Afroziky

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

2013-05-21T08:24:00.003-07:00

Though Ghanaian group R2Bees were the biggest winners at the 2013 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards held in Accra on the 18^thof May, Nigerian sensation Wizkid came out bigger.

R2bees won six awards which included Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Hiplife / Hip Hop Artist of the Year but Wizkid took home the African Artist of the Year accolade.

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

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

The award winners include:

Artist of the Year:
R2Bees
Hiplife

Song of the Year:
Life by R2Bees

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

Highlife Song of the Year:
Odo by R2Bees

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

Gospel Song of the Year:
Nicholas Omane Acheampong

Hip Hop / Hiplife Artist of the Year:
R2Bees

Highlife Artist of the Year:
Afriyie

Gospel Artist of the Year:
Herty Borngreat

African Artist of the Year:
Wizkid

Best Female Vocalist:
Efya

Best Rapper of the Year:
M.anifest

Best Male Vocalist:
Knii Lante

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

Group of the Year:
R2Bees

Best Music Video:
Lonely by Nana Kofi Asihene for CHASE

New Artist of the Year:
Kaakie

Album of the Year:
Something Else by E.L

Song of the Year:
Walaahi by R2Bees

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

2013-05-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2013-05-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2013-05-19T18:28:00.001-07:00

Picture: etoall.se

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

Picture: Billboard.tumblr.com

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

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

2013-05-19T03:19:00.004-07:00

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

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

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

Photos: Prince William ATL

#Fashion #Interview | Style Talk with Valentina Amour

2013-05-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

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

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

2013-05-17T19:43:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

We are eagerly waiting for the first trailer!

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

2013-05-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

2013-05-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2013-05-17T02:28:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

2013-05-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

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

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

2013-05-16T05:56:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

2013-05-15T10:01:00.002-07:00

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

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

All the best guys!

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

2013-05-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

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

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

2013-05-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

Photos: BET/Splitsun

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

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

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

BET Best International Act: Africa

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

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

2013-05-14T06:09:00.001-07:00

Late Elie Cham (R.I.P)

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

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

2013-05-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2013-05-14T03:27:00.001-07:00

Jimmy Gait

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

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

2013-05-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2013-05-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

2013-05-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

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

#Profile #Ghana | Introducing Selasi, Ghanaian Music Genius

2013-05-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

(Photo: Will Power Photography)

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

Click here to connect with Selasi on Facebook

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

Click here to buy Selasi's music on iTunes.

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

Find more info about Selasi on www.selasi.com

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

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

2013-05-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

Wanda Music Baby

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

BREAK IT DOWN

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

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

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

Réseau publicitaire Africain

Publicite Afrique

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

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

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

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

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

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

Viviane: Please be my soldier tonight

(c)  Viviane ft. Movado & Busta Rhymes

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

2013-05-06T14:43:00.002-07:00

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

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

2013-05-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

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

On whether she speaks her mother tongue

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

On how Afrobeat influences her music

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

On her fashion sense

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

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