Saturday, 28 December 2013
AFRObeats Radio AFRO Australia DJ IZ Afro Anthems 2013
Saturday, 21 December 2013
Vote FECKO to WIN radioAFRO Song of the Year 2013
FECKO have been nominated for the song REAL AFRICAN POETRY 2.0.
This is a listener’s choice award – listeners can vote for me and my song via the following link: http://tiny.cc/AFROvote
Please keep the votes coming. Bless!!
Diary of a College Kid: SIWES
As an undergraduate in Nigeria, participating in the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is really necessary. Therefore, shortly after my second semester exam, I was placed at Kamjay Farms situated in Ibeju-Lekki, where I resumed work last month. Still wondering why I chose a farm? Well for the recs, I am an Agric Tech student.
Apart from enjoying the sea-side breeze and the Eleko hospitality, I have been neck-deep in a lot of agricultural activities such as working at the feed mill and engaging in poultry and catfish production. Thus far, I have learnt a lot about feed formulation, vaccinating and debeaking poultry birds, carrying out post-mortems and identifying various diseases that affect chickens (layers and growers). I am also familiar with the management practices involved in poultry and catfish production.
I and 18 other course mates in my department were placed in the same organization. So inevitably, I have been living in the same house with people of different characters and background. In the process, I have learnt about understanding one another and being conscious of the human psychology before taking any action. The whole scenario reminds me of Big Brother Africa if I may add. These days I tend to be more inquisitive; considering the fact that the manager at the farm where I was placed asks questions before signing my log book every week, and he expects I and my colleagues to reciprocate the gesture. SIWES has been fun. There have been ups and downs, but all the same I thank God for his grace.
On a lighter note, the environment motivates me to explore the journalist lurking around in my sub conscious. By the way, before I complete my SIWES program in March, I plan on writing a story or article which will be centered on the lifestyle of most fishermen dwelling in this area. There is something about them, especially the Ghanaians, which fascinates me. In the course of me working here, several times, I have been privileged to meet the former Permanent Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture, who happens to own the farm. I also enjoy interacting with the doctor that visits the farm as a consultant. He has taught me quite a lot about animal health and I hope to learn more from him.
It’s your boy Feck, reporting live from Ibeju-lekki. Catch y’all later!
I Remember Getting Dissed On Nairaland
"We believe that hip hop in Africa is so underrated" - StarVation
What does Starvation stand for?
The name StarVation was made by the A&R of Itz Alive Entertainment "Brelly G" to show the hunger that we have for music, and to leave our fans wanting more!
What is the group come up story and major highlights thus far?
it’s weird, but each member from StarVation has some sort of history. Jaxx, A-boogie and Gino all knew each other from being in college together. Gino and Slim DeVito were childhood friends. Who knew everyone would be working together musically. One day Jaxx invited the fellas to the studio where he previously recorded with his producer Ojizz. The song came out so crazy that Slim DeVito mentioned to Ojizz about making a compilation mix tape. The name of the mix tape was the cheat code which had an amazing impact on listeners yearning for authentic hip hop with tracks such as "What Happened to Hip-hop" and "Built Like Dat.” The tape grabbed the ear of who is now our manager "Kobié Kiambu." Since August 2012, we have been in numerous magazines such as South Africa's own "HYPE MAGAZINE" and XXL.COM. We believe that one of the greatest highlights was opening for hip hop’s leading guy "KENDRICK LAMAR" in front of 5,000 people! This is when we know we were made for this!
StarVation opens for Kendrick Lamar at the University of Delaware! from StarVation TV on Vimeo.
Notice y'all are trying to create a strong presence over here in motherland, what is really the plan on invading Africa?
First we want to say we LOVE and APPRECIATE all the support you all give us in the motherland! Our main focus was to attack places that appreciate real authentic music! You guys show so much love when you hear music that comes from the heart.
Which African artists have the band worked with and who else would you like to work with?
We've worked with "Xtatic" on a track called "Who Run It" and "Reason" on a track called "Reasons to Starve.” We are looking to work with Nigerian artist "MI" next!
As an American Hip-hop group what is your impression about hip-hop in Africa? Are we copycats or trying to carve a niche for ourselves?
We believe that hip hop in Africa is so underrated. The soul, rhythm, and passion that you guys have is unmatched. Many try to master the mic but can't capture the raw essence of music from the motherland. So we wouldn't dare say you are copycats! If you think about it, you helped pave the way for hip-hop to thrive the way it does! But great music knows no boundaries, nor race!
Tell us more about the recording business. And what do you think is the way forward for independent artists across the globe?
Indie is the way of the future. Based on if you have a strong team or not! You don't necessarily need a major label to sell records! Yes is good for promotion and distribution, but why relinquish control when you have a team that can make up for everything else. It's like the song "Anything you can do, I can do better". Record executives respect movements that aren't looking for handouts.
What can be done to bridge the gap between the United States and the United States of Africa?
STARVATION IS THE WAY! We are bringing a dope sound and mixing it up with some of the hottest artist from Africa to show the world that real talent is never local, it's very global!
Tribute to Madiba!
South African social activist, politician and philanthropist, Nelson Mandela, aged 95, died on the 5th of December, 2013. It is a day that was engraved in History's heart. Although Madiba is no more alive but I believe that his legacy lives on. He will always be remembered for his Anti-Apartheid Movement and auto-biography 'Long Walk to Freedom'. He cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. He is the only African leader I know that never stopped frowning at impunity.
I have realised that Mandela was characterized by tenaciousness. He was enthusiastic about furthering his education even while he was imprisoned. He also exhibited patience. Mandela would have died at the age of 55; the South African Bureau of State Security hoped to shoot him during escape assuming he did not abandon the escape plan developed for him by Gordon Bruce. Perhaps Madiba had the gift of foresight.
Nelson Mandela did not only resolve conflicts in South Africa. He was greatly concerned with issues on the continent; he took a soft diplomatic approach to removing Sani Abacha's military junta in Nigeria but later became a leading figure in calling for sanctions when Abacha's regime increased human rights violations. I am glad he also made an impact in my country.
Nelson Mandela has inspired so many literary works and hiphop lyrics; including this track 'Afro-rhymesayer' taken off my Raplogic EP (Produced by Teck-Zilla). I also feel humbled being acknowledged in HYPE magazine's Freedom Day issue in which Madiba graced the cover and inspired the publication. I aspire to be great like Nelson Mandela. God rest his soul!
Tuesday, 15 October 2013
Pacesetters of Africanhiphop!
The admin of foremost African hiphop site recently gave me props on a public online forum where I was listed as one of the pacesetters of African hiphop. I really feel humbled. Big ups to Juma Nne and the Africanhiphop.com team. Read the full article here.
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Swaghili, Tanzania special and a beats excursion: African hip hop radio
African hip hop radio – broadcasting via the web since 1999 – is back with a double update, combining our shows recorded at Amsterdam’s Red Light Radio in May and June 2013. Three hours of fresh tunes and classics, some new hits and underground gems from Tanzania, cross continent collabos like Fecko’s ‘Real African poetry 2.0′, rare grooves from Somalia and Cape Verde, and a track suggesting that Kanye West’s contribution to the new D’Banj album might be more appealing than his entire new album ‘Yeezus’. Anyone speak Swag-hili out there?**
Playlist African hip hop radio – June 2013
Tanzania special
AY Ft Fid Q – Jipe Shavu
Wakazi – Abacus
Bob click ft Micharazo – Wamekaa
Izzo B ft Barnaba & Shaa – Love me
P the MC – Huna jipya
Langa – Am suppying
KR & Nature – Tupo Tayari
Sugu – Hakuna Matata
Fid Q ft Bi Kidude – Juhudi za wasiojiweza
Pan African set
Blitz the Ambassador – Dikembe (Ghana)
Fecko feat. Khaligraph, Dominant-1, The Holstar and Raiza Biza – Real African Poetry 2.0
Rhyme Like A Girl Feat Nasambu – In the Congo (USA)
Camp Mulla ft M.anifest – All In (Kenya / Ghana)
D’Banj – Scape Goat (The Fix) feat. Kanye West (Nigeria)
Madee – Nani kamwaga pombe yangu (Kenya)
Bulimundo - O Mundo Ka Bu Kaba
Half of a Yellow Sun
Ever since the trailer for Half of a Yellow Sun surfaced on the internet, it has generated a lot of controversies and arguments. I stumbled upon a thread on Nairaland which was really an interesting read. A lot of topical issues were raised as touching the film industry in Africa.
Every few years, a film with a variation on this plot comes around: “Social strife is happening in x African country...and all that" You know these films. They’re your Sarafinas Blood Diamond s, Hotel Rwanda s, and Last King of Scotlands. Half of a Yellow Sun, from playwright-turned-filmmaker Biyi Bandele, is a drama that brings together the lives of four people during the struggle to establish an independent republic in Nigeria in the 1960s. Chiwetel Ejiofor (who also stars in 12 Years a Slave) and Thandie Newton play two lovers that are part of a wealthy family dealing with the turbulence of war. Co-stars Anika Noni Rose, Joseph Mawle & John Boyega (from Attack the Block).
Acclaimed actors Chiwetel Ejiofor (seen in this year's 12 Years A Slave as well as Children of Men, Serenity, Redbelt, 2012, Salt) and Thandie Newton (seen in W. , Crash , The Pursuit of Happyness , RocknRolla, For Colored Girls ) star in this epic chronicle of family ties and war from celebrated Nigerian playwright Biyi Bandele.
Half of a Yellow Sun is both written & directed by Biyi Bandele, a Nigerian novelist and playwright making his feature directing debut. He's adapting a novel written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I am still hooked to her novel Purple Hirbiscus, which is now the WAEC syllabus.
The film was premiered at this year's Toronto International Film Festival, where it's seeking distribution. This is one movie I have really been anticipating. Newton and Ejiofor are great actors. I can' wait to see it in cinemas. Honestly it is a good look for Nigeria and Africa at large.
Why the Phobia for Lecturers?
Is it just me or are most students in Nigerian higher institutions somewhat scared of their lecturers? In the U.K for example (where I would have been studying if not for certain circumstances), it is difficult to differentiate a student from an academic staff due to the way they relate with one another. What do you expect when these folks pay over 3,000 pounds per session? Over there, it seem as though the lecturers work for the students. Same can be said of some private universities in Nigeria.
Our case study is Yabatech, Epe campus. In my school it is a taboo for some lecturers to get to the class before the students. More so, only a couple of them entertain questions during lectures. The other day I could not help but laugh out loud when I saw a female student with a baby bump trying to outrun a lecturer. Thank God the pregnant lady did not miss the class after all.
I decided to conduct a public poll as touching the topic and I asked my fellow students who their favourite lecturers were. Only two students answered me boldly while the rest chickened out. Hey, I would have done the same if I were in their shoes. Well, check out some of the responses bellow.
"I like the way Olayemi lectures. He has a nice smile too. I feel if you know what to do, you can get in his good books and stay there. Because of him, i held my first rabbit. Adebayo likes to think optimistically, he has a nice dress sense and he encourages everyone. He is like a father to me and i like the fact that he finishes his lectures on time. Both of them are almost alike." - Uchechukwu Okwara.
"I like Mr Balogun, because he's straight forward and transparent. Rosulu and Doctor Akinfemi also make my list" - Balikis Akodu.
"I'll tell you after my final exam, I don't want to come back for farm practice. YCT Epe campus is an advanced secondary school and the teachers and not lecturers this time use invisible cane on us." - Anonymous
"I don't have any favourite lecturer...I don't know why" - Tolani Banire
Seriously I miss my former Citizenship Education lecturer. He is the only academic staff I know in Yabatech that chops knuckle. Confam guy! Lol. As far as I am concerned, fear is a prison and the moment we stop perceiving our lecturers as deities or Greek gods, the closer we will get to them, and the more we would learn from these knowledgeable people. Just a thought!
VIDEO | Xtatic - WILD!
She is one of Kenya’s illest female rappers. Check out her new video. By the way, she was nominated at this year’s Channel O Music Video Awards. She will also be making a cameo in my next music video.
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Soundcity Lyricist Lounge Cypher
eLDee's TRYBE RECORDS STUDIO in Lekki was the venue for the cypher. It almost took me forever before I could locate the place. I had to call Boogey on the phone and he gave me a more detailed description. Shout out to him though. I would have kept on going in circles. (Laughs).
On getting there, I bumped into some rookie rappers that seemed to have been following my music for long. I was humbled. When it was time to record I tagged along two of them named Olivia and E-eze. It was a dope session. It will be aired on Soundcity later. Watch this space for update.
No Time for Beef
I must be a vegetarian, because I have no time for beef these days. Last year, A-Q (my homie turned hater back then) took shots at me on one of his songs for no damn good reason.
Surprisingly, A-Q apologized to me publicly on Twitter a while back. It’s all good! Well I decided to blog about this so I can clear the air once and for all. So if you ever thought of me as being the villain, I hope y’all get the big picture now?
All I wanna do is make this showbiz money so I can buy my mama cars. No time for beef, the movement is still moving!
Apparently, Nigerian hiphop not only thrives online, but also on beef. So most hip hop heads were anticipating a response from me at the time, but like Modenine, I had to let it go.
It seemed as though the diss record wasn’t enough to piss me off, so dude kept pushing me to the wall, and then he dissed me again in an interview I stumbled upon on Nigeriansounds.
I am focused and as far as I am concerned that was just a DISTRACTION. I kept on doing my thing. Perhaps, although I sneaked in a sub to get back at him on “Cant Hold Us”, but that was just by the way.
Surprisingly, A-Q apologized to me publicly on Twitter a while back. It’s all good! Well I decided to blog about this so I can clear the air once and for all. So if you ever thought of me as being the villain, I hope y’all get the big picture now?
All I wanna do is make this showbiz money so I can buy my mama cars. No time for beef, the movement is still moving!
Cameo Snapshots
Interview With Farmer's Quest Last Lady Standing
So I recently caught up with the Last Lady Standing in the Farmer’s Quest reality competition which took place in my school. Her name is Tolani, and she is a student of Agricultural Technology in Yabatech. I asked her few questions as touching the show. Read on bellow.
Hello Tolani
Hello
Okay, so the Farmer’s
Quest is over. The stress is over. Life in the jungle is over. You are back to
civilization. I bet you are enjoying now. So what was the experience like when
you were in the jungle?
The experience was terrible. (laughs). Like big time
terrible. We had to fight for food, as in, food without salt. We did not have
our bath. It was crazy. Rain fell. We were under the rain, trying to fetch
fire. It was really crazy.
So what made you
participate in the contest?
Actually I didn'’t want to participate
Why?
I was like I can’t go for it. I knew it was going to be
stressful for me. Someone purchased the form for me actually. The person
encouraged me to go, and told me that I was strong.
So in other words,
someone motivated you to go for it?
Yeah
So how do you feel
being the last lady standing?
It wasn'’t easy. I had many competitors such as Balikis and
Tosin. Actually Balikis really discouraged me. It got to a point she was
behaving so weird. Even when she got evicted, she told me I couldn'’t win.
Did you feel like
punching her in the face?
It got to a point when I felt like that sha
And you think you
would have beaten her?
She would have beaten me, but at least I would have tried my
best.
So how do feel being
the last lady standing?
It is okay, in terms of popularity. People walk up to me and
are like ‘you are the last lady standing’.
I have known you to
be the reserved type, but you startled me on the day of the last task. When you
guys were asked to climb the rope, where did the strength come from? Have you
been undergoing some form of military training prior to the competition?
Actually I am this type of
athletic person. Before I came to Yabatech, my church took us to a sea school.
That is where they do their training for Ultimate Search too. We went through
all these kind of training there. Being flexible again helped me. I am the kind
of person that does no’t eat much. So it was easy for me to climb the rope. And I
like climbing things, naturally.PS: Also feel free to check out an interview with the winner here.
Diary of a College Kid: Working Behind The Scene
Who said farmers can’t think outside the box? Innovation and creativity is power, First of all, it was an idea conceived by an A.A.T.S executive, and now this dream is gradually unfolding into a reality.
Farmer’s Quest is a unique project spearheaded, organized and planned by the Association of Agricultural Technology Students of Yabatech (2012/2013 tenure) in association with the lecturers and army cadet of the institution. Over 30 students of the department showed interest, and only 15 students made it through to the competition.
I am an adventure seeker like Indiana Jones. So it was a fun filled experience for me when I had to assist the production crew that filmed the Farmer's Quest reality competition. As part of the organizers and planning committee, I was not just a mere spectator wandering about in the forest, watching my fellow students search for the quintessential hoe. I also participated in the demonstration process so as to ensure that the obstacles and physical tasks being set by the army cadets were somewhat civilian friendly. So I inevitably ended up jumping tires, crossing over bamboo sticks and climbing trees with the aid of a rope. At some point I felt like Vin Diesel pulling dangerous stunts on set of XXX. "These guys that participate in Ultimate Search dey try o", I said to myself.
When it was time to shoot, I and my colleagues had to hide in the bush like Vietnamese soldiers laying ambush, so that we won't be captured on camera. I recall during a late night shoot, the social director who was also a member of my association stepped on a nail accidentally and it resulted to severe bleeding. Thank God we had a first-aid box. Unfortunately, the key to open the lock was kept somewhere else. So I was accompanied by an army cadet, and immediately we dashed off in search for it. Some minutes later, we arrived and made sure the victim was properly treated.
We are in the post production phase of the project and I am most likely going to handle the narration. Our vision is to premiere the final cut in various higher institutions across the country, ‘Farmer's Quest Season I’’ may not be a high budget production as most critiques would expect. We started small. A lot of improvisation was done. However, we did not compromise standards. It can only get bigger and better.
Follow @FeckoThaEmcee On Instagram
Now on Instagram. Please search for ‘@feckothaemcee’ and kindly hit the follow button, so you can keep tabs with all my photo stories, and you get to see exclusive pictures just like the one below.
VIDEO | Naycha - On Fire
Official Music Video of Naycha's #OnFire. the song that made it to #1 on the MotheoFM national and international top30 charts.
New Music Video Releases From Pryse, Boogey & Peter Clarke
I featured these guys on ‘The Future’ and from the get-go I knew they are all very promising. Check out their new music videos.
Saturday, 7 September 2013
PHOTOS: Diary of a College Kid: Oldskool Day
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and Jacqueline a
dull girl, right? In most Nigerian higher institutions, there is one social
activity majority of students look forward to, and that is the ‘Oldskool Day’.
Recently, my fellow students and I decided to showcase our whimsical dress
sense, which was quite hilarious. The pictures below speak volumes of what went
down.
Diary of a College Kid: Farm Practice
The ‘farm’ definitely crosses our
mind when we talk about Agriculture. And as a student of Agricultural
Technology schooling in Yabatech, the farm is to me what a barrack
is to a soldier. For us, it is cutlasses over guns, driving tractors instead of
armored vehicles, broadcasting seeds rather than grenades and what not. Although farmers and soldiers share something
in common, and that is ‘discipline’.
Initially, I wasn’t a fan of
waking up as early as 6am on Monday and Wednesday mornings for Farm Practice. “Not again, I don’t want to get all sweaty,
covered with dirt” - that used to be the most common phrase in my
soliloquies. I likened my supervisors to prison warders. They
struck me as slave drivers holding imaginary whips. I felt like a Negro working
on a plantation.
Well, today my perception about
working on the farm has changed. I now see it as a privilege to feed my nation.
However, it is still a tedious yet noble profession. It is said that with great
power comes great responsibility. Agriculture is the mother of nutrition and
good health. It is the pinnacle of most agro-allied and non agro-allied
occupations existing today. Without establishing certain trees and plants, medicinal
herbs, cotton and timber cannot be produced. Pharmaceutical industries benefit
from Agriculture. Entrepreneurs, Civil Engineers, Textile and Furniture
Industries also acknowledge that the importance of Agriculture to mankind
cannot be over emphasized. .
The former president of Nigeria,
Olusegun Obasanjo, whom was once a cadet in my school, own one of the biggest
farms in the country. While most of his colleagues are busy chasing oil money, he dared to be different by investing in one sector
that have been underrated over the years.
As an aspiring entrepreneur in that field (i.e. Agriculture), OBJ is my role model. I wish I would have worked at his farm during
my SIWES programme later this year. I am yearning to discover the secret behind
his success story. Anyway, since no man has monopoly of knowledge, I believe I
will still learn a lot from the poultry and catfish farm in Lekki where I have
been placed.
“What a man can do, a woman can
do better” - that is probably one of a lady’s favorite pickup lines whenever
she is having a heated debate or conversation with the opposite sex. During
farm practice, female students somewhat shun that line. Rather, you will hear
them saying stuff like “Please who will be my farm boyfriend?” (laughs). Apart
from seed bed preparation, bush clearing and transplanting, ladies perform
lighter tasks such as feeding livestock, cleaning the piggery, rabbitry and goat pen, while male students engage in
more strenuous jobs such as cutting bamboo trees, construction of farm
structures et al. Once upon a time, all the aforementioned were alien to me, now it is like a culture. It took me a while to adapt. By the way, some of you might be wondering
how I manage to juggle school with music. That is a story for another day.
Saturday, 24 August 2013
Introducing...TrendBase NG.
 |
| kenechi and slay |
My younger bro, Kenechi, is now the host of a new webisode powered by Trenbase NG. He recently conducted an interview with promising rapper, Slay. Look out for the video here.
Friday, 5 July 2013
MUSIC | Fecko - Can't Hold Us (Cover)
"Can't I Do The RIGHT Thing In A WRONG Industry?"
Ever
since I began doing music professionally, I have always been fond of looking
away from the circus, and taking up the responsibility of addressing serious
issues that affect my industry.
"Can't I do the RIGHT thing in a
WRONG industry?" - That is a
quote from a song I recently recorded. And actually, this article is centered on
that thought.
Apart
from wordplay, you would also notice the lyric contains an ounce of depth if
you meticulously read between the lines. It might even be deeper than I think.
After all, people's perception and standpoints differ.
I
will be paying more primacy to two phrases in that context, viz: 'right thing' and 'wrong industry'. What is the 'right
thing'? And why did I frankly use the term 'wrong industry'?
Well,
a wrong industry is one that does not encourage the right art. And as such,
mediocrity is celebrated while creative freedom becomes a myth. I could go on
to list a myriad of other definitions that will describe a 'wrong industry'. For now, I will just pitch my tent with the one
stated earlier.
However,
the fact that a particular thing is unacceptable in Country A does not mean it won't be embraced with open arms in Country B. Variety is the spice of life,
but that does not rule out the fact that mediocrity will always be mediocrity.
There is no such thing as 'little mediocrity' or 'too much mediocrity'. In
fact, it could be likened to sin. Sin is sin. I guess I will have to stop there,
otherwise I might start quoting bible verses if I choose to proceed with that
topic.
In
Nigeria, sometimes I feel talent is wasted on talented people. Hard work beats
talent where talent does not work hard. In other instances, these talented
individuals are not given appropriate and enough platforms to showcase the
ample skill they possess. "What
about Project Fame, Peak Talent Show, Nigerian Idol and the likes?" -
That is probably one question you are craving to ask me right now, isn't it?
Yes, what about them? No doubt, they hunt for talents, but at the end of the
day how many people get selected out of thousands of Nigerian youths that
participate in these auditions annually? The ratio is like 1 out of 100. Even
those that eventually come tops, win just the money and not all the required
support they need to make them stand the test of time throughout their music
career.
I
also noticed something pathetic that made me shake my head in 3D. After the
contestants were short-listed, they were asked by Reggie Rockstone to dance in
the next round before scaling through to the finals. Those that couldn't bust a
move to save their lives were evicted, despite they had nice voices. Then I
asked myself; 'Is X-factor a singing competition or a dance competition?'.
Perhaps the organizers could have been more specific.
I
remember the last talent hunt show I participated in, some years ago. It was
held in Enugu. I performed a rap verse right before the judges (DJ Jimmy Jatt
and one other dude from Jamaica). I was applauded and received positive remarks
that seemed honest. Majestically, I left the stage smiling, with the thought
that I would get to the finals. To cut the long story short, I did not. As much
as I was disappointed, I never allowed that experience deter me. Years later, I
got featured on a mixtape alongside mainstream acts such as Tha Rapman, Ice
Prince and Wizkid. Coincidentally, the project was hosted by Jimmy Jatt and my
first music video even got premiered on his TV show (Jump Off). I didn't allow
that audition define me, because I believed in myself and I knew my potential
was limitless. Perhaps today, Uncle Jimmy does not even remember I participated
in that audition. It is a small world.
As
long as Nigerian show business is concerned, nobody cares about talent unless
you are wealthy. These days, daring to be different alone won't cut it. If you lack
affluence or you are not affiliated to one superstar or the other, it is
difficult to draw the attention of the media. And that is probably why it is
easy to manipulate today's showbiz. Some Nigerian bloggers are more concerned
about the traffic their sites get than the content of a song. While some Radio
DJs and OAPs want their arses to be kissed before they play your song.
Notwithstanding, I acknowledge the few good people that still unconditionally
support great music in this country. I hope they won't become extinct someday.
It
is rare to find Nneka's album on the streets of Lagos, but I am pretty sure she
is contempt selling her intellectual property to the world and Africans in Diaspora
via iTunes. Germans and Europeans alike adore her afro-centric style and music.
It is safe to say that this talented Nigerian songstress based in Luxemburg has
been doing the right thing in the right industry.
There was a time Drake
sampled her track 'Heart Beat' and Talib Kweli was even featured on the remix
of that particular song. It is not easy breaking into the international market
though. Imagine what would have happened if her target audience was only in
Nigeria. Having the gift of foresight always comes in handy.
So
is it better to compromise standards because you find yourself in a really
frustrating industry that celebrates mediocrity? Well, personally I believe
artists can always find a way to strike a balance in the aspect of making great
music that is enjoyable and still delivering good content. That is one of the key
factors that define your creativity anyway.
Working
hard is good, but working smart is better. Truth be told, without proper
positioning and making your skill sellable, talent won't pay bills in this country,
or even anywhere in the world. Once upon a time, good music spoke for itself in
Nigeria; am afraid, not anymore!
Apparently,
the Nigerian music industry has evolved, but this sudden evolution has yielded
more cons than pros. The outcome is something I have always previsioned. And it
is inevitable simply because our music industry grew at a fast pace without a more
streamlined structure and solid foundation.
Unless
music is just a hobby for you; as an artist based in Nigeria, you just have to
discover whatever works for you, and make it lucrative. Your persistence,
creativity and versatility will eventually make you stand out in the long run.
Update | What I Have Been Up To
The
other day I explained why I went M.I.A. Since then, I think my online presence
have improved to some extent, right? I guess it's due to the fact I haven't really
been occupied with academic work lately. School's yet to resume. Although I
have been busy taking a course on how to work with the Adobe CS6 Suite
software. Studying various tutorials; from Adobe
Photoshop to Premiere Pro, After
Effects, Audition, Indesign and
Illustrator. Graphic designing is cool, but video editing and 3D animation
is even more fun, although a bit complex. Learning new skills and adapting to
old ones.
Meanwhile,
it seems I have been slowing down on the music. My deepest apologies to all my fans. Blame it on the fact that a
brother has to place his priorities right.
Anyway,
I recently recorded a verse on Dominant-1's forthcoming album. The Malawian hip
hop veteran also featured the likes of Modenine and The Holstar on the same
project. I also did a cover of 'Can't
Hold Us' by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. The beat of that song was yelling
'jump on me!’ I had to pour my heart out on it. The brief freestyle drops this
July.
Then
I was featured on a song by Overdose, Pherowshuz and Terry Tha Rapman, look out
for it on the B.A.N.S compilation album, which also feature the likes of Dammy
Krane and Remininsce.
I was
interviewed on Paradise FM (Calabar) a while back. Shout to Duke Emmanuel for
having me on his radio show. And big ups to everyone that tuned in.
I’m
still promoting my latest pan-African collab 'Raw African Poetry 2.0'. You know
I am one not to keep y'all waiting, so Teck-Zilla and I are back in the lab working
on a new EP, tentatively titled 'The
AfroRhyme Sayers'. For the recs, the last EP we worked on together was 'Raplogic'.
And
here's the highlight. I plan to work with an A-list artist from Angola on a
commercial afro-pop track soon. The artist’s name remains anonymous for now.
Y’all can keep guessing. And yes, you can say 'Fecko is about to sell out' (Laughs). Just going with the flow!
The last gist was meant to be top-secret, but I couldn't help but let the cat
of the bag.
MUSIC | Pherowshuz - I Never Should ft. Fecko
This sleek track by Phero and Fecko is taken off of the BSTY mixtape which dropped a while back. Download here.
Are Aliens Really Out There?
One
of my childhood ambitions was to become an astronaut someday. Astronomy has
always been one of my favorite topics. So things like; aliens, space ships,
asteroids, stars and other celestial bodies fascinate me. Ironically, I am not
a huge fan of 'Star Trek'. Although, I love other space themed movies such as; Battle Star Galactica and After Earth.
I
stumbled upon a documentary last month titled 'Sirius'. It was narrated and put
together by Dr. Steven Greer (CSETI & Disclosure Project) and it kind of
sheds more light on evidences that prove aliens really exist. At first I was
skeptical, but later while watching it; I was flabbergasted when I saw a real
life specimen of what appeared to be an alien. This tiny creature had 10 ribs
and a DNA in its brain that was almost human-like. Of course, scientists
carried out a lot of research on it.
Also,
I saw several footages of Unidentified Flying Objects in the sky. Another
interesting thing I noticed is that there was a group of people that attempted
communicating with aliens via meditation. And it seemed as though these UFO's
were actually listening and picking up signals and vibrations from the thoughts
buried deep down in their subconscious. It was incredible.
When
I was a kid, I loved gazing at the stars (I still do, once in a while). There
was a time I saw a comet or a shooting star floating in the sky at night. I was
overwhelmed when I did. (Laughs). So
as far as the galaxy is concerned, there could be more that meet the eyes. Are
aliens really out there? Well, only time will tell, or maybe not. Fingers
crossed. I do not anticipate an aggressive alien invasion though (as it is
being portrayed in most sci-fi Hollywood films). Who knows? It could just be a
friendly visit.
Music | Nayo Soul – Go Where You Are
OJB Will Be Fine - Saying A Prayer
Babatunde Okungbowa aka OJB Jezreel is one
of Nigeria's greatest music producers of all time. Popularly known for his Midas
touch on Tuface's hit single 'African
Queen', he has never ceased to excel as a talented beat maker and vocalist
over the years. He has contributed immensely towards the growth of the Nigerian
music industry.
I remember the first time I bumped into him
at his studio in Surulere years ago. He struck me as a humble man when I saw
him. Today, this veteran musician suffers a kidney problem. It could have been
anybody. Living itself is a risk. Shout out to everybody helping out in raising
the money for his surgery. I believe OJB will be fine. Saying a prayer for him,
and I know a lot of other people out there are doing the same. Check out his brand new song titled 'Don't You Let It Go'.
Monday, 1 July 2013
MUSIC | Boogey - 5am In Lagos
MUSIC | Terry Tha Rapman - BANS Is The Motto [Prod. By Victoriouz Icon]
The producer of the sleeper hit 'Sweet Poraro' by Wizkid has teamed up with Terry Tha Rapman on a brand new song. Victoriouz Icon proudly presents Terry Tha Rapman on a new song titled 'Bans Is The Motto' This song sees Terry Tha Rapman rapping and flipping bars on a crazy, left field instrumental.
MUSIC | Modenine - Some More ft. Don Jazzy
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