BANKY W, TEARGAS, FALLY IPUPA, & DADDY OWEN TO ROCK THE MTV AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS WITH ZAIN IN LAGOS

 Change is in the air as MTV and Zain lock down Banky W, Fally Ipupa, Teargas and Daddy Owen to deliver a series of spine-tingling live performances at the upcoming MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain (MAMA). The four artists are the first performers to be announced for the 2010 edition of the Awards, which take place on Saturday 11 December 2010 at the Eko EXPO Hall, Lagos, Nigeria.

Smooth R&B artist Banky W is the first Nigerian artist booked to

perform at this year’s show, while South African outfit Teargas will

be representing the best of South African Hip Hop on their MAMA debut.

 Kenya’s Daddy Owen will make his mark as the first ever Gospel singer to perform at the MAMA Awards, showcasing the unique Gospel vibe that’s successfully made the cross-over into the mainstream music consciousness.  Congolese star Fally Ipupa makes his second appearance at MAMA, after his exciting collaboration with Mozambique’s Lizha James and Uganda’s Blu3 at MAMA 2009 in Kenya. Commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, “Banky W, Teargas, Fally Ipupa and Daddy Owen are all thrilling performers that epitomize the awesome spirit and passion of contemporary African musicians.  Their involvement in this year’s awards is sure to guarantee that 2010 will be the most creatively inspiring and exciting MAMA event so far.” Commented Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Africa, “Music in all its genres or origins strikes a chord with our continent as it provides a platform to express ourselves at each turn in our daily lives. The choice of the performers at the 2010 edition shows an excellent choice of musicians with a wide appeal in the continent." The “crown prince” of African R&B, Banky W is the stage name of Olubankole Wellington, whose ultra-smooth voice, writing and production skills and uncanny showmanship and dance skills have catapulted him into the contemporary music spotlight.  

Charismatic South African Hip Hop trio Teargas is made up of Ntokozo “K.O.” Mdluli and two brothers: Ezee “Ma-E” Hanabe and Bantu “Ntukza” Hanabe.  Five years after their critically-acclaimed debut album “K’shubile K’bovu”, Teargas is riding high on the success of their

third album “Dark Or Blue”, which was released at the end of 2009, spawning a host of hit singles including “Go Away”, “Party 101” and “Mhlobo Wami” and winning them Best Rap Album at the 2010 South African Music Awards.

Bringing his uplifting, Gospel-fusion sound to MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain, Daddy Owen is the self-appointed creator of “Kapungala“ - a jubilant mash-up of Gospel with Kenyan genres Kapuka and Lingala. Daddy Owen has already enjoyed an amazing 2010, receiving massive  radio airplay for hit tracks Tobina and Kiriro, and sweeping the boards at the 2010 Groove Awards, East Africa’s annual celebration of Gospel music, where he took home gongs for Male Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year (“System ya Kapungala”), Video of the Year (“Kiriro”), Central Song of the Year and Collabo of the Year (“Kiriro” – Daddy Owen ft Allan Aaron & Kerah).

Fally Ipupa, nicknamed “Dicap La Merveille” (DiCaprio the marvellous) by his Congolese fans, is riding high as one of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s most successful music exports.  A silky-smooth voice, skilful songwriting skills and a larger–than-life personality that have made Ipupa a hit in Africa and on the international music scene, reaching the hearts of many with his infectious blend of soukous, ndombolo, pop and R&B.

Known for its awe-inspiring staging, exhilarating music and gripping

musical collaborations, the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain was

created in 2008 to recognise and reward Africa’s finest contemporary

musicians.  Past winners have included Amani (BEST FEMALE 2009),

Nameless (BEST MALE/LISTENER’S CHOICE 2009), Samini (BEST PERFORMER

2009), P Square (BEST GROUP 2009), Zebra & Giraffe (BEST ALTERNATIVE

ACT 2009), M.I. (BEST HIP HOP/BEST NEW ACT 2009), 2FACE (BEST R&B),

D’BANJ (ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2008/2009), HHP (BEST VIDEO 2009) and LUCKY

DUBE (MAMA LEGEND 2009).

YINKA DAVIES, JEFFERY DANIEL, AUDU MAIKORI TO TRAIN NIGERIA’S NEXT SUPERSTAR …..As Nigerian Idol kick off

As the biggest music talent show ever to hit Nigeria is set to kick
off, it has been revealed that Multitalented entertainer Yinka Davies,
CEO of Chocolate City (Nigeria’s fastest rising record label) Audu
Maikori and American dancer and singer Jeffery Daniel will be judges
for the first ever Nigerian Idol.

These music enthusiasts tactically selected from different fields in
the music industry will be responsible for judging and critiquing the
performances of the contestants right from auditions to show proper.
Apart from evaluating their performances they will also be advising
them on how to make their performances better.

At a media launch held in Lagos early this week, CEO Optima Media
Group Rotimi Pedro stated “Judging is a critical part of Idols, and as
the format states, a record producer, Music director, Music Company
executive, Vocal coach, casting director, Radio DJ, Songwriter, Music
journalist or Artist Manager can be saddled with these duties, and
that’s what we have done.
Idol judges since inception have been known to give accurate and
sometimes stinging appraisals on the performances of the contestants;
creating intrigues and drama for home entertainment, while helping the
talents be the best they can bemost cases, their evaluation of these performances has tilted public opinion. Most Nigerians are familiar with Idol Judges like
Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Ellen DeGeneres, Pete Waterman, Nicki
Chapman and Neil “DR” Fox.
Usually Idols has three judges (as in the US version) or four (in the
European version). For the first time ever, Maikori, Daniel and Davies
will take up positions as judges of Nigerian Idol and play their
trusted role in commenting on the performances of this year’s
contestants while helping the wannabes be the best they can be.
The show will hosted by Yemisi Fajimolu (a.k.a Misi), an On Air
personality with a Lagos based radio station.

Originally referred to as Pop Idol, Idols debuted on British TV in
October 2001. It was initially aimed at discovering the best new pop
singer in the United Kingdom, but over the years, it has grown to
become an international franchise with many now excluding “Pop” from
the title.

Nigerian Idol will kick off with Auditions in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu andCalabar with Misi taking TV audiences through the show episode by
episode. “I am so excited about this, it is a dream come true for me,
and I can’t wait to start on this project” she says
Applications for Idols are available for talented singers between 16
and 28, after which a list of 50 contestants who will be given tasks
to prove themselves as Nigeria’s singing Idol will be selected.
Audition first appeared on the official website www.nigerianidol.com
on July 2, 2010

Meanwhile, we can now confirm reliably, that the lead sponsors for
Nigerian Idol is telecoms company Etisalat. Confirming Etisalat’s
partnership with Idols, Chief Commercial Officer Wael Ammar says “From
the onset we have assured our consumers that we intend not only to be
their preferred telecoms operator but also their partner for life. Our
desire is to enable them achieve their dreams and aspirations. The
sponsorship of Nigerian Idol is one of the many ways we choose to
empower the youth of our nation.”

PROJECT FAME: WHO WEARS THE CROWN?

It has been an exciting three months of MTN Project Fame West Africa performances but like the saying goes “all good things must come to an end”. It just seems like yesterday when the contestants came into the Academy with raw talent and determination. Over the following weeks, the Faculty polished their rough edges and has successfully refined them into quality performing artistes.

This weekend marks the end of the third season of Project Fame and the question on everyone’s lips is who is going to be the winner of this season’s competition. It has never been eas predicting winners since the show kicked off in 2008, and this season has even proved more difficult, churning out some of the finest contestants thereby making the art of prediction quite a complicated science.

From the surface, most folks are tipping the Ghanaian wonder boy Kesse to become the first non-Nigerian to win. His soulful and passionate performances have never failed to bring down the house, praise from both the judges and members of the faculty. At an early part of the show he was seen as the runaway winner but lately petite bombshell Chidinma from Lagos has been giving him Kesse a run for his money. Chidinma has blossomed from the girl who lacked confidence into a sassy and bold diva. In the past few weeks she has commanded standing ovations and commendation from the likes of Onyeka Onwenu and Cobhams. If an upset is to be made, it could come from Chidinma who has proven that she can fight tough with the boys.

But let’s not be too quick in jumping the gun, Tolu whose voice melts the coldest of hearts and who has rediscovered his form might just pull enough votes to win the top prize. Tolu has shown that he is more than capable. His original composition, Arewa was one of the crowd favourites if that is anything to go by. But Ochuko and Eyo won’t just be folding their arms and allow the others to have all the fun. Ochuko has steadily proven himself to be a mature performer while Eyo has revealed layers of depth in his craft after toning down on his theatrics.

Before the die is cast, let’s not forget that Yetunde is still a force to reckon with. She has proven to be the dark horse in this race and at the last minute might have a lot of votes swing her way. One thing for sure is that an upset is likely to occur. Don’t be told about it, watch it as it unfolds.       

  The winner of this year’s PF will be going home with N2.5M, a brand new Toyota RAV4 and a recording contract. The 1^st runner up is set to win home with N1.5M and a Toyota Corolla while the 2^nd runner up will win N1M and a Toyota Yaris. The 3^rd runner up will end up with N1m

PROJECT FAME CONTESTANTS TO SING WITH STARS

This weekend, the last six contestants in the third season of MTN Project Fame West Africa will have the rare opportunity to collaborate with some of Nigeria’s biggest pop stars.
As the talent competition reaches the final stage, there would be no more elimination rounds only performance nights which will serve as a platform for the contestants to fine tune their stage craft and convince the voting public that they have what it takes to be this season’s winner. With that in mind, performing a duet with some of Nigeria’s brightest recording artistes will be a step towards the right direction. It’s certain that this weekend’s performances will be a roller coaster. Omo Ibadan, Yetunde and Weird MC will be on stage hit to perform the smash hit Ijo Ya. Contemporary highlife sensation J. Martins is paired with Ochuko and together they will be performing If You Believe. Tolu will be singing Love Truly with first winner of  Project Fame, Iyanya. Hip Hop World Award winner, Kefee and the petite bombshell, Chidinma will sing one of the biggest hits of last year, Kokoroko. The Ghanaian boy wonder Kesse will perform Don Blow with Timaya while eLDee and Eyo will sing the pop number Big Boy. The line-up on paper looks amazing and one can only wonder and imagine what is going to happen this Saturday. It is most certain that this
will be one of the most watched episodes of the talent competition this season so there is no reason on earth why you should miss it. You can catch this performance night as well as daily 30 minute episodes on the contestants living in the Academy on several TV stations all across the country.
This year, the winner of MTN Project Fame West Africa will walk away
with N2.5M, a brand new Toyota RAV4 and a recording contract. With the
highly popular music competition reaching its third season, the stakes
are higher than before as the 1st runner up will win N1.5m and aToyota Corolla while the 2nd runner up will go home with N1m and aToyota Yaris.
Besides the top four contenders ending up with monetary prizes, the
first six contenders will have the great opportunity of working and
recording with a great Nigerian producer as well as releasing a group
track.

OMOTOLA READY FOR ALBUM LAUNCH

All roads will lead to Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos for the album launch of Nollywood diva, Omotola Jalade Ekehinde. The most interesting part of this gist is that VIPs are expected to pay One million Naira (about $6,700 USD) for a table of ten persons.

The event is expected to hold on Friday 24 September 2010 and already the screen goddess has being telling who cares to listen that the event will be  a bang. Tickets are available through her manager.The album entitled "Me, Myself and Eyes" has 12 tracks and it featured Mode 9,Paul Play, Teeto and Harrisong. There will also be a charity concert tagged Give and Let's Give at Fantasyland, Ikoyi on September 26th. Top political  functionaries, celebrities and journalists would be part of the 300 guests for Omotola's sophomore album after "Gba" her first.

TERRY G SURVIVES ACCIDENT

AFRO hip hop singer, Terry G is thanking his stars after he survived a nasty accident that left his car badly damaged around 3AM September 4th.
The singer-producer was on his way home, after hanging out with friends in Ikeja, Lagos, when he ran into the road demarcation around Chemiron, close to Sunday Market, in Ogba. An eye witness tells us Terry was the one driving, and he was in the car with friends.
‘The wreckage of of car will make any one wonder if the driver was alive as it was badly damaged.
While rumour spread that he was unconscious his manager, quickly sent a statement saying,  Terry is in the hospital responding to treatment’.
No word yet on where he’s being treated and his mobile phone is off, his BlackBerry is also inactive. The car- A Toyota Camry – is now lying at the office of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Born Gabriel Amanyi, he rose into the music scene with his wave making track 'Free Madness' and formulated "Ginjah Ur Swagga' as a local parlance. For days, he has being involved in several controversies from street fighting to evading shows which has made him a regular customer to police stations in Lagos.  We wish him quick recovery

BANKY W SWEEPS SMVA NOMINATIONS

This may just be EBUTTA METTA crooner, Banky W  year. Shortly after he was announced as one of the nominees for a MOBO Award in the Best African Act category, the handsome singer his  leading the list of of nominees for this year’s SoundCity Music Video Awards. He has total of 7 nominations. Twin duo, P Square comes second  with 5 nominations while Mozambique’s Dama Do Bling, D.R Congo’s Fally Ipupaand Nigeria’s Wande Coal and 2Face Idibia all square in 4 nominations each in what appears to be a well-balanced pack of nominees.

This is the 3rd edition of the SMVAs which were started by Consolidated Media Associated Ltd (creators of Sound City Music channel) in 2008 to celebrate and reward outstanding music video production in Nigeria. In this edition however, the organisers are intent on raising the show’s profile up a notch by not only celebrating urban music video production in Nigeria alone, but from around the continent as well.

The SMVAs have 20 categories up for contention and an extra one for Hip Hop Legend Honors to be announced by the panel of judges. 18 of the categories are non-voting but two categories of the SMVAs are decided by the voting public; the Best Video and Viewer’s Choice. To cast your vote for the SMVAs go to www.soundcity.tv
The 2010 SMVA will take place at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel, Lagos on the 1st October, 2010 (**event has been postponed to 20th November, 2010). Other notable nominees include Ghana’s Sarkodie, South Africa’sJR and Nigeria’s Djinee.

Also, there ceremonies will honour posthumously rapper, Dagrin in the four nominations.

NO FREE MUSIC ON INDEPENDENCE DAY

Mr Chinedu Chukwuji (COSON Acting General Manager),
 Chief Tony Okoroji (COSON Chairman), Mr. Kehinde Oyeleke (Managing Partner)

The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), the nation’s sole government approved collective management organization for musical works and sound recordings has announced that come October 1, 2010, the era of free music on Nigerian air waves and in public places will be gone forever. The announcement was made by COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, at the Boardroom of the society in Lagos during the signing of a royalty collection agreement between COSON and Olusola Adekanola & Co, one of the nation’s foremost indigenous firms of chartered accountants.
By the agreement, the skills and resources of the two organizations are being aggregated to ensure that starting October 1, no organization using music in a commercial setting or in public anywhere in Nigeria is allowed to do so without the payment of copyright royalties as required by law. According to Okoroji, “The time has finally come for everyone to do their duty. We have respected the users of music. We expect them to reciprocate that respect. Any of them that is not licensed by October 1 may be attracting sanctions from us or will be exposed to the full weight of the other tools in our tool box”
At the agreement signing ceremony during the week, Chief Okoroji said that the choice of Olusola Adekanola & Co for the COSON assignment was based on the firm’s proven capacity to deliver. He said that their mandate is to use their nationwide infrastructure to reach every nook and cranny of Nigeria and collect the money due to long suffering Nigerian copyright owners. He added that beyond the collection of revenue, COSON is very mindful of the prudent, professional and transparent management of the copyright royalties collected so that at the end of the day the real copyright owners are not short changed.
The implication of the new regime is that from October 1 all broadcast media organisations, hotels, restaurants, event venues, advertising companies, banks, telecoms establishments, airlines, road transporters, oil companies and such other enterprises in Nigeria which use music in any way to aid their operations will be made to comply with the Copyright Act or face legal consequences.

NIGERIAN IDOL TO UNVEIL JUDGES, HOSTS AND SPONSOR ….Auditions kicks off in October

As Nigerian Idol makes to start auditions next month, Project Manager Chichi Nwoko told journalists in Lagos this week that “TV audiences and music fans should get set for the biggest musical talent show of 2010”  

Weeks after the official announcement of the show by the organizers, rumors started making rounds on what to expect for the show. Names of likely judges and hosts were already flying around.  Possible options for judges according to those in the know are Cobhams Asuquo, Darey Art Alade, Joke Jaiyesimi, Don Jazzy, Steve Babaeko, Jimmy Jatt, OJB, Sound Sultan and Wunmi Obe. While possible hosts are Michelle Dede,Dayo Ephraim, Andre Blaze, Oreka Goddis, Yvonne Ekwere and Jason Nwoga.

MR JAIME LYNN(VICE PRESIDENT,FREMANTLE INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION),MR SHAHIN NOURI THE GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COOL FM), MISS CHICHI NWOKO (PROJECT MANAGER NIGERIA IDOLS)

While some insist that Etisalat and UBA may  be official sponsors of the music talent show, those in the know insist that it is solely sponsored by Etisalat. “I really can’t say for sure who is hosting, sponsoring or who the judges are, but we will announce sometime next week.” Nwoko assures

She continues, “What I can say as a matter of fact is that auditions will kick off in Abuja, Lagos, Calabar, and Enugu in October,”

JEFFERY DANIEL

Usually Idols has three judges (as in the US version) or four (in the European version). The producers of Nigerian Idol say viewers should expect three judges.

The Idols franchise has been the most successful all over the world. Most Nigerians are familiar with Idol Judges like Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul,Ellen DeGeneres, Pete Waterman, Nicki Chapman and Neil “DR” Fox.

Who will become judges for the first ever Nigerian Idol, and who out of them will play good or bad guy? It is just a matter of time before we find out.  

MTN PROJECT FAME WITHDRAWS CHRISTIAN FROM ACADEMY

It was really a sad moment for Ghanaian aspiring star and contestant at the MTN Project Fame West Africa Academy Christian Owusu when the organizers announced his withdrawal from the competition on health grounds.

According to the producers of the popular musical reality show, Christian, a contender for the ultimate prize, was examined by the Academy's medical team and was advised to have a six-week rest, hence his withdrawal from the show.

On Sunday September 5, he bumped into another contestant while rehearsing for the weekend performance, he became dizzy and lost his sight temporarily after which he was rushed to the hospital where he fully regained his sight.

According to Head of the Medical team for the Academy Dr Wale Adeboje “Christian has been diagnosed not to be fully fit for the rest of the show, although he is now in good health, we have recommended that he keeps away from all forms of rigorous activities for the next six weeks so that he can adequately recuperate”

‘This is a sad development’ says Academy Principal Joke Silva. ‘Because Christian was one of the few animated performers who gave his all into learning the music craft. He was determined to go all the way. But we believe the most important thing right now is for him to get proper treatment’.

Following the development, Managing Director, Ultima Studios Limited, Mr Femi Ayeni states “Christian is an excellent performer, It is unfortunate he had to leave. We strongly believe that it is not only the responsible thing to do, but it is in his best interest to take a well deserved rest as advised by the medical team” 

With Christian's withdrawal, the show now has six contestants following the eviction of Adebola from the academy during last Saturday’s programme.

Christian left Lagos for Ghana on Friday September 10, and is already back with his family. It is expected that he’ll get further treatment with the full support of the Academy.

DOUBLE DELIGHT AT PROJECT FAME

It was double delight at MTN Project Fame West Africa last weekend as the remaining eight contestants performed not one but two songs. To cap it all off, iconic popstar, 2Face Idibia who had visited the contestants at the Academy earlier in the week was present and served as the week’s celebrity/guest judge.

Kicking off the night was the petite Chidinma whose rise in the competition can easily be tagged as meteoric. Last  weekend was no different as she brought down the house after beautifully singing Alicia Keys’ Falling In Love. The second contestant who graced the stage after Chidinma was Adebola who was saved from elimination the day before. Not wanting to go home anytime soon, she gave all she had in her performance. Her effort was noticeable and commended by both the judges and the Faculty members. She was praised by Bibie who said that she had finally and fully come into her own.

The third contestant was the hot Ghanaian singer, Kesse who sang John Legend’s Everybody. It was another stellar performance under his belt which was summed up by 2Face as “a classic stage performance”. Akwa Ibom fine boy, Eyo sang I’ll Give Anything by Gerald Levert. After his performance Normoreloss noted that the song wasn’t the best song for his voice and that he was struggling with the song. In true form, the Faculty countered when Joke Silva argued that it was Eyo’s best performance ever. The second contestant from Ghana, Christian sang Shake You Down. His performance was rated as average with Bibie noting that he was struggling. Crowd favourite Yetunde was next and she sang a song by Beyonce called Ego. 2Face noted that the song didn’t suit her vocal range but still rated it as an okay performance.

Judge Kwame commended Ochuko after he sang Nothing Is Gonna Change. Kwame labeled him as a true competitor. Tolu was the last contestant and he sang You Remind Me by Usher which fell below his high standards. Nomoreloss noted this and warned him saying “One bad song is what you need for people to forget you. At this stage, you can’t risk a bad song.”

Next was another round of performance. Once again Chidinma was the first contestant and she sang True Love by 2Face which earned her second standing ovation in one night and praise from 2Face himself. Adebola was next and she sang Olufunmi by Styl Plus. TY-Mix commended her rapping and singing but said that she failed to make the song her own. Kaffy however praised her for her breath control. Kesse sang Ololufe and got a standing ovation from the audience. Kwame said concerning Kesse that “whatever you choose to do, you are still going to do it with so much passion that it will have us moving and grooving.”

After a not so good performance earlier, Eyo did a good job of eLDee’s Bosi Gban Gba and Nomoreloss and Ige thanked him for recovering. Christian sang Good or Bad by J.Martins and it was obvious that he prefers performing highlife songs. Despite approval from the crowd, TY Mix noted that if the song he sang wasn’t a popular one he wouldn’t have enjoyed his performance. Kaffy however counted that statement and said that his performance was amazing and wonderful.

Omo Ibadan a.k.a Yetunde sang the popular hit song from Wande Coal ‘You Bad’ and it was obvious her vocal range was not the best for the song. TY Mix commended her for making an effort and not leaning on the popularity of the song despite losing her voice during the week. Joke Silva however rated her performance as electric. Ochuko sang For Instance by 2Face. 2Face observed that the key of the song was too low for him which didn’t reveal the power of his voice. The last contestant was Tolu and he sang If Love Is A Crime. After his performance Kwame advised Tolu to rest his voice, rediscover the soul within him and come out smoking next week.

After their performances, 2Face ended the night by singing two of his many hit songs- one of them being the Implication which the crowd loved.    

Based on their performances, members of the public will vote for who they believe have the best night. The five contestants with the lowest votes will be up for eviction.

HUSTLE OR DIE”- OD TELLS FANS

One of Africa’s most gifted and most consistent

rappers David Adoga popularly known OD is finally ready to release his

second album H.O.D

According to the Rapper’s record label X3M Music, the album will

record the events shaping OD’s life since the release of his last

album ‘Don’t hate’. ‘And there’s definitely going to be a lot about

gadget, politics, women, wine and parties’ a spokesperson at the

record Label disclosed last week

“Hustle or Die” will feature OD’s SWATROOT buddies Mode 9 and Terry

tha Rapman, First lady of Storm Records Sasha, Kiss Records’ Black

Solo, and label mate Etcetera. Others include Solah and AT. OD also

worked with Producer Kraft, Ill Fingerz and Bernstein

Born David Adoga in Kaduna, Nigeria, OD started his journey into the

Hip-hop world in December 1998 and has worked with PayBackTime Records

and KD World Records. He worked briefly as an OAP in Rhythm FM Jos in

2008 before he finally pitched his tent with X3M music in 2009.

To be released on September 20, 2010 HOD which stands for “Hustle or

Die” will be marketed and distributed by Obaino and will feature

already established hits like “Drinks in a glass”, “Run if you want”

and “Alujo”

The album will also be available on iTunes, x3mmusic.com and other

internet retail websites to be confirmed.

The rapper’s recent video – the second from the forthcoming album –

was released in January 2010. Titled ‘Alujo’- the song is a further

testimony that OD is overhauling his style; courting a new set of fans

and seeking to sell himself as a talented and versatile

artiste-entertainer – not just a ‘hardcore rapper’