We Plug To You... NOSA

When a song sticks to you and won’t let go, it just will NOT let go - it keeps playing in your head, in your mind and in your sleep - in a good way. That’s how I describe NOSA’s (full name Nosa Omoregie) songs - it’s like a hug you don’t want to let go off. I don’t know if it’s his voice or his lyrics, his depth or the soothingness of his sound or maybe it’s all of the above; he is such an effortless and natural singer/songwriter and it is with great pleasure that we plug to you this refreshing and unique Nigerian inspirational neo-soul singer/songwriter - NOSA.

We Plug To You... Show Dem Camp - The Dreamer Project

Hello everyone, it's the start of the best month ever. What, you didn't know October was special? Well it is, because it's my birth month and I'm awesome even if I do say so myself. But this is not why you are here and that's fair. The good news is that you are about to be introduced to another dope act from Nigeria. We seem to be churning great acts en mass out of the motherland and I must say I am really impressed as is obvious by the fact that my last couple reviews have been Nigerian Acts and the international recognition that a few of our artists have gotten in recent months only goes to show. Its definitely a good look and that is why I am proud and dare I say honored to introduce to you the duo Olumide 'Ghost' Ayeni and Wale 'Tec' Davis that make up the group Show Dem Camp (SDC) with the release of their debut album The Dreamer Project. 

We Plug to You... Ozzy B - Diaries of a Loner

It’s not so often that I offer to review a mixtape/album before I hear the finished product. That’s exactly what happened though, when my friend sent me some unfinished tracks by the artist I am about to introduce to you. So I hit my friend back to ask who this was? I had never heard of him before and I was pleasantly surprised. His voice, his delivery, and the lyrics come absolutely correct and I’m glad that with the full mixtape now out, he did not disappoint me. I have to apologize for the late review, as the mixtape came out in July, but this is a great way to start the new month I promise. Without further ado then, meet the Nigerian rapper/singer and songwriter, Ozzy B - who brings to us a fresh sounding vibe on his debut into the music industry in Diaries of a Loner.

We Plug to You... Bez - Super Sun

Help! I'm never usually starstruck but here I am completely won over by the voice of this - rightly put - Super Sun!. However, I'll get myself composed enough to put this review together. I got very excited to do the feature on this particular artist and his music and you can probably decipher the reason why as you read on. I have followed this cool gentleman (even virtually so) from his days of small cozy performances at a Jazz/Soul Jam slash Poetry Slam cafe of sorts called Taruwa in Lagos, Nigeria - a brain child of his sister Lydia Idakula-Sobogun - up to his involvement with one of the most popular and gifted Producers in Nigeria, Cobhams Asuquo and his C.A.M.P production outfit and label. We plug to you, one who many have referred to as "Nigeria's John Legend" - velvety Alternative Soul singer/songwriter by the name of BEZ.

We Plug To You… DJ Klem - Afrofunkydiscosoul

Let me just start by telling you that this is a full on HYPE post. The difference however in this case is that this is a deserving kind of HYPE. I will not ever hype something that was not totally worth it - DJ Klem's Afrofunkydiscosoul is totally worth it - and the interesting part is, wait for it, wait for it…. It is totally FREE!!! Music this good should not be free, there should be a law against this BUT thankfully, I don't write the rules books.

This - Afrofunkydiscosoul - is the second release from award-winning Nigerian producer and Red Bull Music Academy alumni, DJ Klem (real name Clement Kponu) - his first record being the critically acclaimed Six8Ten EP from last year - and it features some of the best and most promising artists to come out of Nigeria this year. DJ Klem's Afrofunkydiscosoul draws together established acts such as Wizkid, Sound Sultan, Sauce Kid, Mo Cheddah, Zara and Kel and combines them with emerging artists like Iye, Teeklef, Funbi, Efa and Myst to make this album the best album, hands down, out of Nigeria so far in 2011.

We Plug To You... IBIYEMI - Love Always Wins

The first time I heard this soulful songbird, I went "Wow! What a deep and husky voice!", she reminded me a lot of Tracy Chapman's vocal essence and texture. I actually just recently posted one of her songs titled "Can You Love Me?"on my Facebook profile - her first release as a solo recording artiste - little did I know she had actually already been in the studio and cooked up some great tunes by way of her debut release and I would be reviewing some of them here for your listening pleasure...

In light of this, with positive soul and 'feel good' vibes, we gladly plug to you... IBIYEMI. Born on May 22, 1981 in California, USA, Ibiyemi started off as a backing vocalist in 2003 for various artistes before a major performance of the Nigerian National anthem at the 228th USA Independence ceremony kicked off her solo career. With her debut album 'Love Always Wins', Ibiyemi set out to blow us all away and we think she's done exactly that on this 12-track record, tracks of which we will be plugging to you in this feature.

Her debut single - 2009's "Don't Leave Me" was met with relative success and garnered her a nomination for Best Female Vocal Performance at the 2010 Hip-Hop World Awards as well as a nomination form Best R&B Song at the 2010 Sound City Music Awards among a host of other award nominations. Said to be influenced by Mary J Blige, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder and (rightly so) Tracy Chapman, Ibiyemi's sound can be described as rich, soulful and of a musical genre I will call Contemporary Afro Neo-Soul with Afrocentric vocalisms akin to Brenda Fassie and vocal energy similar to Angelique Kidjo.

What is so special about Ibiyemi's album 'Love Always Wins'? Trust me, Soul is a music genre I am personally inclined to so my take on this is extremely honestly judged. I am taken by the diverse feel and uniqueness of the songs on this project, the originality in the music composition and arrangement, the perfect fusion of afro-rythms and Soul. The four tracks from 'Love Always Wins' that are featured below represent the diversity I speak of. These four tracks especially caught my musical attention only for me to find out that they were actually produced by the same individual. WPGM decided to take it a step further and caught up with this producer... Nigeria's best kept secret, multi-talented producer, singer and songwriter - FLO. FLO had this to say about Ibiyemi's album.

"There are several singers in the Nigerian music industry with hit~banging tracks but not all of them get to strike that cord and rhythm in your head and in your heart. Ibiyemi has a unique style of delivery to her music..sincerity. You can feel that honesty in these tracks. One edge her tracks have is the ability to draw the listener in on her storyline. Whilst we were working on 'Ore' for example, I already had enough to work with by just listening to the experience she shared with me concerning her childhood friend, you could feel that innocent and pure affection even within her mode of delivery. When Ibiyemi decides to speak about love, she speaks from her heart and not her head" - FLO

We begin our plug with the Ibiyemi's brand new single "It Would Be" which was released yesterday (May 22) as a free download to mark the singer's birthday... A duet with another rising Nigerian Soul "lover boy" crooner by the name of Dipo, "It Would Be" is a powerful boy/girl love "tease" song. The chorus starts off with the phrase "Ta ba fera?" which in Yoruba means "If we love each other/fall in love with each other/marry each other" with Ibiyemi and Dipo expressing it to us nicely that "it would be so nice"... "It Would Be" will get you falling in love again. Dipo makes matters more intricate by adding that soulful R&B'ish zing to this duet. The song is believable, the groove matches the theme. It's an easy listening song with percussion and bass guitar-led R&B production laden with soulful vocals, intercepted with a nice piano solo that gives a suspensive closure to the song's story.

'It Would Be':

"Ta ba fera, baby it would be so nice, so nice.... I wanna go where your wind blows, discover places only you know"

This next song is in Yoruba and is called "Ore" which means "Friend" - it celebrates and appreciates the essence of a true and real friendship. It talks about love, kindness and a reminder and gratitude of the bond and interdependence of kindred relationships. This is an excellent song gift to that friend you appreciate. Even though the understanding of the lyrics of this track may be limited to Yoruba speakers, everyone can still enjoy the flow and feel of the music. "Ore" has an mid-tempo Afro-pop sound backed by gorgeous keyboard chords, very danceable with hip rhythms and drum patterns. Ibiyemi does excellent justice vocally throughout the song, without overdoing her natural deep tone range.

'Ore':

"Ore ma se gbabgbe mi lojokojo nibikibi, ma se gbagbe mi (Friend, don't forget me anyday, anywhere, don't forget me)

Is this next song the potential contender to rival another incredible song of the same title by one Jill Scott on your iPods? Possibly... The difference is Ibiyemi's "He Loves Me" is Gospel/Inspirational in content, it's an expression of God's unconditional love and it's more upbeat than Jill Scott's "He Loves Me". The intro and the backdrop of the track features a slightly electro-pop infused sound while the chorus is easy and sing-along and Ibiyemi maintains her natural depth of real Soul on this as well. "He Loves Me" is a song that makes you comfortable in spirit and in soul with Ibiyemi's assuring tone and the uplifting message about the Creator's love for you keeping you at ease in this track.

'He Loves Me':

Last but not least is the playful, pop, party-feel song rightfully named "Play". It has that 80's disco vibe to it, and FLO's signature rock sound backed by lush bass guitars and musical undertones pops out Ibiyemi's vocals excellently to incite some finger-snapping, toe-tapping moves from any listener. This track is upbeat, full of energy, perfect for the dance floor and I would submit this song for a radio mix anyday. You can't listen to this and not get moving, come on and let's boogie down till the break of dawn with Ibiyemi's "Play" below....

'Play':

"Mi o ronu mo ( I am not downcast anymore), I just wanna dance to the break of dawn, DeeJay play that song"

This is one album you absolutely should own. If you want a break away from the norm, the usual and mundane music then Love Always Wins is the music for you. This is that album you would not only want to listen to but one you'd love to share with others. It's what I would refer to as a 2-in-1 album - for solace and for social interaction; for an audience of one or two as the case may be (per love and soulful communications) or for a party to groove and move to. It ticks all the boxes

Ibiyemi gets two thumbs up for the diverse collection of songs on this album. The sky is limitless for the young singer as she makes her way to making a musical mark globally amongst the current crop of afro-originated Soul singers of our generation. Her voice is not only great, it's not common plus her vibe is appealing, her message is sweet, her sound is market-worthy - it just works. Love Always Wins - the album - is definitely highly recommended. Stamped, signed and delivered... What more is there to say?

Purchase: Ibiyemi - Love Always Wins (iTunes)


BONUS: Free Download: Ibiyemi + Dipo - It Would Be

Keep Tabs on Ibiyemi: Website // Twitter // Facebook

Tosinger

We Plug to You... Naeto C - Super C Season

Ladies and Gentlemen, I had so much ear candy over the weekend and I have decided to purge it all out in todays article. Last week I was blessed with the opportunity to listen to this album and I am uber-ecstatic that I can "share my blessings" (hint hint) with you guys. This week's feature is on critically acclaimed Nigerian rapper Naeto C... Some of you may already know who he is but for those who have no idea let me give you a little bit of info on him.

Naeto C (real name: Naetochukwu Chikwe) is a Nigerian rapper, Afrobeat artist & record producer. Naeto grew up in a household heavily influenced by music which saw his penchant for music grow very fast and articulate into other creative art forms, most specifically poetry. This in turn took him to various talent showcases and earned him numerous accolades as a young poet - he states that his main inspiration is Jay-Z.

This next song you are about to listen to and also the first song on his latest 17-track album is titled "Super C Season" and this song is the perfect intro to the album of the same name. On this song, he doesn't really say much but just brags about his wealth and the fact that he's got no competition and I truly believe he's earned those bragging rights. This is really just a typical rap song, nothing serious but nevertheless it has got some witty lines you should look out for. Every rapper has a song like this on their album and this is one of my favourites.

 "You wanna know my P? Well here's an invite to find out"

 

This next Song "Ride with Me" features Britain's very own Sway and Jamaica's Lukie D, the record is mixture of Hip-Hop and R&B with Lukie D taking the hook with Sway and Naeto C taking turns on the verses.. This is one of them laid-back records with a chilled beat that you can just bob your head to or a song you can listen to while driving and thinking of that person/people that you know will ride it out with you. Naeto Talks about how he needs true love and how he needs a girl thats not all about the money but a girl that would "ride with him" till the end but just like a real rapper, still manages to talk about his swaggg...  

"I don't brag on the first night...I let the pounds show on the first night"..

 

The next song is titled "Share My Blessings". A refreshing addition to this track is Nigerian soul singer Asa who gives an amazing and emotional vocal performance. The brilliant use of 808s on the song also bring it to life but Asa's voice just leaves me speechless and I just can't imagine this song without Asa on it. Her vocals give the song the perfect balance it needs. This is one of the best songs on this album and one of the best collaborations in Nigerian music so far. "Share My Blessings" was produced by TY Mix and it sees Naeto C take you on an epiphany of losing a friend, the importance of family and friends and extending your blessings to your loved ones.

                     "Keep your loved ones close cos they don't live twice"

 

Naeto C should be commended for making an album that people in his position rarely make which is an album that conveys his personal feelings through his music. Artists of his status would rather hide behind the mask that is their celebrity, leaving us - the listeners - with music that lacks thought and honesty. Honesty, which can be found on Naeto C's SUPER C SEASON. Buy this album, listen and love it because this is some quality G.O.O.D music!

Purchase: Naeto C - Super C Season (iTunes) // (Amazon)

Until the Next Time...

It's Max 

We Plug to You... CHYN

Hey Y'all... I hope today's feature meets you well. If not, sit back and enjoy some good music, hopefully we'll put you in a better mood...

This feature is on emerging UK-based Nigerian rapper Chyn, real name Cheyenne Hamilton Labesa who's currently based out in Scotland studying at the University of Aberdeen. He's one of the emerging artists I've been following for a very long time now and I really should have done this feature a while ago... If I had to describe Chyn as an artist, I'd say he was essentially a 90's rapper infused with some much needed 21st century musicality. He loves laid back beats, and is not a fan of bait lyrics. I like to refer to him as a 'Ghost Rapper', why? Because he is one of those dudes that you literally have to dig out. I'd say he is more slept on than underrated.

Anyway, lets cut right to the chase, the tracks you are about to listen to are something of a prelude or preview to Chyn's forthcoming mixtape titled 'The Epidemic'. 'The Epidemic' is the type of Hip-Hop mixtape that will definitely grow on you and I know because I've heard most of the tracks on it. If you are a fan of Poppy/Dance-Hop, you might want to turn away NOW!!

This first track is called 'Good Times'. This song is a musical description of a good ol' University house party (trust me I know) and there's no solid reason for sharing this one other than the fact that I love it and I'm hoping you will too. It's the type of 'feel good' song that slides perfectly into that 'Friday Night', 'Weekend' or 'Party' playlist plus this also works for when you just wanna relax and 'jam'... Chyn delivers with a smooth flow, witty wordplay and lyrics that make the song totally relatable and enjoyable. Just don't be misled by the 'funness' of the song because you'll miss some of the interesting metaphors Chyn let's loose on this one...

"Different girls, from different countries, G8 Summit"

This next track is called 'I Want My Jenny Back' and it comes with that very 90's R&B/Hip-Hop vibe, it'd have been perfect if an R&B vocalist was on the hook as you can just hear the potential in the vocal adlibs. On this song, Chyn delivers exquisitely with the narratives on this classic tale of wanting the "ex" back (you know that one girl that had you sprung from the start and then broke your heart?) and it's not even near one of the best that Chyn has to offer. 'The Epidemic' mixtape is full of relatable real life music like this, none of that "inception" music around here I can assure you. Listen below...

"This aint just any track/ I aint a maniac/ I just want my Jenny back"

Okay, I've decided to put in a bonus track in the middle of this feature... This one's an old track that Chyn recorded with fellow emerging Nigerian Hip-Hop artist, Falz and even though it's kinda old, it still is good and deserves some shine. That bassline reminds me of 50cent's 'Candy Shop' so you already know this one is that head-bopping club banger! You may not be Chyn's biggest fan but you gotta admit that the dude is sick with it. Listen to 'Picture status'.

"I get High like notes/i flow like boats/ i do some dance moves, I break fast like oats"

'N.A.H' stands for "No Autograph Or Hugs" and ever since I heard this tune, that's exactly how I've been feeling. This song is filled with dope braggadocio, smart punchlines and metaphors, excellent delivery and a brilliant wordplay over some banging beats... Just some of the things you can expect from Chyn as you get plugged into his music! For some reason, this tune reminds me of 50cent; I like the way he lays rap-style vocals on the chorus and still bosses the track from start to finish. You should definitely get familiar with 'N.A.H'...

Well, that's all we have time for today but I hope you've enjoyed the music... I'm really tipping Chyn to be a success story on the African Hip-Hop landscape and when 'The Epidemic' comes out, we'll be sure to alert you to it but before it does, you can stay close to Chyn via his Twitter to get the gist on all the latest...

Keep Tabs on Chyn: Youtube // Twitter

Until the Next Time...

Fhanthom

We Plug 2 You... Kahli Abdu - Ministry of Corruption

Happy NEW Year you! Hope you're having a good one so far... 2010 was really good for GOOD Emerging Music and it seems like 2011 is picking right off from where last year ended and long may the year go on as it's started...

I really DO not have much background info about what I'm about to share with you other than 'Ministry Of Corruption', the new mixtape from Emerging Nigerian Hip-Hop artist Kahli Abdu is a mixtape inspired by the King of Afrobeat and one of the most political musicians we've ever witnessed, the late GREAT Fela Anikulapo-Kuti... Now at this point, any trepidation would be understandable! I mean its Hip-Hop mixed with Afrobeat? It's FELA-inspired? You're thinking this has all the ingredients to go wrong BUT you'd be wrong and we'll just have to let the music do all the talking.

Upon first listen, not a lot of the songs immediately leap out at you on this 13-track mixtape BUT you cannot help but fall in love with the Afrobeat infused musical backdrop upon which Kahli Abdu laces his politically charged & hard-hitting lyrics. From the first song, 'Fear Fear Factor', which begins with an indelible Fela vocal sample & those unmistakable drum patterns before leading into glorious horn riffs trademark of that sweet Afrobeat sound, you are (dare I say it) hooked and the short introductory track certainly leaves you wanting more (it sort of tails off after the 2:15 mark which almost ruins it for me) up until the last song, 'Wonderful Material Property', which is a mellowed down Afrobeat song with a great Soul Music touch that Kahli Abdu raps over with absolute precision and finesse to ride this tape out and then half way through the song, you hear the final of many great Fela vocal samples saying...

"Music is a spiritual thing. You don't play with Music. If you play with Music, you will die young, you see because when the Higher forces give you the gift of music, musicianship, it must be well used, for the good of humanity. If you use it for your own self by deceiving people and doing this, you will die young. I've told people this many times so I'm gonna prove them wrong and prove myself right..."

Ok NOW let's get into a few of my favourite songs from the mixtape...

This next song has gotta be one of, if not my most enjoyable song on the mixtape. It's called 'Categori' and everything from the beats produced by Charlie X to Kahli Abdu's lyrics just work for me quite frankly. I guess on this one, Kahli chooses to show some versatility and instead of giving a message as with most of the songs on 'Ministry of Corruption', he sorta introduces himself to his audience with clever punchlines and a dope flow as he lays into this one hell of a beat. It's Hip-Hop at it's cocky best if I do say so myself with the vocal sample on the hook saying...

"You can't touch my style!"

This next track is called 'Kpako' and it features Yung El on the hook and if you thought this mixtape was gonna be overly political from front to back then this song serves as a ample detour. On this one, Kahli Abdu shows that he can have a good time with his music (although NOT diverting from the main theme of the mixtape too much) and he spits very witty bars filled with much braggadocio, audaciousness and 'partying with girls at the party' on this Chopsticks-produced thumping Hip-Hop beat with Yung El delivering the covert message of the song at the bridge (they just couldn't resist), what do you think?

This next one is the Charlie X-produced song titled 'Demo Crazy' which samples the hook from the very popular Fela record, 'Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense' and on this one, Kahli Abdu drops some thought-provoking lyrics about the history (if you will) and deceit that's rife in Nigerian politics. You will not want this head-bopping production from Charlie-X to throw you off Kahli's words on this one so please listen carefully and understand the message. Listen below...

SO what do we think so far???

In conclusion, I think this is a very stellar body of work as far as Hip-Hop Music goes... The music treads experimental boundaries of merging Afrobeat with Hip-Hop and succeeds (where others have failed) while still remaining traditionally Hip-Hop in my opinion... The lyrics, flow and wordplay are fresh, they're sharp and I quite enjoy Kahli Abdu as a rapper... And as far as African Hip-Hop goes, this is really cutting edge and refreshing to listen to from Mr. Abdu. I like that he's sticking to his lane and NOT tryna be commercial or popular BUT I must have said the same thing about a certain M.I and his 'Illegal Music' mixtape but alas I digress...

I must warn you though, this is Hip-Hop with a message! I have NOT heard any African body of work that's this politically charged in recent times and some of it might leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth BUT isn't music meant to do that? Incite a feeling, whatever that feeling is? 'Ministry of Corruption' does that (quite A LOT!) and I highly recommend that you download it.

Download: Kahli Abdu - Ministry of Corruption // Alternative Link

Until the Next Time...

Peace, Love & Good Music