Flygerian: Cohbams Asuquo

Cobhams Emanuel Asuquo is a song writer, music producer and singer per excellence. Cobhams pursued a law career, but later branched into music full-time. He is into various genres such as classical, jazz and traditional music.  Cobhams is as good as they come. He is creative, experimental and unique. Cobhams is currently signed onto Sony ATV (Sony Publishing) London as a songwriter.

Cohbams

I got to know about him from his Skye Bank commercial when I was in Nigeria. I got to appreciate his work much further when I became a huge fan of Asa (I listened to her while writing this). He co -produced and wrote most of the songs on her debut album. That album is gold and ageless. He worked with various artists and produced numerous songs.  Recently, he has been working with Omawumi.  The first song released is simply top notch.  Enjoy.


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This is a throw back from Asa's debut album:

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Cohbams  has won awards including 2007 Producer of the Year; Hip-hop World Awards 2008, Producer of the Year, 2008 for "Gospel Composer/ Writer of the Year.  Cohbams Asuquo is truly a flygerian with class and difference.  I am sure we haven’t seen everything he has to offer.  I wish him luck. 

True G.O.O.D: BET Nominations

What’s up Blog people? Since the world did not end on Saturday I guess I could keep on blogging. In a recent development, the guy as just postponed the date to October 21. Anyways let us all keep living till then.  Because the world did not end on Saturday we would still be having the BET awards this year. Last year, P-square and the M.I Abaga and Sade were nominated for the awards. Unfortunately, none of them took home with the award. That did not stop M.I from rapping about it in his recent album and Kelly Hansome making a fuss about M.I’s failure. 

This year the nomination is up and Nigerians are on the list.  2face, D’banj, Fally Ipupa, D-Black, Tear gas and Angelique Kidjo.  Irish- Nigerian artiste, Laura Izibor and British-Nigerian artiste, Tinie Tempah were nominated this year in the best International Act UK.

2face Idibia

D'banj

This is a good look for African music and Nigerian in particular. We are finally a step further to the recognition we deserve. Maybe next year we would get Nigerians nominated for the Grammy awards with 9ice’s Bashorun Gaa anticipated album ( no pun intended). The countdown as begun hopefully Nigerians artists would go home this year as BET nominated artists but winners.   Congratulations to all of them that made the list. Regardless of whatever happens they can add that to their resumes.

True G.O.O.D: Mansur Muhtar

Whats up people? I hope everybody as started to enjoy their summer.  This is my first true G.O.O.D post since the beginning of summer. Many of us don't need  a reminder of who Mrs. Okonjo- Iweala is. She was the finance minister during President Obasanjo tenure that helped Nigeria receive debt pardon and relief from Paris club and the World Bank. She was appointed Foreign Minister in 2006. She later resigned and returned to World Bank. She is a Managing Director of the World Bank. Mrs Okonjo- Iweala was considered to replace the then World Bank President Robert Zoellick. However, this post is not about her but I thought it was neccessary to brief you about her.  This post his about another  former Minister of Finance of Nigeria that was recently appointed to the World Bank board of executive directors. The major responsibilities of the board include setting strategic directions and approving policies and programs of the bank. I present to you Dr. Mansur Muhtar.

Mansur Muhtar

African countries have three constituencies at the world bank this include Angola, Nigeria and South Africa. The appointed of Dr. Muhtar would give Africa a stronger voice in the decision making of the board.  Nigeria would be able to benefit more as a result of this.  The competition for an appointment is high ans its truly a great honor to be appointed. Having an another African on the boards means he would be able to influence decision making and gain better supports for his constituency and Africa at large.  The appointment is for an initial period of two years, and is subject to renewal by the bank.  I wish him the best of luck because to whom much is given much is expected. Do not disappoint sir.

We can't all be Minister of Finance but we can be great and diligent in anything we decide to dedicate ourselves to.  The lesson to be learned from these exceptional people is to be hard (smart)working and be excellent in all that we do. You never know who is watching.  If you think whatever you are doing now doesn't seem to be right for you, change your direction and do a course correction before it is too late.  If you are not being recognized for your good job and diligence do not be disappointed there might be a "World Bank" searching for or spying on you.  So people go out there and start taking over!

Flygerian: Darey and Siji

Hey everyone, school is over and summer as begun. I’m back. I have not been able write because of school engagements. However, I promise to put everyone in the circle this summer. Since this is my first official post for the summer I’m plugging you two dope music coupled with terrific and creatively directed videos. My pick are Darey and Siji. They are indeed flygerians they are doing it big.

Darey is one artist that delivers both lyrically and in terms of outstanding videos (if you have seen any of his videos I suggest you do). His works are simply good quality. Darey just drop a double album titled “Double Dare”. The video is not the regular we get to see often and overdosed with. It is dopely flygerian. This single is “Ba Ni Kidi”. Watch, dance and enjoy!


Darey - Ba Ni Ki Di from Darey on Vimeo.

Siji is an artist I just came under my radar. I have listened to few of his work and I’m a fan already. I’m a big fan of Asa, Beautiful Nubia and Lagbaja (in that order). It feels great to add another person to that list. Siji is a young Nigerian who spent his early years in Nigeria and London before moving to the US to pursue his music ambitions. The video and the storyline of his song is beautiful. Maybe I would name my daughter Morenike. Enjoy.


SIJI - "Morenike" (Official Video) from SIJI on Vimeo.

Darey and Siji are great artists that are in love with the art. Their music is great. I hope you find them outstanding as I do. I really suggest you listen to songs like this. There is a flygerian in all of us. Happy summer

Who Born the Maga? : Blame the opposition

     Elections are almost over after almost 4 weeks.  The winners are smiling and the losers are mostly accepting results while some are not satisfied with the outcome.  The major players of the election were the ACN, ANPP, APGA and PDP. It makes me wonder why these parties can't just reach agreements with the relative invisible parties to merge. Most of those parties could not even win a councilor position. Talk about benchwarmers and spectators; it all comes down to greed. That brings me to the subject of the post. Prior to the general elections, many behind-the-scenes talks were going on about a coalition to face to the PDP. The PDP’s rating was down nationally and a lot of people thought it was the end of the party as we knew it. However, all the plans broke down and the parties held on to their flag bearers. 

      The PDP presented its charismatic candidate Goodluck Jonathan (who suddenly became the right candidate to so many within few months), the ACN presented its marketable and youthful Nuhu Ribadu, the CPC presented its 3 time runner Gen. Buhari and finally, the ANPP held on the Gov. Shekarau who presented Kano as his lab rat and success story. The election appeared it was going to be the most competitive in a long while. Numerous debates colored the preceding weeks and the stake got high. The results were counted and out the window went the competition. What happened? Isn’t Ribadu the change the youth wanted, a break from the norm? What did Gen. Buhari get wrong this time? Isn’t 3 tries enough to get the rules of the game right?

      Blame it on the opposition! Despite the fact that ethnicity or region should not be the most prominent factor to decide who to vote for, it is sometimes relevant. This played out in the election. The three main oppositions were Northerners.  These from the beginning divided the vote of the region into three. Different analysis compared Gen Buhari and Ribadu as having the same moral standard and approach to public office. Gen Buhari just being the older version of Ribadu or the other way around.  These development further divided swing voters. These comparisons created confusion. The ACN and the CPC could not make up their mind and decided to go separate ways. The presence of Gov. Shekarau further split the votes.  In addition, it is worthy of note to remember that the CPC is a creation of the fallout of Gen. Buhari with the ANPP.  In reality, there is really nothing unique about these parties’ ideologies that could not have welcomed a coalition if truly they love Nigeria more than their personal ambitions.

       I put the figures from the presidential election obtained by the ACN, CPC and ANPP and they were enough to rewrite the whole election results. The PDP is really the only national party despite their failure and setbacks.  Despite the marketable profile of Ribadu he only won Osun State. The rest of the states were divided between the  CPC and PDP.   Click here. 

      This greed among political parties also is reflected in the National Assembly  election results. The seats won by the opposition parties all put together are enough to challenge the PDP supremacy.  Sometimes I wonder if these political parties actually conduct simple research and understand simple basic political rules. The PDP has survived again!

     A look at the INEC list of political parties on their website just makes me think how many possible ways can actually exist to approach government.  63? I do not think so. Nigeria has way too many political parties. The big players should swallow up the benchwarmers. This would create a stronger and more serious political system. It is just ridiculous an aspirant could create a political party over night right after failing to secure a major political party’s ticket.   The show is almost over and little or nothing can be done now. However, this year’s elections have successfully done one thing; make Nigerians more anxious and prepared for 2015. Many must have learnt their lessons. Best wishes to the political class of 2011. We are watching!

True G.O.O.D: May 29

I was contemplating on writing this post after the governorship election but I could not exercise the patience.  Millions of people including myself were nervous, anxious and eager for the presidential elections.  The day came and people went for accreditation and subsequently voted.  I lost count how many times I goggled “Nigeria elections” on Saturday.  I was hyped to see the how the voters were going to decide.  That is the beauty of democracy and politics.  The biggest contenders were known and likewise the cheerleaders.  A certain candidate went to the Polling station with his wife and 3 other members of his family. The result for the Ward where he cast his vote returned only 1 vote for him. Better luck next time sir and file for a divorce sir.

The PDP would add another 4 years to the 12 year rule. Do you remember their 40 year rule prophesy? How did GEJ become the right man for the job within a year? Didn’t the people hear about him ignoring public debates with other candidates?  How about the obviously scripted interview with D’banj?  These questions I might not get answers to. The biggest news now is that we have a president-elect. Presidents across the globe are sending in their congratulatory letters.  In 2008, Obama preached change. He brought a new hope but 2 and a half years down the road many are disappointed and disgruntled.  In 2015, God willing we shall all be here to grade Lucky Jor.   Despite the hate for PDP, their candidate won.  Maybe our politics is moving away from party politics to the individuals.  Ribadu’s blueprint for change didn’t seem to have convinced too many people and the saying  “twice bitten, quite for life” didn’t register with Gen Buhari.  He is truly the cat with a million lives.  Congratulation Mr. President. 

Goodluck Jonathan

The election is over now. Everything being equal, Goodluck Jonathan would lead till 2015.   Nigerians have highlighted tactical issues that needs to be solved; Electricity, Unemployment and Public corruption.  I should also add the Niger Delta.  I also use this medium to speak against the post election crisis.  Accept the results or go to courts. Violence is never a solution.  God bless our Country.

On a different note,Governorship election is this weekend. Vote wisely!

“Lagos is working, Fashola is working... Ogun is sleeping, Daniel is snoring... Akala is bleaching, Oyo is fading. Vote wisely oh!” - Anonymous.

Flygerian: Tu face Idibia and TY Bello

Clover circles is officially starting a new trend on the blog. This section I have decided to name flygerians. This name joined a lot of people’s list of vocab a couple of years ago. It is used to describe an extraordinary, dopely different and on point individual. Flygerian is the Nigerian swag.  Subsequently I would feature individuals that I think are living up to the word.  

As a premiere edition I decided to pick two unique artists that are amazingly talented in what the know how to do best.  Their music is soothing and their messages are  always crystal clear.  They are both conscious singers.With no further ado I present the already known Tu face Idibia and TY Bello.

Tu face is one of the few artists I could listen to any of their albums without skipping a single track.  On his recent effort Tu baba in conjunction with NAFDAC released an outspoken video against fake drugs in Nigeria titled Man Unkind. The video is simple and authentic. Watch the video below and spread the message.

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When TY Bello released her debut album with the song Greenland it was simply epic in entirety.  TY is back with a new song titled The Future. The song is one of those very rare songs that preach hope for Nigeria. She is an optimistic Nigerian; one who, despite the current political and economic situation in Nigeria, still believes there is hope for a better tomorrow. I hear an album is cooking.

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I hope you enjoy the songs and appreciate them as much as I do.