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African Hip Hop News
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Str8muzik Festival Rocks Dodoma
0538 days
Joh Makini
Dodoma — HUNDREDS of college students from various universities and higher learning institutions turned up in large numbers during the Str8Muzik Festival Inter-College Special 2010 held at the Royal Village in Dodoma on Saturday night.
The annual event aimed at bringing together college students to share ideas and have fun is sponsored by Tanzania Cigarette Company (TCC) through its Sweet Menthol (SM) brand.
College students who thronged Royal Village came from University of Dodoma (UDOM), College of Business Education (CBE), Planning College, Mining College and St John University. The crowd that turned up for Str8Muzik Festival Inter-College Special 2010 held in Dodoma was bigger compared to the one in Morogoro on November 13, this year.
Hamisi Mwinyijuma a.k.a MwanaFA, Joh Makini and Michael Ross from Uganda stole the show with their top-class performances. The trio also won the hearts of college students during the Str8Muzik Festival Inter-College Special 2010 held in Morogoro.
MwanaFA sang along with the crowd some of top charting songs like ‘Naongea na Wewe’, ‘Usije Mjini,’ ‘Alikufa kwa Ngoma,’ ‘Mabinti’ and ‘Unanitega.’
Tanzanian Best Hip Hop Artiste 2010 as per the Kilimanjaro Music Awards, Joh Makini, proved why he is popular with college students with his command of the stage.
Just as it was in Morogoro, Ugandan R&B artiste Michael Ross won the hearts of the crowd that turned up for Str8Muzik Festival Inter-College Special 2010 in Dodoma with his songs and dancing moves.
Other artistes who graced the Dodoma event were Sam wa Ukweli, Mansu-Li, Ritche Mavocal and Sheta a.k.a Dar Stamina.
Str8Muzik Festival Inter-College Special 2010 climax is scheduled for this Saturday at Posta grounds in Kijitonyama, Dar es Salaam where international artistes T-Pain, Mims, Elephant Man and Gyptian are expected to perform.
Uganda’s newest rap star President Museveni asks: “Do you want another rap?”
0556 days
Ugandan President Museveni
KAMPALA, Uganda – He’s 65, he’s been president for more than two decades, and he’s Uganda’s newest rap star.
Facing a February election, President Yoweri Museveni has released a rap song and video that’s become a sensation in this East African nation, played at dance clubs, on the radio and as mobile phone ringtone.
Enthusiastic supporters at a rally in northern Uganda last week called for Museveni to perform “U Want Another Rap.”
Museveni chuckled, and obliged.
“You want another rap?” Museveni sang in a gravelly voice as his supporters danced. The lyrics aren’t exactly gangsta — they’re about making something out of nothing and getting ahead in life.
“Harvesters … gave me millet, that I gave to a hen, which gave me an egg, that I gave to children, who gave me a monkey, that I gave to the king, who gave me a cow, that I used to marry my wife,” Museveni raps in a gravelly voice.
“The old man knows how to sing. He has come up with a good strategy to win youths in Uganda,” said Amos Opio, 24.
But some Ugandans who heard the song, including on YouTube, opined in Internet postings that they’d rather have new roads than new rap.
Most of the rap is in Runyankore, a language which isn’t spoken by all Ugandans and has rubbed some non-Runyankore speakers the wrong way.
Museveni, who has been Uganda’s president since 1986 after the overthrow of Milton Obote, is expected to win in February.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXe3uRL3gog
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101110/ap_on_en_mu/af_uganda_rapping_president
‘Yes We Can’ album explores African diaspora
0557 days
Yes We Can Album Cover
By Kate Thomas
It is midday in Dakar and a long queue snakes behind the American embassy. Smart Senegalese women clutch patent-leather handbags and folders of neatly filed paperwork. A young man wipes beads of sweat from his forehead and switches off his iPod. A short way off, in the bustle of Sandaga market, Dakar’s busiest, American-inspired hip-hop blares from shoddy speakers. But here there is silence. For some Senegalese, the American embassy is a place where miracles are performed, where new lives in New York and Chicago are stamped into passports, where chronic unemployment is traded for a better life elsewhere.
But for those who do make it – by air, land or even wooden pirogue – to Europe or America, life is not always better, according to Rose Skelton, who put together the music compilation Yes We Can: Songs about Leaving Africa, which has been released by Out Here records in the UK and other countries. “I wanted to put together a compilation that talked to young African emigrants about the tough things they experience,” says Skelton, who included tracks from big names of the African hip-hop diaspora, such as K’Naan and Awadi, as well as music from mainstream Africa-based groups like Daara J Family. The result is a soundtrack for African migrants who have crossed deserts and oceans only to encounter a new set of problems outside their home continent.
Yes We Can brings together freestyle rap, traditional hip-hop outfits and even coupé décalé from Ivory Coast – a frenetic musical movement conceived during that country’s conflict, when artists shook off the shackles of war and headed for the dance floors of Paris and Marseille. The album opens with Money Talk by the Nigerian-born, Berlin-based Rapturous. “Gimme the glitz, the glamour, the fame, the fortune, that euro, that dollar, that Dolce & Gabbana,” he raps. But the bubble quickly bursts. “I see my future when I follow my dreams, but things don’t always look the way that they seem.”
The theme of money is also present in the offering from the internationally acclaimed Muslim rapper K’Naan, who was born in the Somali capital Mogadishu and taught himself English, partly by listening to American hip-hop, before joining his father in Canada. His track, 15 Minutes Away, talks to anyone who has ever made or received a Western Union transfer to or from Africa. “It felt so good when she said… write down these 11 digits,” he raps, going on to talk about how tough it can be to live on a desperately low income in an African city. “Sometimes when I’m in a meeting and everyone else is eating, I feel so awkward asking so I pretend like I am fasting,” he intones.
Gambia: Jammeh wants to be King
0557 days
Yahya Jammeh
By ARTIS HENDERSON, Associated Press
DAKAR, Senegal – Gambia’s president once claimed to have developed a cure for AIDS that involved an herbal body rub and bananas. His administration rounded up nearly 1,000 people last year in a witch hunt. And now he may soon have a new title in this tiny West African nation: His majesty.
Tribal chieftains are touring the country to rally support for President Yahya Jammeh’s coronation.
“The president has brought development to the country, and for that he deserves to be crowned King of The Gambia,” said Junkung Camara, chief of the western region of Foni Brefet. “This is the only way the Gambian people can express our gratitude to a leader who has done a lot for his country.”
Like many rulers in this part of Africa, Jammeh, 45, came to power in the wake of a coup. He was elected president two years later, and is currently serving his third elected term in the tiny country surrounded on three sides by Senegal.
If he were crowned king, he could dispense with the formality of elections altogether.
For a ruler who likes to be called His Excellency the President Sheik Professor Alhaji Doctor Yahya Jammeh — identifying himself as a doctor, scholar, and elder, among other honorifics — “king” would suit him well.
“It’s image construction,” said Abdoulaye Saine, professor of political science at Miami University in Ohio who specializes in Gambian politics. “He’s not a scholar, he’s not a doctor, he’s not a professor. But he covets these titles.”
Saine says Jammeh’s coronation would give him a new title but would not change anything politically.
“Jammeh is already king,” Saine said. “He practically owns the country of Gambia. He controls the press, the opposition, the clergy, and the coffers of the state.”
While sub-Saharan Africa has just one remaining absolute monarchy — in the southern African nation of Swaziland — other leaders have tried to similarly solidify their role. Idi Amin, the brutal dictator who ruled Uganda during the 1970s, titled himself His Excellency President for Life. And Central African Republic’s Jean-Bedel Bokassa crowned himself emperor in 1977.
The call for Jammeh’s coronation is the latest in a series of controversial events that have marked his presidency. In 2007, the ruler claimed to have developed a cure for AIDS and insisted that patients stop taking their antiretroviral medications so his cure could have an effect.
More recently, Jammeh’s administration rounded up nearly 1,000 people last year in a witch hunt that spanned the nation of 2 million. Authorities forced the supposed witches to drink a hallucinogen that caused diarrhea and vomiting. The unidentified liquid led to serious kidney problems, and two people died after the forced treatment, according to international rights group Amnesty International.
Sam Sarr, editor of the main opposition newspaper Foroyaa, says Jammeh’s move to be crowned king will never work.
“It’s unconstitutional,” Sarr said. “According to the constitution, his position is an elected position. Sovereignty resides in the people.”
Not that making Jammeh king would change much.
“The presidency is already like a monarchy,” Sarr said. “As far as power is concerned, he has absolute power.”
Ali Kiba, One8 Group and R. Kelly to Record a Song in Chicago
0568 days
by unohh
in African Hip Hop News
Ali Kiba
Hasina Mjingo
Dar es Salaam — Ali Kiba, as a name a few years ago didn’t mean anything to anybody (well apart from himself of course) let alone the music industry, add a couple of years , plus some hits and touring in Tanzania, Europe and the States and you get one of the most famous “Bongo Flava” artist in the country.
His first album was released in 2008 and shortly after it hit the shelves and the album became one the top selling albums in East Africa. The main feature was the hit and title track, Cinderella which created the popularity that boosted him to be recognised across the continent.
With that much success and nothing earthly possible to hold him down, Ali Kiba has now left for Chicago to form part of the Pan-African music group called ONE8. While in Chicago the group will record with American R&B singer, songwriter and record producer, R.Kelly. Other selected members of the group are Nigeria’s 2Face, a musician who has achieved most of his success as a solo artist and is now one of the most internationally recognized celebrities Nigeria has produced in recent years.
JK from Zambia is also joining the group. He is currently Zambia’s leading superstar artist with a sound just perfect for mixing with other artists and styles. Navio of Uganda is an awarded hip-hop artist and has been on the forefront of the country’s hip-hop genre for more than 10 years making huge strides in pushing the genre’s accessibility in Eastern Africa.
Amani of Kenya is also in the team and she is one of the most talented and beautiful female stars ever to come out of Kenya. Fally Ipupa of DRC, One of the biggest and most talented superstars from the African continent today, is a singer, songwriter and respected guitarist. Movaizhaleine of Gabon, one of the continent’s most successful rap stories will be also apart of the group and last but not least Ghana’s 4X4.
Nigeria: I focus on Music not gender…
0568 days
Kelechi aka Kel
Funke Oloade
This Day
She is a female artiste in the male dominated rap genre. But Kelechi Ohia, native of Abia State has carved out a niche for herself and has come to stay. The last in a family of three children, the multi-talented lady is currently studying economics at the Lagos State University. Though she started music 10 years ago, her effort to take rap music beyond the shores of Nigeria is gradually paying off as her latest album “The Investment” is making waves. FUNKE OLAODE caught up with her at an event in Maryland recently and she bares her mind on family and career.
How did you get into music?
I got into music 10 years ago. Music is something I have always been passionate about. I started listening to rap at a very young age. I realized it is something I would like to do or might be interested in. I worked with a couple of people like producers, record label owners who helped and groomed the knowledge of music I already had.
Growing up?
I grew up in Satellite Town in Lagos where I had my primary and secondary education.
My mother is from Cross River State and my father is from Abia State. I speak Efik but I don’t speak Ibo. Growing up was fun. My mother used to work with the Canadian High Commission and my father also used to work with Unipetrol. I am the last in a family of three children.
Parental influence?
My parents brought me up to be humble and respectful to my elders, know where I am coming from that no matter where I am coming from, it is good to be humble.
Most parents have reservation about entertainment as a career, what was your parents initial attitude?
I have enjoyed my parents support. When I told them that I wanted to go into music, they listened to a couple of my songs and encouraged me. But on a condition that I have to finish my school because education is very important. I am still in school. I am in my final year studying Economics at Lagos State University (LASU).
THE BIRTH OF A MUSIC REVOLUTION IN AFRICA – ONE8
0568 days
4x4
THE BIRTH OF A MUSIC REVOLUTION IN AFRICA – ONE8
_____________________________________________________________________________
8 SUPERSTARS FROM ACROSS AFRICA UNITE WITH ONE MAJOR GLOBAL MEGASTAR TO FORM ONE8 – THE ALL STAR GROUP TO TAKE THE BEST IN MUSIC FROM AFRICA ONTO THE GLOBAL STAGE, CONNECTING MILLIONS OF FANS THROUGH THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF MUSIC
The wait is over and a music revolution has begun -after weeks of speculation ONE8 is here!
Through the power of the universal language of music and combining genres, sounds, voices and audiences – while breaking down stereotypes, geographical borders and divisions – ONE8 is the ultimate music force that is single-handedly changing the face of the African music industry.
Planet music is the playground for ONE8 as the hottest African talent from eight major African countries joins forces to create an African supergroup unlike anything seen before.
The power and excitement around this collective of African stars is so big that ONE8 will be not only be joined by one of the biggest global megastars and icons in music for its first single and video, about to be recorded in Chicago, USA, but this superstar, who’s played a crucial role in defining R&B and Hip-Hop as we know it, will produce the song and video together with some of the biggest names in music and music video production in the world today.
This all star group ONE8 is produced and managed by the first major pan-African record label and 360 music company, ROCKSTAR4000 within the family of the world’s number 1 recording company Sony Music. Sony Music has delivered some of music’s biggest icons and pioneers and boasts a vast catalog of some of the most important recordings in the history of music including the likes of Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Beyonce, R Kelly, Alicia Keys, Usher, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, Santana, Shakira and Kings of Leon to name a few. ONE8 is destined for greatness, shattering perceptions about African music as it builds networks and excitement across the pan-African music landscape and across the world.
ONE8 is not only just another all-star lineup, but is a progressive, digital media driven project. It’s driven by the passion of the artists to not only allow their fans access around the clock, but to give them the freedom to escape from their every day challenges and empowering their fans to be whatever they want to be through the power of music and the digital world – connecting them across cities, borders and continents.
As all eight artists set off for the USA, fans will be connected with them around the clock through the website, mobile site or mobisite, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube and live webcasts from on-the road. Millions of fans will experience this music revolution and historic journey as it happens. Fans will experience their favorite stars up-close and personal and roam where no fan has roamed before, digital ALL ACCESS PASSES delivered personally by these superstars to their fans!
Zimbabwe: Beenie Man jets in town
0577 days
Beenie Man
Harare — JAMAICAN reggae/dancehall star Beenie Man is expected to touch down at the Harare International Airport at 12 noon aboard South African Airways tomorrow.
Beenie Man, real name Antony Moses Davis, will be accompanied by his 13-member band for the annual Lion Lager Summer Beer Festival scheduled for Old Hararians Sports Club this Saturday.
The star will be staying at the five-star Rainbow Towers Hotel, which has played host to several international performers over the years.
Delta Beverages spokesperson Major Tikiwa confirmed that Beenie Man will be arriving at midday tomorrow.
“He is arriving at midday and will be whisked to his hotel room for a short a breather before he meets the Press.
“On Saturday morning, we expect him to do sound check at the venue together with the supporting acts.
“Beenie Man will go on stage at 20:00hrs up to midnight, a non-stop four-hour show after local acts have warmed the stage for him,” said Tikiwa.
He said there were plans to take Beenie Man on a tour of Zimbabwe’s resort towns like Victoria Falls, Masvingo and Kariba.
Beenie Man will share the stage with local acts such as Winky D, Stunner, Madiz, and sungura musician Sulumani Chimbetu among others.
It will be a non-stop reggae action as fans will be looking forward to swing to Beenie Man’s hits that made him famous including “Feel It Boy” and “Girls Dem Sugga”.
Like Akon, Beenie Man is very particular about his food and drink.
A sneak view of some of his requests shows that the Jamaican “King of dancehall” has got an exquisite tastes.
He requested a backstage tent/changing room, which will be equipped with decent seating or sofas plus a mini fridge and hot catering should be provided.
He also asked for 12 fresh hand-size towels, chewable vitamin C tablets and two cases non-carbonated spring water at room temperature for his 13-member piece band.
To make up for his energy sapping dances, Beenie Man needs two Cranberry juices (1litre); gray Goose Vodka (1quart); Merlot Red Wine (one bottle); Hennessey (2 quarts), an American top-of the shelf liquor plus 24 Lion Lager (chilled bottles); and various fruit trays including nuts and assorted fruit juices;
There should also be cheese and crackers with necessary servers in clean condition including Echinacea Nutritional Supplement (one bottle with not less than 30 x 350mg tablets).
One special request is that all the bottles must be sealed by the manufacturer.
Introducing Dro Kyleh
0577 days
by unohh
in African Hip Hop News
Freaky Joe
Gulam Ahmad Baldeh, otherwise known by his artistic name ‘Dro Kyleh’, is another astonishing Gambian rap star currently making a name in the country’s music scene. Born in Farafenni in the North Bank Region, the astonishing rap star, got his early music inspiration through attending “Open Mic shows”, popular music concerts organised by Black Lynx. These shows are basically meant to unearth the country’s hidden talents as well as promote Gambian music to the next level. Since then, he was featured on riddims such as “the Hustlers Medley Riddim’ and on mix tapes such as ‘Chonna Life’ made by Tam 50, and ‘Apacalypse’ engineered by Vyper-the Ghetto Spokesman.”
Dr Kyleh, as his music names goes attended Koba Kunda Primary School in Basse URR, and later St ThereseÂ’s Junior Secondary School and Daddy Jobe Senior Secondary, where he completed his high school education. Speaking in an interview with What’s On, Dro Kyleh, used the opportunity to thank God for making it possible to take up music as a career. He revealed that he is currently busy working on his mix tape called “Rabaraba’-'D Hustlers Property’, which he intends to drop in the market any time soon.
Currently undergoing a superb recording at the Shy Boy Entertainment in Kanifing, this upcoming mix tape according to the sprouting rap star, will contain 15 songs. “I was inspired into to music because I want to express positive messages through my music to all the people. I called this mix tape after Hustlers Property, because the inspiration came from the streets (Ghettoes), where I used to hang out with my friends.
Basically, it is meant to give hope to the youths to stick to their dreams to make them come true,” he emphasised, stressing that the Ghetto youths are the most innocent people who need to be helped so as to effect change in their respective communities and in the world at large as future leaders.
So watch out for this astonishing music star!
Cote d’Ivoire: Abidjan Hip Hop Live
1587 days
Azziza
RDV à “ABIDJAN HIP HOP LIVE” avec le Groupe AZZIZA et
son orchestre le MUSIC’SONS… Une date: Dimanche 10 Octobre 2010 Un
lieu: PARKER PLACE Une heure: 18 heures Parrains Artistiques: Spyrow,
Kajeem & Naftali Venez nombreux assister à du vrai LIVE, beaucoup
d’artistes surprises vous y attendent… Infoline: +225 06 100 760 /
+225 66 300 630 NB: ENTRÉE LIBRE!!!!
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