Great Ghana Online TV: Music

Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts

Chris DeShield releases ‘Wickedest Whine’ Video.

Chris DeShield recently released a song that he wrote for Cadsongs, called ‘Wickedest Whine’ which has been a big hit, especially in the East African market. The original song is produced by K’Nel of Anglohili, and Mugo Nganga of Waithaka Entertainment, this song has gotten a heavy rotation on Kenyan stations and received lots of great reviews. This remix version is courtesy of DJ Snake from Cape Verde/Portugal.

Chris DeShield

Chris DeShield

His new video, directed by Alex Acosta of Prestige Filmworks, is now available for viewing. Acosta has worked on videos for Raheem Devaughn, Boobe, Gorilla Zoe, Lola Monroe, Cassidy Da Hustler, Jim Jones, and Kingpen Slim, to name a few and is no stranger to what audiences like.
K’nel is a seasoned artist in his own right and has been enthralling fans with his unique style for years in Europe. A serial entrepreneur, he also has a clothing line, and artist management company. Mugo Nganga has been producing music and mixing beats for years. He produced ‘For Love‘ for Julian Gbaba, featuring Legacy and David Machado.

Wickedest Wine By Chris DeShield from ChrisDeShield on Vimeo.

source: jamati.com

D’banj signs up to Kanye West’s Good Music Label

A new drift has been set as far as collaborations and partnerships among Africans across the Diaspora.

Award winning Nigerian artist D’banj (Dapo Oyebanjo) has today, signed a contract to work under GOOD MUSIC Label owned by Kanye West. Sunday Are, D’banjs manager confirmed the news of the finalized contract between the two artists saying, “Yes there have been discussions between the two parties lately. They have been exchanging contracts but now the wait is over, he said.”
D’banj a celebrated artist all over Africa, has been setting records with his music. He only recently released a video for the remix to his song Mr. Endowed with American rapper Snoop Dog. Thus it was expected for a period of time, as a lot of talk has been doing the rounds of Kanye and D’banj working together.
An excited D’banj who celebrates his birthday today (June 9th), also posted a confirmation on his twitter account saying “Jst lyk yesterday myself n my brother did Tongolo.7 yrs later Mo Hits signs wit Good Music. Best birthday gift ever. God thank u”
Don Jazzy who was D’banj’s producer under the MO’ Hits Record who has also been working with Kanye West, is also said to have signed to GOOD MUSIC label to work with Kanye. He is also rumored to have produced tracks in the upcoming collaboration album between Jay Z and Kanye West.
He is quoted on twitter as saying “Thanks for ur love and prayers always. Now we can hear IDJA from the world’s finest Stars. Thanks again its Naija.”

source: jamati.com

JANELIA – IN ART, MUSIC and LOVE

Growing up in Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria, Janelia started singing in the choir as a teenager and went on to sing professionally while in college, starting as a backup singer. This has seen her grow into a phenomenal musician, as can be witnessed in her music. Janelia has actually become what she wanted to do since she was young, become a singer, actress, wife and mom.

Janelia says that she is all about ART, MUSIC and LOVE:
“The ‘Art’ because I was born a natural artist, evident to my parents since I was a toddler. I also received a bachelor’s degree in “Fine Arts”. There are many things I do besides music, everything has to be artistically done and these many aspects of me can be perceived as a gestalt. I am Art.
The ‘Music’ because I just simply love music and singing gives me joy. It is also an extension of my artistic expression. Emotions I cannot paint, draw or braid about, I sing about. I love it so much that I have chosen to make a career of it and want my music to move people.
The ‘Love’ because it is the greatest of all. Like music, love is a universal language. We need more of it in this crazy world and it is a prevalent message in my music.”
Growing up in Nigeria, but currently living in America in Baltimore, MD, Janelia was exposed to many genres of music, and she had an appreciation for it all. This has made her musical influences range from Sade, Barbara Streisand, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti and more. She is a sucker for great love songs and that’s what she mostly writes about. Her music is mainly a blend of West African sounds with an urban feel. Her fluency in the Yoruba language can also be seen in her compositions and she hopes to add a few more Yoruba songsto her upcoming album.
Asked what her inspiration was, Janelia says “My inspiration comes from my experiences. I am also empathetic in many ways so I do not have to experience something before I write about it; I just have to feel it. Whether I experience it or feel it, one thing that is common is that it haunts me until I put it down on paper or sing about it. It could be specific lyrics or a melody or a thought provoking feeling; I am consumed by it until it is expressed. It’s usually one at a time, meaning I don’t write two or more songs concurrently.”
She describes the reception of her music as very positive, and is both amazed and grateful that all types of people from all over the world are liking her new song and video for “Love Song in Yoruba.” She further adds that good reception encourages her and bad reception encourages her to prove them wrong.
Asked about when to expect her album, Janelia says that her creative juices are still flowing and that the album is being recorded with live instruments together with some very talented musicians. It’s her hope that it will be completed before the end of the year and released by early 2012.
She dreams of touring the whole of Africa, UK, Australia, parts of Asia and generally anywhere her music is welcome. She is currently planning to hit the road and do a national tour in America after her album is done, calling it a pre-album release tour. She is excited to meet with her fans and forge deeper connections.
Her advice for upcoming artists;
1. Be original
2. Always take it to the next level
3. Keep going… don’t let anyone tell you are not talented, as long as you know it, you are good!
Fans can check her website for tour calendar and other updates.

source:jamati.com

Anthony David draws huge crowd in Nairobi concert

Anthony David

American singer and songwriter Anthony David performed in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, recently at the National Park in a concert dubbed ‘The Lounge Unplugged’. Known for his hit ‘Words‘, featuring India Arie, he wowed the crowd with his songs, including some from his fourth album, ‘As Above, So Below‘. One of the singers he collaborates with is his cousin, Shawn Stockman, from the group Boys II Men.

Before Anthony got on stage, Kenyan group Elani opened the show. Elani is an Afro-soul musical group (or urban-afro as they like to term themselves) made up of Maureen Kunga, Wambui Ngugi, Bryan Chweya and Kimani Kibe. Their name means ‘light’ in the Giriama language. After their showcase, Anthony got on stage wearing a t-shirt made by Kenyan fashion house Urban Legend, to the delight of his swooning female fans.
After the event, fans got a chance to meet and greet the Grammy-nominated singer and get his autograph. In an interview with Hot Secrets, Anthony said he is a Wangari Maathai fan. He admitted that she was one of the topics he looked up before coming to Kenya. He and his band also managed to sample part of Kenya’s nightlife. “ I loved listening to the music. Like we went to this club that played some really nice reggae, Kenyan, and Tanzanian music. That was fun.” The show was sponsored by KCB Advantage and Capital FM.

source: jamati.com

Paint the town white at LOVE Nightclub in DC

Memorial Day weekend usually brings an invitation to honor our soldiers, past and present, and remember their sacrifices to keep us safe. It also brings lots of parties to the DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area. One very popular party is the Ultra White Party, an annual celebration of contemporary African music by some of the hottest African DJs in the USA today. This year’s Ultra White Party will be held at the spacious LOVE Nightclub at 1350 Okie St. NE, Washington DC 20002 on May 29, 2011 from 9pm-3am. General admission is $20 and VIP is $40.

LOVE Nightclub is a great venue for the party because the DJs this year promise to deliver a fantastic party experience that won’t soon be forgotten. The DJs are DJ Fully Focus (Kenya), DJ Yveco (Congo), DJ Sam I Am (Senegal), and DJ Preview (Nigeria) and they collectively promise to catapult you into a dancing frenzy of hot international African music.
DJ Fully Focus has opened for many artists including Akon, Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, G Unit, Beres Hammond, Morgan Heritage and got his start in music as a radio DJ on college radio, WRFL 88.1FM in 2003 at The University Of Kentucky, before moving on to commercial radio in October of 2004 at WBTF 107.9FM The Beat in Kentucky. His beats were so popular that he was given three time slots and helped boost the radio station’s ratings to an unprecedented high.
DJ Yveco is no stranger to the DC club scene. He has been part of the Ultra White Party since it’s humble beginning and has been extremely instrumental in it’s success. A popular DJ in the DMV, many will remember him from Juste Lounge in Bethesda. He has also played at Izora, been the music behind the Cote Minou fashion line launch, and the familiar music at the Ultra White Party.
DJ Sam I Am has been a DJ since he was 9 years old. He is proudly Salone (from Sierra Leone for those who don’t know), and his music reflects his love for rhythm and dance.
DJ Preview has an almost rabid following of faithful fans. Associated with Nigerian DJs, a coalition of DJs who present the best in Nigerian music from around the world, DJ Preview has made his mark as a DJ who can draw the crowd to the floor and keep them there.
The first two floors are sold out but you still have an opportunity to get your tickets in advance and get onto one of the two other floors. The dress code (strictly enforced with no exceptions) is white, not cream, not off-white. Accessories can be different colors but the main color must be white, after all, it is an ultra-white party!!
The event is brought to you by a BCBG Productions and IDOA Entertainment in collaboration with The Afrology Experience and All African Promotions. To get more information about this party and purchase your tickets, visit the official website.

source: jamati.com

Ghana clinches over 25 nominations at Africa Gospel Music Awards

Several Ghanaian music artistes both local and international have received nominations at the second edition of the Africa Gospel Music Awards (AGMA) scheduled to take place on July 9 at the Lighthouse Hall, London.

The artistes, including Sonnie Badu, Cecilia Marfo, No Tribe, Nii Okai and others had over 25 nominations in different categories of the awards.

According to organisers, the AGMA now in its second year “is aimed at celebrating and awarding excellence in the gospel music industry of people of Africa and Africans in the Diaspora,” adding that, “it is also to celebrate the work of the sector; to showcase the talent, innovation and success of our gospel artistes.”

In all, there are 20 awards, covering the whole range of musical activities which comprises singing, promotion, media and projects.

Ghanaian and UK based gospel artiste, Sonnie Badu and Ghanaian gospel music group, No Tribe lead the pack with four nominations each.

Sonnie Badu had nominations in the Best Song, Best Male Artiste, Best Artiste (Europe) and Event of the Year for his Africa Worships with Sonnie Badu.

No Tribe on the other hand had nominations in the Best Song, Best Gospel Album, Best Group and Best Artiste (West Africa) categories.

Other nominees, Ohemaa Mercy and Cecelia Marfo both clinched two nominations each in the Overall Best Female Artiste and Best Artiste (West Africa).

Adom Praize organized by Adom 106.3 FM also had a nomination for Best Contribution to African Gospel Music.

Some of the continent and Diaspora finest artistes including UK-based Sonnie Badu, Nigerian based gospel rock star, EBEN, South African based, Uche Agu, Kenny K’ore and RoofTop MC’s will perform at the awards night.

They will be supported by some of UK’s finest artistes including MOBO award winner Victizzle, Mahali Selepe, Diana Hamilton, Aaron T Aaron, Rebecca and more.

Detailed list of nominationees and categories:



	No Tribe also had four nominations including Best Group

Best Song

Halleluya - Lara George Ft Pat King
Alitenda – Lisa Murayah
Saluti – Daddy Owen
Somore - Kenny K’ore
Covenant - Rebecca Ft Uche
My Love – Tolumide
Geo Gabriel - Victory
Agidigba - Tim Godfrey
Bohye - No Tribe
Adonai - Sonnie Badu

Best Music Video

Kwasa - Gboof
Mercy - Kwesi Oteng
Charles Granville - By My Side
Rebecca Arthur - I Need You More
Agidigba Video - Tim Godfrey and The X’treme
Saluti – Daddy Owen
The Presence – Joe Praize

Best Gospel Album

Bohye - No Tribe (Ghana)
Timeless One - Alexander Victor (UK)
System Ya Kapungala - Daddy Owen (Kenya)
Rebecca Malope – Ukuthula (South Africa)
Hymnz Unlimited - Nii Okai (Ghana)
Awesome God - Aaron T. Aaron (UK)
Pulpit Kwa Street - Juliani (Kenya)
Racing Up – Paul Mwai – (Kenya)
Worship in His Presence with Benjamin Dube – (South Africa)

Event of the Year

Evolution 6 by Impact Project Ministries (Ghana)
Africa Worships with Sonnie Badu (UK)
Harvest Praise 2011 with Rev Benjamin Dube (Ghana)
The Big Church Day Out (UK)
Groove Awards (Kenya)
True Worshippers "A Night in His Presence" (USA)
Lagos Experience (Nigeria)

Overall Best Male Artiste

Daddy Owen (Kenya)
Sonnie Badu (UK)
Benjamin Dube (South Africa)
Joe Praize (Nigeria)
Uche Agu (South Africa)
Charles Granville (Nigeria)
Eben (Nigeria)
Fabrice Nzeyimana (Burundi)
Aaron T. Aaron (UK)
Kabelo Eric (Botswana)

Overall Best Female Artiste

Winnie Mashaba (South Africa)
Diana Hamilton (UK)
Ohemaa Mercy (Ghana)
Lara George (Nigeria)
Sinach (Nigeria)
Emmy Kosgei (Kenya)
Rebecca (UK)
Toyin Motara (Nigeria)
Cecilia Marfo (Ghana)

Best Gospel Group

Obert Mazivisa & Trumpet Echoes (UK)
Royal Priesthood (Ghana)
Tribe of Judah Choir (USA)
No Tribe (Ghana)
Tim Godfrey And Xtreme (Nigeria)
Allen and Da New Wave (UK)
Joyous Celebration (South Africa)
Davison Band (UK)
K-Stonez (Nigeria)

Best Gospel TV Programme

Afrika Rising - Ohtv (UK)
Praisetek Gospel Show
The Glory Encore Show Olive TV – (UK)
Praise Talk Show - Faith TV (UK)
One Voice – NTV
One Gospel – South Africa
X 2 D - Nigeria
Shine On – Channel O - Dstv

Best Gospel Radio Programme

Habari Africa. Premier Gospel Radio (UK)
P G Breakfast Premier Gospel Radio (UK)
Gospel Sunday – Milele FM (Kenya)
Praize Jams - Kool FM (Nigeria)

Best Gospel DJ/Presenter

Muyiwa Olarewaju - Premier Christian/Gospel Radio (UK)
Dj Abbey Gee - Freelance DJ (UK)
Dj Gosporella - (Nigeria)
Fiifi Folson - Sunny FM (Ghana)

Best Contribution to Africa Gospel Music

Rebecca Malope (South Africa)
Evangelist David Bruno - Ppm Birmingham (UK)
Praisetek Gospel Music Awards (Pgma)
Bng Innovates (Nigeria)
Lindlani Mkhezi of Joyous Celebration (South Africa)
Watoto Children’s Choir (Uganda)
Premier Gospel Radio (UK)
Adom Praize - Adom FM (Ghana)

Discovery of the Year

Geo Gabriel
Tolumide (USA)
Gboof (Kwasa) (Nigeria)
Royal Priesthood (Ghana)
Cwasi Oteng (Ghana)
Atta Boafo's (UK)
Motara (Nigeria)
Outcry (Kingdom Of Swaziland)
Emmanuella Bafoah-Moloney (UK)

Regional Awards Category

Best Artiste(s) (Europe)

Sonnie Badu
Master Don
Papa Richie
Lisa Muraya
Rev Osei Kofi
Rebecca Arthur
Diana Hamilton
Gwendolynn Mukulu Chris
Aaron T Aaron
Muyiwa

Best Artiste(s) (USA)

Dee Jones (Elevated)
Kenneth Appiah
Comfort Manyame
K.Stonez
Mictunes
Tolumide
The Tribe of Judah Choir
Albert Collingwoode Williams

Best Artiste (Southern Africa)

Benjamin Dube
Uche Agu
Keke Phopholo
Sfiso Ncwane
Sechaba
Solly Mahlangu
Sipho Makhabane
Winnie Mashaba

Best Artiste (East Africa)

Fabrice Nzeyimana
Alice Kamande
Exodus-Uganda
Christina Shusho
Blessed Sisters Rwanda
Gen. Manasseh Mathiang
Joy Nkundiman
Juliani
Emmy Kosgei
Moses "Qqu" Odhiambo
Daddy Owen
Marvellous

Best Artiste (West Africa)

No Tribe
Joe Praize
Charles Granville
Tim Godfrey
Lara George
Geo Gabriel
Ibitayo Jeje
Ohemaa Mercy
Iyobo Van Lierop
Cecelia Marfo

There were nominations for Best Artiste (North Africa) and (Central Africa).

Voting for the various categories begins, Friday, May 20 and will end June 24 worldwide at www.africagospelawards.com.

http://www.onlineafricablog.com/2011/05/ghana-clinches-over-25-nominations-at.html

Ghana clinches over 25 nominations at Africa Gospel Music Awards

Several Ghanaian music artistes both local and international have received nominations at the second edition of the Africa Gospel Music Awards (AGMA) scheduled to take place on July 9 at the Lighthouse Hall, London.

The artistes, including Sonnie Badu, Cecilia Marfo, No Tribe, Nii Okai and others had over 25 nominations in different categories of the awards.

According to organisers, the AGMA now in its second year “is aimed at celebrating and awarding excellence in the gospel music industry of people of Africa and Africans in the Diaspora,” adding that, “it is also to celebrate the work of the sector; to showcase the talent, innovation and success of our gospel artistes.”

In all, there are 20 awards, covering the whole range of musical activities which comprises singing, promotion, media and projects.

Ghanaian and UK based gospel artiste, Sonnie Badu and Ghanaian gospel music group, No Tribe lead the pack with four nominations each.

Sonnie Badu had nominations in the Best Song, Best Male Artiste, Best Artiste (Europe) and Event of the Year for his Africa Worships with Sonnie Badu.

No Tribe on the other hand had nominations in the Best Song, Best Gospel Album, Best Group and Best Artiste (West Africa) categories.

Other nominees, Ohemaa Mercy and Cecelia Marfo both clinched two nominations each in the Overall Best Female Artiste and Best Artiste (West Africa).

Adom Praize organized by Adom 106.3 FM also had a nomination for Best Contribution to African Gospel Music.

Some of the continent and Diaspora finest artistes including UK-based Sonnie Badu, Nigerian based gospel rock star, EBEN, South African based, Uche Agu, Kenny K’ore and RoofTop MC’s will perform at the awards night.

They will be supported by some of UK’s finest artistes including MOBO award winner Victizzle, Mahali Selepe, Diana Hamilton, Aaron T Aaron, Rebecca and more.

Detailed list of nominationees and categories:



	No Tribe also had four nominations including Best Group

Best Song

Halleluya - Lara George Ft Pat King
Alitenda – Lisa Murayah
Saluti – Daddy Owen
Somore - Kenny K’ore
Covenant - Rebecca Ft Uche
My Love – Tolumide
Geo Gabriel - Victory
Agidigba - Tim Godfrey
Bohye - No Tribe
Adonai - Sonnie Badu

Best Music Video

Kwasa - Gboof
Mercy - Kwesi Oteng
Charles Granville - By My Side
Rebecca Arthur - I Need You More
Agidigba Video - Tim Godfrey and The X’treme
Saluti – Daddy Owen
The Presence – Joe Praize

Best Gospel Album

Bohye - No Tribe (Ghana)
Timeless One - Alexander Victor (UK)
System Ya Kapungala - Daddy Owen (Kenya)
Rebecca Malope – Ukuthula (South Africa)
Hymnz Unlimited - Nii Okai (Ghana)
Awesome God - Aaron T. Aaron (UK)
Pulpit Kwa Street - Juliani (Kenya)
Racing Up – Paul Mwai – (Kenya)
Worship in His Presence with Benjamin Dube – (South Africa)

Event of the Year

Evolution 6 by Impact Project Ministries (Ghana)
Africa Worships with Sonnie Badu (UK)
Harvest Praise 2011 with Rev Benjamin Dube (Ghana)
The Big Church Day Out (UK)
Groove Awards (Kenya)
True Worshippers "A Night in His Presence" (USA)
Lagos Experience (Nigeria)

Overall Best Male Artiste

Daddy Owen (Kenya)
Sonnie Badu (UK)
Benjamin Dube (South Africa)
Joe Praize (Nigeria)
Uche Agu (South Africa)
Charles Granville (Nigeria)
Eben (Nigeria)
Fabrice Nzeyimana (Burundi)
Aaron T. Aaron (UK)
Kabelo Eric (Botswana)

Overall Best Female Artiste

Winnie Mashaba (South Africa)
Diana Hamilton (UK)
Ohemaa Mercy (Ghana)
Lara George (Nigeria)
Sinach (Nigeria)
Emmy Kosgei (Kenya)
Rebecca (UK)
Toyin Motara (Nigeria)
Cecilia Marfo (Ghana)

Best Gospel Group

Obert Mazivisa & Trumpet Echoes (UK)
Royal Priesthood (Ghana)
Tribe of Judah Choir (USA)
No Tribe (Ghana)
Tim Godfrey And Xtreme (Nigeria)
Allen and Da New Wave (UK)
Joyous Celebration (South Africa)
Davison Band (UK)
K-Stonez (Nigeria)

Best Gospel TV Programme

Afrika Rising - Ohtv (UK)
Praisetek Gospel Show
The Glory Encore Show Olive TV – (UK)
Praise Talk Show - Faith TV (UK)
One Voice – NTV
One Gospel – South Africa
X 2 D - Nigeria
Shine On – Channel O - Dstv

Best Gospel Radio Programme

Habari Africa. Premier Gospel Radio (UK)
P G Breakfast Premier Gospel Radio (UK)
Gospel Sunday – Milele FM (Kenya)
Praize Jams - Kool FM (Nigeria)

Best Gospel DJ/Presenter

Muyiwa Olarewaju - Premier Christian/Gospel Radio (UK)
Dj Abbey Gee - Freelance DJ (UK)
Dj Gosporella - (Nigeria)
Fiifi Folson - Sunny FM (Ghana)

Best Contribution to Africa Gospel Music

Rebecca Malope (South Africa)
Evangelist David Bruno - Ppm Birmingham (UK)
Praisetek Gospel Music Awards (Pgma)
Bng Innovates (Nigeria)
Lindlani Mkhezi of Joyous Celebration (South Africa)
Watoto Children’s Choir (Uganda)
Premier Gospel Radio (UK)
Adom Praize - Adom FM (Ghana)

Discovery of the Year

Geo Gabriel
Tolumide (USA)
Gboof (Kwasa) (Nigeria)
Royal Priesthood (Ghana)
Cwasi Oteng (Ghana)
Atta Boafo's (UK)
Motara (Nigeria)
Outcry (Kingdom Of Swaziland)
Emmanuella Bafoah-Moloney (UK)

Regional Awards Category

Best Artiste(s) (Europe)

Sonnie Badu
Master Don
Papa Richie
Lisa Muraya
Rev Osei Kofi
Rebecca Arthur
Diana Hamilton
Gwendolynn Mukulu Chris
Aaron T Aaron
Muyiwa

Best Artiste(s) (USA)

Dee Jones (Elevated)
Kenneth Appiah
Comfort Manyame
K.Stonez
Mictunes
Tolumide
The Tribe of Judah Choir
Albert Collingwoode Williams

Best Artiste (Southern Africa)

Benjamin Dube
Uche Agu
Keke Phopholo
Sfiso Ncwane
Sechaba
Solly Mahlangu
Sipho Makhabane
Winnie Mashaba

Best Artiste (East Africa)

Fabrice Nzeyimana
Alice Kamande
Exodus-Uganda
Christina Shusho
Blessed Sisters Rwanda
Gen. Manasseh Mathiang
Joy Nkundiman
Juliani
Emmy Kosgei
Moses "Qqu" Odhiambo
Daddy Owen
Marvellous

Best Artiste (West Africa)

No Tribe
Joe Praize
Charles Granville
Tim Godfrey
Lara George
Geo Gabriel
Ibitayo Jeje
Ohemaa Mercy
Iyobo Van Lierop
Cecelia Marfo

There were nominations for Best Artiste (North Africa) and (Central Africa).

Voting for the various categories begins, Friday, May 20 and will end June 24 worldwide at www.africagospelawards.com.

Story by Ernest Dela Aglanu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

Bongo Barbershop tracing the roots of hip hop from Diaspora to Africa

Producer Charlie Ahearn has come up with a documentary that features Balozi a.k.a. Dola Soul, an original member of the group Deplowmatz. Balozi grew up in Nigeria for a little while before moving to the UK and then moving back to Tanzania. It was here that he got involved with rap and was a founding member of the Deplowmatz, performing as Dola Soul.

Balozi stars in a short film (2005) by Charlie Ahearn, director of the classic movie ‘Wild Style‘, showing hip hop gone full circle. The film also stars some of the pioneers of hip hop music from the Bronx, including Grandmaster Flash’s original partner, DJ Easy Mike, and Grand Master Caz.
In the film, Balozi wanders into a Bronx barbershop on his pilgrimage to find the real hip-hop. The barber, DJ Easy Mike, calls out Grand Master Caz, who spits a rhyme on how we are in the place of hip-hops origins. Shop sweeper DOA adds vocal percussion to the mix and Balozi Dola rhymes back in his native tongue, Swahili. Bongo is the Swahili expression for brain used in local hip-hop slang.
Also check out the documentary ‘Hali Halisi – rap as an alternative medium in Tanzania‘, shot in 1999, featuring interviews with the old school of Tanzanian rappers including Balozi.

source: jamati

Freshly Ground announce North American Tour

It’s about time! Freshly Ground have been churning out hits for ages and have provided some of the best music off the continent. North American audiences are in for a treat because they have decided to do a tour and share their great music.

Freshly Ground

Freshly Ground

Although they have a huge following around the world, they are only just beginning to be noticed in North America. This tour should help build their fanbase by introducing their music to a new audience. Some people may recognize them as the band that performed with Shakira on the song ‘Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)‘ during the pre-tournament ceremonies at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The schedule is as follows:

June 24, Northampton, MA

June 25, New Haven, MA

June 26, New York City, NY

June 27, Boston, MA

June 28 and 30, Montreal, CA

June 30, Chicago, IL

July 2, Toronto, CA

July 6, Washington, DC

July 8, Quebec City, CA

July 9, S. Burlington, VT

July 10, Pasadena, CA

source: jamati

Styles P, Pharoahe Monch and Ghost give five on the ‘Black Hand Side’

Styles P, Pharoahe Monch and Phonte teamed up to do the song ‘The Black Hand Side‘, a conscious tune that speaks to the dismal side of life. Phonte was responsible for the hook and the song is reminiscent of old-school rap (you know… quality and talent combined).

Pharoahe Monch

Pharoahe Monch

The song is on Pharoahe Monch’s new ‘W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)’ album which dropped March 22, 2010. Pharoahe Monch is a hip hop artist with a creative, complex delivery of lyrics. He often addresses issues in his songs that many would rather side-step. Styles P is a member of the group The Lox and a gifted rapper. Phonte is a Grammy-nominated rapper whose style is more up-front and direct in approach. This combination’s of styles shows up in the song, lending a ne0-soul softness to the rap.
Give a listen and see what you think.

source: jamati

Fragrance brings the scent of success to the Nigerian music scene.

Born Bridget Oritsema Tosan to an Itsekiri father and a half-Scottish/half-Urhobo mother, Fragrance grew up in the oil-rich city of Warri. She started singing in church at a very tender age but went professional in 2006 when she called and hooked up with current manager and co-songwriter, Ena Ofugara. In 2007 she released debut album, ‘So Lovely’, which earned her two nominations for Best New Artiste (Female) and Best Vocalist RnB in the Award for Musical Excellence in Nigeria (AMEN).

Fragrance originally wanted to be an actress but was convinced to pursue a singing career by Ofugara after he heard her audition. She has not looked back since, recording several very popular songs including ‘Lover ‘n’ Friend’, ‘Shake Shake’, ‘If You Plan To Break My Heart’ and ‘Free’. Her second album, ‘Now and Forever’, already has her fans going crazy. Produced by a talented team comprised of Bayo Cean Joseph (Bjay Productions), Puffy Tee, Charles Duke, Rymzo, Kaka, and Tony Ross, it already has hits including ‘We be One,’ featuring LKT, and ‘To Ba Fe Jo,’ featuring Brace. There are other heavy hitters on the album including 2Face Idibia, Rymzo, Adol, and Longjohns.
The album was released on March 12, 2011 and you can get your free download of ‘Don’t Leave‘ and ‘Ready‘. To learn more about Fragrance, visit her Facebook page.

Nigerian rapper sets new world record for Longest Freestyle Rap

Nigerian rapper Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege, member of Chiddy Bang has set a new world record for the Longest Freestyle Rap.

Chiddy who is based in Philadelphia began the quest to break the record at MTV O Music Awards which took place at Las Vegas Thursday.

The Guinness World Records title for Longest Rap Freestyle was initially held by another rapper, M-Eighty from Indianapolis.

The new record stands at 9 hours, 18 minutes, and 22 seconds, smashing the old record of 9 hours, 15 minutes and 15 seconds, by 3 minutes 7 seconds.

According MTV, Last week, Chiddy had explained his strategy to break the record stating that, "I freestyle probably, like, once a day."

"That's better than a lot of people, if you really think about it; I freestyle once a day for like 30 minutes straight. I never put myself to this maximum test, but it's very exciting for me, and once this all done, it'll be like, Wow I didn't know I could go that long,” he said.

Chiddy continued that, "It's a marathon, not a race. It's all about pacing yourself. I tend to be very, very hype when I rap. This time, I realize I'm gonna rap for like nine hours, so I'm not gonna come out of the gate hyped. I'm just gonna pace myself and ride that thing out, ride it till the wheels fall off."

His group, Chiddy Bang is named after him, Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege, and his producer, Noah "Xaphoon Jones" Beresin. The two started the group during their school days at Drexel University.

Story by Ernest Dela Aglanu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

Rocky Dawuni urges fashion designers to promote national colours

Ghanaian fashion designers have been advised to promote Ghana’s national colours to whip up the interest of Ghanaians in their use.
Concerns have been raised about the low patronage and exhibition of paraphernalia made in the Ghana national colours; Red, Gold, Green and Black.
In 2007 Ghanaians were fanatical about wearing cloths and paraphernalia made of the Ghanaian national colours as part of the Ghana@50 celebrations.
Artists who created various paraphernalia made of Ghana national colours generated lots of revenue as people, both old and young, patronized the products in commemoration of the celebrations.
It is surprising to note that few Ghanaians were seen adorned with cloths made of the national colours on the 54th Independence Day anniversary celebration on 6th March 2011.
Some attributed the low patronage and exhibition of the Red, Gold, Green and Black that symbolize the allegiance Ghanaians owe to the nation, to the gradual demise of patriotism among Ghanaians.
But Ghana’s international music star, Rocky Dawuni has told Adom News that, though some Ghanaians have lost interest in the use of national colours for reasons best known to them, fashion designers can turn the table around.
He says Ghanaians will love to wear cloths designed in national colours if they are attractively crafted.
He has therefore urged fashion designers to employ creative means to entice Ghanaians to patronize cloths made in Ghana national colours.
Rocky Dawuni believes this will help promote the national colours both home and abroad.
The music icon who always hoisted the Ghana flag as a back drop on the various platforms he has performed, told Adom News “there have been several instances where audiences who patronized my international shows, approached me to find out my nationality and the meaning of the Ghana National colours, which I explained to them.”

source: ghanamusic.com

Rocky Dawuni urges fashion designers to promote national colours

Ghanaian fashion designers have been advised to promote Ghana’s national colours to whip up the interest of Ghanaians in their use.
Concerns have been raised about the low patronage and exhibition of paraphernalia made in the Ghana national colours; Red, Gold, Green and Black.
In 2007 Ghanaians were fanatical about wearing cloths and paraphernalia made of the Ghanaian national colours as part of the Ghana@50 celebrations.
Artists who created various paraphernalia made of Ghana national colours generated lots of revenue as people, both old and young, patronized the products in commemoration of the celebrations.
It is surprising to note that few Ghanaians were seen adorned with cloths made of the national colours on the 54th Independence Day anniversary celebration on 6th March 2011.
Some attributed the low patronage and exhibition of the Red, Gold, Green and Black that symbolize the allegiance Ghanaians owe to the nation, to the gradual demise of patriotism among Ghanaians.
But Ghana’s international music star, Rocky Dawuni has told Adom News that, though some Ghanaians have lost interest in the use of national colours for reasons best known to them, fashion designers can turn the table around.
He says Ghanaians will love to wear cloths designed in national colours if they are attractively crafted.
He has therefore urged fashion designers to employ creative means to entice Ghanaians to patronize cloths made in Ghana national colours.
Rocky Dawuni believes this will help promote the national colours both home and abroad.
The music icon who always hoisted the Ghana flag as a back drop on the various platforms he has performed, told Adom News “there have been several instances where audiences who patronized my international shows, approached me to find out my nationality and the meaning of the Ghana National colours, which I explained to them.”

source: ghanamusic.com

Ruff-N-Smooth Signed On New Record Label

The controversy, rumors and noise surrounding the switch of Ruff N Smooth from the green building Empire Entertainment to a new record label has finally arrived.

The deal will be sealed Wednesday 30th March 2011 at 10am inside the head quarters of Ghana’s entertainment center Citizen Kofi, the Hollywood lounge. Ruff N Smooth, as a music group, is more focused on their career and looks at the change as a stepping stone to greater heights in life.

source: ghanagossip.com

Ruff-N-Smooth Signed On New Record Label

The controversy, rumors and noise surrounding the switch of Ruff N Smooth from the green building Empire Entertainment to a new record label has finally arrived.

The deal will be sealed Wednesday 30th March 2011 at 10am inside the head quarters of Ghana’s entertainment center Citizen Kofi, the Hollywood lounge. Ruff N Smooth, as a music group, is more focused on their career and looks at the change as a stepping stone to greater heights in life.

source: ghanagossip.com

Ice Prince "Oleku" Frozen At Ghana Music Awards

Contrary the promotional television and radio advert that led patrons into believing that this year’s Ghana Music Awards was going to be an exciting one with the coming on board of sensational Nigerian artiste Ice Prince of Oleku fame...,

...the Chocolate City artiste flopped big time and succeeded in making a complete mockery of himself during his stay on stage.

source: ghanagossip.com

Ice Prince "Oleku" Frozen At Ghana Music Awards

Contrary the promotional television and radio advert that led patrons into believing that this year’s Ghana Music Awards was going to be an exciting one with the coming on board of sensational Nigerian artiste Ice Prince of Oleku fame...,

...the Chocolate City artiste flopped big time and succeeded in making a complete mockery of himself during his stay on stage.

source: ghanagossip.com

D-Black Guns For 5 Wins At Ghana Music Awards

D-Black da Ghana Bwouy a.k.a Yes Boss!, who is arguably Ghana’s biggest hip-hop artist continentally hit his 20th Award nomination ever since he hit the music scene 2 years ago after receiving 5 nominations at the upcoming Ghana Music Awards Festival.

A great feat indeed for an Anglophone hip-hop artist who burst onto the scene in late 2008 with his group effort with Kwaku-T which saw them release their ‘TARGET PRACTICE’ Album with songs like ‘Move’ and ‘Breathe’.

Following the success of that Album, D-Black & Kwaku-t decided to try their hands at solo albums which resulted in D-Black setting up a proper business structure for his own label “Black Avenue Muzik”, securing a distribution deal with Sony Music via Rockstar 4000, recording over 35 songs with an incredible line up of producers and features from 2 Face Idibia, Wyclef Jean, Samini, Sarkodie to Kwabena Kwabena and more, picking his 20 best songs out of the lot and releasing his highly acclaimed debut solo album “Music, Love & Life” on the 25th of September 2010.

This album launch was dubbed the biggest one Ghana had ever experienced that year.

The “Music, Love and Life” Album by D-Black, 5 months after its release just received 5 nominations at the upcoming 2011 Ghana Music Awards for “Album of the Year”, “Hip-hop / Hiplife Artist of the Year”, Collaboration of the Year, Hip-hop Song of the year and Song writer of the year for his songs “Somebody” featuring Kwabena Kwabena and Get on da Dance floor featuring Dr. Cryme.

D-Black whose story is a grass to grace one, from financial difficulties his family faced growing up with a single mother following the 1996 split of his parents, being expelled from secondary school, kicked of a label and surviving on his own in a bid to follow his musical dreams today now carries the torch for Ghanaian hip-hop all over the world.

He’s performed at the 2010 Bet Hip-Hop Awards Cypher, The 2010 Channel O Awards, shared stages with Jay Z, Memphis Bleek, Busta Rhymes, Lloyd, Fat Joe, Omarion, Stevie Wonder, Ja Rule, Rick Ross and collaborated with many African musicians including Nigeria’s 2 Face, P Square, Ice Prince of Oleku fame, Kel, Sauce Kid and Banky W, Zimbabwe’s Buffalo Souljah, Rachel K from Uganda, Segal from Gabon, STL and Wyre from Kenya, HHP, Kwela Thebza, Tear Gas and Loyiso from South Africa As well as with Wyclef Jean, Jim Jones and Memphis Bleek from the U.S.A. He was also voted by MNET as Africa’s 2nd Best Anglophone Rapper for the year 2010.

D-Black tagged as Ghana’s hardest working musician by the media and many industry stakeholders has been nominated a total of 20 times since he began his musical journey at various music award ceremonies from the 2010 Ghana Music Awards, 2010 Sound city Music Awards in Nigeria, 2009 Channel O Awards,2010 Channel O Awards in South Africa, 2010 4Syte Music Video Awards, African Music Awards in the U.K, Museke African Music Awards and most recently the 2011 Ghana Music Awards. May God continue to guide and bless him to lift higher the name of Ghana.

The Music Video for the third single off D-Black’s Album following the first and second singles Somebody featuring Kwabena Kwabena and Get on Da Dancefloor ft. Dr. Cryme respectively is set to be released on the11h of April 2011 and is titled Asabone (Dirty Dancin’) featuring the godfather of Hiplife Reggie Rockstone.

D-Black , whose Breathe Directed by GYO of Phamous Philms Video won video of the year last year at the Ghana Music Awards , has his eyes set on winning Big at the 2011 Ghana Music Awards on 9th April and urges all loyal D-Black and GH Rap Fans to vote for him in all categories by texting “D1” “M1” & “F1” TO 1767.

source: ghanagossip.com

D-Black Guns For 5 Wins At Ghana Music Awards

D-Black da Ghana Bwouy a.k.a Yes Boss!, who is arguably Ghana’s biggest hip-hop artist continentally hit his 20th Award nomination ever since he hit the music scene 2 years ago after receiving 5 nominations at the upcoming Ghana Music Awards Festival.

A great feat indeed for an Anglophone hip-hop artist who burst onto the scene in late 2008 with his group effort with Kwaku-T which saw them release their ‘TARGET PRACTICE’ Album with songs like ‘Move’ and ‘Breathe’.

Following the success of that Album, D-Black & Kwaku-t decided to try their hands at solo albums which resulted in D-Black setting up a proper business structure for his own label “Black Avenue Muzik”, securing a distribution deal with Sony Music via Rockstar 4000, recording over 35 songs with an incredible line up of producers and features from 2 Face Idibia, Wyclef Jean, Samini, Sarkodie to Kwabena Kwabena and more, picking his 20 best songs out of the lot and releasing his highly acclaimed debut solo album “Music, Love & Life” on the 25th of September 2010.

This album launch was dubbed the biggest one Ghana had ever experienced that year.

The “Music, Love and Life” Album by D-Black, 5 months after its release just received 5 nominations at the upcoming 2011 Ghana Music Awards for “Album of the Year”, “Hip-hop / Hiplife Artist of the Year”, Collaboration of the Year, Hip-hop Song of the year and Song writer of the year for his songs “Somebody” featuring Kwabena Kwabena and Get on da Dance floor featuring Dr. Cryme.

D-Black whose story is a grass to grace one, from financial difficulties his family faced growing up with a single mother following the 1996 split of his parents, being expelled from secondary school, kicked of a label and surviving on his own in a bid to follow his musical dreams today now carries the torch for Ghanaian hip-hop all over the world.

He’s performed at the 2010 Bet Hip-Hop Awards Cypher, The 2010 Channel O Awards, shared stages with Jay Z, Memphis Bleek, Busta Rhymes, Lloyd, Fat Joe, Omarion, Stevie Wonder, Ja Rule, Rick Ross and collaborated with many African musicians including Nigeria’s 2 Face, P Square, Ice Prince of Oleku fame, Kel, Sauce Kid and Banky W, Zimbabwe’s Buffalo Souljah, Rachel K from Uganda, Segal from Gabon, STL and Wyre from Kenya, HHP, Kwela Thebza, Tear Gas and Loyiso from South Africa As well as with Wyclef Jean, Jim Jones and Memphis Bleek from the U.S.A. He was also voted by MNET as Africa’s 2nd Best Anglophone Rapper for the year 2010.

D-Black tagged as Ghana’s hardest working musician by the media and many industry stakeholders has been nominated a total of 20 times since he began his musical journey at various music award ceremonies from the 2010 Ghana Music Awards, 2010 Sound city Music Awards in Nigeria, 2009 Channel O Awards,2010 Channel O Awards in South Africa, 2010 4Syte Music Video Awards, African Music Awards in the U.K, Museke African Music Awards and most recently the 2011 Ghana Music Awards. May God continue to guide and bless him to lift higher the name of Ghana.

The Music Video for the third single off D-Black’s Album following the first and second singles Somebody featuring Kwabena Kwabena and Get on Da Dancefloor ft. Dr. Cryme respectively is set to be released on the11h of April 2011 and is titled Asabone (Dirty Dancin’) featuring the godfather of Hiplife Reggie Rockstone.

D-Black , whose Breathe Directed by GYO of Phamous Philms Video won video of the year last year at the Ghana Music Awards , has his eyes set on winning Big at the 2011 Ghana Music Awards on 9th April and urges all loyal D-Black and GH Rap Fans to vote for him in all categories by texting “D1” “M1” & “F1” TO 1767.

source: ghanagossip.com