SAX APPEAL:REALLY APPEALED

Though Mike aremu's SAX APPEAL has come and gone, the event can't just leave the lips of Gospel Entertainment followers who said that the show really set a standard for other Gospel Artistes to follow.

As we put it the Show "REALLY APPEALED" and here are some of the pix from it and THANKS to Bella Naija for them!

As I await another lovely night as this all I'd say is "Keep on Keeping On!!!"

Still MOI...GE ADVOC8!!!

PRAIZ GIST UPDATE!!!

* ROOFTOP MCs OUT WITH NEW VIDEO

The Drunken Masters duo have released their first video on their forthcoming album. The video is Titled "My Life" and it was shot in the rock city of Abeokuta. The video was directed by Suspekt who also featured in it!

Also on the airwaves with a new video is Segun Obe, after a long period of hibernation. More details on the video would be gotten soon.

* ALL SET FOR SAX APPEAL

Final details of Mike Aremu's Sax Appeal is out and highprofile event is billed to hold on Friday, July 3, 2009 at the Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos. The event would feature acts like- MI, Dare Art Alade, Tosin Martins, Yinka Davies, Frank Edoho, Agboola Shadare and Saxophonist YolanDa Brown who has won a string of awards including Best Jazz category at the MOBO Awards 2008 and a UMA award nominee for Best Jazz. Her stunning mix of contemporary jazz saxophone and urban grooves has made her one of UK’s finest contemporary musicians in any genre of music. Her fresh approach to jazz has made her music accessible and compelling, rich in complex harmonies and steely mysticism. She performs with her 9-piece group. See all of ya'll there!!!!!

Still moi GE Advoc8!!!

WHO IS NIGERIA'S BEST MALE ARTISTE?

I was going to do an article on the whereabout of Segun Obe then I remembered that it was not just him I needed to inquire about but also Tosin Martins, Samsong, David Mel, Tolucci, Mc Shalom... then it occured to me that we really need to start asking probing questions that would aid the growth of our industry. The BIG Question now is who out of all our array of stars is the best male artiste in the last 10 years?

This of course is a BIIIIG Question indeed and it is a debate that would generate an unending discussion if it is delved into. this is because of the uniqueness of these artistes who have their different styles of delivery and also the timeline which saw each of them making waves at different times.

I have actually classified them into The Big Guys, The Niche Guys, The Uncertain/Expected Guys and The Newcomers and I would reveal artistes in each of these categories for a better understanding of the categories but donot forget that the ultimate goal is to reveal the best male artiste of the decade.

THE BIG GUYS are those who have at one time or the other experience commercial success, have been the fan's favorite, have head lined the best events and more than ever have stayed at the top of their game. In this League are Sammie Okposo, Samsong, Asu Ekiye, Dekunle Fuji, Segun Obe, Muyiwa Olanrewaju, Eben and Tosin Martins.

THE NICHE GUYS refers to the artistes who despite of their immense potential have not been able to go beyond a particular group of people in terms of listenership, popularity and marketing. this is however not due to anything than the fact that they have not taken networking as a serious part of their game. Here we have- Gbenga Adenuga, Segun Oluwayomi, Wale Adenuga, Tim Godfrey, Tolucci, Omo Jesu, and Erujeje.

The next category are those I call the UNCERTAIN/ EXPECTED GUYS. The uncertain are those whom we donot know if they want to stick to Gospel Music or sell out to the secular and the expected are those whose Big Break has been expected by their teaming fans for some time now. The Uncertain includes Jeremiah Gyang while the Expected include Iyke Onka, Gabriel Eziashi, David Mel, Mc Shalom.

The Newcomers as their category goes are those artistes who have just bursted into the scene are are gearing up to complement the established acts. The artistes here are quite numerous but the known ones are Kris B, Okiki Jesu, Gbolahan, Bayo...

So I put it to you- WHO IS THE BEST MALE ARTISTE OF THE DECADE?

Signing out I am THE GOSPEL ENTERTAINMENT ADVOC8!!

ROOFTOP MCs: DRUNKEN INDEED.

How else would one describe this duo- they are drunken with the love for God, drunken with the desire to propagate His word, drunken with a desire to change the outlook of Gospel music in Nigeria, drunken with ingenious innovations and creative ideas, I could go on and on but the long and short of it all is that these guys are indeed the Drunken Masters.

To understand the above you need to listen to tracks on their new album "DRUNKEN MASTERS" which would be released soon after works on it were completed last week. The new albumis definitely an improvement on their last one MINORITY REPORT which had Lagimo as it hit track.

Two new singles from this new album- "Sitting On The Rooftop" feat. Jesse Jaggz & MI and "One Song" feat. Suspekt are already being played on radio stations. I'm really looking forward to the album release ina couple of weeks.

Still the most potent Voice in Gospel Entertainment - The GE Advoc8

I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know some people still don't trust me but really I am back for good and never in the history of this blog will it be unattended to again- OK, OK. while I was away so many things went down and I just kept agitating thet I can't get to inform you guys about them as no one else will- If I'm being proud just LAGIMO...Thanks.

First things first let me eulogise a woman of honour, a vituous woman, a woman of distinction amongst many other appelations. FYI, I am talking about the late Mama Ekundayo ( Yes the same one in TY Bello'S album)who passed on on May 25 at the ripe old age of 95 and I am dedicating all my posts in June to her. From all of us at XPRESSIONS we say Rest In Perfect Peace Mama...We Celebrate You.

However while we lost a soul we gained another. Kris B and Artiste Angel (Opomnlero) were blessed with a bundle of joy in May and the father a singer cum producer has not stopped celebarating all the while. This is wishing the baby the best of life with a full dose of Music from the parents.

I am so glad to also inform you that rapper BOUQUI would be launching her second album REDEFINITIONS on Lagos on July 5 2009. We would get you more details ASAP.

Lara George too released a single from her fothcoming sophomore album. The single titled Ko Le Baje has since been enjoying heavy airplay on radio stations all over the country.

…AND THE MAGAZINES DIED!!!

Have you heard of magazines like Christian Today, Guidepost, Charisma, New Man, Today’s Christian Woman, World Magazine, CCM Magazine, Christian Living, Christian Parenting Today and Christian History and Biography? If you haven’t then simply browsing for Christian Magazine on the internet would usher you into the world of the inspirational and Kingdom based magazines. The above named magazines are the top 10 Christians magazines (not in any particular order) which have over time proffered a Christian Outlook to various life issues like Politics & Governance, Fashion & Lifestyle, Entertainment, Business & Finance, Family & Parenting, Sports and so much more.

Back home in Nigeria, we have had names like LIFEWAY, XPRESSIONS, ANOINTED & CONSECRATED (A&C), STOMP and LE FEU which have all tried to replicate what their foreign counterparts are doing but have been stifled out by various factors majorly- Financing, Ads & Sponsorship and also lack of support from Christians themselves.

LIFEWAY which seems to be the most successful amongst them all focuses on the Church, Pastors & Ministers as well as Christian Living. It has however not lived up to its fullest potential as it is not as visible as other mainstream magazines. It was however last seen as far back as 2007 raising questions on its existence.

Then we have XPRESSIONS which targeted the Youths and the Upwardly Mobile with a major focus on Personalities, Lifestyle and Entertainment. It did so well that it was awarded runners up at the maiden edition of the Future Awards 2006 in the Magazine of the Year category. First published in December 2004and with 4 editions under its belt, the magazine was rested in 2007. The Publishers are however working on a broader concept to meet people’s yearnings.

There was also ANOINTED AND CONSECRATED (A&C) which had the same focus as LIFEWAY and reference can only be made to the edition which had Bishop T. D. Jakes on the cover and nothing more.

Another magazine which stood the test of time with about 9 editions to its credit was STOMP which had Muyiwa Sowunmi as its Publisher/ CEO. STOMP’s core focus was Music and nothing more- album reviews/ previews, artistes feature (local and foreign), vocal coaching, music news amongst others. The major flaw of the Magazine was that it had a limited coverage and was never networked into the mainstream like XPRESSIONS and LIFEWAY.

Babawale Olajubu led Xalt Consult published LE FEU which was a general interest Christian Magazine but it never went past the first edition which was published in August 2005 as a quarterly magazine.

Dove Media too made a brief but unceremonious appearance with DOVE BILLBOARDS but little or nothing is known about it till it went into extinction.

After all said and done, you sure can see that the magazines died (or are just asleep), but of course they could rise again with determination to succeed.

Signing out as always Gospel Entertainment Advoc8!!!!!!!!!

SPECIAL MEMO TO SAMMIE OKPOSO

I would like to extend a sincere sympathy to Wellu Wellu crooner Sammie Okposo who lost his father weeks back and buried on May 16 in his hometown in Delta State. We wish Papa Chief Henry Warre Okposo- the Adikhiega of Irri Isoko eternal peace.

IF ONLY THE DOVE FLEW…?

I have been opportune to carry out an unofficial opinion poll about people’s awareness of Pastor E. A. Adeboye envisioned DOVE MEDIA and the result has either been devastating or utterly disappointing. Devastating because most of the people I ask either reply with the most hideous exclamations or just simply ask me to “come again” and disappointing because a whooping 1 out of 30 persons can convincingly say they have a knowledge of what DOVE MEDIA is.

A brief history of DOVE MEDIA takes us back to 2005 when Pastor E. A. Adeboye envisioned it to “Take over the Power of the air”. But amazingly four years down the line the air (which depicts the Media) is even worse. The team then led by Pastor Ope Banwo who was seconded in from the United States of America showed a lot of promise recruiting a lot of young and vibrant guys as well as creating some hi-tech PR stunts for awareness. This was followed by the roll out of the musical programme DOVE Music, a partnership with Nollywood acts for the production of some movies as well as a Magazine The DOVE Billboard which never really saw the light of day. All these backed up with an ultra modern studio for artistes to produce their works showed that there was a structure but there wasn’t diligence and of course enough creativity to match their secular counterparts.

It’s said that, “To whom much is given much is expected”, thus, due to under-achievement and under- performance by Pastor Ope Banwo and his team they were sent packing in 2007 as no reasonable impact had been made. He was replaced by Pastor Paul Abraham in December 2007 and nothing has been heard or done since only that they resurfaced on Toyin Subair’s HiTV with programmes that people have described in words I cannot publish.

By my assessment I can just say that the DOVE is perching in a cage waiting for He who has the right key to set it FREE as there are lots of Prospect and Promise and with a Pragmatic plan it can attain Perfection.

So let’s see what would happen “If only the DOVE flew…”

- If only the DOVE flew…Christians would have been enjoying their own constant rotation of Gospel Music on a Music/ Entertainment Show on terrestrial TV (N.B. more people watch terrestrial TV and satellite TV can only come later).

- If only the DOVE flew…there would probably be a monthly or even weekly Xtian Hangout where our youths and upwardly mobile can have fun without any profanity of their spirituality.

- If only the DOVE flew…constant but innovative Musical Shows/ concerts spiced with Dance and Comedy would have been looked forward to on Special holidays like Valentine, Xmas, Easter, Independence, etc. Foreign artistes could also be brought in for these Shows to add some glitz and glamour.

- If only the DOVE flew…there should have been series of awards to recognize and appreciate persons and groups that have consistently held the forte of Gospel Entertainment in Nigeria in areas of Music, Dance, Comedy, Drama/Movies, etc.

- If only the DOVE flew…there would have been a publication that reaches out to Christian on various issues and also give a publicity platform for things that are Gospel inclined.

- If only the DOVE flew…there should have been a Music Reality Show to discover budding talents to complement the efforts success of the established ones as so many young talents just fizzle out or simply sell out after toiling for years unend to hit a breakthrough

- Finally and most importantly- If only the DOVE flew…Corporate Organizations would have seen Gospel Entertainment platforms like Events, Awards, Movies, Artistes, etc. as a worthwhile and viable avenue for SPONSORSHIP.

Let somebody go ahead and talk to Christians and see how they are hitching to express themselves but the Million Dollar Question is “How and Where?” But for me I just keep saying “If only the DOVE flew…?”

Still moi signing out GOSPEL ENTERTAINMENT ADVOCATE

JUST CHILLING!!!!!!!!!

Hey! How are y'all doing. its been a tedious 2 weeks off the scene as we have been working assiduously to get out preview copies of the new publication from our stable- The VISTA Magazine...values,virtues & Vogue. A Mag that would give Kingdom insight to mainstream issues all with the aim of bridging the wide gap between Xtians and a viable social life of fun and entertainment devoid of any profanity.

OK!!!! I have spilled the TOP SECRET now so watchout.

Meanwhile, HipHop World Awards was held last weekend like I told you and as expected our gal Nikki Laoye who got two nominations didnot win any just like it happened to Rooftop MCs- now I think you can understand when I canvass for our own Awards or even a few categories at these other Awards being dedicated to the Gospel Music genre. All the same some top Gospel Entertainment Headz are looking into this - just wait for the BIG Bang.

This week I would give you two thought provoking articles- "IF ONLY THE DOVE FLEW...?" & "...AND THE MAGAZINES DIED" and you sure would have something to think about- just stay with NAIJA PRAIZ.

Still moi GOSPEL ENTERTAINMENT ADVOC8!

YA HEARD????????

Hey!!! May I quickly let you in on a classified information? If your answer is yes, then this is it- XPRESSIONS Magazine & Megamedia Company are packaging something really nice for Gospel Entertainment in Nigeria and it's going to be the first of its kind. What this thing is and all the full details would be shared with you as soon as I get the go ahead to... OK!

Meanwhile Contemporary Gospel Music in Nigeria dates back to over a decade now and there are a couple of facts which people might have forgotten or as the case may be even never knew anything about...Enjoy them!

* The duo of Soul Snatcha and So Kleva(aka Rooftop MCs) were members of a larger group known as G-Force a group of five young people which was formed in 1999 and they parted ways to pursue other interests in 2001 leaving only the two of them.

* The defunct all girl group KUSH which was made up of Lara George, TY Bello and Emem Ema all started out in UNILAG as members of The Rock Solid the choir of The Rock Foundation(TRF) which is the Fellowship arm of Pastor Paul Adefarasin led House on the Rock.

* Only Folake Umosen and BOUQUI have won the Best Female Vocalist at the Awards for Musical Excellence in Nigeria(AMEN) before. They won it in 2005 and 2007 respectively.

* Sesational group Midnight Crew was originally made up of nine members but they secretly parted ways in 2006 leaving only its present quartet of Michael Abdul, Gbenga "G-Minor", Pat Uwaje-King and Ayo Ojo.

* Comedian Gordons used to be part of the music group DC Envoy based in Benin before he discovered his talent in comedy and compering events which he now blends well with music with two albums and a couple of videos to his credit.

Let me leave you to consider all these while I package some fo next time, till the Keep Keeping It Real!!!!!!!

Signing out the GOSPEL ENTERTAINMENT ADVOC8.

WHAT'S GOING ON?

Hey!!! so sorry I have not posted anything all the while, I really don't have any reason other than the fact the I have been scooping a comprehensive report to serve you hot gist on what has been happening in the Gospel Entertainment scene since the beginning of 2009- so just sit back and enjoy it and see if you would not have a reason to forgive my silence and absence...

*INFINITY DROPS NEW SINGLE... It was by chance that I got to hear this song on JAJ's Top 7 Jams @ 7" where it debuted at No. 5 and it was really tight showing that even though they lost their leader Kenny Akinbode, they have not lost their flavour or maybe we have to wait for the whole album before we can conclude. the new single is titled "IFE" and it was produced by no one else but Cobhams and features Da Proverb. So watch out as this song tears through the Charts in the next few weeks!!!

*A SEASON OF NEW VIDEOS... yeah from Benita to Gogo Majin, Keffee, Ebiere, Angel, Iyke Onka, Asu Ekiye, Kris B, Bouqui, Tosin Martins, JC Qrew, Nikki Laoye, Folake Umosen and newcomer Gbolahan- it's been a season of brand new videos from these artistes and Gospel Music has never had it this good before as their Single Videos are currently enjoying airplay on stations like STV, LTV, TVC, Superscreen and Galaxy TV. If you have not seen any or all of these videos then you must have taken a break from watching TV. Naija Praiz prays that this would be a continuous trend for this industry even as we await the videos of the likes of Esther "E-Star" Ebigbo (formerly of Resonance), Jodie, Segun Obe, Modele, Lara George, Rooftop MCs, the new look Infinity, Eben, Jahdiel and many others.

*MEET OKAY HOUSE...My curiousity on how to form a strategic alliance with One Gospel- the Urban Gospel Music Channel on DSTV Channel 331 led me to the discovery of Okay House (who are by the way their West African partners). Okay House is a multi dimensional media outfit with the main interest in creating undilluted fun for the whole family- something that is not anti- children and does not abuse spirttual sensitivity. Okay House is led by Olubunmi Olukayode who is the CEO and Tomide Olukuade the Chief Information Officer- two seasoned Media and PR practitioner withexperience spanning well over 15 years. we only hope and pray that they would be able to do what Dove Media could not do. By the way their website is so nice and I suggest you pay them a visit on http://www.okayhouse.org/.

*JEDI TO LAUNCH ALBUM...The Well Fed Comedian of the Federal Republic and D'G-Pikin as he calls himself Jedi Oluwatosin Ayoola having established himself on the comedy terrain is now towin the part of Music like the likes of Gordons and Holy Mallam. His first single 'Jehovah' is already on radio while the video for another cut 'Dance' is enjoying heavy rotation on TV. His debut album D'G-Pikin is already nearing completion and he hopes to premiere the 11 tracker on May 10, 2009 with a comedy gig before he heads for the US for scheduled engagements.

*NIKKI LAOYE'S THE ONLY SHINNING STAR @ HHWA 2009...She bursted into the scene not too long ago and now she has entrenched herself as a major force to reckon with not just in the Gospel but the Nigerian Music scene as a whole. Nikki Laoye is the only Gospel Artiste who has been nominated for this year's Hip Hop World Awards billed to take place at the prestigious International Conference Centre in Abuja. She is nominated in the Best Vocal Performance (Female) and also the Hip Hop World Revelation category for her album ANGEL 4 LIFE. We are solidly behind her and we hope you are doing the same for this shinning star too...You go Girl!!!

*SAMMIE OKPOSO SIMPLY OUT OF THIS WORLD...With his OUT OF AFRICA CONCER SERIES, Sammie Okposo has continued to redefine Gospel Music in Nigeria and also entrench himself as a force to reckon with not only in Nigeria but Africa and the World at large. The Season two of his concert which is proudly supported by Bank PHB kicked off this Easter and ran all through the month of April in Lagos, Abuja, Asaba and even Calabar and it was simply a gathering of the Best of Gospel Acts in Nigeria-Buchi, Kenny St. Brown, Tosin Martins, Modele, Rooftop MCs, Eben, Samsong,Bouqui, Jahdiel, Midnight Crew and Gordons, Also on the train were Tee A, Segun Arinze, Teju Babyface, Funke Akindele, Temitayo George, Timi Dakolo, DJ Gosporella, Veekee Mac, Ibitayo and many others. So now you can see that Sammie is simply in a world of his own.

*WELCOME, RHYTHM 5...In March 2009 a 3-man Gospel Group known as Rhythm 5 made up of Kola Maliki, Bimbo Akinbode and Niyi Odunlami released their debut album on the Midas Touch record label. The album which is titled GBEDU- LIMITED EDITION is a blend of Hip Hop and Soft Rock and is filled with lyrics that punch to the very soul. By the way the group formerly had two ladies- Bimbo Adebiyi who is now back up vocalist to Mike Aremu and Modele Fatoki who was the first female to evicted in the top 10 list of the West African Idols. This informs why they were called R-5 or Rhythm 5.

*Lest I forget JC Qrew too released the contemporary raggae four man group also launched their sophomore album sometime in June and I would bring you comprehensive details subsequently even as I attempt to review the album.

So what is you verdict? Of course I am forgiven as no one else can give you all that I have given, but then It's just my duty as THE GOSPEL ENTERTAINMENT ADVOC8!!!!!!

DONNIE COMES TO TOWN!!!!!!!

As i write this, Grammy Award winning Pst. Donnie McClurkin is performing live at the LTV in Ikeja Lagos at a Concert powered by PSt. Ojei. My only amazement is how such a great gospel artiste would come into Nigeria and he isn't received with pomp and paegentry. maybe I am asking for too much but I still maintain my stand whether you like it or YES!!!!!!!!!!!

Even Jesus had a Triumphant entry into Jerusalem so it's time to do our thing the right way and give honour to whom honour is due- Gospel entertainment shold stop all this nonchalance and mediocrity. Do I really need to say more? We sure should get it right.

To Pst. Donnie I tender unreserved apologies for the oversight and we would right the wrong next time even as I use this medium to request his support for the groth of the Gospel Music Industry in Nigeria.

Signing out The GOSPEL ENTERTAINMENT ADVOC8!!!!

IT'S ANOTHER FRIDAY!!!

Hmmm!!! Can I really say thank God it's Friday or would I just hang my head and go home mama? while all my party freak friends are talking about rocking this club and that club this lovely weekend, me and my christian folks just sit here wondering when the Storm would be over?

When would we have the privilege of a truly, 100%, proudly Xtian Hangout where we would be free from- alcohol, cigrattes (or in some worst cases WEEEEEED!), and of course "NUDE" or maybe Semi Nude Women? A place where we can have fun and not loose our Christian Values, where the true meaning of entertainment is brought to fore and not just using songs to either Curse us or even abuse our sensibilities (don't look at me like that you know what I mean, such music is even being played by the guy browsing beside me right now).

For those of us who were born in the days of Lighthouse, Club 3: 16, Praiseville and of course Club David- we sure know what true fun in the best of Gospel Entertainment Arena really means and we long for it like Pounded yam in Christmas. We need to fix things and like I usually tell people no one would do it for us cos NOBODY really cares. Ican only assure you that the Climate would CHANGE but when is what I don't know (maybe when a White Man becomes the President of Nigeria on the platform of Accord Party?????).

Nyways for this weekend I would just fast and Pray that it happens soon so that I won't go NUUUUUUTS! I advice you do the same!!!

Signing Out - the Gospel Entertainment Advoc8