Everyday, musicians are made. Many come but more go quicker than the lot that came. For a lucky few, their star shines so bright you think it will outlive a single night. Sadly, that’s never the case with these ones. You wait and wait and wait sitting out all night wishing on the star that might never come. Suffice to say their purpose has been achieved because you never forget that there was a star that once shone. By label, they can be termed one-hit wonders but here at TYB, we’re simply wondering what’s happened with these industry acts.
1. AY.COM
Born on November 25, 1985 in Lagos, Nigeria, Ayoola Johnson a.k.a AY.Com established himself as a hip-hop star. He successfully amassed an impressive fan base with the release of Pass Me Your Love reaching as high as number one on the Nigerian Music Charts and later going platinum with millions of downloads online. Many critics praised the work, noting that such tracks showed a more genuine, reflective side to the singer.
2. ORIGINAL STEREOMAN (SAMPLE EKWE)
Niger-Delta born jungle musician, Sunday Osakuni
otherwise known as Original Stereoman Ekwe is a
dance hall artiste and one-time hit-maker groomed
in Ajegunle, a high density suburb in the heart of
Lagos. At a time when local street-pop and the
galala dance dominated the music scene, Sample
Ekwe held sway on the streets, at every garage,
joint or locale who celebrated true African-ness.
Children and even adults would mimic dance
patterns while the song caused a raucous around
town. We heard Ekwe was geared up for the
release of more singles and an album but the last
we heard, was when he was let off charges levied
against him over the murder of his baby mama.
3. JAHBLESS
Owoloye Oluwabukunmi Olatunde aka Jahbless is
yet another act that emerged from the hustling
streets of Lagos. Born Olatunde Owoloye
Olumoroti in the geographic locale of Ondo State,
Nigeria, his years of music experience spans up to
a decade. Jahbless has an outstanding music style
not relative to any other, and with a unique vocal
signature. He became endeared for his creative use
of street vocabs exciting the listener’s senses. His
biggest single Joor Oh released 2009, had
elements of a satirical nature and had a raging
impact on the streets.
4. W4
Even you can agree that this Nigerian superstar
kissed the hustlers’ ambition goodbye that very
moment Kontrol dropped. Wale Adepoju is a
native of Osun, Nigeria. Wale rose from doing
background vocals for celebrated artistes to
featuring them in musical collaborations. He stage
performances dote on his talent’s uniqueness and
soulful nature. W4 believes he can influence the
world positively with his brand of music only
through God-spiration thus, he’s not concerned
with rushing or forcing things in life because
eventually, what is meant to be will surely be.
5. MARVELOUS BENJI
Music label, Kennis Music retains the credit for the
success of Benjamin Ukueja – a Delta State-born
reggae/dance hall crooner and producer otherwise
known as Marvelous Benji. Straight from the ghetto
streets of Ajegunle where he is based, Swo (Brand
New Dance) is the hit single that spurred on local
dance moves like ‘Swo’, ‘Konto’ and ‘Galala’ in the
early millennial era. But when Benjamin thought it
was time to move on up, he burned bridges with
his breakout label company and like the popular
saying goes, the rest is history.
6. FLOWSSICK
He once went by the alias Kid Preddy as a 7-year-
old chap with a budding aspiration for the music
art. Born Aina Abiola to a Christian family, he’s
grown into possessing a venerable nature which is
often expressed via his music. Asides his physical
features, Flowssick boasts of a writing talent in the
hip-hop genre with influences from his elder
brother who he thanks for his foray into music. The
breakout single Lowkey became an impossibly
huge monster hit giving household neighbours
serious earaches. His music is presently been aired
both home and abroad and has a growing fan base
and audience that are both local & international.
7. BIGIANO
Babalola Oluwagbemiga Gabriel aka Bigiano which
is acronym for Born-Irrepressible-Gifted-
Individual-Africa’s-Number-One, is a dance hall
recording artiste. His debut single, Shayo was a
massive hit which gained him awards at the
SoundCity Music Video Awards and a nomination
at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009. There’s was
hearsay sometime in 2012 about a big bang
comeback after his purposeful exit from the
Nigeria music industry. This is 2014 and we’re yet
to know wassup with that.
8. KONGA
Konga’s real names are Lawal Olalekan Olumo
born in the city of Lagos. Growing up in the Ebute
Metta area of Lagos, he found his music silverlining
when his 2003 released single, Baby Konga hit a
viral status. Pretty much every young and youthful
Nigerian especially those from the South West
region had it’s witty lyrics sewed into their hearts
and mouth. Konga has worked with a good number
of Nigerian Artistes both home and abroad. He
featured on a notable number of collabos including
X-Project’s Lori Le.
9. DEKUNLE FUJI
Adekunle Oloyede Michael Olalekan is a graduate
of Theatre Arts, University of Lagos and he hails
from Ipetu Modu in Osun State. Born into a royal
family, his father was one of the former kings in
Ipetu. He launched himself into fuji music with a
fusion of hip-hop that gave him a sought after
status among both the fuji and hip-hop fans in the
secular and gospel music genres. His revered
status birthed an album No Lele with the gospel
hit Mo Like Jesu Gan. ‘Dekunle has never enjoyed
being referred to as a gospel artiste, so when the
career dive plunged, he took solace in being
appointed a Senior Officer with the Nigerian Police
Force. He later moved to the U.S in search of
greener pastures where he got a qualified nurse
certification.
Info has been gathered that ‘Dekunle still takes up
shows in churches and crusades where he gets
paid up to about $5000 (N790000) per
performance.
10. DEEBEE
Adebayo Durojaiye Samuel aka Deebee was born
to the Durojaiye’s somewhere in the Akoka area of
Lagos, Nigeria. Like every other child who had a
choral backgroud, Deebee advanced by teaching
himself how to sing and play instruments. His first
music stint was under veteran producer, ID Cabasa
of Coded Tunez where he experimented his lyrical
and vocal versatility in the afro pop genre. By 2008,
he was ready for mainstream music and he rocked
music stations and joints all over the country with
his Collabo debut – a club banger that earned him
the ‘master’ suffix after the track’s title.
NOTABLES:
By matter of fact, it would be grossly erring to have
put these carefully selected names as part of the
above listed because their contributions in the
industry have been of particular value adding input
to it’s growth. Regardless, for some, it is out
sincere wish that the hands of time could be turned
back to the time when they ruled the streets and
frequency waves with their hits while others, we
pray consistency on their behalf.
1. Chuddy K: The Gaga Crazy crooner who once
defended allegations pertaining to his sexuality
previously had music stints with acapella groups,
one of which included Wande Coal as lead vocalist.
It was this prelude to his debut single released in
2011 that bagged him the award for Best Street Pop
at the 2012 Headies. Chuddy K has maintained
fame with other hits Shampoo, Brazilian Hair,
Rambo and Ima Bom to mention a few.
3. Weird MC: Ogun-native, Adesola Adesimbo
Idowu aka Weird MC gave Nigerian hip-hop a new
status with her Don Jazzy and JJC-produced single,
Ijoya off her second studio album, After Da Storm.
Sola never backed down on her dreams even when
her parents put forth heavy opposition to her
ambitions in the showbusiness.
4. Kel: Remember the chart-topping single, Waa
Wa Alright? Kelechi Ohia a.k.a Kel was the femcee
behind it. Doing an impressive 16bars on a track
wasn’t the only feat she achieved, the cataclysmic
reception her jam got, earned her a couple
nominations and awards for the year her song was
under review… and to think she only got involved
with rap for want of a hobby.
1. AY.COM
Born on November 25, 1985 in Lagos, Nigeria, Ayoola Johnson a.k.a AY.Com established himself as a hip-hop star. He successfully amassed an impressive fan base with the release of Pass Me Your Love reaching as high as number one on the Nigerian Music Charts and later going platinum with millions of downloads online. Many critics praised the work, noting that such tracks showed a more genuine, reflective side to the singer.
2. ORIGINAL STEREOMAN (SAMPLE EKWE)
Niger-Delta born jungle musician, Sunday Osakuni
otherwise known as Original Stereoman Ekwe is a
dance hall artiste and one-time hit-maker groomed
in Ajegunle, a high density suburb in the heart of
Lagos. At a time when local street-pop and the
galala dance dominated the music scene, Sample
Ekwe held sway on the streets, at every garage,
joint or locale who celebrated true African-ness.
Children and even adults would mimic dance
patterns while the song caused a raucous around
town. We heard Ekwe was geared up for the
release of more singles and an album but the last
we heard, was when he was let off charges levied
against him over the murder of his baby mama.
3. JAHBLESS
Owoloye Oluwabukunmi Olatunde aka Jahbless is
yet another act that emerged from the hustling
streets of Lagos. Born Olatunde Owoloye
Olumoroti in the geographic locale of Ondo State,
Nigeria, his years of music experience spans up to
a decade. Jahbless has an outstanding music style
not relative to any other, and with a unique vocal
signature. He became endeared for his creative use
of street vocabs exciting the listener’s senses. His
biggest single Joor Oh released 2009, had
elements of a satirical nature and had a raging
impact on the streets.
4. W4
Even you can agree that this Nigerian superstar
kissed the hustlers’ ambition goodbye that very
moment Kontrol dropped. Wale Adepoju is a
native of Osun, Nigeria. Wale rose from doing
background vocals for celebrated artistes to
featuring them in musical collaborations. He stage
performances dote on his talent’s uniqueness and
soulful nature. W4 believes he can influence the
world positively with his brand of music only
through God-spiration thus, he’s not concerned
with rushing or forcing things in life because
eventually, what is meant to be will surely be.
5. MARVELOUS BENJI
Music label, Kennis Music retains the credit for the
success of Benjamin Ukueja – a Delta State-born
reggae/dance hall crooner and producer otherwise
known as Marvelous Benji. Straight from the ghetto
streets of Ajegunle where he is based, Swo (Brand
New Dance) is the hit single that spurred on local
dance moves like ‘Swo’, ‘Konto’ and ‘Galala’ in the
early millennial era. But when Benjamin thought it
was time to move on up, he burned bridges with
his breakout label company and like the popular
saying goes, the rest is history.
6. FLOWSSICK
He once went by the alias Kid Preddy as a 7-year-
old chap with a budding aspiration for the music
art. Born Aina Abiola to a Christian family, he’s
grown into possessing a venerable nature which is
often expressed via his music. Asides his physical
features, Flowssick boasts of a writing talent in the
hip-hop genre with influences from his elder
brother who he thanks for his foray into music. The
breakout single Lowkey became an impossibly
huge monster hit giving household neighbours
serious earaches. His music is presently been aired
both home and abroad and has a growing fan base
and audience that are both local & international.
7. BIGIANO
Babalola Oluwagbemiga Gabriel aka Bigiano which
is acronym for Born-Irrepressible-Gifted-
Individual-Africa’s-Number-One, is a dance hall
recording artiste. His debut single, Shayo was a
massive hit which gained him awards at the
SoundCity Music Video Awards and a nomination
at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009. There’s was
hearsay sometime in 2012 about a big bang
comeback after his purposeful exit from the
Nigeria music industry. This is 2014 and we’re yet
to know wassup with that.
8. KONGA
Konga’s real names are Lawal Olalekan Olumo
born in the city of Lagos. Growing up in the Ebute
Metta area of Lagos, he found his music silverlining
when his 2003 released single, Baby Konga hit a
viral status. Pretty much every young and youthful
Nigerian especially those from the South West
region had it’s witty lyrics sewed into their hearts
and mouth. Konga has worked with a good number
of Nigerian Artistes both home and abroad. He
featured on a notable number of collabos including
X-Project’s Lori Le.
9. DEKUNLE FUJI
Adekunle Oloyede Michael Olalekan is a graduate
of Theatre Arts, University of Lagos and he hails
from Ipetu Modu in Osun State. Born into a royal
family, his father was one of the former kings in
Ipetu. He launched himself into fuji music with a
fusion of hip-hop that gave him a sought after
status among both the fuji and hip-hop fans in the
secular and gospel music genres. His revered
status birthed an album No Lele with the gospel
hit Mo Like Jesu Gan. ‘Dekunle has never enjoyed
being referred to as a gospel artiste, so when the
career dive plunged, he took solace in being
appointed a Senior Officer with the Nigerian Police
Force. He later moved to the U.S in search of
greener pastures where he got a qualified nurse
certification.
Info has been gathered that ‘Dekunle still takes up
shows in churches and crusades where he gets
paid up to about $5000 (N790000) per
performance.
10. DEEBEE
Adebayo Durojaiye Samuel aka Deebee was born
to the Durojaiye’s somewhere in the Akoka area of
Lagos, Nigeria. Like every other child who had a
choral backgroud, Deebee advanced by teaching
himself how to sing and play instruments. His first
music stint was under veteran producer, ID Cabasa
of Coded Tunez where he experimented his lyrical
and vocal versatility in the afro pop genre. By 2008,
he was ready for mainstream music and he rocked
music stations and joints all over the country with
his Collabo debut – a club banger that earned him
the ‘master’ suffix after the track’s title.
NOTABLES:
By matter of fact, it would be grossly erring to have
put these carefully selected names as part of the
above listed because their contributions in the
industry have been of particular value adding input
to it’s growth. Regardless, for some, it is out
sincere wish that the hands of time could be turned
back to the time when they ruled the streets and
frequency waves with their hits while others, we
pray consistency on their behalf.
1. Chuddy K: The Gaga Crazy crooner who once
defended allegations pertaining to his sexuality
previously had music stints with acapella groups,
one of which included Wande Coal as lead vocalist.
It was this prelude to his debut single released in
2011 that bagged him the award for Best Street Pop
at the 2012 Headies. Chuddy K has maintained
fame with other hits Shampoo, Brazilian Hair,
Rambo and Ima Bom to mention a few.
3. Weird MC: Ogun-native, Adesola Adesimbo
Idowu aka Weird MC gave Nigerian hip-hop a new
status with her Don Jazzy and JJC-produced single,
Ijoya off her second studio album, After Da Storm.
Sola never backed down on her dreams even when
her parents put forth heavy opposition to her
ambitions in the showbusiness.
4. Kel: Remember the chart-topping single, Waa
Wa Alright? Kelechi Ohia a.k.a Kel was the femcee
behind it. Doing an impressive 16bars on a track
wasn’t the only feat she achieved, the cataclysmic
reception her jam got, earned her a couple
nominations and awards for the year her song was
under review… and to think she only got involved
with rap for want of a hobby.
0 Comments: