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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 Joseph’s Hospital, where he died some minutes later as a result of complications from gunshot wounds.

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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. That’s 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 DJ’s 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 haven’t 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 don’t 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 isn’t 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 haven’t 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]What’s 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 didn’t 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. I’m 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. D’banj 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, don’t just be amazing at it, be a MAVIN at it.

[color=orange]There’s 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 that’s 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 it’s 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 wasn’t easy. But I am someone that doesn’t have any trouble and don’t like trouble each other. I have built myself up in a way that not a lot of things bother me. There is nothing you can’t 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 D’banj, 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 ‘Oliver Twist‘ 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 Mo’Hits any regrets?

None. No matter how much people call it that, it actually can’t die. The great songs we made as will outlive you and I. Mo’Hits lives on in every one of us.

Davido continues to thrill fans with the latest being the video to his third single 'Ekuro'. Shot in Miami and directed by Antwan Smith, Davido's energy captivates his beau and the viewers too



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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 weren’t 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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Homeboys Ayo 'Wizkid' Balogun and Panshak 'Ice Prince' Zamani have been recognized by the the 2012 BET Awards. Both acts have been nominated in the 'Best International Act: Africa' category. The nominations were announced in New York with Mindless Behavior, Big Sean, Melanie Fiona, DJ Khaled, Astro, A$AP Rocky and Diggy among those present for the nominations ceremony. The list which was unveiled last night sees the two gifted Nigerian artistes up against the likes of Kenyan Hip-Hop/R&B group Camp Mulla, Ghanian rapper Sarkodie, South African singer Lira and French speaking Malian rapper Mokobe for the coveted Best African Act prize. Wizkid who released his debut album ‘Superstar‘ last year has had a fantastic run; winning a MOBO Award, signing up with Akon’s Konvict Music and touring Nigerian and the UK. He is to kick off his US tour later in the year. Ice Prince has also had it going pretty well for him; also releasing his debut ‘Everybody Loves Ice Prince‘, collaborating with Jamaican reggae singer Gyptian and winning the ’Best African Act’ at the 2012 Ghana Music Awards.

Last year, African pop giants D’banj and 2face came out tops and received a joint award prize in the same category. US rapper Kanye West leads this year’s nominations list with seven nods, six of which are from his star collaboration with Jay Z off the ‘Watch the Throne‘ album The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, July 1, 2012 at the Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium and will be hosted by veteran Hollywood actor and ‘Avengers’ star Samuel L Jackson with performances from Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj.

[color=orange]Best Female R&B Artist
Marsha Ambrosius
Beyoncé
Mary J. Blige
Melanie Fiona
Rihanna

[color=orange]Best Male R&B Artist
Chris Brown
Bruno Mars
Miguel
Trey Songz
Usher

[color=orange]Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
Big Sean
Drake
J. Cole
Lil Wayne
Rick Ross
Young Jeezy

[color=orange]Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Nicki Minaj
Diamond
Trina
Brianna Perry

[color=orange]Best Group
Bad Meets Evil
Diddy-Dirty Money
Maybach Music Group
Mindless Behavior
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

[color=orange]Best New Artist
A$AP Rocky
Big Sean
Diggy
Future
Meek Mill

[color=orange]Best Collaboration
Beyoncé f/ J. Cole – “Party”
Big Sean f/ Kanye West & Roscoe Dash – “Marvin & Chardonnay”
DJ Khaled f/ Drake, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne – “I’m on One”
Drake f/ Lil Wayne and Tyga – “The Motto”
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) f/ Otis Redding – “Otis”
Wale f/ Miguel – “Lotus Flower Bomb”

[color=orange]Video of the Year
Beyoncé – “Countdown”
Beyoncé – “Love on Top”
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – “Ni**as in Paris”
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – “Otis”
Usher – “Climax”

[color=orange]Video Director of the Year
Beyoncé and Alan Ferguson
Benny Boom
Chris Brown and Godfrey Tabarez
Kanye West
Hype Williams

[color=orange]Best Gospel
Yolanda Adams
Kim Burrell
James Fortune & FIYA
Fred Hammond
Trin-I-Tee 5:7

[color=orange]YoungStars Award
Astro
Diggy
Jacob Latimore
Keke Palmer
Willow Smith

[color=orange]Viewers’ Choice Award
Drake f/ Lil Wayne & Tyga – “The Motto”
Beyoncé – “Love on Top”
Chris Brown – “Turn Up the Music”
Mindless Behavior – “Hello”
The Throne f/ Otis Redding – “Otis”
Wale f/ Miguel – “Lotus Flower Bomb”

[color=orange]Centric Award
Common
Estelle
Robert Glasper
Robin Thicke
Tyrese

[color=orange]Best International Act: U.K.
Estelle
Labrinth
Emeli Sande
Sway
Wretch 32

[color=red]Best International Act: Africa
Camp Mulla (Kenya)
Ice Prince (Nigeria)
Lira (South Africa)
Mokobe (Mali)
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Wizkid (Nigeria)

[color=orange]Best Actress
Angela Bassett
Viola Davis
Taraji P. Henson
Regina King
Zoe Saldana

Best Actor
Don Cheadle
Common
Idris Elba
Kevin Hart
Denzel Washington

Best Movie
Good Deeds
Jumping the Broom
Laugh at My Pain
Red Tails
The Help

Sportswoman of the Year
Skylar Diggins
Candace Parker
Brittney Griner
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

Sportsman of the Year
Carmelo Anthony
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Victor Cruz
Kevin Durant

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The April edition of One Mic Naija took place at the GET Arena, Lekki moving to Victoria Island for the first time, away from its usual venue Brown's Cafe in Ikeja. Nigerian artistes, OAPs, DJs and Veejays, A&Rs, publicists and other industry players made their way through to show support and cheer on the artistes who were billed to perform and did they rock too!

Veteran singer Sound Sultan, EME boss Banky W and the talented Chidinma rocked the house with their popular tunes. Rapper Teeto Ceemos, J-Town acts Grip Boiz, Ghanian singer Dee Moneey, upcoming rapper Phizzle and Naija Ninja act Grey C all impressed too.

Goldie is in the building. The controversial 'Touch my Body' singer, who is signed to Kennis Music recently spoke to online radio Zoodrums regarding her image, her relationships with other artistes in the industry, and even answered some naughty questions. You'll enjoy it

Let me start by asking what is your least favourite sexual position?

I wouldn’t know because I haven't tried one that I didn't like yet, so if I did try one that I didn't like, I would…

So what's your favourite sex position?

I think I’m very old school…hmmm. The missionary style…

No. That’s wrong. Goldie is not allowed to do it the Missionary style.

I’m not?

You are not. You are Goldie, you are crazy. You wear all these outlandish out fits and people are supposed to go like ‘What the hell’ when they look at you.

We are really the timid ones in the end.

Really?

(Laughs) Don’t get the wrong impression…(laughs) Everybody thinks I’m this monster, let people know that I am boring.

You’ve been on the scene for a few years and then someone, for example, Tiwa Savage, just swoops in. How does it feel when you go for events and people are all over an artiste like Tiwa Savage? Do they react more because of the raunchy sexual image or the pretentious one?

I wouldn’t say Tiwa Savage just swooped in. She’s been someone who has been doing music for a long time …

I mean in the Nigerian system.

You have to understand that music comes from a long while back. This repertoire is on her profile. If you see someone that has been signed on Sony Music as a song writer for five years. Someone who has done competitions, she tried to compete in X factor and you saw the pain when she was turned down. She just deserves a break, and besides, she’s a hard worker. She’s talented and a fantastic person. She was around for my birthday and she was like I’m going to come and eat jollof rice and she tweeted it ‘Goldie, your rice rocks’. Tiwa is like the sweetest female artiste. You cannot hate on her. You have to love her. For all, I think she deserves all she gets.

Are you going to be doing collaborations with her?

We have spoken about it severally, we’re just looking for a subject matter.

What do you think it’s going to sound like?

I don’t know, but we are just looking for a proper subject matter that would be true to me and true to her.

We hear you have a lot of money and that’s why you have gone so far in the industry. You have got all these fantastic fashion people…

I don’t think it’s about money. I think it’s about talent and about people loving your work. There are people who are rich and have tried singing, but nobody knows who they are, so it’s not about money.

What would you say about your relationship with people in the industry? Do you think that has helped make you a bigger and more successful artiste or a less successful artiste?

What exactly are you asking?

I’m asking if you have a very good relationship with other artistes in the industry.

Oh yes! I do. I’m very polite with everybody. Everybody is always polite and we all understand and appreciate each other and that’s what counts. Unfortunately, I would love to have more time to spend with people, but I don’t have enough time. Throughout last year, I think I saw my dad just once. That’s how little time I have to spend with even my family.

What do you think about D’banj’s recent utterances about the ‘Occupy Nigeria’ protest that went down?

Its unfortunate. You know, what I have realised is that there are lots of things that are wrong in this country and lots that are right, but unfortunately, we dwell on the wrong ones. D’banj interviewed our President when he was campaigning. He had his view, so did so many. D’banj, in his own way, is trying to satisfy his conscience. Nobody knows what he is going through, and I feel as outsiders we shouldn’t judge based on what he says. I can’t judge him because I don’t know him or his mental state…

What would you have done differently?

Under what circumstances?

If you had to interview the President…

First of all, I am an artiste. I would not have interviewed the President, maybe if I was a presenter, I would, but I am an artiste and my job is to pass my message across to people through my music. My job is not to interview the president, so we cannot compare because it probably would not have happened.

Source: NET
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