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Thursday 23 May 2013

Exclusive Interview With 'Show Me Your Rozay' Star, Ketchup @iam_Ketchup

Ketchup is down-to-earth, jovial, versatile, impressively talented and a real enigma who Nigerians and the rest of the world are yet to fully uncover. Currently signed to Posh Hill Record Label and with an impressive monster tracks for Nuvo Featuring DJ Jam Jam and audio/video for Show Me Yur Rozay still making airwaves, award winning Dancehall artiste, Emmanuel Nkemjika Onyido aka Ketchup has gradually warmed his way into the hearts of many fans in and outside Nigeria. He is the first of 4 kids with two brothers and a sister *boys don’t go near her *straight face*. According to the Anambra State born Artiste, he is as regular as regular gets as he comfortably ‘buys gala, la casera and the like in traffic with special preference for the peppered plantain chips’.
eGistonline Magazine’s Imelda Egwim gets a one on one chat with the talented young Artiste who dishes out exclusive information on his thriving music career, his style of music as well as expectations from him.
How did you come about the name ‘Ketchup’?
I got the name Ketchup from friends because I have been known to bring life into a gathering. When my friends and I go out and they just sit around in the VIP playing with their phones, I’ll step into that sort of scenario and just spice up the place. We all know the huge difference ketchup makes to chips *laughs*

Very interesting! Has music always been your first love or is it something you picked up along the way?
No. Music was not my first love, it was actually Dancing. I used to dance a whole lot back in high school (Federal Government College, Ijanikin) with Wande Coal *laughs, he is a very good dancer , you know* not as a team but individually. During the weekly Social nights, everyone would just display their stunts and the next school day you start feeling “ fly” when other students are talking about your moves. It was basically dance but you know dance goes with music. I started by miming to people’s songs, rewriting the lyrics etc and I didn’t have any special preference to beats - I can dance to practically any song (I am not just bragging), even to Celine Dion’s   ‘My Heart Will Go On’.  I continued my dancing even after high school in  the University  but I had to calm down because people rarely dance in the University ‘cos everyone is busy with having ‘swag’ and being ‘fresh’ but I still did some dancing at parties and all and then music came along. I decided to start writing my own songs 2 years ago when I met this producer “Micah” and I mumbled something in the mic and you know how these producers are - he did his magic and it made me think to myself “dude you sound good”.  I was always of the notion that you needed mega lessons or take a course before you can sing so I was inclined to write another song “Nuvo” which Dj Jamjam featured in and it became a hit - everybody liked it. That was when it dawned on me how easy it was. It started like that and I didn’t have to throw a huge bash or make public declaration before my music career took off.
Moving on to formal tertiary education, what University did you attend?
I started off in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife,  where I got a Diploma in Local Studies and then went on to study Mass Communications but due to the issues of ASUU strike in Nigeria, I had to leave.  I travelled to Malaysia where I furthered my Mass Communication study in Atlantic College, Kuala Lumpur. I was singing in Malaysia but then it occurred to me that I couldn’t really project my music properly to Nigerians while remaining in Malaysia so I took the initiative to return home.

Where you able to gain some grounds in Malaysia?
Yes I was gaining some grounds but people back here in Nigeria didn’t really know me till I came back.  I am of the strong opinion any aspiring Artiste abroad who intends to make a name for themselves in Nigeria should come back home to successfully accomplish this - it’s like drafting a letter and posting it so the receiver can get it. If you are far off and you want people to accept you, they need to see you before you can pass your message across to them.You need to be back home to feel and understand the kind of Music people want to hear.
If not for music, what would Ketchup be doing?
If I were to stop singing, I‘d still keep dancing.  I also do Voice acting *he demonstrates by mimicking 4 accents - Igbo, Yoruba, British & Jamaican* (all were done almost perfectly)
Any Celebrity Crushes?
Hmmm, it’s always changing.  I have got numerous but the ones that stand out are Chidinma Ekile because of her ‘Lauryn Hill’ like good girl thingy - ain't saying she is a good girl though *laughs*,Lola Rae, Seyi Shay and a whole lot more in no particular order. It hasn’t got anything to do with complexion or height but I love my Nigerian girls, even the ones that advanced their colour shades  The Camouflaged ladies”.
How would you describe your kind of music?
It’s actually the normal afro hip hop with a little touch of Jamaican twist to it.
What is the best advice you have ever given?
Don’t do it! A friend once wanted to get a car for some chick he was dating and I told him “Don’t do it” and trust me, it was worth it. I am not someone who has got too many words to spare. When I see something that is wrong, I hit the nail on the head. I don’t lie to make people comfortable.
What is the inspiration behind your hit single ‘Show me your Rozay’?
Everybody seems to sing about ‘how fly they are’ ‘Love’ ‘Money’ and the like so I opted for something different.  I have been out on several occasions and when “Show me your rozay” comes on and the light is being focused on me - people that weren’t  drinking Rose or champagne will feel biased and out of place. I didn’t mean the song to be that way. Then some peepz will be asking me“Where is my Rozay”? And I will answer “Show me your Rozay” as a comeback.
You mentioned that you write your own music, what are your inspirations?
When I go out, I look at things that tickle people, what peeks their interest and appeals to them. I don’t necessarily have to do a special prayers or Yoga to get inspired.
If I were to turn on your ipod, what music will I find?
I listen to all kinds of Music – rock music, Dido, Movado, Bob Marley, Vybz Kartel, Gorillaz, James Blunt, Popcaan and a whole lot more but basically the Jamaican ones do magic. I also love rap music even though I don’t rap.

How would you describe yourself in 5 words to people who still don’t know who Ketchup is?
In 5 words……..Funny, Crazy, Nice, Happy person and ‘Don’t mess with me’.         
Any mottos or watch words you live by?
SEENSIMAH!  It’s a word I put together, it means “It doesn’t really matter how many times you have failed, it will just take a snap of your finger to work when it’s time”. I had been back in Nigeria for 2 years before I did Rozay, I used to go to Industry night and Shows a lot and stand at the back just observing  whilst other artiste performed. I took my time and learned from failures and along the line I learnt it isn’t about what you sing , it’s about your actions (what you do besides the song), Humility and Loyalty. In the Music industry sometimes, the people you disregard might be the key to your Success. It doesn’t really depend on how hard you have tried or laboured, if it isn’t time, it won’t work.
Tell us something exclusive about you
Hmmmm, I am not really an alcoholic person contrary to public opinion. I can have a really good night out with my friends without drinking and we will just diss each other and mess around *laughs*.It does not always have to be about alcohol. I like girls a whole lot *emphasis on ‘A LOT’* - especially those with very big hips + good kissers. I don’t have a particular type because I don’t go with looks but instead I focus on Brains, Hips and the Lips *grins*
Is Ketchup single?
Ermmm, I am working hard on something really big *laughs*- that could mean I’m single and searching, it could also mean I‘m in a relationship and hoping to get married. I want to live a life by the beach with a wife with big hips and 2 kids, own 2 cars, 2 dogs and a monkey. I will name the monkey Abu, I don’t want all the money in the world.
Let’s talk about your next move, word on the street is that you are dropping a Single soon which will feature EME’s Banky W –what more should we be expecting from you?
*laughs* who leaked this word to the streets? Ok! Its true am working with Banky and it’s going to be dropping real soon, something totally different from what you guys hear everyday – my kind of sound, Calypso styling. I have come to find my own style now so that when you hear my music, you will know it is Ketchup because it will tickle your ears *grins*.  I grew up listening to a lot of music because my dad loves the radio and we weren’t allowed to go play oustide so we were always indoors with him and I listened to Obey,Sunny ade, Jazz, Fela, Calypso and all. Watch out for the song with Banky, that’s all I am gonna say.
In closing, When will your album dropping?
Well I can’t really predict that because dropping an album involves a lot of hardwork. I don’t want to drop one and it will be just few people listening to it. I need to work on my fan base and get the love first, I have 2 albums I’m working on already, it’s just picking the right songs. I write songs and record a lot at my leisure when I am not busy with interviews and other activities.




Tuesday 21 May 2013

VIDEO: Bracket – Temperature


Bracket return with the visuals to Temperature, which I consider a very catchy single. According to reports on several reputable news sites, Vast of Bracket (the dark skinned member) is currrently recovering from Lymphoma, a type of cancer of the blood. We pray he gets 100% healthy and whole very soon.
Enjoy this new video from one of Africa’s favorite music duo, Bracket..

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8PKxt8jMWA&feature=player_embedded

Check Out Dj Xclusive On Bobby Boulders Upcoming Tv Series THE ISLAND (Trailer)


Seasoned music executive and director, Tola Odunsi aka Bobby Boulders presents new TV series, The Island
Check out the trailer below and look out for more information on what channels it will be showing on shortly.
The Island features some big music related OAPs such as DJ Xclusive, Toolz, Eku Edewor, Dj Caise,  and some cameos from several artists.

I am looking forward to the season kick off for The Island; it already looks like a hit TV show.
This suspense drama series is an intriguing tale of family, friendship, betrayal, conspiracy, love and vengeance. Our story follows the lives of several characters all connected to the island and its extremities in one way or another. The wealthy BOWEN-COLE family’s unclear history and hedonistic son FEMI, the wealthy and arrogant BAKO and ADEMOLA families which appear untouchable and oppressive. The BALOGUNs, once at the apex of society, now suffer a sad plight as the bread winner of the family sits semi-comatose waiting to die, leaving them bitter and vengeful over old rivalries. SADE COKER, a beautiful and ambitious girl living a self-determined life, faces her greatest challenge when it comes to choosing between love and loyalty. SEGUN ALABA, smart and street savvy, taking his destiny into his own hands he vows to gain money, power and respect on the island by all means necessary. The show derives its essence from the real experiences of Nigerian high-society and its excessive culture. Expect celebrity cameos, real Lagos city venues, events and lifestyle, tentatively playing on the border between reality and fiction.




WATCH MINI CLIPS HERE :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dGOTVJVnt04
 

Cast
Omotola Jalade
Ademola Adedoyin
Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru
Seun O
Eku Edewor
Derin ‘DJ’ Caise
Somkele Iyamah
Rotimi ‘DJ Exclusive’ Alakija
Zainab Balogun
Venita Akpofure
Jimmie
Stephine
Tracy Nwapa.
Director
Bobby Boulders
Writer
Bayo Lambo, Co-Writers: Motunrayo Elias, Ada Iwugo and Ademola Adedoyin
Producer
Urban Vision (Tola Odunsi, Bayo Lambo, Akins Akinkugbe,and Kemi Akinkugbe)

Monday 20 May 2013

Will Smith Working On New Music With Kanye West




That picture above of Will Smith and Kanye in the studio surfaced earlier this year, Will Smith now confirms that Kanye's been pushing him to work on some new music.
As he explains in the video below - while on promo for his new movie After Earth - Will went to the studio with Kanye "a couple times" and if it's right, the movie superstar might release some..

Stay tuned.

Friday 17 May 2013

NewMusic: Retta Rich – Kolo For You (Remix) ft Eva, Phyno, Casey Ed @rettarich




I’ve been feening for something new from Retta Rich. Her debut single “Kolo For You” won her a huge number of fans a couple of years ago. It’s only right for her to do a remix. Check on it.
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“Emerging star singer, Retta Rich has come to represent a distinctive sound, one of the very few African singers who is best described as Rich, Fun, Young, Pop and very Soulful since debuting in 2010 with the highly successful solo, ‘Kolo For You’.

A series of critically acclaimed singles including ‘Tomorrow’‘Would You Be Mine’ and ‘Who Be Fool?’ in 2012 have followed from the beautiful singer who has stayed active – performing and spending ample time in the studio, making music.
Here’s a new offering, remix of ’Kolo For You’. Still keeping with the original theme of Soul/Pop and slight techno influences while fusing in some added horns and stylings, the “Kolo for you (Remix)” sees Retta in ace form as she dominates this Oscar Herman Akah-produced musical backdrop  - Retta, with her beautifully distinct vocal delivery filled with exciting Pop sensibility, Eva andPhyno’s infectious flow.
Look out for the music video from Retta who is currently working with NuffNoiz management team, but in the meantime, enjoy the“Kolo For You (Remix)” featuring Eva, Phyno and Casey Ed below.”

Thursday 16 May 2013

Snow Tha Product - Cali Luv

Audio After The Jump

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Snow Tha Product is gearing up to release her new mixtape, Good Night & Bad Mornings 2: The Hangover. She gets production help from The Cataracs and Borgeous for it's lead single, "Cali Luv."



Kanye West Rants About Being A "Terrible" Celebrity At NYC Show

Video After The Jump

It's clear that Kanye West is no fan of paparazzi. Last week he walked headfirst into a street sign trying to avoid having his and Kim Kardashian's picture taken.

Last night at New York City's Roseland Ballroom, the G.O.O.D. Music CEO went on a 3-and-a-half minute rant about being a "terrible" celebrity who hates having his picture snapped. He also said to not expect him to do an SNL skit about last week's incident when he's the musical guest on the show this Saturday.


Check it out below.