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Son of the late legendary Afro-beat musician, Femi Kuti turns 50 on July 16, 2012. In this no holds bare interview, the only Nigerian based musician ever to be nominated thrice at the Grammy opened up on the day to day challenges of sustaining the legacies left behind by his late father. He also speaks on his relationship with women and how he was able to overcome the pains of separating from his ex-wife Funke. Excerpts:
[color=orange]What does fifty years mean to you; people say as a golden jubilee, it is supposed to make a man wiser?
Nothing, but I believe Iâm wiser and more experienced in age and life but Iâm indifferent towards it. Pertaining to celebration, some people are making it look like a glorious day because they appreciate my works, but to me, its just another day that will pass.
[color=orange]Regarding your career, can we talk about the high points of it?
There are so many of it. My first hit was ââWonder-Wonderââ which won a lot of awards in Nigeria. I was the first Nigerian to win ââKORA Award, ââWorld-Music Award and some others. I believe I was the most appreciated Nigerian at the Grammy award even though I havenât won any yet. I have been nominated for a good number of awards too. Iâve toured extensively all around the world. Iâm definitely in âthe fore front of Afro-beat. The period when ââBang-Bang-Bangââ became an international hit, it opened so many doors especially to the new generations who did not know my father; they were now able to relate me and my works to him.
[color=orange]Even regarding sales too?
Well, I canât really say that about sales because it has dropped for everybody. One who used to have a sale of twenty million then should be happy and grateful if he can have a sale of two million now.
[color=orange]How about the low points?
That would include bad press, especially from some particular National newspapers. Once I was called and asked where I was in France, it was rumoured that I was running around the ââEiffel Towerââ naked. I didnât bother to call them to clear the air; I think my sister (Funke) did. Also, my crashed marriage was as a result of the same bad press. I decided to keep quiet about it for the sake of my son but they fueled it by exaggerating the story.
The death of my sister would most likely be the lowest point of my life and my motherâs death too because on that day, I had to play at Okoyaâs 60th birthday party. I was glad I was able to sail through but those two days were the worst days of my life.
[color=orange]How about the death of your father?
Not really, because my father was a celebrity. So it was more of celebration rather than a burial. The only sad thing is that he didnât get to see his grandchildren and give them a piece of advice for their career but it was not as regretful as that of my sister. My father lived a rather fulfilled life with 27 wives, fame and fortune. He was nothing short of the biggest star Nigeria ever had. So his death was not a regret but a celebration.
[color=orange]Faced with the reality of your fatherâs death and as the first male of the family, how did things go for you?
His death was not something I was prepared for. Notwithstanding, he had been grooming me for a life after him so, I wasnât shocked. But as the days went by, the burden of the legacy that had been passed on to me dawned on me because the African tradition emphasizes on the male son to take over everything but luckily for me, my sister was very helpful.
[color=orange]What were the initial challenges?
The initial challenge was trying to get the ââShrine from the ââBurlingtonâs and when we could not get it, we immediately licensed his back-catalogue. If you remember then, a lot of his music was bootlegged because he was dead. We quickly convinced the family to give Universal Music the license because that was the only multinational organization that could sue and stop the bootleggers. They took a fast decisions so we would not loose licensing to back catalogue.
Convincing and keeping the family together became a major challenge because a lot of people wanted to separate the family, using Seun as an excuse to cause friction. I had to keep my band, tour and music career together as well. It wasnât easy but I learn that nothing good comes easy in life.
[color=orange]Talking about your Music, how much would you say it has grown in the last five years?
I think my next album would be a dynamite. From the Grammy nominations, you can see that if I wasnât progressing, I wouldnât have been nominated for that award. If ââBang-Bangâ won the âWorld Music nomination in 2001, 2010 and 2012, it shows that itâs not the end of my career, Iâm progressing and it is not just a flick. If it were to be that I had just one nomination, people would have said it was because I happened to be Felaâs son or that I featured American artistes, but it wasnât so. I featured more of French artistes and had no American collaboration. The performances of the French artistes on my album was done in Lagos.
[color=orange][size=18]Femi Kuti performing[/size]
There was no technological enhancement. It was live from the studio. That shows that people appreciate what Iâm doing and it is not easy to be nominated for awards. Femi Kuti has taken the Broadway to a different level and here, where it started, nothing much is happening but in Europe. My fear is that we would soon have a situation whereby they may not have services of the original owners of the musicâ¦
We should understand that Afro-Beat has become a global thing; it doesnât belong to just Nigeria anymore. The world appreciates the fact that it is Felaâs creation and nobody runs away from that fact. So it can only keep growing. It is now going to have a new dimension and more branches.
The Afro-beat I play now is quite different from what Fela played and when my son (Made) who is being trained, makes his own album, whatever he plays is going to be different from what we both play but, he would still have the influence of his father and grandfather. As the years go by, it is not going to be done by Nigerians alone, other people would emerge.
[color=orange]Iâm talking about the originators, nobody would be there to take over?
Thatâs not true. Iâve seen a couple of bands that play Afro-beat. I cant remember their names but I know a good number play the same.
They may not be as known as myself and Seun but they do exist. It is just because the critics are over-critical, insisting that you must be like Fela. I once had a problem with these critics due to the fact that Seun acted more like Fela but I refused to act like him and it took me years; that is over a decade to convince Nigerians that you donât have to be like Fela to play Afro-beat. It was âBang-Bang-Bangâ that opened their eyes to the fact that you can do something else with the Afro-beat and it has opened a whole new market that people are capitalizing on now.
[color=orange]
You seem to have come back to where you started from, was that an experiment?
No, its all part of the going. When I did the work with most of those Hip-hop artistes in America, an opportunity came and I seized it. If another one comes by and I have to work with classical musicians, I would not hesitate. It is all part of growth and development of music.
What are those basic things in Afro-beat that makes it distinct from other genres of music, particularly when you do a collaboration with a Hip-hop artiste?
First, you must remember that Hip-hop came out of Afro-beat, so there are a lot of similarities between the two and merging is not a difficult task. The difference between Afro-beat and the rest is finding melodies for your rhythm and being political and sincere with your lyrics.
[color=orange]Is it really compulsory?
No itâs not. âBang-Bang-Bangâ showed it is not compulsory but that should be the major factor. If you want to hear a love song, people want the sincerity of that music kept in place, so when I play ââSorry-Sorryââ, people want to hear the frustrations of a young man regarding bad government.
You are looking very good, honestly, Iâm quite impressed
Well, thank you. I try as much as possible not to stress myself at my age. Notwithstanding that Iâve been through so much, I have tried to live and stay healthy in the toil surrounding my life.
[color=orange]How has it been keeping a band together?
Iâve had to start up a new band for over five times now because of indiscipline among my band members. Sometimes, they refuse to understand the political message behind my music; building and maintaining the ââShrineââ also. In all these cases, if you donât try to comport yourself, you might lose your head (laughing).
[color=orange]Lets talk about romance, is it dead?
No. You can see one of my beautiful girlfriends over there.
[color=orange]I mean âwifeâ, not âgirlfriendââ¦
I donât have to be married to be happy and Iâm not getting married again. I can actually say Iâm married and I donât necessarily have to call a Pastor to serve as a witness to it. I even consider that a low point on my integrity.
If I live together with a woman who has a child for me, in the African tradition, she is already my wife-thatâs common sense. I can say Iâm married only that it is not documented which is preferable because if we start a fight, we donât have to go to a court; we can settle it amicably or just walk away from the relationship. I just got off the phone with Funke before you walked in. We talk about our son and other issues like we are still married but not legally married anymore.
[color=orange]But why is she not here?
She does not have to be here. She stays at her own house.
[color=orange]Asking as a friend now, do you sometimes miss her?
Like I said, I have no regrets and we are no longer married. But sometimes, I miss her. Iâm the kind of person that gets up and picks his life back after a problem or else, it will kill you; not physically but mentally or psychologically. There were times we tried to come back together but it just didnât work. There were stronger forces against our coming back and I did not have the energy to keep on pleading for understanding. A lot of things changed but it is something nobody is bitter about now. We talk about the past but nobody accepts responsibility for the mistakes, so we just let it die down.
[color=orange]If she comes to you for sexual pleasure now, would you succumb?
Most likely not. (laughing)
[color=orange]What is your perception of the talent hunt show,âNext Afro-beat Starâ?
I think it would be wonderful and fantastic if it is focused.
Source: Vanguard
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On Friday June 15, the EME crew â Banky W, Wizkid, Skales, and newest signings Shaydee and Niyola staged an exclusive listening session for their forthcoming compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind at the recently opened Club Rumours, G.R.A, Ikeja.
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Source: NET
African's leading Disc Jockey, DJ Jimmy Jatt is back with the summer edition of his annual DJ concert tagged Jimmy's Jump Off Live. According to the iconic DJ, "This year's special summer edition promises to be bigger and better with loads of surprises and great performances from top Nigerian artistes and best flight DJ's from radio to club and concert DJâs as well".
JATT tells NET the event will hold at GET arena Lekki on Sunday, July 1, 2012 by 6 pm.
Performers will include Nigeriaâs finest DJs including â DJ Humility, DJ Neptune and DJ Waxxy. Others are DJ Xclusive, DJ Spinall, DJ Caise, DJ Sose, DJ Tony Blaze, DJ Snoop Da Damager, DJ Big N and DJ Xgee.
Tickets can be purchased at Delta kitchen, The Hubs, Barcelóâs, The Place, Get Arena, Silverbird Galleria, Ouch Couture, Koko Lounge and Mama Cass at N2,000 and N10,000, for regular and VIP respectively.
The grand duke of Nigerian entertainment industry and the Koko master may have finally rested the ghost of his former partner and producer, Don Jazzy with the debut of his own label,[color=orange] D'Koko Master (DKM) records.The new development also rests speculation that he may be heading the Africa arm of American record label, Def Jam (owned by the Universal Music group) as Vice- President.
D'Banj, it would be recalled was recently involved in a messy separation with his former partner and producer Don Jazzy. Both artistes jointly owned the now rested Moâhit records. As countdown to the unveiling ceremony of the new record company begins, WG has it on a good authority that the record companyâs first signed on act, wave-making Davido will be launched in an elaborate and lavish party proposed for high profile Eko Hotels on Lagos Island.
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Source: Vanguard News
Niyola joins the like of Eva (Trybes Records), Tiwa Savage (Mavin Records) as the latest female signing in town. She will be joining the likes of pop star Wizkid, young rapper Skales, Banky the boss himself and Shyadee (a new signing). Shaydee, an upcoming R&B singer was formerly signed to Kackland Records (along with rapper Pope da Hitman). Niyola however isnât a newbie in the music industry. She was formerly associated with former Trybesmen rapper Freestyle, she released her self-titled debut back in 2007 on Westsyde records.
Another interesting development is that Niyola will also be featured on the compilation album, âEmpire State of Mindâ expected to be released later this month. The album we are told will feature 22 tracks from the labelâs acts including in-house Disc Jockey DJ Xclsuive; 18 songs with four skits from Basketmouth and production from Cobhams, Banky W, Masterkraft, Sarz, Shizzi, Spellz, Legendary Beats and Kid Konnect.
No word yet from the label or their reps on the signing, but weâve been assured by multiple sources that Niyola has been signed, and that work has already commenced on her album.
Popular Nigerian entertainer, Dapo Oyebanjo (D'banj), has debunked rumors of his death. The star took to his Twitter account yesterday to make the announcement. saying "Pls ignore the nonsense rumours. I'm very much alive and well! Thanks be to God! Thank you 4 all ur concern. #PrayForNigeria #DanaCrash #RIP" he tweeted.
Rumors had been making the rounds that the 'Oliver twist' singer was shot by three unknown gun men on his way from the Atlanta residence of his G.O.O.D Music boss, Kanye West, after which he was rushed to St Josephâs Hospital, where he died some minutes later as a result of complications from gunshot wounds.
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'Starboy' Wizkid might have had a good time at the HMV Apollo Theatre in London last night Monday, June 4, 2012 but faced a scare when his gold necklace he wore on stage got missing.The EME act's 'chain' was taken off him when he was performing very close to the multitude of fans who attended the highly publicised gig put together by baron's World and CokoBar.Reports say when Wizkid found out and raised the alarm, the show was temporarily stopped and EME boss Banky W with some of the organizers began to plead with the crowd to return the expensive jewelry.
And when no one was forthcoming with the missing item, UK rapper Tinie Tempah in a show of support refused to come on stage to perform. We're told it was a sad Wizkid that later left the concert in Tinie Tempah's car. However, a few hours later Cokobar reps called to tell the popstar the necklace had been found.[color=orange] 'Thanks to the ?#Beautiful girls that brought back the chain. @wizkidayo was NOT Robbed !!!', @Cokobar tweeted minutes after the recovery.Wizkid happily retweeted. 'Big big shoutout to @Cokobar nd the whole crew!..God bless u all big time!!!..#TeamUk!'. The show which has received mixed reviews featured the likes of Skales, Banky W, Wande Coal, Tinie Tempah and 2Kriss.
Source: NET
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The first lady of the Mavin crew explains how eager she is to release here debut album and how she'd love to work with her favourite female artiste Brandy...[color=orange]At what point did you decide to go into music as full time career? I started singing in my early teens and almost immediately after, I got a gig to sing back up for George Michael. Thatâs how I transitioned into making music a profession, not just a hobby or passion.
[color=orange]Having lived abroad for a while, how were you able to break into the Nigerian music industry?
It was through the grace of God. I wrote Kele Kele as a demo song and played it for some people. A very close friend of mine, Bizzle Osikoya, believed in the song and played it for couples of DJâs and radio station and it just caught on really fast. Ladies especially love it and from there I started getting some buzz. God has just been opening more doors for me ever since then.
[color=orange]You recently signed up for MAVIN records. Why did you leave your former record label to join MAVIN?
I havenât left my label. I am still signed to 323 Entertainment, which is owned by Tunji Balogun and myself. We now have a partnership under MAVIN records. This kind of partnership is very common in the United States. For example you have Young money under Cash money label, you also have G.O.O.D Music under Def Jam and so on.
[color=orange]You have four singles out, when should we expect an album?
Very soon, I am working so hard on putting finishing touches to the album. I want to show the different side of Tiwa Savage. I honestly donât think I can capture it all on one album but I want people to see a glimpse of what different genre of music I can bring to the table.
I have been blessed because my audience is very wide; I have people that love Tiwa for her ballads, some for her up tempo club songs, and some for her jazzy neo-soul songs. So now, I need to create an album that has all those elements but still has a common thread running through it from the first to the last song.
[color=orange]You are one of the few leading ladies in the music industry; do you think the Nigeria music industry isnât one which favours the female musicians?
I think the commercial aspect of the Nigeria music industry is still growing but it is growing fast and with every growing industry, new things take a while to catch on. Nigerians love female artistes and I believe we as females have been stepping out of our shell and so now there is a demand market for us. It is only going to get better for us. I have a lot of faith.
[color=orange]You are a very pretty lady, how do you deal with your male fans?
I appreciate their support. A lot of them love me more for my music and my gift and that means more to me than physical admiration.
[color=orange]What defines your sense of style?
I usually just wear what I like and feel comfortable with. I also have an amazing style team Veronica Ebi-Odeka (stylist), Debola Falana (hair), and Ify Ijeoma (make-up) that are constantly working hard to build an image that suits my music and personality.
[color=orange]You have few collabos with other Nigerian artiste, what should we expect in that angle on international scene?
I am focusing on my album right now, as it is my first. I havenât reached out to any international artiste yet. But if I have to choose, I would love to do a song with Brandy as she is my all-time favourite.
[color=orange]You are also a songwriter, who is at the top of your list to write song for?
I would like to write for Beyonce, Brandy, Kim Burnell and Rihanna.
[color=orange]Whatâs next for Tiwa Savage?
More music, videos, shows, album and just using my music as a gift for people.
In this interview culled from ThisDay Style, the hit producer says he believes the hit label 'lives on'. [color=orange]Tell me a bit about yourself; what was your childhood like? Well, I was born in Umuahia but spent most of my childhood in Lagos after our family moved here. I am the eldest of four kids. I have always loved music and started banging drums and instruments when I was a kid. As I grew older, I started experimenting with different sounds even if they didn't make sense.
[color=orange]What inspired you to go into music?
I have always been surrounded by music growing up. My father was in the music business and retains a very special interest in it until today. Music was part and parcel of our everyday life.
[color=orange]Was it an easy take breaking into the Nigerian entertainment industry?
God has been extremely generous to me so thankfully it has not been so bad. But believe me, there were some trials. After we set up, we even considered selling it off when some offers came in. If not that there were some delays, we may have sold for like N1m. Fortunately, it was not to be and God allowed us go from strength to strength.
[color=orange]Contrary to some of your predecessors, it didnât take you long to create a niche for yourself as the don of the Nigerian entertainment and the beats master. What was the secret behind your success?
God almighty, a lot of hard work, a wonderful team, loads of practice and study of the music game, knowing what the people want, and loving what I do.
[color=orange]The birth of MAVIN signifies a new era for you. How do you feel about it?
I feel gingered and ready to work as always. Nothing stops. We will just keep working. Iâm excited because things look beautiful so far for a new company. I am the kind of person who always looks forward to what he does. MAVIN is like a new child for me and I am so excited about it. On the day we launched I could hardly even sleep.
[color=orange]There have been a lot of speculations and wild rumours; could you clear the air as to real reason behind the breakup of the record label?
Most of the things out there have been fabricated. I have not even been giving interviews until after the launch of MAVIN so where the stories came from, I do not know. There was no major problem behind the split. Dâbanj and I just decided we wanted to branch out and try different things musically and professionally.
[color=orange]The dictionary definition of the MAVIN means someone who is dazzlingly skilled in his field an expert so to say. Was there a particular reason to the choice of this name for your record label? Were you perchance trying to pass a message to your fans?
Yes! You always think hard when creating a company. You think about what beat describes you or the company or how people see you as. So MAVIN meaning genius kind of sounded sexy (Laughing) although people have been complaining that we are forcing them to read the dictionary for the meaning of the MAVIN and even Solar Plexus, the name of the new album. Everybody has his or her own unique skill in life, whatever it is you do, donât just be amazing at it, be a MAVIN at it.
[color=orange]Thereâs a fresh addition to the group in person of Tiwa Savage, a clear diversion from the all-male feel of the group. If at all an addition, why a female artist, and why Tiwa Savage?
Even at, I wanted to sign a female artiste but the opportunity never really came up. Tiwa and I have a connection musically. We work well together thatâs why she was first choice to get activated.
[color=orange]Do you have any plans to push MAVIN deep into the international market? And do you intend to go about it?
Yes we all definitely want to grow. And we intend to go about it one step at a time. Slow and steady wins the race. We are Nigerians and this is our base but African music is hot in the world right now so we must meet that demand too.
[color=orange]Where did you draw inspirations from during the creation of Solar Plexus?
Well the name itself actually came from my dad. He loves winding us with big grammar. The inspiration for the album itself came from God. I just wanted to make songs that were different from songs out at the moment production wise. Although I played with sounds not common in the Nigerian market now, I am glad itâs working fine meaning we Nigerians are now opening up our ears to alien sounds little by little.
[color=orange]Seeing as the album was created just a little while after the breakup of records, how were you able to concentrate in the midst of all the mayhem?
It wasnât easy. But I am someone that doesnât have any trouble and donât like trouble each other. I have built myself up in a way that not a lot of things bother me. There is nothing you canât achieve with hard work and prayers. I always just try and let the music do the talking.
[color=orange]Is there any possibility of reconciliation between you and Dâbanj, not only in terms of the brotherly friendship that existed between you but also to create music?
(Laughs) Who said we quarrelled? There can only be reconciliation when people have quarrelled before. We are good. We even worked together recently on the âOliver Twistâ remix and performed in New York.
[color=orange]Is Don Jazzy a musician or a producer?
(Laughs) All of the above.
[color=orange]A last word on the death of MoâHits any regrets?
None. No matter how much people call it that, it actually canât die. The great songs we made as will outlive you and I. MoâHits lives on in every one of us.
Nigerian twin pop duo Psquare who are currently on an African tour seem to be enjoying the best of life. And one half of the twins Peter Okoye has not hesitated to show his fans how glad he his as he posted a couple of pictures of himself while the crew where flying in a private jet. 'Baba God done settle us⦠I no go lie', he tweeted along with the pictures.
There had been earlier reports that a group of Cameroon-based musicians would stage a protest when Psquare who had been scheduled for a show in the West African country arrive. Reports say the artistes felt they werenât being paid enough, compared to their Nigerian counterparts.
But there were no reports of any protest as the concerts went on smoothly.
The band has now travelled to South Africa for another concert holding today.
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