entertainment

By Bakary Ceesay

T-Smallz-Suso, Austria based Gambian International artiste has released his most anticipated album ‘Sembo’ in all Digital platforms.

The All Africa Music Awards nominee in 2016  is expected to release another album called ‘Triumphant’ in October and will do a double album launching concert at Independence Stadium in Gambia on 6th November 2021 celebrating more than 15 years in music across the globe. Accredited as one of the most widely travelled Gambian international artiste T. Smallz toured Africa, Europe and always returned to Gambia to entertain and share love with family and friends in the Gambia.

The ‘Sembo’ master piece which is his fourth album comprising 20 tracks was released in live streamed and geared 24, 286 streams in 5 minutes. The Name of the Album is called ‘Sembo’ which means Mandinka language  (Power). It is produced by different producers across the globe including Peter Pann, Yung Alpha, Juwhiz, JLive, Ras Askia, Skool and Reach. 

After a successful wave of his maiden hit ‘Chono Life’ in 2010, T. Smallz Suso has been one artist who has never got off track until last year when the world became dark and at the same time light for him. T. Smallz smallz lost his beloved Mother who he loved so much and three months later his first son Khalil was also born, a very difficult and joyous moment at same time.

He told Pan African Visions that the album was planned to be released in 2019 but it wasn’t possible because he has to be there for his song, King Khalil and his baby mother.

Little did we know T-Smallz was still holding onto power despite his little absence in the music industry, after listening to the whole album we confirmed YES Kings can’t lose power easily. 

The 20 tracks are as follows:  1. Sembo, 2. Kaya (feat. Young Alpha & Harrysongs, 3. Diiriyankeh, 4. Holidays, 5. Jongoma, 6. Belly Dance, 7. Everyday Hello, 8. Ealfta Nlafta, 9. Respect, 10. Etawa Ngantawa, 11. Ayeeh Wuleeh, 12. Problem (feat. Omaro), 13. Teler, 14. Jambar, 15. King Tang Baa, 16. Neekuya, 17.Fambondi, 18. Kanala, 19. Tamala, 20. Jollof.

Here is links below to stream in your favourite platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2vMPxQIvVeDNgU93TYfp4O...
ITunes: https://music.apple.com/de/album/sembo/1566775421
Audiomack: https://audiomack.com/t-smallz-suso/album/semboalbum

By Bakary Ceesay

MLB, German based Gambian Afropop Reggae dancehall artiste has released his debut Extended Play, EP called ‘Levels’ comprising seven tracks available in all digital platforms worldwide.

The EP is produced by Jlive music and depicts informative, entertaining and educative messages. MLB told Pan African Visions that the song preaches love, unity, encouraging young people to stardom and also paying tribute to his  late Dad’s blessed memories.

He added that the messages in his music are entertaining, educating and inspiring the younger generations to positivity at all times.

The tracks include ‘One question’, ‘Di Papa’, ‘Daddy’, ‘Rock your body’, ‘Da One’, ‘Levels’, and ‘Come my place’. With one video of high quality currently making waves in TV stations in Gambia and beyond.

MLB BIOGRAPHY

Modou Lamin Beyai, best known for his stage name as MLB which is an inventive synthesis of his birth name. MLB is a Gambian Afropop/Afrobeat, Reggae  and Dancehall artiste currently based in Germany.

MLB was living in the slums of London Corner in the Gambia where talent are abundant among the youths and that was the best experience for him, been a young boy this place thought him lot about the struggles and realities of life, because of this, he is always proud of what this place has made him to become.

Music is his everyday life. The feeling of joy when he is singing or listening to good music is unimaginable. Music disappears all his worries so one could say yes music is his strength.

MLB started music at a very young age, inspired by his late father, OUSMAN BEYAI a Guitarist, songwriter, composer, arranger and sound engineer. His father was also a member of the great Ifan-bondi Band and played with music veterans like Jaliba Kuyateh, Abdul Kabirr (Lie Ngum) the late Paps Touray, Musa Afia Ngum and Yankuba Saho.

However, being the first and only son, his father desired him to do music at a very early age. Coming to Gambia for his frequent holidays his father will always asked ‘when are you going to start your guitar lessons’ but as a teenager growing up in The Gambia in a place called London Corner, all his dreams was to become a professional soccer player and showed so much passion to it but his father always encourage and seed the love of music in his
heart, there is no way he could escape music.

Singing became his hobby at a very early age and his father was like “it’s your way, you can’t escape it “, sadly his father passed away in 2014.

After that MLB realized the direction his father was trying to push him and eventually understood this was destined to be.

MLB’s music has so much impact as he entertains and spreads positive messages across his fans. The contents of his lyrics are 0% violent. Always make sure his music connects emotionally and touches the hearts of his listeners.

Professionally, MLB started music in 2019 but however, he knew music was going to be a life time career for him in the early 2014 and as well understand is part his genetics. Getting into the real music business he began as a mobile DJ in 2010, in the process his aim was to be a music Composer and Producer.

In the same 2014, he wrote his first song ‘I Need You’ which depicted love. MLB has four maiden hit songs and has just released his anticipated debut EP called ‘Levels’ comprising seven available in all digital platforms. 

Organizers of the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards (HAPAwards) calls for submission of entries for the year in review. The 5th annual edition of HAPAwards is billed to take place at the Orpheum Theatre from October 22nd to 24th in Los Angeles, California, USA.

HAPAwards is a United States of America award which recognizes outstanding individuals, whose lives have been marked by extraordinary personal and professional accomplishments. The theme for this year’s edition is tagged ‘Collaboration for Global Development, Peace and Prosperity.’

Speaking on the event, the Producer and African Representative of HAPAwards, Mr. Adeola Odunowo revealed that the award creates an avenue to appreciate and honor exceptional actors, musicians, comedians, celebrities and world-renowned dignitaries, those that have captured audiences for several generations – transforming and challenging our understanding. 

“We won’t relent from recognizing these exceptional talents and creative individuals who enable us to see ourselves in each other. HAPAwards will continue to celebrate our triumphs while creating a space for narratives that reflect our rich, collective cultures and history”, Odunowo noted.

Speaking further, he said the journey to the 2021 edition of Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards (HAPAwards) has started with the submissions of entries in different categories ranging from music to film, comedy, fashion and honorees who will also be specially recognized.
The HAPAwards was founded in 2017 to bridge the cultural gaps between Africa and other international communities around the world.

Former MetFilm School acting student, Erica Nlewedim is a household name in Nigeria; at only 27 she found extraordinary fame last year after her performance on a Nigerian reality TV show, Big Brother Naija (formerly Big Brother Nigeria).

Erica now has over 1.6M followers on Instagram, over half a million followers on Twitter, over 1M views on TikTok and a massive fanbase called Elites – she’s a brand ambassador for the likes of Swarovski jewellery, and, she has a handful of fearture films to her name… she is a very busy woman.

Originally a Business graduate of Nigeria’s Covenant University, Erica enrolled at London’s MetFilm School in 2019 to study acting. She said: “I had already been working as an actor for four years before I started at MetFilm School.

“I knew that I needed to grow as an actor, I wanted to improve and I wanted to be able to act and fit in on any set, anywhere in the world, not just limit myself to Nigeria. So, I knew that the UK was the place to learn. And I wanted to go to a school where everyone speaks English.

“I chose MetFilm School London without even visiting the campus. I had spent time ‘Googling’ film schools and acting courses and I really liked the look of MetFilm School.  So, I called them and had a really good phone call with them, they answered my questions, and gave me all of the details – it was a welcoming and friendly experience and that’s when I made my decision to enrol.

“I had never visited the UK before, I’d visited other European countries like France, Spain and Germany several times, but not the UK, not until I started studying there.

“I enjoyed living and studying in London, I knew quite a few people from home who are studying and working there, so I had a network of familiar faces from the start.

“And I soon made new friends. I’m still in contact with people I met while studying there, I learnt a lot, and I know that I’m a better actor because of my experience there.

“I think learning about and being able to apply the Stanislavski Technique to my work has been really important. It helps me get into the mindset of the character – rather than just ‘acting’ the emotions, this technique has helped me understand the character, consider the character’s mindset and to ‘feel’ their emotions and draw on those for a more authentic performance.

“London is great, it’s expensive and the weather is sometimes horrible –  it was when I was there I’m sure it was the coldest summer ever except for a few warm days! I had done a lot of research, so I knew what to expect. Everyone was friendly, and it felt like home very quickly.”

Erica travelled every day to the School based at the world-famous Ealing Studios from Colindale, west London by London bus, she said: “I had the real London experience!”

Erica didn’t waste any time when she got back to Nigeria and started work immediately: “As soon as I had finished the courses, I was back home and working. I had plans to travel back to the UK, but then Covid hit and nothing much was happening. I was stuck at home and that’s when I decided to apply to be a housemate for Big Brother.

“I knew it would be safe, we would be tested and in lockdown together, so I decided to give a go and I was chosen! That’s when my career really skyrocketed. I’ve been so busy.

“Last December I worked on a project with Netflix, it’s a ‘Netflix Original Series’, I don’t know when it’s out and I can’t say any more about it. I’ve also shot two other movies this year and I’ve been working as a brand ambassador.”

Erica, also known as ‘Star Girl’ is brand ambassador for Nigerian brands including Kuku’s Hair, Star Radler and Legend Beers, Kuda Bank, Partner Mobile and global brand, Swarovski jewellery. 

But she is not resting on her laurels; she is ambitious for her future: “I want to be the biggest star to have come out of Nigeria, I want to be known across Africa, South Africa, Europe and the UK.”

“My advice for anyone thinking about working in the screen industries is to work on improving yourself. Whether that’s through education or research; and learn to be your best self every day.

“Build a positive mindset and tell yourself positive things daily – be your own self’s best friend and work on your confidence. You have to be confident in yourself because it will make you a better actor.”

Erica stars in Nollywood feature film, Devil in Agbada due to be released later this year.

Spotify recently unveiled its EQUAL hub in celebration of International Women’s Day. On the heels of this launch, the leader in all things audio will now extend its global commitment to fostering equity for women in music with its new EQUAL Music Program debuting today. 

The global initiative is uniquely designed to foster gender equity in music by adapting and extending the cumulative blueprint of Spotify’s successful programs into a cohesive experience – supporting female creators under one brand. Only 1 in 5 artists in the charts are women, a stark contrast to how integral women’s influence is to Spotify’s success today and the music industry at large. Spotify takes the responsibility of upending these disparities seriously, and believes the first step towards amplifying the work of all creators identifying as women is to extend critical resources to this community to create opportunity.

Speaking on the initiative, Phiona Okumu, Spotify Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa said, “In a time where we as a society are re-examining equity on so many levels, Spotify is prioritising its goal to make female faces and voices seen and heard. Our goal is to lead by example, joining hands with the African music industry stakeholders with the means and platform to help elevate the next generation of women in the music industry to deserving new heights.”

Spotify’s inaugural class of EQUAL artists kicking off the program includes Ghanaian Afrobeats & Afro-fusion singer Gyakie, who is the first African creator to be selected for the program. The 20-year-old singer who recently released her debut EP ‘Seed’ has not only gained popularity in Ghana but in Nigeria and Kenya where her single ‘Forever’, is a chart-topping fan favorite, with its remix featuring Omah Lay not far behind.

“I am deeply honoured to be the first African woman to partner with Spotify for EQUAL. This is huge for so many women across the continent and the entire globe. I don’t take this lightly at all. Navigating an industry, where the voices of women can easily be drowned out, I’m committed to playing my part…with volume,” says Gyakie on her inclusion in the program.

Other female artists selected for the inaugural class include American rapper Saweetie, Brazillian pop artist DUDA BEAT, British singer-songwriter Griff, Mexico’s Natalia Lafourcade and German singer Zoe Wees – Global Artist of the Month.

The full program includes:

• EQUAL local playlists: Each playlist will reflect the 35 markets spanning over 50 countries – from Japan to Argentina, from the UK to Ghana.
• EQUAL Global Playlist: The “best-of” flagship playlist will contain music from EQUAL artists from all around the world, as the ultimate listening experience amplifying the EQUAL class of each month beyond borders.
• EQUAL Artists of the Month: One artist from each participating market will be featured on the cover of their respective, local playlist.
• Artist marketing: Each EQUAL Artist of the Month will be supported with organic and on-platform promotion throughout the Spotify editorial space – which has proven to propel significant growth on platform in both artists’ home countries and beyond.
• Created By Women Playlist: The co-branded EQUAL + NOTEABLE playlist is the first of its kind, which will feature 40 songs 100% written, produced, and performed exclusively by women songwriters, producers, and artists from around the world. The new playlist will give fans a new dedicated place to discover music from a host of talented creators with diverse perspectives.

EQUAL Board: A network of organisations joining forces with Spotify to empower women around the world including: She’s the Music (US), Girls Rock Australia Network (Australia), She Said So (Italy), MEWEM Europa (Europe), Girls Connected (Canada), Music Women (Germany).

• EQUAL Directory re-launch: Spotify is partnering with SoundGirls, to relaunch the EQUAL Directory, formally EQL Directory. The Directory allows women of all experiences and gender nonconforming creators to create a profile and claim their space in the community of women changing the game in audio. You can search The EQUAL Directory by region and audio discipline to find suitable candidates to hire for your next tours and events, studio projects, film and TV production, game audio, post production, podcasts, and more.

Facebook: @SpotifyKE | Instagram: @SpotifyKE | #SpotifyAfrica

Download the Spotify app via the Android or iOS app store or by heading to www.spotify.com – to embed Spotify into a website – right click on any playlist, go to ‘share’ and copy embed code.

Spotify in numbers:  Over 356 million monthly active users / Over 158 million subscription users / Over 70m songs in the catalogue / Over 4 billion playlists available / Available across 178 markets

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

With the successful partnership that has been fostered between Kang Quintus and Orange Cameroun, the latter has unveiled the former as their newest Brand Ambassador. The announcement was made by Kang Quintus on his official social media handles this Wednesday, April 28.

The press conference officially announcing Kang Quintus as the new Brand Ambassador was presided over by the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Cameroon, Frédéric Debord.

Details of the contract have not been made public but the announcement has received a wave of positive comments on social media for Quintus and the Fisherman’s Diary. From Musicians like Ko-c to actors and national and international followers of Kang Quintus have all put out congratulatory messages to his social media handles. 

Speaking to Pan African Visions shortly after the official announcement was made Kang Quintus was very much elated to become a brand Ambassador for Orange looking at the collaborations both parties have been having.

“The objective now is to make sure that we go to other communities in Cameroon and make sure that the people that the film was produced to sensitize and educate get the film very close to them,” Kang Quintus told Pan African Visions in a telephone interview.

“If you have watched the movie you will realize that the message we wanted to portray in the film is all about promoting the education of the girl child and that is what the Orange Foundation stands for. This partnership is all about restating, re-emphasising the education of the girl child,” Kang Quintus added.

The movie that made waves last year has not faltered in attracting fans and the trophy cabinet has kept on increasing. The film and Kang Quintus picked up awards at the just ended Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF).

Kang Quintus said: “CAMIFF has been growing from strength to strength and this year was my first attending the event. I was honoured and humbled to take home the Best overall actor of the festival and the best overall film. It was a great experience and I think CAMIFF will only get stronger as the year goes by.”

“The Fisherman’s Diary is just one per cent of what we have installed from Kang Quintus Films. There are a lot of projects I cannot talk about it now but we should just lookout for it.”

The Star Kang Quintus

Kang Quintus, Born on September 17, 1987, in Wum, Cameroon, is a multiple award-winning filmmaker. He is best known for “EKEI”, “REJECTED”, ‘REVERSE”, “JASON” “Side Chick Chronicles” and “The Fisherman’s Diary”.

He has more than ten awards to his name and is often referred to by his colleagues as The Method Actor because of his intense and passionate interpretation of his roles.

The Producer/ Executive Producer of Fisher’s Man Diary, Kang Quintus is driven by her dreams and an inspiration to both the young and old.  He is a man with fundamental decency, moral authority, unimpeachable integrity, and outstanding judgment, Legideon Newspaper reported.

The name Kang Quintus to the Cameroon Movie Industry is like a catalyst that will reinvigorate their resilience. He is a taciturn and soft-spoken character with a caressing baritone.

The book details recommendations, case studies, and solutions for how the industry can reshape itself to enable a post-COVID-19 comeback.

The African Energy Chamber  officially launches its book titled, ‘African Energy Road to Recovery: How The African Energy Industry Can Reshape Itself For A Post COVID-19 Comeback’; The book details recommendations, case studies, and solutions for how the industry can reshape itself to enable a post-COVID-19 comeback.  

Africa’s oil and gas industry is facing extraordinary circumstances. An ongoing energy transition and new efforts to decarbonize the world are weighing on oil demand. The shale revolution is exacerbating these pressures. And of course, the Covid-19 pandemic has wrought havoc on markets around the world, accelerating and intensifying existing trends.

The African Energy Chamber hosted its virtual book launch for its first book titled ”African Energy Road to Recovery: How the African energy sector can reshape itself for a post-COVID-19 comeback” alongside its advisory board members, moderated by Verner Ayukegba, SVP at the African Energy Chamber on March, 16^th at 4PM SAST.

The advisory board members, who lead the narrative within the book, provided insight into what the book has to offer and presented their own opinions and solutions to the sector’s recovery. “The book is an amazing thought process and is highly recommended to everyone as it gives important insight into the value chain. The opportunity for African independents is the prolific, hydrocarbon- rich basins within the continent. A credible plan for execution, supported by a strong management team, will always attract capital,” stated Kola Karim, CEO of Shoreline Natural Resources.

The book provides an in-depth look at the current African energy landscape through the provision of resources including maps and graphs, detailed analysis of risks and opportunities, and key insights from industry giants that provide a framework not only for moving forward in a post-COVID-19 context, but excelling. Through the presentation of interviews with industry experts and informative articles that seek to examine the entire energy value chain, the book is particularly critical in understanding the current context and catapulting Africa’s energy industry to success.

“There are some great discussion points in the book which seek to outline skills training and local content. NOC’s are working daily with international operators and having projects to foster the local content is really the right way to build skills and transfer knowledge,” stated Remi Mouchel, Director of Operations and Chairman of the Executive Board, IFP Training. “Everyone should take the time to buy this book,” stated Akinwole Omoboriowo II, Chairman, CEO of Genesis Energy Group. “The book is power packed with a lot of information and case studies. The beauty of energy transition is that it has been a deliberate policy for most African countries pre-Covid-19. The notion around producing power around technology has been very significant and as a result, reshaped Africa’s comeback post Covid.’’

“The book is power packed with a lot of information and case studies”

With the abundance of sizeable discoveries, emerging large-scale projects, and Africa’s exponential range of opportunities for investment and growth across the continent, the book provides information and recommendations critical for the continent in moving forward post-COVID-19. The book is based on the advice and knowledge of the AEC’s advisory board, a group of industry executives and experts that offer the best solutions to Africa’s industry, and is critical for every current and potential stakeholder.

“You need to create a good system upfront that addresses the physical, cyber and technological components of assets and addresses those issues in a way that maintains operational resiliency,” stated C. Derek Campbell, CEO of Energy & Natural Resources, Inc.  “The book does a good job of explaining technology and operational technology environment that comes together with African operators that need to look at how they operate in this industry 4.0 environment.”

“I am encouraging people who have not bought their copies to do so. As we look into the future, post Covid-19, we are going to see this continued infusion, conversions of the operational technology world which is where the oil and gas industry has deep experience.,” stated Jovita Nsoh, Regional CTO Strategy  & Innovation, Microsoft. “I think South Africa is ready,” stated Nosizwe Macamo, Executive Chairman & Founder of Raise Africa Investments. “In the book, there is a whole section which talks about regulatory certainty. In South Africa, we are finally at a point where we have a bill that deals directly with what the upstream should look like. When I look at the mature oil producing countries, like Nigeria, there is so much African countries can actually learn from each other.’’

The Road to Recovery addresses these challenges head-on, detailing all of the major challenges facing African oil and gas stakeholders, as well as workable solutions that will keep the industry on a strong and stable growth path. Again and again, our oil and gas sector has proven its resilience and adaptability. The world still needs oil and gas, and Africa still holds enormous untapped potential. The African Energy Chamber will remain a committed partner of choice for the industry as we advance into an uncertain future.

The digital copy is currently available on Barnes and Noble: bit.ly/38RBoDT  and pre-orders on the following major platforms:

Amazon – amzn.to/30PcSib

Google Play – bit.ly/30OhEN8

Barnes and Nobles – bit.ly/2P2UMqB

New licensing agreement will significantly boost the availability of UMG’s African and International repertoire to music fans across Africa

–New markets include South Africa, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Senegal; with UMG catalog now also widely available across French-speaking territories for first time.

LAGOS and SANTA MONICA, March 17, 2021 – Boomplay, the leading music streaming and download service based in Africa and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a new landmark licensing agreement that will extend licensing of UMG’s global music catalog from 7 to 47 countries across the African continent, as part of an extended relationship that will benefit African musicians and talent and expand the listening experience for Boomplay users across Africa.

In 2018, UMG became the first major global music company to license music to the service, which has continued to grow its audience reach and influence across Africa in recent years. Boomplay’s catalog currently stands at more than 50 million tracks and it boasts the largest repertoire of local African content globally, with 50million monthly active users (MAU). The renewal and expansion of this licensing deal with UMG, will enable African music fans across the continent to experience the best in both domestic African and International talent.

As one of the first entrants in Africa, Boomplay has been at the forefront of the music streaming market since 2015 and has a deep understanding of the local market. Now the leading African platform, in December 2020, Boomplay surpassed the 100 million app downloads milestone on Google Play. During this time, Boomplay has supported numerous African artists, across a variety of projects, including: The “concert of the year” – which saw UMG-signed Nigerian singer songwriter Tiwa Savage shut down Lagos with her debut performance of 49-99 and saw Boomplay invest in the first-ever documentary film focused on the history of Afrobeats.

Boomplay also gave away 250 million megabytes of data to users free of charge, so they could stream music online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Boomplay and UMG East Africa held conferences that brought together industry stakeholders to find ways of growing and supporting the African music community even further, as highlighted by Boomplay’s announcement to commit $1 million to support up-and-coming artists from the continent.

This agreement underscores UMG’s ongoing commitment to support and grow Africa’s domestic music ecosystems, while also creating new opportunities for Pan-African talent to reach new audiences domestically, regionally and around the world.

Over the past 5 years, UMG has taken a holistic approach to expanding operations across the continent, opening new divisions in Nigeria, as well as becoming the first major music company to establish divisions in Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon and Morocco alongside UMG’s longstanding operations in South Africa. This presence will continue to grow throughout 2021 and beyond, as UMG continues to further extend the company’s ability to support domestic artists on the ground across Africa and globally.

Boomplay users will now have access to UMG’s extensive catalog of both local and global recording artists and labels including: Tiwa Savage (Nigeria), Nasty C (SA), Mi Casa (SA), Sauti Sol (Kenya), Cassper Nyovest (SA), Toofan (Togo), Tekno (Nigeria), Suspect 95 (Côte d’Ivoire), Brenda Fassie (SA), Tenor (Cameroon), Black Coffee (SA), Dena Mwana (DRC), Singuila (DRC), Locko (Cameroon), Hugh Masekela (SA), Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Alpha P (Nigeria), Tomi Owo (Nigeria), Cysoul (Cameroon), Major League Djz (SA), Fior De Bior (Côte d’Ivoire), Larry Gaaga (Nigeria), Prince Kaybee (SA) alongside international artists from the world’s largest music catalog including: Da Baby, Drake, Lil Baby, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Stevie Wonder, Billie Eilish, Booba, Dadju, Tasha Cobbs, Niska, Lionel Richie, Rihanna, Motown’s Catalog and Bob Marley.

UMG’s African Labels will also be supported under the new agreement including: Def Jam Africa, the continent’s first label dedicated entirely to the best in African hip-hop, afrobeat and trap music which launched in five countries in 2020, Motown Gospel Africa, AI Records, Afroforce1 and other distributed labels including: Kalawa Jazzmee, Aristokrat, Family Tree and Soulistic amongst others. The agreement also includes artists and labels distributed via Electromode and Ingrooves Music Group within the continent.

Recent projects include the release of Rhythms Of Zamunda: Music Inspired By Coming 2 America. The acclaimed 16-track Def Jam Africa compilation traces a musical roadmap through Western, Eastern, and South African soundscapes, introducing listeners to some of the continent’s most exciting artists was released last week.

Boomplay’s Director of Content & Strategy, Phil Choi, added “Since our original deal with UMG, the African music industry has seen exponential growth and made huge strides towards being the next powerhouse that it should be. We’re excited to continue partnering with the UMG team to help promote their African and international artists by bringing their catalogue to even more regions across Africa.

Franck Kacou, Managing Director, Universal Music Africa, who lead’s Universal Music Group’s activity across French-speaking Africa said, “We are excited for our artists and labels to be available now to music fans across these 25 French speaking countries, but also to reach audiences across the rest of the continent. Africa is rich with artistic talent and musical culture and continues to inspire millions of Africans for whom music is an essential part of their daily lives. Working alongside Boomplay, we will help introduce these talents to new audiences, as the appetite for music continues to grow throughout these countries.”

Sipho Dlamini, CEO, Universal Music Group, South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, said, “We are delighted to expand our relationship with Boomplay, who over the past few years have shown themselves to be dedicated to providing the best in music to fans across the continent. Through this extended agreement, Boomplay will now help supply improved access to the world’s largest and most diverse music catalog to their broad user base, as we continue to introduce the best in African and international music to the rapidly growing streaming audience across Africa.”

Tosin Sorinola, Director of Artist and Media relations said, “We are very optimistic that this expansion will further embed the blossoming relationship between both parties. As a platform, we are committed to ensuring that we help artists spread their music and that our users have access to all the music they love wherever they are. This expansion will afford us an opportunity to help open up more music to our users and opportunities for artists in the new regions.”

UMG content will now be available via Boomplay in the following markets: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo, DRC, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Guinea- Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tchad, Togo, Uganda, Zambia & Zimbabwe.

Click here for Universal Music Africa

About Boomplay
Boomplay is a music streaming and download service owned by Transsnet Music Limited.  Boomplay houses millions of songs，videos and entertainment news, connecting music lovers with their favourite songs anytime, anywhere. It currently has over 50 million monthly active users and has been downloaded over 100m times on the Google Play Store. The service is currently available for Web Android and iOS use.  The app, which won the Best African App at the 2017 Apps Africa Awards, allows its users to stream and download their favourite songs and videos, as well as subscribe to flexible daily, weekly or monthly plans to access premium features such as ad-free streaming. Over the years, different payment platforms have been introduced so music lovers are able to pay for music via mobile money and bank cards. As the Home of Music, Boomplay aims to empower the African music eco-system to unlock its full potential.

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company.

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

Despite missing out on the final nomination for the Oscars, the Fisherman’s Diary is once more making news across the country and the world after it was acquired by Netflix.

This latest achievement for the Cameroonian movie had been teased for some time now by its frontline star Kang Quintus, who had intimated something big, will be dropping on March 1.

“After making it to the Oscars list, The Fisherman’s Diary has now become the 1^st Cameroonian Film to be acquired by Netflix. This is big news for the Cameroon Film Industry and a proud moment for all Cameroonians… Many more Cameroon Films to follow,” Kang Quintus wrote.

It has been an unforgettable year for the movie after picking up various awards last year and taking the Cameroonian movie scene by storm. Last year the Fisherman’s Diary was one of the major success stories for the Cameroonian movie industry picking up awards in the country and beyond. At the Golden Movie Awards in Ghana and the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in Nigeria, the Film snapped up 10 awards, adding to awards in Instanbul, Cameroon, and a host of other countries.

And in 2021 the movie picked up from where it left off and was selected for the 93^rd Oscars. Unfortunately, the film did not make the final cut.

 “The Fisherman’s Diary a big thank you to the following artists for all the Amazing Soundtracks in the movie: Ewube, Salatiel, Mr Leo, Awu, Vernyuy Tina, Fhish, Lesline, Belvia and Achuo. Details on when the film will be available on the Netflix platform will be announced soon,” Kang Quintus added.

Speaking about the development, the Executive Producer of the Film, Kang Quintus, excitedly explains, “We are happy to have made history with this film. For us, aside from being a good reward for hard work, this deal grants the opportunity for our content to reach a global audience. Hopefully, this would be the first amongst many, not just for me and the team, but for other Cameroonian filmmakers,” Kang Quintus said in a press release.

In the same press release FilmOne Entertainment Managing Director Moses Baptope said: “The Fisherman’s Diary is our first deal with a Cameroonian filmmaker. We are excited because it aligns with our visions to go beyond Nigeria, becoming a Pan-African brand that projects the best African content to the world. Netflix affords us access to a global audience, and judging by the film’s impact, and its numerous awards, we have little doubt that it will be well received the world over.”

The Cameroon film industry is gradually bringing itself to the forefront of the African movie industry. With constant film releases, and awards won, both nationally and internationally, the Cameroonian public should rest assured that they are very close to taking over in due time, and the Fisherman’s Diary is setting the pace.

An insight into The Fisherman’s Diary

The movie directed by Enah Johnscott and produced by Kang Quintus is a storey of a 12-year-old Ekah (Faith Fidel) who got inspired by Malala Yousalzai, the youngest noble prize winner.

She is determined to go to school in a village of fishermen where it is considered taboo. He drives to break this adage gets her embroiled with her father Solomon (Kang Quintus) experience with girl child education, critiqsite reported.

The film features other actors such as Ramsey Nouah, Onyama Laura, Neba Godwill, Mayohchu, Daphne Njie and Faith Fidel.

About Netflix

Netflix, Inc. is an American over-the-top content platform and production company headquartered in Los Gatos, California. The company’s primary business is a subscription-based streaming service offering online streaming from a library of films and television series, including those produced in-house. In January 2021, Netflix reached 203.7 million subscribers, including 73 million in the United States.

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

Apart from the tremendous improvement in the quality and quantity of films told in Cameroon in particular and Africa at large, there is still a lapse when it comes to the marketing of these films in Cameroon. Most Cameroonians are yet to be exposed to the many films being produced year in year out in Cameroon.

It is for this reason that DavLinks.com is created. Davlinks.com has as its objectives to see into it that the Cameroonian population has access to the many films that are being produced in Cameroon at a minimal cost and in a very convenient way.

Launched on January 20, 2021, DAVLINKS comes in as a movie distribution platform, where Cameroonians can pay and watch top-class Cameroonian films produced in Cameroon by Cameroonian filmmakers.

It is a project of a group of Cameroonians headed by former Biggy237 Housemate and Movie Producer Achiri Victor. It is geared towards solving the problem of movie consumption in Cameroon.

“We call on the entire Cameroonian audience and lovers of Cameroonian culture to rally behind this project to get this particular problem of distribution solved. We can only initiate the idea, but with your help, we can make it big,” a communiqué from DAVLINKS noted.

In the past years in Cameroon, entertainment has been growing at a geometric rate. Filmmaking is one of those facets have gotten a greater share of its growth to, from way back film making in Cameroon has been witnessing remarkable progress in terms of passing the intended message to the audience, better cameras and other filming equipment’s are now used to enhance viewing. Quality is one of the most remarkable areas of growth in the filming profession coupled with professional modes of filming.

How to stream or download movies on DAVLINKS

Go to DAVlinks website (DAVlinks.com); scroll to the preferred movie; select stream (25-XAF) or download (1000XAF) as preferred; select payment method (MTN/ORANGE Mobile Money or Master Card); process transactions; All set, relax and enjoy. These services are also available to the international community.

GOALS

There is nothing we focus more on as a company than the quality of our services, customer happiness and the ease with which we allow our clients to access our services. If you ever have any suggestions on how we can improve, please feel free to let us know!

MISSION

We seek to be the benchmark for Cameroonian movie distributions and exposure of Cameroonian movies to its natives and the world at large and also to Bring filmmakers and movie lovers together with a vision to reach 5 million subscribers in five years.

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

Picking up from where it left behind in 2020, Cameroonian movie The Fisherman’s Diary is going full steam ahead in 2021. The movie fronted by Kang Quintus and Faith Fidel and Directed by Enah Johnscott has been accepted to represent Cameroon at the 93^rd edition of the Oscars.

“The movie becomes the 1^st ever Cameroon film to achieve this milestone. Thank you to the Cameroon Oscars committee and CFI,” Kang Quintus posted.

“It is a statement that the Cameroonian film industry is doing a lot of work. We have stepped up the game a little bit and it is quite a humble experience that the Fisherman’s Diary is the first-ever Cameroonian film to be accepted into the Oscars to represent Cameroon,” Kang Quintus told Pan African Visions in a telephone interview. 

“I am very humble and it tells us that whatever we are doing here we are doing the right thing and a lot of work is to be done. I can tell you that this is the beginning of many great films as we are heading to August and we are open to partway for that to be possible.”

With the Fisherman’s Diary already making headways, Kang Quintus is already envisaging the production of a new movie before the year ends. “The Fisherman’s Diary is the beginning of many films to come from Kang Quintus Films,” Kang Quintus said.

“As soon as we are done with the marketing and distribution of this film we are getting to preproduction for the next film and all of that is in the pipeline. We have to put all energy behind the Fisherman’s Diary right now because it has to get all the attention it deserves.”

“There are many awards that we have submitted this film to and as soon as the good news comes in we are going to make it public,” Kang Quintus, the Best actor of the 2020 Golden Movie Awards said. 

Last year the Fisherman’s Diary was one of the major success stories for the Cameroonian movie industry picking up awards in the country and beyond. At the Golden Movie Awards in Ghana and the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in Nigeria, the Film snapped up 10 awards, adding to awards in Instanbul, Cameroon, and a host of other countries.

An insight into The Fisherman’s Diary

The movie directed by Enah Johnscott and produced by Kang Quintus is a storey of a 12-year-old Ekah (Faith Fidel) who got inspired by Malala Yousalzai, the youngest noble prize winner.

She is determined to go to school in a village of fishermen where it is considered as taboo. He drives to break this adage gets her embroiled with her father Solomon (Kang Quintus) experience with girl child education, critiqsite reported.

The film features other actors such as Ramses Nouah, Onyama Laura, Neba Godwill, Mayohchu and Daphne Njie.

The film has won best film in India and New York, picking up Best director, best film, best soundtrack and best production nominations at the prestigious PAMA in Paris, France.

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

Cameroonian movie The Fisherman’s Diary has received fifteen (15) nominations at the Ghana Golden Movie Awards. This is a record that The Fisherman’s Diary has been able to set as no film from Cameroon has been able to get that at an international festival.

“We have had 61 festival selections so far in 29 countries internationally. Recently, we became the first film to win 6 awards at the Festiva Ecrans Noirs in Yaounde. It is a sign to say we have a product that does not only cut across Cameroonians but cuts across the national boundaries,” Kang Quintus told Pan African Visions.

“We have made waves in 29 countries and 6 nominations in a festival like that with other great films in Africa and we dominating the entire festival is an honour for not just me but the entire country Cameroon. It tells us that the Cameroonian cinema is there and we are ready to compete with any other country and not just in Africa but the world at large.”

Kang Quintus has been nominated in 2 categories; Best Actor and Best Sound Editor and he say it is a humbling experience. “It tells you that whatever you want to do in life you should do it right. Take your time, make sure that everything is 200 per cent and do not settle for 100 per cent. Shoot for 200 per cent and if you end up with 100 per cent you are still perfect but if you shoot for 100 and end up with 50 per cent it is a failure,” Kang Quintus said, as he continues the national tour of the Fisherman’s Diary.

“It was a lot of time and talent that went into the project and this is just a reflection of hard work that went into the film.”

Faith Fidel, the young actress continues to make headway into the movie industry as she was nominated in three categories. She was nominated under the categories of Best Actress, Most Promising Actor, and Golden Discovery.

Fisherman’s Diary Premiers in Buea/Limbe Back on

Following the killing of six children at Mother Francisca International Bilingual School in Kumba, South West Region of Cameroon on October 24, 2020, the Management of Kang Quintus Films cancelled the premiers of the movie in Buea and Limbe. The premiers were to be held October 30 for Buea and October 31 in Limbe.

Speaking to Kang Quintus he says work is underway to have the movie premiere in Buea and Limbe. “Right now we are currently talking with our sponsors Orange Cameroon, the Ministry of Arts and Culture, and other well-wishers of the project,” He said.

“We are looking at how to reschedule the date probably it might be this week or next week for Buea and Limbe but we are working on it. This decision will be communicated soonest.”  

Complete Nominations

Best Actor – Kang Quintus

Best Actress – Faith Fidel

Best Overall Film – The Fisherman’s Diary

Best Director – Enah Johnscott

Best Cinematographer – Rene Ettat

Best Screenplay – Enah Johnscott and Proxy Buh Melvin

Best supporting Actress – Ndamo Damarise

Best Supporting Actor – Cosson Chinepoh

Best Art Director – Nkanya Nkwai

Most Promising Actor – Faith Fidel

Best Sound Editor – Kang Quintus

Golden Discovery Actor – Faith Fidel

Best Soundtrack – Ewube Official

Best Indigenous Film – The Fisherman’s Diary

Best Editor – Diba J Blerk

About the Fisherman’s Diary

The movie directed by Enah Johnscott and produced by Kang Quintus is a storey of a 12-year-old Ekah (Faith Fidel) who got inspired by Malala Yousalzai, the youngest noble prize winner.

She is determined to go to school in a village of fishermen where it is considered as taboo. He drives to break this adage gets her embroiled with her father Solomon (Kang Quintus) experience with girl child education, critiqsite reported.

The film features other actors such as Ramses Nouah, Onyama Laura, Neba Godwill, Mayohchu and Daphne Njie.

The film has won best film in India and New York, picking up Best director, best film, best soundtrack and best production nominations at the prestigious PAMA in Paris, France.

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

Cameroonian movie The Fisherman’s Diary has won big at the 2020 edition of Ecrans Noirs. The movie picked up 5 awards to add to their numerous awards won in the country and across the globe.

Directed by Enah Johnscott and starring Kang Quintus and Faith Fidel, the film tells the story of a young girl battling to get an education in a society where a girl’s education is forbidden.

Faith Fidel, the lead actress in the movie won Best Actress. She also took home the Special Jury Prize. The Fisherman’s Diary won the Best Screenplay. The movie was voted the winner of the Best Cameroon Film category, while also winning in the Best Central African Film.

Shortly after winning at the Ecrans Noirs, the team from The Fisherman’s Diary in a video were seen presenting their prizes to Cameroon’s Minister of Arts and Culture, Pierre Ismael Bidoung Kpwatt.

This year, the movie has succeeded in winning numerous awards across the world. At the London’s I Will Tell International Festival, Faith Fidel who played Ekah in the Fisherman’s Diary won Best actress in a feature drama. The movies also snapped up the best feature drama at the best feature drama.  

This October, the Fisherman’s Diary succeeded in winning four prizes in Istanbul, Turkey. The best Lead actor went to Kang Quintus. Enah Johnscott won Best Director. In the Best Film category, the Fisherman’s diary came out a winner. The Best Original Score went to the song by Ewube and produced by Blaise B.

What is Fisherman’s Diary?

The movie directed by Enah Johnscott and produced by Kang Quintus is a storey of a 12-year-old Ekah (Faith Fidel) who got inspired by Malala Yousalzai, the youngest noble prize winner.

She is determined to go to school in a village of fishermen where it is considered as taboo. He drives to break this adage gets her embroiled with her father Solomon (Kang Quintus) experience with girl child education, critiqsite reported.

The film features other actors such as Ramses Nouah, Onyama Laura, Neba Godwill, Mayohchu and Daphne Njie.

The film has won best film in India and New York, picking up Best director, best film, best soundtrack and best production nominations at the prestigious PAMA in Paris, France.

By Bakary Ceesay

Omid Wisdom, a prominent Gambian actor cum artiste releases has a new thought provoking single, ‘Gambiano Labaluwo’ or Gambian Lives Matter available in all digital platforms worldwide.

The song  features four  prominent Gambian artistes includes: Og Log, Sparklyn Black, Hussein Dada and Bigg Faa.

In an exclusive interview with Pan African Visions, Wisdom explained the motivation behind the song he said:”We all know there are lots of mishaps going on in the country, such as corruption, high rate maternity deaths illegal fishing in our sea by the Chinese which resulted to shortage of fish in the country”.

He added that: “This is the reason I came up with this song. Telling the duty bearers that Gambian Lives Matter people. Deserve better than the situation we are facing. I recently was in a fire situation and the fire service was nowhere to help me. Had to fight out the fire on my own which thank God I did but I incurred a lot of damages in the process. In fact, taking this moment to say thank you to all my fans and friends that have been reaching out”

He further explained that collaborating with the other artists was smooth, adding that when he explained the concept to them they were delighted and felt the need for a song like this.

“I hope the listeners will see the need to understand the importance of civil education. Not to vote blindly during elections. I hope the listener will aim to understand the state of affairs of the country by acquiring the necessary information on how the country is being governed so the listener, if a citizen of our beautiful Gambia will be proactive in nation building, ” he emphasised.

Future plans

“My future plans involve making more music for the Gambians and the world at large. Making more movies as I also am an actor. To incorporate my entrepreneur activities, and businesses under one umbrella, connected to my music all in the hope of giving Gambians and the world at large entertainment, edutainment as well my participation in socio-conscious advocacy; toward the development of the society. I have an EP, an album and videos lined up. A new movie too. Hopefully as the covid-19 situation becomes less of a problem, I will bless the world with more blessed material. Even if it doesn’t. I will find a way”

Omid Wisdom’s name is not new to the music and entertainment scene in the Gambia. With the most talked about occurrence of 2020, the Corona Pandemic, artistes have contributed their quota in speaking on the subject with Omid Wisdom’s controversial Corona song also on everyone’s radar.

A song that is guaranteed to be on the lips of every Gambian citizen, ‘Gambiano Labaluwo’ urges Gambians to not be quiet concerning the truth that Gambian Lives Matter and directs this concern towards the politicians.

It is a song mention worthy of every Gambian media platform as it touches on the very critical subject matter concerning every Gambian at the moment. The fate of the country, the direction of it’s politics vis a vis it’s citizenry’s well being.

He continues to be one of the most respected artist to grace the Gambian soil with his multitalented display of musical styles, his influence, his relevance crossing boundaries in it’s representation of himself, his fans and the world.

A simple Omid Wisdom in Google’s searchbox opens up more than a surprise box into the work of one stated by vox populi, the people, as the voice of the Gambia. Literally due to his very special and unique sounding voice, mentioned on MTV’s website a few years ago as an “act to watch out for on the global music scene”.

With countless radio friendly hits, MTV features, numerous nominations, outstanding awards, socio-conscious artivism, and a new Gambian/Nollywood produced movie making rounds in various African countries just to name a few.

Below the link of song :

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=jnbeXi5fVcY

By Bakary Ceesay

Stylish golden Sarah Joy, Gambian female singer has slammed music fans with amazing love music video called ‘Du Teey’ featuring the rap star of Bakoteh (BK) Tam-50.

‘Du teey’ harmonics translate from wollof language meaning ‘the love is not today’, capturing the overall sense of footage gave prolong novel story of relationship between two lovers that shared strong love for each other but could not settle together as couple.

It takes courage to love, but pain through love is the purifying fire which those who love generously know.

Speaking to Sarah Joy in an exclusive the singer said she was inspired by people who complained and regret spending lot of time that will later be term as a waste. She said some relationships, some people spend decades together only to realised that they are not meant for each other. At some point they felt is a waste of time, energy and investment. Many instances you see your younger ones settling down which make the whole issue dramatic.

She said that kind of long waiting relationships frustrate both parties involved because is hard to continue life without the person you pictured yourself with, but however sometimes all they need is little motivation and incentives which will either make them stay or leave yet there is a point when you have to give ultimatum to act on.

“Basically the song is to encouraging them to give alternative to the person either to leave or get it official (marriage).”

The song is recorded, mixed and mastered by leading production house in the Gambia, Stylzz Records.  Produced by KAINAWA Beats and shapely video shoot by Ultimate Media.

Already the video geared 4, 081 views on YouTube and still counting the streams. 
Sarah Joy is not only known for her beautiful melody singing but also a TV and radio mogulist who has won the hearts of many follower. She often used her platforms to champion Joy house entertainment/promotion, identified as music advocacy group established with the primary objective of empowering female musicians in the music business.

In same exclusive she added that very soon her team (Joy House Entertainment/ promotion) will embark on the famous Girl Power project which entail a bundle of things but the basic idea aimed at creating opportunity and using music to empower the women.

Below is the link of the music video Du Teey

By Joseph Besong

Stanley Ebai Enow “King Kong” was born on February 8th in Bamenda, North West Cameroon. He hails from Eshobi, Mamfe Central Sub Division. The pride of his origin and tribe influenced him to assume the pseudonym ‘’Bayangi Boy’’.

Stanley grew up in Bafoussam, West of Cameroon, where he owes allegiance. He was raised in a typical Presbyterian family adhering to religious tenets. He became an entertainment enthusiast as a teenager.

After primary school, Stanley Enow’s zest for music and dancing developed significantly. He penned his first lyrics in form two while at GBHS Bafoussam. Massively inspired by Usher and peer influence, he indulged into break dancing. He says ‘’If you weren’t a break dancer, you weren’t cool in school’’. In an interview on Afternoon Express in November 2017, he disclosed his elder brother (Martin) also a sucker for Hip hop music, bought tapes of 2 Pac and Ja Rule which helped to hone his lyrical artistry.

After obtaining his Advanced Level, in 2007, Stanley moved to Douala to pursue University studies. Considering Bafoussam wasn’t showbiz-inclined, Stanley had the conviction the economic heartbeat Douala would be propitious for him to chase his dreams.

He enrolled in the University of Douala to study Business Communication and eventually graduated in 2010.

Exceptionally talented, Stanley became a young highly solicited radio host in Douala. He featured as host on The Groove and Cocktail Hit Parade, two shows with substantial and ardent following. Private radio stations sought after his skills as animator, offering him a huge platform and status.

His knack, unmatched charisma and ability to effortlessly express himself in French and English enabled him to clasp a working relationship with prominent TV host and rapper Tony Nobody. In 2010-2011, Stanley became a regular host for the Hip Hop show ‘’MBOA’’ aired Wednesdays 4pm and rebroadcast on Saturdays 4pm on Canal 2 International. He was also selected to host shows for international artists including Sexion D’Assaut as well as voice-over actor for MTN Group.

Stanley’s relationship with music industry heavyweight Tony Nobody unveiled a new horizon in his life. With unreserved humility, he served as a mentee under Blaxity alongside artist Black La Rue.

In February 2012,he gave an electrifying performance at Sefyu’s concert in Douala. He mounted the stage and chanted the national anthem brandishing Cameroon’s flag. This was the beginning of a positive twist. It was glaring, success was imminent . He was co-host with the MTN caravan at the University Games held in Buea in May 2012.

In an interview, Stanley Enow narrated a scenario which sparked his inspiration for the song ‘Hein pere’ in 2012. He says he was trying to pacify a man who had lost his cool after spending so much time in a queue trying to pay an invoice. He said to the man ‘’what else can you do, hein pere’’. This culminated into the biggest Hip Hop song ever from Cameroon. ‘’Hein pere’ is a song of motivation and hope to the youths in despair. The song was released in March 2013 under Motherland Empire imprint and rapidly earned viral rotation across Cameroon.

I remember Stanley called me saying he’s about to drop a song which was going to change the face of Cameroon’s urban music landscape. And yes! He did.

He declared himself ‘’Cameroon’s Hip Hop Messiah’’ on Facebook and in July 2013, ‘’Hein pere’’ became a chart-topper on Trace Urban. He indulged into merchandise with record-breaking sales of ‘’Hein pere’’ T-shirts and hats.

In December 2013, he won Male Artist of the Year and Urban Artist of the year at Cameroon Academy Awards (SONNAH). In 2014, he won Best Video of the Year 2013 and Trace New Artist of The Year 2013.

He later released ‘’Tumbu Boss’’ video in April 14th 2014 and ‘’Njama njama cow’’.

2014, was a massive breakthrough when he bagged Best New Act at the MTV Africa Music Award in a category comprising Burna Boy, Phyno, Heavy K and Uhuru. He also won Best Newcomer at AFRIMMA 2014, Best Male Central Africa at KORA Awards.

In 2015, he collaborated with Ghanaian superstar Fuse ODG and Olamide on ‘’Black Commando’’, a Guinness ‘’Made of Black’’ ad campaign. He also collaborated with Sarkodie on ‘’Njama Njama cow’’ remix and DJ Neptune on ‘’King Kong’’, shot in Johannesburg. ‘’Work hard (Le pere Noel) ’’ was another phenomenal song released in September 2015. The video was shot in Paris by Max Ngassa. He unleashed ‘’Soldier Like Ma Papa’’ in 2015.

He was invited to the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington DC which was held in September 2015.

In January 2016, he collaborated with Ice Prince on ‘’Yours’’ produced by Sammy Gyang. He collaborated with Locko on ‘’Bounce’’ and on May 9TH he dropped the video with South African rapper AKA without Locko, evoking polemic. From his ‘’Afro Series’’ in prep of his sophomore album, he dropped ‘’Follow me’’.

In July 2016, he collaborated with Biz Ice on ‘’We are Hip Hop’’.

In 2017, Stanley Enow released ‘’Pray’’, ‘’Love Song’’ featuring Claude Ndam and ‘’Adore You’’ featuring Mr Eazi and ‘’Caramel’’ featuring Davido, starring Lagos-based Zimbabwean TV personality Vimbai.

Stanley Enow delivered ‘’Elle est la’’ in March 2018 and ‘’Casanova’’ video in June 2018. He was backlashed for switching to singing, but this seemed to be a new lane for award-winning artist. In September 2018, a massive collabo with Locko and Tzy Panchak was served. It has hoarded 4.7 million views on Youtube.

He churned out ‘’Good day (Fire)’’ on March 15th 2019. ‘’Stanley Vs Enow’, a’ 12-track album in November 2019 followed by a video of ‘’La fete’’.

In January 2020 , ‘’My way’’ was remixed featuring Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnum and Ivorian Ariel Sheney.

Multiple award-winning artist Stanley Enow became UNICEF Goodwill ambassador on August 19th 2020.

He has earned numerous lucrative endorsement deals with reputable brands including Guinness, BICEC, and presently Samsung brand Ambassador.

Stanley is a successful entrepreneur owning Motherland clothing and other businesses. He has created a remarkable impact across Africa and keeps conquering the world.

If you believe and stay focused, you shall definitely thrive.

Get inspired !

By Bakary Ceesay

The Ebro-endorsed Nigerian act is back after the success of “Spaceman 2.0” with two new singles “Tables Turn” and “Gotta” ft. SDaWG

On 14th August 2020 sees Port Harcourt based rapper Kiienka release two singles dubbed “Tables Turn” and “Gotta” featuring SGaWD. It’s been 3 months since we last heard from Kiienka when he debuted “Spaceman 2.0”; a hard-hitting blend of modern-day trap and R&B which quickly secured his spot as an artist to watch in the new wave of African trap music and even a feature on Ebro’s Discovered on Apple Music with his acclaimed single “In The Ends”.

Kiienka comes through with a collection of 2 trap-infused Hip Hop singles, which are both self-produced. His signature deft rap flows inspired by Atlanta style rap, layered psychedelic beats, and speaker-bumping baselines, as well as braggadocio, are all heavily present in both songs as Kiienka repeatedly boasts of his wins pointing out the ones who said he would fail are now his fans.

Tables Turn’ carries Kiienka’s signature trap synths and melodies to let us know how much his life has switched up; “…Tables turn round, Look at me I’m a star now…”. He acknowledges his success expressing his passion and gratitude for the love he is receiving in his music career thus far “…No vvs on my neck but I keep flooding the arena. Shawty make it work and she keep busting all my mental…”

Kiienka’s artistic versatility on “Gotta” is evident with the help of SGaWD and her soul-infused vocals. We feel the passion that drives Kiienka’s everyday grind introducing a hardworking persona aiming to get the bread for his family and friends “…Gotta go get it for all of my G’s, gotta go get it for my family too…”. With honest and relatable lyricism Kiienka circles around daily struggles experienced while securing his bag “…Came out the mud I got dirt on my shoes, These bitches didn’t love me, they said I was broke, Had to go get it by any means, middle finger to all of my foes…”

By Bakary Ceesay

Malian Oumou Sangaré has claimed the No 1 spot on the World Music Charts Europe(link is external) (WMCE) with her album titled Acoustic.

Acoustic rose 13 places after making its entry on the chart at No 14 in July. The offering is essentially an unplugged version of her 2017 release Mogoya. The album was released digitally on 19 June through record label No Format.

“I suggested to Oumou that she record this album after a show in London to celebrate 15 years of No Format,” No Format founder Laurent Bizot said. “At that concert, for the first time, she had agreed to try out this acoustic approach, which is all about letting go. The space it created for her voice was wonderful.”

The Pace Setters, a reissue of Ghanaian band Edikanfo’s 1981 LP, ranks second after its debut on the chart at No 7 in July.

Making its entry at No 4 is The King of Sudanese Jazz by musician Sharhabil Ahmed via the Habibi Funk label. The seven tracks were recorded in the 1960s and feature a mix of rock and roll, funk, surf rock, traditional Sudanese music and Congolese rumba.

Maghreb K7 Club: Synth Raï, Chaoui & Staiif (1985-1997) is another newcomer on the chart ranking at No 7. The album features an impressive compilation of music recorded and produced between 1985 and 1997 by musicians from the Maghreb region in Algeria.

Further down, Santrofi’s Alewa – the No 1 album in July – drops to No 9, while Tamotait by Tuareg band Tamikrest from Mali fell eight positions to No 13. The album was at the top of the chart in June.

At No 17 is Afropentatonism by Nigerien desert blues musician Alhousseini Anivolla and Ethiopian jazz guitarist Girum Mezmur. The pan-African project dropped six places after debuting at No 11 last month.

Nayda! by Bab L’Bluz from Morocco completes the list of African albums on the chart with a debut at No 18. Real World Records says the album features “a new wave of Moroccan artists and musicians taking their cues from local heritage, singing words of freedom in the Moroccan-Arabic dialect of darija (‘nayda’ means both ‘to rise up’ and ‘to party’) and mixing influences as and when.”

The WMCE features albums selected by radio producers and presenters across Europe. The albums are then played for a month on various radio stations, and an official poster is displayed in multiple music stores.

Universal Music Group’s label dedicated to supporting the best in African hip-hop talent and culture across the continent, extends reach into French-speaking Africa.

ABIDJAN, July 24, 2020– Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the further expansion of its Def Jam Africa division into three new markets within French-speaking Africa; Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Cameroon, effective immediately.

Def Jam Africa launched in May 2020, as the first label dedicated to representing the best hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap talent in Africa, and follows the blueprint of the iconic Def Jam Recordings label, which has led and influenced the cutting-edge in hip-hop and urban culture for more than 35 years.

Def Jam Africa will now have additional A&R, marketing and digital resources based within UMG’s offices in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Dakar (Senegal) and Douala (Cameroon), dedicated to discovering hip-hop talent across all French-speaking African markets and will operate under the leadership of Franck Kacou, Directeur Général, Universal Music Africa.

Kacou will work closely with Sipho Dlamini, CEO, Universal Music Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa and Def Jam Africa teams in Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria, to ensure the Def Jam Africa continues to identify and sign the best artist talent from across the entire continent.

The first flagship artist signings to join Def Jam Africa from these countries are highly respected and hugely popular rappers; Tenor (Cameroon), Suspect 95 (Côte d’Ivoire), & Omzo Dollar (Senegal), The trio joins some of Africa’s most influential artists and MC’s already on the label including: Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, Larry Gaaga, Boity, Nadia Nakai, Tellaman, Tshego, Ricky Tyler & Vector.

In making the announcement, Franck Kacou said, “We are excited to launch Def Jam Africa in Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Cameroon with three of Africa’s most exciting hip-hop artists; Tenor, Suspect 95 and Omzo Dollar. There is a wealth of domestic hip-hop talent here and in the surrounding countries, that has the potential to transcend language and geographical boundaries to appeal to audiences throughout Africa, France and beyond. I look forward to working alongside Sipho to expand our community of artists across the continent, and to help elevate hip-hop from Africa to new heights.

Jeff Harleston, interim Chairman & CEO, Def Jam Recordings said, “The reaction to the recent launch of Def Jam Africa showed the weight and respect that the Def Jam name and brand carries globally. We are excited to welcome these new markets to the Def Jam Family. It provides an important opportunity for audiences worldwide to discover the incredibly talented hip-hop artists emerging throughout the continent.”

Olivier Nusse, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music France said, “African hip-hop is one of the most exciting movements in music today. In recent years we have seen an increase in its popularity in France, but the appetite for African hip-hop continues to grow amongst audiences around the world. We are excited to further expand Def Jam Africa into Cameroon, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, and for these incredible artists to help build Def Jam Africa into the authentic and collaborative home of hip-hop across all of Africa.”

New tracks from Suspect 95 – ‘Merc*On’; Tenor – ‘Ce Que Je Veux’ and Omzo Dollar – ‘Dictature 1’ are released today on Def Jam Africa.

Click HERE to download artist images and label assets.

About Def Jam Recordings

Founded in 1984, Def Jam Recordings has represented the cutting-edge in hip-hop music for more than 35 years. Def Jam began as a maverick independent label inspired by downtown New York City’s vibrant street culture and the emerging sound of hip-hop, pioneered by iconic stars like LL Cool J, Slick Rick, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. Over the following two decades, Def Jam established its dominance with superstar acts like Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, Method Man & Redman, Ludacris, Rihanna, Jeezy, and the inimitable Kanye West. Now in its fourth decade, Def Jam’s music and lifestyle has grown into a global brand – synonymous with creativity, quality and authenticity – encompassing a diverse roster of marquee and emerging stars like West, Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara, Logic, Pusha T, Jadakiss, Vince Staples, Jeremih, Big Sean, YG, 2 Chainz, Dave East, and Jhene Aiko, among others. Today, Def Jam has reaffirmed its passion for and commitment to hip-hop culture and has expanded its global brand reach to become the most-followed major label on all major social media platforms.

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company.

Def Jam Africa artists on social media

Tenor https://www.instagram.com/tenorofficiel/?hl=fr

Suspect 95 https://www.instagram.com/suspect95_/?hl=fr

Omzo Dollar https://www.instagram.com/omzodollar/?hl=fr

Cassper Nyovest https://www.instagram.com/casspernyovest/?hl=en

Nasty C https://www.instagram.com/nasty_csa/?hl=en

Boity https://www.instagram.com/boity/?hl=en

Nadia Nakai https://www.instagram.com/nadianakai/?hl=en

Vector https://www.instagram.com/vectorthaviper/?hl=en

Larry Gaaga https://www.instagram.com/larrygaaga/?hl=en

Tellaman https://www.instagram.com/tellamanofficial/?hl=en

Tshego https://www.instagram.com/tshego_worldwide/?hl=en

Ricky Tyler https://www.instagram.com/rickytylershow/?hl=en

www.defjam.africa

By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma

Sierra Leone’s Independent Police Complaint Board (IPCB)  has in a press statement on Monday said they have commenced preliminary investigations over the alleged shooting by security forces resulting in the killing of five people during a protest on Friday 19th July  in Makeni , Northern Sierra Leone.

 Residents in the Northern part of the country were protesting against the relocation of 1.65 megawatts thermal standby generator from the city, to temporarily service the airport town of Lungi when Police opened fire on protesters.

 The IPCB in a  release  stated they were initiating the investigations on its own pursuant to Regulations 9 of the said regulation with a view to determining the conduct of the SLP personnel involved.

“The  attention of the Independent Police Complaint Board (IPCB)  has been drawn to fracas between some residents of Makeni City and security forces ,including personnel of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) allegedly resulting in the discharge of fire arms killing five (5) members of the civil populace and some others severely left wounded on Saturday 18^th July , 2020 in Makeni City , Bombali District, ‘’the IPCB release stated.

According to IPCB, it was  reported that some residents took to the streets to protest against an attempt by the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to temporarily relocate a 1.65Mega Watts Thermal generator to Lungi Town in Portloko district.

“As provided for under Regulation 3(1) (c) of the IPCB Regulations, 2013 the IPCB is mandated to investigate among others ,”a shooting incident where a police officer has discharged  a fire arm or killed a person’’

IPCB however assured the public that they  will be informed of any development on the matter.

Mean while many civil society organisations ,rights groups and social movements have condemned  the heavy handedness of the security forces and thus calling for an independent investigation into the incident in the northern part of the country.

 Network Movement for Justice and Development  (NMJD)  on Tuesday said in a statement that it strongly condemned the killing of civilians in Makeni and called for an immediate impartial investigation.

“Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) strongly condemns the recent killings of protesting civilians in the northern headquarter town of Makeni allegedly by the Sierra Leone Police . we are deeply disappointed by the alleged use of live bullets by the Sierra Leone Police to disperse unarmed civilian protesters . This action was uncalled for and could have been avoided,’’ NMJD said in a statement.

Director of Communications Renaissance Movement,  Makmid Kamara,  in an interview on local television Africa Young Voices expressed sympathy to the families and victims and called for accountability for the unlawful killings of compatriots urging the government for an immediate and independent investigations into the incident.

“As a movement we condemned all forms of violence and urged the young people across the country to channel their grievances to the relevant authorities in a peaceful and non-violent manner ,’’he said

Renowned human rights lawyer , Augustine Sorie -Sengbe Marrah wrote on his twitter “ There’s nothing wrong with removing standby generator from one place to another . what is unlawful and un justified is to shoot and kill those who protest such move (even if the protest is unreasonable ). What is also wrong is the Bar Association silent mode when compatriots are wasted….’’

However, government has called for calm and expressed sympathy for the lives loss and injuries that resulted in the Makeni saga.

The King of “Talk and Do” has the prime objective of winning the competition and giving back to his community.

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

The inaugural version of a reality show termed “Biggy237” is set to hit TV screens across the country this August 1, 2020. Biggy237 was set to begin in January 2020, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was pushed forward.

61 contestants from across the country are set to enter the inaugural show. One of the contestants set to thrill viewers is Makoge Collins, Biggy contestant No.18. A graduate from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, 25-year-old Makoge Collins was born in Kumba, into a family of six children, being the last child, is a journalist at HiTV Cameroon, a sales representative at Colgate-Palmolive Distribution Company.

In an exclusive interview with Pan African Visions Cameroon correspondent this July 13, 2020, the self-styled king of “Talk and Do” say through Biggy 237 he intends to be one of the best Cameroonian entertainment journalists and also plan to become a creative Director.

PAV: How did you get involved in Biggy 237?

Makoge Collins: I saw the ad on Facebook but I was not interested because I was like it is another competition in Cameroon that things will go sideways. When it comes to competitions in Cameroon they always give it to the wrong persons, focusing on like, votes, and shares which for me is not a good way to say somebody merits an award. I was persuaded by my friend to go in for it, and I sat I thought what do I have to lose if go in for it? I did an audition video and send, and everything just exploded from there. With time, I knew that I needed the exposure, for people to see what I can do, and to see entertainment at its core.

PAV: What are some of the tasks you have been able to achieve so far?

Makoge Collins: We had four tasks that were presented and voted on. The first task was selling our location since as I am from Buea I sold it to tourists to make them interested to come to Buea. We had other tasks like how will you protect the environment; show how you care about your family and do an advert. All these things were very easy for me because it is something I love doing. It was a fun exercise.

They (organizers) told us that the winners will get a prize or something as it was based on votes and likes. There were many contestants whose tasks were not good at all based on quality and content. The panel knew that but since the contestants were popular hey had more views, likes and shares and votes because they could afford it. That is the only issue I faced with the assigned tasks.

PAV: What makes you stand out from the other 60 contestants competing?

Makoge Collins: What you see is what you get. I will not go there and be fake but I am going to be myself. I am confident and if I know I can’t do something I say it. With me Collins I am the king of talk and do. Even if it means I might fail or not always the winner it won’t stop me because I will work hard next time so I do better. I will not let anything stand in my way, I am a fighter. It is all about impressing people, creating awareness of what I can do. Many contestants will be like I can do this and that but with what I have seen, not all can do what they say they can do. What I see is just a brand but it is empty, it does not come with a package.

PAV: So what is your ambition?

Makoge Collins: I want to be one of the best entertainment journalists in Cameroon. With this (Biggy 237), it will give me great exposure. I also intend to become a creative Director. I like coming up with unique ideas, something different because with entertainment or fashion, unique or something different stands out more. I intend owning a business as it is my plan B. Apart from journalism, I want to be a great business person because have that mindset.

PAV: What are your telling your supporters and fans?

Makoge Collins: I am telling them that that thank you very much for standing by Collins, for being on this journey, for the push, for believing in me even when I did not fully believe in myself because what they tell me I feel like I can do more. I want to do more, not just for myself, my family but for them. If I end up winning, it is not just for me because it is always good to give back to society. I will make sure that they get a token of my prize, it might not be much but just to say thank you. I want to make them know that they are under the right flag, they are supporting the right person and we are going to fight till the end.

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

The Cameroon Film Industry (CFI), a platform of film stakeholders in Cameroon with representatives from the producers, directors, actors, technicians, and writers’ guilds have called for a revision of the draft law on cultural and artistic associations tabled before parliament on June 29, 2020.

The members amongst other things made it categorically clear that the draft law greatly ignores the bicultural nature of Cameroon enshrined in the preamble of our constitution. To them it is reflected in the fact that the law does not take into consideration the organizational differences that exists in the two cultural systems of Cameroon.

“The law is unconstitutional because it raises a lot of conflict with other laws, Takum Fred Che, Financial Secretary of CFI said. “You cannot take a situation where the 1990 Laws that have guaranteed that Associations can be created at the grassroot level bringing it to the people. But this draft is centralizing the whole thing back to the Minister of culture.”

He added: “You have to procedurally suffer and even have to do a lot of documentation to make sure your application move from the sub divisional level to divisional, regional, and national level. It makes the Minister the only person to accredit and authorize the existence of federation. This totally goes against the 1990 liberal laws.”

The members further indicated that the law makes room for just a single federation totally taking away the freedom to form one which makes the draft unconstitutional. “The law is also practically difficult to apply because finally it is unclear if associations shall be under the management and control of MINAC or MINAT, thus creating a fertile ground for conflict of functions, responsibilities, and powers,” a concept note from CFI noted.

CFI which is a major stakeholder in the film sector of the country according to officials were and are being ignored and sidelined in the drafting of the law. The law to the officials does not have what it takes to harness, nurture and maximize their potentials.

CFI added: “The September 22, 1979, law which is used as base is misrepresented in the present law because whereas the 1979 law was intelligent enough to know that cultural groups and artistic groups cannot be governed under the same law, this one erroneously thinks they are the same. While the 1979 law uses the terms, “company,” “union,” and “guilds” to distinguish the appellations used depending on the area of competence, this drafts attempts to use them as hierarchical structures that are directly related and dependent.”

Proposing solution to the draft law on cultural and artistic Associations in Cameroon, the members of CFI said a clear distinction between cultural groups and artistic groups had to be made, with specific laws elaborated for each to ensure their smooth functioning. 

“Artistic groups should be governed by internationally established rules that respect and know guilds as agglomerations of common interest,” CFI said. “A confederation of federations representing our bicultural nature should be established in the artistic groups with equal representation.”

The draft bill has however been adopted leading CFI, and other stakeholders involve grappling with the fallout of the “bad” bill as stated by some officials.

The bill according to the Minster of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji is one that is going to make the industry more profit and make it closer to their minister than how it was before.

By Bakary Ceesay

Awards winning Italian based Gambian prominent DJ People’s Choice, cum artiste has released his debut  song called ‘Kumpo’ available in all digital platforms.

It is recorded at Atomizer Records available in YouTube and Spotify. Kumpo is a Senegambia cultural traditional masquerade blend with African cultural and historical backgrounds in Mandinka language with house music making waves international. 

He is been the first person to blend house music and Afro-House in a African grand style which is well-known and accepted across the globe in live music scene.

DJ People’s Choice said he is currently on another song in the studio entitled ‘Manneh’  aim at blend the African tradition with house music.

“I am determined to sells our African culture to West to know that our culture is beautiful so that it can be an inter cultural exchange, dialogue and diversity across the globe,” he added.

He has colloborated with Gambia’s finest artiste ENC, in a song and Joe Nevix, a vateran music producer making waves across the globe.

Open for colloboration

The young determined DJ cum artiste calls on all artistes, Djs and promoters to come on board and work for the betterment of the industry across the globe.

He called on all Gambians and non to come and work with him. 

Below the link of song:https://youtu.be/DL2TezW1soA

SyncFloor, the commercial music marketplace, is announcing its partnership with Mavin Records, bringing the label’s catalog to more potential sync buyers via syncfloor.com and its newly launched Mavin Records SyncSite. SyncFloor’s SyncSites allow its rights holder partners to surface a sync-oriented website that presents thematic, customized blocks of tracks and allows potential users to search for and find tracks from within the partner’s one-stop catalog, using natural language and cultural references.

“Afropop is golden, and Mavin Records is a powerhouse of African talent,” explains SyncFloor CEO Kirt Debique. “We are honored to get their beautiful music in front of production professionals worldwide.”

SyncFloor recently launched its commercial marketplace, along with a sister site SongsForPodcasters. Mavin’s one-stop catalog will also be featured in the podcast focused marketplace, making their infectious sounds and rhythmic vibrations accessible to the growing podcast phenomenon.

“SyncFloor’s groundbreaking service promises immense access, making them fitting partners to expand our dealings in commercial music licensing,” says Oghenejobo P. Tega, Chief Operating Officer, Mavin Records, “Over time, Afrobeats, and African culture, in general, have converted audiences across the globe with massive moments. We’re glad to offer our vast catalogue to brands and platforms looking to tell global stories in film and digital content.”

About SyncFloor

SyncFloor is a revolutionary new marketplace designed to unleash the full potential of music in commerce. We are revolutionizing music licensing, from music discovery through license clearance, for advertisements, film, TV, video games, and more. 

About SongsForPodcasters

SongsForPodcasters is a marketplace of commercial music to be used in podcasts of all types.  Built on the SyncFloor platform, SongsForPodcasters simplifies the discovery and licensing of music for podcast creators and producers through customized discovery, pricing, and licensing workflows.

About Mavin Records

Mavin Records was founded in 2012 by legendary Afrobeats producer, Don Jazzy, and produced some of the definitive music and artists such as Wande Cole, Tiwa Savage, and Reekado Banks. Currently, its roster spans a variety of genres with artists including Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Di’ja, D’Prince, Dr. SID, LadiPoe, DNA, Rema, Crayon and DJ Big N. Today, Mavin is a community of amazing people dedicated to creativity, innovation and breaking new frontiers.

By Bakary Ceesay

German-based Sierra-Leone Praise/worship leader Cyrus Richard Togba,  popularly known as Cyrus Richie has released his anticipated new single “Miracle God,” along with an accompanying lyric video.

Celebrating God’s faithfulness,  Cyrus Richie taps into his African root for this groovy mid-tempo with Afropop/Highlife influences, creating the mood for a light dance. The soul-lifting track features Stella, a Nigerian gospel singer, and vocalist based in Germany.

According to Cyrus, ‘Miracle God’ is a song of prayer and testimony of God’s steadfast love in his life over the years. He also added that it is an encouragement to someone to keep their faith and hope in God.

“This song was conceived a few years ago during a trying time in my life. Right from moving into the country newly, to living in a store-house for months, coupled with other challenges, God’s faithfulness remained consistent and steadfast,” said Richie

“God reminded me of how faithful He’s been through the years, with a re-assurance that if He did it before, He will do it again” He Adds “I trusted Him and everything changed.”

‘Miracle God’ is also Cyrus’ special gift to everyone as he commemorates his birthday on (June 28). It’s his second effort this year following “Bow and Worship,” a worship ballad featuring Kalusian which dropped in January.

Cyrus Richie has hinted at working on a new music video due in later this year and announced his debut album coming in 2021.

Produced by Tope Ajayi. “Miracle God” is available to stream and download on all digital platforms including iTunes, Spotify and Boomplay!
Below you listen to the song via YouTube:https://youtu.be/GkDMC7xEm-0

By Bakary Ceesay

ENC, one of the Gambia’s finest dancehall artiste has frown at government decision for not allowing clubs and concert halls to operate during easing the lock down of covid-19 pandemic.

Gambia government has easing the lock down by opening the markets and worship places were allowed to resume last week as normalcy returns in bits before President Barrow extended the state of public emergency to 21 more days last week, which many argued that it is unconditional.

ENC, also a club deejay has strongly urged the government to open  night clubs be reopened after the recent easing of lock down over the coronavirus.

He believed that  that sector too needs to be allowed to operate as many are depending on it for their daily bread.

“If we can go to overcrowded places like markets, local ceremonies, now mosques and churches…what sense does it make if clubs are still on lock? Open our damn clubs and concert halls we matter too and best believe we are essential! Stop sleeping on us,” he said.

However many African countries have given a relief package to their arts and culture sector during the global pandemic, but Gambia arts and culture remains broken during the difficult times with no signs of recovering from the economic losses. 

By Bakary Ceesay

Becoming one of the hottest names in the UK, PA Salieu presents two new singles, “Betty” and “Bang Out”.

Aged 22, young British-Gambian rapper PA Salieu made a name for himself in January 2020 with his track “Frontline” which went viral via the YouTube channel Mixtape Madness.

The track is set to become the anthem of the poorest suburb of Coventry, Birmingham, where the rapper comes from.

After working with several well-known artists such as SL, AMbush and the talented Yussef Dayes, Pa Salieu shares “Betty” and “Bang Out” with its visuals. The two tracks underline his unique style, blending his Gambian roots with the British rap scene.

To go further in Pa Salieu’s universe, listen to his tribute playlist to his African heritage he made for the Black History Month, featuring greats musicians like Amadou & Mariam, Habib Koité, Ismaël Lô or Youssou N’Dour.

By Bakary Ceesay 

Deejay Limbo, Austria based Gambian multiple Award winning  artiste has released a new song called “TOBAL”

Recorded at LMG Studios by Dj Sap and is available in all digital platforms includes ITunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer ,Tik Tok and Amazon.

TOBAL is a wollof word that simply means Ball Juggling. The Song talks about how some ladies are selective about what their partners gets for them. Tobal is a beautiful song that connects Afrobeats to Wollof melodies.

Below you can listen or download the via the link..
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=jGUE7yd0u6A

About: DeeJay Limbo

Deejay Limbo is a dancehall/ reggae artist and songwriter. Born in a small town, Latrikunda-German in a West African country called the Gambia. He has since relocated to Austria where he has been on the music scene since 2011 and has made a name for himself.

Limbo has collaborated with many dancehall/ reggae artists’ such as Jamaican born Jah Vinci and Ghana’s very own Stone Bwoy, and Gambia’s finest Reggae star Rebellion D RECALLER. Limbo once had the opportunity to be signed to G-Note Records, a record label in the United Kingdom, but due to circumstances things didn’t play out the way he envisioned, but he still did not give up.

He had the opportunity to work with some great producers like Hakim from Sunland Music and a former member of ‘The Boys’ group, Jugglerz Records producing hits like ´Smilling Coast´ and Stefario Brown producing hits like ´Mi Gyals Dem Badd and Overdose.

In July 2019, Deejay Limbo Dropped his Biggest Song so Far “Dohi Bandi”, The Song Happened to be the Most Viral internationally by a Gambian Artiste in 2019.

The Video to Song Was Aired on the Prestigious TRACE TV in the AFRIKORA Playlist making him among the First Gambian Artistes to Appear on that Platform. The Video was in the Top 30 Videos for weeks.

Dohi Bandi created the Avenue for Deejay Limbo to embark on his very first European tour and selling out venues in the cities of Stuttgart and Bologna.

In November 2019, he released he Debut EP called “Le Début” which was launched in a grand sold out event at Club Spielplatz in his City of Residence Linz.

Deejay Limbo Made it to the OPEN MIC FESTIVAL’S 2019. Open Mic Festival is the Gambia’s Leading and Biggest Event.

He thereafter won the Wa Sa Halat music awards Gambia  Foreign Based Artist Of The Year Award for 2019

New label group dedicated to supporting the best in African hip-hop talent and culture across the continent

Label launch roster includes some of Africa’s most influential artists and MC’s including: Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, Larry Gaaga, Boity, Nadia Nakai, Tellaman, Tshego, Ricky Tyler & Vector

SANTA MONICA / JOHANNESBURG / LAGOS, May 26, 2020– Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the launch of Def Jam Africa, a new label division within the continent dedicated to representing the best hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap talent in Africa. Def Jam Africa will follow the blueprint of the iconic Def Jam Recordings label, which has led and influenced the cutting-edge in hip-hop and urban culture for more than 35 years.

The label will initially be based in Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria, but will identify and sign artist talent from across the entire continent. It will be supported by dedicated A&R, marketing, creative and digital teams from the UMG teams in both Nigeria and South Africa and will report to Sipho Dlamini, MD, Universal Music Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa.

The label launches with a flagship roster, that includes some of the most influential, successful and followed African talent including: Boity (South Africa), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Larry Gaaga (Nigeria) Nadia Nakai (South Africa), Nasty C (South Africa), Tshego (South Africa), Tellaman (South Africa), Ricky Tyler (South Africa) and Vector (Nigeria).

In making the announcement, Sipho Dlamini said, “Many of us in Africa grew up on music from legendary labels under the UMG umbrella. From Blue Note for jazz fans, to Mercury Records, which was Hugh Masekela’s first US label and Uptown Records, the home of Jodeci and Mary J Blige and many more. For those into hip-hop, no label has such cultural and historic relevance as Def Jam. From Run DMC, to LL Cool J, Disturbing tha Peace, Jay-Z, Big Sean and Kanye West, Def Jam has always been the ultimate destination for hip-hop and urban culture worldwide. It is a historic achievement that we’re now able to bring this iconic label to Africa, to create an authentic and trusted home for those who aspire to be the best in hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap. Together, we will build a new community of artists, that will push the boundaries of hip-hop from Africa, to reach new audiences globally.

Jeff Harleston, interim Chairman & CEO, Def Jam Recordings said, “Def Jam is a globally recognized brand, synonymous with excellence in hip-hop, and we enthusiastically welcome the launch of Def Jam Africa as an opportunity for audiences worldwide to discover the incredibly talented hip-hop artists emerging from across the continent.”

Adam Granite, EVP, Market Development said, “Def Jam has always been a respected mark of hip-hop quality, and the calibre of artists already on the roster, shows that this is a label, truly dedicated to helping the very best rap talent from Africa, reach new audiences on a global level.”

Earlier this year it was announced that South African rapper Nasty C will release his forthcoming album Zulu Man with Some Power in partnership with Def Jam Recordings in the U.S., during Summer, 2020. Other forthcoming releases on Def Jam Africa include singles from: Ricky Tyler, Boity, Nasty C, Tellaman feat. Alpha P, Vector, Cassper Nyovest and Tshego.

About Def Jam Recordings

Founded in 1984, Def Jam Recordings has represented the cutting-edge in hip-hop music for more than 35 years. Def Jam began as a maverick independent label inspired by downtown New York City’s vibrant street culture and the emerging sound of hip-hop, pioneered by iconic stars like LL Cool J, Slick Rick, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. Over the following two decades, Def Jam established its dominance with superstar acts like Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, Method Man & Redman, Ludacris, Rihanna, Jeezy, and the inimitable Kanye West. Now in its fourth decade, Def Jam’s music and lifestyle has grown into a global brand – synonymous with creativity, quality and authenticity – encompassing a diverse roster of marquee and emerging stars like West, Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara, Logic, Pusha T, Jadakiss, Vince Staples, Jeremih, Big Sean, YG, 2 Chainz, Dave East, and Jhene Aiko, among others. Today, Def Jam has reaffirmed its passion for and commitment to hip-hop culture, and has expanded its global brand reach to become the most-followed major label on all major social media platforms.

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. Find out more at: http://www.universalmusic.com.

Def Jam Africa artists on social media

Cassper Nyovest https://www.instagram.com/casspernyovest/?hl=en

Nasty C https://www.instagram.com/nasty_csa/?hl=en

Boity https://www.instagram.com/boity/?hl=en

Nadia Nakai https://www.instagram.com/nadianakai/?hl=en

Vector https://www.instagram.com/vectorthaviper/?hl=en

Larry Gaaga https://www.instagram.com/larrygaaga/?hl=en

Tellaman https://www.instagram.com/tellamanofficial/?hl=en

Tshego https://www.instagram.com/tshego_worldwide/?hl=en

Ricky Tyler https://www.instagram.com/rickytylershow/?hl=en

www.defjam.africa

*Source UMG