MI Releases MI2, an Innovative Album, Week of Nicky Minaj Album Release

American pop/r &b music star Nicki Minaj prepares to release her highly anticipated album on Thanksgiving Day. On another continent, BET Hip-Hop Awards nominee MI Abaga, releases his album MI2. MI2 is an innovative album taking African hip-hop to the next level. Visit Ladybrille Magazine for a complete album review.

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The Power by X.O Senavoe ft. Jay Cube & Louis Asabere

Get a clean music pot. We are going to prepare a sweet and savory music soup! As you know by now, there is nothing like a good homemade soup. Our goal with the soup we make is that when you taste it, you feel really good, nourished and know that “YOU’ve got the Power,’ too.” Read the rest on Ladybrillemag.com.

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Nigerian Director Kemi Adetiba Impresses with Stellar Music Video

Kemi Adetiba, a Nigerian film maker with a degree from New York Film Academy impresses industry heads and music fans alike with her stellar video, 'More of You.' The video was shot for emerging musician Bez. Watch the video and click Ladybrille feature on Kemi Adetiba to learn more about the emerging director.

Bez - More You from Kemi Adetiba on Vimeo.

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Duncan Daniel Releases 'Ready for Love' Single

OFFICIAL RELEASE Ready for Love - Duncan Daniels.

"Ready for Love" is Duncan Daniels first Solo Single since he released his 19 Track Album SHOSTOPPAH, this song is laid back and easy on the ears. it tells the story of a Man, who is re-introduced to a new found love.

Listen here.

Dunkishrock Management.

Ready for Love - Duncan Daniels.
Produced by Duncan Daniels.
BPM: 100

© Copyright 2010 Dunkishrock Production
All Rights Reserved.

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BBC Featured Scavenger Eric Obuh Vocal Slender, Musician on the Rise

Eric Obuh was recently featured on BBC's documentary 'Welcome to Lagos.' Obuh is a scavenger by day, musician by night. Everything he gets from his daily scavenges is saved so he can fund his music career. Watch the inspiring video about Eric Obuh in the following link and support him with a purchase of his music on ITUNES!
http://www.ladybrillenigeria.com/2010/04/musician-scavenger-eric-obuh-vocal-slender-bbcs-welcome-lagos-video.html

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Rapper M.I. aka Hip-Hop Messiah aka Mr. Incredible Debuts Award Winning "Safe" Video Featuring Djinee

Coming off the high from the recently completed Hip Hop World Awards 2009, in Abuja, Nigeria, where he won two of five awards he was nominated for, the very Ladybrille rapper M.I., featured in our February issue, has just debuted the music video to one of his hottest tracks, "Safe Featuring Djinee" from his award winning Freshman album "Talk About It."

Click "Safe featuring Djinee" to watch the video.

Read our brilliant and exclusive feature "M.I. aka Hip-Hop Messiah,Uncut, a Ladybrille Exclusive," to really appreciate this fresh, young emerging talent.

Also Watch M.I., Saturday on June 6th, 2009 at 4pm/3C, and other brilliant artists on the Red carpet LIVE on mytruspot.com at the 4th Annual Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

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Nigeria's Hip-Hop Industry Booming in Africa, CNN Reports

Nigeria's hip-hop industry is making money on the stage in Africa rather than America. CNN's Chirstian Purefoy explains. Watch the video here. First viewed on one of our favorite African/Nigerian music sites Not Just Ok.

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Wayna, Ethiopia's Grammy Nominated Artist, II

We continue our interview with Ethiopia’s Wayna who was also Grammy nominated this year for best urban/alternative performance. Wayna released her album “Higher Ground” in 2008 and true to form she pushes the envelope with songs like “My Love” which addresses domestic violence, “Billy Club” [police brutality], “Office Politics” [as the name implies] and a whole host of issues. Click here to read Part I of our interview.

LADYBRILLE.com: I see you do a lot of love songs and you seem to be doing quite well. Tell us where you are tying to go as an artist?
Wayna: I was just talking to my husband about it a while ago when we where driving in the car. I was saying a lot of people would have doubted that an independent artist could get a grammy nomination. I mean it may have been something even too big for me to imagine but I think that this shows that it is possible and it shows that, not only from the artistic side, but that on the business side, we are doing something right. So, I want to continue to build on that and grow. In terms of the story telling aspect, I have taken on [numerous] issues.

I have taken on AIDS in Africa, I told my mom’s story, domestic violence, police brutality, office politics, a wide range of issues. In the previous album, I talked about issues that I had experienced. This album, the issues I have not experienced but they are very important to me. My songs on domestic violence was, for example, inspired by an article I read in Essence Magazine about a woman who had experienced domestic violence. [She] lived in my community in Prince George’s county. So, I try to tell stories that are hopefully authentic.

LADYBRILLE.com: Interesting. I am sure you are aware or on the pulse of pop culture. So, what is your take on Rihanna and Chris?
Wayna:Interesting you bring that issue up. The whole point of my song “My Love” was to show that domestic violence is so pertinent in our society and it does not discriminate even with class. The Essence article was about how Prince Geroge’s county was a very affluent county [dominated] by African-Americans. Yet, it had the highest rate of domestic violence in the country. So I thought about the irony of women who look like they have it all, yet they still struggle with this age old problem.

Rihanna is an example of that because she was sort of like the picture of confidence and cool for young women; and the fact that she too can be subjected to this kind of abuse is really sad. I think the lesson we can take away from this is that this is still a very prevalent issue. [her tone gets even more passionate] It is not something that affects only low income families. It is something that affect all of us.

LADYBRILLE.com: Wayna, why do you think you are so passionate about socio-political issues and sing them in your songs? Socio-political issues that don’t necessarily get you to become a household name.
Wayna:[laughs] So funny. Well, that is the point of it. I don’t want to be an artist just do the sake of being famous. Trust me I would not mind having a good life for the rest of my life. But [being famous] does not get me out of bed in the morning. It does not inspire me. Last night, I stood out last night for forty minutes in the rain so that I could get an opportunity to speak with questioners. I am not going to do that because I want to be famous. I do that because hopefully I can help contribute to helping free somebody’s mind. That is the spiritual part that can’t get depleted but if my goal is to just be famous, I won’t last because that is not interesting enough.

LADYBRILLE.com: It is not interesting for your mindset and how you work?
Wayna: No not at all

LADYBRILLE.com: [laughs]
Wayna: [laughs] No not at all. It would not be worth all of the stuff I had to go through.

LADYBRILLE.com: Specifically, for the many young Ethiopian women who are trying to get to where you are, what do you say to them in how they can achieve their goals?
Wayna: Well I think you have to give them options through our own life examples, our successful ways of being in every field and endeavor. I think you are starting to see that. There are Ethiopians in every line of work: Aida Muluneh the photographer, Marcus Samuelsson, the Chef. I think that with every new generation, they are going to see Ethiopians doing it representing our culture in a dignified way and contributing to who we are and who we can be. When we do that, the young people will see that and feed off of that. They will be inspired.

LADYBRILLE.com: Going back to your music, where were you when you found out you were a grammy nominated artist!
Wayna:[laughs] We were in South Africa for my girlfriend’s wedding. We were in this remote part of Capetown. We knew the nominations were going to be announced but because we were in this remote area, we could not watch the live telecast. So, my husband and I got up within the crack of dawn the morning after and went to a hotel and the lobby of the hotel to watch and there was my name.

LADYBRILLE.com: Congratulations! So what happened after that, walk us through your excitement.
Wayna: [laughs] Oh God! We had to hire the right people to help us get the most out of the experience. We had to deal with all of styling issues and finding the right people who are familiar with the process and could walk us through what we needed to do. It was really a whirlwind. At that point, I was still operating more on an independent level and I was just thrown into the national level.

LADYBRILLE.com: Oh my God are you serious?!
Wayna: Yeaaaah! As a small label, we were doing things fairly well but we were thrown into a situation where I had to try to do for myself everything that major labels do for their artists.

LADYBRILLE.com: Okay so hold on right there. I thought at this point you were signed on a label as an artist.
Wayna: No. Everything, I have been doing on my own and it is called Quiet Power.

LADYBRILLE.com: Wow. That underscores the significance of you being nominated for the Grammys awards, even more. You go from a one woman shop to a national, global platform. That is impressive!
Wayna: Yeah. That was one of the things people said when we were up for nomination that, “whoa you are going up against Will.I.am, the Neptunes. These were big artists, labels and big producers and they were all well funded. We were one of two independent labels and the other independent label had big producers and it was very well funded. This was literally my small tiny independent label!

LADYBRILLE.com: That is so, so impressive. That is super impressive. I can’t believe it.
Okay so you have this frenzy, I have been nominated against all these amazing people. I have to get my hair, nails, face done and pick an outfit. Who do you end up wearing to the Grammys?
Wayna: [laughs] I ended up wearing a Georges Hobeika, a Lebanese designer. The fabric was so beautiful and the intricacies of the design were amazing.

LADYBRILLE.com: How have you been able to convert that to something concrete since the Grammys?
Wayna: I had a show called R&B live and the audience was every celebrity that was in there. It was so fun and exciting to see how people were so excited for us. We had a series of press. At that point I was ready. You don’t know when you are there whether you will seek or swim and I found out I was ready. All of the hard work, growth and development I have been these past four years really paid off. It really paid off because when I got to that stage, I was excited!

LADYBRILLE.com: I am so excited for you. I don’t know if you realize it but you mention your husband often. When did you guys get married and do you have any kids?
Wayna: It will be eight years this year and we do not have kids yet. It is one of the many sacrifices we’ve had to make to get me on solid footing as an artist but we will do that soon!

LADYBRILLE.com: Thank you so much this has been really good.
Wayna: Thank you.

To support Wayna, visit her site at Wayna.net or myspace.com/waynamusic

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Wayna, Ethiopia’s Grammy Nominated Artist

Most entrepreneurs will tell you it is not easy running a business. You have to set up shop, hire employees, handle all the administrative paperwork and if you are like Ethiopia's Grammy Nominated Wayna, you also have to build, refine and fine tune your music skills which keeps fans coming back for more. So, it is particularly sweet, especially for a small business entrepreneur, when you are recognized for all of your hard work on a national and global platform. LADYBRILLE is delighted to introduce Ethiopia’s Grammy Nominated Wayna to you in our signature indepth interview. In this Part I interview, Wayna discusses her experience as an immigrant and leaving her job as a writer for the Clinton Administration to pursue music.

LADYBRILLE.com: Wayna so you were born in Ethiopia.
Wayna: Yes. I was born in Ethiopia and then I immigrated to the States with my mom when I was a toddler.

LADYBRILLE.com: [laughs] Toddler? That doesn’t really count!
Wayna: [Laughs]

LADYBRILLE.com: [continues] Depending on who you talk to, they would say, “are you kidding me? She is as American as they get.” [laughs] But you have said on so many [platforms] that you were deeply entrenched in Ethiopian culture. Can you explain a little more about that?
Wayna: There are a couple of things. [W]hen we first came here [D.C.], there were not a lot of Ethiopians. Now, there are Ethiopians everywhere. [W]hen we first came, it was like a group under a hundred of Ethiopian citizens so we really had to stick together to preserve our sense of community. It was a different time and people were less tolerant of other cultures. Being an immigrant, we were more of the novelty. I think that coupled with the type of woman that my mom is. There are people who come here and kind of absorb parts of American culture that they want to integrate into their personalities.Then there are some who are close to their upbringing and their values. My mom was definitely the latter.

If you met her and spoke with her today, you won’t believe she has lived in the United States for 30 plus years. She is very much the same person she was when she first came here. So, those two things created a bubble for me where I felt like I was living in Ethiopia in America.

LADYBRILLE.com: I am very familiar with the DC area and yes indeed DC is dominated with Ethiopians. [Laughs] From under a 100 to total domination, Adam’s Morgan, the associations, conferences and soccer tournaments. I think you guys did a great job preserving the culture.
Wayna:[gives a hearty laughter]

LADYBRILLE.com: So, how did this young woman who was working as a writer for the Clinton Administration transition into music and why music?
Wayna: It was always at the heart of what I like. Anytime I heard music, performance on television, I was completely captivated. More strange is that I would venture into a professional world and try to live that world. I feel like I was pretending in that world. That was different for me than being an artist. Being an artist was always what I loved to do and did most naturally.

My culture also played a role in that my mom had given up so much to bring me here so I could get an education. Like many African [parents who have migrated here], her hope was I could go to school, have a stable job, become a lawyer. That whole dream was something I felt obligated to pursue and so that is why I studied English and started working in politics. But, I found out pretty quickly that I was not happy and no matter how proud I made her, I wasn’t happy. At some point, I needed to take the risk and at that point she had enough confidence that I could find my way and would be taken care of. It was a tough mental and emotional leap for me. Trying to find your calling is a scary thing.

LADYBRILLE.com: It is! So you have this stability and you chose to go into a more unstable environment. Did you have savings set aside you could draw on as you tried to establish yourself?
Wayna: I started initially working part time. I was a consultant. Then I started working with producers, trying to produce my CD. But I was a little naïve in terms of how much it would take to produce an independent project. I also went through a period where I was going through an independent label that collapsed. Instead of relying on them to fund the project, I had to come up with it myself. I had to go back to work [for] a year to save enough money to fund the project so I could release it on my own.

LADYBRILLE.com: That must have taught you a lot as a business woman and artist.
Wayna: Absolutely. [I] really wanted to be an artist but there were other muscles I had to learn to flex in order to be an artist. For whatever reason, my path was more complicated and I think God wanted me to learn different aspects of the business, even the production side that I would not have voluntarily taken on. For whatever reason, it has been my journey.

LADYBRILLE.com: But with that character development that you learned, I would think it spilled and applies to your work. So, how would define yourself as an artist?
Wayna: Oh my God! [pauses] I am a story teller. I am most inspired by telling the stories of people whose voices are not normally heard and relating it to other communities that otherwise do not feel connected to them. On a deeper level, that is sort of where I am as a writer and artistically. [I]t is the thing that is most enjoyable and rewarding for me to do.

TO BE CONTINUED. . .

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Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2009, Nominees

If you are looking to sample or bask in the glitz and glamour of Africa's entertainment industry then the upcoming Nigeria Entertainment Awards [NEA] 2009 is one to mark your calendars for! The producers just released the Nominees for 2009 and also announced this year's event will be held in Washington DC!

In case you missed our prior coverage on the NEA, be sure to revisit our exclusive interview with Tope Esan CEO of NEA and of course our indepth coverage of NEA 2008!

Also check out the very Ladybrille Lola Adesioye's recent article on the rise of Nigeria's Pop Music Scene.

******
NEW YORK, NY– (March 12, 2009) – The Producers of the NEA Awards are pleased to announce the Nominees for the Fourth Annual NEA Awards scheduled for Washington DC on Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at 5:30pm at the Howard University Cramton Auditorium. This year’s nominees include some of the biggest hit makers in the scene who are mostly young and upcoming acts and some familiar faces.

eLDee, MI, Naeto C and J Martins lead the pack with three nominations each. eLDee is nominated for Hottest Single of the year for “Big Boy”, Music Producer of the year and Best Music Video for “Bosi Gbangba”. MI is nominated for Best Album of the year for “Talk about it”, Best New Act and Best Rapper of the year. Naeto C is nominated for Best Album of the year for “My P”, Best Rapper and Best Music Video for “Kini Big Deal”. And J Martin is nominated for Hottest Single of the year for “Good or Bad”, Best New Act and Best Music Video for “Good or Bad”.

D’banj and Dare were both nominated for two awards, Best Album of the year, “The Entertainer” and “Undareyted” respectively and for Best Music Video for “Suddenly” and “Not the girl” respectively.

Other familiar faces that were nominated includes Tuface for Best Album of the year for “Unstoppable” and 9ice for Indigenous Artist of the year nomination along with Yinka Ayifele, Pasuma, Toba Gold and Da Green. Banky W. also nabbed a Best International Artist nomination along with Naira, Iceberg Slim, ASA and Kelly Handsome.

The film category has some familiar faces and names, Mercy Johnson, Omotola Ekeinde, Rita Dominic, Genevieve Nnaji and Funke Akindele were all nominated for Best Actress Category while Best Actor nominations went to Desmond Elliot, Jim Ikye, Saheed Balogun, Ramsey Noah and Emeka Ezeronye.

I Go Die, Klint De Drunk, Tee A, AY and Jedi were nominated for the Best Comedian category.

Voting begins on April 6th, 2009 (see complete list below) and ends May 25th, 2009. Winners will be announced later this summer at the Award ceremony.

For Sponsorship, Advertising, Press inquiries and any other inquiries please contact us (856) 776-8254 in the US and 234 706 110 7554 in Nigeria or info@nigeriaentaward.com or visit us online at www.nigeriaentawards.com.

NOMINATION LIST ***BE SURE TO HEAD ON TO THE NEA SITE AND VOTE!

BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
ENTERTAINER (DBANJ)
MY P (NAETO C)
UNSTOPPABLE (TUFACE)
UNDAREYTED (DARE)
TALK ABOUT IT (MI)

HOTTEST SINGLE OF THE YEAR:
BIG BOY (ELDEE)
GOOD OR BAD (J MARTINS)
SHAYO (DURELLA)
BUMPER TO BUMBER (WANDE COAL)
EFI MILE (YQ FT DA GRIN)

BEST NEW ACT OF THE YEAR:
MI
DURELLA
YQ
J MARTINS
BIGIANO

GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
MIDNIGHT CREW
NIKKI LAOYE
ROOF TOP MC'S
LARA GEORGE
YINKA AYIFELE

MUSIC PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:
ELDEE
ID CABASA
JAY SLICK
COHBAMS
DON JAZZY

BEST RAPPER:
MODE 9
MI
NAETO C
IKECHUCKWU
SAUCE KID

BEST MUSIC VIDEO OF YEAR:
KINI BIG DEAL (NEATO C)
SUDDENLY (D'BANJ)
NOT THE GIRL (DARE)
GOOD OR BAD (J MARTINS)
BOSI GBANGBA (ELDEE)

BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST:
BANKY W.
NAIRA
ICEBERG SLIM
ASA
KELLY HANDSOME

BEST INTERNATIONAL PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:
DAPO KUSH
TUNES
KID KONNECT
KENO
DOGNOMITE

EVENT OF THE YEAR:
SISI OLOGE (LAGOS)
NIGERIAN REUNION (US)
RHYTHM UNPLUGGED
THIS DAY/ARISE NY FASH WEEK (US)
MISS NIGERIA USA

BEST WORLD DJ:
DJ X CHRIS
DJ SNOOP DA DAMAGA
DJ SOSE
DJ MIGHTY MIKE
DJ NEPTUNE

BEST COMEDIAN:
I GO DIE
KLINT DE DRUNK
TEE A
AY
JEDI

BEST ACTOR:
DESMOND ELLIOT
JIM IKYE
SAHEED BALOGUN
RAMSEY NOAH
EMEKA EZERONYE

BEST ACTRESS:
MERCY JOHNSON
OMOTOLA EKEINDE
RITA DOMINIC
GENEVIEVE NNAJI
FUNKE AKINDELE

INDIGENOUS ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
YINKA AYIFELE
PASUMA
TOBA GOLD
DA GREEN
9ICE

###

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NAIRA'S "Lost in Translation" Mix CD Available Free on MyTruSpot!

In the past, R&B artist NAIRA soared on her "Angel's Wings" in a NAIRA Ladybrille Exclusive . Today, she gives us "Lost in Translation," which for her embodies the challenge of communicating her identity as African and yet American to many. The mix-CD is light, fun and she has partnered with MyTruSpot Radio to make it available to you for free!Head on to MyTruSpot to download your copy of the entire Mix-CD, free! Our favorite, "Fly, Hustle, Fresh, Grind" and her line, "I believe in I,I."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW MIXCD "LOST IN TRANSLATION" FREE FOR ONE WEEK DOWNLOAD

Available 3/9/09 at www.mytruspot.com/NAIRA

Atlanta, Georgia-9 March, 2009-NAIRA’s mixtape release titled ‘LOST IN TRANSLATION’ (HOSTED by TRUSPOT!)

Ok so let’s get straight into it. “I believe in I…I AM the Renaissance”, are a few lyrics heard from ‘Fly Hustle Fresh Grind’ track on the ‘LOST IN TRANSLATION’ mixtape. ‘Jang-o-Lova’ feat KenO , tells a story that the ladies & gents can share an interest with, being flirtatious and setting the record straight- It opens doors exploring a two-way relationship between the cosmos of men vs. women. The mixtape prepares your day and/or night for being confident, fun, and energetic all at the same time.

‘Lost In Translation’ delivers the fusion of making one step into your dancing heels; whining your hips and allow the fellas to respect the ANTHEM that this woman brings to forefront of music and entertainment industry.

Urban-Soul Artist, N.A.I.R.A. holds the title of being one of the few international female artists without a doubt pledging to vocalize her inner thoughts. Cultivating a new era in music, N.A.I.R.A. blends her own style AFRO HOP-HIP, Urban Soul, jazz, funk, blues, pop, reggae, and r&b.

Locate on your Internet GPS portal: Websites: www.iamnaira.com, FACEBOOK- I AM N.A.I.R.A., YouTube, iTUNES, www.mytruspot.com/NAIRA, www.myspace.com/iamnaira, FACEBOOK fan page- NAIRA

The acronym: I AM N.A.I.R.A speaks in volumes: IAM Nigerian American I REPRESENT AFRICA

Drop your shades and visit N.A.I.R.A.’s MySpace page: www.myspace.com/iamnaira

For press inquires contact- NKIRU (PR): Nkeiruka Ogbuokiri, iiei@publicist.com and for further info/bookings on N.A.I.R.A. contact Rachel B 770.572.8540 and/or via email avantgardexchange@gmail.com

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Hip-Hop World Awards Nominees 2009

The much anticipated Hip-Hop World Awards 2009, is right around the corner and of course music fans across the globe, and particularly in Nigeria, are dying to see who made the list for some of their favorite artists. We can tell you this much, our main feature for February 2009, Rapper/Producer and Poet M.I. aka Jude Abaga is up for five awards! Other familiar names include 9ice, Naeto C, Don Jazzy and D'Banj. Congrats to all nominees!!!

HHWA1 ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Best album (solo or group) in year under review that meets judges’ requirements of excellence (in every realm: songwriting, production, rendition, promotion and acceptability (sales, popularity)

ENTERTAINER
Artiste - D’Banj
Producer(s) - Don Jazzy
Record Label - Mo Hits Records

GONGO ASO
Artiste - 9ice
Producer - ID Cabasa, Puffy T
Record Label - Alapomeji Records

PARADIGM SHIFT
Artiste - Mode 9
Producer(s) - Kraftwork, Jonah D Monarch, Wazbeat, Light house, Jesse Jagz
Record Label - Red Eye Music

TALK ABOUT IT
Artiste - M I
Producer(s) – Jesse Jagz, M.I, Kraftwork
Record Label – Chocolate City

UNSTOPPABLE
Artiste – 2Face
Producers – J Sleek, Mic Tunes, Chakademus & Pliers, R Kelly, Sharks, Ozzy, Wayne Mc, Jiggy Jegg, B. Howard
Record Label – Hypertek Records

HHWA2 ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Most critically and commercially adjudged artiste in the year under review Overall most successful artiste for the year under review.

D’BANJ
OLADAPO DANIEL OYEBANJO JUNIOR

PSQUARE
PETER AND PAUL OKOYE

TIMAYA
INETIMI ALFRED ODOM

9ICE
ABOLORE AKANDE

HHWA3 SONG OF THE YEAR
Most popular song from an album in year under review. Decided by voting

“FALL IN LOVE”
Album- ENTERTAINER
Artiste- D’banj
Producer - Don Jazzy
Record Label - Mo Hits

“INCASE U NEVER KNOW”
Album - MUSIC BUSINESS
Artiste – 2Shot ft. Timaya
Producer – Terry G
Record Label – Umunamu Records

“GONGO ASO”
Album- GONGO ASO
Artiste - 9ice
Producer - ID Cabasa
Record Label - Alapomeji Records

“GOOD OR BAD”
Album - GET SERIOUS
Artiste - J Martins ft. Timaya and P-Square
Producer - J Martins
Record Label - Don Family Records

HHWA4 RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Best single recording (on-air only or released) by artiste or group in year under review. Originality and production very essential

“STREET CREDIBILITY”
Album - GONGO ASO
Artiste - 9ICE FT. 2Face
Producer – Id Cabasa
Record Label - Alapomeji Records

“NOT THE GIRL”
Album – UNDAREYTED
Artiste - Dare Art Alade
Producer - Tee-Y Mix
Record Label – Soul Muzik

“MITCHELL”
Album – ETCETERA
Artiste – Etcetera
Producer – Etcetera and Jo’kaynie
Record Label – X3M

“CAN’T DO WITHOUT YOU”
Album – UNSTOPPABLE
Artiste – Tuface Ft. Melissa Briggs
Producer – Mic Tunes
Record Label - Hypertek Music


HHWA5 PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
The individual responsible for producing the most acclaimed album in the year under review. His CV for the year includes top notch tracks and production credits no one can fault.

TEE-Y MIX
Album Title – YOU KNOW MY P
Artiste - Naeto C
Song Title – “KI NI BIG DEAL”

DON JAZZY
Album Title- ENTERTAINER
Artiste – D’Banj
Song Title – “FALL IN LOVE”

ID CABASA
Album Title – GONGO ASO
Artiste - 9ice
Song Title – “GONGO ASO”

TERRY G
Album – MUSIC BIZNESS
Artiste - 2 Shotz
Song Title – “IN CASE YOU NEVER KNOW”

JESSE JAGZ
Album – TALK ABOUT IT
Artiste – M.I
Song title – “SHORT BALCK BOY”


HHWA6 BEST MUSIC VIDEO (AWARD GOES TO DIRECTOR)
Best conceptualist, best edited, best picture, best directed and most exciting video in year under review as voted by fans and decided by the jury.

ALFONSO DORMUN
Album Title – BIG BOY
Artiste - eLDee
Video Song Title – “BO SI GBAN GBA”

JUDE OKOYE
Album Title - GAME OVER
Artiste - P Square
Video Song Title – “ROLL IT”

DJ TEE
Album Title - CV
Artiste – Mo Hits All Stars
Video song Title – “PERE”

IGHO
Album Title – GET AWAY
Artiste - Igho
Video song Title – “NAIJA BOY”


HHWA7 BEST REGGAE/DANCEHALL ALBUM
Best reggae or dancehall album in year under review

GIFT AND GRACE
Artiste - Timaya
Producer(s) - K Solo, Akeem D’Beat, Jeggs, Spankie, Terry G,
Record Label – Dem Mama

ME MUSIQ AND I
Artiste – Blackface
Producers – George Nathaniel, Blackface Naija, Terry G, Pro-Kessy, Henry Hope,
Record Label – Loud Houz Entertainment

ICHIBAN
Artiste - Chakka Da’ Souljah
Producer(s) - Del B
Record Label - Premier Music

MY SHINE
Artiste – Black Solo
Producer(s) - Jah Mix, Zeeno Foster, DMM
Record Label - Kiss Music

HHWA8 BEST R ‘N’ B/ POP ALBUM
Best R&B or pop album in year under review (by single individual or group)

ENTERTAINER
Artiste- D’Banj
Producer(s) - Don Jazzy
Record Label- Mo Hits

UNSTOPPABLE
Artiste – 2Face
Producer(s) – J Sleek, Mic Tunes, Chakademus & Pliers, R Kelly, Sharks, Ozzy, Wayne Mc, Jiggy Jegg, B. Howard
Record Label – Hypertek Records

ETCETERA
Artiste – Etcetera
Producer(s) – Etcetera, Jo’ Kenny, Mr Daz, Chris Yakub
Record Label – X3M

GONGO ASO
Artiste- 9ice
Producer(s) - ID Cabasa, Puffy T
Record Label- Alapomeji Records

MR CAPABLE
Artiste - Banky W
Producer(s) - ID Cabasa, Music Men
Record Label - Empire Mates Entertainment


HHWA9 BEST RAP ALBUM
Best album by a rap artiste or group in year under review

TALK ABOUT IT
Artiste- M I
Producer(s) - M I, Jesse Jagz, Kraftworks
Record Label- Chocolate City

PARADIGM SHIFT
Artiste - Mode 9
Producer(s) - Kraftwork, Jonah D Monarch, Wazbeat, Light house, Jesse Jagz
Record Label- Red Eye Entertainment

SECOND TURNING BY THE RIGHT
Artiste - Lord Of Ajasa
Producer(s) - ID Cabasa,
Record Label – Oti Po Ju

YOU KNOW MY P
Artiste - Naeto C
Producer(s) - Tee-Y Mix
Record Label - Storm Records

HHWA10 BEST COLLABO
Best R&B, Pop or hip hop collaborative track (including cameos) in year under review

“STREET CREDIBILITY”
Artistes – 9ice FT 2Face
Producer – ID Cabasa
Record label- Alapomeji Records

“LE FENU SO”
Artistes - Lord Of Ajasa FT 9ice
Producer – ID Cabasa
Record Label- O Ti Po Ju

“GOOD OR BAD
Artistes - J Martins FT Timaya AND P-Square
Producer – J Martins
Record Label- Don Family Records

“E FI MI SILE”
Artistes - YQ FT Da Grin
Producer – Dr. Frabz
Record Label- 2 Koncept Entertainment

“BUSH MEAT”
Artistes - Sound Sultan FT 2Face & W4
Producer – J Sleek
Record Label- Naija Ninja


HHWA11 BEST RAP SINGLE
Best single released on-air recording of a rap song

“SAFE”
Artiste(s) – M I ft Djinee
Producer – M.I
Record Label- Chocolate City

“TALKING TO YOU”
Artiste(s) – Mode 9 ft Banky W
Producer – Banky W
Record label- Red Eye Music

“WA WA ALRIGHT”
Artiste(s) – Kel
Producer – Suspect
Record Label- Capital Hills Records

“KINI BIG DEAL”
Artiste(s) – Naeto C
Producer – Tee-Y Mix
Record Label- Storm Records


HHWA12 BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)
Single male artiste with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album

DARE ART ALADE
Album Title - UNDAREYTED
Record Label – Soul Muzik
Producer- Cobhams
Song Title - “NOT THE GIRL”

BANKY W
Album Title - MR CAPABLE
Record Label - Empire Mates Entertainment
Producer- Muzik Men
Song Title - “DON’T BREAK MY HEART”

ETCETERA
Album Title - ETCETERA
Producer- Etcetera and Jo’Kaynie
Record label – X3M
Song Title- “MICHELLE”

WANDE COAL
Album Title - FROM M TO M
Producer- Don Jazzy
Record Label – Mo Hits
Song Title- “TABOO”


HHWA13 BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
Single female act with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album

OMAWUNMI
Album Title - WONDER WOMAN
Producer - Cobhams
Record Label – Wonder Woman
Song Title - “IN THE MUSIC”

NIKKI LAOYE
Album Title - ANGEL 4 LIFE
Producer - Cobhams
Record Label – Wahala Media Entertainment
Song Title - “NEVER FELT THIS WAY BEFORE”

WAJE
Album Title- BREATHLESS (Unreleased)
Producer - J Martins
Record Label – Dome Records
Song Title- “SOMEWHERE”


HHWA14 NEXT RATED
Most promising upcoming officially unreleased act in the year under review

YQ
Track Title – “E FI MI LE”
Record Label – 2Koncept Entertainment

MP
Track Title – “PASA PASA”
Record Label – Lime Lite Records

KEL
Track Title – “WA WA ALRIGHT”
Record Label - Capital Hills Records

D’JINEE
Track Title – “LADE”
Record Label – Polar Media

OMAWUNMI
Track Title – “IN THE MUSIC”
Record Label – Wonder Woman

HHWA15 HIP HOP WORLD REVELATION
Best new artiste in the year under review

M I
Album - TALK ABOUT IT
Full Name – JUDE ABAGA
Record Label – Chocolate City

BANKY W
Album- MR CAPABLE
Full Name – BANKOLE WELLINGTON
Record Label – Empire Mates Entertainment

NAETO C
Album- YOU KNOW MY P
Full Name – NAETOCHUKWU CHIKWE
Record Label – Storm Records

NIKKI LAOYE
Album- ANGEL FOR LIFE
Full Name – NIKKI LAOYE
Record Label – Wahala Media Entertainment

HHWA16 AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR (NON NIGERIAN CATEGORY)
Special award for an individual African artiste with the most outstanding album and astonishing achievements in year under review

BUFFALO
“BUBBLE YOUR BUMZ”

TINNY
“I DEY KOLO”

DOGG
“CAN YOU FEEL IT”

WITNESS
“ZERO”

HHWA17 LYRICIST ON THE ROLL
Rap Artiste with best lyrical depth and performance on a single song or album

MODE 9
Album Title- PARADIGM SHIFT
Record Label- Red Eye Music
Song Title - NINE

M I
Album Title - TALK ABOUT IT
Record Label - Chocolate City
Song Title – TALK ABOUT IT

LORD OF AJASA
Album Title - SECOND TURNING BY THE RIGHT
Record Label - O Ti Po Ju
Song Title – ESA LO BA DE

DAGRIN
Album Title – CEO (Unreleased)
Record Label - Satty Record and Mi So Fun Yin
Song Title - PON PON PON

HHWA18 BEST STREET HOP
The most popular street-hop single in year under review

“E SA LO BA DE”
Artiste- Lord Of Ajasa

“PON PON PON”
Artiste- Da Grin

“04 KA SI BE”
Artiste- DJ Zeez

“E FI MI LE”
Artiste-YQ

“COLLABO”
Artiste- DeeBee

HHWA19 HIPHOP WORLD HALL OF FAME
Non competitive category

GRAND MASTER LEE
PHILLIP TRIMNELL

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Hip-Hop World Awards 2009 Heads to Abuja, Nigeria

Hip-Hop World Awards 2009 produced by Hip-Hop World Award Magazine will be moving to a new home this year. The award producers recently announced a change of venue to Abuja, Federal capital of Nigeria.

"So many times, we have been confronted by people that Hip-Hop World Awards only celebrates Lagos based acts, that is part of the reason why we are embarking on this journey outside Lagos, explains Ayo Animashuan founder of Hip-Hop world Awards. "Moreso, we’ve looked around and found that the only venue that befits what we’re trying to achieve this year; that can accommodate all our ideas and experiments, is the international Conference Center Abuja"

Launched in 2006, the Hip-Hop World Awards is one of the country's prominent award's event recognizing the contributions and excellence of its musicians. Since its inception, it has been held in Lagos, former captial. This year's event is scheduled for May 16, 2009 and will be held at the International Conference Center, Abuja and will be hosted by Nigeria/America's R &B Singer Banky W and Nigeria's On Air Personality Kemi Adetiba.

For more information, visit www.hiphopworldmagazine.com.

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M.I. aka Hip-Hop Messiah, Uncut, a Ladybrille Exclusive

It is past midnight in Nigeria and roughly about 3:00pm in California when I get the call from Jude Abaga aka M.I. [pronounced ‘em eye’]. He has been out and about all day plus he tells me “dealing with Lagos traffic jams” aka “go slows” so he renegotiates our interview time. When his call comes through, he is full of apologies his voice taking on a humble tone, quite contrary to the one I am used to from my sound system i.e. bold, strong and unapologetic for his mad talent, intelligence and refreshing MC skills.

“I’m o be in da house and MCs they shall bounce and go home to their spouse
‘cos to stay might be detrimental. Better flow, better instrumental.
You gotta learn the fundamental and my flow is so essential!” are examples of lyrics from one of his highly popular songs “Safe feat. Djinee” where he consistently and authoritatively ask other rappers to, “pack your load dey go because M.I. don come!” As in counterfeiters, the genuine deal is here, so time to bounce!

Time is money and money is time. Nevertheless, I am not upset. Actually, I am well aware the “Short Black Boy” aka Producer/Rapper/Poet is in very high demand. Witty, sharp, sarcastic and incredibly intelligent with his flow, it is no surprise many call him “Hip-Hop’s Messiah.” Yes. The comparison IS on a global level as he produces hits after hits he aptly calls “M.I. Instant Classics” With lines from his recently released album titled “Talk About It” that ask what is now a rhetorical question, “I’m not saying I’m the best, but I’m asking who is better?” it is no surprise that 30,000 copies of his album released on December 10th, 2008 sold out in the first thirty minutes. As M.I. infiltrates Africa’s hip-hop scene and raises the standard, he prepares to do the same in the USA and European markets with the “One” album produced simultaneously with “Talk About It.”

In any event, I am intrigued with the apologetic voice on the other end of the line. We begin our interview . . .

LADYBRILLE.com: No worries. How are you?
M.I.: I’m good, I’m good.

LADYBRILLE.com: So where are you calling me from?
M.I.: I am actually at a [h]otel in Ogun State for a show.

LADYBRILLE.com: Great. Good for you. [I attempt one of his rap lines from his track “Safe” feat Djinee] “People ask me who he? They call me em eye just because I’m getting higher.” What’s that all about?
M.I.: [He laughs and I am convinced his laughter is at my poor attempt to rap] That song came about from hooks of other Nigerian artists, like their popular songs. “They call me Timaya because I am getting higher,” that is a very popular song. So, I was like “they call me ‘em eye’er’ just because I’m getting higher.

LADYBRILLE.com: [L]et our audience know who you are, your background?
M.I.: [I] was born and raised in Jos [a city in Plateau State located in Northern Nigeria]. I grew up loving music. My dad was a Pastor and my mother a stay at home mom. I had a really simple family life, “aje butter life” [“aje butter” translated in this context to mean ‘easy family life’]. I went to secondary school [high school] and then I went to the [United] States for four years. I [attended] Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was tough because there wasn’t much money. So, I left in my senior year because I did not have enough money and. . . I was also having problems with my visa. . .

LADYBRILLE.com: Tell us a bit more about your money and visa problems at the time?
M.I.: The college bills were just so much and I [returned to Nigeria] because I missed a semester one time because I couldn’t pay. Also, for [foreign students on a visa] you had to go back to your country to renew your visa and then return to the States once it was renewed. I had all these scholarships and I was feeling good and I had to go to Nigeria, renew my visa and come back. But, when I got to Nigeria, the visa people were like you have this problem and that problem with your visa. They started dragging their feet and before I knew it, I was there for a year.

LADYBRILLE.com: You were back in Nigeria for a year?
M.I.: Yeah, a year.
LADYBRILLE.com: Oh whoa.
M.I.: It started becoming apparent the school was less and less interested because they had actually been sending me letters and renewing my scholarships, even though I was not around. But after a while, it was just like I did not want to be stuck in that loop not allowing my life to continue because I was trying to go back to the States. So, I started working and while I was working, the music came along because people heard some of the stuff I had recorded . . .

LADYBRILLE.com: What kind of work were you doing?
M.I.: I was working with an internet service company. We use to make internet calls and I was part of the staff that ran the internet calls part of it. It was actually a good company, innovative, really fresh at that point and a lot of young people with a really nice environment.

LADYBRILLE.com: What were you studying at Calvin College?
M.I.: I was a Business major and an Economics minor. [I] started Engineering but after the first year, I was like, “this is not really for me” and I switched to Business, so I was right about done when this [visa problem] happened.

LADYBRILLE.com: You return to Nigeria and you are technically stuck there for a year trying to figure things out. How difficult was the transition into everyday life?
M.I.: The transition wasn’t that bad. I was one of those people that really wanted to leave Nigeria. I really hated everything about it. When I got to the States, it was a rude awakening for me because I discovered it was just people and they were living their lives just like we were in Nigeria. So, when I returned to Nigeria, in my heart I had this premonition that I would not leave again. When I got back to Nigeria and things were not working out, I did not let people know I [had just returned] from the States. I sort of went about my business and tried to get my life going again. The transition was not that difficult. My experience in the States just helped me to know more about [myself].

LADYBRILLE.com: What was your experience in the States and what did you expect it to be?
M.I.: I don’t know what I expected but I thought it would be heaven.

LADYBRILLE.com: [I laugh]
M.I.: [laughs] I thought people were like. . . you know? [He does not complete his thought] I had seen movies and I just thought everything was just, you know, heaven.

LADYBRILLE.com: [I laugh] Yes, I thought that too. . .
M.I.: Yeah and you know it’s just people! You know what I mean? They eat, go to work and sleep. I started thinking to myself, “if it is just people that are doing the same thing that we Nigerians do, why do I have to come here to be happy? Why do I think I have to be here to be happy?”

LADYBRILLE.com: Yeah. I think one of your colleagues sings the song ‘I am a King in my own Country’ and basically why do I have to go to a foreign land to suffer when I am a King in my own country? What’s his name again . . . gosh I forget. Oh! Sound Sultan . . .
M.I.: Oh yea, yea, yea, yea!

LADYBRILLE.com: That's a good song. Okay, now you are in Naija [Nigeria] and hustling to get your act together. What are the things you do musically to enhance yourself and how did you find your record label, Chocolate City?
M.I.: Well, Chocolate City found me to answer that question first. They signed a good friend of mine Jeremiah Gyang and for a while he had been telling them, “you need to listen to M.I.” and for me I was not really looking for a deal but I told myself to go with the flow. So, when they offered me the deal, I was like, “okay.” However, [for] improving myself musically, I started a studio in Jos. I [started] learning how to produce, engineer and be a musician. I had always been a fan of music. I mean I came back to Nigeria with probably about a 1,000 CDs that I had accumulated while I was in the States.

LADYBRILLE.com: 1,000? Oh whoa!
M.I.: Yeah, that is where a lot of my money went, like I just LOVE music so much and I just kept listening, listening and listening. That is what I tell everyone, “just keep listening and learning.”

LADYBRILLE.com: Chocolate City finds you and you have already been refining your skills and I guess ready to deploy. Let’s talk about your brother Jesse Jagz. I think he is an absolutely amazing beat maker. Were you guys working together before Chocolate City and then you brought that to the label?
M.I.: Yeah. Jesse and [I] started the studio in Jos and I kept saying to him, “okay we are going to have our label and we have a few artists we will sign.” So, when I got signed [with Chocolate City], I kept saying “Audu [Maikori CEO of Chocolate City] you need to sign Jesse, you need to sign Jesse too because it is a whole movement. We have a very weird relationship. We are more like friends than brothers. He is three years younger than I am but he is just an amazing person to work with. He is so spontaneous and comes up with music. I am more of a deep thinker but he just comes up with music. He came up with the initial music for ‘Blaze,’ ‘Anoti.’ [‘Blaze’ and ‘Anoti’ are tracks off the “Talk About It” Album]. When [we were] growing up, he played drums and I [played] keyboards.

LADYBRILLE.com: Let’s get into the actual music you produce. One of the things I hear often is, “M.I. Hip Hop Messiah out of Naija.” I happen to think lyrically you are so intelligent.
M.I.: Whoa.

LADYBRILLE.com: It either comes naturally or you have to really put a lot of effort [emphasis added] into it. Tell us about that creative process and what is going through your head because what I am noticing is you actually rhyme and it is intelligent! That is unreal in hip-hop today! Tell us what is going on in that mind of yours “Mr. Short Black Boy!”?
M.I.: [laughs] Whoa. I have always been someone who thinks very deeply and ask a lot of questions. When I was growing up, I would ask my parents so many questions and they would sometimes stand and say, “What?” I used to think really deeply about everything. So, even with my approach to music, it is always like who am I and how do I feel about this issue? Then I try to make it as simple as possible to sell the idea to people. It is really work, work, work, think, think, think. I am all about the music. I have an idea and I play with the idea to see how it comes out. A lot of times, at night, I am just listening to different music. I go to poetry shows, read and listen to other people’s music. You never know where it is going to come from. For me it is more of, keep trying till you get it. Once I get an idea and see the angle, then I can write about it. If I want to write about a topic, I think about the angle and hook. Once I figure it out, everything just flows out of me. Sometimes I write songs in ten or twenty minutes.

LADYBRILLE.com: That is an amazing gift you’ve got and I honestly have not heard great hip-hop for a long time and I am very picky.
M.I.: Whoa . . .

LADYBRILLE.com: [O]kay, enough of blowing your head up!
M.I.: [Laughs] Yeah. I know. My hat just fell off. [laughs]

LADBRILLE.com: [Laughs] Let’s come down to your height level. How short are you again?
M.I.: [Gives a hearty laugh] Can we just move on to the next question because anytime you ask that question, the network is going to be fuzzy. [laughs]

LADYBRILLE.com: [laughs] No we are gonna talk about that because I am 6ft 2in and a lot of short men that come around me typically are intimidated and they definitely don’t want to talk about their height. So, I have never heard a short man who every verse he gets in his rap, he tells you he is a “short black boy.” I am like, ‘okay we get it Mr. Short Black Boy.” You even have a whole track called ‘Short Black Boy!” Why the over-emphasis?
M.I.: [Gives a hearty laugh then gets serious] When I was growing up I really had self-esteem issues. . . but when I reached like 17 or 18, I was like, “men this is so stupid! Why am I trying to live my life for other people? Why do I care?” Like it really bothered me that I was short and I knew I wasn’t going to be tall and I thought, “I can’t live my life for other people. Let me just appreciate who I am.” So people will tell you that in college, I played basketball and I played hard and dudes that were two times my height are like, why are you playing so hard. I played hard because I kept saying, “people will look at you and expect nothing.”

LADYBRILLE.com: [laughing] So you are one of the short dudes I gotta watch out for on the [basketball] court because when I am playing them, they be trying to elbow me!
M.I.: [laughs] yeaaaaaaaah, exactly, exactly!

LADYBRILLE.com [laughs]
M.I.: [Joins laughing then switches into a serious tone] it keeps you humble when you are real about yourself. The “Short Black Boy,” I had the concept for the hook and I thought everyone expects me to say something cool. . . but I was like ‘it’s that Short Black Boy’ and they say it now like it’s no big deal. It’s just become something cool like ‘Short Black Boy.” It is no longer like “oh, you are short,” because they already know you are short before they see you.

LADYBRILLE.com: You have definitely helped the self-esteem of all the short black men in the world.
M.I.: [laughs] Yeah. I hope so. I hope.

LADYBRILLE.com: Let’s talk about your album release and go into more specific songs on your ‘Talk About It” album. I heard “Talk About It” sold out of its 30,000 copies in the first 30minutes of its release.
M.I.: I try to speak about this as humbly as I can but it really has been amazing! First of all, we got a marketing deal [he reveals the details off the record of a really rosy contract] which for a debut artist has almost never been done in Naija. It is unheard of and it was just based off of the buzz. The first day they were thinking how well can it be? And we sold out of the 30,000 copies we had in the first 30 minutes of its release, so it sort of set the tone for what is to come. We did a press release on that and the album keeps moving off the shelves. The people listening to the album don’t even know who M.I. is. They are more used to Nigerian Fuji and Afro-pop sounds. So for an unknown rapper speaking plain English, and I don’t really have party songs on the album, it is doing so well. People are buying it and it is shocking even me. It is really doing very very well.

LADYBRILLE.com: That is awesome. It is true most of the songs on the album are not party songs which is what makes its success so amazing. So, let’s talk about the song ‘Safe feat. Djinee.’ How did that come about?
M.I.: ‘Safe’ was just a humbling experience. There was another song called “This Year.” I made the music and I was done recording it and we were in the studio mixing it and as the music was playing, I started joking just saying, “it’s the way that it do me” [This is the hook of the song ‘Do Me’ by Nigeria’s R & B MTV Music Award winning Singers P-Square]. Someone was like, “that will be mad if you recorded a song like that.

So, I went into the booth and recorded thirteen minutes off the top of my head, [he raps the intro of Safe] “it’s the way that dey do me, crowds use to boo me, now ladies woo me.” I picked another Nigerian song and rapped another 5 minutes of it then Djinee [artist signed on Chocolate City record label] came and did another 5/6 minutes of it. It was a really long recording. Later that night, I chopped it and laid it properly into a song. I started giving it out for free because I just thought it was something fun where people will hear and say, “that’s cool.” Before we knew it, it was #1 on TV charts. It was just mad!

LADYBRILLE.com: Another one that I really like, “Pulling me back.” You use a lot of profanities in the track. But even for an audience not into profanities, you draw [people] in with what you [are] saying. You actually have a very strong story line that most people can relate to. Tell us about “Pulling Me Back.”
M.I.: “Pulling Me Back” is a song that I had to either be honest or not do the song. You always want to sound good and clean. At least people sort of see me as the clean rapper guy that everyone can listen to. But there are some things that you talk about where you are just like I need to be honest on that song and say this is what happened. It came from a situation in my life where I was dating a girl and we were going through this really difficult time in our lives were we were arguing a lot. I was going through how I felt and how she felt and how we sort of figured it out.

So, I needed to do it or else I would not have felt the music. Especially when I talk about love, I am brutally honest and also when I talk about myself. There is another song that is going to come out in June [2009] and people were like, “are you sure you want to put that out?” And I just say, those songs are not worth doing if you’re not honest.

LADYBRILLE.com: Speaking of being honest, what became of that relationship?
M.I.: Nah, naaahhh . . it’s done, it’s done. In fact, there is another album that goes a bit more into the relationship and talks about how that relationship ended. It is serious and really real.

LADYBRILLE.com: Hmm . . . interesting. What songs on your “Talk About It” Album resonates with you the most? I loved “Hustle” by the way.
M.I.: You liked Hustle?

LADYBRILLE.com: Yeah. A little slow on the beat but lyrics strong and overall good.
M.I.: All of the songs inspire me. For “Hustle,” the intro, “tororo torororororo” . . . I remember I came back from Lagos and I was like, “you know you are carrying this dream and you come back and the people in Jos are looking at you and they are expecting to hear good news. Like, are we going to get paychecks from all these hustling.” So, it is a very personal song and I am surprised at people that like it. I also started thinking about my friends in the States that are hustling, working hard and wanting their H-1 visa, the whole shebang and I am like hustle but don’t forget Nigeria and where you are from.

LADYBRILLE.com: You said you got friends hustling in the USA for H-1 visa. Expand on that?
M.I.: For Americans, it is a hustle but especially for Nigerians. I love my people. I am very passionate about my people. When I lived in the USA, I did everything. I waited [tables], I washed toilets. I really had nothing. In fact, at one point, my girlfriend at the time wanted to go see a concert really bad and I could not afford a ticket to take her. Another guy who had been trying to get her for a while could afford it. He eventually bought the ticket and took her. [He gives one of those ‘life was hard’ chuckles] and I was working that night. So, that part of hustle comes from as I say to my friends, keep doing your thing but don’t forget where you are from.

For me, I am the first person from my village to ever study in the States. People laugh at me for that but it was really big for me. So, I feel a responsibility to come back [to Nigeria] and do well here. Obviously I am able to do well because of the choices I made, my father made and his father made. So, we are responsible for the next generation of Nigerians. Even though we hustle all over the world, I feel that sense of we need to remember where we are from.

LADYBRILLE.com: You will soon be releasing an album for the Western market and some people call you “Kanye West of the West” and even you have alluded to it in your lyrics, some say “Lil Wayne.” How do you intend to penetrate the Western market?
M.I.: [He laughs] Well for the Western market, I want to put my name out there because I believe it is an important statement to make for Africa, for Nigeria. I realize that I may not be the dude that will make it. I hope I am the guy and I hope I am someday at the Grammys and going up for an award. For now, I just want to put out the purest music I can and be good, like be very good. The “One” album I feel is better than Kanye West. It’s that good. . .I really think and work as hard as I can to let people know we can do it.

LADYBRILLE.com: Well I think with the way you flow, you CAN do it because you make people listen and that is power you have. Your voice is strong and more kudos to your brother because his beats are what brings everything together.
M.I.: Thank you. Thank you very much,

LADYBRILLE.com: So the album for the West is called what again?
M.I.: ‘One’ and I feel it is a fantastic album. Nobody has it yet but it will soon be released.

LADYBRILLE.com: Great. You will let us know when it drops?
M.I.: Of course I will. I have the perfect song for you.

LADYBRILLE.com: Cool. Just make it a Ladybrille song.
M.I.: It’s done. In fact, we are mixing it right now.

LADYBRILLE.com: [laughs] That’s wassup! It’s been my absolute pleasure.
M.I.: Thank you. Thank you so much for everything . . .

~Interview by Uduak Oduok

To listen and purchase M.I. aka Jude Abaga's songs, visit his Reverbnation profile.
For extensive listening, visit M.I.'s Truspot page.

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Ikechukwu Onunaku 'Killz Zone' Album Launch Party

Congratulations to renaissance man Ikechukwu Onunaku aka 'Kilz' for his 'Killzone' album launch which took place this past weekend. The Album is called Life and Times of Killz Vol 1. Ikechukwu is one of the many 'Afropolitans' returning to Africa and using skills acquired in the West to elevate standards, in this case in Africa's music industry.

The CEO of World Famous Akademy record label and artist on Obi Asika's Storm Records Label,Ikechukwu has worn many hats including: Professional on Wall Street, Bartender at New York's high end bars and restaurants, Model, Radio Host at Nigeria's 96.9 Cool FM station and also lifelong martial arts student ganering skills and knowledge in shotokan karate, aikido, taekwondo and tai chi.

At the first ever 2008 MTV Africa Music Awards [MAMAs], Ikechukwu took home an award for Best Video. He was also the recipient of the Best Male Video Award at the 2008 Channel O Music Awards. Enjoy pics from his album launch party and visit Ikechukwu's myspace page to hear or learn more about him.

D' Banj and Ikechukwu

Storm executive Obi Asika, far right, with guests

Photos courtesy Storm Records

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Ladybrille Woman of the Month, Douyé

Dave Koz, Boney James, Peter White, Walter Beasley and Norman Brown are some of the names associated with contemporary jazz music. Indeed it’s hard to ignore the strong influences of jazz across the USA, especially during summer, thanks to the New Orleans and Essence Jazz Festivals, both held in the Big Easy.

While we get delicious servings of these wonderful jazz artists all year round, whether through radio or at the festivals, we have not really heard for a while now, at least in mainstream, African influences in the Western jazz music scene.There is one woman hoping to change that. Her name is Douyé and she is our Ladybrille Woman of the Month! We [Ladybrille’s Toya Thomas and Uduak Oduok] connected with Douyé to discuss her work as a contemporary jazz artist and her African influences.

LADYBRILLE.com: How did Douyé begin?
Douyé: I have always loved to sing, from childhood. My parents were into music, therefore I was exposed to various kinds of music and so, I grew up listening to the likes of soul, classical, jazz, Afro-beats, r&b, reggae and country music. I was encouraged by my mother to join the church choir and, after that experience, I traveled abroad to study voice at Musicians Institute right in the heart of Hollywood, California. After graduating from MI, I continued to hone my skills while performing at local shows and clubs. I was then introduced to Terry Shaddick, a renowned pop songwriter and producer. We began writing songs which led to me releasing my debut CD titled "Journey".

LADYBRILLE.com: Contemporary jazz is not a place you typically find Africans, what made you thread there?
Douyé: [While] I was exposed to various kinds of music growing up, jazz music was my favorite because from an early age, my parents exposed me to the music of some great jazz artists [like]: Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee etc.; so that influenced my taste for jazz music. As I grew older and continued to identify my sound and style, my interest in contemporary jazz music widened which in many ways shaped how my sound came about. As much as I was influenced by great jazz musicians, I was also rooted in listening to rhythmic sounds of artists like Fela Kuti, Rex Lawson, Miriam Makeba and the early recordings of Sunny Ade.

LADYBRILLE.com: What has kept you so determined and motivated as you pursue your dreams?
Douyé: My determination has always come from within and listening to my inner voice telling me not to give up; and of course a supportive family that has always kept me going.

LADYBRILLE.com: We know you are from Africa but where exactly?
Douyé: I am from the State of Bayelsa which is located in the southern coastal region of the country, Nigeria, in West Africa.

LADYBRILLE.com: We do hear periodically both in African and global news about conflicts in Bayelsa. Could you enlighten us a little on what is going on in Bayelsa? Any plans in terms of giving back to that community?
Douyé: Bayelsa has a peculiar terrain, due to its riverine nature. It is the bedrock of crude oil production in Nigeria. As a result, most of the communities are flooded with water and oil spillages which is rampant; and thus affecting the lifestyle of the citizens of the State. As a result of the situation, transportation to the cities seems to be the government’s greatest concern. I intend to reach out and support some of the organizations that are already in place to improve transportation and education in the deeply isolated parts of the region. I also intend to open a youth center in the future to enhance development.

LADYBRILLE.com: Going back to the music, what inspires you to create?
Douyé: Life, my experiences as well as other people's experiences. I like writing about subjects or issues that people can learn from or relate to.

LADYBRILLE.com: What do you think your listener's will be able to relate to or gather from your music?
Douyé: I believe that my listeners would relate to the stories I tell in my songs because they are everyday life experiences and so, that captures the listeners' heart more so than anything else.

LADYBRILLE.com: What songs do you believe your fans will be able to relate to most on your ‘Journey’ album and why?
Douyé: I think the song "Journey" because everyone is on a journey in life and the song is basically about one's journey, experiences and going through one's destiny, finding oneself in life. I also think the song "Still Hurting" is a song that most people can relate to because everybody gets hurt at some point in time.

LADYBRILLE.com: In listening to your album, it felt like I was listening to any of the jazz artist on a local jazz station across the country. What sets you apart? How do you intend to distinguish Douyé, the brand, in the world of Boney James, Kirk Whalum, Peter White and the many contemporary jazz artists out there?
Douyé: In my work as an artist, I give it my best and strive for excellence because I believe that my fans deserve to have their money’s worth when they listen to my music. My debut album “Journey” is built on a brand that defines a great artist whose sound is filled with depth and uniqueness. As I strive for excellence, I attempt to leave a fine legacy that will forever stand out as Douyé’s brand.

LADYBRILLE.com: How does your background as an African influence you/your work?
Douyé: Being an African, my background has influenced me greatly as an individual and as an artist. As an individual, I was raised to have an identity of my own yet dignified and poised as I thread on in life. I was also raised to have a voice of my own while I respect the views and philosophy of others. As I [mentioned] earlier, I was also musically influenced by the likes of some great African artists which includes; Fela Kuti, Rex Lawson, Mariam Makeba and the early recordings of Sunny Ade. Most African sounds seem to be embedded with jazz roots that are rhythmic and soulful. And so, when composing, I think of all these elements and try to blend some of it as I create my own sound.

LADYBRILLE.com: Being an artist is not only about the song. There is a packaging and presentation that comes with it. Your recent shots tap into your African background. What kind of style image do you want to project about you?
Douyé: I am into fashion and cautious of my looks and what I wear. I follow the latest fashion trends in the West and in Africa and being that I am an artist with African background, I feel that it’s part of my image to reflect and tap into my roots as I blend contemporary styles with some of African modern designs; as I make the best of both worlds in complementing my fashion style and image.

LADYBRILLE.com: You mentioned many would resonate with "Still Hurting?" Were you hurting from a broken relationship? Is that the impetus for the song?
Douyé: The song “Still Hurting” was influenced by a friend’s experience. However, I was once in a relationship were I was deeply hurt and heart broken. I truly can relate to the meaning behind that song. Besides, the song “Still Hurting” is not just for broken heart lovers, the song relate to anyone that have lost someone/something so dear to one’s heart; it could be a parent, a child, a pet etc.

LADYBRILLE.com: What tours have you done so far?
Douyé: I have done some shows and I am currently working with a new booking agent as we are planning on setting up more shows/tours here in the Untied States and Europe.

LADYBRILLE.com: Lots of American artists are heading to Africa, and particularly Nigeria where you are from, to perform. They are getting paid large sums to do so! When do you intend to grace Nigeria with your songs and presence? Douyé: Soon. It’s in the making. I believe that Nigerians will be happy to grace my sound and the energy that I bring on stage. I also think that they will be exceptionally pleased to know that I am a true daughter of the soil.

LADYBRILLE.com: What other creative outlets do you use to express yourself?
Douye: Apart from writing songs, I enjoy writing and reading poetry. I also love recording and performing as well as collecting primitive arts.

LADYBRILLE.com: For those who will be inspired when they read this to follow your footsteps, what are the obstacles you have overcome that they can learn from?
Douyé: Initially, when I decided to pursue music as a career, it was a struggle because I quickly realized that it takes more than having the talent to sing to be successful. The music business has changed a whole lot compared to how new acts were signed in the past. As a new artist, one should be willing to do it all by oneself and still maintain a positive attitude as one increases his/her fan base. I also believe that finding the right people that believe in you is necessary [and] key to success; [also] being focused and willing to work hard towards achieving success.

LADYBRILLE.com: Our last question for you. What should your fans, and Ladybrille readers as well, be expecting from you in the near future?
Douyé: More recordings/albums, tours all over the world, contributing positively to the world as I broaden my fan base.

LADYBRILLE.com: Thank you Douyé.
Douyé: Thank you so much Uduak and Toya for the opportunity you have given me to broaden the awareness of my art.

Visit Douyé’s Myspace page and her official website to hear her music.

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Inspire Africa Benefit Concert 2009: Protecting Homeless Children

The future of any nation, our children, belong at home with their families with food in their stomachs and roofs over their heads. They also belong in the classrooms learning and becoming the great men and women they are designed to be. Too many times, however, that is simply not the case, especially in a city like Lagos, Nigeria.

Instead and unfortunately, our children-our future, are found on the streets hawking goods, begging for food and sometimes subjected to dangerous, abusive and at times violent attacks on their persons. Thankfully, Africa’s leaders and elites are now taking action to make a difference for ‘the future.’ Nigeria’s talk show host Mo Abudu, founder of Inspire Africa Foundation,an organization committed to providing a home and protecting our homeless children, UNICEF, The Lagos State Government, Zain Corporation and many Nigerian fashion and music celebrities recently gathered together for an Inspire Africa Concert with proceeds benefiting our homeless children.

M.I., Tuface, Asa, 9ice, B’Banj were among some of the names that performed. All funds raised from the event will be directed to Inspire Africa Foundation. To get involved, visit Inspire Africa Foundation. Also check out images of some of the winning looks on the red carpet at the Inspire Africa Benefit Concert.

West African Idols Winner, Timi Dakolo 2007

Sisi Oge of Lagos Winner, Ms. Facus Ololade Rofiah arrived on the red carpet in a stunning halter ankara print dress, a large one piece beaded red necklace and finished with a black clutch.

Guest struts down the red carpet in a gorgeous embroidered white gown at the Inspire Africa Benefit Concert

Runner up West African Idols 2007, Omawunmi Megbele, shaking things up at the Inspire Africa Benefit Concert

The Kokomaster D'Banj Performs at the Inspire Africa Benefit Concert

9ice performs on stage at the Inspire Africa Benefit Concert

Nigeria's Tuface middle and Storm Record's artist Sasha [Right]

First picture: Mo Abudu, talk show host and founder of Inspire Africa Foundation, is the celeb of the night with her red see through long sleeve, empire waist floor length silk gown. Her dress is accentuated with a four tiered beaded black necklace, which complements her jet black hair and pulls her overall look together.

All photos courtesy of our friends at We Run Things.

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Keri Hilson Rocks the Lexus Listening Lounge Pre-Grammy Party

In anticipation of the 51st Annual Grammy Awards to be held on February 8th, 2009, a specially-invited crowd of tastemakers flocked to Los Angeles’ new green urban oasis, SmogShoppe, on February 4th to witness R&B singer and songwriter Keri Hilson rock it out at the Lexus Listening Lounge Pre-Grammy Party. Kawanna Brown, Magic Johnson Enterprises’ COO, was presented with Lexus’ Pursuit of Perfection Award, which recognizes African-American women whose work exemplifies extraordinary achievements in the fields of business and entertainment.

The celebration kicked off with red carpet arrivals, as guests were greeted by a lavishly catered cocktail reception in the courtyard, where they enjoyed themselves before the main event. The atmosphere of the venue was eco-chic. A 100% solar-powered haven, SmogShoppe featured chic vintage furnishings and stylish recycled and sustainable features. Adding to the ambience, and in keeping with Lexus’ commitment to the environment, Lexus Hybrid vehicles were also on display.

Joining Hilson and Brown on the red carpet were actress Vanessa A. Williams, Tina Atkins and Erica Atkins of the gospel duo Mary Mary, R&B singers Tank and Teairra Marí, and actor James Black.After the award presentation, Hilson took to the stage, and the eagerly-waiting guests were treated to a high-energy musical performance featuring her well-known hits as well as new songs from her upcoming debut album, “In a Perfect World.”

LADYBRILLE.COM briefly caught up with Hilson after her electrifying performance, and she shared her thoughts with us about her highly-anticipated album as well as her personal style.

LADYBRILLE.COM: First of all, congratulations on your amazing performance tonight. It was wonderful! And congratulations on your upcoming album and the hits that you’ve had so far.
Keri Hilson: Thank you.

LADYBRILLE.COM: I know you started out as a performing artist from the beginning, but you were most known in your career prior to your current projects as being an excellent songwriter for a lot of other talented artists. How does it feel now that you’re being seen for what you originally started out to do, which is to be an artist on your own? How does it feel to be finally here, and your album is about to be released, and you’ve been getting such a warm reception from the fans and the music community?

Keri Hilson: It’s been great. So far, the transition has been very easy for me, because [like you said] being an artist was always my first dream. Honestly, I never expected that songwriting would bring me back to the artist thing. It is what I wanted to happen, but it’s not what I expected. I’m a realist, and I knew that as long as I was working that I would be successful; as long as I was working as hard as I was working, I would be successful. I never even would have guessed that songwriting, for me, would take off as fast or as far as it did, but it did, and I’m proud of myself.

LADYBRILLE.COM: For the event tonight, with Lexus hosting, the theme is “arriving in style,” and one of the reasons you were chosen as an artist to perform tonight because you’ve finally “arrived” as an artist, and you’ve arrived in style. How do you feel about that?
Keri Hilson: Well, I guess I try to be stylish, and I guess that’s a good thing.[smiles]. And style really is just confidence, so if they chose me for the style reason, I’m flattered and honored. It was a good collaboration. I’ve done a couple shows with Lexus, so it’s a good collaboration.

LADYBRILLE.COM: Your sense of style is refreshing. How would you describe your personal style?
Keri Hilson: I think I’m always a good mix of masculine and feminine, like soft and rough. I mean, that is who I am. I’m kind of a girlie-girl now, but I grew up a tomboy. I swam for twelve years, competed for Georgia in the Junior Nationals in swimming. Then I played basketball; two years best offensive and senior MVP in my high school career. So that is very much a part of me. I’m a tennis shoe freak. I love everything from my tomboy days. I care less about a lot of things that the average woman cares about. But, my style reflects that, and I think it’s a good mix of womanhood and my childhood growing up as a tomboy; always easygoing, always comfortable. Comfort over anything else, absolutely. If I’m not comfortable in it, I won’t put it on. That means I won’t be confident.

LADYBRILLE.COM: Ladybrille.com as a brand is known as “Where the West Meets Today's African Fashion Industry.” How do you feel about Africa’s influence on fashion, and have you been to Africa? Would you like to perform someday in Africa?
Keri Hilson: Absolutely, I would love to go to Africa! My sister has been to Capetown and Johannesburg. She actually taught in the schools. I don’t know much about African fashion and how it may have influenced fashion here or anywhere, but I would be interested to go and see! That would be something I would absolutely love to do.

LADYBRILLE.COM: Excellent! Thank you very much.
Keri Hilson: Thank you!

~Article by Ngozi Mba

Keri Hilson at the Lexus Listening Lounge

Teairra Mari at the Lexus Listening Lounge

Actress Vanessa Williams at the Lexus Listening Lounge

Actor James Black at the Lexus Listening Lounge

American Gospel Duo Mary Mary at the Lexus Listening Lounge

Kawanna Brown COO of MJE and Aaron Walton C

Kawanna Brown CEO of MJE and Monica Womack

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Music Recording Industry Abandon Suits Against Copyright Infringers

Depending on who you ask, we are probably living in some good times, at least when it comes to law suits. Take for example, the recent announcement by the Music Recording Industry to abandon litigious pursuits of song swappers on the internet who infringe on their intellectual property rights. Why?

It's the economy! The cost of litigation, especially during these very hard economic times simply outweighs the benefits of such pursuits. Even if the Recording Industry wins against the over 35,000 persons they've insitituted actions since 2003, it would most likely render them bankrupt--not something they want. The recording industry has now come to its senses and agreed to negotiate with internet service providers to cut abusers' access if they ignore repeated warnings. Much cheaper and effective alternative if you ask us.

The impact on you? "Naija Boy" a la Soulja Boy or "Ebute Metta" a la Rihanna's Umbrella can still have their songs on You Tube without fear of litigation. Although, if it becomes a bit much, there is a substantial likelihood YouTube might ban such violators of copyrighted works.

Source, First Amendment Center

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