Wizkid Releases Highly-Anticipated 'Made in Lagos' Album, which he has duly dedicated to Nigerians fighting against police brutality in the ongoing #EndSARS protests.
The album was originally meant to drop two weeks ago but was deliberately delayed to honour the ongoing #EndSARS protests. Like several Nigerian artists, Wizkid has been participating in the #EndSARS protests and has gone on to dedicate Made in Lagos to the collective call for an end to police brutality in his home country.
The 14-track album features music heavy weights including Burna Boy, Skepta, Damian Marley, H.E.R., Ella Mai and Terri. Wizkid announced the good news last night on Twitter.
Made in Lagos offers lively instrumentation and Afropop beats that are reminiscent of Lagos' infamous club scene. "Reckless" is a smooth track treated with soft piano keys that will have fans slow dancing until the dawn. "Blessed" featuring Damian Marley, on the other hand, is another stand-out song that celebrates the fierce and resilient spirit of most Africans. "Smile" featuring the inimitable H.E.R., "coos sounds of unconditional love and the things we do for it" and was released in September with the accompanying visuals having been dedicated to Wizkid's three sons Bolu, Ayo and Zion Balogun.
Wizkid has admittedly been moved by the brutal treatment of #EndSARS protestors and has used his music to show his solidarity.
"It has been beautiful to see Nigerians around the world coming together to protest against police brutality,. Unity is key. The youth of Nigeria need our collective voices to continue to shine a spotlight to what is happening inside the country. I want to play my part in this and in the movement for a better Nigeria, a better place to live for ourselves, our families - our communities. We will get through this together. Together we move. #endSARS."
The #EndSARS protests began at the beginning of October and have been enduring. The nationwide demonstrations have been led largely by the youth who have imagined a Nigeria other than what it currently is. International Nigerian artists like Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy have added their voices of support following the tragic shooting of peaceful protestors at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.
Made in Lagos is Wizkid's fourth studio album following his 2017 project titled Sounds From the Other Side. Believe us when we say that Wizkid never misses.
Kofi Mole is a clear front runner within a new generation of hip-hop artists that have Ghana's streets buzzing.
Edward Kofi Agyemang Amoah is the 24-year-old rapper better known as Kofi Mole. True to his name—Kofi for 'Friday born' and Mole slang for 'hot guy' or 'go-getter'—he first rose to fame upon the release of his hit song "Mensah" with Ghanaian rapper, Kwesi Arthur.
Months later, he was featured on Sarkodie's "Biibi Ba" which was nominated for Best Hip Hop Song and Best Edited Video at the 2019 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. By October 2019, he had released his highly-anticipated 5-track tape, Aposor Love. His hit song "Don't Be Late" would amass three million streams and get him a 3Music Award for Next Rated Act.
Despite "Don't Be Late" being one of his biggest songs to date, there weren't great expectations for it. Kofi and his team had no idea it would be as big as it got. Perhaps the magic lied in the visuals behind the song. "I'm the type of artist that already has the video direction in my head before I am done recording a song," Kofi mentions. "I'm always waiting for the video to express my feelings and everything I meant in the song. I know visuals are very powerful. You can drop audio and then the visuals will come out and the song will start charting." Maybe Kofi's fan base—dubbed Aposor Gang—played the biggest role in ensuring the song reached the heights it did. Kofi acknowledges them when he says, "My fans are my pillar. I can't do without them at all."
Photo: Randy Derykk
Growing up, Kofi was enamored with fashion and music. A cool kid with a hustler's mentality, he and his brother sold clothing and sneakers at Accra's Kantamanto Market. He gained popularity in his 'hood for his drip and his rapping. From Armed Forces Senior High School in Kumasi, he moved to Accra to study at the University of Ghana in Legon. His time at uni would be short-lived, for he'd drop out to pursue a music career. The bold move was one of the toughest decisions he's ever made. He affirms, "My parents were kind of disappointed in me… My mother wanted to see her son in a suit and tie. I don't play with the quote, 'Follow your heart'. I knew school wasn't going to help me, though my parents had already paid two years of school fees."
Kofi's anecdotes seem to support the fact that the steps he's taken make sense. He describes performing at a concert where rain fell as he got on stage, "Everybody started running back to their rooms and then my "Mensah" song dropped and the moment they heard the beat, everybody came back. They didn't care about their phones, their clothes, and anything else getting wet. I performed in the rain and the people were with me the entire 30 minutes to an hour I performed. I can't quite explain it. My mind was blown. They were jamming with me throughout."
Photo: Randy Derykk
By mid-May, Ghanaian-American fashion designer, Virgil Abloh, posted a screenshot of Kofi's video "Atwei!" in an Instagram story to his over 5.5 million followers and followed him.
It was pivotal for the fashion fiend. Kofi described it as follows, "That day, we scattered our whole office. I went crazy. That was one of the craziest moments I've ever experienced. I was doing fashion before I was doing music. Virgil Abloh is one of our idols. Everyone in my fashion circle idolizes Virgil." He emotively goes on to say, "Big shouts out to Virgil Abloh! Make I give him shouts out. It was like wow, the creative director of Louis Vuitton knows Kofi Mole. Ever since he put me on his story, the people from the other side them dey check out my stuff and listen to my music. I will never forget it. I can't wait to meet him and his team so that we can do something together: fashion, music, or my song being the theme song of one of his pop up shows."
Unbeknown to some, "Atwei!" was part of #MoleMondays—a viral series of 1-2 minute rap skits released every Monday to keep Kofi's fans engaged. In 2019, he'd been so focused on dropping his Aposor Love tape that he'd been unable to drop as many songs as he wanted. He promised his Aposor Gang more music in 2020. "#MoleMondays are the dessert you eat before the main meal. I drop #MoleMondays in between major projects," he says.
Photo: Randy Derykk
With the aforementioned, it's clear Kofi understands both the importance of keeping his fans happy and how the internet is changing the way music like his is heard and reshaping attitudes around the continent. He uses social media as his distribution channel. Whereat the start of his career, Ghanaian's were big on Facebook—that's where he dropped his first tape—today, he's active on both Twitter and Instagram. On hip-hop from Ghana, he says, "We produce standard sounds that anybody anywhere in the world can listen to. We get recognition outside of our country: in America, in Nigeria, and other West African countries." He joyfully mentions the Caucasian kids who send him videos of them rapping his songs in twi and pidgin.
Kofi is full speed ahead. Last month, he released the visuals to his song "Top Shella" and he's been nominated for three 2021 VGMA's: Best New Artiste of the Year, Hip Hop Artiste of the Year, and Hip Hop Song of the Year for "Don't Be Late."
With the end of the year around the corner, Kofi is gearing up for another collaboration with Sarkodie and a single with rapper Bosom P-Yung. The EP Aposor Love 2 is also slated for release. It's as if Kofi is speaking things into existence when he says, "The directions my songs take is the path I follow. For now, I'm just giving my fans more music. It wouldn't be bad if Kofi Mole had a sold-out show in a random country like Afghanistan or for people in India to be singing my songs. I want to be a global artist." The Ghanaian experience is one defined by the food the people consume, the way they dress, and their jovial nature—Kofi's tracks resonate because he pieces all of this together to create feel-good music the youth are eating up.
Bosom P-Yung shows is strenght on new EP which features Kwek Smoke, Yaa Pono, Joey B, Medikal and Kwesi Arthur.
Ghanaian recording music artist , Bosom P-Yung has defied all odds as many thought his break out to limelight was a flash in the pan due to internet viral figures not been able to sustain their popularity after a period of time. Bosom P-Yung caught the attention of the world his ‘Atta Adwoa’ song off his debut Ep ‘Awiesu’. Right after , he got the opportunity to work with some of Ghana’s A-list artists.
14th of October marks the birthday of the traditional trap artist. To celebrate his day , Bosom Pyung releases a new EP titled ‘Acheampong Boys’. The star-studded studio project houses 7 songs and features acts like Kwesi Arthur , Kweku Smoke , Medikal , Yaa Pono and Joey B.
Bosom P-Yung has said time without number that he has no limitations when it comes to music. On ‘Acheampong Boys’ , Bosom P-Young takes us on a sonic trip touching bases of multiple genres.
Simmy has recently dropped a new banger titled 'Emakhaya' and it is the perfect way to usher in the weekend.
South African songstress, Simmy, certainly shows no signs of slowing down. The Afro-house princess released her latest single titled "Emakhaya" featuring Da Capo and Sun El Musician earlier today. The single comes ahead of her highly-anticipated sophomore album Tugela Fairy- Made of Stars which is set to drop next month sometime. The project will follow her wildly successful debut album Tugela Fairy which was released in 2018. Simmy announced the release of "Emakhaya" on Twitter and fans are already loving it.
"Emakhaya" is a smooth house track that is made for the heat of summer parties. It is a good song to slowly dance to, a sure fire way to warm up a party. The single has the golden treatment of honey-voiced musician, Sun El Musician and master of deep house beats, producer De Capo who are known hitmakers. Fans on social media appear to be already blown away.
When asked about the single and upcoming album Simmy says the following:
"I'm really excited about dropping my new single this Friday, especially because my fans have been waiting patiently for it for a very long time and I couldn't wait to share it with them. What my fans can expect from my upcoming album is a continuation from the first Tugela Fairy album, more growth & versatility with regards to the music itself and my approach on each story that I tell. I also got an opportunity to have external features compared to my first album so it's exciting to share some of the work I did with those producers and artists as well."
Simmy is not new to chart-topping with her previous single "Ngihamba Nawe" having spent over 23 weeks on the top 100 airplay charts. The Zulu songstress is sure to woo summer in and draw people to the dance-floor with "Emakhaya". Tugela Fairy – Made Of Stars drops this November 2020.
Tugela Fairy- Made of Stars is available for pre-order on Apple Music
Exactly a week after calling out President Muhammadu Buhari over his silence on the #EndSARS campaign, Nigerian music superstar Wizkid on Sunday, October, 11, 2020 joined hundreds of Nigerians to protest in London for the same campaign.
For several days, young Nigerians have been campaigning for the scrapping of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) which has spiraled into street protests across several cities in Nigeria.
Nigerians in the diaspora were not left out as hundreds of Nigerians took to the Nigeria High Commission in London to join the protest back home.
Wizkid pulled up to the protest and addressed the crowd present.
At the time of his address, the Inspector General of Police had already announced the disbandment of SARS and the 30-year-old said it was a sign that Nigerian youths have a voice.
“For Nigerians youths, don’t let anyone tell you you don’t have a voice,” he told the crowd.
"This is just the beginning!! We won our fight to #ENDSARS .. now Reform the Nigerian police!! #Endpolice brutality! We deserve good governance," he later said on Twitter.
"Now my people .. you see what our voices did...this is the beginning of a new Nigeria! Nigerian youths!! Know your rights and fight for it ! You deserve it. We all deserve it!!"
"This is not about me/You or any individual !! This is for us and the next generation to come! Love everybody! Red heart."
Wizkid has been involved in the campaign from the get-go. His first involvement in the on-going campaign came on Sunday, October 4, when he took to Twitter to call out President Buhari over his silence.
“Old man! Police/Sarz still killing Nigerian youth on a daily! Do something! Nothing concern u for America! Face your country!!" Wizkid said to the President on Twitter.
The single comes as another track off Eazi's upcoming EP, Something Else.
Nigerian powerhouse Mr Eazi is out with another single off of his highly-anticipated, soon to be released Something Else EP. This time, track "French Kiss" is being thrown out to his loyal and eager fans.
"French Kiss" comes as a collaboration with fellow Nigerian Tega Starr, and production credits to South Africa's current man of the hour Master KG, as well as Nigeria's Magic Sticks. This is Starr's introductory tune since being chosen as one of 30 artists selected by Mr Eazi himself to take part in his #emPawa30 project.
Fresh off of his last successful track, "Oh My Gawd" featuring US rap superstar Nicki Minaj and Major Lazer, Mr Eazi's releases are signs of a fire project to come.
Listen to "French Kiss" by Mr Eazi featuring Tega Starr here
Featuring Sarkodie, Amaarae, Stonebwoy, KiDi x Teddy Riley and more.
In September 2020, Ghana's most talented artists and producers came through as usual, and blessed us with several songs that have been the soundtrack of our month. Debut projects, international collaborations and more were dished out, so here we give you the cream of the crop. Check out our best Ghanaian songs of the month below!
Sarkodie 'Gimme Way' ft. Prince Bright [Buk Bak] Sarkodie recently came through with a brand new single titled "Gimme Way," a collaboration with Prince Bright, the same duo that served us the smash hit 2019 single "Oofetso." "Gimme Way" also served as a response to a bit of controversy, as the song was Sarkodie's first form of response to his involvement in the Dr. Owusu Fordjour, aka "Dr. UN" scandal, as he did not comment on social media or interviews as the matter transpired, later using "Gimme Way" to issue his own take on the matter.
Amaarae 'FANCY'
Amaarae came to snatch ALL the wigs this month. The sultry singer came through with a brand new single called "FANCY," a Southern trap bounce that she floats all over with her sensual vocals. Speaking on the song, Amaarae said "It's about being a bad bitch. It's about feeling good about yourself and about your life." Delivered with cocksure, lavish visuals that are nothing short of exhilarating, "FANCY" is one video you have to see for yourself. This one's a movie!
Stonebwoy 'Blaze Dem' [Freestyle]
Stonebwoy drops the follow up to his recently released "Putuu (Freestyle)" which is still currently burning up the airwaves, and it's titled "Blaze Dem." This one right here is a dancehall joint where the multiple award-winning singer goes in on the banging instrumental with a freestyle flow, bigging himself (and his fans up) as he burns right through the song. "Blaze Dem" is a brief affair, with the song sitting at under two minutes, (1:44 to be precise), but the songs length does nothing but pump up its replay value.
Supa Gaeta 'Text Me' ft. Oxlade
It's always dope when we get a solid new Ghana/Naija collab to listen to, and this one right here is the perfect pan-African Afrobeats fix for the month. Supa Gaeta came through with this brand new collaboration featuring Nigerian star singer Oxlade, "Text Me." The precursor to his upcoming EP Supa SZN, "Text Me" is your routine love song, but one with a novel twist as it dives into self-isolation and its toll on relationships, as per the current world situation.
G-West 'Young Amakye Dede'
Budding artist G-West set out to leave his blue print on the Ghanaian music scene with the release of his mixtape dubbed Young Amakye Dede. As the title of the EP suggests, the Kumasi based songwriter is heavily influenced by veteran highlife singer Amakye Dede. This 12-track mixtape takes listeners on a wholesome love journey where the artist channels his mentor, all the while adding his own style and flavor as he carries us along with him in this ecstatic body of work.
KiDi x Teddy Riley - Say Cheese (Remix)
"Say Cheese" has been the biggest hit from Lynx Entertainment singer KiDi's 2020 EP Blue, so it's only right that he dishes out a remix. He puts a special twist on it, as he teams up with the legendary Teddy Riley to add his New Jack Swing flavour to this head bumping remix.
Skillz8figure 'Yakpa'
Following the release of his previous project, the Gangsta Luv EP which was arguably one of the best projects to drop early this year, Skillz8Figure is back with a refreshing new single titled "Yakpa." Dubbing his music as Coastal, which is a blend of all sorts of genres of Ghana and Africa he rolls up the hype on his new single "Yakpa." Produced by Uche B the subtle Afrobeats single is carried by euphoric rhythms intertwined with Skillz' soft-spoken delivery as he sings about the abundance of a woman's love and how it messes with his mind every time.
Rabill Armani 'My People' (Mood Swing Riddim)
Here's a smooth one for the reggae lovers! Rabill Amarni is here to send a message with his beautiful new track, "My People." Giving us a sense of community through his lyrics, "My People" is a conscious reggae song that is inspired, yet addresses the politically induced hardships and oppression we face in the world today, especially in Africa. A message like that is definitely the true essence of reggae.
Killbeatz, Ofori Amponsah & King Promise 'Odo Nti'
Serial hitmaker Killbeatz released the well anticipated first sing off his upcoming EP, his debut project titled Love and Happiness. The song titled "Odo Nti" features two highlife singers—King Promise and Ofori Amponsah. "Odo Nti" is a love song that projects the extent to which lovers can go for one another. The song was produced by Killbeatz himself.
Fameye 'Greater Than'
This month, Ghanaian singer Fameye churned out his eagerly awaited debuted album, Greater Than. The Ghana Music Awards "New Artist of the Year" showcased his dynamism and lyrical dexterity on this 10-track project, which boasts features by Pappy Kojo, M.anifest, Bisa Kdei, KiDi and Amakye The Rapper.
The Nigerian star is back with his first album since aligning his YBNL Nation with US-based EMPIRE.
Nigerian musical heavyweight Olamide is back to top the charts with his latest release, Carpe Diem.
The rap icon proves to be getting better with age as this album gives fans a taste of how wide his reach and influence on the Nigerian music scene has truly been.
Appearances from friends, proteges and comrades like Fireboy DML, Bella Shumrda, Omah Lay, Peruzzi, Phyno and Bad Boy Timz, further highlight and emphasize his well deserved label as one of the best to do it.
And although Olamide has honed in his craft over the years, he is giving younger artists the space to flourish, with 18-year-old prodigy P.Priime leading the crew as lead producer, and additional tracks from a Nigerian super squad made up of Pheelz, VStix, ID Cabasa and Young Jonn.
Of the album, he says, "The project is a reflection of my mind, and also the current sound brewing underground in Nigeria. It's a combination of a lot of traditional elements and also a sound from Nigeria called galala, which has a little bit of reggae/dancehall [influences]." Olamide went on to say, "It's also a fusion of something we call Celestial, which is when you are playing secular music in church. It's like taking pop to the church."
Infamous for his ability to rap and sing stories in English, Yoruba and Pidgin, Olamide pushes the envelope even further with Carpe Diem. From exploring his abilities as a vocalist, traditional street rap elements clear in track "Do Better", to radio-ready afropop bops "Green Light" and "Chimichanga", fans are sure to be satisfied with the diverse genre bending album.
Carpe Diem comes as Olamide's first album release since his partnership between his own YBNL Nation and US based indie label EMPIRE. "Music has always been my saviour, so I thought for once I should share with the world what happiness sounds like to me," Olamide says.
The Nigerian star dedicated the new video to his three sons: Bolu, Ayo and Zion Balogun.
Nigerian musical heavyweight Wizkid released his latest track today. The song, titled "Smile," features Grammy award winning US singer/songwriter H.E.R.
The track coos sounds of unconditional love and the things we do for it. It features Wizkid and H.E.R. going in over an infectious beat.
This comes as Wizkid fans await the release of his delayed fourth album, Made in Lagos. We're sure they'll be more excited than ever after getting this new single.
"Smile" follows Wizkid's latest release Soundman Vol. 1 EP, which came out late last year and featured the likes of Chronixx, DJ Tunez and more.
The Nigerian star dedicated this Meji Alabi-directed music video to his three sons: Bolu, Ayo and Zion Balogun.
Fireboy DML's "Scatter" will be featured on the official EA Sports FIFA 21 soundtrack, while the likes of Burna Boy, Rema and Ms Banks will be included in the game's Volta soundtrack.
Nigerian singer-songwriter Fireboy DML has just landed what we imagine to be a dream of many young gamers and football fans across the world. Every time one of his friends plays EA Sports' latest installment of the FIFA franchise, they'll be hearing his hit single "Scatter," as its earned its spot on the coveted gaming soundtrack.
The career highlight comes through negotiations by EMPIRE Publishing & YBNL. Even without the gaming giant backing, "Scatter" has amassed millions of streams since its release on his debut album Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps.
FIFA 21 will have two soundtracks. Fireboy DML is featured on the main in-game soundtrack, while the additional Volta soundtrack (which will play when using the game's Volta feature) will also include Burna Boy's "Location," Rema's summer track "Beamer (Bad Boys)," and Ms Banks.
FIFA 21 is set for worldwide launch on October 9 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.
Watch Fireboy DML perform "Scatter" live at FIFA 21's World Premiere here.
The new dancehall-inspired track is sure to soundtrack your end of summer.
Nigerian singer-songwriter Mr Eazi has teamed up with production trio Major Lazer for their collective new single "Oh My Gawd." The single only gets stronger with features, with Nicki Minaj and fellow Nigerian artist K4mo also lending their voices.
Taking lyrical inspiration from Black Uhuru and Baby Charm and their legendary contributions to reggae and dancehall classic hits, "Oh My Gawd" acts as Mr Eazi's first single off of his highly anticipated EP Something Else. The song features production from Fred Again, Diplo and co-production courtesy of Alex Gibson, Toddla T and Siba.
London based director Alexx Adjei and choreographer Patience J released an official dance video for "Oh My Gawd" featuring some of the top dancehall and Afro dancers the UK has to offer.
Mr Eazi spoke of the record being fun to make, "It's crazy how it went from hearing a K4mo intro in the studio with Fred Again, to me jumping on it and then Diplo hopping in! And [Major Lazer's] Walshy Fire hitting me up to say it's a banger—next thing Nicki is on it! Been a journey really, like two years in the making, and I can't wait to perform it at my next festival!"
While K4MO refers to "Oh My Gawd" as a "contagious hit that will remain a classic for years to come."
Check out the lyric and official dance videos for "Oh My Gawd" here.
Watch the new official music video for "Oh My Gawd" below. It features the work of directors Reel Goats and animators Mathematics.
Mr Eazi and Major Lazer join forces with directors Reel Goats and animators Mathematics to bring their animated avatars to life for Oh My Gawd.
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