In anticipation it Terry Tha Rapman’s album “Boyz Are Not Smiling” which is expected to drop sometime in August 2010, he has released a number of singles that are in heavy rotation at the moment as a free download until the album finally drops.

Enjoy (Click song title to download)

Ojoro Ft. Terry G

Boyz Don Hammer

Boyz Don Hammer (Instr.)

“It is a beautiful thing to truly know what your purpose in life is, mine is simply music.” Blink

If that doesn’t tell you all you need to know about this young artist, i don’t know what will.

Blink is an emerging artist who brings a fresh and signature sound to today’s hip-hop music, with a voice for the next generation he is on par to make his mark on the music industry.

Born Nelson Agose, this 21 year old rapper is a proud native of Lagos, Nigeria. It is Nigeria, whom he credits his style and sound. Much of his music displays a heavy and assertive beat that he effortlessly flows to with his distinct voice.

In 2006 Blink moved to the US to pursue his education at the University of Illinois but he never lost sight of his passion, which was to create great music.

In 2009 he released his first mixtape entitled The Work Ethic. This also happens to be his motto in life. Blink believes work ethic is going to be the key to his success. “You have to have a relentless work ethic. So I grind all day, I never stop writing, learning, listening or recording.

Blink comes out with his hot new track called Super prod by the Baron Boys of After Dreams Development. Sure Banger if you ask me, definitely very catchy. Looking forward to a whole lot more from this talented artist

www.twitter.com/iamblink
www.myspace.com/bossmanmusic

Super

A.C: I hate to use the phrase “up and coming artist ” for someone who already has two mixtapes out with your songs on radio rotation in Nigeria, yet it seems the appropriate word to use would you agree?

Bz: I definitely agree. I guess I’m only going to shake off that tag when I put out videos, drop an album, such and such. Lol. But to be honest, I have no problem whatsoever with it.

A.C: So how long have you been doing this?

Bz: I recorded my first song on the 6th of July, 2005. I was in London at the time and I’ll always remember that day because I spent that night in the studio and by morning, it was pandemonium because the tube had been bombed! I also remember that being the birth of my “underground” phobia. Lol

A.C: Seems like an obvious question, but truth is most of us don’t know, so tell me who is Beazy?

Bz: Well… Before I start, can I just say that I’m terrible when it comes to speaking about myself.

Anyway, my real or government name is Afolabi Durotoye and I’m from Ekiti State. As I said earlier, I’ve been rapping for five years and in that time I have recorded over 200 songs and, I say this with all humility, have become really really good at it. lol

And if you haven’t heard of me, it is quite understandable because I chose to take the slow route to the top. I needed to be sure that when I did come out, I’d be the best at what I do. I feel like I’m at such a place right now and so you can expect to be seeing a whole lot more of me in the very near future.

Oh yeah, I just signed with MADE Music. )

A.C: When exactly did you know Rap was what you wanted to do for sure and no longer just a hobby?

Bz: To be honest, I knew it the moment I began recording my first song in 2005

A.C: I have heard that you do live performances with a live band. Not only is that very unique, it is reminiscent of “The Roots”. What made you think you could pull it off and how awesome has that been for you.

Bz: Well.. I don’t do all my shows with a band. I just really like to. And to be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure I could pull it off at first, but as soon as rehearsals began, it just felt right. As far as awesomeness is concerned, on a scale of 1 to 10, it’s a definite 12. Lol

A.C: On your first mixtape, most every song was with original production & instrumentals and with your 2nd mixtape you used other artists instrumentals, why is that?

Bz: The “first” mixtape “Get Money Stay Fly”, is actually my second and on that one, I did what I love to do, which is make music and push boundaries. I did a lot of “singing” and there are quite a few “unrapper-like” (lol) songs on there as well. It got a lot of positive response from the female audience which led to “rap heads” saying stuff like “yeah he can make songs but he’s just an alright rapper”. Now this pissed me off to no end and so I decided to make the third mixtape, “The Affidavit”. And with that, I’m confident I proved I’m not only a good rapper, but am infact the best in the country, if not continent.

A.C: Now that you are signed to a record label, what are the expectations set b4 u? Is there added pressure to produce music or is it d same as being an independent artist?

Bz: No pressure what so ever. The work I put in earlier has made sure of that. I currently have more than 200 recorded songs and counting so neither MADE Music nor I is really going to have a problem in that respect.

A.C: What motivates your song choices/lyrics? Do you usually get the beat and then write a song or vice versa?

Bz: It’s always the beat first. I believe if you listen hard enough, you’ll find that every beat carries with it an emotion and a phrase. The emotion influences the lyrics and how they’re delivered and the phrase influences the topic. 9 times out of 10, I can name a song before I write it. I usually do in fact.

A.C: What do you think makes you stand out from others?

Bz: My work ethic, attention to detail and my insecurities. People often think being insecure is a character flaw. Personally, I think they couldn’t be more wrong. The only thing that keeps me progressing as an artist and individual is the fact that I never think I’m good enough. So everyday I wake thinking of how to better myself. It’s a tough punishing road to take, but I honestly do believe it pays off.

Oh, and being stubborn helps as well. If it feels right, it is right. I always stick to my guns. Lol.

A.C: Any anecdotes of your best & worst experiences so far?

Bz: Way too many good and bad ones. None jump out at me at the moment.

A.C: Is there a particular audience you intend to cater to? How do you intend to relate to any1 outside of that audience…please note that if you say everyone then part b is, how do you intend to relate to everyone?

Bz: Well I very much intend to relate to everyone. I think the best way to do that is to make all sorts of songs. I personally I hate the idea of genres. I really like to mix it up.

But the truth is, no one person can appeal to everyone, no matter what you do. So I’ll just keep making good music and hopefully get as many folks on my back as I can along the way.

A.C: What does the future hold? An album, a video maybe? What and when should we be expecting something new from you?

Bz: I should be dropping an album by december and a mixtape or two before then. You can also expect a few videos.

A.C: Thank you for this opportunity I appreciate it, and wish you loads of success. Looking forward to seeing you become great, in Nigeria and Internationally as well.

Bz: You’re most welcome but I believe it is I who ought to be thanking you for listening to me go on and on. Lol

Addicted

Ring Ding Ft. Kel

From Las Gidi Ft. Teeto, Chyke

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I had not been home for five years and my dad was excited to have me to himself that day, after complaining that I was out too much. We were attending Praise Jam 2008 and most of all he was excited to see Timi Dakolo perform. “Who?” I asked. “Timi; he was the winner of West African Idols 2007. Don’t worry you will hear how awesome he is”.

My dad is over 50.

This was the first time I heard of him and that night after he performed “Let it Shine”, I could see why my dad loved him. I never heard of him again till the video of his first single “I Love You” from his self – titled album “TIMI” came out.

Boy, was I impressed!

His voice is like no other we have heard from a Nigerian Artist. If you are like me when you hear him the first time, you are implored to hear more, to see if indeed this is his voice or just the strain of his nostrils. That’s what hooks you. He convinces you with the strength behind his vocals. His song – writing skills are even more enviable. His music inspires and encourages and is soul stirring. This is somebody destined for greatness and all the glory that comes with it.

His self-titled album “Timi” will be out for sale across the continent March 2010 and I for one cannot wait.  After hearing about his album listening party on the 20^th of January, which happens to be his birthday, we at Angonemi.Com had to hear from “the horse’s mouth”, and he was gracious enough to accept our invitation to interview him. You can tell a lot from this interview, the kind of person he is and what makes him a successful artist.

One on One with Timi Dakolo.

• I think the first question anyone wants to know right now is who the beautiful woman in your video is and if you guys are dating? *Bawo and I are not dating! Lol! She was doing her job! She’s a model! But I’ll tell her she was paid a compliment! And thank you on her behalf!*
• If you are not dating, was the song inspired by any true person? * The song was written a while back when I was going through the same thing my character went through in the video! And yes, it was inspired by true incidents!*
• Which begs the question; do you write your own songs, have writers or collaborate with people? * I write my own songs but because I’m working with the brilliant Cobhams Asuquo, he co-wrote some of the songs with me!*
• When choosing your songs, what inspires you? Is there a particular message you are trying to put across?  *Each song tells a story! I’m inspired by different things when I write, sometimes it’s my situation and at other times, people’s situation. And yes, there is a message in each song- a message of love, hope, and laughter!*
• When your career is over somewhere in the long future, what would you want people to say about you, what do you want your legacy to portray? * I’d like to be known as one of the greatest that came out of the otherwise ‘dark’ continent!” I’d want to be remembered for a making a difference! To share the same hall of fame with the world’s greatest while letting my country’s flag fly proudly!*
• Everyone has goals. So what is yours for the next 5 – 10years? * To better my skills as a musician! To keep turning out music that the people will love and of course, to have given something back to the society that has given me so much!*
• What do you have to say to those critiques of the Nigerian Music Industry? * I have nothing to say to them! Lol! Somehow, I ‘m glad they are there! They help me work harder on perfecting my art! Every society needs them! It’d just be better if they would criticize fairly.*
• When you think of your sound, your voice? Who are you most likely to compare it to? And how does it affect what your idea of your sound shall be? *My sound…my voice! I didn’t choose the way I sound! God gave it to me! Lol! I’ve been told I sound like Lemar/Seal/Jaheim and its a great honor to be compared to these great musicians and that only makes me work harder ‘cos a bar has been set and I have to go beyond it!*
• Can you give us a little insight into the industry in Nigeria? What are some of the politics that go on behind the scenes; and how you have been able to succeed? * Wow! Politics!? Every industry has its own share of politics, you cannot remove politics from entertainment but u can remove yourself from the politics and rise above it!*
• You have a university degree, but it seems like most artists (and not only in Nigeria) don’t have one. Why did you feel it was important to complete it and how can we encourage our youths to follow their dream and still have a degree? *Someone always told me to have a back-up plan always! God forbid but what if something happens to my voice tomorrow? How will I survive?! Music is great and it’s a fantastic ride while you are at the top but we all know nothing lasts forever, we just pray to last long enough to make a difference! My advice to them is that they should follow their dreams because sometimes that’s all you need but they should never forget reality. Get an education, it doesn’t hurt to have that under your belt along with everything else!*
• What is a typical day in Timi’s life? And how have your past struggles and disappointments helped you in the business and in your personal life. *Typical day is me and my PS3! Lol! That’s when I’m not writing songs or when Cobhams or my manager is not drilling me! Lol! My struggles and disappointments? I call them life’s experiences that have helped to shape me as an individual! And that has made me the person that I am today!*
• People have said it is easier to be more of a success in Nigeria if you are male. Why do you think this is so, and how do you think the females can breakthrough in the industry. * I don’t think so! Good music sells itself whether you are female or male! We have successful female artistes in Nigeria and their sex has not stopped them from achieving their goals! Artistes like Asa, Nneka, Ara, Omawumi, Kel, Sasha and so many more! If your music is good, it will be heard and will be a success whether you are male or female!*
• What has been if any your biggest price of fame and success? What has been the biggest blessing likewise? *Biggest blessing would be, the opportunity I have been given and the biggest price….would have to be my loss of privacy I guess! Lol!*
• Congratulations on the album release. What inspired if anything at all the title “I Choose Greatness”? * I Choose Greatness was a working title! My management and I have settled for ‘TIMI’ as the title of the album because the album is my story….each song tells a story of my life! The sad, the happy stories! The struggles of growing up! The joys of falling in love! It speaks my story.*
• Describe the moment you got the final copy of your album. How satisfying was that feeling? *lol! What do you think?! Phew! Sometimes I still don’t believe it…but I’m grateful to God and the producer of the album…..Cobhams! I know its not easy working with me! Lol! It felt fulfilling!*
• At the album listening party, explain to us how you felt and what the experience was like? *It was one of the best birthday gifts to receive! I felt so loved and I’m grateful to everyone that came through!*
• What was the feedback from the party and since then? * Oh the feedback has been great! People really want the album…..! Lol! Wow! But we are working on it! *
• Who else contributed to the album and what was the reason for the choices? * I had a few people on the album….a few very talented individuals….people like MI, Jesse Jagz, Joan of the Idols fame, Cobhams Asuquo, Yemi Sax and of course my brother, Elvis a.k.a Mr Shawn (he likes to be called that!).They all contributed to the album and I had my different reasons for working with them, but when you buy the album, you’d understand!
• What genre would you label this album? Any ideas to diversify if it all? * Wow! Errm! I don’t have a genre yet, it’s a potpourri of different genres! There’s something for everyone on this album! And I mean, Everyone!*
• Any plans for an international release? Online retail? How far a market are you hoping to reach, and might you be considering moving abroad to gain further notoriety? *We intend to bring a bit of Timi into every household! My management is putting a distribution plan that’ll cater to everyone together! Online…..music stores….street vendors…..everywhere.
• Where can those of us in the States get this album? * The album will be available online for people outside Nigeria to buy*
• Thank you for the opportunity to interview you. I appreciate it and Congrats again

Thank you for the opportunity!

Heaven Please

Click here to view the embedded video.

Dakolo was born in Accra, Ghana to a Nigerian father, Bayelsa-native David and a Ghanaian mother, Norah, who died when Dakolo was thirteen. His grandmother Ateni Dakolo, who lived in Port Harcourt,  raised him, and he credits her as his early singing teacher.

Dakolo started singing in church at the age of twelve. In 2003 he joined the singing group Purple Love as a founding member. They dominated the Port Harcourt club circuit, but disbanded in 2005 as its members had gained admission into the University of Port Harcourt, where Dakolo studied Communication Studies.

In 2006, Dakolo auditioned for reality show Idols West Africa in Calabar. His vocals impressed the judges, and was seen as a contender for the prize. A week before the viewing of the Top 24 performances, Dakolo received the news that his grandmother had died. A devout Christian, he turned to his faith for strength to pull through in the competition.

During his tenure on the show, Dakolo was popular with voters, and was never in the bottom three. In the final weeks of the competition it was revealed by the producers of the show that Dakolo had the highest number of votes.

Timi has performed in high profile events like:

* The African Movies Academy Awards (2008)
* The Grand Finale of The Apprentice Africa (2008)
* Stars of the Future (2007)
* Fash Football Challenge (2008)
* Starville Concert alongside Lil’ Kim, Amerie, and Brick & Lace (2007).
* Performed at an event organised by the eventual winner of The Apprentice Africa, Isaac Dankyi-Koranteng as part of the final task of the show.
* Farafina Magazine’s Visual Arts and Literature Event attended by award winning authors Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Biyi Bandele.
* Rhythm Unplugged (2008)
* From Lagos with Love (2008)
* Valentine  At Christmas organized by The British Council   (2008)
* Vlisco Fashion Show (2009)

On December 18, 2008, Timi released his first single, Let It Shine, a neo-soul inspirational self-written autobiographical song. It is topping the charts on radio stations in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya and spreading fast.

Let It Shine is one of the 12 tracks on his debut Album aptly titled ‘TIMI…’ which will hit stores March, 2010.

Let It Shine

I Love You

Mr. W struck gold on his new album “The W Experience”. It will be wrong to label this album in any genre, where his four albums have been previously more R n B; his third studio album is his crossover to something new and different and very Urban and yet, for those who need our Nigerian artists to always speak pidgin or Yoruba, he does not disappoint.

His creativity is displayed largely in his song choices, and the arrangement of the songs on the album showed the careful thought process that went into the production of his album. You also cannot talk about this album without acknowledging the perfect picking of the featured artists from newcomers like Wizkid and Muna to Mr. Incredible himself.

Most importantly, what I love about this album is that I can listen to the entire album without skipping a song. It’s the perfect album for that long road trip, yet you can dance to it all night at the club, barring a couple of songs.

He croons perfectly to the females in “Nobody”, goes political and moral on us in “Why” and gives us what I call African reggae in “Tanker”. The W experience is worth every bit of your money and should definitely be a part of your collection.

As we would say “Boys are not smiling” and I am sure we will be hearing more from Mr. Capable this year. Definitely watch out for many awards and recognition coming his way.

We at Angonemi.Com wish him continued success and congratulate him on a well job done.

Nobody

Why

Tanker Ft. WizKid

Editor’s Notes:

Banky W. is a truly versatile artist, as clearly displayed in his album “The W Experience” the depth of his talent is manifested in each and every track, displaying his magnificent vocal and song writing skills, setting the pace for Nigerian indigenous R & B artists, both within Nigeria and in diaspora to follow. He is definitely not an artist to be slept on.

To Purchase Album Online, Click Here To Be Directed via NotJustOk