Adunni & Nefertiti is about African culture

Adunni and Nefertiti is a multitalented and award winning all female singing group created in 2006 by Orobiyi Motunrayo Abiodun aka Adunni which started with six members.  In this interview with Seyi Eretan, Adunni talks about their unique traditional type of music. Excerpts:

About Adunni and the group
Well, my beginning was very simple and being the first child in a family of five, the journey was not smooth. I had my primary and secondary school education at Ayetoro, Ogun State. I worked before I was admitted into the University of Lagos to study Theatre Arts at the department of Creative Arts and while in the university system I still worked to support myself and my family.
As a professional performing artiste, I have worked with a lot of noble, humble and experienced music and theatre directors home and abroad.

Choice of ‘Nefertiti’
It all started after my NYSC program when my first recording album did not come out the way I wanted. So we agreed to go online in search of a unique name that carries the characteristics and attributes of women who portray the African culture. We came across Queen Nephertiti of Egypt.
Adunni means pleasant to have while Nefertiti means the beautiful one has come. The combination of these two powerful names serves as a driving force which brings out the aesthetic and artistic value of talented women in us through music.

Uniqueness of the music
My type of music is folkloric. It is spiritual. Irrespective of tribe and language, it is about morals in all forms especially to heal the ills of the society. Few years back my type of music was perceived as primitive but lately, it has come to stay.
What makes my genre of music unique and classy is the fact that we maintain original lyrics and tone of the music which is known as characterisation. I do my music on a more traditional identity. Even when it has some western influence, which cannot be totally avoided, I ensure that the African identity in my tone of delivery and in my appearance is strictly adhered to.

Her choice of genre of music
I will never do what will not attract people from other parts of the world especially the West. They are desperately in search of what is new and different entirely from what they are familiar with; they will ask questions and are ever ready to go the extra mile to love and adopt it.
Certainly, everyone cannot tongue-twist. We all have our strong point in all areas of life, discovering it is another thing and that is where many people have lost it. Some lost it for life while some are lucky to trace it back.

Starting out
Starting out was rough; there was no money and steady platform but thanks to God I have experimented me as a person on different platforms. Since childhood, I love me, I know who I am, I searched and God helped me to see where there is a vacuum in the music industry.
With no shame or intimidation, I was attracted and attached to the opportunity. Without wasting time, I grabbed it quickly even when many said to my face and showed me by their actions that I am local and uncivilized as I was a graduate. I never felt offended because I have come to realize that people like that are distracters. They are the ladder provided for me to climb to my glorious and divine destination.
So I re-packaged folk songs that women of virtue like late Comfort Omoge, Onyeka Onwenu, Stella Monye, Lijadu sisters, late Miriam Makeba, Angelique Kidjo and even late Pa Hubert Ogunde and many more have created. I realized it was fading out gradually all in the name of sophistication. If not quickly tapped into, it may take eternity and extra hard work to bring back.
With no regret, total fulfillment and satisfaction, I have and will continue to imbibe the positive spirit of high self-esteem and dignity into my team.
In terms of grouping, some are married, some are in school and some are on a part-time basis. So if there is urgency need, auditions will be carried out to recruit new members.

Acceptance
Today, I am glad and bold to say that we are highly appreciated because we are real, original, educated and unashamed of our source, tradition and culture.  Adunni & Nefertiti is still the only recognised folk song ambassador that is appealing to everybody in the society without language or ethnic barrier in the country and the Diaspora.

Exquisite costume
Thanks for the compliments. It is very simple because our costume is an infusion of local and contemporary idea to reflect our personality. We get moderately priced fabric with colour that will blend with skin tone of each member and pick a very simple style that will be easy to sew and wear.
At times clients determines the choice of our outfit for the event but we advise them to avoid colour  clash with the general colour for the event. The same thing goes for corporate functions.

Financing
Our costume is part of our selling point, expensive to maintain as well as rehearsal fees, member’s welfare, transportation, interviews and meetings which all requires money. We have been able to get supports from individuals and our shows. Besides, fans and well-wishers have been remarkable as we get appraisals, advice and suggestions from them.

No intimidation from hip hop
Threatened? Read my lips, NO WAY! Music world is broad and it is a God-given talent industry. Let generations after generations keep digging into the different genres, they can never finish exploiting it.
There is no big deal. Music is practical; just give us microphone and leave the rest for the audience to judge. It is a free world and not a do or die affair. There are no two ways about it; you either have it or not.

Challenges
Dishonesty is one of them. Some clients don’t come clean on details of events. Of course as professionals, we have to be there well ahead of the slated time considering unexpected situations that can cause unnecessary delay.
The venue could be a very big hall or outdoor with screaming sound system or no microphone and acoustic to enhance voices. Definitely such venue will swallow the voice which is the most challenging for any singer. The show must go on, so you have to sing on top of your voice to make the audience happy.
Thus we ensure we get the name, area, venue of the event and see it before we negotiate if it is within Lagos. If it is outside Lagos, our contacts either do it or we check it out ourselves.
Also, you have to run after some clients to get your balance. Some will not pay until the last guests leave. These are some of the reasons we sign Code of Conduct to guide both parties.
View of the music industry
Sky is the beginning. Those that did not believe in it before should be ready to join the queue anytime soon or those that have empty and shallow creativity should start packing their loads because there will be no room for coming through the back door or throwing money around. To fit into the flow in this generation, you must be extremely creative, good and talented.

We can blend bata drum into hip hop - SOJ Bata

It is uncommon for a young person to opt for bata drumming amongst the various sophisticated instruments around but Oluwatisomiji Ojo Aladegoroye learnt and it with dexterity which betrays his passion for his choice of profession.
He holds a degree in computer science from Lagos State Polytechnic (Laspotech) and also have the highest certificate (General HSE) from the Nigerian Institute Of Safety Professionals immediately he finished from Nigerian Institute Of Information Technology.
Popularly known as SOJ bata, he describes himself as a freelance bata drummer as he aspires to assemble a bata based percussion group.
In this interview with Seyi Eretan, SOJ bata speaks passionately about bata drumming, his experience and the belief that bata can blend into other genres.

Journey into bata drumming
Sincerely, I would say its curiosity first then interest and passion because I was not born into a drumming family, infact my parents have nothing to do with drums. I attended the same elementary school where my mummy taught (she is dead now) and was opportune to be tutored by one Mrs. Bakare as a subject teacher. She was the one that fuelled my interest in Yoruba language: the culture, ways, values and how to appreciate yourself as a Yoruba.
Meanwhile, my mother was then the choir mistress of our church (Celestial Church of Christ Agege Parish 1), so we the children just graduated from the junior choir to the adult choir. As at that time, I played other types of drums like Alumole and Conga but I felt I needed to graduate to something more glorious.
There was a particular day the choir has an outing around Mowe, Ogun State in 2001 and there was no space for the Conga drum in the bus so the choirmaster had to drop the drum. It was very painful because my mummy didn’t allow me to go with them and I had stay in the church premises till they get back the next day. That singular event further made me resolve to learn something else that is more traditional than conga, so I chose bata.

Why Bata?
I actually started with the talking drum (Gangan). There was a guy called Tayo, the first talking drum player for Lanre Teriba, who agreed to teach me. I go to his house every morning for practice but he noticed I was not really excited about the drum, so he offered a solution.
 
Apprenticeship
He took me to Mr. Lateef also known as Baba Ruka, who comes from a lineage of bata drummers. He is the first bata drummer in Lagbaja’s band, his younger (Razak) took over while their father (Baba Ayankola) was the first bata drummer of Hubert Ogunde. I learnt Baba Ayankola’s Bata band in Iseyin, Oyo State normally go to the palace of Alaafin of Oyo anytime the king has any function.  I met him once at the National Theatre but he died in 2006,
When I told Mr. Lateef that I am from Ondo State, he said it doesn’t matter so long as I am serious and have interest in learning. To test my level of seriousness, he told me to get a bata drum for myself which I did and he took me and other four guys in. I spent one and a half years learning the rudiments of bata drumming.
I told him I prefer Omele bata to Iya bata which is the bigger size. I chose Omele bata because it is very handy and much more in demand than the Iya bata which is majorly for cultural purposes.
 
Unforgettable experience
There is a Awori Ota Igunnuko masquerade coven, led by an ex-military officer called General, beside my boss’ house in Ifako Agege.  Anytime we start rehearsal, General and some other adherents would come to observe and even buy drinks which I don’t partake in as I don’t drink. Whenever they have events, my boss would be invited to play so I had to be there.
There was a day the Olota of Ota wanted egungun masquerade festival, General as one of the palace subject had move his own egungun masquerade from Agege to the king’s palace. He gave my boss the task of assembling the best bata drummers in Agege and its environs to accompany him and his entourage of egunguns to Ota.
As an apprentice, you will not believe this, I had to join them to walk barefooted as we played from Eyiowuawi Street in Agege to the front of Olota’s palace. It was in the day time.
I did it for three reasons: I was an apprentice, I can’t let my boss down and I saw it as an opportunity for me to meet with the Olota.
 
Lessons learnt from the experience
Growing up, we usually had to pass through the masquerade gatherings on our way to church without any disturbance from them. That was the closest contact I had with them until I did my apprenticeship.
Although I couldn’t sleep well for about three days after the Ota experience, I still came out with one or two lessons. I learnt more about the Yoruba tradition and Ota people. Professionally as a bata drummer, you dare not criticize, don’t be sentimental and don’t let tribal issues get into your head.
 
First time on stage
I got a job to play with Prince Bode’s band where my boss used to play. Due to one thing or the other, my boss couldn’t play that day so he told me to get on stage with the band. At first, I was shy but after about 20 minutes I blended in perfectly. That first performance fetched me N3000.
 
Fulfillment in the profession
To some extent, I can say it is fulfilling but it can be better. All the same, I give God the glory. Bata drumming has taken me to some West African countries like Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic when I was with Atunda Entertainment.
When Ara who used to be the face of Atunda left, we needed to rebrand. We had a three-month rehearsal and toured the Nigeria for three months to rebrand.
 
Infusion of Bata into hip hop music
It is very possible. Lagbaja is doing it. I see 2face and D’banj as excellent performers who can control the stage perfectly and willing to diversify. Infusing Bata into hip hop music depends on the artist if he knows what he is doing.
Most artists now depend on the hype that comes from their beat and not the lyrics. This is the more reason people like 2face will continue to drop hits upon hits.

ALBUM REVIEW: 2face Idibia's Ascension album

2face Idibia's Ascension album reviewed by former TV personality and host of Nigeria's first ever music video countdown, Emmanuel Ugolee. Read below...

I was going to take my time and digest "The Ascension" but then the news that the 2 week (or so) old album had broken an African billboard record would not let me. I was in a mad hurry to see what content had pulled that feat.

Just before I took to dissecting, I cautioned myself about:

a) Comparing the album to the prevalent sound of buzzing music today since I had immense disregard for the yardstick of its acceptance (melody and lyrics alike) and ...

b) Making comparison with the "face 2 face" album as every great act gets to deal with the curse of an early great outing in his career. Micheal Jackson chased "Thriller" with every effort till he died. He never touched it for many, if not all of us. Seems same for 9ice, Snoop Doggy Dog, Asa, Bobby Brown, MajekFasheketc

So the basis for judgment fair and square had to be : How much of the man we love, could i feel in this album? Did he "fall" the proverbial hand? Would I find home grown and universal appeal worthy of Africa's biggest act of this generation? Can I relate to the sense or nonsense he made? Would I be proud to be a fan when I am done?

Now that my head was clear on the basis for a standard analysis, it was time to press play on track 1

1) Go ftMachelMontano :  Trying to stay still without rhythmically moving body parts to this song is sheer punishment. Your classic party jam which I think was a strategically smart move to appeal to the critical under 25 audience. Typical plot of a girl in the club pulling all the attention by doing her thing. He also communicated in a language they know so well eg "blow my mind, way you whine, carry go". Glad though that he observed the limits, leaving Hennessey, Ferrari and Versace alone.

Then next to Patoranking, can't wait to hear a Machel Montano album. Awesome delivery on this track he served. Great blend with 2face. Generally, a good feel good song.

2) #Aproko : I've noticed 2face's music is influenced by romantic love, governance, human inter-relationships and his personal experiences. #aproko is a clear mix of the last two.

For years, I have known Dr Sid to be mild tempered but the only time I've seen the beast in him awaken was because of twitter. Someone had the nerve to tell a man hurt over his dad's demise to "stop ranting and give us hits joor". Like Peter Okoye, 2face got the same medium used to have his family disrespected. Banky's head has had countless trending hash tags. Can you imagine how that must hurt?

Well the agony is felt in #aproko. Strong words unveil the disgust 2face feels in his stomach about the trend. Describing the pitiable, backwardfocused, idle state of the cyber bully as unworthy of sleepless nights. He however urges victims to dust shoulders and ignore them because they are just words that shouldn't get to them, even when the words kiss their a**es. Great lesson for all but a celebrities favorite you can bet.

This message is served with a warlike sound from Leriq.  Not a song for all but on point with content.

3) Holiday! A second feel good song with a little extra ginger. David Guetta and Calvin Harris were the names to pop into my head as I followed the changing drum sequence. The message reminds you of Will Smith's 'Welcome to Miami'. No stress, no work, no worries. Just have fun.  This song would effortlessly slide into any house music DJ's mix. While the clubs @ okoko would gladly skip this song, this is heaven for the table top dancing, PiccoloMondo, Caliente going, Ajebur kids and all their action replicating wannabe's.

My advice sha is to constantly check your account balance as you swipe your card listening to this song because of its power to inspire flow of Shayo. A good attempt to cater for house music's loving global fans

4) Can't hear you ftVector : Turn up sound for the youngsters.  Close your eyes to the beat and you'll see YMCM and YBNL. Now music that be bumping with today's hippies.The kind of sound that extends his life span with the Y generation.Nicely produced.

Lyrically, he was just letting personal stuff off his chest. I didn't work too hard to connect but I wasn't sure I could say the same for the average listener because you had to be in his shoes to relate to the pain of having someone always trying to famz with irrelevant topics even when you are just trying to have a good time. Sounds like he gets that a lot in the club. Only money talk would not be bother at that time he says. Vector flawlessly drove the point home with a memorable rhyme scheme and trademark clarity only wished he sounded more personal along the line of 2face's expression. He sounded like the beat was sent to him to voice in a different studio armed only with the topic.

5) The best I can be ft iceberg slim and Rock steady : This sound made me want to do two miles an hour in a convertible with everyone who has ever put me in undue stress without a clue of my personal struggle, watching me roll. Vintage 2face, still on that "I am not perfect, I can only be me, I no send you, I no holy pass" tip. He stresses also on his realness chopping some kpanla aka okporoko and didn't forget to talk about a failing government. Too many messages for one song if you ask me.

Iceberg slim slayed his verse even though he had a forth element of flossing added to it. "Do me like masturbation' is not only unoriginal but tired. Rappers should please leave that line alone. Outside that one line, Iceberg was remarkable. Rock steady stuck more to the theme but disappointingly with what was clearly a freestyle verse. If he wrote that, then he should loose his hyperteck jersey. Overall, it was cool

6) Let somebody love you ft Bridget Kelly: 32yrs and above please. Just skip if you started appreciating music from the Terry G, Limpopo era. 90's R&B reborn. Wow! It was refreshing and definitely international stuff right there.

Oh Bridget my dear Bridget. Thank you. All I got to say to you for the quality of the blessing you put on this track. Voice control and texture, lyrics, delivery. Thank you. Bridge, I hope they explained to you what it meant to let somebody. "Take You"? No be to take you out o! If you let that happen with Innocent, there's only one possible outcome o! Juorkwaajuju o.

2face didn't fall short at all on all parameters on this superbly produced sound.

7) Kiss of Life: Ok the lover boy is let loose. Brilliant writing.The mature audience still having a ball on this track. Kiss of life is that movie soundtrack that forces you to reach for your partners hand in the cinema.  This song would touch you if you've ever had difficulty express love to a crush. Great way with words, lovely midtempo melody. I loved it

8) Hate what you do to me. My favorite song on the album for the following reasons. I haven't heard any song so romantically constructed with such ruthless depth and creativity in the last 10years. Sweet Jesus, this boy outdid himself this time. Then the hook was of the hook. Simple and Sweet. Please tell me that was Carlos Santana on those strings that were pushing me to the brink of sheer madness. No man or woman who has loved an imperfect person can resist feeling this song. "When you are not here there is peace and then, dam! I wanna share it (the peace) with you." The irony in this song is tangible. Heavenly production. Sure winner.

9) Confessions ft Rock steady and DammyKrane : Ok someone call 2face back to 2014. Now he takes us to the Caribbean’s and Jamaica when Chaka Dimus and Pliers reigned. The best for me was the hook. Don't think this was the best song to use to show what Dammy could do. Rock Steady was more at home here but clearly now needs a ghost writer. His strength is with his awesome voice and melodic delivery.

I enjoyed the memory lane jogg and I am sure many would.

10) Close to where you are: I would have made this a bonus track. Not very striking with the cords of interest it hits. He is however outstanding with the use of words to paint a picture. "Its like no tracks under a train" he goes. Guess 2face has finally settled the issues about his writing contributions to plantation boys. Outside that, the song was just there

11) International loving ftAlmarcha : Clearly for the east African market and the francophone countries but might favorably compete with the dim dimgbamgbam sound in Naija. Personally this was the only song I didn't give a second listen to for the sake of its alien feel to my ears but I am sure lovers of French creole would think me mad. Almarcha rode the beat pretty well.

Track 12 (BouleyBouleyftShurwayme) and Track 13 (Diaspora Woman ftFallyIpupa) I would gladly put in the same basket as 11 with the non Nigerian appeal but its got proper production for whom it may concern. Sorry, we gotta deal with it, he is no longer a local star. His market demands this and I am proud of how at home he is with the music. Fally on point as usual

Track 14) JeJe : Ehen, where ma shrine regulars at? Super Afro beat undying sound. This had to be Egypt 80.

Are they still making that movie on Fela? Somebody give them a chance to have the coolest non Fela soundtrack. Diverse dude, this 2face guy. Appropriately, spat all the way in pidginEnglish. The harmonies were rendered by true professionals; they sank and got mixed perfectly with the instruments. As regards the content? 2face again reminding us how much better it is to do your thing and let others do theirs. Maintain your lane jeje.Jeje did it for me.

15) LessePasseft Sir Victor Uwaifo. Ok under 38years of age, please sit down abeg. This one is stuck with the brand of highlife around in the 70's. The funk and groove that tries to make it escape to our new era of high life were arrested by the masterfully played guitar of Sir Uwaifo. You just had to remember the music of yesteryears. While popsie may wave his head to Wizboy, this would awaken  his spirit.

16) Ife Dinmaft Tony One week. Jolly party jam that did Tony more good. Proof that he still in form. For 2baba, don't think the impact would be as strong outside the East and South/South of Nigeria. And yea! A song you can "shokie" to. The upbeat tempo and attempt to cut the vocal cord would require full party mode to enjoy.

17) Not a surprise: An extended skit designed to remind us that 2baba's core constituency is reggea, ragga, dance hall and all. Feels like that "let's jubilate" filler. "The Album is done." This is no sarcasm. The song is actually 2mins 38sec long so....

In general, with the Ascension, I was impressed by the fact that he retained his identity. “There are still 7thousand that didn't bow down to Baal”. Thank you 2face for not jumping on the band wagon with the urge to make sales by going with thetimes. Thank you for making content a primary point of focus in making this album. Thank you for exploiting the power of music beyond pleasure for a few months after which comes the irreversible glide to oblivion. No wonder at below 40, you are almost 20years old in a business where many have lasted for 8months

Great attempt to have something for everybody but beware of the Jack of all trades.

With no fear or favor I would give the Ascension 3 and a half stars of 5.XXXx

Butafly drops Gbalaga ft DJ Humility, Splash & Brown Shuga

 

After a successful mixtape release, Butafly is back to our playlists with a hot new offering titled 'Gbalaga'. The mid-tempo song features the renowned, Incredible DJ Humility, fast rising indegenious female rapper Splash and multi talented reggae crooner, Brown Shuga.

Gbalaga is the Ibo word for 'run away' and on this song, we hear Butafly use playful bars to deliver memorable verses on an afro-beat fused with reggae instrumental produced by Prolishey. Plans are ongoing to release the visuals for the single soon as subsequent weeks would see her fans get treated to viral videos of some tracks off her BRT Mixtape.

 

STREAM/DOWNLOAD

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Romeo is out with Booty Near You

Romeo is with Now Muzik and this is his first single since his going solo after the release of  Elevated album with the Crystal band (Star Quest) in 2012.

 

With relatable lyrics, metaphors and brilliant word play, the Spyke-produced song is in appreciation of the unique figure of the African woman.

Romeo is also a member of the Loos Kollectiv, a hip hop ensemble with an affiliation to Now Muzik, their first single Take Over was released last week to great reception.

Now Muzik is home to other great and talented artistes like 2face, Tony Oneweek, Naeto C, Rocksteady, RIghteousman, Efa, K Slim, and Loos Kollectiv.

NEW MUSIC - SPLOOFIC BY BUTAFLY

Emerging strongly in the Nigerian music scene is an amazing Hip-hop artiste and song writer, Butafly, who is gradually gaining recognition among her counterparts. The outstanding rapper who recently featured alongside Weird MC and Sasha at the just concluded April edition of Str8 Up Hip-hop tagged ‘Ladies First’, is said to be one of the most lyrically gifted female acts to grace the Nigerian entertainment industry in a long while. Little wonder why her last released song ‘Started From The Bottom’ (Drake’s cover) keeps receiving great reviews and commendations since its premiere online till date. Butafly is currently rounding up recording one of the most anticipated material from a female artist, Butafly Rap Trap Mixtape 1 (BRT1) whose release date was previously postponed, giving her the space and time to try new ideas and stretch her imagination.
‘Sploofic’ is the second single off the #BRT1 Mixtape and was produced by Panda record’s producer/artiste, Prolishey. Expect a couple of internet videos from the energetic performer in the weeks to follow before the release of BRT1 Mixtape.