feat. Theophilus London, Allan Kingdom & Paul McCartney, “All Day”
Kendrick Lamar, “Alright”
Drake, “Energy”
Common & John Legend, “Glory”
Fetty Wap, “Trap Queen”
Best Pop Solo Performance
Kelly Clarkson, “Heartbeat Song”
Ellie Goulding, “Love Me Like You Do”
Ed Sheeran, “Thinking Out Loud”
Taylor Swift, “Blank Space”
The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media
Empire: Season 1 Fifty Shades of Grey
Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me
Pitch Perfect 2
Selma
Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media
The Weeknd, “Earned It (Fifty Shades Of Grey)”
Common & John Legend, “Glory”
Ellie Goulding, “Love Me Like You Do”
Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth, “See You Again”
Lady Gaga, “Til It Happens to You”
Score Soundtrack for Visual Media
Birdman
The Imitation Game
Interstellar
The Theory of Everything
Whiplash
Best Music Video
A$AP Rocky, “LSD”
The Dead Weather, “I Feel Love”
Kendrick Lamar, “Alright”
Taylor Swift feat. Kendrick Lamar, “Bad Blood”
Pharrell Williams, “Freedom”
Best Music Film
Foo Fighters, Sonic Highways
James Brown, Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown
Nina Simone, What Happened, Miss Simone
Roger Waters, The Wall
Amy Winehouse, Amy
The Original Naija 