Gists in Nigeria

Speculation is rife that music icon, 9ice, is on his way to reconciling with estranged wife, Toni Payne. This, if true, is surely going to be the best news to come his angle.
In an industry of high rate divorce and marital disaster, reconciliation is a virgin concept. It was even said Toni spent nights with 9ice and even 9ice's parents were there.
But, I thought they said one of his songs suggested 9ice accused Ruggedman, whom they said introduced him to Toni, of sleeping with her. Well, whichever way things pan out, we would wait and see. But as a fan of this music icon, I can't wait to see him back with his wife. At least I can say, 'for every Frank Edoho, there is a 9ice.

The Nigerian music industry is in the best position at the moment, and the musicians are doing great. Just years ago, when the industry started getting strong, with the likes of Daddy Showkey, Baba Fryo and others, nobody ever thought it would get this wonderful.
The road wasn't smooth. We remember Eedris Abdulkareem and his altercations with 50 Cent. That is by the way. In those days, musicians trekked on the streets on dirty towels, looking hungry and unkempt. Just imagine any Nigerian songster moving on the road with even a cheap car. Impossible.
Aside the financial gratifications, which of course is the most important, what I consider most satisfying is the international recognition the industry has garnered. Nigerian musicians like Faze, Tuface and D'banj have worked with globally recognized and respected artists.
If we need further proof on the growing popularity of the industry, then the fact every Nollywood act wants to sing, and the fact Tuface and D'banj were nominated for the BET award, would come in handy. Even if none of them won it, they would have done us proud.
Hey, J.martins performed at Didier Drogba's wedding in far away France...!!

Wonderful things are really happening to Nigerian artist D'banj. For once, I would lift my write-up from another source
American multiple awards winning artist and producer, Kanye West has today finalized his interest to sign one of Nigeria’s biggest hip-hop artistes, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’Banj & Don Jazzy to his Good Music Entertainment, a production, management and record label outfit. “GOOD” is an acronym for “Getting Out Our Dreams”.

Speaking to D’Banj’s manager, Sunday Are of List Entertainment, he confirmed that there have been talks recently but D’Banj officially signed the contract today. “Yes there have been discussions between the two parties lately. They have been exchanging contracts but now the wait is over, he said.

Surces also revealed that Kanye is interested in working with Don Jazzy. We heard he wants him to produce a song on the collaboration album he is working on with Jay Z.

Don Jazzy tweeted this morning. "Thanks for ur love and prayers always. Now we can hear IDJA (Its Don Jazzy again) from the world's finest Stars. Thanks again, it's Naija"

Dbanj also tweeted this morning. "Just like yesterday myself and my brother did Tongolo. 7yrs later Mo' Hits signs with Good Music. Best birthday gift ever. God thank u"

It is not everyday one gets to meet humble musicians. Some of them are perceived to be arrogant and unfriendly. So it felt like fresh air meeting one with so much smiles. Getting to speak with LastBorn was no easy feat,but at the end it was worth it. Despite his busy schedule, the handsome dude was all smiles.
''I'm sorry I kept you waiting.'' was his unbelievably first statement.With his friendly attitude, anyone could afford to wait longer. But that never stopped me from asking what his teeming fans always wanted to know
''LastBorn. Why the name?Are you the last kid in the family?''
''Funny enough, no.'' he replied,giggling. ''I come from a family of 7, and I am the 6th.You see, when I first gained admission to University of Nigeria Nsukka, I arrived late at my lodge. All my lodge mates were in final year. I was the only one in first year.They all started calling me last born,and it stuck.''
Asking about his background was the next,and he was glad to answer.
''Well,as you know,my name is Otito Jeff.I am in my twenties.I was born and raised here in Enugu.But I'm actually from Orlu,in Imo State.I did Public Administration in UNN...''
Why Public Administration.Why not Music?
''Singing is a talent,'' he cut in, ''I always had that talent at childhood.It has always been in me.''
Indeed,why not?For one who started collabo work since 2000, and performed in lots of shows,even while in Secondary school,it is pretty hard to debate it.
''I did my first song in 2005.Meanwhile,I had worked with Lemar before.I worked with Johny fins on a reply track to SOTI(malaria).We called it anti-malaria.Then with b-stone in Okamsije, and a couple more.I've performed alongside 9ice,2shot,Durella,Psquare,etc.I shot my first video(my angel) in 2007.I also had another thirteen-track album tagged HYPERBIC.
''I'm actually working on my next album.It would be out soon.
''I just returned from Kaduna,where I went on a production.
''You asked earlier why I always smile.Why wouldn't I?Must I be arrogant to be a successful musician?I love being cheerful,and I see nothing changing that.''
So who does LastBorn want to perform with in future?
''If I perform with Keri Hilson and Tray Songs,it wouldn't be a bad idea,would it?But here in Nigeria,without a shadow of doubt, Djinee remains the one.I would love to perform with him someday.''
We expect it to be sooner,than later.

When people achieve success,they show appreciation to the almighty in more ways than one.Some spend time with the needy,a la Julius Agwu.Others help other people learn how to show appreciation.My music idol d'banj comes into this category.Yet again,others show appreciation by self-aggrandizement.Timaya,the self acclaimed Egberi-papa 1 of Bayelsa,comes into this category.
While he could be forgiven,afterall it is never easy for one catapulted so fast from poverty to fame to act normal,it is unforgivable to realise he has no remorse.
Over time,he has spent time broadcasting his wealth,even if they were hugely exaggerated.Fights in night clubs,manhandling of journalists,using his lower region to symbolize what he and his girlfriend did in their privacy while dedicating an award to her,and subsequently beating her up on the open street,only served as a drop of water in the ocean.To him,no other person existed.And,who on earth could afford a Camry 2.2?It was that bad that even his former girlfriend Empress Njamah admitted ''...mum would have died if I married Timaya.''.
While musicians like d'banj mixed entertainment with business acumen,Egberi-papa 1 was busy closing the door on himself.But he never cared.Afterall,to him,no other musician could compete with him in his genre of music.How wrong he was!
Duncan Mighty also had it rough(rumours had it he once worked as a motor park tout in Eleme Junction).But when he came into the music industry,nobody knew.Only his music talked for him.And talk,they did.
Nobody has had it better than Duncan this year.With his album selling as fast as a moving tsunami,he has also managed to settle the small matter of joining(or wanting to join)the Mo'hits Records.With all these,he has remained humble(do not blame his not-so-good looks.Timaya is far worse) and out of the spotlight.Yet the spotlight is looking for him.And Duncan gives glory and expresses appreciation,not to himself,but to God and his fans.I noticed that his track is being used these days on presidential rallies.Recently in Ebonyi state,President Jonathan was so lost in his music that he danced.Even the usually rigid Namadi Sambo couldn't resist a few moves.
As Duncan Mighty continues to wax strong,he knows better than to go the way of Egberi-papa 1.He has,at least,proved that even fame cannot overwhelm the wise,no matter how unexpected!