Hailing from Agbor, Delta State, Stevino’s musical journey began within the embrace of his Christian family, with his lyrical sincerity and catchy melodies.
His afrobeat sounds used drum-piano-electric and they are made for easy listening and dancing. Inspired by his life, his relationships and his family,
His first EP Everything good is God was written by Stevino and mastered by Roey in Lagos.
“In a lot of ways, making this album was a process of story telling.
“Over the course of making record, there was a lot of growing – personally and artistically. I discover myself. To me, this album is an story telling I’ve experienced and I’m proud of it. I put every bit of my heart and my soul into this album”
Fast-rising artiste, Mani Lapussh, has kicked off his music year with a bang, releasing his first single of 2024, “Only You.”
The seductive new tune is also his first under new management, Fusion Records.
“Only You” is a mid-tempo Afrobeats track that showcases Mani Lapussh’s signature blend of catchy hooks, sultry lyrics, and addictive melodies. Produced by Orakle, this sensual jam is set to reveal the slutty side in a lot of men.
The song’s captivating rhythm and Mani Lapussh’s smooth vocals weave a narrative of irresistible attraction, making “Only You” a must-listen for music enthusiasts.
“This song is special to me,” Mani Lapussh shares. “It’s about that one person who makes you lose control, and I’m excited for my fans to experience that feeling.”
“Only You” marks Mani Lapussh’s first release under Fusion Records, signalling a new chapter in his career.
“Mani Lapussh is an exceptional talent, and we’re thrilled to support his artistic vision,” says Nonso Nkeonye, label executive at Fusion Records.
Ugoccie has swiftly unveiled her sophomore EP, aptly titled “Voice of the East” (VOTE).
The new release comes after her debut EP “Piece Of Me” which provides a fascinating look into the thrilling and wide-ranging future of her career and exceptional talent
Ugoccie, emerging as a force in the Nigerian music industry and gaining recognition and captivating the culturally appealing soundscape scored a great point from the choice of the title, “Voice of the East” (VOTE) EP, as a deliberate nod to her self-ascribed identity to unleash the power of the East through the EP.
This EP, just like her debut, demonstrates her artistic prowess and once again exhibits her distinctive musical identity that projects and extols praises of the richness of African culture, particularly the eastern part of Nigeria.
The VOTE EP is an impressive collection of five tracks, each crafted precisely. Ugoccie continues to impress her audience with her unique sound and compelling lyrics. The EP also features noteworthy guest appearances from Onitsha-born siblings Umu Obiligbo adding an extra layer of brilliance to the project with the kind of production provided by Endeetones (Beatlord)
Tracks Synopsis
ISIMGBAKA
ISIMGBAKA in Igbo means madness or someone who is not mentally okay. The song Isimgbaka starts off the VOICE OF THE EAST EP with a story of betrayal and how life always comes back at people who want to hurt others who have been nothing but good to them. It tells the story of a hustler who kept sending money home to her family but never got value for all the money she sent.
The moral of isimgbaka is never to hurt someone who has done you good. Only a mad person would do that
ỤWA feat. Umuobiligbo
The chorus of Ụwa is born from an ancient Igbo folklore that depicts that we are all beautiful in our way and that no one should take the world’s opinions seriously as people will always have something to say.
Ugochi and Umuobiligbo came together to create a masterpiece that would leave every listener glued from start to finish.
Ụwa means “world” in Igbo and the title is honed from the fact that the world will never be satisfied with whatever you do. Do you at the end of the day
ỌGỌ M
Ọgọ in Igbo means “kindness” or “charity” depending on the context and in this track, ugochi details how we live in a world where people have no conscience and would most likely repay an act of kindness with insubordination or wickedness.
A popular Igbo adage says “ọgọ m, egbuna m” which translates to “may my kindness not kill me”.
This is basically all Ugochi says in the song.
That our kind deeds will not be the end of us.
A masterpiece
EZI ENYI
Ezi Enyi in Igbo means (good friend)
In this story, Ugochi tells the story of how her friend tried to take a man that she loves from her which is very typical in the world that we live in. Every melody resonates with the listener for this particular one.
MARANMA
In Igbo land when things are good, we say “Ife Nile mara nma”. Which means that Things are going smoothly in essence. To crown this beautiful storytelling in her VOICE OF THE EAST EP, Ugoccie fuses amampiano with the Igbo flute to conjure this dance hall vibe that would still leave you rooted in the culture but swaying your hips in endless bliss. Maranma is the jam that takes you to the club after a long day of stress
Note: all the songs in Voice of the East ep have Igbo titles. Ugochi came all out for the culture in the most beautiful way possible
The VOTE EP is an intentional storytelling EP that brings a new spice to the kind of music Ugoccie makes. INTENTIONAL
STORY-TELLING MELODIES. The EP is inspired by life events and stories that have happened in real-time.
Quote
“There’s no truer art than believing in yourself and bringing your seat to a table where the seats are all taken”
“Stay true to your art, no one understands it better than you”
As for the Prince of Afrobeats, Rema, he’ll be hoping to beat mega stars like Billie Eilish, Doja Cat and Olivia Rodrigo to win the Song of the Year award for his global hit “Calm Down”
While the British rapper Little Simz clenched three nods at this year’s edition of the UK’s biggest music award: Artist of the Year, Grime/Hip Hop/Rap Artist of the year and Album of the Year for her album “No Thank You”,
The 2024 Brits Awards will air on Sat 2 March on ITV1 and ITVX.
For our first cover story, Amexin opens up about his relationship with DJ Tunez, future collaboration with Wizkid and his love for his hometown, Aba.
Shortly after our meeting over Zoom for this interview, the rising star thrilled fans at his first headline show “The Amexin Special” held in Lagos.
Hi Amexin, how you doing?
I’m fine, thank you how’re you?
I dey, what are you up to?
Well, It’s weekend so my plate of hot eba is waiting for me. Today I’m having it with one of my favourite soups, okro. My friends like it too.
Nice. Eba and okro soup is definitely goated. Where are you from, though.
I’m from Aba in Abia State and I owe a lot to my hometown. Growing up there had such a positive impact on my music. Only best the best songs make it to the city and that helps you as an artist.
Cool. What inspired your stage name?
I just want to put a face to the word “amazing” basically be the image that pops up in people’s minds when they hear the word. I want to be amazing.
You and DJ Tunez seem to have such a great relationship. How did you two meet?
The love of music brought us together. He fell in love with my music after hearing some of my unreleased songs from someone else in the industry. He reached out to me and we connected.
What’s like working with him?
It’s been an amazing experience. DJ Tunez os very supportive. He’s someone who always wants to take care of you. He’ll call me up and be like “How’re you?” “Call me if you need anything”
It’s been great.
What’s next for you two?
I’m dropping a new single and I have a show coming up in December, The Amazing Special. It’s my first headline show so I’m excited.
Okay, I have to ask: since you’re so close to DJ Tunez, have you met Wizkid?
Yes.
Really? What was it like?
Superstar Wiz. At first I was nervous but I quickly realized that he’s such a cool, relaxed person.
Omg! Any collaborations coming?
Definitely. Watch out.
Great. So what other things do you like apart from eba and what do you do to relax?
Music. Music. Music.
In fact, I wish I could have music as food. If I could I would hire someone just to make playlists depending on the mood, the weather and the time of the day.
But since I can’t replace music with food, I also like to eat noodles.
Me too. Do you add crayfish to your noodles? Because there’s been a fierce debate about it on Twitter.
I do
Great!
I grind it but I also like to have tiny pieces that I can chew while eating.
Oh my God! Yes!
I also add a lot of fresh peppers
Yes! You’re so amazing. I like you.
Thank you
You’re welcome. So how long have you been in Lagos.
A little over a year now.
What do you think of the city?
Very expensive. Unlike Aba, but it’s a wonderful place.
You’re right. So what are your dream collaborations, apart from Wizkid?
It’s hard to choose because there are a lot of artists that I admire. But I just want to work with people who love my music and people that I also connect with.
Chris Brown, for example. I love him
What impact would you like to have on the Nigerian music industry?
I just want to connect to the fans, the ones who love and support my music. Like you Chioma, I know you love my music.
I do
Great! That makes me happy.
Final word to your fans
I love you all. I promise to keep dropping hot gbedu and bangers. Just for you. I appreciate your support. Believe in yourself and have faith in God
Top three venues you’d like to performat
I’ve never really thought about it but Rolling Loud, Something in the Water and the O2 Arena
Thank you so much for talking to me and Goodluck with everything.
Thank you for having me and have a nice weekend.
You too.
Check out Amexin’s new project, “The Amexin EP” here
The two lovebirds, who have two sons together, could not keep their hands off each other as they enjoyed a three course meal which included suya, Wizkid favourite, with their closest friends.
Wizkid and Jada arrive at her birthday dinner in Lagos
Wizkid’s pal, Rotimy, took to Twitter and on Friday to share pictures from the outing which took place at the swanky Gras Lagos restaurant.
Guests were greeted by a cute balloon wall as they arrived at the venue before sitting down to enjoy the lavish three-course dinner.
A beautiful balloon wall greeted guests as they arrived at the Swanky Lagos restaurant
This comes after the funeral of Wizkid’s mother, Mrs Jane Dolapo Balogun, which saw some of the biggest names in Nigeria come out to support Grammy winner.
Guests feasted on a lavish three course meal which included suya, one of Wizkid’s favourite foods
Guests at the star-studded ceremony included billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu, fellow artist Wande Coal, Nollywood actress Osas Ighodaro and Big Brother Naija’s Mercy Eke and Kim Oprah.
Wizkid’s longtime friend Rotimy showed up to celebrate Jada’s birthday
Wizkid has described the loss of his mum, who died in London on August, 18 2023, as “The deepest pain I’ve ever felt in my life.”
Wizkid’s mum Mrs Jane Balogun who died in August
“The pain is profound. It hurts deeply,” he said at her funeral.
The deepest pain I’ve ever felt in my life. I’m lost but I pray God will comfort everyone of us. I’m lost without you Mom, I love you so much”mmm
BNXN has released his hugely anticipated debut album, Sincerely Benson which includes the singles Gwagwalada” “Pray” and “Sweet Tea (Aduke).
2 Baba, Kizz Daniel, Seyi Vibez and PopCaan all feature on the project, which shot to the top of the albums chart on Apple Music Nigeria. While five songs from the album presently occupy the top posts on the top songs chart.
The 26-year-old had earlier made it clear that the collaborations on the album were deliberate and essential to its theme and vision.
“There are a couple of collaborations on the album, I wanted them to be really specific to the message I was passing across. Like I have Headie One on the project, that is Headie One’s best verse internationally. When it drops you can take it to the bank – they will give you 100k,” he told the Ghanaian outlet , My Joy Online.
“Everybody that’s on this project came in with their A game, not even their A game, their A star game, I’m super excited about it.”
As expected, there’ve been comparisons between BNXN’s album and that of his rival Ruger which dropped last month.
Never one to miss an opportunity to take a swipe at his hottest rival, BNXN boasted about his collaboration with one of the OGs in the world of Afrobeats.
“ And some might never get to song with 2Baba,” he tweeted.
Me I’ve sha turned on Ruger’s notifications because I know he’ll surely respond.
