Iwájú, Nigeria's first major animation series
Iwájú" is an original animated series set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. The captivating coming-of-age tale tracks Tola, a girl from the wealthy island, and her friend Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they navigate the secrets and perils of their disparate worlds. With the Official Trailer garnering 1.8M views on YouTube in just 6 days, this promises to be a must-watch for fans of animation and Disney. Scheduled for release on Feb 28, 2024, here's why I'm excited about it and at the same time worried.
Disney's venture into anime series is a significant step towards global storytelling diversity, offering Africa and Nigeria a chance for representation and international exposure. However, it's crucial to ensure it's not exploitative. Let's anticipate its impact beyond anime, potentially opening doors for games and more. Bookmark this for updates.
While we are celebrating this opportunity for Nigerians I hope we all have this in mind:
Pros.
1. Diverse Representation.
2. Global Exposure
3. Cultural Exchange
4. Opportunities for Local Talent
5. Economic Growth
Cons:
1. Risk of Cultural Appropriation
2. Potential Westernization
3. Limited Creative Control
4. Competition for Local Productions
5. Dependency on Foreign Investment
It's something we should all be sure we don't fall under the cons while enjoying the pros.
Watching Hamid Ibrahim, Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, and Tolu Olowofoyeku discussing this series as far back as 2022 shows the extensive groundwork that has been done. From the snippets I watched on YouTube, Femi Branch's voice stood out as perfect for the role. Disney's investment in PR is evident through my research. I hope this series will pave the way for more African representation in anime, especially in Nigeria, where we're leading in unexpected areas. It's Africa's time—from music to anime, movies, and sports. Let's seize this moment to create a better future for the generations to come. Don't forget to bookmark this “Iwaju” Feb 28.
‘Land of Bad’ excels, especially for all military personnel (Review)
The land of bad
When I reviewed "The Beekeeper," I anticipated more action, suspense, and a compelling storyline in upcoming 2024 movies. However, "Land of Bad" offered a different perspective on action and portrayed the struggles soldiers face on the battlefield due to someone's failure to do their job. While there were minor mistakes in the scenes, it provided a unique insight. Join me in reviewing and making your own decision about which movie is better between the two.
Comparing Jason Statham with Liam Hemsworth might seem inappropriate due to their differing years of experience and age. However, for the purpose of discussing their recent lead roles in movies, it's worth mentioning that both are excellent actors in the action genre. Now, shifting focus to the movie itself, I nearly lost interest because I anticipated action from the beginning but didn't get any until 35 minutes into the film.
One thing is certain in American Army they don't leave their soldier behind, but this movie fail to showcase that properly leaving sug Abel. corpse behind wasn't what I expect but I defiantly love how the showcase all the shooting, showing the drone team and negligence towards their duty almost causing the life of others are the most common thing I guess that have cause a lot of homes in America to have loss their love ones in battle, but remember don't quote me.
One thing that separates the two movies is their focus on life lessons, storyline, action, scenes, messages, projections, and intentions for the audience to learn from. "Land of Bad" excels, especially for all military personnel, while "The Beekeeper" seems more about an individual acting alone to save the world. However, the one aspect of the movie I don't agree with is the exaggerated scenes; it's hard to believe that one person could outsmart the system to the extent of killing the president's son and getting away with it.
Tell me which one you prefer!
Why Timaya is considers to be a dancehall legend in Nigeria
The fact that Timaya is considered a dancehall classic in Nigerian music is nothing new.
Nigerian musician and composer Inetimi Timaya Odon, is best known by his stage name Timaya. He has received multiple honours.
He was born in Odi, Bayelsa State, and founded DM Records Limited.
His solo career began in 2005 with the release of "Dem Mama," which was featured on his debut album, True Story, which was released the following year. 2008 saw the release of his second album, Gift and Grace.
He became more well-known worldwide with the release of his third studio album, De Rebirth, which he co-released with Black Body Entertainment. The album's lead single, "Plantain Boy," from the album.
They were both commercially successful. It made it possible for him to collaborate with Dem Mama Soldiers on the album LLNP and brought him some financial gain (Long Life N Prosperity).
The singles "Bum Bum," "Sexy Ladies," and "Malonogede" were all off Timaya's 2012 album Upgrade.
To date, he has won four Headies Awards, two AFRIMMA Awards, a Nigeria Music Award, and an NEA Award, among other important honours and awards for his work.
Timaya is without a doubt the dancehall artist who travels the most throughout Nigeria and all of Africa.
He has performed in Equatorial Guinea, Sweden, Australia, the United States, Germany, Barbados, Switzerland, Malaysia, Cameroon, St. Lucia, Uganda, Kenya, England, Spain, Austria, Turkey, Sierra Leone, Norway, Rwanda, Cyprus, and Uganda.
Timaya has also performed in the following nations: France, Finland, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Dominica, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, The Netherlands, and Trinidad & Tobago.
The current Amapiano beat, a fusion of deep house, jazz, and lounge music that originated in South Africa and is distinguished by synths, airy pads, and broad percussive bass lines, has been gently caressing Timaya's unique, rhythmic vocals.
The African soul of this song compels you to move your body; if you think of it as a party banger, you would be correct.
How Ayra Starr made short dresses her brand
In terms of the prettiest clothing for women, Ayra Starr is at the top of the list.
Even off the social media radar, Ayra Starr embraces all that makes her uniquely a member of Generation Z.
She is one of several rising stars who have turned their backs on the conceit that comes with "selfie culture" in favour of something much more authentic—a relatability and confident independence that come through in her sense of style.
She maintains the kind of pace one would expect from an emerging artist; she travels almost every other day and has a full calendar that includes press appearances, many live performances, and many other obligations.
When she's not on the road, she spends most of her waking hours either writing music or recording in late-night studio sessions.
The clearest example of Ayra Starr's 19 years of career dedication may be found in the fact that her debut studio album, 19 & Dangerous, was released in August 2021, just seven months after her self-titled EP debuted.
The auditory and visual differences between the two bodies of work, as well as the level of growth seen in the latter album, demonstrated to the public and industry insiders how dedicated she is to her work and how deliberate she is with her style, sound, and career.
She worked so hard to get here, and I want to emphasise that. Each step has been divine, wonderful, gratifying, and lovely.
Ayra Starr once stirred much controversy with her song "If I cast then I cast, everything wey wan sup go sup," from her 2021 album 19 & Dangerous.
A similar mentality can be seen in Ayra's fashion choices, which are daring and risk-taking but also occasionally vulnerable to critical feedback from admirers.
Nigerian music that was influenced by Fela Anikulapo Kuti
Some people asked, Did Fela Kuti invent Afrobeat? or Who is the king of Afrobeat after Fela? Let me show you the songs inspired by him.
Music is now judged by numbers and not quality again, as we can see.
In honour of Fela's nomination with other legendary musicians like Tina Turner, Carole King, Dionne Warwick, Rage Against the Machine, Foo Fighters, and others, we offer you a throwback that touches on Fela's history and influence.
Fela, the man and the musical legend, never fails to inspire creativity in Nigerians, regardless of their feelings towards him. His powerful, jazz-inspired sound is indestructible.
Nigerian music that was influenced by Fela Anikulapo Kuti
Burna Boy – Ye
African music legend Burna Boy has never been shy about his admiration and affection for Fela Kuti.
Because of his varied musical background and the fact that Fela's first band manager was his grandfather, Benson Idonije, Burna Boy has always had nothing but love to say about the elder musician. Therefore, it is not shocking to discover allusions to Abami Eda in Burna's song catalogue.
From "Soke" to "Another Story," Burna Boy channels Fela Kuti, capturing his charisma, bravery, and ability to maintain a steady enough beat for the listener's body to move.
Oritse Femi – Double Wahala
Prior to 2013, Oritse Femi had a string of hit songs, such as "Flog Politician" and "Mercies of the Lord," but he would admit that it was "Double Wahala," his rendition of (and ode to) Fela Anikulapo Kuti's "Confusion Break Bone," that helped pull him out of the underground.
Oritse Femi's song "Double Wahala" beautifully captures both everyday life in Nigeria and the desire of every Nigerian woman to live a prosperous old age.
Wizkid – Jaiye Jaiye feat. Femi Kuti
Wizkid needed "Jaiye Jaiye," as it was called in Nigerian, to "ginger" his fans, who had been waiting impatiently for a project since his 2011 breakthrough Superstar.
Alongside his second studio album, Ayo (2014), it was released as the lead single.
Grammy Award winner Femi Kuti, the late singer's eldest son, made an appearance on the lively "Jaiye Jaiye" sample from "Lady."
Skales – Temper (Remix) feat. Burna Boy
Skales' "Temper" song was ok in its original version; it had a catchy groove that the singer overlaid with the catchy phrase "Baby let's have a good timeline."
Ultimately, a secure but successful strategy.
A hearty thanks to Skales for getting Burna Boy involved in the remix. Not only did Burna Boy improve the song, but he also took the wheel and changed its course.
THE EQUALIZER 3: Movie Review
Join me in discussing this action-packed adventure featuring Denzel Washington! At 26 minutes and 24 seconds, a pivotal moment unfolds, igniting the thrill of the storyline. If you're a fan of intense action with a touch of Denzel's brilliance, this movie is a must-watch. Let's dive into our thoughts together and share our reactions to this riveting experience “THE EQUALIZER 3”
In every corner of the globe, there exists a group intent on wielding money and power to oppress others. Yet, there are always individuals who champion the cause of the less fortunate. Sadly, such advocates are scarce in our times compared to before. Denzel Washington embodies this spirit in his role, seamlessly continuing his legacy in the movie. At the 35-minute mark, women who admire you know precisely what to say in your presence. Angelo's act of freely providing fish proved to be a hidden blessing, showcasing how acts of kindness often yield unforeseen rewards
At 43 minutes, witnessing Enzo and Angelo engaged in deep contemplation evokes strong emotions. Have you ever pondered the significance when a woman approaches and inquires, "Who cooks for you?" This intriguing encounter unfolds at the 46-minute mark. The movie beautifully captures the essence of Italy, sparking a desire within me to potentially visit the country in the future. However, reflecting on the film, I yearn for Nigeria to recreate the communal movie-watching experience depicted at the 49-minute mark. While I appreciate cinematic realism, I remain unsettled by scenes involving firearms aimed at children, such as the one at 56 minutes. Enzo's poignant analogy likening the mafia to an incurable cancer resonates deeply
It's amusing how confidently walking away from meddling in others' affairs can lead to humiliation, as witnessed at the 1-hour and 9-minute mark. Life often presents situations where despite being in the right, certain actions are simply unattainable. It's disheartening to realize that influential individuals often have ties to nefarious activities. Unexpected developments unfold after the 1-hour and 20-minute mark, underscoring the importance of finding inner strength to combat oppression. While this movie imparts valuable lessons, some scenes feel exaggerated.
Overall, I would rate the movie 8.5 out of 10
Victony - Everything (official Video) Review
Allow me to use one stone to kill two birds at the same time by watching Victony's new single titled "Everything (Official Video)," directed by Jyde Ajala. I've noticed the video's numbers are skyrocketing compared to the audio version on YouTube. If you're a fan of Victony and enjoy both visuals and music videos, this thread is a must-read. Join me as I review their artistic work, making this song my favourite in February. Let's go!
Starting a song with such a view will make you think you're about to watch a movie with so many questions that will definitely strike your mind. Pause for a second at 20 seconds. What comes to your mind? While pondering, boom! You hear the voice of Victony saying 'Everything,' making you question women's place in our world of men. That aeroplane was the perfect setting. Listening to the song was a perfect work of art. Is there something about light-skinned girls that most directors always use them for?
This is not about comparison, but if not for the video, I wouldn't have enjoyed the song. The lyrics seem mild, but I was carried away with the visuals. I didn't notice the song was just a couple of lines that posed a common question. However, Jyde Ajala was able to give us something special for the song. I'm sure y'all know he's not new in the field of shooting musical videos. I love how the first scene at 20 seconds was finished in 2 minutes and 49 seconds; that's what I call finishing the story. For the music video, I'll rate it 8/10, while the song itself will be 5/10. See y'all on the next review
Is War Wrath and Revenge a continuation of Sons of the Caliphate?
Kowa Outskirts was the first name I projected in my mind as I quickly checked Google to understand the meaning and the name but I forgot it's a movie 1 minute 23 seconds gave me a glimpse of what to expect in a typical Hausa movie, but 2 min 57-second change everything even though that scene was not perfectly done, join me in reviewing this first of many to be reviewed and to be watched by my followers and me that love Hausa movie, 15 million Naira keep that number in your mind and lastly fear woman!!!!!, great work from write and the producer for connecting the politics of today into the movie, a lot of people might not agree to some scene basically because of their own assumptions and believe
In episode one (War: Wrath and Revenge), the adage "politics is about numbers" rings true, yet many overlook the influence of social media and news on elections. Keep an ear out for the name Nuhu Bula, but pay close attention to the storyline to grasp its nuances. At 13 minutes and 55 seconds, a humorous moment lightens the mood. While some claim that Hausa people don't know how to spend money, a scene at 17 minutes proves otherwise. The swift transition from the crashed jet is commendable. The clash between Sanusi and Nuhu is riveting, and Khalifa's demise levels the playing field. Women often perceive what men overlook they can foresee the future before it unfolds.
In Episode Two: Everybody Has a Price," I liked how the actress played ASP, Amal's role, but it was sad to see the name on Nuhu's phone who's to blame in most families for such situations? Amid our focus on elections, let's not forget about the failing state of marriage nowadays many people are either pretending to be happy or forcing themselves to stay together. Binta's actions at 6 minutes and 2 seconds didn't surprise me; this part of the story will probably become clearer later on. "Revenge" means more than it initially seems, highlighting the important role women play in every man's life. The strong scene at 11 minutes was memorable, and the reveal at 19 minutes and 50 seconds showed that cheating can happen even when you're close to someone. Politics is always a messy game, so it's important to stay alert. 33 min was fear and respect women!!!!!!
Episode Three hits hard! "Óbírin!!" (woman!!), excuse my Yoruba, but women are forces to reckon with. Binta's revelation at 5 minutes and 53 seconds shook me: "If I can love the man who killed my father, imagine what else I can do." The addition of ASP's story about work-life balance is commendable; many women struggle with this. This Hausa movie has exceeded expectations. Dikko's actions seem excessive, especially by the 15-minute mark. Skip to 18 minutes to see why I keep emphasizing "fear woman!" Four powerful women in different fields are showcased by the 23-minute mark. Watch Amal's threat to Nuhu—perfectly executed, as many women do, and I can't blame them.
Episode Four: The ASP's reaction to seeing blood on Nuhu's hands was convincing. Binta takes the lead, highlighting the strength of women. The interaction between Binta and Nuhu at 8 minutes is noteworthy; having a good woman is a blessing. The portrayal of the Northern side of Nigeria is captivating, depicting the influence of money, power, and politics. While I disagree with some scenes, the portrayal of Hausa Nollywood exceeded my expectations, leaving me eager for more.
Episode Five: The movie exceeded my expectations within the first 5 minutes. The mixed suspense involving Binta, Dikko's wife, and the truth about the jet stirred my emotions. It led me to contemplate the recent death of a prominent figure in Nigeria. The storyline delves into politics, power, money, and ambitions, highlighting their effects on the people. Sometimes, ambitions become so complex that unbiased observation reveals shocking truths.
Episode Six: I will use the episode to only talk mainly about my thoughts about the series, Khalifa's death might seem wrong but from the look of episode 6 it's deeper than you can think, it's not just about the election alone it's about, powerful people that knows about the “Mine” I love how the director and write focus on that area, you would have to watch it till episode 6, to fully understand it, I love the mins on each episode, very short basic but full of suspense, watching series like this on Netflix makes me happy that I have movies I can suggest for colleagues at work to watch and understand about Nigerian cultures, power and lifestyle at the same time, so much to bring out from the scene that I don't agree or think it's right but the level of the script and vision behind the movie is worth everything for a Nigerian to share being in diaspora, what would you rate this movie if you want to be a critic?
ORISA is a movie upholding true Yoruba values
Most men in Yorubaland won't understand the significance of a mother and wife in the life of a strong man until they lose both. Many names in Afrobeats, Fuji, and other genres struggle with their fame once they lose both. "ORISA" is a movie we haven't seen in the Yoruba movie industry in two decades. For everyone who values Yoruba culture and its values, this movie is a must-watch to appreciate something we haven't seen in a long time. Join me in reviewing this movie about Yoruba culture, which was portrayed so well until 1 hour and 40 minutes, where Komokomo was able to use one shot to kill more than 10 people at once. But I love how they relate Orisa to pride because, in Yorubaland, we believe pride is vanity
At 29 minutes and 19 seconds, Arowosafe and Arowolana embody the typical behaviour of Yoruba men. At 30 minutes, it's evident that it's every man for himself or herself, reminiscent of the Dahomey fights in the stories our grandparents shared about Yoruba wars before colonization. The outfit at 38 minutes worn by Komokomo was classic. However, the scene at 40 minutes still needs improvement. The phrase "village people" is often misunderstood, and reflects common misconceptions about our culture when people from the Southwest use it.
The gathering of many Yoruba actors and actresses speaks volumes about growth in the Yoruba movie industry. However, the chemistry between the first lady and Oba Adefolarin and her role could be improved.
At 54 minutes, it's evident that many women today lack the courage to sacrifice their lives for their partners, and it's understandable. The scene at the one-hour mark sheds light on the challenges faced by chieftain titleholders in the past. The secret between the King, Balogun, and Komokomo remains unknown, but the movie brilliantly clarifies it at 1 hour and 14 minutes, connecting it to Kokumo with the emphasized title "Orisa." Despite Oba Adefolarin not being worthy of ruling based on these principles from the beginning of the story, the narrative unfolds compellingly.
At 1 hour and 21 minutes, there's much to relate to in this movie regarding the present state of the Yoruba race. The scene sheds light on the present politics in Nigeria, but it's crucial not to quote me on this, it's just fiction. Komokomo crossed the line when demanding the throne, as seen at 1 hour and 26 minutes. The revelation of the second Olori's true colours was shocking, reminding us to always respect women a common phrase in Yorubaland, often misused by Gen Z. The moment between Olateju and Adefolarin was profound, and the portrayal of the third eye was impeccably executed. The movie adeptly captures an aspect of Yoruba culture: someone somewhere always knows your story, and when the time comes, they'll share it, no matter how well you hide it. Komokomo's real name was Okanlawon.
Overall, I'd rate the movie 8.5 out of 10, though some scenes could have been executed better
Titanic: Reflecting on the movie for Valentine
I'll start from 42 minutes and 16 seconds, where Jack is trying to pull Rose up. Nowadays, many women are hesitant to love or even give love a chance, whether they're from wealthy backgrounds or not. Everyone seems guarded when it comes to matters of the heart. Today, it's more about what someone brings to the table. Remember, this review focuses solely on the storyline about love and commitment between two people who understand its true meaning. It's intriguing how, over many decades, wealthy women still struggle to love someone within their social circles, often fantasizing about men from different walks of life. It's amusing how Jack's story, shared with Rose at 51 minutes and 54 seconds, mirrors her own experiences.
At 56 minutes, witnessing Jack's graceful pull in his clean, well-dressed outfit was a testament to how a chance can transform a humble individual into their best self. Women often appreciate simple gestures that many men overlook. Life is ultimately a game of luck. At 1 hour and 3 minutes, the message "make every new day count" resonates deeply, especially when your partner is by your side. Here's a toast to Valentine's Day! And to all the single ladies, let's embrace the season of love. Returning to the movie, one of the most memorable lines, later used by Céline Dion, occurs at 1 hour and 17 minutes and 25 seconds. Many women today find themselves in relationships influenced by societal pressures. At 1 hour and 21 minutes, we witness a perfect scene that remains timeless: "love is beautiful." So go ahead, steal a kiss from your loved one if the coast is clear. Lolz.
This movie, based on a true story, cleverly weaves Rose and Jack's narrative to offer solace to families who have lost loved ones. At 2 hours and 38 minutes, Rose's poignant declaration to Jack about their first meeting is a standout moment, showcasing Jack's unwavering support. The emotional climax at 2 hours and 51 minutes is heart-wrenching. "Can anyone hear me?" Titanic remains the epitome of love stories, reminding us to cherish life and love. It's not about ratings but about honoring those who perished and reaffirming the existence of true love. How many times have you watched Titanic? Happy Valentine's Day.
Who brought Amapiano to Nigeria?
These are the tunes that made Amapiano popular in Nigeria.
Different accounts of the musical genres in the Johannesburg slums of Soweto, Alexandra, Vosloorus, and Katlehong have led to a great deal of uncertainty and debate regarding the genre's origins. Still, Katlehong, the township east of Johannesburg, became a hotspot for the genre.
Given its Bacardi-like qualities, some people assert that the genre was born in Pretoria.
It is, however, impossible to pinpoint the origins of the well-known genre due to the differing tales of its creators.
Songs that helped the Amapiano genre gain popularity in Nigeria
Zinoleesky - Kilofeshe
Every place that values music, including the streets, clubs, social media, and private areas, went crazy when Zinoleesky released Kilofeshe.
As Niphkeys had done, it had brought back street music and represented a full localization of the Amapiano sound, where Fuji and Afrobeat elements squared off against the ingredients to create a hit song.
Squander - Falz, Niniola
All or most of the Amapiano musical components, such as the bouncy basslines, light pads, loopy horns, and synth chords, are present in Squander.
After being released on December 4, 2020, the album, which was produced by Yung Willis and swiftly tailored for the Nigerian market, gained momentum in the music industry.
Hallelu – Masterkraft, Bella Shmurda, Zlatan
This was highlighted even more by Niniola's singing and Falz's smooth beat-making.
Masterkraft earlier shown a tendency to incorporate horns into his Amapiano songs with his horn-infused street hop hit, which he collaborated on with Bella Shmurda and Zlatan.
A number of tracks, including Hallelu, which was released on December 11th, 2020, concluded a musically productive year.
High Way – DJ Kaywise ft Phyno
December 2020's music featured a lot of Amapiano hits, one of which was DJ Kaywise's Highway, which featured Phyno.
Highway is an unstoppable song that was mostly performed in Igbo by Phyno. Yung Willis produced the single, utilising Amapiano's powerful basslines, snares, and synthesiser while maintaining the fast-paced style of Nigerian hip hop music.
Ke Star Remix – Focalistic and Davido ft Virgo Deep
Davido, a firm believer in the saying "go big or go home," jumped on the Amapiano bandwagon and remixed his song "Ke Star" with popular South African rapper Focalistic.
After the song became popular and served as a bridge for the adoration and love of Amapiano music between the two countries, Nigerians began to learn Amapiano dance routines with greater verve and flair.
Monalisa – Lojay and Sarz
A popular remix of the song Monalisa by Lojay and Sarz featuring American artist Chris Brown is currently available, proving how popular the original song was.
With its flute-driven, dreamy Amapiano atmosphere, the lead single from Lojay and Sarz's joint EP started out as a sleeper success before blowing up into a blockbuster hit.
Yaba Buluku Remix – DJ Tarico and Burna Boy feat. Preck and Nelson Tivane
A quick geography lesson about the different Swahili-speaking South African countries—including the DJ's own country, Mozambique—is provided by DJ Tarico and Burna Boy's Yaba Buluku remix. Mozambique and Nigeria share musical talent and cultures.
It's noteworthy that the two countries were represented on Yaba Buluku not just by musicians but also by hypemen, who elevated their countries' cultures by applauding the artist in their own tongues.
Why M.I deserves more flower in the Nigerian music industry
Undoubtedly, M.I. Abaga is credited with founding Nigerian popular hip-hop.
M.I. Abaga has remained firmly at the top of Nigerian hip-hop ever since making his debut.
One of the few performers in Nigerian music history who can truly call themselves legends is M.I, who has been creating music for almost 17 years and is still responsible for orchestrating the rise of the new rap culture.
gaining popularity as early as 2006 with the release of the highly praised Talk About It, a culturally significant first album with outstanding lyricism.
Obviously, if the majority of Nigerian rappers had been based in the US or the UK, they would have gained more attention; unfortunately, it's possible that language obstacles prevented crossover appeal.
Related: Is Nasty C best rapper in Africa?
Before Eedris Abdulkareem debuted with a strong project and single titled "Safe," which shook the airwaves and introduced something more relevant and lucid, the industry was dominated by people like Ruggedman, Modenine, and others.
It is impossible to overestimate M.I.'s contribution to the development of young Nigerian rappers who were focusing on creating a new sound.
Even if modern rap was orchestrated prior to the advent of digital streaming and internet exposure, it nevertheless made room in the larger hip-hop industry for other rappers.
M.I.'s influence on the growth of young Nigerian rappers who were concentrating on establishing a new sound for export cannot be overstated.
Even though modern rap was created before digital streaming and online visibility, it nonetheless created space for other rappers in the broader hip-hop industry.
It is impossible to overestimate M.I.'s contribution to the development of young Nigerian rappers who were focusing on creating a new sound export.
Even if modern rap was orchestrated prior to the advent of digital streaming and internet exposure, it nevertheless made room in the larger hip-hop industry for other rappers.
Rema’s Calm Down is the biggest afrobeat record of all time
Rema's famous song "Calm Down" has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the most certified African music in the US, with 6,000,000 units sold.
One of the lead singles from Rema's 2022 debut album "Raves & Roses," "Calm Down," has consistently had tremendous commercial success.
"Calm Down," which features Selena Gomez, has achieved the remarkable milestone of 6,000,000 units sold, solidifying its position as the most commercially successful African song in the United States. This achievement has earned the song an RIAA 6-time platinum plaque.
The US saw tremendous success with the "Calm Down" remix, which stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for more than 52 weeks.
It also earned the highest spot for a Nigerian song and the second highest position for an African song, reaching its peak at No. 3 on the list, placing it only below Hugh Masekela's 1968 classic "Grazing in the Grass," which peaked at No. 1.
In addition, Rema's song "Calm Down" has broken several records. It is currently the most streamed Afrobeats song on Spotify, having had over one billion plays. Additionally, it is the Nigerian music video with the highest number of views on YouTube.
The Book of Clarence (Review)
“The story, all names, characters and incidents portrayed in this production are “Fictitious”. No identification with actual person, places, buildings and products is intended or should be inferred”. You will only see this in 2 hours 9min if you are not triggered by everything you just watched, this statement is only meant for Christians, blacks, and Africans or if you in a way believe in the way the story was told in the past about Jesus and I won't be shocked if a lot Christians will google about Thomas twin brother. To those out there who understand the difference between knowledge and belief join me in reviewing “The Book of Clarence” which I love how they dedicate the movie to Ian Alexander Jr.
For the first time since I started writing reviews on X, I had to ponder on how to approach this review without disrespecting my faith. But 44 minutes into the movie, the line 'Knowledge is stronger than belief' gave me all I needed. So now to the movie. At first, I found it disrespectful why Jay Z and other respected actors and actresses from different parts of the world came together to make this movie. There should be more to it. The movie was based on Thomas' twin brother, and even the Bible does not have the full facts on that area. So I guess that limits how to critique the movie properly, but there is a lot to focus on in the movie.
The scene at 56 minutes was not necessary. You might not like it, but I love how they make weed a normal thing in the movie. Let me take you on a quick journey. What if the Bible was wrong? What if this story was true. But black people didn't have the power to make this kind of statement or movie? I know a lot of Muslim people that respect Christianity, but they don't agree with the Jesus story till date. Now back to the movie. When the beggar was healed and money started coming out of his hand, I think that part was not needed. Clarence's role showcases a lot about most pastors we have today. While watching this movie, stay open-minded, or else you won't enjoy and understand the message.
I love when Barabbas said 'Nigg@,' that was a fun expression. At 1 hour and 10 minutes, they should have done better. At 1 hour and 15 minutes, it wasn't expected. I don't understand the projection of the dance. At 1 hour and 25 minutes, they are fearful of us. At 1 hour and 33 minutes, it will go over a lot of people's heads. Remember, knowledge, not just believe, and I think there is a part in the Bible that says God can use anyone when he feels like. Varina did all that was expected of her ('Woman!' in Yoruba, 'Obirin!!'), but I guess at 1 hour and 44 minutes, it didn't please your eyes based on what we are being told in the past. You won't believe in Black Jesus, but you're quick to accept White Jesus. I love that statement: they always take our baby.
We're currently living in a time where many people don't grasp the full depth of social media. The dedication of this movie to Regina King's son, "Ian Alexander Jr.," caught me off guard. It led me to Google, and the result was heartbreaking. We're so immersed in these apps that we fail to realize our impact on someone's life by simply saying something kind rather than hurtful. While the movie may cause you to lose focus, particularly among Christians and Black people, ask yourself: What is my impact in making this world a better place? I'd rate this movie a 7/10 for its script, although I enjoyed it, there's much I don't agree with.
Treasure in the Sky is made for the Gen Z
I have a question for the 10 million people who have watched this movie: it's been 1 hour and 10 minutes, and I haven't seen anything meaningful. There are too many long scenes that don't seem worth adding to the movie, with a bunch of students dealing with insecurity about their identities. While the producer highlights the pressures Gen Z faces in this generation, I can't help but notice many similarities to '13 Reasons Why.' It's hard to keep up with the story. How can characters start conversations with headphones on at 1 hour and 15 minutes? While the movie may resonate with most Gen Z viewers, it lacks direction.
Jidenna flirts with Peace, Amina, Kamsi, and Bella, highlighting the challenges faced by this generation. Many Gen Z individuals prioritize relationships over their futures, leading to struggles with depression as their expectations are tied to friendships rather than personal goals. While I admire the movie's shooting location, Mr. George's storyline is well-executed. However, I question the significance of the Promo night and whether Nigeria values such events for students attending school there.
At 2 hours and 48 minutes into 'Alfa Ifa Trip,' the revelation of stage four acute myeloid leukemia feels belated, with many scenes that could have been omitted to grasp life's basics: valuing people for who they are and cherishing time shared. Jidenna shines in his role, but the character's demise at 2 hours and 52 minutes felt abrupt. While the storyline deserves a 10/10, unnecessary scenes and gaps in performance lower the rating to 6.5/10. Nonetheless, the writer and director show promise, with room for improvement in timing."
Davido spotted at Madison Square Garden, what’s cooking?
Davido was seen with his team inspecting the World's Most Famous Arena, olloquially known as the Garden or by its initials MSG, a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh and Eighth Avenues from 31st to 33rd Street above Pennsylvania Station.
In January, "Timeless Tour" by Nigerian hitmaker Davido continued with a sold-out performance at the venerable O2 Arena.
Fans enthusiastically sang along as Davido played popular songs from his discography at the O2's "Timeless Concert."
Moreover, there were guest performances during the event. DMW signee Logos Olori joined Davido on stage to perform 'Picasso' off his 'Timeless' album.
Additionally, he introduced Mayorkun, performing their popular song "The Best" together. When he introduced Kizz Daniel for a performance of their most recent song, "Twe Twe," it was an exuberant moment.
In the last 4 months, Davido has been shutting down iconic venues, some of which are his first and others multiple times which include the Accor Arena, also known as Paris-Bercy, an indoor sports arena and concert hall located in the neighbourhood of Bercy, on the Boulevard de Bercy, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, France. The closest Métro station is Bercy, which also serves the Finance Ministry across the aforementioned boulevard and the O2 respectively.
Now it seems like he’s about to do it again with the Madison Square Garden.
Wizkid chills with Bukayo Saka amidst Grammy brouhaha
Wizkid was recently spotted in London amidst the ongoing Grammy noise. On the day of the Grammy event, he visited the Emirates Stadium as a special guest and paid a special visit to Bukayo Saka, a right winger for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team.
It was regarded as a special Sunday as Arsenal took on Liverpool in Emirate Field. It was a 3-1 score in favour of Arsenal, with Saka scoring in the 14th minute of the game.
Of course, the music stans will eventually come for him following how he lost out on the nomination phase if it happens that it goes south. The unbothered legendary Nigerian singer was chill and about going to his business like nothing is happening.
However, Wizkid received a nomination in the category of Best Global Music Performance, which honours recent recordings of global music featuring vocal or instrumental performances.
In the category for albums with at least 51% new vocal or instrumental Global Music recordings, he was also nominated twice for Best Global Music Album.
The vocalist, however, did not win either of the two nominations; Arooj Aftab of Mohabbat took home the Best Global Music Performance title, while Mother Nature's Angelique Kidjo won the Best Global Music Album category.
Many people were surprised by his defeat because they thought the singer would win twice in both categories.
Given that he was probably aware of the Grammy controversy, he probably chose to relax. That evening, a video showing him hanging out with Skepta and Portable went viral immediately, right after the Grammy announcement, which led to Burna Boy and Davido losing their various nominations. Skepta was visibly thrilled to see him after the death of his beloved mother in November.
Tyla vs Ayra Starr (South Africa vs Nigeria)
Tyla vs Arya Starr is like another Nigeria Vs South Africa
So don't be carried away with my point to the level you will lose your temper, this a battle of Amapiano vs Afrobeats, in which South Africa is leading Nigeria 1-0 based on the Grammy result, I hope Wednesday our football team can make us all proud as they did with Back to music, let me share some little fact you can confirm yourself, presently this Gen Z believe a bit in evidence, on YouTube Tyla follower is 1.07M while Arya Starr is 1.6M, Tyla has more monthly listener of 28.9M on Spotify more than Arya Starr which is only 19.7M. By this who do you think is best between the two of them? Forget about Grammy
Another valid point is to listen to their music and tell me which toy you prefer. Or rate better? While doing that don't forget Tyla was signed to a record label in the US named Epic Record while Ayra Starr was signed to a Nigeria Record label named Mavin Record, the focus is if Ayra Starr with a Nigerian record label can make her music known around the world says a lot or organic work to reach that level, in my own opinion I will stick with Ayra Starr, but don't let us forget Tyla just won Grammy which we can all agree her record label plays a major role by making sure her song was pushed into people’s face, but all that was achievable because Nigeria started playing more of Amapiano than Afrobeat
My last opinion, Grammy is nobody to Africans making them an institute we want to respect is BS, their goal and intention is not to value us in any way but to use our audience and culture to establish themselves more, Grammy recording academy which was formally known “NARAS” which their main purpose is for American Artiste. I see no reason why we will go so deep into making their validation supersede our own culture. Tyla might have a couple of hit songs but by record Ayraa Starr should be respected Koreans value due to her Organic growth sticking with Nigerian audience that propel her to the world. In your own opinion who do you think is the best between Tyla and Ayrra Starr?
Tyla made history: first Grammy nomination & first win
Tyla Wins Best African Music Performance, Beating Out Burna Boy, Davido, and Other Nigerian Stars
The song "Water" by the South African superstar beat the following: "Amapiano" by Asake & Olamide, "City Boys Miracle" by Burna Boy, "Unavailable" by Davido featuring Musa Keys, and "Rush" by Ayra Starr.
At this year's Grammy Awards, the fierce struggle for Nigerian Afrobeats musicians ended in disappointment when Tyla, a South African singer and songwriter, won the golden gramophone for Best African Music Performance.
Ayra Starr's "Rush," Davido with Musa Keys' "Unavailable," Burna Boy's "City Boys Miracle," and Asake & Olamide's "Amapiano" were all surpassed by the South African beauty's "Water."
Following Jimmy Jam's prize presentation during the awards premiere ceremony, the singer was shocked.
in her words she said “What the heck?!” she declared once on stage. “This is crazy, I never thought I’d say I won a GRAMMY at 22 years old.”
The pop song "Water," with an amapiano base, defied fierce competition to become the first single by a South African solo artist to reach the Billboard Hot 100 since Hugh Masekala in 1968.
She became the highest-charting African female solo performer in Billboard history when Water eventually peaked at No. 7. The song also reached the top of the Billboard US Hip-Hop/R&B and Afrobeats Songs charts.
During her winning speech, the 22-year-old called out her family, stating, "I know my mother's crying somewhere in here."
As the inaugural recipient of the Best African Music performance award, she created history in the newly established category that, according to Academy President Harvey Mason Jr., was designed to commemorate music from the continent of Africa.
ANIMAL: Love the connection from the title (Movie Review)
At the age of 40, 50, and 60, celebrating a birthday with a 100-year background, that man in black tells his story from 1956-2056. The tale before the word went silent about the Monkey was powerful; a lot of people will miss it. I also loved how they connect the title of the movie 'ANIMAL' to the Latin word which means 'having breath or soul.' Every man wants his son to be better than him, while some sons don't even want to follow in their father's footsteps. For the second time in a row, if you are an Indian movie fanatic, join me while we both share our feelings while watching the movie 'Animal.'
Every first girl in a family of boys will always experience what happens in Animal: brother-in-law vs brother. As a girl who is choosing, in every country of democracy, there are always different motives attached to everyone's agenda. The kiss at 40 minutes makes sense, but the son watching a grown man pee on himself was not something I expected, but it was well played. Who kills and eats immediately, that's cold. 1 hour into the movie, that scene was perfectly played. For a second, I see why Nigeria's current president doesn't joke with his son SeyiTinubu. Let's get back to the movie.
At 1:13, I wish Nigeria could become like that. Add 2 min to the time; you might see what people speculate towards our past president in Nigeria. 1 hour 20 min 22 seconds got me laughing; if you are Nigerian, you will understand, but it might not be funny. The storyline is good, but the movie is too long, bro! This movie got me messed up on 1 hour 24 min like WTF. Trust with caution. But they should be taking it easy; how can 1 person beat so many people while others sing? It's a blood movie. 'Confidence is medicine'; it's a deep word I felt touched. I will never take this away from Bollywood; they value their culture.
I never knew India marries more than one wife; it's a blood animal, around 2 hours 20 min. In every man's life, there can never be 2 captains; it's always 1. Those who start the struggle might not enjoy the fruit. May God keep protecting every faithful and loyal woman out there. 44 min for the movie to end was mind-blowing. 3 generations. I love how they handle husband and wife stupid fights. To every man out there, spend time with your kids so that they can spend time with you when you are old. Every son wants his dad's blessing. The ending was not something I expected. Make sure you are not eaten,
I will rate the movie 8.5/10. It's a nice story, but I think I will rest for a while from watching Indian movies."