Midnight crew in Minneapolis!

Hey people!
Enjoying your summer? You may or may not be aware, but the fabulous Midnight Crew has been touring the US this Spring and Summer, and now they are coming our way. Yes, they are coming to the Midwest.

See details in the poster below:


I plan to be there - what about you??

Enjoy!!

Gospel Music spotlight: Gbenga Owoeye-Wise

I owned Gbenga's first cd. Well, kind of - someone made me a copy and I remember playing it at my house when I had company. It was really popular until one of my "friends" finally stole it. Is it considered stealing if the person who takes the stuff tells you they took it, but have no intention of returning it? Hmmm!!
After I threatened fire and brimstone, and was met was met with no response, I finally went to investigate how to get another copy. I guess my loss was your gain, and I guess, Gbenga's too, because I bought a legitimate copy and now I can tell you where to get yours too.

Bottomline is, his music is that good - for praise or for worship. Back when he released the first cd, it was THE cd - very popular!! Unfortunately though, Mr Wise does not seem to be as prolific as many of his colleagues in terms of output, and its hard to find his stuff on youtube or any of the usual online suspects. In fact, after some intensive digging, this was all I could find to show you:




This song is from his second cd "colorful". It is unfortunate, but he does not seem to have produced anything since that album in 2004.

A little about him:

His name is GBENGA OWOEYE-WISE but he’s called GBENGA WISE by his fans since he came into the mainstream gospel scene in 1992. Gbenga’s musical career began as a praise and worship leader in a local church in Lagos Nigeria called Winners Chapel. He served under the leadership of Bishop David Oyedepo in what is one of the fastest growing churches in the world. Gbenga was a worship leader there for seven years to the congregation of over sixty thousand members. As an up and coming vocalist his fisrt cd was released in 1995 as a dual. He was profoundly involve in church ministries through music and was tenacious in this domain. He joined the House on the Rock Church in Lagos in 1997 as the Praise and Worship leader there. In 2000 he traveled to the United States with group of church members to attend the Potters House in Dallas, Texas (Pastored by Bishop T.D Jakes) to perform at the dedication ceremony of their new auditorium. Gbenga has now made to transition to lving in the U.S. and over the past few years he has ministered in songs many churches through his powerful music. He recently performed at a concert hosted by Bobby Jones on aids awareness in Harlem New York. Gbenga recently won the Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2006 for the Best Gospel Artist.

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Gbenga, despite being out of circulation, still has two great cds out, which are widely available for purchase. African praise 1 was one of the first and most popular praise compilation cds out there. It was released in 2003. The second album colorful was released in 2004. Both are widely available for purchase. You can find them on amazon and I suspect itunes (which I still refuse to use!!), and cdbaby among several other online sources.

You can learn more about him on facebook and on his myspace page.

Enjoy!!

Gospel music spotlight: Sammie Okposo

Sammie Okposo is basically the king of gospel music in Nigeria - no contest. I own all of his albums and jam to them all the time. His albums contain everything from praise, to worship to inspirational, to chillout, to dance music. He sings in a whole bunch of genres too. Just love his music.

About Sammie:

Born in the late sixties, Gospel Artiste Sammie Okposo hails from Delta State, Nigeria. Growing up, Sammie dedicated time to his Church playing Piano for the Choir. His music profession started as a producer in 1995 when he joined the Nigerian Movie Industry as a Sound Track Producer and later ventured into Music Producing. Today, he is credited for producing hits for some of the biggest names in the Nigerian Music Scene.

In 2000, Sammie took Nigerian Gospel Music to another level with the release of his debut album titled Unconditional Love. The hit track off the album “Welu-Welu” gained international popularity. In, 2004 Sammie was invited to Perform at the 2004 Martin Luther King Day and July 4TH Independence day Celebrations respectively in Lagos and has featured prominently in Concerts in all over Nigeria, Africa, Europe and America. Labeled as one of the most electrifying and inspiring voices in Gospel Music, his music has won him not only a wide audience and critical acclaim, but also numerous Awards in appreciation of his work.

1994 — Most Promising Male Artiste (Fame Music Awards)
1997 — Best Sound Track (The Movie Awards- Nigeria)
1998 — Best Sound Track (The Movie Awards- Nigeria)
1999 — Best Sound Track (The Movie Awards- Nigeria)
2000 — Best Sound Track (The Movie Awards-Nigeria)
2001 — Best Gospel Artiste (Amen Awards- Nigeria)
2002 — Best Contemporary Gospel Artiste (Power of Music and Praise Awards)
2002 — Gospel Artiste Of The Year (Power of Music and Praise Awards)
2003 — Best Gospel Male Artiste in Africa Nominee (KORA Awards, South Africa)
2005 — Best Male Contemporary Gospel Artiste in Nigeria (Amen Awards)
2005 — Best Male Gospel Artiste in Africa (KORA Awards, South Africa)
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Yes, he is a much decorated singer. He has had three albums out, and they are all wonderful.

Video from the albums -

Album 1: Welu Welu Reloaded



Album 2: Addicted











Album 3: No more drama








I have to say, great as all his albums are, the second one is my favorite by far. Just a masterpiece, fabulous from beginning to end.

So where can you get his stuff? Lots of places actually.

All three are available on cdbaby, the last two are available for download on amazon and also here in the US. UK buyers can get his music here. I am sure there are numerous other outlets for our UK folk.

You can learn more about him on his website.

Enjoy!

Gospel Music spotlight: Samsong

I have no idea why this singer has never blown up as a gospel artiste in Nigeria. He is a super talented and very creative singer. Anyways, before I analyze the problem, first an introduction:

Samson Uche Mogekwu (Samsong)has been singing since he was eight years old, taking his music more seriously by being part of a group called Praise Creation (PeeCee). The group released their first album in 1996 titled 'Best of Life'. Now Samsong, as a solo artist, has released two albums. His debut album titled 'Count Your Blessings' has done extremely well at home and abroad. He has recently released his second album titled 'World of My Dreams' featuring the hit single 'Bianule' and guest appearances by Styl Plus, Onyeka Onwenu amongst others.

Samsong has received a handful of awards and accolades, including the Psalmist Award. He was nominated as the "Best Gospel Artist" in the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) in New York 2008.

source

Some samples of his music:

Bianule



One love, ft Onyeka Onwenu


Count your blessings


Brighter day




He obviously has a beautiful voice right? Why isn't he well known? I have no idea. So I am connecting you to Samsong's beautiful voice and inspiring music.

You can find out more about him on his Myspace and on his wiki bio here.

His music is available for purchase here for US buyers, and here for UK buyers.

Isn't the amount of talent in the gospel genre amazing?

Ciao.

Gospel music spotlight: Ohemaa Mercy

Sorry for being out of circulation. Been a little under the weather.

So now, a little praise to lift your spirits and mine:

Ghana obviously has one of the most bustling gospel music scenes in West Africa. Their gospel music stars, I have been informed are in some cases as popular as their secular musicians. Today, I am profiling one of my very favorite Ghanaian gospel musicians - Ohemaa Mercy. I just like that her Odin Jesus song. I don't even know what it means so if anyone can put up a translation, it would be most appreciated.

A little more about her found here

No more yakking. Enjoy some uplifting praise from Ghana.


My absolute favorite song from her:













Where can you find her stuff? I have no idea. NONE! I have looked everywhere. Where do you get Ghanaian music online - legit!- in the States? I would like to know too. If anyone has any idea, please let me know and I will spread the information. In the meantime, enjoy her on youtube.

See ya!

Gospel Music Spotlight: from KUSH to Mem'O

Emem Ema, aka Mem'O was the rapper girl in KUSH. She gave the group swagger and an "edge".

So what has she been up to since KUSH?

After her introduction to the music industry with Nigerian gospel music pioneers KUSH, Emem Inyang decided to focus on discovering and developing talent out of a passion for the industry and what it portends. This led to the birth of one of the pioneer Creative Arts Management Company in Nigeria, ONE Integrated Management Co.
She won the first ever British Council, International Young Music Entrepreneur (Nigeria) Award in 2006, was nominated as Young Entrepreneur of the year at the 2007 Future Awards and has been a major contributor to the development of the Nigerian entertainment Industry.
All this is asides the fact that she is a part of the history making, industry defining, Nigerian International group KUSH. Most people know her as Emem Ema but as an artiste, she would rather be known as MemO!

Source

She has also since returned to the studio, and her single "Greenlight" is currently burning up the charts in Nigeria. I will be honest and say that rap is not really my thing - I much prefer ballads. But you can check out her rhyme here. It has a catchy tune and a positive message, so if you like rap.......

Ciao.

Gospel Music Spotlight: from KUSH to TY Bello

The brilliant, quirky, beautiful TY Bello was another member of the defunct KUSH. Her debut solo album was also released in 2007. She has since won several awards for her single "Greenland". In addition to being a brilliant singer, TY Bello is also a photographer, and from what I hear, a pretty good one.











First her music:




And in addition to making good music, she is deep too. The song Ekundayo and its accompanying video is focused on our own Mother Theresa in Nigeria - madam Ekundayo.






And her photography:



I think she is a creative genius!! Absolutely fantastic stuff.

So you can find out more about her on her website here and her cd is available for purchase here

I will update on the other two ex-members of KUSH later this week. They are doing great things too.

See ya!

Gospel Music Spotlight: From KUSH to Lara George

So I had to make the previous post to beam the spotlight on one of Nigeria's most successful, though now defunct gospel groups. Each of the members went solo, and have gone on to have amazing careers.



First up - Lara George. Lara an architect by training, released her debut album, Forever in my heart, in 2007. Her single off the album "Ijoba Orun" was a smash hit, and even non Nigerians who had no idea what the song meant still fell in love with it. Lara sings with passion, zeal, creativity and dexterity . Alright, that was a cheesy description, but homegirl can sing!!!!



In case you were wondering, this is what it means:

Ijoba orun lere onigbagbo o (2ce)
(The kingdom of God/Heaven is the reward of believers)

Ma je n kuna, Baba, mu mi dele o
Ma je n kuna , Baba se, mu mi dele o
(Don’t let me fall by the wayside, father, take me there (Heaven))

Owo ti mo ni ko le mu mi dele o
Moto ti mo ra ko le wa mi dele o
Ore ti mo ni ko le sin mi dele o
Gbogbo Iwe ti mo ri ka ko le gbe mi dele o
(My money, my friends, my cars, my degree/education, lands/houses cannot take me to heaven etc.....)


Ma je n kuna, Baba, mu mi dele o
(Don’t let me fall, father, lead me home)
Kin ma ku s’ajo bi eefin, mu mi dele o
(Let me not evaporate like smoke on this journey, please take me home i plead)
Aye loja orun nile, mu mi dele o
Aye loja , orun nile se, mu mi dele o
(This earth is only a market place, God's kingdom/Heaven is our real home, please take me home)



Mumi dele o (8ce)

Mama a je’n kuna

Ile ayo, ile ogo, ile alafia....
(Home of joy, Home of glory, Home of peace.......Heaven...)

Fig Tree - Lara George


Just a few of my fav. Mrs George songs. In fact, I love the entire cd. When I first got it, I played it over and over until I could sing all the songs by heart.


However, Lara is at it again o. She has a new album due in August, and she has magnanimously allowed us to get a sneak peak. The single is called "Kole baje" and it is slamming!!

Hear it for yourself here.

Oh yes, if you are interested in buying her first cd, its available here


Ciao!

Gospel music spotlight : Infinity

One of my favorite Nigerian gospel acts ever. Looove their music, and their Olori Oko song is one of the most creative I have ever heard - in either secular or spiritual music. These guys are talented, they are creative, they totally rock! I am pretty sure that you have heard of them, but if not, This is Infinity!



Honestly, this song is very deep. Love it sooo much!




I listen to this one on tough days. Just gives so much peace.



Very funky, fun song of praise.



I cannot wait for their next album, as I am sure it will be off the charts like this one is. You can buy the cd here, and the vcd here

Get your praise on people!

Enjoy!

Gospel Music Spotlight : Muyiwa and Riversongz

Remember how we used love Don Moen and Ron Kenoly? If you don't know who they are, you are really young!! We loved them because of the worship environments that they created with live audiences. Even if you were not there, the music was authentic, real, and you felt transported into the LORD's presence! Well, there is a new generation of worship leaders doing the same thing now, and are they amazing or what? Muyiwa Olanrewaju is a Nigerian born, now London based worship leader whose current album "Declaring HIS love" is enjoying a lot of play from me. Anytime I want to enter into worship, I often play "Oh Lord our GOD" one of the songs off the album and I am immediately transported. Its a rich worship experience, and I look forward to being able to attend one of his concerts live one day. I was introduced to his music by one of my Londoner friends. Actually, its not fair, all the fun things happen in London! If anybody knows him, abeg tell him to leave Europe and come sing in America o!!

Alrighty - this is presenting one of the best worship leaders you have never heard of: MUYIWA!!

GOD of Miracles


See Africans jumping on the stage, CHEI!!


Let there be light



Declaring His love - overview of the live worship dvd.




You can listen to more of his music on his myspace page here, find out more about him and his music on his website, or make a purchase from amazon here


ENJOY!!

Gospel Music Spotlight: Rebecca Malope

Hailed as South Africa's most prolific gospel singer, Ms. Malope is the voice of inspiration that has touched many people's lives around the world. An immensely gifted singer and songwriter, she creates music that touches the very core of your soul and transports you spiritually.

I will not attempt to write her biography as Mimi magazine did a beautiful feature on her here

I do leave you with her beautiful melodies though. I hope they bless you as much as they did me (even if I do not speak the language).













There is plenty more of her wonderful music on youtube as well. Where can you buy? Her stuff (some of it anyways) is available here .

Enjoy.

Gospel music spotlight : Midnight Crew

From now on, I will try to consistently put the spotlight on African musicians (especially those who sing gospel) who are doing fantastic things in music. My first choice for this new category is Midnight Crew (formerly known as Clergyman and the Midnight crew). I picked their music because whenever I play that cd in my house, everybodi just dey shake bodi!! They seem to be one of the hottest groups in Nigerian gospel music at the moment. And when they hit London last year, churches (at least the African ones) could not get enough of them. So diafore, without too much yapping, I present Midnight crew.


Igwe: (Language - yoruba and Igbo)





Surulere: (play on the story of the Prodigal son - Language: yoruba)





Kelenume ya (Language: Igbo)





Yin Baba Logo (Language : yoruba)





So Worthy (South African style)





Aren't they fantastic? Please note that this is their second album. You can find their older stuff on youtube under the name Clergyman and the midnight crew.

If you are interested in making a purchase, I can help you out as well. This album can be found on cdbaby here on Myafricanbargains here and you can also find the dvd containing all these lovely videos here

Enjoy!!