Tony Tetuila Brings Back The Remedies

Several years have dragged by since we last heard of the defunct pop group, ‘The Remedies’. The group that held the Nigerian music scene by storm with hits like ‘Shako mo’, ‘Shade’ and ‘Jealousy’.

The group signed to Kennis Music back then which consisted of Tony Tetuila as the singer/dancer, Eedris Abdulkareem the rapper and Eddy Montana as the vocalist were at the top of their game when issues arising from ownership and royalties came up. Tony Tetuila was forced to leave and soon enough started a solo career.

He later released his debut work ‘Morning Time’ which spurned hit songs like ‘Omode meta’, ‘Morning time’ and ‘Omo pupa’.

Tony Tetuila during an exclusive interview with Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET) Tuesday, August 9, 2011 discussed bringing back the group on his new album and also gave his view about the revolution in music today.

SUNNYKISS: Tony lets meet you.

Tony Tetuila: My name is Tony Tetuila, the Golden boy of Africa…. My real names are Olanrewaju Anthony Awotoye and I’m from Kwara State. I’m an artiste, musician. What do I even sing? (smiles) Hip Hop with some African feel in it.

SUNNYKISS: Tony, you go way back as one of the pioneers of Hip Hop music in Nigeria. You are one of the major artistes who started the ‘Naija Hip Hop movement’. But today we have some good music and of course a few noise makers. Speaking of hits like; ‘Omode Meta N Sere’ and ‘You don Hit My Car’, how would you describe the development in the music industry today?

Tony Tetuila: It’s better now. It used to be good back then though. A lot of people are coming into the game. A lot of people are standing up, a lot of people are really supporting music generally, let’s talk about corporate bodies coming up to sign artistes for endorsement, which was not rampant then, but it’s a good thing. The face of entertainment has really changed, you know, the new school is really making things happen. This time around though, it’s not all about making sense anymore.

SUNNYKISS: Are you saying it’s all about the money now?

Tony Tetuila: Yes, that’s what I’m trying to say.

SUNNYKISS: Tony, I remember you and a whole of artistes back in the day, music used to be a thing of passion. It was about making more sense and not just about the money. So tell me, with every amount of bluntness, what is your view about some of the songs we have out in the market today?

Tony Tetuila: Well, I won’t say its rubbish and I won’t say the songs are not making sense.

SUNNYKISS: But you don’t like them?

Tony Tetuila: If you talk about the beats and what they are singing over it, I will say the beats, on point, but what they sing? I think it’s all about the swagger and how you deliver it now and since that’s what the people want, I’ll say they are doing well. (Laughs) But lyrically, I’m not really feeling some people, not all of them though. Some make sense for the love of music; others are in the game for the paper.

SUNNYKISS: So in a nutshell Tetuila, what you are saying is that, it’s not totally about good music anymore, it’s all about the money?

Tony Tetuila: Yeah, it’s the paper that counts, not the music.

SUNNYKISS: So talking about good music which you believe you can give us. What are you cooking right now?

Tony Tetuila: We just dropped the album now titled, ‘Made in Heaven’, featuring 2Face, 9ice, Ajasa, Durella, Ruggedman, Pasuma, members of my former group Remedies (Eedris Abdulkareem and Eddy) and some up-coming artistes on Tetuila Records. We thank God, the album is out now, but we are just trying to put it into the market first, before we do an album launch and the album listening party.

SUNNYKISS: And when will that be?

Tony Tetuila: Soon.

SUNNYKISS: Thank you Tony.

Tony Tetuila: Thank you for having me.

Chante Moore To Perform Live In Lagos, August 20

One of America’s respected vocalists, Chanté Moore is expected to perform at a charity concert in Lagos, Nigeria come Saturday, August 20, 2011, organizers have announced.

The charity concert which is organized in support of the True Health Foundation for the treatment of acute renal failure will take place at the Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Others announced to perform at the event are some of Nigeria’s chart topping acts which include pop sensation Wizkid and label boss Banky W.

Born to a gospel minister, Moore grew up singing in the church and has recorded and released seven albums since her 1992 debut.

‘Terry G Stole My Song’ – Danny Young Insists

The news going around town now is that self-proclaimed ‘Akpako Master’ and pop star Terry G has allegedly ‘stolen’ his colleague and client Danny Young‘s song and released it as his. Danny Young has come out to accuse the award wining singer/producer claiming Terry G stole his song and reproduced it as his.

Today, Danny Young who still sounded distraught and disappointed, told Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET) in a phone conversation that the story is true. ‘Yes it’s true and I’m getting tired of the whole thing, please speak with my management, they’ll give you all the details’.

And Danny Young’s manager who goes by the name Kay La La, narrated the whole story to NET in a phone conversation.

‘Danny Young had attended an event held at Elegushi beach, Lagos. He met up with reggae singer Rock Steady who was at the time recording his songs and told Young that he would like for him to be on his album. Days later, Rock Steady and Danny Young hooked up and Terry G’s studio where the former was recording. Terry G asked Danny Young to feature on a new song which also featured Rock Steady, they recorded and called it a day.

Weeks later Young visited Terry G and asked him to feature on a song his was recording titled ‘Eli Jah‘ for his upcoming album ‘Rebirth. They played the song in Young’s car and Terry G loved it. He readily wanted to feature on it but suggested he changed a few instrumentation. Being skeptical of the idea, Danny Young decided not to give him the song data. After repeated attempts to get Terry G on the track, Danny Young’s crew got tired of Terry G’s evasions and traveled to Jamaica then Dubai for shows only to see Terry G’s version of the song titled ‘Jah Hailo’ posted on the blogs on arriving Nigeria’.

Danny Young immediately recorded and released his own version and in the second verse is heard accusing Terry G of stealing his song.

Repeated attempts to talk to Terry G and his management proved abortive as phone calls placed through were not responded to. They were also yet to respond to SMS enquiries as at press time.

This wouldn’t be the first time Terry G is getting into messy waters with an artiste over rights infringement. He has, in recent past, been accused of unauthorised copying/sampling. And that’s just one aspect of the many controversies marring his otherwise brilliant career. Off-and-on altercations with the likes of Mallam Spicy, AY.Com, Side One and Kelly Hansome have also fuelled his image as a bad boy – something his management are now keen on washing off….

Moshito Gears Up For 2011 Music Festival

Moshito, one of South Africa’s music industry markets is set to host a music conference and exhibition from Wednesday, August 31, 2011.

According to event organizers, the festival will be broken down into series of events which will last for three days; featuring a conference, live music showcases, a mini-film festival themed around music and an exhibition of services and products in the music industry.

Another topic that will be looked into is the current digital music trends – both nationally and internationally – and a diverse range of skilled speakers drawn from the global music industry.

Now in its eighth year, Moshito is an annual music conference and exhibition that takes place in South Africa. The event is a partnership between, primarily, the Department of Arts and Culture, and Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition.

Capital Femi Sings ‘In The Name Of Love’

As we all wait for Kennis Music‘s R&B prodigy Femi to release his debut work ‘Capital F.E.M.I, The Year of R’n’B‘ (which has been a very tiresome experience), he once again releases a single (hopefully the final) titled ‘In the name of love‘.

Produced by urban beat maker Tee-Y Mix, Femi takes advantage of the bassy beat to deliver yet another beautiful number. The trumpet filled beat picks up from where the synths stops. Femi knows his onions and isn’t afraid to show it.

Brilliant vocals as usual from Femi. But can we please have the album now?

Exclusive: D’banj, Ikechukwu Reconcile

It started as rumours and unsure speculation; but we can now confirm that D’banj and Ikechukwu have put the past behind them, settled their differences, and rekindled their once robust business and personal relationship.

We’re all familiar with the story of their quarrel, leading to media exchanges and eventual separation – with Ikechukwu going on his own to revive his World Famous Akademy (WFA) posse while Mo’Hits shut its doors on him and turned the lock.

But yesterday, several months after D’banj and Ikechukwu’s very public feud, fans were shocked to see both acts hit the stage together for an elaborate performance at the Sprite Triple Slam finale in Eko Hotel, Lagos on Sunday, August 7, 2011. It was a surprise performance, for Ikechukwu was not on the bill. Headliner D’banj was performing with Kay Switch, Bankuli and Wande Coal. The Mo’Hits stars kicked off their performance at 8pm taking fans way back into the early D’banj days on ‘Tongolo‘. At 8:15, Ikechukwu emerged from backstage, as the live band switched the sound and launched his song. He joined D’banj to perform ‘Critical‘, ‘Wind am well’ and some of his other Don Jazzy-produced hits, before tthe band switched again and focused on D’banj’s songs.

Ikechukwu remained on stage all through D’banj’s set and both acts hugged, shared jokes and displayed a new found friendship that makes it difficult to believe they were sworn ‘enemies’ just few months back.

A Mohits insider tells us ‘they’ve been talking’; adding that yesterday’s show is not the first time they’re performing together since their ‘exaggerated altercation’.

‘They were together in Abuja recently and they hit the stage together’, he says.

No word yet on whether ikechukwu will return to Mo’Hits.

Good Night Uncle Sam: A Tribute To Sam Loco Efe

I remember the day, in 1998, when I ran away from home to a village in Badagry, I had no idea what lay in store for me. All I wanted was not to be married. Later that evening, I saw a film cast and crew. Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Basorge Tariah Jnr., Julius Awgu, Jude Orhorha and Francis Duru. It was a relief to see people I knew and that was when I heard Uncle Sam Loco Efe and Late aunty Christy Essien-Igbokwe were on the same set. They both played Kate’s parents in the movie.

I remember him asking what brought me out there, and I narrated my tale. He listened with the ears of a wise man, while he drank a beer and said to me, ‘my daughter, there are charlatans parading themselves as husbands, look well’. That was said as though he had known me all the while. He was truly a father. It was not just an honor to have gotten advice from a man who had proven to the world his versatility, both on stage and on screen, it was a blessing.

I ended up playing a role in the movie, and had the opportunity to work in the same project. It was too much for me at the time. I looked on in awe as he ‘chewed’ his lines, and proffered solutions when it looked as if tradition would find us wanting. He was the voice of reason when the villagers thought they would prove difficult, once they saw him and how his humility shone through, they would open their doors, bring stools, even offer us food.

As an actor, his ability to become the character came easy. He always had a new thing he brought with him. Watching him, you would be ready for a roller coaster ride. His journey from ‘Hotel de Jordan’ which was aired live in the then Bendel state, to Festac 77, he slowly broke generational ties and Nollywood was home.

How can I say all this and not mention his comedic side? His sense of humor made you forget pain, sorrow and anything that had the ability to bring tears of grief. The only tears allowed were tears of joy. He was the definition of natural humor.

A true African who believed in family values. If I could turn the hands of time, I would ask for just another piece of advice. And it’s sad that he’ll depart just when he was about to play my father in a new movie ‘Phone Swap’.

Good night Uncle Sam, and sleep well in the Lord.

Uche Jombo’s Movie ‘Damage’ Premieres In Grandstyle

It was a night of glamour on Sunday, July 31, 2011 as Nollywood stars and celebs turned out for the much-talked-about premiere of ‘Damage’, the movie produced by star actress Uche Jombo.

Held at The Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos, a huge number of celebs graced the red carpet before the movie commenced. They include: Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Funke Akindele, Stella Damasus, Iyabo Ojo, Chidi Mokeme, Yole Edochie, Nse Ikpe-Item, Basorge Tariah Jnr, Osita Iheme, Tonto Dike, Paul of the Psquare duo, Omoni Oboli and a host of others.

‘Damage’ a thriller which stars Kalu Ikeagwu and Uche Jombo tells the story of a married couple who love each other but fight violently almost on a daily basis, which on the long run affects their marriage and children.

The movie will start showing in cinemas across the nation from August, 2011.

Ice Prince Releases ‘Super Star’ Video

Without a doubt, fans of fast rising rapper and 9 time nominee at The Headies Ice Prince will be pleased to see that Chocolate City has finally released the follow up video to his second single ‘Super star‘.

Directed by Big Brother Nigeria winner Katung, the video doesn’t describe the song at best but the clean cutaways and costumes will keep you glued to the screen whilw the four-minute clip lasts.

There’s nothing out of the ordinary as the video doesn’t capture any memorable moments and the pose of the lovely looking vixen isn’t explored fully enough. Also the energy of the song has been dampened but Ice Prince’s charm is the only reason you’ll have to play back after a try.

US Rapper Ludacris’ Trip To Nigeria Cancelled

Fans might have to wait a little while longer to see US rapper Ludacris as the Grammy Award winning artiste’s trip to Nigeria has been cancelled.

It was reported that the ATL rapper who co-runs his label Disturbing Tha Peace Records (DTP) with co-founder Chaka Zulu were to fly into Lagos to launch a TV reality show called ‘The African Superstar’. A poster circulating around had suggested that Luda had teamed up with media outfits Konnect Afrika and Xtrem Media to host a ‘Disturbing Tha Peace Wit’ Luda’ gig on Sunday, July 31, 2011. A press conference was to hold the next day.

But on the D-day, a press statement was released and circulated via E-mail. It stated that the rapper had unveiled ‘African Superstar’ from Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania. It reads:

‘We sincereley apologize for the inconvenience, but word reaching us from Tanzania just confirmed that Ludacris’ trip to Lagos has been postponed, due to complications with the flight/air traffic flight plan from Dar Es Salaam. The ‘Disturbing Tha Peace Wit’ Luda’-tagged party in Lagos will no longer take place as scheduled. A formal press release follows shortly’.

Repeated efforts to reach the phone number that accompanied the mail prove abortive as it kept hanging up.

Ice Prince, 2Face, Darey, Dr. SID Lead The Headies Nominees List

The nominees for the annual urban music awards The Headies awards (formerly known as HipHopWorld Awards) have been announced and Chocolate City rapper Ice Prince tops the list with an amazing nine nominations. The Chocolate City act is closely followed by pop star 2face Idibia who is up for seven nominations.

Ice Prince was nominated for ‘Song of the year’, ‘Producer of the year‘, ‘Best Rap Single‘ for ‘Oleku‘ and ‘She and my Swagga‘, ‘Lyricist on the roll‘, ‘Best Collabo‘ for ‘Oleku‘ and ‘Joor Oh Remix‘, ‘Next Rated‘ and ‘Best street hop‘ for ‘Joor Oh Remix‘. He shares three of his nominations with rapper Ruggedman and pop singer Jah Bless.

Other artistes with multiple nominations include rapper turned singer Dr. SID and R&B singer Darey with six nods each; rapper M.I (5); D’banj and new kids on the block Wizkid and oLamide score four (4) nominations each.

Also this year, a ’Best Conscious Music category‘ has been added while the ‘Best Reggae Artiste’ category has been pulled off.

The nominations were announced via the official website www.theheadies.com, and on the Beat 99.9 FM today, Tuesday, August 2, 2011.

Check the full list below…

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Best album (solo or group) in year under review, that meets judges’ requirements of excellence (in realms as: songwriting, production, rendition and promotion) and acceptability (sales, popularity)

MI2 – M.I

Back From The Future – Sound Sultan

Turning Point – Dr Sid

Beautiful Imperfection – Asa

Unstoppable Int’l Edition – 2Face

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Most critically and commercially adjudged artiste in the year under review. Overall most successful artiste for the year under review.

Darey

M.I

D’banj

2face

Duncan Mighty

SONG OF THE YEAR

Most popular song from an album in the year under review. Decided by voting

Oleku – Ice Prince Ft. BrymO

Only Me – 2Face

Give It To Me – D’Prince ft. D’banj

Pop Something – Dr Sid ft. D’banj

Fimile – Kas

RECORDING OF THE YEAR

Best single recording (On-air only or released) by artiste or group in year under review. Originality and production very essential

The Way You Are – Darey

God Hand – Eva

Rain Drops – 2face

Be My Man – Asa

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

The individual responsible for producing the most acclaimed songs/album in the year under review. His CV for the year includes top-notch tracks and production credits no one can fault.

Don Jazzy – ‘Over the Moon’ by Dr Sid, Mr Endowed, Pop Something

Samklef – Don’t Dull, Kilode, Jonzing World, Noni

J Sleek – Only Me, 2010

Jesse Jagz – Oleku, Jargo

Cobhams – The Way you Are, There Is A Cry

BEST MUSIC VIDEO (AWARD GOES TO DIRECTOR)

Best conceptualised, best edited, best picture, best directed and most exciting video in year under review as voted by fans and decided by the jury.

Patrick Elis – Holla At Your Boy

Clarence Peters – You Know It (Goldie)

Gini – Ko Ma Roll (Mo’Cheddah)

Mex – Pop Off Selecta (Dipp)

DJ Tee – Eni Duro (Olamide)

BEST R ‘N’ B SINGLE

Best R&B single in year under review (by single individual or group)

Only Me – 2Face

The Way You Are – Darey

I Gat Money – Femi Ft. Eedris

For A Minute – Waje

Oyi – Flavour

BEST POP SINGLE

Best pop single in year under review (by single individual or group)

Give It To Me – D’Prince

Pop Something – Dr. Sid

Holler At Ur Boy – Wizkid

Endowed – D’banj

Fimile – Kas

BEST R ‘N’ B/ POP ALBUM

Best R&B or pop album in year under review (by single individual or group)

Turning Point – Dr Sid

Beautiful Perfection – Asa

Back To The Future – Sound Sultan

Double Dare – Darey

Unstoppable Int’l Edition – 2Face

BEST RAP SINGLE

Best single released on-air recording of a rap song

Oleku – Ic Prince

Ten Over Ten – Naeto C

Boys Are Not Smiling – Terry Tha Rapman

Eni Duro – Olamide

She and My Swagga – Ruggedman feat Ice Prince

BEST RAP ALBUM

Best album by a rap artiste or group in year under review

Untouchable – Ruggedman

MI2 – M.I

I Am William – 2Shotz

African American – Sauce Kid

Boys Are Not Smiling – Terry Tha Rapman

LYRICIST ON THE ROLL

Rap Artiste with best lyrical depth and performance on a single song or album

Modenine – Rhyme Tight

Ice Prince – Oleku

MI – Undisputed

Terry Tha Rapman – Boys Are Not Smiling

Vector – Get Down

BEST COLLABO

Best R&B, Pop or hip hop collaborative track (including cameos) in year under review

You Know it – Goldie ft Eldee

Facebook Love – Essence ft Jaywon

Joor Oh (Remix) – Jahbless ft. Ruggedman, Ice Prince, Durella, Reminisce & Eldee

Number One – M.I ft. Flavour

Oleku – Ice Prince ft. Brymo

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)

Single male artiste with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album

Darey – The Way You Are

Bez – More You

Femi – Money Money Money

Timi Dakolo – There Is A Cry

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)

Single female act with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album

Waje – For A Minute

Tiwa Savage – Kele Kele Love

Eva – God Hand

Ego – Fall In Love

AFRICAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR

None Nigerian category

Cabo Snoop (Angola) – Windeck

R2Bees (Ghana) – Kiss Your Hand

Liquid Deep (South Africa) – Fairytale

Freshly Ground (South Africa) – Waka Waka

V.I.P (Ghana) – Away

BEST STREET HOP

The most popular street-hop single in year under review

Noni – Samklef

Joor Oh (Remix) – Jahbless ft. Ruggedman, Ice Prince, Durella, Reminisce & Eldee

Eni Duro – Olamide

Kabakaba – Konga

Owusagi – Wizboyy

NEXT RATED

Most promising upcoming officially unreleased act in the year under review

Ice Prince – Oleku

Wizkid – Holler At Your Boy

Olamide – Eni Duro

Tiwa Savage – Kele Kele Love

HIPHOP WORLD REVELATION OF THE YEAR

Best New artiste in the year under review

Dr. Sid

Mo’Cheddah

Jesse Jagz

YQ

Lynxxx

BEST CONSCIOUS SONG OF THE YEAR

Best positive message oriented and social corrective songs that meet judges requirements in areas of composition, production, concept and acceptability.

If You Ask Me – Omawumi

Wild Wild West – M.I

Only Me – 2Face

There Is A Cry – Timi Dakolo

One Day – eLDee Tha Don

HEADIES HALL OF FAME

Special recognition for excellence and outstanding impact to the entertainment industry.