Coming at y’all straight outta your eclectic metropolis, LAS-GIDI…..fellow Nigerians ….its new, its refreshing, it’s d E411…giving you d latest low-down on d buzz in 9ja’s entertainment industry ! Got entertainment gossip cravings? Fashion issues? A hunger for piping hot, in-your-face reviews and interviews? Then people, you need not cringe in shame! U want it, we supply it! It’s no holds barred for us as we’d be making no exceptions. We capture the celebs moments of fame and shame so here’s a bit of a WARNING (for the artistes): If you feel d heat, then you’ve earned it and if u can’t stand it, haul yourself outta d kitchen cuz we are going to be smokin’!!! As long as we’ve got you n you hang on to us, you’re in for a jaw-dropping experience!! Some may see us as critics (well…at least those on our hitlist), some may see us as real n concise (yeah…our family n friends), while some may see us as attention seekers (if they do, then we MUST be doing sumfin right). But whichever way you tint your shades, we’ll continue being your funky fly, sizzling fresh entertainment portal; E411. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!!!!! E411...
Everyone has been quick to hail this as the best thing since the I-Pod, and they should. It is well shot, well lit, fantastic props and a realistic feel to the whole video which is a throwback to 1950’s and 60’s gangsters. Replete with tommy-guns and an old school steam train. Empire Music pulls out all the stops to make this grandiose spectacle which also features a plane work. It is an eye-popping and overwhelming video and this is what disconnects me from the video and it is unfortunate as I am a huge Banky W fan and Strong Thing is one of my best songs ever!
I know I must stand alone in the opinion that I am not a big fan of the video because for all its strengths, the video alienates and sacrifices the intimacy the song so accurately pictures, as the song is consumed by the ‘over-the-topness’ of the video. I cannot seem to connect the song and the video and I’m left scratching my head as to why they decided to go in this direction with the video as intimacy can be portrayed as well as making it as grandiose as possible. Seems like they just decided to make a ‘let’s show them we are bad’ video and all in all I just found the whole ordeal tedious and labored plus the dance scene at the end was a bit awkward.
But my reservations aside it is a good video but it was shot for the wrong song and I have no doubt that Banky is going to find success with both ‘The W Experience’, future videos and future endeavours.
Oyoyo, a slang or accompaniment children sing to welcome someone back after a long hiatus. This is the title of J Martins’ new single, Oyoyo, or should I say true story part 2. The beat sounds the same from that hit song featuring P-Square and Timaya, like a rehash of the same song. Either he got too lazy to creatively task himself to make an original single or he just was scared to break the formula that made him a household name. Hence giving birth to this very lazy and formulaic and ultimately lukewarm song. Which is more or less the same song as ‘Good or Bad’ just at a slightly slower tempo, with a few tone changes and without the superstar accompaniment of P-Square or Timaya.
Aimed at that section of the Nigerian market that is unconcerned with quality music but just need a few minutes of escapism to dance and forget whatever problems they have, it is sure to go down well with kids by virtue of the simple and memorable hook and the laid back instrumental but I doubt the staying power of this song in the general consciousness of people.
The video which features cameos from celebrities like Ill Bliss, RITA from Koko Mansion(lwkmd), KC Presh, Steel, Bracket, Suspect, Obi-Won etc. The video bears a striking resemblance to “good or bad’. Same crop of celebrities clowning around in an apparent homage to the feel good nature of the song as was in the case with ‘good or bad’. same camera angle etc. but all in all a simple yet effective video.
This is our honest opinion. We rate the effort with a 5.5.
Video of Naeto C’s single ‘ako mi ti poju’ meaning ‘my shakara or pride is too much’, continues the disturbing trend of videos that are being shot outside the country, but be that as it may, I have very few if any complaints about this video.
Well shot, well planned, well lit and featuring a stunning model as the female lead, the video directed by Bobby Boulders oozes class, swagger, pride and just a little bit of cockiness all in line with the song’s message.
Naeto, himself is comfortable in every scene which is set in an opulent and lush setting depicting the arrogance that comes from being a self made success. The video also features a cameo from new Storm Artist Sauce Kid, who looks quite comfortable in the surroundings as well. I didn’t get the fire magic trick (first d’banj and now Naeto???) and there was really no need for the child in the video, but I’m just nit-picking. Tremendous Job all in all.
The all conquering juggernaut that is the Okoye Family, spear-headed by the seemingly infallible Peter and Paul ‘Everything we touch must turn to Gold’ Okoye are back with the album tagged “Danger” and for the first time chinks appear to be appearing to their once flawless armour.
Danger is a Ten Track almost entirely self-produced album by Peter and Paul and it offers more or less of what we have come to expect fro them. This album has been met by both solid sales as well as a healthy amount of backlash as people have been under whelmed by the album. In fact, I’ve met people who have used unprintable names with the album, I find this amusing in a country and industry that celebrates Terry-G.
Initially, I trashed the album, fuming that I deserve a refund but after taking time out to listen again, I figured out where the problem stemmed from. With their last album, they elevated their game so much that anything less is just a no-no. On the ‘Game over’ album, they proved that they could do original music which was just as fantastic as their earlier offerings and coupled with the awesome videos?
Well, what else is a recipe for success?
Make no bones about it, I am not the biggest P-square fan and I should be the one leading the crucifixion chants, but the fact is their last album ‘Game Over’ was so good in the eyes of the general Nigerian Public that the new album, ‘a cross between a rehash of most of the songs on ‘Game Over’ and a few weird songs’, doesn’t just match up to the expectation and that is when to borrow their own phrase, ‘wahala dey’.
People are not happy with the album for reasons which include, some of the songs sound a lot like the ones on their last album and the rest are not ‘P-Square’ standard. The album is pretty decent, but underwhelming. To their credit, they self produced almost the entire album.). But them try, it just wasn’t better than Game over and that in my opinion was their cardinal sin.
The title of this write-up says that they may be done, but P-Square has proved me wrong before and I think they will be around for a long time to come, besides all the detractors will forgive them when the video roll in, Engees is still a good director and they have taken criticism and come back the better for it (I Hope!)
DANGER – THE REVIEW
I LOVE YOU – ‘or Ifunaya part 2’. The song contains the same message, same Ibo interjections same context, undying love and all that jazz. Melodious enough! A song for the ladies. Hook and title say it all, unspectacular song.
TROWAY – Up-tempo song that encourages ‘plenty money’ to be wasted in the pursuit of a beautiful woman! (Sure, whatever makes you happy). Danceable and enjoyable, but is that an interpolation of that old Awilo song I hear in the song? (Darn, just when I was just saying they didn’t copy on this album).
BREAK IT – Classic P-Square! Someone snide might call this a rehash of ‘Roll It’. I’ll let you make up your mind. Featuring the ever energetic Hypeman, Frenzy, this frantic, frenetic and energetic club banger is guaranteed to make you dance. The energy on the song is infectious and Frenzy gives the song that extra ‘oomph!!!.’ Will go someway in placating the average P-Square fan, it also a song that P-square will love to perform. Joint Stand out song
POSSIBILITY ft. 2FACE IDIBIA – First of all it contains the exact same piano progression as “Do Me’ which is made more evident at the end of the song. That aside, it is arguably the best song on the album. It features 2face and their chemistry on the track is lovely. It contains those lyrics that make you love both these artistes all over again. Classic P-Square Love song.
DANGER – Again! Sounds like a Dre beat made for Eminem, the song doesn’t come to mind and I don’t have the energy to look for it. Kinda annoying single. Different sound, but all in all, not a bad song, just not what we have come to expect, also a very poor choice for their first single.
E NO EASY FT J MARTINS – A J. Martins produced track (Dude, must be the most monotonous producer in the country bar Terry G). Sounds like almost every other J Martins production. It is an ordinary song that celebrates hard work. Utterly forgettable!
BYE BYE – Sounds like something from the Game Over album, typical P-Square love song about the babe that won’t stay but wants to stage a comeback, sweet song but nothing new, I have heard it before and so it doesn’t do anything for me. A song for the ladies, they’ll like it.
WHO DEY HERE – Weird Song! It takes shots at their haters and flaunts their success at their detractors. Catchy hook, not a club banger but interesting enough. I for one like this song funnily enough.
GIMME DAT – This is one of those ‘your body is too fantastic and I must touch or hit it’ songs. That is a staple of every P-Square album. Entertaining and interesting enough, for the clubs (I hope!)
SUPER FANS – I find it strange that the song dedicated to the fans turns out to be the worst song on the album. It sounds like Akon’s beautiful. They pay homage to their fans both home and abroad and then thank them for their successes. Last song on the album and sounds like the song was not well thought out. Produced by Frenzy.
All in all, an average album that will be ultimately successful, look out for very good videos to rescue the mediocre songs and massive airplay to make the tolerable ones more tolerable. Here’s hoping this album mis-step is a one off, otherwise, look for a new duo to provide you with hits.
Okay people!!I know its been a bit and all, trust, I’ve been working tirelessly just to make sure I fulfill your fashion cravings and wants. I’m not going to beat around the bush right now as I am still very vexed at the way my people murder fashion all in the name of dressing up because I refuse to call that fashion.
My aim this week is just to bring some fashion offenders to book and hope the upcoming fashionistas learn one or 2 things from this. I was opportuned to be at Oniru beach over the weekend and (MY GOD!!) I had to stop for a bit and wonder if I was actually at the right place. The sight of military men, bouncers and the serious gating actually marveled me, Na wa oh!! (I said to myself).
The most annoying part was the fact that I had to part with 1500 naira to gain access to the beach, and actually had to struggle to get in, but thank God it was worth the wait at the entrance as I fed my hungry eyes with a whole lot of fashion faux pas. I’m sure most of you must have noticed the way every ‘gidi’ boy or gurl just tries to ‘rep’, not giving a hoot about it being right or tight.
Back to my beach sojourn…I wondered if I was at a naming ceremony, club or wedding. Well ,I definitely saw my correct peeps who made sure every little detail wasn’t forgotten, looking all comfy and beach ready, rocking ‘em wayfarers, neat shorts ,bikinis (yeah saw some chics), and of course there were the stubborn rockers whose sight almost overshadowed the bikini chics. The question that readily came to mind was…did these people actually leave their house with the aim of coming to the beach? It wasnt easy asking for views and all, as I almost got embarrassed (pssheeeww!!) but 4 d OSU spirit in me, I chose not to give up and so I inquired, below are some of d offenders I arrested, for those of u that haven’t been caught, dress right or you shall be brought to book.
THE ASO EBI ROCKERS
For gawds sake, this aint a burial or wedding, My first victim was a woman in her mid-twenties looking like ‘jenifa’ in her wannabe days with make up looking all scattered and cheap , jewellery looking as fake as fake can get, clad in a floor length ankara with heels almost 6 inches high…..OMG!! you should have seen the way she stumbled and almost tripped. Did her ‘sixth’ sense not tell her to take off her shoes, that it was bad enough she was clad in Ankara 2 the beach?
ANYWAYS…this look should be reserved 4 OWAMBEs and not beaches.
THE CORPORATE DRESSERS
Okay, it’s the beach and not an interview or a church service incase you need to be reminded. Why would any sane person leave his house with plans of hitting d waters looking all dressed up in black shoes (polished), shirt tucked in neatly and some ‘spice it up’ by wearing cardigans and mufflers( aarrrgghhh!!!). You might as well wear a suit and tie to get the total gentleman look. I know some of you might feel good and fly on the outside, but I can tell your body is ‘shedding tears’ and asking you WHY ME?
THE OVERDRESSED ONES
Trust my ‘gidi’ peeps, always trying so hard to look good all in a bid never to come last in the fashion race…its not a bad idea to look good but please be easy on our eyes and try to be fashion forward. Less has always been better.
For me, a regular day at the beach would mean me having on my plaid short, tees and flipflops (picture the look). It’s not a fashion competition, so I see no reason why anybody in this age and time would want to wear timberland boots, baggy jeans, and knee length t-shirts (double tragedy) coupled with a lil’ bandana hanging from their back pocket and a durag tied on the head (helllllloooo!!! it’s a nu millennium) and except you are da grin,..NEVER dress that way.
It was so unfortunate I was without my camera, you’d have seen them yourselves.
Anyways, I hope you’ve learnt a thing or four from this…..
For years, these have been worn by person’s inhabiting the cold regions of the world, therefore I was quite shocked when I discovered mufflers becoming commonplace as a fashion accessory in Nigeria. I mean we are the same group of people known for wearing cardigans and ski vests in JUNE!!! I even saw a guy in a wool turtle neck (true story), all in the name of fashion. But even this was taking a good joke too far
The first time I saw a fellow Nigerian adorning a muffler in the sweltering sun, I figured he was a beer can short of a six-pack but I soon realized it was the latest fashion trend, just like the distasteful act of turning the rosary into a fashion accessory. A sad indicator that most Nigerians have no individual sense of fashion and continue to play the game of ‘monkee-see-monkee-do’ (everyone’s wearing a muffler, well then call me Mr. Me-Too).
This made me cringe and pray silently everyday for the ‘muffler craze’ to pass. Meanwhile, during this phase, I bet there was an increase in cases of heat rash round the neck area. Additionally, it may have even constituted a choking hazard, especially for ‘okada’ riders with their mufflers flying in the wind and susceptible to being caught in the wheels of the bike… (maybe I exaggerate but…HEY!! It COULD happen).
Once it rained or was raining or even slightly drizzling, anyone who possessed a muffler would have it on. Some would not even wait for the raindrops to fall…so long as the sky was cloudy…it was ‘muffler weather’. I could almost imagine people sitting at home, channel surfing in search of the weather forecast to know when next it will rain so they can break out their mufflers in a bid to look hip.
The ‘muffler turban’, probably created by people who took into consideration the temperate region we live in and thought it unwise to wear a muffler round their necks, also caught on soon enough.
Mufflers were worn by both males and females and combined with tees, sometimes blazers…by daring folk (mostly people who drive ‘oye-tight’ rides and work in muffler conducive offices).
Truth be told, I always admired the ‘determination’ of the ‘muffler people’ (as I fondly refer to them) because even when the sun would have come out in its blazing glory, they refused to take the muffler off, instead they perfected the ‘art’ of draping it round their necks so that there was minimal, to no skin contact (a comical sight to behold).
Thankfully, it seems my prayers have been answered as the muffler trend appears to have dwindled. This may be linked to the ASUU strike which has robbed the youths (the majority of the population of the ‘muffler people’) of an avenue to make statements with their mufflers.
Whatever the reason may be, am just glad I can walk down the road without being assaulted, every 5 minutes, by the sight of a person trying to pull-off the muffler look under our good ol’ Naija sun…*sigh*
One month down the line and we are still here, stronger and more determined..It has not been easy I must say, but God has been very, very faithful.
Nigeria is blessed and even though that sounds like a cliché, it is very true.
We are blessed with both natural and human resources and our creativity has never been in question.
In the midst of all these resources, we still find a lot of our music artistes travel that long distance in the quest for shooting a great video.
DARK-CHILD and OLANBIWONINU take a close look at the factors that drive our entertainers to foreign land. It is one piece you will surely enjoy.
You also get the regular dose of pure and unadulterated music video reviews. (P-square’s danger did not sit too well with our cast of opinionated wordsmiths, so make sure you check it out and let us in on your thoughts.)
Mr. Kanye West was also at it AGAIN!!, ranting like a child who’s lost his candy, except, he was ranting on behalf of a 'child' who was unaware any 'candy' had been lost. Read on and you will know more.
Kel’s released her album last month, and so did DaGrin. Hear what OLANBIWONINU had to say about them in our album review segment.
Also, we give to you the teaser trailer of 'THE TENANT' MOVIE that is about to hit Nigeria.
To round off this edition, we hook you up with a number of events that would come your way in the upcoming weeks. Make sure you get yourself a ticket now as they promise to be mind-blowing events.
I would also like to say congratulations to Mr. Chimuanya Ufodike, the first man to ever answer all 15 questions in the Nigerian version of ‘WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE’. Thumbs up.
Our reality show watch is coming back, bigger and stronger next week, as we will be giving you a weekly update on BIG BROTHER ‘THE REVOLUTION’ and ‘MALTINA DANCE-ALL’ reality shows.
Our famous HITLIST will also feature next week, so make sure you keep a date with us.
Better still, you can subscribe to us for free in the top left corner.
All you have to do is enter your e-mail address and you are sure of never missing any edition.
This topic is rather controversial and is one that has been raging on and on for a while now.
Why do Nigerian artistes shoot their videos in South Africa and other foreign countries instead of here in Nigeria, where there is land and an abundance of human resources and talent?
What makes up the magnet that keeps drawing our artistes to foreign shores?
It MUST NOT be the hotness of the girls 'cause, I mean, Nigerian girls are ‘beyoooutiful’ enough.
So why have artistes like, Steel (He even has a song called South African Girl,*seethe*), Faze, the entire cast and crew of the Mo’ Hits, Darey, P Square, Banky W, Sasha e.t.c, taken the initiative to travel abroad to have the visual interpretation of their songs made in another man’s land for Nigerian consumption.
The problem often arises that there is a disconnect as the scenario portrayed in the video is not familiar to the consumer. I mean, you want the song and its video to represent your culture and where you come from, so what's the big idea being hypocritical and disloyal to your fatherland? People, ever heard the word PATROITISM? I tell you, it is only a matter of time before these Nigerian videos bear the logo "Proudly South African". Seriously!!!
On the flip side, e-411 has discovered a number of variables that could explain this production shift.
First, the EQUIPMENT: when a video, shot in this country and one shot abroad is watched and compared, the difference is crystal clear. The technology used, such as the Celluloid Camera, are way advanced and it amplifies the quality of the actual video. As most directors will tell you, it is cheaper to fly to these countries and rent the equipment to shoot the videos, than for one director to buy such equipment, because when he begins to charge exorbitant prices, he is tagged ‘greedy’.
It is the shameless Nigerian mentality.
Besides, the equipment may be in Nigeria but not at the budget of your average artiste.
But, do not despair, people!
Thanks to the renowned music video director and veteran DJ, Adetokunbo Odubawo a.k.a ‘DJ Tee’ who has purchased a N3m Aaton Super 16mm Celluloid camera. He believes that this would stop the migration of artistes to Europe and South Africa in the search of top-notch quality music videos.
Will that succeed? For now, we say it has not, but we hope it does sooner than later.
Secondly, should I say our Nigerian girls are "camera-shy" ?
As long a way as we have come in the entertainment industry, it is still pretty clear that the Nigerian crowd is still a bit repressed about certain things and as such are not readily open to some ideas such as almost naked girls doing gymnastics with their body parts! LoL!
It is not the Nigerian thing to do! (they say)
If you approach an average 9ja girl to be in your video, what comes to their mind is panic: "What will people think?", "What if my parents see it?", "What do you take me for? I am not THAT kind of girl!"....and so on.
No one wants to be tagged ‘lewd and loose’.
Perhaps, the swift pace of westernization in South Africa makes it not that much of a big deal to produce music videos with 'willing girls'!
At least, we've got ‘Naeto C’ to thank for trying to break the stereotype when he sang "....e no mean say d girl na asewo"!
Take a cue, girls!
The third issue has to be that of the 'AREA BOYS' menace. A lot of our artistes have complained about how these goons extort money from them whenever they are on the set of their video shoot. Sometimes, these thugs threaten to cart away the director's equipment if their demands are not met (yes, it is that bad).
Fourthly, one can pin this migration on location. No doubt this is one of, if not the most important aspect of the video. This is not to say we do not have great scenery or hotspots for videos...it is just the perfectly understandable love for novelty.
Everyone wants something different and there is this misconception that anything or place beyond the borders of Nigeria is better as long as it can be termed "abroad" or "overseas". Believe it or not, these artistes are indeed this myopic. Working your location is mostly based on your creativity. If your ideas for a video shoot is crappy, pack up your equipment and go to....Alaska, you would still have a crappy video plus a terrible cold! LOL!
There exists the school of thought that believes this rush to South Africa will pose a challenge to Nigerian producers and directors to step up their game. After all, it would be better credibility for our nation to boast of hosting different artistes worldwide due to our expertise in concept, human resources and equipment.
Thus, e-411 appeals to the members and stakeholders in this industry to do us proud so we can brag endlessly about it! LOL!
Oh, well... I gotta go, now. Would not want to miss my flight to Jo'Burg, planning on shooting G.I. Joe 2: The Cobra Attacks! (Kidding.)
Got a ‘singing cousin’ or a ‘rapping niece’? Ever heard them say why they travel all the way for their video shoot?
When reached and asked to comment on his disgraceful behaviour at the MTV Video Music Awards, he said:” I always act the fool, ain’t nothing new now...I'm crazy, I know what you are thinking.." LOL!
Okay, he made no such comment, those are just a couple of lines from his rap piece in "American Boy" in which he was featured by Estelle. But no doubt, this American boy made a total fool of himself at the awards ceremony when he ruined Taylor Swift's big VMA moment with his antics.
The 19 year-old singer's award as Best Female Video for "You Belong With Me" opened the ceremony and right in the middle of her acceptance speech, Kanye ran up on stage, grabbed the microphone and announced "Taylor, I'm really happy for you. I'll let you finish," he then told a flabbergasted Taylor. "...but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time ... one of the best videos of all time!”
Now, who does a thing like that?! (Kanye...OBVIOUSLY!)
Beyonce Knowles was shown by the camera to be totally taken aback by this verbal defense that Kanye undertook unsolicited on her behalf. No sooner did he interrupt the youngster's moment than the celebrity audience booed him off the stage! (way to go, Kanye you have outdone yourself this time). Not only did you show how unprofessional you are, you also depicted immaturity and gave the whole world another reason to hold on fast to the "unruly black man" stereotype! (Where was security, by the way?)
Swift later revealed that although she had never met Kanye West, she was a fan and refused to confront him as she "didn't want to start anything". The night was however salvaged by Beyonce when she went up to receive her Best Video of The Year award for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".
In a very classy gesture, she recalled her first award when she was 17 and called Swift up to have her much deserved moment. A nervous Swift then said, "Can we try this again?" and went on to thank everyone she would have thanked before the rude interruption by West. She was grateful to Beyonce for giving her the stage and said: "I thought that I couldn't love Beyonce more and then tonight happened and it was just wonderful." Atta girl, B!
The magnitude of West's screw-up prompted him to apologize on his blog by stating: "I'M SOOOOO SORRY TO TAYLOR SWIFT AND HER FANS AND HER MOM. I SPOKE TO HER MOTHER RIGHT AFTER AND SHE SAID THE SAME THING MY MOTHER WOULD'VE SAID. SHE IS VERY TALENTED!" Damage has been done, Kanye, a lot of people hate you now! There goes your fan base!
We at E411 are highly disappointed at this outburst. Could it have been a lame-ass publicity stunt or just his warped way of lashing out for his consistent lack of awards?
Whatever that is bugging you Kanye, do us all a favour and sort it out on a shrink's couch!
kanye's losing it right?
A photo album has been created on facebook by a very good friend of mine, he labeled it 'IMMA LET YOU FINISH'. For more on Kanye's 'IMMA LET YOU FINISH' picture series, VISIT:
It is needless to begin this review with an introduction of Naija’s favourite twins, “P-SQUARE”, as we are all aware of their journey that began “last nite” and has plagued us with hits from “Back 2 Back” that we had to call it “Game Over”.
Just when I was beginning to believe that the dynamic duo would never put out a song Nigerians wouldn’t like, they go ahead and prove me wrong with the release of their new single from their forthcoming album, titled ‘danger’ (Ironically the warning signs were there).
The backlash that has trailed the release of this single has been unprecedented and whilst I, initially jumped on the band wagon of the nay-Sayers who concluded that P-square’s star was on the decline, on subsequent listens, I discovered that the song isn’t as bad as first imagined.
The problem with the song stemmed from the fact that P-square are the architects of their own misfortune.
This is a group that has derived fame and fortune from ‘get-up-on-your-feet-and-dance’ club-bangers, melodious songs with an infectious rhythm, songs that when they come on, be it in the club, on the street or in your bath, you can’t help but move.
But this song is such a marked difference from what they have now been associated with that, they might as well have put out a ‘fuji’ track.
People cannot relate with the song and that is the source of the rejection.
The high octane introduction of ‘Do me’ is still fresh in people’s minds (Ten bucks says you still remember where you were when you first heard that song). The follow up singles of ‘No-One’, ‘Ifunaya’ and most especially ‘Roll It’ all had an irresistible pull.
Danger on the other hand has nothing to offer the typical Peter and Paul fan.
It is an original piece of music from them (not to add that the beat has got an 'eminem-ISH' flavour to it), but then again, so were many of the songs on arguably their most successful album ‘Game Over’.
This song (Danger) lacks the pull, melody, charm, rhythm and the danceability of their previous offerings, even Busy-Body with the fact that it was(in their own words) ‘copy-copy’ was still much danceable and relatable to and Nigerians are unfortunately still stuck in their own ways to embrace change as radical as this.
Danger is a decent song, I personally do not like it, but trust me, it’ll find heavy rotation and the song will have its fans. This will probably be a one off as they themselves, being consummate entertainers, know that their success depends on their live acts and this is not a song for a live performance. I’ll be shocked if the rest of the album follows suit.
However, they have no excuse for the video which will only serve to alienate more fans. It’s one thing to protest being called unoriginal vehemently and then go ahead to put out a very unoriginal video.
Now a lot of people would question my school of thought but, the background, the fish-eye camera view, the teeth baring across the screen and general clowning around, all just scream Busta Rhyme’s – Hustler’s Ambition. This doesn’t help their cause if they want to break away from that unoriginal tag.
In our honest opinion, the video was a very lazy attempt and this from the same team who gave us those wonderful videos. Sure the video looks good, well shot and different from the typical Naija Video. Infact, it might even be the video to beat in 2009, but that will not always be enough. Originality remains the key.
I don’t get the 'message' they were trying to pass across with the clowns (...comic relief perhaps?) and I’m still trying to figure out the lyrics (seems they were bragging about the demanding nature of their 'celeb' lifestyles).
Maybe it’s the clowns that personally terrify me or it’s just the fact that they didn’t change the background.
Whatever it is, I sincerely hope this is a one off.
we grace the effort with a 7...
(Keep up the great work we know you guys for, and if you don’t, we will be here to remind you of the good old days which “GOD definitely forbids”...lol)
I am tempted to believe that 3 is the lucky number for this dude under the ‘YES’ records umbrella.
After the successful failures of his first two singles (which only managed to inform us that the ‘YES’ land is green), sexy Steel of the ‘needles & stitches’ fame has somewhat redeemed what seems left of his musical image with the release of his third single ‘TAKA-SUFE’.
‘TAKA-SUFE’, which literally means ‘snap your finger and whistle’ is said to be the ‘Naija’ version of Crunk, but a “NAIJA HIT’ is what I call it (a feat he was unable to achieve with his first two singles).
A “NAIJA HIT” is a song that by every standard contains 72% gibberish, 28% real words (understandable or not) and has a high tendency to be loved by majority of Nigerians (so don’t you agree?).
Though the inclusion of cheerleaders in the video did nothing to interpret the song and was just his way of saying... “Hey!! I can afford it” (which is clearly the new trend), the video was indeed international....and I hope that 'gold-sequined number'' he had on in the video was a wardrobe malfunction...what was he finkin??...no one in their right mind should ever use that kind of material to sew an ‘Agbada’ ensemble...EVA!!!!
That is our honest opinion.
For the video, 7.66 would do. Watch it and tell us what you think.
The ‘ABAGA’ name happens to be the fastest growing household name at the moment. First, it was Mister Incredible, Jude Abaga (and he’s not done yet). Now, it’s the prolific producer/rapper Jesse Jagz Abaga.
Recently, Jesse has featured on and released tracks that have been tearing up the airwaves in Nigeria, displaying lyrical strength and depth. So it was no surprise that a video was very well anticipated by the millions of Nigerians who could not tag the name ‘Jesse Jagz’ to a face. Just like it is becoming a cliché with the ‘ABAGA’ name, Jesse did not disappoint as he released the video to his single ‘PUMP IT UP’.
The song is classy, catchy and melodious, but we are of the opinion that Jesse Jagz ‘T-PAINED’ too much. The video was directed by Afam ‘D’ man and was shot at the famous Posh Café in Victoria Island, Lagos.
In our honest opinion, the video was not so big on concept, but in all, it was good to watch. There is not much to be said about it as the only highlight was his ‘woman takeover’ stunt.
Considering this is his first video, we refuse to tear him apart.
We grace the effort with a 6.48, hoping this will ginger him to level up his next set of videos with the hype he always gets.
But everyone is a critic, so let’s hear what you have to say……
Hear her on radio and you will instantly be reminded of sexy ‘PATRA’ (remember, 'back to life'?). She has blazed tracks like, Knighthouses’ ‘PURPLE’, C’mion’s ‘SHE’S HOT’ and a few others.
Truth be told, this babe’s ‘ragga’ is top notch.Her name is NYORE and she hails from the ‘heartbeat of the nation’, Edo state.Nyore recently dropped the video to her single, ‘RODEO’ which features Joanna of the ‘OKO WON LODE' fame. Honestly, the song was just another song.It is Dancehall, yes, but asides that...well.....it was not spectacular in any way.Don’t get me wrong, it was an okay video but nothing jaw-dropping. The struggling attempt at sexiness by Nyore, Joanna and the dancers made the video quite atrocious.
We hail the effort though and Believe greater things will come from her in the future. Nyore, here is a 5.75 for the attempt.
