End of Mo'Hits - D'banj and Don Jazzy Split

All Good Things Come To An End?

There were no other two people better suited to team up in the Nigerian music industry. One a talented and charismatic performer, the other a talented and charismatic producer - a match made in heaven. So where did it go wrong?

D'banj and Don Jazzy were two names which, when put together, formed the winning tag team from the stables of their record label, Mo Hits Records. Don Jazzy was the respected mentor, and D'banj the admired whiz kid. With Don Jazzy on the beats and D'Banj singing the hits, it was one chart-topper after another. Is the fairytale now over?

They added spice to the Nigerian (Naija) music scene with their collective charisma and bling-like personas. If you saw one, you saw the other. Their mutual professional and personal respect for each other was clear to all. They were the untouchable winning team. Mo'Hits was the money-spinning label, while D'banj and Don Jazzy were the gold mine. All that is history, from all accounts.

Twitter, the print, TV and online media have been awash with news of the split of this formerly unbreakable duo. Rumors were rife of betrayal but both parties have, even now, maintained that same respect and decorum that they are so admired for. So what really went down? And what is the fate of Mo'Hits, the record label they both created?

Fading Glory

There was a time that the Naija music industry was all about D'banj and Don Jazzy. Their hits ruled the airwaves, from Tongolo to Why Me. Then with the recent singles came the period of a somewhat downward spiral, or at least a sense of stagnancy in D'banj's music. Could it be that this was as far as things could go music-wise, with Don Jazzy? Could it be that their musical chemistry had run its course and both needed to find new ground and fresh material with which to work with and grow?

It's never easy letting go of a good thing. Harder still, to break bonds with a producer that looked more like a brother and a friend. However, did D'banj feel he had bigger horizons ahead that Don Jazzy couldn't lead him to, even on his broad, capable shoulders?

Things started to look up for D'banj when he caught the attention of Jay Z as well as Kanye West and got signed to the Good Music label. Was that the beginning of the end for Mo'Hits? Many seem to think so.

Back Story

No Long Thing, Rundown Funk U Up and The Entertainer are the three albums D'banj has to show for his years-long collaboration with Don Jazzy and their Mo'Hits Records. Add to that the countless cameos, features and collabo's with other members of the Mo'Hits crew, and one can only imagine the acrimony sure to arise when the time comes to share the spoils. They did it all together - now they'd have to get used to the fact that the party's over. The successful and well respected label has run its final lap of glory.

D'banj Breaks Up with Don Jazzy - Official

No more guessing games, no more wondering or hoping: fans around the country and beyond have now faced the fact: the D'banj and Don Jazzy split is official. This is proven to be all the more true with Don Jazzy creating his own personal, all-new Mavin label, backed by his brother and musician, D'Prince, as well as Wande Coal, both former crew members of the defunct Mo'Hits. To add more fuel to the flame, Don Jazzy has also signed up the beautiful and talented Tiwa Savage, one of the most respected female artistes in Naija. If that doesn't spell "come back" for Don Jazzy then I don't know what will.

The Blame Game

Someone definitely has to take the fall for the split between D'banj the Kokomaster and Don Jazzy IDJA. No one, least of all the fans, saw it coming and everyone can't help but feel that the break up could have been averted. Some say D'banj started to get cocky especially since he was getting so much backing from Kanye and his clique. Others say Don Jazzy started to feel left out of things, since as a producer, he was meant to be seen but not heard (well, that's the American way apparently). He's been so used to being D'banj's go-to guy, the "big brother" D'banj needed around constantly in order to not look bad. Now D'banj seems to be looking pretty fine on his own.

We'll certainly miss seeing and hearing them on the same track. But then maybe there was never going to be any more hits from Mo'Hits. Maybe the curtain call was long overdue. The only hope of the fans is that at least the two former inseparable pals remain good friends and not let the industry tear apart what was once an admired brotherhood.

Music, Rap and Positivity

Music is food to the soul, and you have to admit for some people it gives healing, empowerment, beauty and strength. I love to look around me and find new fields of positivity. Had a few Youtube videos sent to me from a promising rapper who's challenged but still has such great mental potentiality! Now I totally love rap and sometimes it's not all about delivery, but the words and what they speak into your soul!

Lilblaze is a rapper with a vision and there're many who have that so what makes him so different? It'll take watching his videos to really understand and I hope you take the time to do that, leave a great comment and subscribe!!



I think of Cobhams, the talented Nigerian producer and musician who's making waves all over and I have to keep reminding myself that he's blind. I first saw him perform with a guitar on a breakfast show on NTA being interviewed by Marian Arthur Anazodo and even then I knew he had great things coming. What I saw that day in him I see in Lilblaze: the beautiful spark that promises future brilliance and I couldn't wait to share it today! It was gratifying to see Cobhams on CNN, and hearing Nigeria being called the "music capital of Africa". Now that is something positive and to be proud of!




There are so many opportunities out there but the music and rap industry is one place that lets everybody shine no matter what. So long as you've got the talent, dedication and the ability to dream big and never look back then you're sure to shine! I love seeing people go beyond their natural limits and do well for themselves. @lilblazej inspires me a lot and I enjoy thinking how proud I'll be when he gets a signing and people everywhere can enjoy his brand of rap music.

Not everyone is going to believe in you. And they'll certainly never have a good word to say about your music, talent or dreams. But that's not going to stop you, will it? I'd like to end with a few lines from @lilblazej 's Timmy's Story lyrics and I hope they empower you today as they do me:

I feel lonely, I never found anyone
That didn't let me down
But I have to bear my cross
To get my crown...

Nigerian Entertainers Who Own Swanky Clubs

These days, musicians realize that branding is key. D’banj with his “Koko” brand of which includes a nightclub, reality show, and more recently, mobile phones, understands how it works. And following the trend is D’Prince, another Nigerian entertainer and brother to producer extraordinaire Don Jazzy, who has joined the clique of club owners with his “Jonzing” club in Victoria Island. Owning and running a club in Lagos is big bucks, and though the list of entertainers cum owner is short, it is an elite one...

D'Prince

Owns "CLUB JONZING"
Though yet to release his debut album, since he first came into the scene with Mo’hits crew, D’prince has had numerous hit singles like “Jonzing World” (from which he derived the name of the club), “Give it to me” and his debut hit single “Omoba”. He had also been featured on a number of songs with various popular artistes.

Jovial, quick witted and intelligent, D’Prince has cited the reason behind his venture into this new sector in entertainment: the need to not just be a part of night life social buzz as an entertainer , but to also be creatively involved in an innovative way in entertainment entrepreneurship as a whole. As so the club ‘JONZING’ was born.

Location. Located within the highbrow residential and commercial area of Lagos, Nigeria - Victoria Island, Off Ajose Adeogun, the nightclub retained the "lush" decor left by former owners Karma.

On 28th September 2011, defunct Club Karma located at 47, Younis Bashorun Street, off Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island was re-christened "Club Jonzing" as Omoba popularly known as D’prince, acquired it.

Clientele. The term ‘distinctly affordable’ is perfect when summing up the intended customer market for this club - without stinting on quality, of course. It has a holding capacity of 300 people, and there are fresh fruit cocktails and signature drinks tailored to thrill any crowd with good taste.
There are, however, "levels", as one can expect. There is a massive main floor, allowing artiste performances and D’prince to party with club crawlers. The club also boasts a VIP section for tables and bottle service and a "VVIP" strictly A-List entertainers and high profile clients.


To Be Updated...

BET Nigerian Hip Hop Cypher: Smash or Trash?

Last year it was Ghana. This time, in October 2011, Nigeria got a slot at the highly respected BET Hip Hop Cypher.

The event has come and gone but the question still lingers: was the Cypher a Smash, or Trash?

Nigerians have an enviable crop of talented hip hop musicians, who sing, dance and rap hip hop. Good money is being made by these artistes, with live shows, endorsements and record sales to prove it. So when MTV sent a production team to Lagos to pick the lucky few, they had plenty of choice...



ROLL CALL
To represent Nigerian on the global Hip Hop platform, were Six males and Five female rappers, as follows:

Male Contingent:
1. Modenine - Notably the most "respected" Nigerian rapper, who's been on the scene longer than most.

2. M.I. - Known for being articulate and witty, his fearless lyrics are admired and catchy.

3. Naeto C - Commercially successful, he's more of a laid-back rapper with many hits to his name.

4. Ice Prince - fresh kid on the block, his popular tunes have won him awards all this year.

5. SauceKid - Well known for his freestyles and flawless delivery/wordplay, he's a no-nonsense rapper.

6. Xo Senavoe – A commendable rap artiste, not to be overlooked by his Nigerian peers.

Female Contingent:
It's safe to say that the females hold it down well on the rap front in the Nigerian hip hop scene; several have won the respect and admiration of fans and their contemporaries in the male section. And here were the hand-picked few femmes:

1. Sasha – aka "The First Lady" of Naija hip hop; the most popular female Nigerian rapper.

2. Eva - Another respected female rapper, started making waves early this year and hasn't stopped since.

3. Blaise – Confident female rapper known for her quality lyrical content.

4. Muna – A well known rapper and former beauty queen with a flair for swag and style.

5. Zee – Signed to Capital Hill Music, she's fearless and fierce in the rap scene.

The Cypher: How Did They Do?

The reviews were mixed: some said it was okay, though nerves and inexperience got the better of some. Many however were proud of the Nigerian rappers' achievements and what a leap it was for the Naija Hip Hop scene to have a listening/viewing public on an international scale. The Cypher itself was not aired at the live BET Awards show that night, but this was no set back for the proud Nigerians who watched videos of the Cypher and gave their thumbs up.


There were two or three shining stars. Modenine, MI and Saucekid stood out with good lyrics and delivery which seemed worthy of note. Ice Prince and Naeto C were said to not have lived up to expectations as some viewed their lines as weak or unimaginative, at best. XO Senavoe on the other hand, gave a commendable effort according to general views.

For a few days after the Cypher was aired, Twitter was awash with comments about the performance, and everyone had good things to say all round. Most were just happy that Nigeria had a look in this year.

Technically, it goes without saying that the Rap industry in Nigeria still has a long way to go. In America, rappers find it hard to obtain acceptance in the music industry, as only a select few manage to achieve commercial and public success. The same also goes with Naija rappers: one has to really stand out to win accolades in what has become a competitive industry indeed.

The female rappers, though talented, are still way behind their male counterparts, and their showing at the Cypher was, on several levels, considered as lacking. They did their best over all, but it was obvious they have a long way to go before they can deliver like their female peers in America, and even their male peers in Nigeria.


Best Bits...

XO Senavoe

The Lyrical Dangote, even Aliko couldn't get on this "bill"
Last year watched this from my office - now I'm here - Surreal!
Pray for me, I'm spittin' in a sick way, and I'm (Azikwe Nnamdi) - Truth!
Yeh "We Are Africans - Awoo!"
But the Rap crown was roaming (Roman) and so I ceased her (Ceaser) - Poof!
Talking 'racks on racks on racks'?
'Maybachs on bachs on bachs'?Not stopping 'til Fortune companies hire Blacks on Blacks...

Ice Prince

I'm sitting on their heads, I'm like a basin
I shut it down from Las Gidi to Beijing
Only keep it sidelined when i'm on the beach
Life is not fair, so I'm thinking how to bleach
But when it gets dark, I see through the Eclipse
I don't even need a hook, my bars are like fish
Yeah, my pro flow is like propane
Fly like a pigeon (pidgin),English is broken,
See me cracking up and I aint even joking
One time for me and you, you get no thing

Sauce Kid

If you expect the unexpected
Then it becomes expected
So why expect respectOr get disrespected
We all got different views but yo check this perspective
I'm with the in-crowd, don't know where the rest is
The game can't be told my dawg you just gotta learn it
Yo who gonna respect the wages gotta earn it
I'm from a grimy hood, my goons don't find fair
We scare through the night, give Freddy Krueger nightmares..

Naeto C

There's only 12 peeps in my cartel
Rappers turn around me like a carousel
By the time I made my first 6M
You were riding Jinchengs
Cos the king's swag needs blue like the BIC pen
I am not cheap baby boy I like the big spend
Cos I'm a boss and you living in the kid's pen
Now let's separate the boys from the men -
I make more money, I don't need that many friends
What's up
You know I did it all for the Naira
My name is Naeto C and this is BET the Cypher
Yes Boss...

ModeNine

Funny pants like you Lil Wayne kick it
Protesting against me lames, picket
You won't be fly if you bought a plane ticket
Look ma word play's incredible fam
To get into ma rhyme book you need a retinal scan
Stake out the doberman in the Sentinel van
The definition of a heckler unintentional fan
Blow me - pause, homie
You full of baloney
Phonies creeping and crawling without spines
Double jeopardy you get blindsided and outshined
I burn mics leave nothing but charred outlines
The last time I was outrhymed I was about nine
No five, plank a bee hive
Better yet strap weights on a deep sea dive...

M.I.

Word play, I'm killing it, lyrical execution
My style is fresh like its erudition
What I do to 16s it must be statutory
Forensics in the laboratory try to gather for me
Route to find and catch and stone me
But I'm so evil they should get a pastor for me
Before a confrontation, so what's the complication?
The best rapper pound for pound any denomination
My skills above my alibi or my corroboration
So bring your allegation I will reallocate them
Yeah I'm reckless and I'm everything you looking for: Craiglist
I bring the drama to your doorstep: Netflix
All I spit right here the flow is ambidextrous
I cross BET the Cypher from my checklist And I'm done...

Well, that was it folks. Till next year....

D'Banj "KokoMaster" - The Rise & Rise of the Naija Megastar

Charismatic, charming, easy-going and humble, talented and ambitious…these are just few of the words that can be used to describe Nigeria's biggest artiste, D’banj aka the Kokomaster. Born Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo on June 9, 1980 he has come a long way in his quest, as he once stated, to be the biggest living African artist in the world.

Early Years

D'banj was born in Zaria, a city in the Northern state of Kaduna, Nigeria. His father was an army colonel and his mother a business woman, both from the southern Ogun State. He has a brother and three sisters. At 15, D'banj lost his elder brother, Femi, who was 17 when he was killed in a plane crash. D'banj was drilled early on to join the military cadre like his father, but he chose a different path: music.

Turning Points

Harmonica Player. At age 14, D'banj was introduced to the harmonica by his late older brother, Femi. This was to start a budding love for music which he carried all through his young days playing for the school band, and up till the time he went to further his music dreams in the UK in December 2002.

Chasing the Dream. D'banj meets JJC aka Skills in February 2003, and over the next several months he was going with them to their shows or just playing the harmonica on some tracks including "See Me See Wahala". Along the line, D'banj also met producer Don Jazzy in what was to be one of the most profitable and lasting friendships/business ventures in Naija history.

The Start of Stardom.The year 2005, when D'banj released his debut album "No Long Thing" provided the breakthrough in his career. Lead single "Tongolo" and "Mobolowowon" were massive hits, breaking him into the thriving Nigerian music scene - and introducing Koko Master D'banj to the world.

Musical Influences

D'banj has made no bones about his musical leanings and how they have been influenced by the great Afrobeat king Fela. D'banj style in music and fashion, his showmanship and charisma, have been compared on countless occasions to his mentor Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Through D'banj, Afrobeat has been brought to life and into the 21st century. D'banj performs in Yoruba, English and Pidgin English, showing that no matter what or where, he sticks to his African roots.

Good Music, Great Year

2011 so far has been a fantastic year for Naija's D'banj. He has broken cultural and musical boundaries with his international collaborations and record signing. Here's the way it's been for the hard working and talented star:

January 2011 D'banj features American rapper Snoop Dog in the remix of the hit song, "Mr.Endowed.

April 2011 In a 125-minute interview on BET titled "Welcome to America", D'banj introduces himself to the American Music industry/audience.

June 2011 D'banj and his music label Mo'Hits sign up with Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music.

June 2011 D'banj alongside 2Face Idibia emerge joint winners of the BET 2011 Best International Act (Africa) in Los Angeles, California.

August 2011 The Koko Concert holds in London, headlined by D'banj and the Mo'hits AllStars, with surprise guest performance by American rapper/producer Kanye West.

Sept 2011 D'banj releases hit single "Oliver Twist" and causes a Youtube/internet sensation with his Dancing/Jonzing Competition offering prizes as high as $2,500.

Humble As Ever

D’Banj has always shown that success will never go to his head and he'll always remember where he came from. Only recently he tweeted on his official Twitter account @iamdbanj, “Just like yesterday myself and my brother did Tongolo. 7yrs later Mo’Hits signs with Good Music. Best birthday gift ever. God thank u"

Nollywood Top Ten Most Beautiful Actresses

Nigerian women are beautiful women - Fact.

When it comes to the Nigerian movie industry, it must then follow that beauty and talent surely go together. Loved and admired all over the world, here are our top ten most beautiful and talented Nigerian Actresses. Enjoy.

1. Genevieve Nnaji

Genevieve is the name on everyone's lips right now. Featured on CNN and Oprah, she has become the top of the cream in the Nollywood industry. The highest earning actress in Nigeria, she is reported to be pulling 2 million Naira per movie! These days she's either gracing the front covers of top magazines, or taking the female lead roles in the latest Nollywood blockbusters. Dark-skinned and articulate, she is petite and has kept on to a slim, attractive figure and looks really fit at her ripe age of 32.

2. Stephanie Okereke

Tall and chocolate-skinned, Stephanie Okereke has always stood out in the bevy of beautiful Naija actresses. A model and a one-time second runner up, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria beauty pageant 2002, she is the one to watch as she also produces and directs her movies.Currently she is the new brand ambassador for Kanekalon Hair Company, an endorsement worth millions of naira.


3. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde

It is safe to say that Omotola is one of, if not the, most loved Nigerian actress. Married and a mother of four, she is never far from the limelight and her love for striking, daring apparel, and of course, her hot figure, has coined her the nickname "Omosexy", for which she is most known for. She is definitely one of the most high-profile Nigerian actresses and was recently present at the Grammy's 2011, making her the "first Nollywood actress to walk the Grammy's red carpet."

4.

Stella Damasus
Stella Damasus will always be a name to remember in Nollywood. Not just for her arresting roles, but also for her eye-catching smile and gorgeous looks. Also an accomplished singer, she is best loved for her unassuming style and natural beauty. Her latest movie presently making waves is a romcom drama titled "Two Brides and a Baby."


5. Dakore Egbuson

One of the most low-profile yet distinguished Nollywood actresses, Dakore stands out for her golden-toned dread locks which suit her honeyed skin and heart-shaped face. Well spoken and intelligent, she is one of the most respected actresses who has managed to stay out of the gossip columns which are the bane of the average Nigerian actress. A new mother of a baby girl in Sept 2011, she is married to billionaire heir Olumide Akande.


6. Kate Henshaw Nuttal

Kate Henshaw is another distinguished actress who turns heads where ever she goes. Confident, beautiful and dark-skinned, she has been on the top list of Nollywood actresses all through her career. She is most loved for her bewitching smile and elegant dress sense.

7. Rita Dominic
Exquisitely beautiful and stylish, Rita Dominic is respected for her acting skills as well as her gorgeous looks. Add that to an enviably glowing skin and her trademark luscious lips, and you have yourself one hot Nollywood bombshell. Renowned for being the most fashionable female in Nollywood, she has become a style icon with her bold looks and adventurous colors.


8. Ini Edo

Just a little over ten years since she first broke into the scene, Ini Edo has become one of the most recognizable faces and names in Nollywood. A dark-skinned beauty, she is known as one of the "most bankable" Nollywood actresses. Fifty movies later, she now has multi-millionaire endorsements with big industry names such as Globacom, the telecoms giant,and Nobel Hair Products. She is also a UN (Habitat Youth Envoy) Ambassador.


9. Tonto Dikeh

In recent times, Tonto has become one of the most controversial names in Nollywood. She is also one of the hottest! This light-skinned diva is known for her sexy roles in movies, and six years after her debut through the Next Movie Star Reality TV show, this showbiz babe still parades a very alluring complexion that attracts the male fans in their thousands. These days, she is hardly ever out of the gossip mags, which detracts nothing from the fact that she is still one of the most desirable women in Nollywood.

10. Lilian Bach


Lilian Bach strutted into the limelight first as a model, before breaking into the Nollywood scene. Half Polish and half Nigerian, she has proven very versatile and is a successful crossover actress. Her movie, Eletan (The Deceiver) which she produced has been making waves. She is loved for her alluring skin and big brown eyes.

MOBO 2011 - Jessie J Takes 4, Wizkid Wins Best African Act

No one could be more surprised than Jessie J to see her take four awards at the MOBO's this year.

Named Best UK Act, she also bagged Best Newcomer, Best Song for Do It Like A Dude, and Best Album. Adele collected Best R&B/Soul Act, which makes it collectively five awards from the two females, both white.

There were recent complaints from critics about Jessie J leading the nominations for the 16th Music of Black Origin Awards, and now she is the big winner at the Wednesday night ceremony in Glasgow Oct 5.

Hosted by US singer Jason Derulo and Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon, questions had been raised about the preponderance of white acts among the nominees, especially during the buildup to the event.

Kanya King, who established the Mobos in 1995, was asked in a recent editorial in the Voice newspaper whether the Mobos were "doing a disservice to black artists" by using white singers to promote the awards as seemed to be the case. Her reply was to point out that "most forms of pop" had their heritage in black music; adding "The awards reflect what is happening in the UK music scene right now. Now more than ever,urban music is prevalent."

There were mixed reactions on Twitter with one user called the awards a “joke”. However many fans of music and especially of Jessie J were happy with her Mobo success. Jessie J however stated that she never expected to win anything, and said, “I just want to say the biggest thank you to my fans because I watched this last year by myself in my living room and no one knew who I was and now I just won best album. That is epic. Thank you everyone." Wow, such a success story. Well done, Jessie.

The Mobos couldn’t have been very good for Wretch 32 though. The rapper from Tottenham, north London, was nominated in four categories but failed to win in any. The award for best hip hop/grime act was won by Tinie Tempah, who also happens to be of Nigerian origin.

It was a great night in any case for Naija as our very own Wizkid took home the Best African Act.

Highlights of the night would have to be the Boyz II Men medley as well as the performance by Amy Winehouse’s adopted niece Dionne Bromfield who sang a tribute song (Love Is a Losing Game) to the late singer.