Spotlight - Harmony

So I recently discovered that Fantasia's new album 'Side Effects of You', Chip & Chris Brown's "Champion", Ne-Yo's “Don’t Make ‘Em Like You”, and a bunch of R&B joints....including Michelle Williams' just released ballad "If We Had Your Eyes", all have one thing in common - Harmony Samuels. 

The dope Tottenham, North London born producer is making a big impact on both sides of the pond with production credits on recent albums from some major R&B acts, including Kelly Rowland, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Keyshia Cole, and Brandy. 

Harmony ‘s ambition to impact the artists he works with and bring greatness out of them is exemplified in the Grammy award winning F.A.M.E album by Chris Brown, which boasts his production credits. And as the hits begin to add up against Harmony’s name, his dedication to hard work and music continue to grow. 

This year has already seen Fantasia’s album ‘Side Effects’ come in at number 1 on the Billboard R&B charts and number 2 on the Billboard Hot 200. Fantasia’s new single ‘Without Me’ ft Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliott is also due for release during Summer. Next up is the recently released ‘Gone’ by Kelly Rowland ft Wiz Khalifa which is destined for great things and will no doubt breed similar success; and to whom do we give credit to for producing all of the aforementioned? Why Harmony of course!

This is something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the American Society of Composers and Publishers as Harmony’s individual success has been recognised and will be rewarded his first ASCAP Award on June 27th, an award fitting to one of the most talented producers to hail from the UK. 

To find out more about Harmony and see what  else he has produced head over to:

http://boeglobal.com/ 
@HarmonyBOE 
 http://soundcloud.com/boeglobal

Check out an interview after the cut.

Rising - Kane

New Category debut today at SOD. "Rising" will feature up and coming artists that I think you should check out. 

Lets kick things off with London's new R&B singer, 17 year old Kane. Hes already been building some buzz and dropped his debut EP Dreams earlier in the year.  The EP showcases his talent with a couple of cool tracks; my fave being the smooth title song. Kane also shows versatility with other upbeat songs like Hard headed.

Head over to Kane's soundcloud to listen to the rest of his "Dreams" EP. His new EP comes out later this year.


     

Check out another vid for Hard Headed featuring Shanna SongBird after the cut.

Youtube
Twitter

Spotlight - Angel

Ok first of all, UK residents I know you need no introduction to Angel. I mean hes already topped the UK R&B chart with hot single "Wonderful", and has been steadily generating major buzz with performances on Mobos 2012 and BBC's 1xtra Live 2012. I think i've even heard Wonderful on radio here in Lagos, probably Beat 99.9FM. Regardless, everyone get acquainted with Angel.

       

 
Angel, real name Sirach Charles,is a 25 year old singer/songwriter, rapper and record producer from West London, England. Multiple hats right? And he wears them well, with an eclectic musical style and writing credits for Wretch 32, Roll Deep and Pixie Lott.

I was first introduced to the fast rising R&B star on soulculture back in February when he released the video for his debut single "Go In, Go Hard". It was catchy, fun, positive, and featured SOD fave Wretch 32. I was impressed. Listening to his other work one thing that comes across, cutting through the dope production, is his rich voice. The guy can sing. You kind of don't expect that voice and type of music when you first see him...Well for myself and my friends who I played his videos for.

      

Angel's foray into music started early, performing in schools with his brothers and sisters as part of a band called "The Charles Family". When this disbanded the young crooner set off on his own. 2010 saw the release of his first mixtape "Patience is a Virtue", which included popular track "Julie".

By 2011 he had released his second mixtape "7 Minutes Before Time", packed with features from Wiley, Maxsta, Giggs, Cleo Sol, G Frsh, Scorcher, Sneakbo, Mark Asari, and Wretch 32.
  

This year Angel released his follow up mixtape Any Minute Now, and has dropped three singles - "Go In, Go Hard", "Wonderful", and dope new single "Time After Time".

   

My best Angel song remains "Fire" (off Any Minute Now), his spin on Lauryn Hill's classic "Zion". Check out an impressive laid back acoustic performance and one more track after the cut.

Angel is a talented dude and with a voice and music like his I definitely see him breaking into the international scene.

To find out and hear more from Angel check out:

Website
Twitter
Youtube
Soundcloud

You can download his mixtapes on itunes.

More after the cut.

Spotlight - Lianne La Havas

You've probably heard of my current sweet heart Lianne La Havas. You haven't? Well then heres a nice Friday discovery.

     

 And thats how i was introduced to Lianne. The beautiful 23 year old songstress with equally beautiful music hails from South London, and is a folk and soul singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She started singing at an early age, writing her first song at 11, and learning to play the guitar at 18. 

 After listening to the punchy Forget, I went in search from more from Miss Havas, and discovered that most of her songs range from breezy to melancholic mellower fare, all with an enchanting and appealing raw quality. 

Lost & Found

In late 2011, Lianne released her first EP Lost & Found, and made her TV debut on Later… with Jools Holland. With praise and buzz around her growing steadily she dropped her debut album in 2012, "Is Your Love Big Enough?". The impressive album has also earned Lianne a nomination for the 2012 Barclaycard Mercury Prize.

 Loving the cute video for album cut, Age.

     

 Do cop her album over at itunes. You can sample it at her soundcloud.

 For more on Lianne La Havas check out:
website
youtube page (some nice live performances here)

Check out the video for Is Your Love Big after the cut.

Spotlight - I/O [Ayo Olatunji]

If you are looking for Frank Ocean and The Weeknd type of R&B then you are in the right Spotlight entry. I dunno i'm always into these Neo-R&B types, I guess its the modern and eclectic sound, rawness, and passion.

 

I/O, real name Ayo Olatunji, is my latest find thanks to Bellanaija. The New York based singer/songwriter and producer has music in his genes, being the grandson of Grammy Award-Winning Nigerian drummer Babatunde Olatunji (of Drums Of Passion fame). Ayo performed alongside his grandfather several times during his teenage years, and now creates his own music.

 

I/O's music is mostly chilled to mid-tempo R&B with electronic infusions, and generally dope. In 2011 he released his first mixtape, "8 Bit Love". Then in June this year he hit us with another mixtape, "Isolation".

   

For more on I/O check out:
Twitter 
Soundcloud 
Website

Listen and Download the complete Isolation mixtape after the cut.

Spotlight - Camp Mulla

Its rather ironic that I run a music blog but hardly watch music on TV or listen to the radio (I’m constantly making my own mix cds and playlists). I actually get my fresh music knowledge from the net. I guess this is how Camp Mulla has escaped my earphones thus far. Well all that changed courtesy of another Lekki road trip in my boy James Bond’s car (that’s where I discovered the FOKN Bois). When I first heard the smooth intro for ‘Feel No Pain’, I knew I’d be on my usual ‘download ASAP’ once I got home. I was then pleasantly surprised when he told me that its by an African group. He went on to play another track, the hip and fun ‘Party Don't Stop’; by this time I was already a fan.

 

Camp Mulla is a Kenyan Hip hop Group from Nairobi, founded by rappers Taio Tripper, Young Kass, producer K'Cous, and Miss Karun the lead vocalist, with hype-management by Mykie Tuchi. The group isn’t new on the scene, as its actually been around for a couple of years and is quite big in its native Kenya; and thanks to DSTV music channels and radio airplay, its fandom across Africa is rising fast.

   

The group’s music is Hip Hop, but its doused with influences and elements from other genres. In particular, a good number of its tracks are infused with contemporary R&B, courtesy of the only female member Miss Karun, and some sweet beats. Their songs are hip with dope lyrics and flow from the rappers, cool melodies from the songstress, and some hot production. Camp Mulla calls it’s musical style ‘2-5-Flow’ or ‘254Low’ (pronounced two five flow), which is a pun of Kenya's calling code +254. 254Low is also said to be the name of their soon to be launched multi-talented fraternity, which will feature young Kenyan upcoming artists believed to be the future of the newly reformed music industry.

   

The group is yet to release its debut album Funkytown, but theres already a good collection of eclectic tracks. We get mainstream fare like ‘Party Don’t Stop’ and ‘Fresh All Day’; while the guys show their lyrical skills on the more street ‘Beat Box’ and ‘Beenies On My Weenie’. Theres also some hipster ‘Chiddy Bang sounding’ stuff like ‘Walkin’ On A Dream’, a remix of the Empire Of The Sun track of the same name, and ‘Captain Of The Cool Kids’; and some ‘so in right now’ Hip Hop dance music with ‘Stick Em Up’. Listen to a selection of tracks below, but trust me I had some trouble choosing what to upload so check out their other tracks on their site or Youtube. 

Feel No Pain

Download 

Party Don’t Stop 

Download


Fresh All Day

Download 


Beatbox 

Download 


Walkin' On A Dream 

 Download 


Stick Em Up 

Download

Its always good to see quality urban music coming out of Africa, and I like to hear whats hip in other countries on the continent. Camp Mulla's main goal is to “spread Urban Hip Hop music influence all over East Africa and soon globally”; well these guys appear to be on the right track.



For more on Camp Mulla check out:
Reverbnation
Facebook
Twitter

source
source

Spotlight - Jhené Aiko

Sometimes you just feel like some smooth, chilled, soulful music to take away the stress of the daily grind. With one of the smoothest voices I've heard, Jhené Aiko does not disappoint in that department.

The multi-ethnic chanteuse enchants you with her voice from first listen, with songs that range from mellow to mid-tempo, but all with an extra flavour. I don't remember where I first came across Miss Aiko, I believe it was the video for the haunting Stranger, but I was immediately sold.

Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo is a 24 year old American singer/song writer from LA. She is of Japanese, African American, Native American descent, with some other ethnicities in the mix. You can say her music style is R&B; and she was on the scene for a bit, with past affiliation with boy group B2K, and soundtrack features, before taking some time out. 2011 saw Jhené's re-emergence with the release of her mixtape Sailing Soul(s), with a matured sound and image.

In her own words:

Sail your soul....don't sell your soul.....its the only thing we can take with us, where ever it is we go. . . .

My favourite song off the beautiful mixtape is the Kanye West featuring Sailing NOT Selling; one of her best tracks in my opinon. I'm also very fond of Do Better Blues (With Hope), but her whole mixtape is worth listening to.

Jhené is now signed to Def Jam, and should be dropping an album soon. In anticipation she released a snippet video of her first single 3:16.



Jhené Aiko's music is definitely something to carry me through the hectic Lagos hustle and bustle.
Check out some more tracks below.





You can download Sailing Soul(S) here.

Fore more info on Jhené Aiko check out:

Facebook
Twitter
Website

source
source

Spotlight - Josh Osho

So i've been planning a spotlight on this dude for a while now, but laziness and active weekends made me keep pushing it. Well considering he just dropped his wonderful EP The Manifesto this evening, I guess now is a perfect time to introduce you to Josh Osho.

I first came across the soulful South London native early in January on one of those 'top' lists you have at the end/beginning of the year, where he featured on Marger's This Year. A Youtube search took me to a video of his beautiful cover of Kanye West's Jesus Walks. I was quite astounded by the fact that he created a whole song from backing beat and vocals, to actual singing, all by himself live, using a loop recorder, and it was some quality stuff! I am a sucker for acoustics so needless to say, I was sold immediately. I ended up showing my colleagues here in Lagos (Yes adequate use of company time) and they were all impressed. Apart from Jesus Walks, Josh also has some cool stuff, from the swinging Redemption days to the dope Giants, to the lovely Saved Me (my current fave).

Singer, songwriter, Josh Osho started his music career at 18, competing and winning online talent competition, 'Talent Lives'. His music is heartfelt and thematic, and a means of both expressing himself and relating to others. In addition he looks to impart life lessons through music. In his own words:

“Music gives me an opportunity to get people thinking a bit more...If people, especially in the western world, just sat down and thought a little bit each day, their life would be so much richer...I just want to get people thinking.”

Oh and he is of Nigerian heritage so UP NAIJA! Lol.

I'm feeling every track on The Manifesto (love Puppy Love). You should check it out below. Also check out the cover for Jesus Walks below, and some more stuff after the cut. His debut album L.I.F.E should be here soon.

For more info on Josh Osho check out:
Website
Facebook
Twitter





Jesus Walks Cover

Spotlight - Midé

I am a sucker for beautiful acoustics, and this here is some beautiful stuff.

Midé is a London-based, twenty-something year old, singer/songwriter of Nigerian origin. His music is of the acoustic soul category. Armed with a a soulful voice, a Guitar, and deep lyrics, Midé takes us on a journey of emotions and memories. You can just tell that his music comes straight from the heart. In his own words "I worked hard writing songs and composing music long before it hit me that this is who I am".

Early last year he released his debut EP Travellin' Light, and has now just released his new EP City Lights.I'm liking every single song on his EPs, but currently latest joint City Lights, Independent and Unseen (both off his previous EP) are standouts for me.

You can find out more about Midé here:

Website
Facebook
Twitter

Listen to City Lights below. You can stream the full City Lights EP as well as his Travellin' Light EP after the cut.

Spotlight - FOKN Bois

As the saying goes, "Education is key". I had initially dismissed the FOKN Bois as a gimmick goup without knowing who they were or hearing any of their music just because of the stir they caused in the Nigerian music blogosphere last year with their infamous song 'Thank God We're Not A Nigerians'. Not seeing it as a big deal, I didn't even listen to that song to see what the fuss was all about. Well my boy James Bond recently made me listen to BRKN LNGWJZ (Broken Languages) and what I got was a surprisingly heavy pidgin rap banger.

FOKN bois is made up of Ghanian emcees Wanlov The Kubolor & M3nsa The Magnificent. The GUBA & 4SYTE Award winning duo have a good catalogue of music; my favourites so far being the bouncy funky Lungu Lungu, the hardcore BRKN LNGWJZ, and the rather witty Thank God We're Not A Nigerians. Those three tracks show how varied the FOKN bois sound is, ranging from Afrohop to Afropop.

The FOKN Bois are also known for the World's first Pidgin Musical 'Coz Ov Moni', and have toured Europe with production duo Irie Maffia. They have also shared stages around the world with Femi Kuti, Snoop Dogg, Sway and The Gorillaz.

Their current album 'FOKN Dunaquest in Budapest' is out now. You can check out some songs below and theres more stuff after the cut.

For more on the FOKN Bois check out:
Youtube
Facebook


BRKN LNGWJZ (Broken Languages)


Lungu Lungu
FOKN Bois - The FOKN DunaQuest in Budapest - 04 Lungulungu by dulcis

Thank God We're Not A Nigerians


Mr. Kwashay [Fela's Nollywood mix]





BRKN LNGWJZ (Broken Languages)

Spotlight - Neon Hitch

With a name like Neon you are most likely destined to be something a little more than ordinary. Neon Hitch, real name...Neon Hitch, is a British singer and songwriter. Shes lived quite a life already, travelling across Europe and performing with the Archaos Circus in her childhood, featuring with her family in a BBC documentary, and then running away from home to India at sixteen.

Shes worked with Ke$ha, Mike Posner, 3OH!3, Bruno Mars, Jason Derulo, and Imogen Heap, among others; and her sound is pop and electro-pop.

I was introduced to Neon via the rather 'simple freaky sexy' video for her cover of Wacka Flocka Flame's 'No Hands'. Her rendition is also top notch, giving the song an interesting spin. Check out the video below. With such an introduction I just had to hear more stuff from her.

Her latest single 'F**k U Betta' (clean version - Love U Betta) is a naughty electro-pop song with a stomping beat and catchy chorus, while 'Bad Dog' is a hot dance track, and i'm surprised I haven't heard it out and about.

Her debut album 'Beg Borrow and Steal' should be out sometime this year.

For more on Neon Hitch check out:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Heres some of her songs and the video for No Hands. The video for another song,Get Over U, is after the cut.


No Hands (Wacka Flocka Cover)


F**k U Betta



Bad Dog



Poisoned With Love




No Hands (Wacka Flocka Cover)

New Vid - Stooshe Ft. Travie McCoy: Love Me

So I had never heard of Stooshe prior to this video hitting the net, and for some reason I avoided the vid on every site I saw it on. Well I finally gave in to the London based girl group; and well Love Me is some fun stuff. The video goes with the vibe of the song with lots of colour and fun scenes.

The Stooshe girls buck girl band convention as they swear, sing openly about sex, and have funny lyrics. Love Me was actually 'F**k Me' and was only toned down after they were signed with Warner Bros. I actually prefer the dirty original.

With a listing as one of BBC's Sound Of 2012, I'm sure we'll be hearing more from Stooshe soon enough.

"Hey diddle diddle, my cat needs a fiddle". Lol.

I guess this was a quick 'Spotlight'.

Spotlight - Theophilus London

Theophilus London is not new in any way. He has dropped a mixtape every year since 2008, and an EP and album in 2011. He has also performed around the World, has endorsement deals with Bing and Mountain Dew, and is heralded for his retro style. And umm some of you may have noticed him in 90210's first episode for Season 4.

I came across the 24 year old Brooklyn-based electro-rapper on worldfamousnaijablog back in 2009 (you should check that blog out, its one of my inspirations for starting S.O.D.); I don't remember what song it was but I was immediately drawn to his 'different' sounding music with his cool lyrical flow and mashing of rap with retro electro beats.

One of my favourite tracks is Crazy Cousins off his 2009 mixtape, This Charming Mixtape. Its crazy and fun...and theres bongos. Theres also A Stranger's Heart off his I Want You mixtape, with its psychedelic vibe. Then theres his latest song which i just blogged about. His music varies in style from rap to contemporary R&B to soul-pop and new wave to electro. Its no surprise he cites Michael Jackson and Prince as some of his influences.

Check out some songs and the video for I Stand Alone below. Theres also some more stuff after the cut.

For more on Theophilus London check out:
Website
Twitter
Facebook


Crazy Cousins


A Stranger's Heart


I Stand Alone


Last Name London




I Stand Alone

Spotlight - Azealia Banks

Double spotlight today.

Ok let me admit that I first heard of Azealia only a couple of days ago as a result of some Twitter spat with Kreayshawn. Peeps were raving about her, so I just had to visit Youtube to see what the fuss was all about. Thats how I discovered her debut single, 212. Its fun, vulgar, and even though I cant understand half of what shes saying I found it very entertaining. Azealia spits with some effortless ferocity over a banging electro beat, and even does some singing. The very fun video actually made me love the song with its basic concept and conga dance, accurately expressing the vibe of the song.

20 year old Azealia Banks is a currently unsigned rapper and lyricist from Harlem, New York. She popped into the limelight last year when she topped NME's "Cool List", and was nominated for the BBC's Sound of 2012. Quite a number of similarities with our other current spotlight, A$AP Rocky.

Aside 212 she also has some other cool stuff, like The Chills and L8R.
Someone sign this girl right now!

212 audio and video are below, and theres some more interesting stuff from Azealia after the cut.

To find out more about Azealia Banks check out:
Website
Facebook
Twitter


Azealia Banks Ft. Lazy Jay - 212



212

Spotlight - A$AP Rocky

With all the buzz around this guy, A$AP Rocky is a fitting first spotlight for 2012.

Born Rakim Mayers, A$AP Rocky is a rapper and director from Harlem, New York. His 2011 mixtape LiveLoveA$AP received rave reviews, and featured in a couple of top 20 lists. He was also nominated for the BBC's Sound Of 2012 last year.

Rocky is part of the A$AP (Always Strive and Prosper) crew, which consists of MCs, producers, and designers. He debuted his songs Pe$o and Purple Swag,to much acclaim in the Hip Hop industry. He has a rather different and interesting sound and flow thats quite entertaining to me. If I had copped the mixtape before I did my Top 20 albums of 2011 post it would definitely have been in the top 10.

Now this is one dude to look out for this year.

For more on A$AP Rocky check out:
ASAP Mob website
Twitter
Facebook

You can watch the video for purple swag and stream or download his whole LiveLoveA$AP mixtape after the cut.

Peso


Palace



Bass



Purple Swag



Peso

Spotlight - Etta Bond

Wretch 32's Forgiveness was one of my top songs of 2011. It had an angsty tone, passionate lyrics from Wretch, great production from Labrinth, and a beautiful powerful chorus by Etta Bond. It was quite an introduction to the young Cambridge native.

Ms. Bond is the first signing to UK producer, singer, and song writer, Labrinth‘s Odd Child Imprint label. Her collaboration with Wretch 32 is giving her some good exposure and buzz, and it sure isn't going to waste. Her solo output, although limited at the moment, shows a soulful powerhouse, lacing her voice over dubstep and electronic beats. To be honest I prefer her when she strips a song down and we can focus on her vocals. I love love love her acoustic rendition of Forgiveness, and I think it should be made available on audio. Check it out below (She starts singing at the 58 sec mark).

After the cut you can also check out her rendition of Ed Sheeran's stellar Lego House, mashing it with the Arctic Monkeys' Old Yellow Bricks. Both videos are courtsey of Soulculture, who had a special session with her and Labrinth. Watching the videos you get the sense that singing comes effortlessly to Etta.

I guess we should expect to hear more from Etta Bond in 2012.

For more on Etta check out:
Facebook
Soundcloud

Props to Soulculture.

Wretch 32 Ft. Etta Bond - Forgiveness
Wretch 32 ft Etta Bond - Forgiveness (Radio Edit) by Wretch 32

Etta Bond - Ask Me To Stay
Ask Me To Stay by Etta Bond

Etta Bond - Come Over
Etta Bond - Come Over by Raf Riley


Forgiveness (Acoustic)

Spotlight - Ese Peters

Now I love to hear this type of Naija music. I'm a big fan of guitars, acoustic arrangements, and soulful, heartfelt songs. I usually get this from the Western alt/indie scene so its quite refreshing to hear some home grown talent.

I first heard Ese at Taruwa* where he played a beautiful rendition of Edelweiss from The Sound Of Music. After his performance dude forgot his guitar pick and I had to chase after him to give it back. Maybe I should have kept it and put it up for auction when he blows up. Lol.

Ese is a self taught guitar player, singer, and song writer. He cites John Mayer as one of his musical influences, and with his command of the guitar and heartfelt lyrics its no surprise.

He just dropped his self produced EP called 'The Acoustic'; an independent project that is his first body of work to be released to the public. The Acoustic is filled with some brilliant stuff; from the romantic 'Gone' with its infusion of pidgin english, to poignant 'Walk Away', and 'Stay With Me' with its angsty love declaration (TV Show soundtrack right here. I called it first!). Ese also does a good job of covering Darey's The Way You Are and Asa's Baby Gone.

Good to see Ese Peters joining the fold of Asa, Bez, and TY Bello, providing soulful 'alternative' music in Nigeria.

Listen to some of the songs below.
To hear the rest you can download Ese's The Acoustic EP HERE.

For more information about Ese Peters check out:

http://www.esepeters.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/esepeters
http://www.twitter.com/esepeters


Gone

Click here to download


Stay With Me

Click to download


The Way You Are

Click to download




*Taruwa is a forthnightly open mic event held in Lagos (at Bogobiri House, 9 Maitama Sule, Off Awolowo road, Ikoyi), where up and coming acts in music and poetry are given a chance to showcase their talent.

Spotlight - Lana Del Ray

"Cause you and I
 We were born to die".

Hmm those tragic lyrics right there. Smh. Lana lana lana.

If you know your way around the music blogosphere, particularly the indie blogs, you may have come across Lana Del Rey. Real name Lizzie Grant, she is an American singer from Lake Placid, New York. Earlier in the year she uploaded a video for her dreamy song Video Games on youtube, and became an instant sensation with over two million hits, sold out London gig in half an hour, and raves in many blogs. An impact like that hardly comes without backlash really. Theres been so much negative buzz around her saying shes fake, a nicely packaged product of a big bad music label, doesn't write her own songs….. and she has surgically enhanced lips (Lol. What??). To that I say um who cares if she is manufactured or not? For me I’m all about her music. And her music is exceptional. Just check out the tracks below.

Her music is filled with so much tender emotion that you can’t help but get lost in its beauty. Nothing shows this better than that first uploaded song, Video Games. Simply put, its a great song. One of my top non-hiphop tracks of 2011. I’m also very fond of Born To Die with its tragic romance theme. The lyric quote above is from the song. You can check out her lovely performance of the song after the cut. It’s a striped down performance at a Mulberry party at the legendary Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. The girl sure can sing! I actually prefer the breathy raw rendition to the original.

Lana Del Rey is definitely one to watch in 2012.

You can find out more about Lana here. Her debut album Born To Die comes out in January 2012. Props to Pigeons & Planes for introducing me to Miss Del Rey. You really need to check that blog out.

Video Games


Born To Die


Born To Die(Mulberry Session)


Blue Jeans


Hundred Dollar Bill


Video Games

Spotlight - Efa

To be honest I only heard of Efa last month. He somehow escaped my naija music radar. I think I need an assistant. Lol. I'm always open to hints on new people and music out there guys.

Efa, full name Efa Iwara, is an up and coming Nigerian rapper. I like his poetic story telling style. He released The Waka EP in August, with some impressive tracks. Main stand out 'Green Light' is a show case of Efa's talent and potential. Its been on repeat on my ipod since I downloaded the EP. I also have to commend Micworx producer Big Foot for the production, with its beat switch ups and John Legend 'Green Light' sample. On Number One Efa goes for the 'in right now' dance music route giving us an upbeat party love song.

I see major potential for this dude in 2012.

You can download 'The Waka EP' here.

For more info on Efa check out his Reverbnation page.

Efa - Green Light (Ready To Go)

Click here to download

Efa - Number One Ft. Jemal

Click here to download

Efa - F U Ft. Pasha

Click here to download

D'tunes Ft. Efa, YQ & Tony Totch - Oh

Click here to download

Spotlight - Michael Kiwanuka

I always love it when I discover an artist that immediately ‘wows’ me.

Michael Kiwanuka is a British soul musician with Ugandan heritage. He has been compared to soul icons like Otis Redding, Van Morrison, and The Temptations, with his ‘vintage soul’ sound. I’m really feeling his smooth yet powerful voice and contemporary acoustic music arrangements. His music is perfect for cozying up on a rainy day with that special someone, a lazy Saturday afternoon, a dinner party, or just getting some mental therapy in bloody third mainland bridge traffic.

The first song I heard from Michael was ‘Home Again’. You could just get lost in its simplicity and beauty. All his tracks convey a mellow but upbeat vibe; while tracks like ‘I Need Your Company’ take us back to an era that some of us only know from movies or our parents music collection.

I recently lost one retro soul icon (RIP Amy), and now I have found another.

Michael Kiwanuka’s third EP ‘Home Again’, will be released January 1 next year and can be pre-ordered here; while his debut album comes out in March. You can find out more about him here. I’m off hunting for his other EPs!

Props to P&P for introducing me to Michael Kiwanuka.

Home Again

Click here to download

I'm Getting Ready

Click here to download

I Need Your Company

Click here to download


Heres the video for 'I'm Getting Ready'. The Stream for the Home Again EP is after the cut, as well as a live performance of 'Tell Me A Tale'

I'm Getting Ready

Michael Kiwanuka - I'm Getting Ready from StitchThat on Vimeo.