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#AWARDS #GHANA | R2bees win big but Wizkid snatches African Artist of the Year at Ghana Music Awards



Though Ghanaian group R2Bees were the biggest winners at the 2013 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards held in Accra on the 18th of May, Nigerian sensation Wizkid came out bigger.
  
R2bees won six awards which included Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Hiplife / Hip Hop Artist of the Year but Wizkid took home the African Artist of the Year accolade.


 Other big winners included Herty Borngreat with Gospel Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration of the Year, M.anifest with two awards for Hip Hop Song of the Year and Rapper of the Year and Kaakie with New Artist of the Y ear and Reggae / Dancehall Song of the Year.

 
The A-list event was graced with performances from Sarkodie, Kwaw Kesse, Wizkid, R2Bees, Banky W, and many others

The award winners include:
Artist of the Year:
R2Bees
Hiplife 

Song of the Year:
Life by R2Bees 

Hip Hop Song of the Year:
Makaa Maka by M.anifest 

Highlife Song of the Year:
Odo by R2Bees 

Reggae / Dancehall song of the Year:
Toffee Pon Tongue by Kaakie

Gospel Song of the Year:
Nicholas Omane Acheampong 

Hip Hop / Hiplife Artist of the Year:
R2Bees 

Highlife Artist of the Year:
Afriyie 

Gospel Artist of the Year:
Herty Borngreat 

African Artist of the Year:
Wizkid 

Best Female Vocalist:
Efya 

Best Rapper of the Year:
M.anifest
 
Best Male Vocalist:
Knii Lante 

Best Collaboration of the Year:
Kano Se Yea by Herty Borngreat featuring Trigmatic

Group of the Year:
R2Bees 

Best Music Video:
Lonely by Nana Kofi Asihene for CHASE 

New Artist of the Year:
Kaakie 

Album of the Year:
Something Else by E.L

Song of the Year:
Walaahi by R2Bees



#News #Music | 'Grown Woman' Beyonce drops a West African Jam?!?


Beyonce has finally dropped her most talked about song "Grown Woman." Baby, baby, baby...this was worth the wait! This is the definition of AFRO-POP music.

Bey had the genius idea to go somewhere in West Africa to recruit that super hip vibe which includes awesome hand claps and stick claps, plus that so sick Kora and Balafon sound. When you pay close attention, you can hear some Afrobeat a la Fela Kuti, but it's that Konono #1-like electric instrumentation that takes over the whole track. And as icing on the cake, the powerful Malinké chant kills it! More details on this awesome track are coming soon! For now enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!


#Video #Interview | Ghana-born artist Selasi talks Kandi Factory & New EP 'Shades of Grey'


Afroziky had the chance to do the online hangout with artist/producer Selasi (@SelasiMusic) aka the African Kid. In this cool and fun interview, Selasi walks us through his journey in the music industry, working with some of the best U.S. talents, including Idris Elba, Akon and Kandi Burruss, with whom he worked in the reality show the Kandi Factory. Plus, the  Ghanaian prodigy introduces his EP 'Shades of Grey' and even shows his skills as an Azonto dancer. Watch!



Get Selasi's music on iTunes and other digital music vendors.

#Awards #Music | Aino Jawo (kind of) Reps Africa at the Billboard Music Awards 2013

Picture: etoall.se
You know we love to celebrate Africans in any shape or form, so let's give a big shout out to Aino Jawo of the dance duo Icona Pop for her thrilling performance, alongside her other half Caroline Hjelt, at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards. Aino Neneh Jawo is a Swedish pop addict with a Mom from Finland and a Dad from The Gambia. Her parents met in Sweden, where she was born in July 1986. Aino Jawo met Caroline Hjelt in 2009 to form Icona Pop. In March 2013, the duo was named one of Fuse television's 30 must-see artists at the SXSW festival. Tonight at the Billboard Music Awards 2013, Jawo & Hjelt shut it down as they performed their hit song "I Love It". *Brap Brap*

Picture: Billboard.tumblr.com

Watch the official video for "I Love It" by Icona Pop

#Photo #Gaboma | Ludacris Offre Une Surprise Partie à sa Go Gabonaise


La nuit du 17 Mai, le rappeur Ludacris a surpris sa petite amie, la jeune Gabonaise Eudoxie, en organisant une surprise partie à Atlanta pour fêter les 26 ans de cette dernière. Le rappeur a bandé les yeux de sa go avant de l’escorter dans un restaurant qu'il avait loué et rempli de ballons. L'heureux couple a fait la fête toute la nuit avec des amis proches tels que la chanteuse RnB Monica et LeToya Luckett des Destiny's Child.

Eudoxie a aussi eu droit à un gâteau d'anniversaire au chocolat et l'a dégusté après avoir soufflé ses bougies.







Quelques jours avant la fête, Eudoxie a reçu son cadeau sous la forme d'une virée shopping financée par son rappeur de gars. Elle a partager une photo sur instagram pendant ses emplettes avec la légende qui se traduirait ainsi: "Entrain de faire des dégâts pour mon annif par la demande de papa. #cestmonannif".


Photos: Prince William ATL



#Fashion #Interview | Style Talk with Valentina Amour


We couldn't get enough of Bad Girls Club's Naija babe Valentina Amour when we met her. She looked so classy with a dash of edge and we wanted to know all about her style. Here is a special look at Miss Amour.  From fave scent to tattoos, she dishes about what makes her so cool. Watch!

                            
   


#Cinema #Photo | Idris Elba as Mandela in Biopic, first poster unveiled


Earlier today at the Cannes Festival in France, Producer Harvey Weinstein increased our excitement about the movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom starring Idris Elba. Weinstein unveiled the film's very first poster, a close up pop art image of Elba with a serious facial expression.

The poster also includes the quote, "It is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." This statement was made by Mandela on April 20 1964, during his trial on charges of sabotage at the Supreme court of South Africa in Pretoria..

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is Nelson Mandela's original biopic and tells the legend's life story from his childhood to his 27-year prison term.

We are eagerly waiting for the first trailer!

                                                                                   



#News #SouthAfrica | New Social Media site 'Mandela.is' coming your way



Created by Nelson Mandela's grandsons, Ndaba Mandela and Kweku Mandela Amuah , Mandela.is is a platform that will engage a global community in dialogue about the inspiring acts of those all around us, as inspired by the extraordinary work of the South African legend himself, Nelson Mandela.

In an open letter on the social media site, Ndaba Mandela expresses, "my grandfather Nelson Mandela always understood that each of us has the capacity to make a positive difference in the world. Because he knew that we each have the seed of greatness within us, he never wanted to be put on a pedestal."

Mandela.is is not operational yet. As of now, people can sign up by providing an email address. They then have to receive an invitation via email in order to join the community, just like pinterest. We can already foresee a successful outcome from this project. Not only it carries the spirit of one of the most influential people in the world, it also shines a light on Africa, focusing on the prosperity of the continent and its people through inspiring work. Will you be signing up?







#VIDEO #KENYA | Camp Mulla release new video featuring Wonderboy

They love you, they hate you, they love you again are the catch words in CampMulla's latest video "oH mA gAD" that features Nigerian fresh artist Wonderboy. When asked why that is the common words, CampMulla's Miss Karen says thats how it has been since CampMulla started. "Like you have fans that love u and then the haters who sometime end up loving you because they've realise your really good at the game." she added.

Filmed in a smoky club set up in Nairobi city, the video was released a few days before the group MTV Base Africa allstars gig in South Africa that is featuring Snoop Lion. The video is getting massive air play all over  Africa in its first week of release.


#Music #Nigeria | May D debut album launch slated for 26 May




After news of May D's parting ways with P-Square broke, the Soundtrack singer kept his silence until now. Though many thought there was bad mix ups between him and his label bosses P-square, May D puts the rumours to rest by saying it was time to move on. "The end to my relationship with P-Square wasn't something personal." He added.

With hits like Cool Temper and Soundtrack he released in 2011 and Ile Ijo, Gat Me High, You Want 2 Know Me, which featured P-Square in 2012, May D will now launch his anticipated album.

In February 2013, he released So Many Tinz, which he says is the last official single before the release of his first album. The debut album launch is slated for 26 May at the "This Day Dome" in Abuja. Guest appearances will incluide; 2Face, Davido, Iyanya, Olamide, K-Switch, Klint The Drunk and Gandoki.

#Cameroon #Video | Chantal Ayissi crée un tout nouveau style avec 'Avue Dzam'


C’est avec une grande joie que je vous présente le tout nouveau tube de la Diva Camerounaise Chantal Ayissi. Pourquoi une grande joie ? Bon, avec toute la polémique créée autour de son manque d’originalité dans ses derniers projets, c’est très rafraichissant de se rendre compte que l’artiste a découvert un nouveau style qui lui va comme un gant. Le son Avue Dzam regroupe tous les genres musicaux qui font du buzz en ce moment. Bien sûr il fallait conserver les racines Bantu que représente le Bikutsi, mais la musicalité n’a pas manqué de créativité en mélangeant du coupé décalé et Ndombolo sur 2 beats par seconde. La voix étouffée de Chantal a toujours été un de ses plus grands atouts et elle y rajoute une petite touche RnB. Ecoutez !

#Music #FreeDownload | Gospel artist Levixone cuts through African music genres


Levixone, one of the leading new crop of urban gospel artists in Uganda, drops in a new song titled Niwewe. The artist best known for his reggae style of music now takes a new twist in this one; he blends in Kwaito, Dancehall and local Ugandan style.

He then tries to cut over by using three different languages ; Swahili, Luganda and English. Niiwewe, which is a Swahili word meaning "It's you", was used by the gospel star to show how much God has been his driving force in his struggles to find a better life from the slums of Kampala - Uganda.


#Music #Awards | BET Awards leave out Fuse ODG and P-Square


Though it's been a great 2 years for Fuse ODG (@FuseODG), it seems the awards nomination nods are not going his way.  With Africa's top chart hit songs like Azonto and Antenna featuring Wyclef Jean, the Ghanaian star has not been nominated for the 2013 BET Awards International Act Africa (@BETAwards).

The Awards slated for 30th June 2013 has also left out Nigerian dynamic duo P-Square and nominated are 2 Face Idibia -  Nigeria (@2faceidibia), Toya Delazy - South Africa (@ToyaDelazy), Donald - South Africa (@DonaldInDenial), Ice Prince - Nigeria (@Iceprincezamani) and Radio & Weasel - Uganda (@RadioandWeasel).

All the best guys!

#Photos #Zimbabwe | Pics of Mizani ad campaign featuring Shingai Shoniwa revealed


Remember, early this year the funky Zimbabwean songstress Shingai Shoniwa was recruited as celebrity brand ambassador to represent the brand Mizani, L'Oreal products for black hair. The first images of the ad campaign have surfaced. On these pictures, Shoniwa is rocking earth tone Afro-funky pieces and thick beautiful natural hair. For one look, she wears her hair pulled to a 2 level chignon, then shows off her Afro.






#News #Awards | Toya Delazy, only female Nominated for ‘Best International Act: Africa’ at the BET Awards 2013

Photos:  BET/Splitsun

After leading the South Africa Music Awards with 6 nominations, and winning Best Pop Album and Newcomer of the Year, SA's pop pride Toya Delazy is the only female to be nominated for  ‘Best International Act: Africa’ at the BET Awards 2013. Delazy totally deserves the recognition, her album Due Drop is so mind blowing.

2Face Idibia (winner in 2011) & Ice Prince Zamani each grab their second nod for the award. Plus, the ragga gangstas Radio & Weasel make Uganda proud, R2Bees rep Ghana and Donald from South Africa snatched a nomination as well.

Now my 2 sense! Why wasn't fuse ODG nominated?  I love my bros Ice Prince and Idibia, but wasn't Alingo bigger? Did Ice Prince and 2face really deserve to be renominated? I did not know Donald until now so I still need to watch him. Also, I did not see Radio & Weasel's nod coming, but I am cool with that! Now, let's see who are the 2 winners!

BET Best International Act: Africa

Toya Delazy (South Africa)
2Face Idibia (Nigeria)
Donald (South Africa)
Ice Prince (Nigeria)
R2Bees (Ghana)
Radio and Weasel (Uganda)

#Music #Tribute | Ugandan artists pay tribute to fallen young star


Late Elie Cham (R.I.P)



Ugandan music camps Vocal Police Entertainment and Big Talent Entertainment payed tribute to fallen young artist Elie Cham. Elie died after a road accident on his way from East Africa's dynamic duo Radio and Weasel album launch. 
The tribute week code named "THE WEEK OF ELIE" is meant for Late Elie Cham's fans to listen, pray and give support to his family. According to Eddy Kenzo, the founder of Big Talent Entertainment, Elie, was one of the youngest and most promising artist he had in the label.
The tribute was attended by a number of top Ugandan artists which included Elie's sister Empress, Vocal Police C.E.O Maro, Nutty Neithan, Eddy Kenzo, Gavana, Daxx Kartel, TIP Swizy, Toolman etc. 
The week of Elie will run from 13th to 19th May and all proceeds will go to the late Elie's family. 
R.I.P ELIE CHA

#Video #Fresh | FEJ, Souferior, Enow bring new vibes



FEJ's collabo with Souferior make for an awesome Liberia/Salone musical combo. The song is called Loving It and its Afrobeat rythm will make you jam for sure. Check out this video shot in Sacramento, California.



There is nothing on earth that sounds like Enow right now! This Cameroonian rapper seems to be a tough chestnut to crack. An everlasting fusion of tough ghetto slang plus heavy hip hop instrumentation and you get 'Hein Père'. The track might have a psychedelic effect on you, but that was the goal. This video was just supposed to be a fun time in the studio, but works for me! Watch!

#News #Kenya | Kenyan Gospel artist Jimmy Gait quits music

Jimmy Gait

Its shocking that Kenyan award-winning gospel singer, Jimmy Gait, has decided to quit music. The singer says, he quit because he wants to work on himself, his relationship with God and maybe after sometime stage a big come back show.
According to Jimmy, after his hit song Furi Furi dance, he some how diverted alot and concetrated more on the music more than his relationship with God.
However, if his previous projects are anything to go by, I can positively assert that Jimmy Gait will not have it rough coming back.
Gaits is not the first Kenyan artist to break away from music; before it was Ambasada and J’mani took a break to complete their studies. This is now leaving so many question marks as to why many are doing this just when their careers are at peak.

#TVShow #Underground | Inside Artist, émission culturelle exclusivement consacrée aux artistes underground



Inside Artist est une émission culturelle exclusivement consacrée aux artistes underground : chanteur, rappeur, producteur, comédiens, mannequins, managers, peintres, dessinateurs, etc. ils sont tous invités. Le concept est simple : face caméra, l’artiste  parle de son cursus scolaire, les motivations qui l’ont poussé à choisir son métier. Comment arrive-t-il à joindre les deux bouts avec le peu de moyen dont il dispose et que compte-il apporter de nouveau sur le marché. Tous les mois, retrouvez Inside Artist, l’émission exclusivement consacrée aux artistes underground sur Afrogroove.com et voluncorp.com. Ce mois, focus sur le chanteur/compositeur T.Knight. T. Knight est un artist Franco-Nigérian qui compose ses propres chansons qui tendent plus vers le style urbain de couleur multiculturel qu’il considère comme étant du R&B/pop/afro pop.  Le 1er épisode du documentaire d'inside artiste a été réalisé par HTB




Visitez le site Kurbain.com pour plus d'information
Facebook: Kurbain
Twitter: @Kamer_urbain

#Interview #Video | Bad Girl Valentina Amour talks BGC and 'Akata' EP


Afroziky met with reality TV wild child Valentina Amour (@ValentinaAmour) for a chit-chat. Miss Amour dished about her experience in the reality show Bad Girls Club ATL and her upcoming EP titled 'Akata'.

                            

#Somalia #Video | Let's go 'Rule The World' with Faarrow


Somali Pop sisters Iman and Siham Hashi, of the artistically splashy Faarrow, showed a powerful and free-spirited side in their new video for the track 'Rule the World'. The song has a drum-full militaristic energy with a pretty mellow sax riff, elements of pop, hip hop and dancehall. In the video, the girls set up a very eclectic scenery, showing off their funky style with beautiful patterns. Those who have not sobered up from their recent Beyonce overload might sense a similarity to Run the World, but a second listen should help them slap that thought away. These girls have something unique! Watch/Listen!

#Profile #Ghana | Introducing Selasi, Ghanaian Music Genius

(Photo: Will Power Photography)
Next time you hear the name Selasi (@selasimusic), you’d better recognize the immense talent behind the moniker. Indeed, the Ghana-born artist is a producing, engineering, and co-writing genius, with the star-studded resume to prove it. Check this out, Yung Joc, Ying Yang Twins, Bobby Valentino, Jagged Edge! You want more? Akon, Nas, Idris Elba, Keyshia Cole, Trey Songz, the list is longer, but this is just an idea of the caliber of artists Selasi worked with. Moreover, alongside multi-platinum singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss, Selasi was involved in the difficult process to turn the non-singing reality starlet Kim Zolciak, of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, into a hit maker with single Don’t Be Tardy for the Party. Very recently, Selasi also joined Kandi’s team of experts, assisting aspiring singers with jump-starting their career in Bravo’s new reality docu-series The Kandi Factory. At the factory, he operates the soundboard.

Click here to connect with Selasi on Facebook

Selasi, The African Kid, doesn't just work with a wide range of artists; he makes his own music. Inspired by the diversity of black music, from Africa to the Caribbean, this African Kid refused to claim a particular music genre and decided to stand on an artistically exciting grey area. He released a 5 track EP conveniently titled Shades Of Grey, available on iTunes,  which is a combination of different genres from Africa, America and the Caribbean. The EP is a blend of hip-hop, dancehall, hip-life, and R&B, a definite description of the artist's musical aura.

                                           

Click here to buy Selasi's music on iTunes.

For some of you, Selasi is the guy who fought with producer Don Vito in a heated episode of the Kandi Factory. Tempers erupted during a recording session after Don Vito kept pushing Selasi's button by degrading his job of engineer. However, we didn't see all of what exactly happened in the studio, to fully understand what went on. In a radio interview with Street Disciplez Radio, Selasi claims that he is usually a pretty chill dude and the work in the studio can be lengthy and exhausting. This is enough for anyone to snap, especially when listening to annoying comments.

Find more info about Selasi on www.selasi.com

We still have to recognize this African Kid's talent. Check out his latest video for the song Call The Police included in the EP Shades Of Grey!


#Lyrics #Senegal | Soldier Girl - Viviane ft. Movado & Busta Rhymes


Wanda Music Baby

Movado: Yeeh Yeeh yeeeeeeeeeeehhhh
Viviane: Please be my soldier tonight
Movado: I’m singing for my soldier girl
Viviane I: Yeah Yeah
Movado She's always on my mind
Viviane: on my mind
Movado: She holds it down for me when I’m in jail doing time
Viviane: I’m doing time
Movado: Yeah, she’s my soldier girl, she’s my sunshine
Viviane: Sunshine
Movado: Yeah, She is always there for me in the toughest of times
Viviane: toughest of times

BREAK IT DOWN

Viviane :
Been down from the start,
Always on time taking care of your heart,
I'll be here until the end baby,
I love you and I'm your best friend,
See I'm from the African side,
Anytime you need sweet African vibes,
I'mma be here for you babe
To do what I can to make sure you stay great.......
Mon amour sèche tes larmes
Je serais toujours à tes côtés
Jje ne suis qu’a toi pour toi pour toi
Pour tout le reste de notre vie
Je suis convaincue qu’on y arrivera ensemble

Movado:
I am singing for my soldier girl,
She's always on my mind,
She only done for me when I’m in jail doing time


Viviane: I’m doing time
Movado: Yeah, she’s my soldier girl, she’s my sunshine
Viviane: Sunshine
Movado: Yeah, She is always there for me in the toughest of times
Viviane: toughest of times





Publicite Afrique




Viviane:
Dieul ma dieul ma dieul ma yobou ma foula néékh
Defma loula neeex aywayyy eyyyyy yéééékh
Defma loula nekh baby wakh ma loula nééékh eyyyy

Busta Rhymes:
Everything about you,
You make me wanna cherish,
Will never be without you...
Long as the lover letters
Beautiful red carpet ready never need a guest list
It's called my queen to me, beautiful royal empress.
You see this empire with you I'm building
You're so supportive with regard and how you love my children
I always want you in my arms
Just to absorb the feeling
So I can walk you to my mom
and show her what were sharing.
Everything about us i want it more More
Let me take you to places you've never been before
And if we tie the knot
Go ahead and tie for me
My little soldier mommy
Love how you ride it for me


Viviane: Please be my soldier tonight
Movado:  soldier girl
Viviane: yeah yeah
Movado:  She's always on my mind
Viviane:  on my mind

Movado:
She holds it down for me when I’m in jail doing time
Yes, she’s my soldier girl,

Viviane:  yeah yeah
MOVADO: She’s my sunshine
Viviane:  Sunshine-
MOVADO: Yes, She is always there for me in the toughest of times
Viviane:  Please be my soldier tonight, tonight, tonight

Movado:
So I know you know you’re
my special lady,
I know you know you’re so divine

Viviane:  Please be my soldier tonight

(c)  Viviane ft. Movado & Busta Rhymes

#Video #Cameroon | Lauren By - Me No Beg Friend



Artiste Camerounais de Reggae/Ragga Lauren By présente sa nouvelle Video Me No Beg No Friend, extrait de la mixtape The Champian by William Nsai. Ecoutez.

#Zimbabwe #Interview | Shingai Shoniwa, Educating People about African Music is Her duty


Alexander Eplerku of AfriPOP met with the funky Zimbabwean songstress and one half of Brit pop duo Noisettes Shingai Shinowa, pre-show at the ICC in Birmingham.  They talked about my favorite things, Languages, Afrobeat and fashion. Read below!

On whether she speaks her mother tongue

When I went to live with my Grandmother, I actually lost my ability to speak Shona. My mum was teaching me but in Malawi they speak Chichewa. My mum’s mum is from Malawi and then the rest of me is from Zimbabwe.

On how Afrobeat influences her music

I think that Afrobeat is an amazing example of how much people still don’t know about how much African music has contributed to Western pop music today. African music runs through so many particles of modern day pop music. There’s still a lack of recognition and I think that doing shows like this salute to Fela Kuti is just part of my duty. It plays its part in reminding the West that a lot of the music that comes from Africa has inspired popular Western music and should be acknowledged. Once you acknowledge where something is coming from then you can evolve it in a true way.



On her fashion sense

I’ve always been very theatrical. When you go through a very dynamic upbringing as a child, your imagination becomes your best friend. And hopefully that imaginative child in me never dies; she’s just learning to streamline things a little more now (laughing). Fashion shouldn’t be a chore. It shouldn’t be something that you weigh yourself down with.

In other news, in February Shoniwa was recruited as celebrity brand ambassador for Haircare brand
 Mizani. Mizani is part of L'Oreal and specializes in the treatment of curly hair to achieve beautiful, healthy-looking hair (PRNewsWire).

#Video #Cameroon | Mokobe rejoint X Maleya pour la reprise de 'Il N'Y A Plus Moyen'


Le rappeur Malien, Mokobe a rajouté ses rimes dans le tube 'Il n'y a Plus Moyen' d'X Maleya issu de leur album 'Tous Ensemble'. A travers cette belle rencontre musicale, une excellente version du son nait avec un vidéogramme Ã  déguster.!

#Morocco #Interview | Ahmed Soultan, The Soulful Afrobian Superstar


Last November, he won the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards for “Best Middle East Act” and “Best Middle East, Africa, India”, and beat D'Banj for the "Worlwide Act" nomination. He made the Forbes’ list of 13 African celebrities to watch  and even a 4-page spread in this year March issue of the super influential Rolling Stone Magazine. Since his first album Tolerance, he is one of the most popular artists in the Afro-urban scene.  He is now striving to release his third album and is only working with the best. Yes, Ahmed Soultan (@SoultanAhmed) is one of the hottest Moroccan singers and you just can't stop him now! Creator of a new style called Afrobian, Soultan wants to unite Africa through his music. Afroziky got to e-chat with the artist and more tidbits were revealed. Read below!

Afroziky: Do you have a nickname? How do your friends call you?

Ahmed Soultan: Yeah! They used to call me "The Nest" because of my hair cut *smile* 

Congratulations on your MTV Europe Music awards! Where are your trophies displayed?

Thank you! My trophies are nomads just like me! I'm traveling with them all the time. But right now they are displayed in the family house in my village.

Your music has been greatly welcomed in Africa and abroad. I know you are working on a new album. Is it ready for release?

Yes! The album will be titled MHNB (Music Has No Boundaries) and will come out in October 2013. 

Catch up with everything Ahmed Soultan on Facebook by clicking here

What is the mood of the new project?

MHNB is going to be Afrobian, Funky, Soul , ethnic, urban and optimistic. It is going to be a real research of what i call Afrobian music. 

Let's talk about this Afrobian style you are known for! Can you tell me what exactly Afrobian means?

In Morocco, we speak Amazigh which is an old North African Language and Darija, Moroccan Arabic. Afrobian is a term made from Afro and Arabian. It is a mix of these two sides trough rhythms and melodies. Also, I do not forget that before everything we are Africans. 

Who do you collaborate with in the new album?

The legendary George Clinton, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis are in. Maybe more artists will  come soon.

Ahmed Soultan & Geaorge Clinto                                                  Ahmed Soultan & Fred Wesley

You are one of the Forbes’ 13 African celebs to watch in 2013. That’s a big deal! Any thought?

I am extremely glad to be part of it ! But at the same time, it's just the beginning of the real work. I hope to be in it next year too! *smile*

What else are you up to, besides your album release?

I am totally dedicated to  my music! I will release an exclusive single and video for a song titled "It's All Right" in June 2013. The song won't be included  in MHNB. I am also trying to surf when I can *smile*  

Why aren't you including "It's All Right" in the album? Is it a different concept?

"It's All Right" is going to be like a bonus track only. I released my last album 5 years ago! I don't want to let people wait for the new one without having something fresh from me for this summer.

Is surfing your thing?

Totally! I started in 1989 and never stopped since. In the 90s i really wanted to be a pro. When you surf you understand that if you fall you only can blame yourself. You also learn to be patient. And when you have no waves, bad weather etc., you understand that you are nothing and mother nature is above us all! *smile*

Again congrats on all your accomplishments! Tell me, what do you think the secret of success is?

Thank you! I guess after talents, the secret is patience and hard work.

While waiting for the new tracks, enjoy this exclusive song titled My Jailer by Ahmed Soultan



#Music #FreeDownload | Denzyl & Wizkid take it back to the old days


Bamenda cool kid, Denzyl is currently at his best as he chose to lyrically deliver on one of the most exciting pop sounds. A heavy load of the old great Makossa music is awesomely injected into the mid-tempo pop-licious randiance of this track titled 'Monika'. That bass guitar riff is going for a kill! I am totally smitten! Then pass 2 minutes and 23 seconds and be introduced to the energetic and cascading drum act which closes with an electrifying roll that fuses into the so familiar Makossa hook. The lyrics are less sophisticated, but you will love the "Eselenika" expression inserted into one of the pidgin verses. This is another track about a lady, this time her name is Monika. And apparently  the chick (or thing) is hard to break! Can't say more, just take a listen!





Wizkid too got some inspiration from old days as he invites Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti to vacillate with his saxophone on the spanking new record 'Jaiye Jaiye'. Parts of the song could have passed for a village chant without all the musical artifacts. But yeah, this is a well blended pop/Afrobeat tune. I wish I understood the dialect, but it is okay. Still a captivating Naija experience, enjoy!


#Fashion #TV | Tyra Banks' ANTM is coming to Africa

Supermodel Tyra Banks is expanding the American Next Top Model franchise by taking it to the real "A". Africa of course! Tyra announced the fab news last week on twitter. She tweeted, "So excited to welcome @OLUCHI to the “Next Top Model” fam! Welcome to @ANTMAfrica"

Africa's Next Top Model will be hosted by executive producer Nigerian supermodel Oluchi Orlandi and South African Tourism is a proud sponsor of the modeling competition. Production is starting this August in Cape Town, South Africa. The concept of the African version is similar to the original, 12 African beauties will be selected to compete each week for best picture, best commercial, best catwalk and other creative challenges. We already know that South Africa, Angola, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia, Ghana and Nigeria will be represented in the show. Now let's see if they will show all types of African beauties just like Tyra does among American contestants. Africa's Next Top Model will air in Africa on the MNET Africa Magic channels later this year.

ANTMAFRICA.COM

#Interview #BurkinaFaso | Mister Yopi ou Le Hip Hop Africain redéfini




C’est du Burkina Faso que nous vient l’intensité artistique de Jean Elliot Ilboudo alias Mister Yopi (@MISTERYOPI). Mister Yopi est un artiste multi-talentueux, sacré meilleur rappeur Hip-Hop au Festival de Ouagadougou au Burkina Faso en 2003. Maintenant basé en Guinée, Mister Yopi et son équipe produisent et dirigent des projets télé tels que la série 'Alima.' Yopi vient aussi de clôturer une tournée Européenne dans le cadre de la promotion de son second album intitulé 'Kabébafi'. En plus, l’artiste est nominé cette année aux Kundé d’Or, la cérémonie qui récompense les meilleurs artistes Burkinabés. Une entrevue avec Mister Yopi nous fait découvrir son univers musical, son admiration pour la femme, et ses plats culinaires préférés.

L'entrevue ci-dessous de Mister Yopi (MYP) a Ã©té conduite par Jessica Foumena (JF) 

Jessica Foumena: Félicitations pour ta nomination aux Kundé! Que signifie cette nomination pour toi?

Mister Yopi: Tout d’abord je remercie le Kunde D’Or de m’avoir nominé cette année. C’est une reconnaissance nationale qui vient en portevoix à ma carrière, car j’ai entamé la promotion de mon 2ème album KABEBAFI à travers le monde. Pour se faire, je souhaiterais partager mon style avec d’autres artistes et sponsors en Europe ou en Amérique du nord qui seraient intéressés pour une collaboration. Je me suis lancé dans cette grande aventure en tant qu'artiste indépendant mais mon rêve est d’être signé par une maison de disque.



JF: Qu'est-ce qui te rend unique en tant qu'artiste Africain?

MYP: Je suis un artiste Hip-Hop conscientisateur. Je me base sur des faits de société pour écrire mes chansons. Grâce à l’écriture cinématographique, j’ai une certaine sensibilité dans le choix des thèmes. Mes textes, je les vois d’abord en images car ne dit-on pas qu’une image vaut 1000 mots? Je suis attiré par la musique traditionnelle de mon terroir. Ceci engendre chez moi une recherche complexe et simple à la fois dans la composition de mes chansons, à savoir trouver la bonne fusion entre les instruments modernes et traditionnels. Je crée un hip-hop unique avec des rythmes warba , donzo. C’est ce qui me rend différent. Je parle d’amour, de paix, de persévérance, de paix, de tolérance, pour n'en citer que quelques thèmes. Je choisi ces thèmes parce que ces derniers m’inspirent. Il est important pour moi de parler du vécu et d'histores qui donnent à méditer et à réfléchir.

Cliquer ici pour rejoindre Mister Yopi sur Facebook 

JF: Dans ta musique, nous pouvons entendre un métissage de genres musicaux. Quels sont les genres de musique et les instruments que tu utilises pour confectionner ta musique?

MYP: Les instruments traditionnels principaux que je choisis sont : la Cora, le Gongomma, le Djembe mixés au Hip-Hop, avec un soupçon de Blues pour cet album. Je suis programmateur et auteur compositeur . Ce qui est magique, c’est lorsque l’ensemble est repris par de vrais instruments. C’est un mélange dynamique avec de belles melodies à découvrir et à écouter sans modération dans mon album Kabebafi.

JF: Dans tes chansons telles que 'Mama,' 'My Baby,' et 'Hélène,' tu honores les femmes. Est-ce que les femmes jouent un rôle important dans ta vie?

MYP: Oui. Ma mère m'a toujours encouragé, soutenu, et motivé dans ma vie quotidienne, ainsi que ma sÅ“ur et mes amies. Dans le titre 'Mama' je parle de l’amour qu’un homme a pour femme qu’il tente de convaincre désespérément. Le titre 'My Baby' n’est autre que le moment intime entre un mari et son épouse et ' Hélène Pleure' est un appel à l’ordre aux hommes qui frappent leurs femmes. Plus de 300 femmes meurent par an en Europe suite à des coups porté par leur mari. Je trouve cela anormal. Alors, je dis stop à la violence faite aux femmes. Je vous invite donc à acheter mon album sur misteryopi.zimbalam.com et les textes vous en diront un peu plus. Merci.

JF: En tant que compositeur, quelles sont tes sources d'inspiration?

MYP: La musique traditionnelle de la Guinée et du Burkina Faso , le Blues (Ray Charles), et le Gospel.

JF: Tu es un chanteur et un compositeur, mais aussi un cinéaste. Dis-nous plus sur ton travail cinématographique.

MYP: J’ai produit et realisé un court métrage dénommé Tambao ou le Reve D’Adama qui a été sur la sélection officiel Fespaco 2009. Ce dernier a pour thème le développement minier et la lutte contre la pauvreté. Je travaille aussi sur une série télévisuelle du nom d’Alima, qui est basé sur les problématiques liées à la jeune fille et dont 6 épisodes ont été tourné en d’Octobre 2012. Je suis un artiste musicien, mais aussi un jeune réalisateur-producteur de fiction, documentaires, clips et films institutionnels. J’espère un jour tourner mon premier long métrage pour participer aux grandes compétitions tel que Cannes et les Oscars pour montrer que l'Afrique a un cinéma qui peut aussi être compétitif à tous les niveaux créatifs et techniques. La structure qui pilote mes projets s'appelle Stimulus Communication. Nous sommes basés en Guinée et nous recherchons des sponsors pour pouvoir finaliser la série télévisuelle qui fait environ 20 épisodes par saison Vous pouvez nous écrire à alimalaserie@gmail.com

JF: D'accord maintenant, partages avec tes fans quelque chose de spécial sur toi.

MYP: Mon plat préferé ? j’ai tellement de plats preférés que je ne sais pas par ou commencer (mdr). Au Burkina c’est le Gaonré et en Guinée c’est le Konkoué. J’aime courir des kms et des kms sans m’arrêter. Les copies du second album de Mister Yopi sont maintenant en vente sur les platformes musicales les plus populaires telles que amazon.com, emusic.com, ou itunes. Visiter aussi hmisteryopi.zimbalam.com

Ecoutez 'Kabebafi' de Mister Yopi, la chanson est issue de son second album du meme nom.





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Jessica Foumena est une journaliste internationale du Cameroun, Afrique. Ses articles, écrits en anglais et en français, ont été publiés par diverses publications en ligne et imprimées. Elle est une pigiste et une consultante indépendante des réseaux sociaux qui a travaillé avec succès avec des artistes africains. Elle est la fondatrice et l'éditrice du site WOMEN & AFRICA. Pour plus d'information sur elle, merci de visiter son site personnel à www.jessicafoumena.com
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