Upcoming artists

Repping Ezzie B!

Born Eziaku Ogbonna in Abia State, Ezzie B is a multi-talented artist who is an excellent rapper, poet, and performer. Ezzie who describes herself as having the “body of a model, and mind of a hustler” appeals to people of diverse backgrounds as she was born in Nigeria, but raised in the States. She has learned to merge both her African and American heritage in order to create awesome music. Ezzie’s music genre cannot be placed into just one category because her style is so versatile that she dabbles in different avenues from poetry to rap to singing; describes her target audience as “anyone who walks to the beat of life’s iambic pentameter.”

Not only is Ezzie B musically talented (she also plays the flute, piano and is learning the guitar), the young lady is also trilingual and incredibly intelligent. Ezzie who now resides in the United States is a jack of a couple of trades, and a master at both; Ezzie B who has dobbed herself the “Pharm Artist” finds time to balance her careers both as a musician and also as a Pharm.D Candidate at the University of Maryland where she is studying for her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree; the chick is beauty, flow and brains! When asked how she manages to find balance and exercise proper time management with both her music and pharmacy career, she replied, “Music is my first love and pharmacy is an arranged marriage. I am not monogamous, but I am faithful.”

Ezzie is also known for her sick blogisodes and freestyles; she has generated a lot of buzz for the freestyle that she laid out on the DJ Zeez Fokasibe track. She was also one of the femcees featured on the “Show Yourself” track alongside Zara, Nyja, Naira, and Felyne. Furthermore, Ms. Ezzie B is a seasoned MC, she has worked with the likes of Iceberg Slim, Perico White, Kel, Gucci Wally Wa, and DJs DeeMoney and Jimmy Jatt, just to name a few.

Ezzie also knows how to draw inspiration for her art from her true life experiences. For example, “Sister” is about her best friend who passed on to glory while “I’m a soldier” is an inspirational song in which she tells her fans to keep on going, working hard and proving their doubters wrong.

Ezzie B is already hard at work on her upcoming LP and is looking forward to continuing future projects with her Afrigang Family, and producers such as KidKonnect, Ex-O, Xela, Sazzy and a few others. She is looking forward to newer collaborations with artists that she has previously worked with and would love to work with more groundbreaking and up and coming artists and producers in the industry.

Due to her school schedule and a recent opportunity to further develop her project, her official album release date has been pushed back to the first quarter of 2010.

She’s definitely an artist to watch out for now and in the upcoming years!

Listen to “I’m a Soldier”

Listen to “We dey run things”

Listen to “Sister”

Listen to “Nice guy” ft. Kel

Listen to “Ifeoma” ft. Iceberg Slim

I Rep Ezzie B!

For more information about Ezzie B:

Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/EzzieB

Join her Facebook Group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33516369772&ref=ts

View her Reverbnation page at http://www.reverbnation.com/Ezzie

Also, view her Youtube Blogisodes at http://www.youtube.com/ezimusik

Repping Lara George!

Rep Naija Artists is proud to REP their FIRST Gospel artist: Lara George!!

My first exposure to this soulful yet inspirational singer’s work was through her single titled “Ko le baje” and I couldn’t help but wonder and find out who she was. This song is one of my favorite gospel songs of all time! Since the first time I heard this song, I haven’t stopped listening to it everyday! What a wonderful way to start each morning!! The work of God can not be destroyed!!

Listen to “Ko le baje”

We had the pleasure of asking her some questions and we present the information she shared with us!!

Born Lara Bajomo (now Lara George by marriage), Lara began her musical journey in high school: Queens’ College, Yaba where she took a lead role in a song. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at the University of Lagos, Akoka (UNILAG) to study Architecture and joined “Rocksolid”, the music team of “The Rock Foundation Mission”. It was at the campus fellowship she met Ty, Emem and Dapo. The bond between these four individuals tightened and led to the formation of a singing group named KUSH. Though members of the group went their separate ways later, it didn’t stop Lara from pursuing her passion.

She emerged back into the music scene two years later in 2008 with a solo debut album titled “Forever In My heart” with hit single “Ijoba Orun”. This album earned Lara several nominations and awards such as ‘Voice of the Year 2008’ Nigeria Music Awards, as well as ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Female Artiste of the Year’, Nigeria Gospel Music Awards 2009. This songwriter draws from all her experiences in life and the challenges she has encountered and conquered and recently released her self-titled sophomore album which is an expression of her versatility. Per Lara, the style on this album is more urban or ethnic contemporary yet has elements of hip-hop, salsa and soul. Her album features artists such as Lord of Ajasa in “Run with You” and Midnight Crew’s Pat Uwaje King in “Halleluyah”. You can also find the remix to “Ijoba Orun” on this new album, and the remix is much better than the original. Mind you, the original is really really good!!

Musically influenced by the likes of ABBA, Amy Grant, Whitney Houston, Victor Uwaifo, Bebe and Cece Winans, and Yvonne Maha, Lara’s music reflects an eclectic sound originating from percussions, strings, and drums with western and traditional influences. Though she doesn’t play any musical instruments at the moment, she’s currently taking piano classes! Unlike most artists, she doesn’t have an alias and we asked why. Her response was “The kind of music I do is inspirational. I believe that it is a way of life and not something to sing about only on stage. For me, music is as real as day to day living, and for that reason, I see no need to hide behind an alias.” Well said!

Though we all refer to her genre as being solely gospel, Lara describes her style of music differently. When asked to describe her music, she replied as such: “My style of music is inspirational. Some say that Gospel is a genre of music but I don’t totally agree. I believe that it’s a way of life that shines through in every facet of life, including music. For me, my music must always have a positive purpose and impact on people. Through my music, I hope to help people to see life the God-perspective.”

As a singer and songwriter whose album dropped last month, wife and mother (Lara is happily married to Gbenga George who is a legal practitioner and her manager. They both have a son, Adeoba Alexander George), Vice President of SoForte entertainment, we could only imagine how busy each day is for her and proceeded to inquire about this. When we asked Lara to describe a typical day in her life she said “The beautiful thing about my work is that there is no ‘typical’ day. I enjoy the fact that I do different things on different days. Some days, I dedicate to print, radio, and TV interviews. Other days, I have rehearsals; some days I take time out to attend a function at my son’s school, and yet other days, I spend at my office (aside from being a musician, I am also the Vice President of Naija’s first automated entertainment distribution company – SoForte Entertainment Distribution).”

As to what you can expect from her sophomore album, Lara says that it is an exciting, extremely enjoyable album. This new album has an ethnic contemporary feel throughout most parts of it while retaining the very soulful feel that I think is quite characteristic of my style. I don’t know about you but I am very excited about her work! I mean her soothing voice coupled with her songs of God’s praise is absolutely amazing! Just the few tracks off her album as featured on this post is a proof of her style and the hits within the album! If you are yet to buy her album, I suggest you do so! It’s already available on itunes and will be on all major digital stores soon if it’s there already!! So what are you waiting for?!!! Curious as to why you should buy this album, we’ll let Lara answer that herself: Because it’s great music (or at least I’d like to think so). Seriously though, I try to make music that will last more than a lifetime. It’s music that builds up, motivates and is funky and fun all at the same time!

While she just released her album not too long ago, we were curious as to what other artists she would like to work with, but she wouldn’t disclose names as she wants to surprise her listeners. I already have the names of potential featured artists in my head but I won’t disclose either! I’ll wait and see if my artists match hers!

As with her last album, I am sure she’ll be nominated for numerous awards in the upcoming months and years for her work. This is definitely one artist to watch out for now and in the coming years!

I REP Lara George!

Listen to “Run with you” ft. Lord of Ajasa

Listen to “Ijoba orun”

You can join her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6414653745

Check out her Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/larageorge

You can also visit www.larageorgemusic.com in a couple of weeks.

For more information about her and the distribution company that’s changing the face of entertainment distribution in Nigeria, log on to www.soforte.net in a few weeks!

Repping Mo’Cheddah!

Mo’Cheddah!! Where do I start with this young lady?! She has so much energy! Let’s not even talk about her flow and style: on point! I absolutely love her! With earned titles such as “The Hip-Pop Princess”, “The Swagger Diamond” and the “Franchise Celebrity”, 18 year old Mo’Cheddah depicts versatility in both singing and rapping. My personal favorite song of hers from her forth coming and highly anticipated debut album is “Uncensored”. I am still working on nailing her self-created “Fororiko” dance: a dance which entails simultaneous jiggling of ones shoulders and head. Watch out for a tutorial on the dance coming soon by none other than Mo’Cheddah herself!

Listen to “Uncensored”

You’ve probably heard her on tracks like “Da Finest (Won berri)” by Knighthouse featuring SauceKid and Teeto and songs on the Knighthouse Street Scripture mixtape as she worked alongside with the likes of M.I, Illbliss amongst other artists. If you are yet to hear her and for those that recognize this talented female, we bring you the 411 on the first lady of Knighthouse as she shared with us!

Mo’Cheddah, born Modupe-Oreoluwa Oyeyemi Ola, grew up in Lagos, Nigeria and spent most of her younger days listening to music and singing along as her dad played his favorite records. When asked about the origin of Mo’Cheddah, she explained that “Mo” comes from Modupe and “Cheddah”was merged with “Mo” due to the frequent use of the term in her raps. Musically influenced by artists spanning several genres such as the likes of Beyonce, Fabulous, Neyo, Jay-Z, the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Keri Hilson, M.I, Onyeka Onwenu, Wande Coal and Patti Labelle; this female star comes forth with songs that encompasses multiple genres including hip-pop (a fusion of hip-hop and pop). In 2002, she hooked up with the original members of Knighthouse who were still a group then and got involved with recording and rap music.

Though she left the music industry back and forth since hooking up with Knighthouse due to personal circumstances such as the loss of her father and the need to focus on her studies, she came back in 2006, paid her dues and got her big break in 2008 with the Knighthouse Street Scriptures project where she recorded tracks with the likes of M.I, Saucekid, Kel and Tha Suspect on the Volume 1 album.

With her debut album titled “Franchise Celebrity” set to drop the first quarter of 2010, Mo’Cheddah says she’s going to be as creative as possible while infusing her style and taste into the songs. She’s currently learning to play the piano and Conga drums to help with her singing. You might even hear her beatbox on the album! This album which is being produced by Knighthouse will feature beats from prolific producers like Dr. Frabs, Jesse Jagz, X-O, Xela, and Beatworx amongst others. Similarly, the album will feature great talent and brilliant collaborations with artists such as Pype, Illbliss, M.I, and Terry Da Rapman amongst others. When we asked Mo’Cheddah for the reason behind her album name, she provided the following explanation: Basically, there are 2 types of artistes: those that do music and those that define music (this type last forever) . A franchise celeb defines music and is a product: someone you put on a song to influence it and not a space filler.

She’s currently a contestant in the Hennessy Artistry Nigeria 2009 and will be performing live as scheduled. For more information including the schedule of the Hennessy Artistry Nigeria 2009 performances, please visit http://www.hennessy.com.ng/.

Being one of the few female pop/hip-hop acts in this part of the world, Mo’Cheddah, Naija’s Hip-pop Princess is ready to take on the world and show off what she’s got: incredible talent and mad swagger. This is definitely one artist to watch out for now and in the upcoming years!

I REP Mo’Cheddah!

Listen to “If you want me” ft. Othello

Listen to “Gbedu” ft. Pure

Listen to “Da Finest (Won Berri)” by Knighthouse ft. Saucekid and Teeto

You can download all the featured songs in the FREE Mixes and Download Section.

For up to date information on this artist, join her facebook fanpage at http://www.facebook.com/pages/MoCheddah-Fan-Page/58271001876?ref=search&sid=5001422.2093240794..1

You can also follow her on twitter at www.twitter.com/mocheddah

Repping Dr. Sid!

Mo’Hits has done it again! Dr. Sid, a multi-talented artist has definitely done it for me! I can’t stop singing and dancing to my personal favorite: “Winchi Winchi”! Something about that song just gets to me everytime I play it and I have it on repeat.

Listen to “Winchi Winchi” ft. Wande Coal

Let us not even talk about “Something about you” and “Pop something”. Dr. Sid is ready to break through the Nigerian hip hop scene in a massive way and is already making waves in the limelight. All the three singles released from his album are certified hits. If you are yet to listen to his work, you are way behind. Don’t worry though, we present to you the 411 on this artist as he shared with us!

Dr. Sid, born Sidney Onoriode Esiri, is no newcomer to the entertainment world. As the son of a very successful female fashion designer and legendary male actor, Justus Esiri, famous for his role as the Village Headmaster, Dr. Sid had his heart set on being an entertainer from an early age. While studying Dental surgery at the University of Ibadan, his passion for entertainment was evident as he became involved in school plays, dance competitions, and concerts; racking up numerous awards along the way.

However, his break came in 1999 when he signed on to Trybe records as a choreographer but it took him 3 years to get his chance on the mic as a member of Da Trybe on the song “Oya”. The next year, he recorded his chart topping debut single “Don’t stop”. However, his music career was put on hold as he took a year off to finish up his education for which he became a qualified Dentist by May 2004. He moved to the UK where he worked with the likes of JJC & the 419 squad, Felix Duke, KAS, R70 music group and a then unknown D’Banj. On returning to the motherland, Dr. Sid worked at LUTH (Lagos University Teaching Hospital), served his country, and returned to his first love: music.

Since signing on to Don Jazzy’s Mo’Hits records in 2007, he has featured on 7 of the 15 tracks on the Mo’Hits All Stars Curriculum Vitae Album, and featured in the videos for “Move your body”, “booty call”, “kpere” and “Close to you”. He has engaged in a ton of performances in and out of Nigeria and served as an MC; hosting numerous events over the years.

With his debut album titled “Turning point” set to be released at an undisclosed date,we asked Dr. Sid why his album was named as such and he explained that it marked a turning point in his music and personal style. He went into detail saying in the past, he was primarily a rap artist. However, now he does more of a rap-sing and the sound on his forthcoming album is quite different from things he’s done in the past. Collaboration wise, not only did he work with fellow label members: Wande Coal, Ikechukwu, and D’banj on this album, he also branched out of the Mo’Hits crew and worked with the likes of M.I, Eldee and K-switch. He’s also working on some international collaborations which he couldn’t disclose further details on. As to what people can expect from his album, he says you can expect to get a taste of a well rounded album that cuts across genres and generations. Per Dr. Sid, this album is filled with fun music that in true Mo’hits tradition, will keep people dancing. I don’t know about you but I smell a chart-topping album!

Dr. Sid is definitely a multi-talented artist and I personally can’t wait for his album to be released. He’s here to make a major mark in the Nigerian hip hop scene. This is definitely one artist to watch out for now and in the upcoming years.

I REP Dr. Sid!

Listen to “Something about you”

Listen to “Pop Something” ft. D’banj

You can download the featured songs in the FREE Mixes and Downloads Section.

For more information about this artist, please visit the following websites:

http://www.officialdrsid.com/

http://www.reverbnation.com/drsid

To become his facebook fan, log on to his fan page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-SID/21353633396?ref=ts

You can also follow Dr. Sid on twitter: http://twitter.com/therealdrsid

Repping Zaina!

This Chicago born, Nigerian raised artist is one to definitely look out for! My first encounter with Zaina was at the 2009 Nigerian DJs’ summer jam where she was an attendee! I was exposed to her music by NaijaAmazon!

My favorite song of hers is “moving on” which is about progressing after a breakup. The tempo and her voice definitely works for the song!! I love it! For those of you who can’t let go of an ex or someone of that magnitude, I suggest you listen to this song; maybe you can learn a thing or two from the song to aid you in packing your stuff, picking up the pieces and moving on!!

Zaina, like most artist developed her passion for music by joining the local choir in her school in England prior to coming to the states at age 16 to advance this passion and her singing talent. However, she didn’t start in the industry as a singer. She started off modeling at the age of 6. Perhaps, her striking face and tall slender frame added to her uniqueness in every setting which aided her by attracting the likes of industry professionals and scouts.

An all around music lover, Zaina took up the trumpet and tuba and played in her school’s orchestra and jazz band for five years. Given this background, you can only expect an eclectic collection of tracks from her.

Zaina is currently working on her first album but has had the privilege to work with artists such as Eldee, Banky W, Styles Plus, Zara, Amplifyed, Sauce Kid, Keno, Del, Naira, Lynxx amongst many others. She has has graced the same stage with the likes of D’banj, Tuface Idibia, Eldee and Majek Fashek amongst others.

You can also hear her on Eldee’s album: Return of the king as she sings on the track titled “Je ka lo”. You can listen to this song below!

Her upcoming album promises to be laced with string instruments, smooth vibes and of course some nice dance tunes! This is definitely one artist to watch out for now and in the upcoming years!

I REP ZAINA!

Listen to “Moving on”

Listen to “Hott” ft. Naira

Listen to one of her collaborations: “Je ka lo” with Eldee

You can download the featured songs in the FREE Mixes and Downloads Section

Repping Shakar El Swagga!

My first exposure to Shakar’s work was through his song: Jangolova! I absolutely love this song! When we asked Shakar what “Jangolova” meant, he said it could mean different things to different people but to him it’s a kind of dance. Sounds more like a sex dance if you ask me but read some lines from the song below and interpret it whichever way you want. Maybe I just have a dirty mind or maybe there’s another interpretation to the song but leave your comments and let us know what you think! Listen to the song below too!!

So make we turn off the light

Everything will be alright

From the left to the right

Any position that you want

Cos i have been waiting for so long to have you by my side

Tonight is our night

Cos mama no dey house, mama no dey

Papa no dey house, papa no dey

So make we dey Jangolo Jangolo Jangolova

We had the pleasure of chatting with Shakar and he provided us with some information which we’ll be sharing with you!

Born Chukwudi Ezeagwa, Shakar hails from Nise in Awka south L.G.A of Anambra state. His stage name originated from his high school days when his classmates started calling him Shaka after they read about Shaka Zulu in class. Chukwudi had mentioned to his friends that he wanted to be great like Shaka Zulu; however, he didn’t want the name “Zulu”. Couple of years passed with his friends appending any last name they wanted to his new found alias. However, he coined the name Shakar El Shakar which he later changed to Shakar El Swagga after hearing the word: Swag and looking up the meaning. Swag, as he said, is something in him that he always knew he had but never knew the right terminology to define it.

Like most artists, he sang in the choir in his younger days though he had to stop due to the distance from his home to church. Nonetheless, this UK based artist still found a way to be in touch with his passion by watching music videos that his dad brought home. With a ton of musical influences spanning across multiple regions of the world and ranging from the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Tuface Idibia, Lagbaja, Asa, D’banj, Sunny Neji to the likes of Brenda Fassi, Notorious B.I.G , this song writer and performer describes his music as originating from a fusion of genres. A fusion of dancehall, hip-hop, reggae, indigenous music and rock but gearing mostly towards the dancehall. Motivated by beats, he points out that his three singles: “Jangolova”, “Anyhow”, and “Orishirishi Swagga” presents and delivers three different kinds of beats. “Orishirishi swagga” , his first single, was released November 2008 to announce his entry into the industry. He came back with his second single and my favorite: “Jangolova”, a song influenced by his early years in April 2009. “Anyhow” which dropped merely few weeks after “Jangolova” was released due to the fact of the demand for an up-tempo song by the DJs: something people could dance to in the clubs and parties and he definitely nailed it!

Though not signed to any record label as of this post, you can expect a debut album from him before July 2010. He’s not rushing to get his album out as he wants to spend his time to make sure the album is banging, hot, a crowd and fan favorite! Collaboration wise, he says he might work with one or two artists on remixes of his songs but he really wants to showcase his talent as an individual first. Nonetheless, he says he’ll like to work with DaGrin, Lord of Ajasa, and Illbliss. I don’t know about you but just the thought of a track with Shakar and DaGrin has got me mega excited! If you are yet to read our DaGrin REP post, I suggest you do so!

Though he’s based in the UK, his fan base is definitely growing both in the motherland as well as other countries. His fan base spans the UK, Nigeria, Ghana and many other countries. In the nearest future, you can expect a video for “Anyhow” from him.This is definitely one artist to watch out for now and in the upcoming years!

I REP Shakar El Swagga!

Listen to “Jangolova”

Listen to “Anyhow”

Listen to “Orishirishi Swagga”

To download the songs featured above, please go to the FREE Mixes and Downloads Section

For more information about this artist, please check out his website at

http://shakarelswagga.com/

Repping DaGrin!

This is one artist that a lot of people have asked me to REP! His REP and highly anticipated album: C.E.O, is finally here!! His songs and flow are so on-point and catchy, and let’s not even talk about his lyrics and rhymes. Too gbaski! Don’t believe me? Check out his freestyle on Jimmy’s Jump Off. My favorite song of his is “Kondo” and some lines are below!!

Mummy mi o si ni le

Daddy mi o si ni le

Egbon mi o si ni le

Emi ni kan mo wa nile

Wa gba kondo, kondo, kondo

Wa wo commando, mando, mando

Rep Naija Artists had the pleasure of chatting with DaGrin and we present below some information he shared with us!

Born Dapo Olaonipekun, DaGrin is no newcomer to the game. Referred by many as the 50 cent of Yoruba music, he’s one of the hottest indigenous Yoruba rappers to emerge from Nigeria and you’ll see why once you listen to his tracks below! DaGrin, C.E.O of Misofunyin entertainment has 6 years of professional experience as a rapper though he wasn’t recognized until he emerged with collaborations with several artists due to lack of adequate promotion of his first album. His first album titled “Still on the matter” was released in 2006 under Leo Entertainment. His collaboration list includes but not limited to “Efi mile” with YQ, “Idi Nla” with Lala, “Call the Police” with TuStep, “Iyalaya won” with Sheyman and J. Holiday, “Hola Hola” with T-Frizzle, “Owo ati Swagger Remix” with Cartiair, Eva and Terry Tha Rapman, “2 much money” with Fresh, and “Jump” with Azadus and Lord of Ajasa.

His road to stardom was definitely not a smooth ride. Nonetheless, DaGrin comes forth with his sophomore album titled C.E.O, Chief Executive Omoita, released under his own record label.

Like most artists, DaGrin realized his passion for music while singing in the children’s choir in his younger days before he went out into the streets and adapted a different twist to merge Yoruba language and music. With music influences like Alhaji Agba Kollington, King Sunny Ade and the late legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, we asked why he chose Yoruba as the language of choice rather than English or Pidgin. He explained that Yoruba which he regards as his first language followed by English, is the best way to reach people of his ethnic background. When asked about the reason and origin of his stage name: DaGrin, he explained the reason behind the name: before his verses, he always has a big grin/smile before flowing and mocks the beats before dropping his lines; hence DaGrin.

C.E.O, the name of his album which hits the streets today: 8/25/09, was named as such because he is always on the streets and the reasoning that if you don’t sleep at home, you are an omoita. Additionally, he’s the boss of Misofunyin Entertainment which makes him the C.E.O. Hence, these two facts when merged are roots of his album name. As imagined, you can expect collaborations with other artists on his new album! He worked with established and underground artists to help expose their talents and showcase what they had to offer. Some artists featured on his album includes but not limited to Dark Poet Cartier, Isolate Arafada, T-Frizzle, Omawunmi and his producer, Sossick.

Even though he has collaborated with a lot of artists, DaGrin still has some artists in mind that he hopes to work with in the future. He hopes to one day work with Mr. Incredible himself: M.I., Tuface Idibia and the Paris-born but Nigerian raised jazz and soul sensation: A?a (pronounced Asha). As to what his fans can expect from this album, DaGrin says they can expect street oriented tracks, mad hits, and their money’s worth! You can review some tracks off his C.E.O album below!

This is definitely one artist to watch out for now and in the coming years!! He’s FIRE!!!!

I REP DaGrin!

Listen to “Ghetto Dream”

Listen to “Pon Pon Pon”

Listen to “Kondo”

Listen to “Thank God” ft. Omawunmi

Listen to one of his collabo: “Pari Popo” with Owen Gee

You can download the featured songs in the FREE Mixes and Download Section.

For more information about DaGrin, join his facebook fanpage at:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=61521951758