MoreBranches

Author: Bamise Oyetayo

  • Jess Finesse Talks Perks for Playlist Curators Following Spotify’s African Entry

    Jess Finesse Talks Perks for Playlist Curators Following Spotify’s African Entry

    Following Spotify’s announced expansion into 180 markets––including Nigeria––on the 22nd of February 2021, music lovers and industry players have been agog with predictions about what this entry holds. After all, very recently the industry has seen Spotify’s major contenders, Apple Music, YouTube Music and Audiomack increase operations in the Nigerian market.

    These entries and their accompanying campaigns have helped boost the burgeoning sounds of Nigerian music globally and Spotify’s expansion will typically, do likewise. It holds additional promise with its seamless playlisting features which will encourage much adoption from independent playlisters.

    We had a brief chat with lifestyle influencer and playlist curator, Jess “Finesse” Chibueze to examine how playlisters and artistes can take advantage of these features.

    How do you feel on a whole about Spotify buying into the Nigerian music scene and what do you think it means for the local playlisting culture/community?

    I remember when I first created my playlist called ’The Flexlist” in March 2019. I could only curate the playlist on Apple Music since Spotify wasn’t available in Nigeria. I didn’t mind it at first: I was getting thousands of clicks on the playlist and was receiving positive feedback from listeners who owned Apple Music accounts in Nigeria, the U.S, and the U.K. It wasn’t until I started receiving requests to put The Flexlist on Spotify from people living abroad that the limitations of not having a Spotify account began to weigh on me. There were so many populations of people who Nigerian playlist curators, myself included, could not reach because we didn’t have easy access to Spotify. 

    The day I finally put the Flexlist on Spotify in July 2019, it was Ayo Alfonso who made it happen. From that time to now, maintaining a Spotify account at $9.99/month (N5,000) for a playlist I wasn’t monetizing while living in Nigeria was tedious and annoying. Spotify now being available in Nigeria has cut down my operational expenses and overall stress. Platforms like WeTalkSound and The49thSt who already curate playlists on Apple Music only have to budget an extra N900/month to maintain a Spotify account. Nigerian-based independent curators who make playlists for either business or leisure now have the potential for their music curation skills to reach Spotify’s 345 million users. That spells out growth, scalability, and opportunity for many of us.

    Lastly, Spotify launching in Nigeria allows for curators to curate on a platform that provides us with metrics. There have been times I’ve applied to be a part of playlist communities and I was rejected because I didn’t have a Spotify account OR The Flexlist didn’t have enough followers on the platform. These platforms didn’t care that I could account for thousands of clicks on Apple Music because Apple Music does not publicly show playlist follower counts. Now that Spotify is in Nigeria, I can grow The Flexlist’s numbers and build up the credibility needed to apply for playlist opportunities. Nigerian curators being able to show they have 1,000 followers or 500 likes on their Spotify playlists allows them to justify the influence and authority to be perceived as a respected music curator.

    How can Nigerian artistes take advantage of the newfound pathway that playlisting on Spotify grants?

    By pitching high-quality music. I know this answer is vague, but it’s true. 
    If you have a limited budget to produce a song, really care about the mixing and mastering of your song. If there’s one critique I have of artistes who submit music to me is poor mixing and mastering. There are aspects beyond the hook being catchy and choosing the right melody for a song that makes curators reject submissions. With Spotify now being available in Nigeria, it should be a challenge to artistes to really care about every aspect of their song. Like every aspect.

    I don’t know how the backend of the pitching to Spotify works, but I can imagine if I was hired as an editorial curator on the platform, I would have a no-tolerance policy for lacklustre music. So make music enjoyable and easy for the consumer to listen to. Make memorable songs. Have a plan to get your song featured on really cool platforms in conjunction with pitching your music to Spotify. And don’t forget to pray and hope for the best.

  • #EndSARS: How To Stay Focused And Restrategize For The End of Curfew

    #EndSARS: How To Stay Focused And Restrategize For The End of Curfew

    The Lagos state government has announced an impromptu 24-hour curfew in the state. This curfew was announced by the governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and is effective from 4PM today the 20th of October. No deadline was announced. This comes on the heels of unrest in Orile Iganmu where a police station was set ablaze after shootings took place.

    Also in Edo state, a similar curfew was imposed yesterday by the government following the outbreak of prisoners from the Benin and Oko custodial centres. 

    There’s every reason to believe that the outbreak which was carried out by hoodlums was police-assisted and deputy governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu has in an interview stated that it wasn’t led by EndSARS protesters. 

    In addition, peaceful protesters have denounced being involved in any acts of violence and have stated that there was no protest in the Orile Iganmu vicinity. 

    Here are tips to help you stay focused during the curfew ad bounce right back afterwards; 

    1. Go home: If you’re on the road, we have compiled a list of tips to help you get home safely before 4pm. If however you can’t this arrangement might work for you: 

    2. Rest: The protests have been ongoing for 12 days both online and offline. Use this curfew time to rest and re-up your energy. Sleep, eat well, call loved ones and surround yourself with good energy. Get a reliable curfew buddy if you can too. 

    3. Protest online: the government might have taken away our ability to be outside, but thanks to the curfew, they’re also shooting their foot since the lockdown means the economy further suffers. But not our protests though. Now is the time to be more present online to tweet about #EndSARS and amplify the call for reform. 

    You can also donate to the cause and lend your voice by praying or skills and expertise by sharing useful tips and information.

    4. Educate yourself on policies and government: Rapper and lawyer Falz, has been doing a good job on this. Stay updated and informed by watching helpful videos and tuning in to insightful change-engineering discourses. But do well to ignore legacy media as their tendency to cover up for the government has become glaring in these times. 

    Media companies and activist groups to get updates from include MoreBranches, Feminist Coalition, Zikoko, BellaNaija, RadrAfrica, Lucid Lemons among others. 

    Lastly, there will be by-elections on the 31st of October to elect senators into the Lagos East Senatorial District; Kosofe II Constituency in Lagos State, Bayelsa Central Senatorial District; Bayelsa West Senatorial District; Nganzai and Bayo Constituencies in Borno State; Cross River North Senatorial District; Obudu Constituency in Cross River. Others are Imo North Senatorial District, Plateau South Senatorial District; Bakura Constituency in Zamfara; and Ibaji Constituency in Kogi.

    If you’re from any of these constituencies and own a PVC, make sure to research on and vote for a well-meaning candidate, if you do not own a PVC the best you can do for now is to monitor the elections and foster conversations around it.

    Stay safe everyone. 

  • 13 Songs to Sustain The Protests With

    13 Songs to Sustain The Protests With

    Despite the fact that the End Sars protests have been going on for 5 days, we the youths refuse to back down till our demands are met. Bodies ache, money and data are expended, time is invested, the skin is broken and some lives lost but the protesters continue to feed off each other’s energies and collective desire for a better life. 

    This playlist is a string of cross-generational songs that reflect our angst, hopes, and aspirations to uplift and remind us of how far we’ve not come as a nation as we march to End Sars, reform the police, and better the country. 

    Fire On the Mountain – Asa

    This song is a perfect mirror of the times– from military brutality to sexual assault and greed and contains a prophecy of the day when the proverbial river  Asa sang of will overflow. That day has come but we are the waves of the river and cannot be submerged. 

    Chop Elbow – PrettyBoy D-O

    Prettyboy D-O, like most other youths, has been present at the front of what is a war against generations of bad governance. But before that, he had already scripted a listicle-like anthem that encapsulates everything our generation faces which should be given the elbow. And boy is the list extensive, from SARS to African fathers and network operators, it has everything. 

    Beasts of No Nation – Fela

    If you attempted to talk about all the problems of Nigeria, your mouth would most likely disembark from the mission and leave you. That’s probably why Fela’s songs are so long. 

    To this song and his several other politically tinged musical diatribes, you can ponder on the problems of the nation and the recurrent and relatable heartlessness of the leaders while marching and marching because this uprising has brought out the beasts in us. 

    Monsters You Made – Burna Boy

    That’s the tweet, now retweet and rage aggressively because we are literally the monsters created from years of oppression. We are also the voice of Ama Ata Aidoo, the Ghanian author whose interview was sampled at the end of the song as she replies; ‘over where?’ 

    Barawo – Ajebo Hustlers

    Ajebo Hustlers made an irresistible anthem off events that could give any Nigerian youth PTSD. It’s a lot of things about the song, and then it’s the very touche ‘this country na wa.’ 

    Jaga Jaga –  Eedris Abdulkareem

    We were kids when this song was a hit but from then till now, no line of the song has become a miss as every jaga jaga thing Eedris sang of still obtains till now. 

    E Dey Pain Me Gaga – Original Stereoman

    Soro soke, abi e no dey pain you? That’s the point where we’re all at. We’ve had enough of the extortion, oppression, and killings and we’re speaking up. 

    Mr. President – African China

    If you be protester, protest well well because all the things African China sang about here are still pain points for the average Nigerian, right down to the police intimidating the people. And guess what? This song is a decade and four years old. 

    Koroba – Tiwa Savage

    No, Koroba isn’t a song for the house parties and Instagram vanity videos alone. If you really listen, you’ll hear Tiwa Savage condemning the public funds- guzzling politicians and the average Nigerian that only condemns societal ills when it suits them. That used to be a collective sub, but now we’re carrying our ‘somtin’ and fighting for our rights. 

    Life’s Gone Down Low – Lijadu Sisters

    We were born into a lawless, structureless country where things keep going from bad to worse. While this song might sound anticlimactic, the chorus has all of that wistful energy we need to remind ourselves of how terrible things are, while simultaneously telling us to keep the faith as we fight against oppression. 

    Triumphant – Olamide Feat. Bella Shmurda

    ‘Triumphant’ is Olamide’s story on how he rose out of the oppression of poverty only to not have his parents with him. The record is soused with belly-deep vocals from Bella Shmurda to produce an anthem that we- the written off generation, will manifest as we march against police brutality.

    Bonus Pick: 

    Mr. Money – Asake

    Simply put, this song is an energy capsule and we definitely need as much of that as we can get. It goes ‘me I no dey cap, me I no dey form, my energy is high, what the fuck?’ We are now showing up as the generation that doesn’t cap as we relentlessly sustain the protests.

    Add more songs in the comment!

  • Amapiano Nigeria: 10 Times Nigerian Artistes Finessed The South-African Genre

    Amapiano Nigeria: 10 Times Nigerian Artistes Finessed The South-African Genre

    Our biggest music exports may be Afrobeats but it hasn’t stopped us from exploring other genres, Nigerian-Born or not. 

    ‘Amapiano Nigeria’ is an inquest on how Nigerian music creators have forayed into the South-African-owned Amapiano, a fast-rising genre which is a hybrid of their house music, to create a new blend of Afrobeats.

    Niniola – Addicted 

    Anytime you hear ‘Nini de’ and then hear ‘Riddim,’ shortly after or before– that is if Sarz drops a spoiler on creation credits in the early seconds of the record, your ears already know to expect an afro-house blessing. 

    But this time, Niniola the Nigerian Queen of afro-house delivered her sweet melodies, not on Mzansi-elemented instrumentals, rather on the new rave, Amapiano. 

    On ‘Addicted,’ soft instrumentalization perfectly compliments her voice and Afrobeats-meets-RnB style. And the airy pads, bass, and horns blend right in like the chemical x from Professor Sarz needed to seal the track. 

    Accolade in mind, it’s no surprise she took this route. At this point, she’s literally South African by creativity and it’s only right the playlist starts off on this number. 

    Mr. Money – Asake 

    Warning: this song is to be played at the highest volume available and taken judiciously after waking like an early morning pill. 

    Like me, you’ve probably heard this song without knowing it- ‘Me I no dey cap, me I no dey form, my energy is high what the fuck’ sung in Acapella has been transposed on several funny clips. 

    But that is far from the apex potential of this song and like the note reads, ‘Mr. Money’ who we all want to date but is very much the elusive lover, is the element of ginger you need to start your day. 

    With its baby falsetto voice-over, mumble-singing, and high energy vocals from Asake, mixed with intoxicatingly heavy Amapiano spices, this is also very much a street-anthem ready to explode from your barber’s shop and the Bluetooth speakers playing in your bathroom. 

    Kabza de Small – Sponono Feat. Wizkid, Burna Boy, Cassper Nyovest and Madumane

    My Canada-based friend once tweeted how listening to Sponono enticed her to make a dance pad of her accelerator while driving. Like a good friend, I DMed her to caution her and troll her but honestly, I’d have done no different if I were behind the wheels. 

    ‘Sponono’ is the aural masterpiece crafted by Kabza de Small who touts himself the King of Amapiano and on this track, he featured fellow kings in the sound kingdom. And as the amapiano beats do that thing where they emanate as if breaking, the voices of the artistes’ featured break in smoothly or glide over. 

    Definitely a road jam. And for every other place of course. 

    Rema – Woman

    Every woman-loving person swears Rema created a sub with this one and failed to mention them but I can bet you, even bitter misogynists will find themselves moving and singing to this song.

    And it’s two reasons; Rema’s melody weaving skills and the Amapiano Ozedikus deftly wove around it. 

    The drums, vocalising, horns and rattles are very prominent on this song that serves as one of the industry’s earliest submissions on how to score an Amapiano-infused Afrobeats jam and an earworm that is pleasing to the homegirls and homeboys. 

    DJ Neptune, Joeboy, Mr Eazi & Focalistic – Nobody (Amapiano)

    When Cobhams Asuquo dropped his remix of ‘Nobody,’ everyone swore that he had killed Joeboy on his own song. But Joeboy simply said, hold your pot of noodles, and voila this was served and he made us eat our words. 

    This Amapiano version of ‘Nobody’ starts off in an unexpected verse from Focalistic, as if to pay homage to the gods of Amapiano with lines rendered in his South-African tongue. 

    While Nigerian DJs are known for being sound innovators, this remake from DJ Neptune is a pleasant novelty and we’re here for how he blended the vocals from all the artistes so they sounded acapella while being backed with heavy and wide basslines. 

    Mr. Dutch & Masterkraft – Mamacita

    It starts with even-paced hoops and vocalising and just as you’ve settled into its easy-going pace and de-amplified ambiance that serves as the bedrock for Mr. Dutch’s singing, Masterkraft switches it upon us. 

    The heavy bass lines that come after serving as lingering escorts to the chorus and really set the tone for how much glorious damage this song is meant to have on the dancefloor. And since Nigerians can never resist adding their influence to things, the ‘opor’ ad-libs on ‘Mamacita’ serve as the quantifier for said damage. 

    Straffitti – Shanawole

    An Amapiano excerpt from his 6-track EP titled ‘Straff From Nigeria.’ It’s a brilliant blend of party time Afropop and Amapiano. Guitar riffs are met with hypnotic hoops and rattles as Straffitti’s honeyed voice echoes from the background and then comes out in full force the second the beat drop makes an appearance. 

    Given the EP title, it’s safe to say that on ‘Shanawole,’ Straffitti did justice to the versatility and adaptability that Nigerians tend to be blessed with. 

    Tiwa Savage  – Dangerous Love (DJ Ganyani & De Mogul Remix)

    If you’re a member of Tiwa’s Army and you didn’t know about the existence of the Amapiano version of Tiwa Savage’s Dangerous Love, you’ll even be madder to find out there are four other different versions but your anger won’t be for too long after listening. 

    This Amapiano version is a subtle take on the genre. While like most of the records kissed with a touch of the genre, it starts slow, it however not only has obvious basslines and drums but is quite heavy on piano riffs so sweet, in the background, it sounds like the thrilling of birds and even like a coin popping fest on subway surf. 

    That’s not all that makes it mind-blowing though; Tiwa actually re-sang ‘Dangerous Love’ to create this version and after the first listen, you’ll be ready to swim in her voice and throw your shoulders to the beats on repeat. 

    Patoranking – Nobody

    Patoranking is also known for experimenting with dance and house music and on his album, he served us a reminder of his versatile prowess with ‘Nobody.’

    ‘Nobody’ is a perfect rendition of dancehall-tinged Amapiano that comes bearing snares, sweet electronic vocalising, Patoranking’s distinct singing style, and a call and response laced over basslines that mean the business of getting you on your feet and in a conga line by all means. 

    Underground Pick

    Ayo Bishi – Kuwecha

    This may come in as the underground pick but it’s definitely not a lesser entry on this list. 

    On ‘Kuwecha’ which is as good an Amapiano record as the South-African sounding title hints with sharp sweet riffs and enthralling basslines, Ayo Bishi did what had to be done by flowing with the instrumentals and of course, leaving those interludes where the basslines do their thing and transport us to the southern parts of Africa.  

    You can listen to all the songs with out curated playlist below:

  • New Music Weekend: The Grind Don’t Stop; Music from Tems, Simi, Zarion Uti, T-Classic, and More

    New Music Weekend: The Grind Don’t Stop; Music from Tems, Simi, Zarion Uti, T-Classic, and More

    Our music industry put the ‘P’ for ‘play’ in the saying that goes ‘the grind don’t stop.’ So of course this week, there’s more fire releases and the onus lies on we the people to keep up. 

    This could be tiring but as always, we’ve curated a list of some songs we know you’ll hate to miss:  

    Damages – Tems

    Not all relationships end well but most times, we get the wistful breakup songs. But not on Tems ‘Damages,’ the lead single off her upcoming ‘For Broken Ears EP’ which will be her debut project.

    On Damages, she uses her voice over the drippy Spax-produced instrumentals as a baseball bat in address to a past lover as she clearly affirms that she wants no more of him. 

    Breakup song notwithstanding, this one will have Rebels fuelled till their Queen drops the EP. 

    No Longer Beneficial – Simi

    Is your FWB trying to initiate a handshake that passes the elbow with a relationship that goes beyond the other room? 

    Well Simi and her piercing butter-soft voice did her thing on ‘No Longer Beneficial,’ the lead single off her yet to be released ‘Restless EP, so you don’t have to worry about sending long paragraphs.

    Omolope – Kamp

    The Nigerian dream isn’t a lot of things but at the same time is. We just want to have lots of money, spoil our parents and get every other thing we ever wanted. 

    Kamp’s ‘Omolope’ off his first studio album, ‘Janitor,’ is laced over spare trap beats, piano riffs and horns and is the song to pray and dance to as it is the aural description of a Nigerian that has hit the jackpot and is living the dream we’re all hoping to manifest.

    Rain or Shine – Zarion Uti Feat. Buju

    If you’re in the ‘God when’ type of relationship or in a phase where that’s your question, and you’re not using Zarion Uti’s Rain or Shine as a prayer point, you’re wrong.

    On ‘Rain or Shine’ Zarion Uti crafts an infectious song about the perfect relationship and recruits Buju’s help to doubly ensure it doesn’t get out of our head anytime soon. 

    Jojo – Darey Feat. Patoranking

    Darey is slowly making a comeback to the music scene and ‘Jojo’ is his second single off it as he prepares us for his upcoming project, Way Home.’ 

    With it he said ‘you guys have to hit the floor to this one and that’s on period.’ So he hopped on Samba-type beats, brought Patoranking along, and backed it up with flutes like the pied piper of good vibes.

    Mama – DJ K3yz, Oxlade & Blaqbonez

    Oxlade might have directives from his mom to stay off molly, but this DJ K3yz produced number might as well have been made for a night out in the trap house. 

    ‘Mama’ comes with heavy 808s, hums, trippy piano keys, intertwined with Oxlade’s euphonious singing and Blaqbonez’s even paced bars that’ll have us re-pledging our grind to our mom while doing the things she warned us about. 

    Challenge – Krosszn Feat. Loti

    It’s an irresistible blend of lo-fi rap, trap beats, piano riffs and ambient music. 

    Krosszn brings the melodic lines with and Loti takes the mic with rap lines and while they may sing about the challenges of being in a relationship, their collaboration belies that challenge.

    Pepper Dem – Shope Feat. Angeloh

    Pepper Dem is Shope’s first single off his upcoming 7-song long ‘Rikiki’ project.

    It is a catchy and apt aural depiction of an answered prayer in the perfect partner and Shope and Angeloh’s synergy does everything to add to the narrative. 

    Jonze – 141 Music Group Feat. Samvsthekids & Droxx

    It starts with a racing heart and that sets the tempo of the afro-trap drill rager that is ‘Jonze.’ 

    ‘Jonze’ sees Samvsthekids and Droxx flowing with the chemistry of an experienced wrestling duo as they equally go ham to deliver a rap anthem that’ll have the listener pumped. 

    Synergy – Berry Vybes

    Berry Vybes is in his self-asserting bag on his ‘The Darker the Berry Bag EP.

    And ‘Synergy’ is one of the cogs that set that narrative in motion as he confidently croons about pleasuring his woman and being the man over slow dancehall instrumentals. 

    Escape – Zen Feat. 99

    On his ‘Bad Decisions’ EP, Zen serves nothing but the right sounds that touch on love, coming of age and youthful struggles. 

    But on ‘Escape,’ all he wants to do is find a getaway in his lover’s arms. 

    In the process, he creates an eclectic dancehall-infused record with vocalised chants and elements of DIY music over which he raps, sings and then completes his escape with a verse from 99.

    Pour Me Water – Mix Naija & T-Classic. 

    Named after his mother, the EP, ‘Alirat’ might be a collaboration between T-Classic and Mix Naija Entertainment but it’s still very much T-Classic’s story. 

    On ‘Pour Me Water,’ he admits to being a sinner and sings about needing God’s guidance, delivering a cleansing song that we can all vibe to. 

    Check out our weekly playlist with all the latest songs you should be listening to.

  • New Music Weekend: The Feast of EPs

    New Music Weekend: The Feast of EPs

    September is yet a hatchling but what music creators are not going to do, is take things easy on us. 

    This week, it not only rained good music but good EPs. Take a walk through this list to find new vibes for the week and beyond: 

    Jowo – Jinmi Abduls Feat. Oxlade & Joeboy

    Jinmi Abduls has always repped for the culture, not just the pop one but that of his Yoruba roots, and his sound is a reflection of this. 

    On ‘Jowo’ an eclectic mix of influences and cultures with Zulu-inspired chants and soft highlife instrumentals, he pleads to his love interest to be good to him because no one wants to fall in love alone. 

    To solidify his plea and the understated beauty of ‘Jowo’, he recruits Oxlade and Joeboy, two taste makers of soft pop to take the record home. 

    Gbolahan – Bella Alubo

    ‘Dark shades know you can see me, see I’m finer than the last time you saw me.’ Those are Bella Alubo’s first words on ‘Gbolahan.’

    ‘Gbolahan’ might be uniquely titled after a flame of Bella’s we’ll never know but we can tell you that with it, she gave us an easy yet cocksure summer song that’ll have you feeling like the flyest person at the party, shades on or not. 

    Fem – Davido

    Davido came out of a social media hiatus and emerged a stern side-talking eschewing class teacher. 

    On ‘Fem’ he shuts down all negativity, re-staking his claim as the king of positivity and a creator of instant anthems for the clubs, streets and car karaokes. 

    Outta Town – Joyce Olong

    Heavy piano riffs make the opening notes on ‘Outta Town’ and accompany Joyce Olong’s soft gravelly voice as we journey with on her address to a mysterious man and the mysteries of life on a whole. 

    ‘Outta Town’ may be a down-tempo, soft jazz tune but it’s not without its own body-moving wiles. 

    Fancy – Amaarae

    Amaarae has never been shy to take us into the four walls of her boudoir with her voice and on ‘Fancy,’ she aurally incepts us with images of utmost sexiness and hedonism. 

    The trap-laced ‘Fancy’ is a rich two-for-one affair as we are met with two sides of Amaarae; the singer and the rapper, a pair that make a blend as perfect as tangled skin and satin sheets. 

    Oh My Gawd – Mr Eazi and Major Lazer Feat. Nicki Minaj & K4mo

    It’s about phenomenal booty and also designed to make all booties move, phenomenally. 

    On ‘Oh My Gawd,’ Mr. Eazi and Major Lazer, serve a potpourri of sounds with a Dr. Alban sample in tow, Mr. Eazi’s easy delivery, K4mo’s catchy entry, and Nicki’s effervescent flows to create an afrobeats-seasoned, dance-hall banger, on a platter of electro-pop beats.

    Ain’t Nobody – Sir Dauda

    ‘Love ex Machina,’ is Sir Dauda’s 5-song-long, succinct thesis on love as a liberator. And with ‘Ain’t Nobody,’ he encapsulates the different shades of love over compelling instrumentals reminiscent of classical music interposed with resounding drums that tell of the raging emotions that love brings. 

    Ever Blazin – Wande Coal

    Wande Coal finally feeds the people with a project and it’s an EP with 7 songs that ring true of his self-given ‘King Wande’ title. 

    On ‘Ever Blazin,’ Wande Coal takes us on a dance-hall-tempoed ride that has him at full speed as a tastemaker of the RnB and pop type.

    In My Bag – Denzel Oaks

    Denzel might be the younger ‘Oaks’ but he is definitely a deeply-rooted rapper all on his own. Over the 5-song bearing ‘Zel’ EP, he proves to be an unshakeable force with versatile flows that’ll have you hooked. 

    ‘In My Bag’ is the first song off the EP and one of the two without features. A feature would have been overkill anyway as he featured multiple personas of himself that comes spitting different flows over Travis Scottesque tempo-drops and switch-ups to create a big flex tune and a hip-hop menagerie. 

    Southern Steeze – Veen

    With ‘On Impact’ EP, Veen’s fourth project all released this year, he employs his relaxed style to sing-rap about his journey so far, victories and women. 

    On ‘Southern Steeze’ he pays homage to his roots and dishes a wavy cocksure record that’ll make his said southern roots proud of him. 

    Made It – Olú

    Olú’s ‘Feels’ EP is her penning her healing process and triumph over depression and turning that into ambient neo-soul tunes that’ll wrap the listener like a warm blanket on a cold day. 

    On ‘Made It,’ she croons about helplessness and the futility of life while leaving the greyscale of these musings to sing about becoming fearless. 

    Check out our weekly playlist with all the latest songs you should be listening to.

  • New Music Weekend: Tiwa Savage, Patoranking, Victony, Mojo & Others Soothe Us Through The Grief

    New Music Weekend: Tiwa Savage, Patoranking, Victony, Mojo & Others Soothe Us Through The Grief

    This week, like several others this year, will be a tough one for most of us as we’ve been hit with yet another colossal loss of a Black icon. 

    There’s not much we can do other than feel the feels, hope for better days and enjoy our time here. Luckily, we have music to serve as a temporary balm and with this list, you might find a new vibe to help with the pain. 

    Jo Riddim – Victony

    Life might be returning to normal but partying all night long is still only a dream for most of us. 

    Well, on ‘Jo Riddim’ the dream becomes reality as Victony cooks up catchy lines and a voice just as infectious, to serve a sound that is the aural manifestation of a good time. 

    Glory – Tiwa Savage

    Life’s ephemeralness has taught us that getting your flowers in good time makes living more bearable.

    On ‘Glory’, a take-mine song off her 3rd-studio album, ‘Celia,’ Tiwa Savage reiterates this with soulful notes delivered over Afrohouse beats as she demands to get her well-deserved props and sends us a message to do the same.

    Matter – Patoranking Feat. Tiwa Savage

    In 2014, Patoranking showed us that he and Tiwa Savage on a record is equals to an absolute banger. 6 years down the line, and that formula still works. 

    ‘Matter’ ticks a lot of boxes – beats no waist can resist, Patoranking’s robust, patois-induced flow and Tiwa’s harmonious singing – that’ll have you on your feet. But it’s the consent-seeking hook where Patoranking goes ‘If you give me permission, I go rock you omo to shan,’ for us. 

    Wicked Kitty – Beezyx Feat. Yinka Oshodi, sGaWD, Rindss & Mimz

    Conversations in recent times have highlighted the importance of representation in every aspect and gender is definitely not at the bottom of the list. 

    On ‘Wicked Kitty’, the Beezyx produced eclectic beats serves as the salver on which a sexually-charged female-empowering tune was laid. 

    First, he enlists Yinka Oshodi’s coffee-textured voice, then comes sGaWD with her siren vibes on a hook that’ll reel you in before stepping aside for Rindss’ feather-like voice to stamp its mark. The sensual show, which infuses echoes and harmonization reminiscent of the 2010s to give young Nollywood era vibes is then shut down by Mimz and her assertive lines. 

    Shake – Olayinka Ehi

    Many people found themselves inquiring about Olayinka Ehi after her feature on Adekunle Gold’s Afro-Pop Vol 1 but the RnB/soul singer has been doing the good work of the Lord long before that. 

    With Shake, she not only reasserts this on eclectic electropop beats that infuses vocoder calls and a Lagbaja sample, but leaves us with a tune that’ll have you in your self-love bag as she sings to ‘shake that if you know you’re pretty and fine.’

    Slow Burner – Larry Gaaga Feat. Joeboy

    Joeboy broke into the music scene, our playlists and hearts with his catchy hooks and contagious singing. 

    But on Larry Gaga’s ‘Slow Burner,’ he serves up a record that shows his hit-making prowess in a new and sensual light that you definitely couldn’t have seen coming. 

    Hulabalu – Mojo 

    The rap game has been blessed with brilliant indigenous rappers. But Mojo not only hit the game with witty, throat-grabbing bars but with a global domination plan in tow. 

    The effect of which is a rap riddim that’ll have you chanting the words to the hook after your very first listen out of countless others. 

    Electra – Chu-Chu ft Wani

    How do you capture the attention of the woman that you want to give all your love?

    Recruit Wani’s seductive baritone before turning the heat up with passionately delivered lines that aren’t afraid to dip into vulnerability. 

    ‘Electra’ may not have been uttered on the similarly titled track, but best believe this record from Chu-Chu won’t be slipping off your mind any time soon. 

    Black & White – Nasty C ft. Ari Lennox

    Black people all over are coming together to create magic and we not only love to see it, but in this case, to hear it too. 

    ‘Black & White’ is a jazz-infused story of two people going through the motions of falling in love. 

    A fluid narration thanks to the collaborative efforts of Nasty C’s supple lines and Ari’s cherubic voice, you’ll not only find yourself falling in love with the song, but fantasising about falling in love. 

    Single – Meenahmo

    Who are your favourite soul singers? You just might want to call them up and tell them it’s over because you’ve found a new vibe. It’s Meenahmo and her sultry voice. 

    On ‘Single,’ she bares out her heart over a backdrop of jazz fusion instrumentals, as she sings about having to leave a failed relationship. 

    ‘Single’ might have been inspired by far from pleasant circumstances, but her voice is giving us the opposite and we’re here for it. 

    We made a playlist with all the songs and it’ll be coming out with every new music weekend.

  • New Music Weekend: an Aural Feast from Adekunle Gold, Blaqbonez, DJ Cuppy and more

    New Music Weekend: an Aural Feast from Adekunle Gold, Blaqbonez, DJ Cuppy and more

    Every week doesn’t only usher in new music, but good new music.The month of August in itself has seen a wide range of impressive releases. As a result, keeping up can become overwhelming, so here’s a list to direct you to some of the new drops you’ll hate to miss out on. 

    Hopeless Romantic – Tomi Thomas

    When your friends ask you why you keep going back to that ex, you now have a Tomi Thomas stamped tune to accompany your explanation of being a hopeless romantic.

    A dancehall-kissed vibe with samba drums produced by Telz, Tomi Thomas serenades us with lines that could pertain to why he keeps loving regardless of whatever cards he’s dealt and could also be an address to the two-facedness of haters in the industry which he is impervious to due to his undying passion for the craft. 

    Beautiful – Tomi Owo

    Tomi Owo graces our eardrums with her distinguishable vocals and heady tropical instrumentals on ‘Beautiful’ as she croons about lovers at the start of their journey to finding each other. 

    ‘Beautiful’ is an evocative song that’ll reassure you of the beauty and importance of love as you find yourself drowning in Tomi’s voice. 

    Plenty Loving – Scratch & Oxlade

    It begins with nostalgia evoking piano riffs and then, Scratch hops on heavy and sensual beats to tell us about the woman he wants to devote himself to. 

    Oxlade comes in as the assist who complements the tune with multiple flows before handing the baton back to Scratch to complete the sexy victory lap. 

    Feel Good – DJ Cuppy Feat. Fireboy

    DJ Cuppy might have gotten a lot of criticism from Nigerians in the past but those rainy days are now in the past as songs like ‘Feel Good’ off her debut album have served to plug up any negative talks and instead, have everyone on their feet. 

    ‘Feel Good’ with Fireboy DML is a dance melody and an aural treat sure to have you waving your hands in the air like you just don’t care. 

    808s Therapy – Remy Baggins

    ‘808s Therapy’ is a chapter on ‘Amaterasu,’ Baggins latest project which features reflections on the labour of love that is a career in music. 

    On this track like the 6 others, he sonically defines the Japanese anime-titled album, which means unquenchable flames, by going ham on each turn; from the 808s heavy production, done by Baggins himself, to the ad-libs, vocals and bars.

    Faded – DOZ & Malik Bawa Feat. PsychoYP, Marv OTM, Denzel Oaks & Zilla Oaks

    2020 brought with it a spate of disasters but it also blessed us with some things such as the rise in collaborations in the entertainment sector. 

    ‘Faded’ is one of such with two music producers; DOZ and Malik Bawa featuring members of Apex Village; PsychoYP, Marv OTM, Denzel Oaks and Zilla Oaks. 

    So this week, we’re blessed with an unapologetically cocky and wavy record on heavy synth beats, a trippy tempo drop in between, to give us a tune for 7 days and beyond.

    Jaiye – Chop Life Crew, Tena Tenpo & Mojo

    CLC Crew is fast making a name for themselves with their anthem-creating abilities.

    It’s this same energy Tena Tenpo and Mojo flex on ‘Jaiye.’ A synergetic record where Tena’s vocals serve as the golden platter on which Mojo succinctly dishes his lines; ‘Normally mo n jaiye times two (ko k’anye) Mind your business focus on you (atide).” 

    With ‘Jaiye’, you’ll be instantly incepted with an anthem and you wouldn’t be pledging your screams to the hook alone. 

    Extra Guy – Kagedimes & Wills 

    These days, rappers now double down as singers. While some might have a hard time pulling this off, Kagedimes & Wills decided to play their full deck by singing and rapping on the down-tempo banger that is ‘Extra Guy’

    With rhymes like ‘you know I’m an extra guy, no dey touch ground cause I’m extra fly,’ Wills flows on the beats, calmly commanding attention till he relinquishes the floor for Kagedimes who completes the tune with his catchy and velvety lines. 

    Big Brother – Blaqbonez

    Blaqbonez has already made a reputation for himself as a battle-starter with his braggadocious lines and assertions as the best rapper in Africa, and ‘Big Brother’ his is reassertion of that claim.

    On minimalist, synth-induced drill beats, he spits out an in-your-face chronicle of his wins and milestones to other rappers, and even slips in some patois. 

    While Blaqbonez might be known for his sense of humour, he definitely wasn’t making any on this topically-themed and cocksure track.

    Beautiful Rain – The Cavemen

    Nobody does pan-african renaissance music like The Cavemen, with their distinguishing new school-meets-Igbo highlife.

    ‘Beautiful Rain’ is a track off their debut album ‘Roots.’ It’s a track which proves the universality of music as it feels as cleansing and beautiful as the rain they sing of regardless of whether you understand the lines sung in Igbo. 

    Exclusive – Adekunle Gold Feat. Olayinka Ehi

    If you’ve ever come up dry for a soundtrack for when the status of your relationship becomes questionable, Adekunle Gold has sung you the answer in ‘Exclusive.’ 

    Exclusive is an infectious and soulful pop record off Adekunle Gold’s ‘Afro Pop Vol. 1’ featuring Olayinka Ehi who delivers on her role as AG’s lover. 

    This track not only shows AG’s rebranding at its finest but that the range of sounds being produced locally is limitless. 

  • New Music Weekend Featuring Playgirlfavy, DJ Tunez, Burna Boy, Remy Baggins and more.

    New Music Weekend Featuring Playgirlfavy, DJ Tunez, Burna Boy, Remy Baggins and more.

    August promised our ears a feast and it hasn’t failed to deliver on that. The second week of this month brings us spectacular releases not only from poster kids of afrobeat but tastemakers from every other genre in between. To help you navigate this, we’ve curated a list of some of the new songs to checkout. 

    Kiienka – Tables Turn

    What’s the best way to flex your growth and success? Make a record that even your haters can do the woah. 

    That’s what Kiienka created with ‘Tables Turn,’ a melodic-trap infused victory record that chronicles how far he’s come and how despite 2020, 2020-ing, he remains undaunted to win. This is one track we definitely want to manifest throughout this year. 

    Faya – Mo’Believe

    Earlier this year, Mo’Believe lost his studio, a culmination of impassioned hard work to a fire, in one day. But that didn’t stop him from spreading positivity with his craft. 

    On ‘Faya,’ a swingy track done in his Yoruba folk-loric style, he compares his loss in the fire to the travails and challenges of life,  telling us to hold our chins up while providing the soundtrack to breeze through it too. 

    Bando – Playgirlfavy ft Zilla Oaks, Phaeomous and B1G Nova

    What do we love to see? Female producers in the industry killing it and getting the coins they deserve. 

    That is Playgirlfavy, an audio engineer and music producer on ‘Bando,’ her first feature track. 

    Bando features rousing piano riffs, 808s, and beats that’ll have you in your self-confident bag. The complementary features from Zilla Oaks, Phaeomous, and B1G Nova then bless us with hands-throwing bars, a melodious hook, and fluid lines that make the song a chef kiss in trap form. 

    Swollen – Andre Wolff, Ayüü & PsychoYP

    This cocky rap record will reassure you that the future of Nigerian hip-hop is in good hands. It starts slowly with Andre Wolff mumble-singing but that tempo is soon left in the dust as he drops curt, crisps bars. 

    Next enters PsychoYP, who has been doing features with a work rate similar to Leicester’s Ndidi, to deliver a hook that’ll have you on your feet and an equally resounding rap verse. Ayüü then closes the record with a verse that takes no prisoners. 

    No Regrets – Remy Baggins

    Being an artist who has earned his chops as a versatile rapper/ singer, it comes as no surprise that Remy Baggins’ new single is a resounding rap affair with infusions of alternative rock. 

    On ‘No Regrets’, Baggins pours out his heart on his struggles and the pressure attached to doing music, but as the title says, he has no regrets. 

    Pami – DJ Tunez ft Wizkid, Adekunle, Omah Lay

    DJ Tunez and Wizkid have made it a thing to bless our ears occasionally with records that feel like an energizing balm. 

    But this time around, DJ Tunez decided to serve a collaborative, cross-generational buffet, dishing out melodies from not only Wizkid but the newly branded Adekunle Gold and break-out star, Omah Lay. 

    ‘Pami’ is one track that’ll have you grooving at every listen and also leave you marveling at where Wizkid’s bit ends and Omah Lay’s begins. We won’t be saying but the answer lies within.

    Monsters You Made – Burna Boy feat Chris Martin

    We’ve all learned to not be surprised by seemingly unlikely collaborations. But I don’t think anyone could have predicted a Burna Boy track featuring Chris Martin of Coldplay. Especially on a politically charged rager. 

    According to Burna, it was inspired by the 6-decades old case of exploitation in his state, Rivers. 

    ‘On Monsters You Made’, Chris Martins delivers an electrifying chorus and hook that sets the tone for the raw emotions that Burna exudes. 

    With lines like ‘so fuck the class and school, fuck Mungo Park and the fool that said they found River Niger, they be lying to you,’ you’re instantly fuelled with the anger and the pain Burna Boy sings from. 

    Body Like a Gun- Th&o. ft Sarah Jackson

    This is the second single off Th&o’s upcoming album, Ebsuku. 

    ‘Body Like Gun’ is an electronic-pop and RnB infused track that features Sarah Jackson’s vocals to create a record that feels just as sexy as the title depicts.

  • Micheal Okoh is the Instagram Sensation Here to Blend your Makeup and Bend your Perspective on Gender

    Micheal Okoh is the Instagram Sensation Here to Blend your Makeup and Bend your Perspective on Gender

    We say the revolution will be televised, but at times we get so caught up with life and living that we overlook the micro-revolutions happening right beneath our noses.

    Meet Micheal Okoh, known as ’the.kohh’ on Instagram, a male makeup artiste on the cusp of achieving social media stardom as he beats his own face while simultaneously serving as one of the proverbial straws that breaks the back of the camel of gender constructs in a heteronormative society.

    How did you discover your love for makeup?

    It used to be something that was just interesting to me. When I was younger, I lived with my mom and sisters and they’d do makeup on Sundays. I used to look forward to watching them coming downstairs because afterward, they looked like two different people. So, I always loved the idea of it. I guess that’s where I started falling in love with makeup even though I didn’t realize it.

    After secondary school, while seeking admission, I went to register to write post JAMB and I saw a billboard just beside UI advertising a makeup course for free. Later I came to check my results and I failed, so I just went for the class. When I got there, we were just two guys among like 30 women.

    The class moved really fast, she taught brows in one day and moved to skin the next. She then told us that in order to continue with the class, we’ll need to pay 5, 000 Naira for our certificate. I asked my mom for the money but I couldn’t get it and that’s how I missed that class.

    From that day onwards, I started watching tutorials from Youtube and Instagram and I basically learned makeup on there. I was 16 then.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCrOwBHDynG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    How did you feel when you discovered your flair for makeup?

    I was really happy because I’ve always been into feminine things right from childhood. And seeing my sisters wear makeup helped too. It was around the era when before and after makeup pictures were trending and I was always amazed by the transformation.

    So, for me to discover that I was starting to like makeup, it was a really good feeling.

    What was it like getting into makeup?

    It was really okay. I already had a background from my sisters and I used to watch tutorials a lot. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

    When and why did you decide to monetise it?

    It wasn’t something I really planned. Back then when I was still on the come up, I always described myself as a makeup enthusiast because I felt I wasn’t good enough to attain that legendary title. My first paying job was a gele that I tied at a party. A woman was trying to tie her gele and my mom’s staff put me on, so they called me. I did okay so she paid me N500. Afterward, I worked on a bride and it made me realise that I was getting really good so I decided to practice even more to get better and make money from it. And as time went on, it just became part of it.

    You create makeup videos and even incorporate them into skits with yourself as muse, how did this come about?

    This is just a combination of my interests. I love acting; I was the president of the drama club when I was in secondary school. I love love dancing; I once won the prize for dancing in my secondary school. And then there’s makeup. So, it’s a combination of my three passions.

    I always want my makeup videos to be relatable to everybody. I don’t want a situation where it appeals to only 50% of the audience. I want guys to be able to relate to the makeup and like the videos too. So, I would brainstorm ideas and go ‘how can I make this video funny?’ I’ve tried some that didn’t work out but well, we move.

    How has the reception been?

    It’s been encouraging to be honest. However, when I started, it wasn’t really easy. But I can say now, I’ve gotten a lot better, I’ve realised a lot of things and worked on myself and it’s been paying off because the reception has been good. I’ve gotten more positive comments than negative.

    Sometimes, I post a picture on Instagram and I’m thinking ‘Oh my goodness, this picture is a bit too much, people are going to blast me.’ But then it goes up and people are in love with it.

    Considering the fact that you beat your own face to create most of your content, how has this been for your business?

    It’s been more positive than negative. People have started to recognise me for my work. Even in Lagos, a girl approached me at an event and told me she loved my work. I think it’s really crazy because I’ve had lots of people book me because of what they’ve seen. And that was really my aim from the beginning; for people to imagine how well I could beat my face, if I could do it so well on mine.

    What is it like being a male makeup artiste who beats his own face in heteronormative Nigeria?

    To be honest, it’s not been good. Aside from the encouragement, I still have people treating me in a weird way. I’ve had instances where I’d walk into a room and I’d hear people whispering about me. I’ve heard them say ‘No be that guy wey dey do like babe be dat?’ I’ve had people walk up to me and speak to me in a menacing manner. But I’ve learned that you’ll never progress if you pay mind to whatever people think of you. You need to grab your opportunities no matter what people say.

    Does it affect you and what is the biggest issue you face?

    That’ll be negative language. Sometimes strangers give me the stink eye or they don’t want to talk to me or are just plain rude to me. Other times, it gets me preferential treatment.

    What do your parents think about your craft?

    At first, it was really hard for them to accept it because of gender stereotypes they hold on to. But now we have people springing up and changing the narrative. Initially, my dad was against it and would complain about it. Whereas, my mom didn’t believe I was serious about it. But she came around when she realised I really liked doing it and wouldn’t stop. I don’t think my dad really knows about my content but my mom does because I’ve shown her some videos and she’d laugh. While it may be hard for her to accept it 100%, she has learned to live with it.

    Do you ever feel like what you do is political in any way?

    Yes, it is political because I’m changing the narrative on guys and makeup. There’s no rule in the constitution that says guys can’t wear makeup. There’s no label on the foundation that reads ‘for women.’ It’s just foundation. So why shouldn’t guys be able to wear makeup? I believe my doing this passes a message to guys that they can wear makeup, do whatever they want, and be whoever they want to be.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CBoSRc9jvHW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Have you ever had moments where you wanted to throw in the towel as a result of backlash?

    Yes. There’ve been times when I just felt overwhelmed. I’ve had people fight with their friends because of me. There are also times when people insult me for no reason. Other times are when I create a look I thought would be a viral sensational one but I don’t get any bookings.

    Through it all, I have come to realise that everything is a phase and will surely pass.

    Have there been any crowning moments that inspire you to keep at your craft?

    Yes. I can’t count the number of times people have walked up to me to tell me they love my work or I’m an inspiration to them and shouldn’t stop doing what I do. That really encourages me so even if I get tired, I really can’t let these people down.

    What would you like people that disapprove of your craft to understand about it?

    I’ve had a lot of people compare me to Bob Risky and even Denrele. Some people call me ‘Low Budget Bob Risky’, ‘Ibadan Bob Risky.’ Honestly, I’m not trying to be any other person but myself. I want people to understand that makeup is my passion and my job. The same way some other guy would love being a banker or an engineer is the same way I love being a makeup artiste. So, I want people to broaden their minds and ask themselves why they don’t like me wearing makeup. Is it because of what society has told them or because it’s harmful to my skin?

    It’s also a viable strategy for furthering my craft because when my face pops up on the timeline, you’re automatically intrigued. I’m not trying to be like anyone else and that’s all there is to it.

  • How Tiwa Savage’s ‘Koroba’ Rehashes the Conversation of the Socio-Political Nigerian Artist

    How Tiwa Savage’s ‘Koroba’ Rehashes the Conversation of the Socio-Political Nigerian Artist

    Tiwa Savage, fondly known as ‘mama Jam Jam’ and even the ‘African Bad Girl’, just teased new music. It’s titled ‘Koroba’ and while she––very much like her male counterparts who get double the hype following a new track release––never misses, there’s something resoundingly different about this song. 

    No, it’s not the beats or the Triller teaser-video approach. It’s the very first line that comes after the smooth safari-inspired P2J crafted instrumentals;

    “I no come this life to suffer. If I follow politician, you go hear am for paper, dey go call am prostitution. Who no like enjoyment?” 

    Do you hear it? The African bad girl, just might be taking much-welcomed but belated baby steps towards what is now rapidly growing into a revolution; Nigerian feminism. And this isn’t step one. The possible first step is the smooth and tacit statement of female domination portrayed by the lioness on the Saint Louis sugar stylised cover art for her latest single, ‘Dangerous Love’

    Not too long ago, the British Guardian, incurred the wrath of feminists in Nigeria after erroneously centering Tiwa Savage in the fight against rape in Nigeria by publishing a feature on her with a misleading headline. Yes indeed, Savage did take a stance against the alarming spate of rape cases in the country. But her #wearetired hashtag literally encapsulated all the problems Nigeria has been facing since 1960 rather than just rape, which was a burning issue at that point. 

    Prior to this, in 2018, Savage had in fact said in a radio interview, that she was not a feminist and didn’t believe a man was equal to a woman. Her stance soon became ambiguous as she did an about-turn on the same interview and dropped some female-empowerment nuggets. 

    While everyone is entitled to their opinions, celebritydom comes with an unsaid responsibility of being an active voice for positive change. However, many Nigerian celebrities do not seem to want a sip from that cup. Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, also rejected the seemingly bitter and much-vilified cup of feminism by denouncing it on the radio because according to her, the movement was rife with hypocrisy and the opposition seemed to overshadow any work done. 

    The Nigerian activism scene has since moved past these foot-in-the-mouth moments from women who were meant to champion the cause for other women. But bearing in mind that the influence of celebritydom can be a double-edged sword of unquantifiable social equity, the African bad girl and DJ Cuppy, at that moment, failed the girls. 

    This falling of hand doesn’t stop there as Kizz Daniel scored a brace, first when he failed the kids by aggressively slut-shaming his love interest on his ‘Fuck You’ track. And then again on ‘Pak ‘n’ Go’ by choosing to lend his hit-making skills to an age-old narrative of societal marriage-pressuring and body shaming of unmarried women. 

    We live in a time where thanks to social media, it has become increasingly clear that women the world over, since humans began to sprout on it, are faced with the same struggles, placed in the same mentally-restricting boxes, eroded of opportunities and denied fundamental human rights all on account of gender. Yet in a relatively short time, a lot of work has been done, the pot of sour beans that is patriarchy is being done away with. But much like the magic porridge pot, the pot that brews patriarchy seems to have an endless supply of sour beans to churn out. And so feminists toil. 

    The times have also shown that the workload attached to the feminist revolution is an immense, multi-faceted one which requires as many hands that are willing and able to join in upturning patriarchy. This is why the sexually-liberating and shackle-breaking bop that is Odunsi the Engine’s ‘Body Count,’ will go down in history as one for the kids. Her outspokenness on such gender issues is also one of the reasons why Lady Donli is fondly referred to as ‘my president’ by her fans. 

    Sadly, in the Nigerian musicscape, songs like ‘Body Count’ are almost as rare as the blue moon that is in the cover art. These are songs that will serve to shatter whatever inhibitions society has placed on young minds, and over time, create a more decent society for the coming generations. This is why, like a job vacancy with next-to-impossible requirements due to well-meaning high standards, the booming Nigerian music industry not only needs talented voices, but voices that will lend themselves to socio-political causes because in Twitteresque style, ‘it’s not every time, vibes and inshallah.’

    Things seem to be looking up as vapours of change are rising, slowly doing away with the sour taste of patriarchy. Recently, Grammy-nominated Burna Boy, seems to have shrugged off his perceived cloak of homophobia after collaborating with British singer Sam Smith, who is not only publicly gay, but non-binary. 

    The collaboration was well-received by the largely heteronomative Nigerian populace, probably because Sam Smith’s sexual and gender orientation may be news to the majority. This same community then secured a bitter win from afropop singer, Simisola who made a comment saying homosexuality was not natural. She soon tendered an apology for her actions.

    The real motives behind this two LGBTQ driven moves might be suspect, but they served to create a discourse on social media that schooled many on several aspects such as the fact that selective alignment with the LGBTQ+ community for capitalist-benefits is hypocritical, while furthering the narrative that queer people are everywhere and just as human and entitled to human rights as the heterosexual John Doe next door. 

    ‘Koroba’ is yet to drop and contrary to the hopes of her feminist fans, Tiwa Savage might once again, do a confusing moonwalk on feminism or might only be patronising said fans but either way, the culture needs more socio-politically inclined frontline artistes and we do hope sis is on her way to becoming a coven member. 

  • Learn the ABCs of the LGBTQIA+ Movement.

    Learn the ABCs of the LGBTQIA+ Movement.

    Right from primary school, in Social Studies class, we’ve been taught that the only constant in life is change itself. Today, an examination –– cursory or in depth of man’s understanding of gender and sexual orientations, will not only give our most likely African parent-esque social studies teacher a heart attack, but shows that indeed, time does its thing and agitated cries do become the reality known as change.

    The LGBTQIA+ community is one that has seen many of such changes. From being largely unrecognised and ignored to coming to be known first as the ‘LGBT’ community, and then later becoming known as the ‘LGBTQ’ community. Now, the rainbow of human genderisation, sexuality and sexual orientation has become even more colourful with the addition of several other terms and labels in these regards. And while it can be quite confusing to keep up with, these terms continue to serve as an anchor of self-awareness to many people.

    Do you row the boat of allyship or are you stranded on the windy hill that is sexuality or romantic disorientation? This non-exhaustive breakdown of some uncommon LGBTQIA+ terms should help you:

    Abrosexual: someone whose sexual identity is fluid and can change often.

    Androgynosexual: someone who is attracted to people of androgynous appearance.

    Androsexual: a person who is sexually attracted to masculinity.

    Aromantic: a person who does not experience romantic attraction.

    Asexual: also known as ‘ace.’ This is a person who feels little to no sexual attraction to anyone.

    Autosexual: a person who is sexually attracted to themselves, especially a preference for masturbation over sexual intercourse.

    Biromantic: a person who is romantically attracted to two sexes or genders.

    Bisexual: A person sexually attracted to two or more genders.

    Ceterosexual: someone who gets sexually or romantically attracted to only non-binary people.

    Demisexual: people who don’t experience sexual attraction unless they have formed an emotional connection.

    Demiromantic: they don’t experience romantic attraction unless an emotional connection has been established.

    Finsexual: the attraction to women and femininity.

    Fraysexual: a person who only feels attracted to people when they barely know them.

    Gynosexual: Anyone who has sexual feelings towards a woman or femininity.

    Graysexual/ Grayasexuality: someone who sometimes experiences sexual attraction but usually not.

    Gray-Romantic: a person whose romantic orientation falls somewhere between aromantic & romantic.

    Heteroromantic: the romantic attraction to a member of the opposite sex or gender. It may not involve sexual attraction.

    Homoromantic: being romantically attracted to someone of the same sex or gender. It may also not involve sexual attraction.

    Lithsexual/ akoisexual or akoinesexual: this is someone who experiences sexual attraction, but has their feelings fade if reciprocated.

    Morosexual: someone exclusively attracted to people with a lower intelligence than themselves. They are the opposites of sapiosexuals.

    Omnisexual: this is being attracted to all genders.

    Pansexual: similar to omnisexuality, but here, the person has a gender-blind attraction to all people.

    Panromantic: a person who may experience romantic but non-sexual attraction to all genders.

    Pomosexual: a person who does not wish for their sexuality to be labelled.

    Polysexual– this is the attraction to some, but not all, genders.

    Questioning: when an individual is uncertain of or re-examining his or her gender, sexual or romantic orientation.

    Skoliosexual: someone sexually attracted to people who identify as non-binary or transgender.

    The + symbol is now more than the signifier for addition in sums, but also a symbol for inclusion of all and everything on the sexuality and gender spectrum that are yet to be defined.

    If this list doesn’t answer all your questions on (your) sexual or romantic orientation or terms of the LGBTIA+ movement, remember that is as non-exhaustive a list as the journey to unraveling the sexuality and romantic continuum. Keep learning, unlearning and relearning and remain a well-oiled cog that makes up the complex framework of fundamental humane progression.