R2BeeS - Kiss your hand ft Wande Coal [video.REVIEW]

The long awaited kiss your hand video is finally upon us people!! It was a long wait but it was totally worth it. The comments posted on YouTube in response may flaw this assertion however, as my visit on the site lead me to understand that others shared my feelings of disappointment towards the director, artists, and myself for sitting through such mediocrity.

The fact that this is the hottest Naija-Ghana collaboration since Tic Tac and Tony Tetuila's Fefe neFe can not be argued but such thoughts are slowly slipping fans tongues as a result of the lethargic performance put in by the artists throughout the video shoot which was crammed with mundane scenes. Such scenes include background dancing, dull in-car moments, a scanty club scene and a "hot chicks" pursuit, the worst of the lot evident in the way the ladies, suspicious of the young men, sought refuge in the adjacent store.

With the same budget and concept, a much better video could have been put together by the director who's tolerant attitude created a video without emotion, leading his team to disaster.

P.S. The 'mediocre' list can be extended with your help. Add below.

Timaya - Plantain Boy [REVIEW]

The pied piper of Bayelsa, at it again, luring listeners with his trademark catch phrases including dem-mama, chinekeme and ohh-aii chai!! His intention with this 4:09 long song was probably to add another one to his repertoire and our heads in effect, as he dedicated a healthy four minutes of "plantain seller" to be used as a foundation for rhyme implementation. 

Mr. Timaya went all out with the production of the video (thanks to Lulus Love productions and timaya's pocket) which captured the market activities in crystal clear quality making them seem like fun, stress free tasks. Probably an answer to BBC's "Welcome to Lagos". 

The fact that he acknowledges his roots is another aspect of the song and Timaya as a person which I find very satisfying. He has not wondered off into this world of glitz and glam restricted to celebrities but remembers his roots in all entirety with regular trips to the market as seen in the video. His style says it all, a major contribution to his fan base. 


The verses are extraordinarily long and lack lyrical depth and flow, making it hard to memorise and sing along to. I patiently await his transition from his current grateful and paranoid state to any other theme based on his life experience as album growth is a very important aspect of artist prosperity. 

See http://naijasongz.blogspot.com for LYRICS.

2 SHOTZ - Oyoyo ft YQ [Review]

The Naija hip hop veteran "2SHOTZ" on a collabo with up and coming artist YQ making all the ladies smile with this joint by appeasing them with their accomplishments. A bit Cliché if you ask me but its as they say, if you cant beat them join them...especially at this point when the Nigerian music industry is at its peak.

This track addresses their ascent up the success and fame ladder as envisioned by 2 shotz with thoughts of fans screaming his name (2shotz "oyoyo" = "is coming") in the 3 major Nigerian languages which are Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba.

The video has nothing to do with their pursuit of world domination as noted in the lyrics but the director and editor did a good job giving it a realistic space-age feel in a lost world of 5 indigenes although I must admit, it is like nothing I've seen before, apart from The Dreams walking on the moon ft Kanye West and Janet Jacksons doesn't really matter, each with similar themes. To rephrase, it's a unique Naija video.

Please visit: naijasongz.blogspot.com for LYRICS

OREZI - HIgh B.P. [REVIEW]

OREZI, en route to reviving R 'n' B hasn't earned a title in my books yet but he is very much on his way. Physiotherapist will have to do for now. Dazzling vocals, fashion and dance moves throughout the video captivating viewers and creating an intense urgency to party.

The lyrics went from narrative to 1st person descriptive especially in the 2nd verse where he goes from saying "this girl dey make me dey crase" to "tell me what your thinking" but then again that's a mistake most song writers make so I guess he can be forgiven. The lyrics are also on the cheesy side but the beat helped a whole lot.

Definitely a love at first hear and has been downloaded to my iTunes. Y'all should do the same.

Terry G - Change am [REVIEW]

Another catchy, youthful tune by sir Terry G a.k.a. Ginjah although he expresses his relinquishment for the nickname talking about his transition from his previous album to this one (8th mainland bridge), the changes he has gone through and what he plans to do with the Naija entertainment industry.

Ironically however, the rhythm of the song hasn't changed much as it contains elements from free madness I-III off his first album 'Ginjah your swagger'. He still speaks in tongues as well although he might not be looking to change that any time soon as that is the trademark he has created. You may ask yourself what exactly has changed about his style but I regret to inform you that it is pretty much the same.

Apart from these setbacks, you are guaranteed a 2010/2011 hit, played in beer joints and clubs across the nation simply because it is just too catchy to resist. 100% Alanta compatible, no one has to ginjah you to get off your nyash and dance!!


(Please see naijasongz.blogspot.com for LYRICS)

Mode.Nine - I'm talking to you ft Banky W

I am always for creativity and ModeNine delivered as expected in that department with this track, a response to ruggedman's (a.k.a. ruggedy baba) animosity towards his reputation. He reffered to the rugged one as a deluded jester in the first verse and accuses him of having intellectual myopia in the second verse were he said "you not the father, you got intellect myopia/ so when I dis a baba its not Ethiopia". Although the track is average on the popularity scale, Modenine came hard with no mercy on the rugged one. A video would have increased its popularity as well as an improved version with perfect mastering.

Chukwudi Iwuji as BLACK in 'EXAM' the movie

While watching the 2010 British thriller, 'EXAM', I was intrigued by the savvy character, BLACK played by Chukwudi Iwuji who portrayed quintessential black man characteristics (including paranoia, wits and ambiguity) in a predominantly white movie. It struck me that despite his medium spiced Nigerian accent, 35 year old Chuki is bound to be a household name in the next few years with consistent hard work and determination. With a soldier ant like resume (C.V.), it is safe to say that the sky is the limit for Chuki. He started his acting career as a member of the drama society at the University of Yale and has been progressing up the ladder of success since then. He played the role of Black to extreme perfection, captivating viewers with his thrilling light bulb moments throughout the movie, making capricious transitions from the halo crowned brains of the pack to a beastly tyrant with intent to harm. A must see thriller! See trailer above.

Banky W - Strong thing [Review]

Strong thing, [a controversial title among many non-Nigerians who mistake it for the state of his endowment] can be thought of as an attempt to revive R ati B on a worldwide scale. The concept and quality of the video are one of the few things that make it a useful medium for global revival because as you may have noticed R 'n' B is on its death bed, awaiting prescription and a qualified doctor. Although it will be hard for oga Banky to perform this act of revival on his own, he is giving it a shot and in my opinion, the man is more than qualified.

The instrumentals are very relaxing and creates a mood which match the lyrical content. However, the flute played at the start of each chorus can get a bit annoying and usually puts me out of my relaxed phase. It reminds me of something off the tess of the d'urbervilles soundtrack (just the flute) though I must admit, it adds a touch of class to the musical experience but should have been turned down a notch.

He discusses one of those love at first site moments we have all experienced or learnt in a song, book or movie but he takes a more mischievous approach using metaphors which compare his emotional situation to different household equipments including a telephone and a doorbell. Overall, its a very good listen, soothing the souls of many couples and even the single ladies and gentlemen out there.

eLDee - Big Boy Ft Olu Maintain, Oladele and Banky W [REVIEW]

 The term 'BIG BOY' selected as the track title, seems to have been chosen as a portrayal of the lavish lives wealthy Nigerian youths follow as the team address bad belles, a.k.a. haters, explaining their system of cash accumulation . This song was a hit on its release in 2008, achieving success in the entertainment capital (Lagos) and becoming somewhat of a club anthem.

The track is backed by a catchy blend of instruments including the violin, recorder and uniquely mastered software kicks and snares which contributed greatly to its success. Ironically however, the producer is unknown to the best of my knowledge (if known please share below) which is a major problem with the Nigerian entertainment industry...naija producers, a very important ingredient to the creation of Nigerian music are paid pennies as dues...they deserve more respect.

A video would have promoted record sales and popularity but Mr. eLDee choose not to. A mistake which would have cost him directly or indirectly. and whats the deal with the compulsory small letter 'e' preceding his name? feel free to voice your opinion.