SONG REVIEW: C-Stas - Jesu Mi



How often do you come across a group of young ladies in Nigerian gospel music who can actually sing? For me, it's rare.  As at the time of this review, C-Stas is one of two purely female Nigerian gospel groups I know.  If you know of any others, be sure to share their music with me at music@therelentlessbuilder.com.

Believe me, I am always on the lookout for female artistes who can really sing.


C-Stas // Facebook

To get a real taste of C-Stas' flavor, check out their other single, Moni O.  That is my favorite single by this group till date.

Now, having said that, let me introduce their new single to you.  It's called Jesu Mi, which is Yoruba for "My Jesus," and you can listen to it below:

SONG REVIEW: Emmykokz - Your Life Na Kpangolo Featuring HaychBeatz


Kpangolo is a local pidgin English slang, popularly used in Nigeria.  Generally, Kpangolo means "tin" as in "milk tin" etc.  But it can also mean "empty" which is what Emmykokz and Haychbeatz sing about in this song. The message of the song is very clear: without Jesus in your life, your life is empty (your life na kpangolo).  In short, they preach a socially conscious gospel, which gospel music should be doing more often.

Emmykokz and Haychbeatz are both artistes and music producers, based in Abuja.

Before jumping into the review proper, listen to Kpangolo:



SONG REVIEW: Stage One - Everything (Dry)


I introduced Stage One's latest single, Everything, on Sunday.  Now, for the review.  But just in case you have not heard (or downloaded) the song, you can download it here or below:

SONG REVIEW: Fadehan Adebolu, 'Ololufe'


I had shared this song last year in the post about introducing yourself to strangers.  But I never wrote the song review as promised.  Well, here I am today remedying that :-)

SONG REVIEW: PCE Crew - Nobody

I know you're probably wondering what "PCE" means.  The suspense is over: PCE stands for "Prominent Cease Entertainment."  There! Happy now?

PCE Crew // Facebook

SONG REVIEW: Folake Awesome - Ewawo

Folake Awesome is an artiste I will never forget for one reason: she is the first female Nigerian music producer that I have ever heard of.  I am sure there are several people who fit that description out there, but Folake was the first one I heard of.

Folake Awesome // ReverbNation
Now that you know at least one of the skills she has, it's time to learn briefly about her musical background courtesy of ReverbNation:

SONG REVIEW: E. J. - We Ko Bi Ruo (Thank You)

Remember E. J. from last week's Free Downloads? Well, she finally released her album titled Unveiled last week Saturday.  You can check out the links below to find out where to buy her music.

EJ // ReverbNation

SONG REVIEW: Oluwole - I Hear the Heavens

Every once in a while you come across a song that you cannot really put in any category.  That description is apt for this song, I hear the heavens.  This single is from an artiste simply known as Oluwole.

Oluwole

SONG REVIEW | Gba Control - Tony Adoki featuring FLO and GAISE

BACKGROUND

A self-described "true son of Lagos," Anthony "Tony" Adoki who is originally from Rivers State, is a singer, songwriter and praise worship leader who has more than 14 years of experience under his belt.

He released his debut album "Don't Give Up" in 2009, and is currently available for sale on ReverbNation.  His latest single, "Gba Control,"  which features artiste/producer FLO and gospel rapper, GAISE, is the subject of today's review. [Source]



REVIEW

Likes:  From the high-energy, fast-paced, dance-worthy beats to the song arrangement to the vocals (main vocals and background vocals), this is an altogether well-produced song.  There is something about this song, especially the memorable chorus, that makes you think you've always known this song.  That familiarity is built into the structure.  You know a song is good when you keep repeating the hook/chorus.  Well, that is precisely what happened to me since I first heard the song.  It just stays in your head.  Don't be surprised when you wake up in the middle of the night singing those lyrics.  And that is not a bad thing considering that it is a valid prayer.

SONG REVIEW | What You Do - Christ I Abide (C.I.A)

Before diving into today's post, I need to share the road map with you.  Please see below the 'legend' I intend to use for reviews from this point forwards.

B.R.A.V.E

B - Background
R - Review
A - Additional Information
V - Video(s)
E - Extras

And now, let the games begin!


SONG REVIEW: Kabio'osi (Royalty) - Jid-Vocals, featuring Mqhele (Zimbabwean)

Jid-Vocals is a Nigerian gospel artiste, based in Ukraine.  He had already released a single titled 'None Compares' (see video below) earlier this year.  He is back with another single titled Kabio'osi (Royalty), a song written in English and Yoruba.  He features a Zimbabwean gospel artiste, Mqhele, on this track as well.

Kabio'osi (alternatively called Kabiyesi) is a Yoruba term/name used to address kings.  It means 'Unquestionable.'  This song is an expression of Jid-Vocals (and Mqhele's) 'take' on the fact that Jesus, the King of Kings, is unquestionable.

Jid-Vocals and Mqhele

Listen to 'Kabio'osi (Royalty) below:

Frustrated Fans Ask: Nigerian Artistes, how do we buy your music in the diaspora? | Featured Artiste: Ambassage

Imagine this scenario: You are browsing on the internet one day, when you stumble on a track by an artiste.  On closer inspection (and possibly from listening to the song), you discover that this artiste is a Nigerian, and in fact, LIVES in Nigeria.  You love that track so much (nothing like a well-written song to make you long for the entire album, ba?) you now have only one mission in life (okay, one mission relating to this artiste): Get your hands on his/her album.

Lara George's 3rd Album, HIGHER | Source

So, you keep your ears on the ground (and your eyes to the screen).  You don't shave, brush your teeth or hair in anticipation of this album.  And then finally, it drops! Yes, it drops ONLY in Nigeria.  You look online and can't seem to find the album to buy online either.  Now, you're faced with a major dilemma: how do you buy this artiste's album from the diaspora, where you live?

5 Post-Concert Nigerian Foods Artistes Never Celebrate With | Featuring: Effizee

If you are a Nigerian or have been around Nigerians, you know that no celebration is ever complete without food.  From all the food metaphors I am constantly using, you should be able to tell by now that I love food! After making that confession, I need to add that last week I was thinking about Nigerian foods used in celebrations and today's blog post title was born. But, there's a twist.

After artistes perform on stage (or in front of their bathroom mirrors), they will more than likely want to re-fuel, right? Singing and dancing take up a lot of energy, I tell you! Assuming an artiste has successfully performed at a concert, for instance, don't you ever wonder what he or she eats afterwards to celebrate?  I do.

In the same vein, I think there are certain foods (including fruits) we typically do NOT associate with celebrations.  I came up with five of them, and here they are (in no particular order):

Fedoras, Fine Men and Wrappers | Featured Artiste: P.I.T.A

[Image Credit]
I own just two fedoras.  One is gray (like the one in the picture), and the other one is red.  Unfortunately (for me or you?) I am not about to delve into details of the places I have worn these fedoras to, and people's reactions to me (and my sister) wearing fedoras.  #TrueStory.  Does it help that we wore them with suspenders too? Move over Janet Jackson!  Neither am I  about to give you my top ten reasons for why I think every man (and woman) should own a fedora.  *wink* Rather, I shall .... Okay read on.