All the scoop from Soundcity Awards...

The hype and buzz that accompanied the recent Soundcity MVP (Most Valuable
Player) Awards Festival at the Eko Convention Centre of Eko Hotels and
Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos heightened the frenzy. Introduced in 2016 by
Consolidated Media Associates, owners of  Soundcity Africa (Television,
Radio and Digital) to replace the popular Soundcity Music Video Awards
which was finally rested in 2010, the organisers deployed their various
media platforms to promote the event. With huge viewership on its TV
channels and listenership on the radio station, Urban 96.5FM, the message
was bound to reach a wider audience. At a time when the industry boasts of
a few reputable music awards platform that can capture showbiz aptly, SMVP
Awards Festival is a breath of fresh air. More so, as the awards has
positioned itself as a Pan African event by going beyond Nigeria to
appreciate artistes from other African countries.
While the huge turnout spoke volumes for the organiser's reach, the massive
hall which was transformed to an showground of sorts could not accommodate
all. There was barely any unoccupied space in the ground floor of the hall.
It was not different upstairs. Even the VIP section which accommodated
nominees and celebrities was so packed that some attendees only had room to
stand. The female protocol officials had a hard time persuading to move
away from blocking the view of those seated. But their pleas fell on deaf
ears. It took the intervention of security personnel to convince them to
either squat or leave. This respite was however short-lived. Once the
guards left, they resumed their position. At this point, the female ushers
gave up.
Nevertheless, the SMVP Awards Festival was a very brilliant show. In fact,
it has raised the bar for music award shows. It was also big testimonial to
the excellence and professionalism of the CMA helmsman Tajudeen Adepetu.
For five days, Adepetu and his team worked tirelessly at the venue to
achieve the desired result. Carpenters, sound technicians, event planners,
stage designers gathered at the site daily to transform the purlieu. The
walls of the hallway leading to the main hall were covered with design of
the nominees. Although there was a dedicated red carpet area right outside
the convention centre, the floor of the hallway as well as the lobby
leading to the events hall were draped in red. Inside, the auditorium was a
continuum of glitz and glamour. The lighting and visual randomization
spread from the screen on stage to the ceiling and walls, creating a
fascinating effect befitting of an event of such caliber. The aesthetically
designed stage was T-shaped. This allowed winners of the event to easily
waltz into the stage from their seats instead of going through the
backstage. Only the performers, host, and award presenters made use of the
main entry and exit on stage.
No doubt, Adepetu threw everything into the ring to have a spectacular
show. This was largely made possible by three major brands, Guinness,
United Bank of Africa (UBA) and Coca-Cola that threw their weight behind
the ceremony.
Perhaps, Adepetu’s hat-trick was the theatrical script that was delicately
brought to life on stage.  Each music act that came on stage was a delight
to watch, not necessarily because they were better performers but the
skilled choreographers who accompanied them showcased pulsating displays.
From their costumes to their dance steps, they electrified the atmosphere.
For instance, Skales’ performance was highly sensual. The sexily-dressed
female dancers who performed with him displayed very erotic dance steps
during his performance of his hit-track ‘Booty Language’, particularly the
hook part which named the female backside in different Nigerian languages.
Moving to the rhythm of the beat, they swayed their hips, twerked while
on all fours, rolled on the floor, rubbed their rear seductively, then
performed a sexual move that required them thrusting their hips upwards
while their shoulders rested on the floor. Their performance left most
members of the audience jaw-dropped.
But Skales’ performance was just a foretaste of what to expect for the
night.  Junior Boy’s performance of ‘Irapada’ was very dramatic. The
dancers waltzed into the stage dressed in traditional Yoruba costumes. The
ladies were dressed in ‘iro and buba’ with big headgears while the guys
wore ‘buba and sokoto’ with matching caps. Their gestures indicated that
they were in a party setting where the ladies gossiped, clapped hands while
grabbing their men for a dance.
There was no way Small Doctor could be outdone. He came on stage with his
own group of dancers dressed in red football jerseys and shorts as he
rendered his wave-making hit ‘Penalty’. The dancers displayed
football skills on stage and jogged from one end of the stage to the other,
imitating the training routine of footballers. The audience was however
deprived of a good theatre display during Kiss Daniel’s performance of his
dancehall tune ‘Sofa’. The back-up dancers did not come to the stage on
time and by the time they arrived in pairs; the crowd was already carried
away by the song as they sang along with the artiste. His second
performance ‘Yeba’, another favourite of the audience, however, saw the
dancers entertaining the crowd with their moves.
However, it was Iyanya that totally stole the night. He was the only
performer who did not rely on the popularity of his songs to entertain the
audience but actually immersed himself in his performance. A very good
dancer, he jumped, waved and moved along with every dance step. This showed
that he must have rehearsed very well with them. Performing his
newly-released single ‘Good Vibes’, the Mavin Records singer who was
dressed in an all-white apparel had the time of his life while performing
with his team of choreographers. His performance was very well applauded.
When Tiwa Savage came on stage to perform with Alternate Sound Live Band,
everybody expected a live performance. But along the line, the DJ cued in
her songs: ‘Malo’ featuring Wizkid and ‘All Over’.
Apparently, her act was an opportunity to showcase the very impressive live
band. Interestingly, 2Baba who usually performs with a live band was
without one at the event. Notwithstanding, he was a crowd's favourite.
Performing his popular hits including 'Gaga Shuffle', he ended his act by
calling on the government and security agencies to put a stop to the recent
killings by Fulani herdsmen in his home state, Benue. It was a bloody New
Year celebration in the state when a gang of marauders attacked some
villages, leaving scores dead.
While Nigerian artistes had a good outing at the show, South African
rappers EMTee and Cassper Nyovest, and Ghanaian act Sarkodie who took home
the Best Collaboration Award for ‘Pain Killer’ his collaborative effort
with Runtown (not Patoranking as author and OAP Toke Makinwa excitedly
announced on stage) ; didn’t fail to excite the audience. Cassper displayed
his hip-hop dance moves as he performed his 2017 hit single ‘Tito Mboweni',
while Sarkodie basked in the glory of having the audience singing back the
lyrics of ‘Pain Killer’ to him. EMTee on the other hand got the crowd all
rolled up during his rendition of his popular track ‘Roll Up’. Other
artistes who graced the stage were M.I., Seyi Shay, Yemi Alade, Dice Ailes
and Realself among others.
Davido was the man of the night. Right from his arrival, he caused such a
frenzy that his fans ignored the happenings on stage to focus on him. He
won the most number of awards for the night. His 2017 super
hit ‘If’ fetched him two awards ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Video of the Year’.
He was also the recipient of the biggest award of the night: ‘African
Artiste of the Year’. Maleek Berry also took home two awards for Best New
Artiste and Best Pop. Olamide and Wizkid took one award each: Listeners
Choice and Digital Artiste of the Year respectively. Tiwa Savage was the
only female winner of the night. She took home the award for the Best
Female MVP. Other winners of the night include Cassper Nyovest (Best Hip
Hop) and Diamond Platnumz (Best Male MVP)

Fulbright Language Scholars Train 200 English Language Teachers in Ondo, Oyo States

Some alumni of the U.S. government sponsored Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program on Thursday concluded a four-day workshop for primary school English Language teachers.

The workshop tagged: “A Communicative Approach to English Language Instruction”, was held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State (January 17-18) and Abraham Adesanya College of Education, Oyo Town, Oyo State (January 24-25).

The FLTA Alumni under the aegis of Fulbright Language Scholars Association of Nigeria received a public diplomacy grant ‎from the United States Consulate General in Lagos to train 200 teachers drawn from public and private schools in the two states.

Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General, Ms. Darcy Zotter, ‎explained that workshop was aimed at providing the participants with new ideas and 21st century skills needed to teach English Language in elementary schools.

"U.S. Government exchange alumni have been at the forefront of promoting access to qualitative education, good governance and civic engagement throughout Nigeria. 

"They have strong ties to their communities and with the support of the U.S. Mission, create and execute projects to address specific needs, including basic education.

"Our support for this project demonstrates U.S. government's continuing commitment to the education sector and English teaching and learning in Nigeria," Public Affairs Officer Darcy Zotter said.

General Secretary, Fulbright Language Scholars Association, Ms. Oladoyin Abiona, said the alumni group hopes to build a professional network of elementary English Language teachers for knowledge sharing. "Our overall objective is to facilitate the advancement of education in Nigeria," she added.

The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program is a nine-month non-‎degree study that provides young teachers of English as a Foreign Language the opportunity to refine their teaching skills and broaden their knowledge of American cultures and customs. FLTA Fellows in turn serve as teaching assistants/teachers of their native language in an American university.

Diiference Ent. signee, ATM drops new singles

Newly-signed to Difference Entertainment, ATM (Ogungbe Taiwo) is one of the five new acts signed to the label where Sean Tizzle also calls home. ATM is a graduate of Mass Communication from Lagos State Polytechnic and he started doing music professionally in 2011 as a member of a group. He has just dropped two new songs titled ‘Jubadi’ and ‘Konami‘ and both songs were produced by the award winning producer and label exectutive, D’tunes....

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How I overcome discouragement as a gospel singer - Taiwo Oladoye

For those who have heard her songs and seen her perform, Taiwo Oladoye is the next big thing to emerge from the gospel music scene nay the Nigerian music industry. Since the singer from Ogun State released her album, Shake up the Heavens last year December, her music career has been on the rise. The album hit track, No Be Me Na God, am afro pop single has serenaded listeners of good music who also want to dance. With four award nominations Taiwo’s rise as a singer has been slow and steady having learnt the ropes of being a musician and guided by God, Ever smiling and passionate about what she does, the mother of two speaks to us about her music career, family and other sundry issues.       

 


How has it been as a professional singer?
It has been encouraging and exciting. I started singing professionally a couple of years ago.

What price did you pay to get to where you are?
Well it's a lot of sacrifice especially in terms of time, financially, physically, psychologically all that as it is with anything of value to you, you make up your mind to put in your best, in all that is needed and trust God to bless your efforts.

What comments have you received from your fans or listeners of your songs that made you shed a tear or got you so emotional?
One vivid instance amongst many others was a reference made by a friend (who was one of my senior colleagues in school), to a time when I was under pressure way back in school and I felt like giving up. He shared my testimony online, giving glory to God for His faithfulness all through that period, for not allowing me to give up; instead He chose to take me to greater heights. God is indeed faithful!

Don't you get discouraged seeing the secular artistes make more money, get endorsement deals and live wealthy as against the gospel artistes?
Yes it can be discouraging, but it is better to remain focused on your dream, follow God's leading as you pay the price and trust God to bring the best out of every situation for you.

Can you sing hip hop?
Yes, I can. It is just a style, one of the many forms through which you express your musical idea. The 4th track of my debut album 'No be me, Na God' has elements of hip hop in it.

What major difference is it being a professional singer or when you were just an 'amateur' singer?
As a professional singer, you no longer limit yourself to singing just for the fun of it or as a hobby. As a professional singer, you sing with the mindset of achieving set objectives, your message, and acceptability to and by your audience, values and all of these without taking away the excitement and fun.

As a singer what influenced your music?
Primarily, my thoughts about God, happenings to and around me, music and others influence my songs.

What was your happiest moment so far?
Outside of my salvation, it is each time I achieve a set goal.

Who are your role models in the gospel music genre?
Cece Winans, Yolanda Adams, Vicki Yohe, Shirley Ceasar and talking of secular artiste, Whitney Houston is it.

You have a sonorous voice backed up with an alluring personality, how did you hone it?
I give God all the glory for that, nothing of my own making I can assure you.

How have you been able to cope with juggling going to perform, keeping the home front and as a career woman?
Primarily, it is by the grace and faithfulness of God made manifest via my husband's unflinching love & support. I've also enjoyed the support of family members, friends, colleagues, mentors etc.

What is your perception of the gospel music scene?
The Gospel music scene is growing in leaps and bounds. There are however enormous challenges chief of which is financial support. There is also need for an equal playing field on media. Music is a profession for many the same way accountancy is. For instance, the same way all accounting graduates, regardless of religious inclinations, are allowed to take ICAN exams and excel, music should also enjoy equal airplay, regardless of religious inclinations. That way, the competition is fair, leading to stronger growth and developments in the music industry generally. Gospel Music should not only be played on Sundays.

Do you think gospel music artistes are underrated? 
Well, in our society today, I am not aware of established rules on the basis of which artistes are judged. However, the tendency of being subjective is quite prevalent in the industry. This results in tougher circumstances for Gospel Artistes than the secular ones. I desire to see all the stakeholders ensuring that everyone gets a level playing field and evaluation process.

How will you handle fame as it comes along the way?
I will handle it by the grace and wisdom of God through whom it came in the first instance. I am also sure of getting a lot of support from my Husband, our Spiritual Leaders and Mentors

How was your growing up life?
(Smiling) I had a very strict and godly upbringing. And being the first-born (together with my Twin), a lot of maturity was required of us so we could also be good role models for our younger ones. It was fun though. I recall times of childhood pranks with my siblings, especially the boys. As a matter of fact, I took a lot of my tomboyish nature having mainly grown up in between the combo of my Dad and my brothers.

What is style to you?
Style to me is a form or format of expression of your ideas. They give you room to explore your creative abilities, as much as you can.

As a married woman and musician, how do you cope with your male fans and admirers?
Well I try to be polite and acknowledge them as much as possible. But when they become difficult, I pass the baton to my Husband. But I thank God such occasions have been rare.

Does being a born-again artiste impact more on your music than being a secular artiste?
Yes, that is actually the foundation, that's where the messages come from. Remember, you can only give what you have.

How is it living with a man who is also a musician?
For me, it is an asset, a very important one indeed because it strengthens our resolve to see us succeed. Secondly, I've learnt a lot from it. My husband's input and support is a pillar that I always seek to lean on.

Don't get bored sometimes just talking about music and all that?
Well, we don't just talk about music; we talk about everything so I'm not bored.

How did you meet your husband?
I met him in the choir. We are both members of the Faith Tabernacle Choir, of the Living Faith Church (aka Winners Chapel), Ota, Nigeria.

What are your dreams for the future?
The fulfillment of everything God has revealed to us so far and the many more to come.

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Chelsea wedding made in naija

Why Ibadan artistes find it hard to 'blow' - Stakeholders speak

 

 

By Rotimi Ige

Oyo State, when it comes to entertainment, is quite unique. Ibadan, the state capital, is easily the most vibrant town in the state due to its large population, location, nearness to Lagos, among other factors. And so, over the years, Ibadan metamorphosed into a metropolis and its residents demanded more means of relaxation. Thereafter, hotels, bars and parks began to spring up. Now, gone are the days when Ibadan streets would be deserted by 8:00 p.m.

Since 2008, the state witnessed an upsurge in the establishment of club houses thus creating a buzzing night life for the city. Today, there are numerous clubs, pubs, bars and merriment centres scattered around the city; in fact, on Ring Road, between challenge and 110 bus stop, there are about six clubs on that dual carriageway street alone.  

With the changed mindset of fun seekers, the entertainment landscaped changed and the demand merry makers grew, thus giving indigenous artistes a platform to thrive like their Lagos counterparts. And so, artistes like Jayru, T Eyes, Skuki, Wale Waves, among others became the progenitors of its budding hip hop music industry and created a pathway for others to follow. Jayru, arguably, was the best selling Ibadan act then; Channel O nomination, a song featuring Wizkid and a large fan base in Ibadan. However, perhaps, because of his resolve not to move to Lagos, the entertainment capital, his popularity across Nigeria dwindled significantly.

His Lagos friends and colleagues, whom he had beaten to award nominations back then, are now the A-list artistes raking in millions from shows, endorsements and record deals in present day. The reason is not farfetched; Ibadan, till date, despite its nearness to Lagos and economic growth, remains a struggling city in the entertainment landscape.

Despite the large number of corporate organizations in Ibadan, not much concern is given to its budding entertainment industry. For most brands, whenever they require ambassadors to promote their businesses, the ‘Lagos’ artistes remain the first choice. Even record labels hardly look past Lagos, a situation, which, according to entertainment stakeholders, calls for concern.

Surprisingly, from research carried out by Friday Treat, it was discovered that many artiste who are now big names in Lagos once lived or schooled in the ancient and who, till date, are blazing the trail in their chosen endeavours. Wizkid, Skales, Skuki, 9ice (Ogbomosho), El Phlex, Sean Tizzle, Lafup (Comedian), Olawale (Project fame winner), Adetoun (Project fame runner-up), Oyinkansade (Project fame alumni and Vivace records artiste) are a few examples. However, sadly, all of these acts, save a few, have moved to Lagos for one reason or the other. So, the question remains, “What is wrong with Ibadan?”

Mobola Odubote, an on-air-personality in one of the popular radio stations in Ibadan, opined that the general perception that entertainment investors had about the state was that they could not reap much benefits from it. “Record labels, companies and other investors are afraid of risk, but they are wrong. There are a lot of talents with huge fan base in Ibadan. I believe that every city has its own popular faces and that our popular artistes for instance, should be used when brands want to sell their products it won’t be a bad idea to use our local Ibadan artistes as brand ambassadors. Only then can our local industry thrive and our artistes better off. When people complain that the Ibadan artistes have good songs but not many videos, the complainers forget that its costs a lot to shoot quality videos and get them on satellite and local television networks”, she said.

Tony Rowland-Awobode a.k.a Don T, a stakeholder in the Ibadan entertainment industry, in his reaction also supported Mobola. Said he, “If only people know how much it costs to record a good song, master it, get radio stations to play it, shoot videos etc, then they would understand that our artistes are really trying. I know of artistes who have invested millions in promoting just one song just to ensure that it becomes a hit. In a case whereby an artiste has good songs but lacks financial power to promote it effectively and he is not fortunate to live in Lagos, how does he survive. This is the case in Ibadan. We have a few good acts that are as good as the Wizkids, Davidos, Olamides etc but have little or no platforms or support to achieve their potentials. Let me also add that we need the government’s support also. As grants are being given to Nollywood, a structure should also be carved out for musicians in various states”.

Friday Treat also discovered that many of the clubs in and around Ibadan usually engaged many of the popular acts to promote their events but stakeholders claim that it was not enough to help the artistes make enough money to look good as well as promote their songs.

Wale Agbaje, another stakeholder stressed that though the ‘Lagos’ artistes understood the music business better because of exposure, he added that it was time that indigenous companies and brands considered talents outside Lagos.

“I have worked with many of Ibadan’s finest artistes and they have really good stuff. The missing link are the big platforms and endorsements that artistes in Lagos enjoy. We hope to see our artistes also drive cars, get signed to labels and shoot good videos. In fact, you’ll be surprised to find out how good these guys really are when they are given a level playing field.

A respondent, who works with one of the beer brands in Ibadan and pleaded anonymity, said that the reason why most corporate endorsements for entertainers usually happened in Lagos was because most corporate headquarters are always located there.

“Most corporate decisions are mostly taken in Lagos. Even when we have events, we have to report to Lagos. This is why we are sometimes handicapped. But Ibadan is opening up with more investors coming in. Let us hope that they begin to use some of the most popular artistes to popularize their brands”, he said.

According to findings, it seems some brands are beginning to take note of the importance of some of the Ibadan talents as Filmhouse Cinemas in Samonda, Ibadan, recently revealed its intention to use Fabulous Pizzy, who is one of the most popular acts in the city, as one of its ambassadors for an upcoming campaign. When contacted, the manager of the Samonda cinema declined to reveal if there was any monetary inclination attached.

As the city continues to experience a boom in its economic sector, entertainment stakeholders hope that the corporate and government entities would extend some incentives to the industry so that a partnership may be forged for prosperity on all sides.