Ehis Ohunyon

Adeayo Adebiyi

<h2>Tuesday, June 12 2024 marked exactly 13 years Wizkid released his debut album, 'Superstar' which emphatically announced his entrance into the Nigerian mainstream.</h2>

The album which had been originally scheduled for Valentine's day of 2011 was delayed and eventually got released on June 12, 2011 which is a significant date in Nigeria's calender, as it ties with the date of the Presidential 1993 elections supposedly won by <a href="http://www.pulse.ng/news/local/june-12-lagos-government-unveils-new-mko-abiola-statue-id8487795.html">MKO Abiola</a>.

Under the stables of <a href="http://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/banky-w-will-always-be-a-ladies-man-id7591118.html">Banky W</a>'s Empire Mates Entertainment, Wizkid released the lead single of the 17 track project, 'Holla At You Boy' in 2010, which kick-started the journey into him becoming a global icon.

Since releasing his debut album, Wizkid has become a living legend in Nigerian and African music, and his debut album will go on to inspire a generation of artists across the continent.

As we mark the 13th anniversary of Wizkid's 'Superstar', here are 7 things you need to know about the album.

<h3>1. The album art was made by Osa Seven</h3>

Nigerian graffiti artist, Osa Okunkpolor, known on social media as Osa Seven is credited with designing the art for Wizkid's Superstar album.

The art cover was created to represent the lively and urban personality of a young Wizkid.

The 17 track project featured a total of seven producers who brought their individual skills and delivered the right vibe to the body of work.

The producers who worked on Superstar album are, E-Kelly, Masterkraft, Jay Sleek, Samklef, Shizzi, DJ Klem and Q beatz. Banky W and Veedee co-produced two of the songs.

<h3>3. The album had six breakout singles</h3>

Off the body of work, six songs were officially released as singles which helped build the hype before it was released and sustained it even after the entire project had been made available.

The six songs are 'Holla at your boy,' 'Tease me,' 'Don't dull,' 'Love my baby,' 'Pakurumo' and 'Oluwa Loni,' with accompanying videos.

<h3>4. The video for 'Holla At Your Boy' was directed by Patrick Ellis</h3>

Patrick Ellis had been directing videos professionally since 2008, working on commercials and reality TV shows but it wasn't until he shot Wizkid's video for 'Holla At Your Boy', that he got his biggest break.

The video which features cameos from artistes like Skales, Banky W and Ice Prince was shot at Dowen College in Lekki.

<h3>5. The title is a result of his dream</h3>

In an interview shortly after the release of the album, Wizkid said he always had the dream of becoming a Superstar and it was only apt that his debut offering in the industry was an affirmation of what he is out to achieve.

<h3>6. Superstar won him awards and recognition</h3>

The Superstar album was nominated in the Album of the Year and Best R&amp;B/Pop Album categories at Headies 2012, winning the Best Album of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

'Holla At Your Boy' earned him the Headies 2011 <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/ranking-the-headies-next-rated-category-since-its-inception/2cr69ny">Next Rated Award</a>, with 'Don't Dull' earning him his first International collaboration with Akon.

<h3>7. He released the album at age 20</h3>

Born July 16, 1990, Wizkid who had been recording music from age 11 and worked with the likes of OJB Jezreel and Knighthouse before signing with Empire Mates Entertainment started recording songs on the album in 2009, but in 2011, few weeks before his 21st birthday, Wizkid put out the body of work, 'Superstar'.

The album has since aged like fine wine over the years, as it still enjoys relevance and radio spins while the question on if it qualifies to be called a classic subsists.

For all the subjective opinions, what cannot be argued is the fact that 13 years later, the 'Superstar' album is an important album, a definitive project that has transformed the boy from Ojuelegba who was armed with just a dream to a megastar who has written his name in history.

Wizkid has gone on to release 4 other projects, 'Ayo (Joy)' in 2014 and '<a href="http://www.pulse.ng/buzz/wizkid-sounds-from-the-other-side-vs-ayo-joy-id7003214.html">Sound From The Other Side</a>' in 2017, the Grammy-nominated '<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/wizkid-made-in-lagos-album-review/8cpg1kd">Made In Lagos</a>' in 2020, and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/a-pulse-review-of-wizkids-more-love-less-ego-album/b42e7g0">'More Love, Less Ego'</a> in 2022.

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Tuesday, June 12 2024 marked exactly 13 years Wizkid released his debut album, 'Superstar' which emphatically announced his entrance into the Nigerian mainstream.

'Superstar' @ 13: 7 things you need to know about Wizkid's debut album

<h3>Nigeria marks it 60th anniversary as an independent nation on October 1st, 2020 and just as the country has witnessed evolution with every year, one sector that has enjoyed growth with every decade is the music industry.</h3>

Nigerian music is globally courted due to the rise of the Afrobeats genre that has seen the evolution of our indigenous pop sound and style on the international scene.

Names like <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/see-dbanj-and-wife-share-intimate-moment-on-vacation-in-dubai-id8820489.html">D'banj</a>, <a href="http://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/davido-and-wizkid-are-shutting-down-arenas-worldwide-id8428137.html">Davido</a>, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/wizkid-confirms-october-1st-date-for-made-in-lagos-album-id8880493.html">Wizkid</a>, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/is-2face-idibia-the-greatest-nigerian-artist-ever-id8621169.html">2face Idibia</a>, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/yemi-alade-is-right-in-saying-she-is-big-as-wizkid-and-davido-id8350166.html">Yemi Alade</a> and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/tiwa-savage-sells-out-indigo-at-the-o2-arena-london-id8768611.html">Tiwa Savage</a> represent faces of the leaders of the generation flying the flag high, but this acceptance didn't exactly happen overnight.

It is as a result of refined genres and sounds that have been forged over many decades.

Charting the history of Nigerian music is a long road to travel, considering the influences of western sounds that played a major role in shaping our sound pre and post-independence.

However, we have been able to put together a comprehensive look at the prevailing genres in Nigerian music since 1960 to date.

<h2>1960 - 1970 - Highlife Music and Apala</h2>

Prior to Nigeria's independence in 1960, one style of music that developed among amateur musicians and praise singers at events was Apala Music.

The indigenous brand of music which is familiar with the Western part of the country got popularized by the likes of Haruna Ishola, who released the hit single, 'Punctuality is the soul of business' in 1960 and then a number of albums including his most commercially successful project ''Oroki Social Club'' released late in the 60s, which helped him become one of the first Nigerian artists to embark on a European tour.

This decade also had the likes of&nbsp;Ayinla Omowura in the early 1960s and Olatunji Yusuf who raised the genre high in the early 70s.

'Highlife' which originated from Ghana also found a second home in Nigeria in the 50s through legendary names like Bobby Benson, Cardinal Rex Lawson, and Dr Victor Olaiya with Igbo artists like Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe and the late Oliver De Coque also a huge part of the movement.

<h2>1970-1980 - Disco, Rock, Fuji, Afrobeat, Juju</h2>

There was a period in the early 70s when Disco music and Afrofunk flourished through the likes of The Sahara All Stars from Jos, then came Afrobeats in all its controversial glory.

'Afrobeat' in its original form finds its root in Ghana, but it became fully fleshed in Nigeria through the late <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/donald-duke-speaks-on-his-relationship-with-fela-kuti-id8622694.html">Fela Anikulapo Kuti</a> following his return to the country from the West Coast in 1967.

Afrobeat is an infusion of jazz, highlife and funk with live instruments a very key element of the sound.

The likes of Fela's sons, Femi and Seun Kuti, Dede Mabiakwu, Orlando Julius, Lagbaja have helped continue the legacy of the genre, expressing it in different forms and making it acceptable to a much more diverse audience.

The decade also had ‘Rock music’ which grew through names like flutist, Tee Mac who returned to Lagos as a 22-year-old man in the mid-70s and formed a series of heavyweight psychedelic Afro-rock bands including ''Tee Mac and Afro Collection'' and the amazingly named Tee Mac and the Backing Band.

The decade also saw the rise of the 'Fuji' category. Fuji music was pioneered by the likes of Alhaji Sikiru AyindeBarrister, who is in fact credited with carving the name 'Fuji.'

Barrister came into the scene in the late sixties, but it wasn't until the 70s and early 80's that he was able to make the genre mainstream appealing with songs like ‘Bisimilahi’ (1977) and ‘Ile Aiye Dun Pupo/Love In Tokyo (India Sound)’ in 1976, even though some of his biggest records like ‘Fuji Garbage’ came towards the latter years of his career.

Juju Music became prevalent in the Yorubaland with artists like Tunde Nightingale, who is regarded as one of the first Juju performers, Idowu Animashaun who launched the group ‘’Idowu Animashaun and his Lisabi Brothers’’ in 1967 and Prince Adekunle who mentored the next generation of talents like Sir Shina Peters, whose album ''Ace'' remains a classic moment for the genre and Segun Adewale who were members of his ‘Prince Adekunle &amp; Western State Brothers’ band.

The likes of Fatai Rolling Dollars, King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey gave new life to the genre before duly passing the baton to young blood like Dele Taiwo, Dayo Kujore, Dele Ojo who managed to make an impression in the late 80s and early 90s.

Fuji further became mainstream in this decade with as the genre grew through the input of Barrister's music rival, Kollington Ayinla and King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall [K1 The Ultimate] who took the art form to a completely different level in the 90s.

The mid-eighties was the year that Reggae music came to town, the genre which is identified with Jamaicans was adopted by the likes of Majek Fashek who rose to fame off the back of his 1988 album, ''Prisoner of Conscience'' that had the massive hit single 'Send Down The Rain'.

Late <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/10-essential-songs-by-ras-kimono-id8483637.html">Ras Kimono</a> released his critically acclaimed album, ''Under Pressure'' in 1989, Alex Zitto with the hit single 'Tickle Me' in 1988, Evelyn Ogoli, Daniel Wilson, Oritz Wiliki and more all contributed to the growth of the genre.

Reggae was the sound of the streets across the country, its impact was huge and far-reaching as the message and style resonated with the masses.

This decade also witnessed the gradual spring-up of radio stations making it possible for Reggae music to gain nationwide acceptance as they controlled the airwaves.

Groups like Plantashun Boiz who emerged much later on created their style through the inspirattion of the Reggae sound which later transformed into Ragga/dancehall music becoming a movement in places like Ajegunle in Lagos shaping the ghetto sounds as delivered by the likes of Daddy Showkey, Daddy Fresh, Nico Gravity and more.

'Juju' music is one that has always been here through leading characters like I.K Dairo and J.O Araba, Juju was actually existent pre-independence and also in earlier decades, but it wasn't until the eighties when it got the recognition that it duly deserved.

It was in 1983 that King Sunny Ade released the album, ‘’Syncro System’’ which earned him a Grammy nomination while Shina Peters got his break in 1989 with the album, ''Ace'', his sixth project in that decade.

<h2>1990-2000: Ragga, Hip-Hop and R&amp;B</h2>

The Reggae wave continued in the early 90s morphing fully into Ragga/dancehall as names like Daddy Showkey and his Ajegunle comrades held sway, until the late 90s when the hip-hop scene came to life.

The present wave of R&amp;B and Pop music began in the latter nineties when groups like Remedies, Plantashun Boiz, Def 'O' Clan, Trybesmen came calling alongside an era of new generation producers like Nelson Brown and OJB Jezreel.

Prior to that Nigerian music was going through a period where the audience were struggling to identify with it, giving room for Westen sounds to take over the airwaves.

But the rise of private radio stations like Ray Power coinciding with the entrance of labels like Kennis Music created room for songs like 'Shakomo' and 'Shake Bodi' to take over the charts and become mainstream records ushering in a paradigm shift in the history of Nigerian Music.

The success of the pioneering groups started a trend where new groups and a younger generation of talents sensing that a definite sound they could relate with had emerged and many both home and abroad began to associate with it.

This decade was perhaps the most bubbly era of the Nigerian music scene, with the likes of Eedris Abdulkareem, 2face Idibia, Azadus, Maintain releasing pop bangers that were dominating the streets.

Emboldened by their successes, both artistically and commercially, talents in the diaspora like D'banj and Don Jazzy returned up to set up Mo Hits, while Banky W also came to take the RnB throne.

It was the decade where the quality of our videos hit new heights as Nigerian artists began to have their music showcased on international platforms and recognized for awards outside our shores.

Burna Boy to feature on  Wizkid's 'Made In Lagos.' (Naija Music)

Afrobeat is back but in a different form, sound, concept and even a change in name, now called Afrobeats.

Afrobeats, defined usually by fast drums and its high tempo is the prevailing sound of this decade, a sound that takes a bit of everything from Fela's Afrobeat to Pop, to London Grime and even hip-hop.

The genre is championing the rise of Nigerian artistes to true global stars with the likes of Wizkid and Davido performing at the biggest stages across the world, even though the early successes came with the likes of D'banj with 'Oliver Twist' and 2face Idibia with 'African Queen' built major foundations upon which this house has been built.

There is Afrobeats and there is Afropop, even though in seeking recognition, the lines have become intertwined and those who make pop music find themselves edging towards the former.

But names like Tekno, Tiwa Savage and a multitude of uprising stars are pushing a variation of the sound that is also quite huge across the continent and beyond.

Wizkid says his aim is not to make music like Fela. (Info Nigeria)

From Highlife, Juju, Rock, Disco and Fuji to modern day Pop and Afrobeats, the Nigerian music soundscape has fully evolved in the last 58years.

Here is a timeline of Nigerian music genres since 1960

Pulse Music presents this week's compilation of 10 of the best new songs released recently and essential for your listening this weekend.

Every week promises a flood of fresh new music from some of your favorite acts and some that may not really be known to you, but we have taken it upon ourselves to sift through the quantity and bring to you only the very best every other Friday.

<h3>Here are 10 new songs you need to listen to this week</h3>

A-Q - '(-Ve)' Feat Ruby Gyang

100 Crowns co-owner, A-Q features singer Ruby Gyang on his first official single for the year titled, '-Ve.'

Rapping about fans showing him love on social media and then a particular one that soon progresses from the chat room to the bedroom, the elite rapper stays constant in telling stories and creating wild imagery as the sexual moment soon lead to him uncertain of his HIV status.

From the story telling to Ruby's enchanting vocals, A-Q delivers yet another stellar showing proving why he has consistently been mentioned among the greatest rappers in the game.

Oma Mahmud - 'Rock Me' Ft. Yung L

'Rock Me', a mid tempo Afro pop tune with a Caribbean feel, is the latest single from Oma Mahmud featuring Yung L.

The Kabizzy produced record is off his forthcoming album, "ROCKSTVR," expected later in the year.

Toby Grey - 'Show Glass (Remix)' Ft. Chinko Ekun &amp; Terry Apala

Grey Nation sensational singer Toby Grey releases the video to the remix of her latest single 'Show Glass.' The conscious record features Chinko Ekun and new school Apala singer Terry Apala.

The video was directed by Oludare.

Qdot - 'Koshi Danu'

Indigenous act Qdot returns with 'Koshi Danu.' A playful song that talks about those who are always making demands from him.

The song was produced by Pherari.

To celebrate his birthday, Oladips puts out this new freestyle titled 'Vain,' inspired by Fireboy and Oxlade's 'Sing.'

In the song, the talented rapper is grateful for everything he has and expresses the vanity that comes in chasing things that would someday pass away.

Mavin artist new signing, <a id="a6ae9a1f-6c9c-45e5-85be-21c9a2aa41af" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/don-jazzy-signs-new-artist-rema-to-mavin-records/klf0tb3">Rema</a>, steps into the industry with his introductory four track body of work, <a id="4344184f-dcda-496e-8d7c-8f45962877d4" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/ep-review-new-mavin-signee-rema-caters-to-different-tastes-on-new-rema-ep/1hhhbbm">''Rema EP.''</a>

'Why' is the stand out track as it showcases his versatility and trap influences which he delivers with some level of maturity and confidence.

Bisola - 'Good Old Days'

Temple Music’s First Lady, Bisola Aiyeola, goes on a nostalgic trip with the visuals to her latest single, 'Good Old Days.'

She reminisces on events that made her growing up fun while recollecting nursery rhymes that were the essence of her child hood.

Tomi Owo - 'Night Rain'

Tomi Owo follows up her last single, 'Vessel' with this soulful tune 'Night Rain.' Over laid back and soft production, Tomi sings with conviction as she calls on the rain to wash away every pain.

Leopard - 'Shola (remix)' feat Mr Eazi

Supported by Mr Eazi's Empawa program which is providing a platform to empower upcoming artists through videos, Leopard teams up with the Banku Music boss to render the remix to his 2018 single, 'Shola.'

WizzyPro – 'Life' ft. Barry Jhay, Magnito &amp; DI Mien

Producer WizzyPro enlists Magnito, Barry Jhay and on his latest record 'Life.'

Barry Jhay with his unique is focused in his desire to make plenty money while rapper Magnito in his comical style laces a befitting verse.

10 new songs this week ft Oma Mahmud, A-Q, Qdot, Oladips, TomiOwo, [Pulse]

Your playlist is incomplete if you do not have these 10 songs on it.

10 new songs you need to listen to this week

Reminisce has shared his brand new single, 'Oja.'

One of Nigeria's pioneer indigenous rappers has kickstarted the journey to his fifth studio album with the release of the hit single, titled 'Oja.'

Teaming up with frequent collaborator Sarz, Reminisce infuses his street vibes with EDM to serve up this banger where he declares that he is different from the rest.

<a id="34a2da95-f448-4b40-a349-45981f955379" href="https://itunes.apple.com/ng/album/oja-single/1456409296">https://itunes.apple.com/ng/album/oja-single/1456409296</a>

Reminisce releases new single, 'Oja' [Itunes/Reminisce]

The Alaga Ibile is back.

Reminisce returns with the Sarz produced 'Oja'

<a id="09db4eae-db42-4806-b3fb-dc2200cc4c7a" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/tiwa-savage-and-hypocrisy-towards-valuing-women/v9st45s">Tiwa Savage</a> has added her vocals to the challenge thrown open by<a id="eac04f10-69d9-447a-ab99-89461123d164" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/kizz-daniel-proves-he-can-do-no-wrong-on-no-bad-songz-album-review/p81q84f"> Kizz Daniel</a> following the release of his latest single, 'Fvck You.'

Few weeks ago, Kizz Daniel put out his first official single of the year, 'Fvck You', an emotive song where he shares the tales of a promiscuous partner relating a story of heartbreak and pain.

What followed was a few covers from rising talents that soon sparked a call for his followers and other artists to jump on the trend and send in their versions with Kizz making the instrumentals available online.

While he may have anticipated the multitude of the covers that have since flown in, it is near impossible that he expected the pace at which even the established acts have jumped on it with the song producing close to a hundred covers as at the time of writing this article.

From artists like Sarkodie, Lil Kesh, Chinko Ekun, CDQ, Demmie Vee, Skibii, Young Jonn and more to lesser known names already <a id="656b9e88-6368-4627-afcc-650758943a9b" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/tiwa-savage-kizz-daniel-fvck-you-10-best-challenge-sarkode-chinko-ekun-cdq/2h76g5z">releasing their own versions</a>, the song has become the biggest thing on the music scape at the moment.

Then on Wednesday, Kizz Daniel encouraged female artists to also send in their versions and barely 24 hours after, one of the biggest names in the industry, Tiwa Savage released a cover of the song and the reactions have been loud and deafeaning.

With lyrics like, ''Bobo you no get shame, when we dey waka to studio to studio, you dey look for fame, two can play the game, first time you go international, mo fo wo mi ran e lo Canada [I paid for your Canada trip], Mr Living Da loca, 50 Bottles you still dey owe escape, carry Sisi Yellow, you dey form posh, say my melanin no dey pop''

Even though no name was mentioned in her lyrics and it could just be the singer telling stories to fit the context of the challenge, the emotions and personalized angles displayed on the song has gotten listeners curious fueling speculations to who she may be referring to in the song.

Tiwa, who has enjoyed a successful career that spans close to a decade has been associated with a number of men since her return to the country and this cover has placed a lens on every one of them as her fans are pushing to unmask the person she is addressing.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">That Tiwa Savage&#39;s Fvck You cover bangs man💥💥💥 When Kizz say fuck you and aunty Tiwa say fuck you too🤣🤣🤣🤣&mdash; 3xd (@_03xd) <a href="https://twitter.com/_03xd/status/1111233301895933953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">wizkid go trend now because some gullibles go think say na him tiwa savage sub for her <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fvckyouchallenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fvckyouchallenge</a> Besties for life, they dont do like tgat.. Y&#39;all should chill and enjoy the cover... <a href="https://t.co/h60iL0mmRF">pic.twitter.com/h60iL0mmRF</a>&mdash; Ebullient EMEKAH😊 (@Megxo_official) <a href="https://twitter.com/Megxo_official/status/1111279100637995009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The one minute audio has already amassed over 150k plays on her social media page within hours of its release.

While the singer is not saying anything to uncover the mystery person, we are curious to know who may have caused her this much pain and has become the victim of her lyrical wrath?

Tiwa Savage on stage at the Rhythm Unplugged festival day one

The Mavin first lady is setting the internet on fire with her version of the #FuckYouCover which is packed with subliminal lines.

Who is Tiwa Savage talking to on Kizz Daniel's #Fvckyoucover?

Under the new deal, which was announced on Thursday March 28, 2019, the partnership aims to grow the reach of African artists around the world, and create new opportunities for global superstars in the region.

Chocolate City whose catalog boasts of heavyweights like <a id="3faa7fa5-0c6c-4e5d-9562-dbc24176b388" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/femi-kuti-speaks-on-how-fela-reacted-to-his-1st-album/hc54lwx">Femi Kuti</a> and M.I. Abaga will join Warner's repertoire and receive the support of the company's distribution and artist services via its independent label services division ADA.

In a statement issued by the Group CEO Audu Maikori, "The partnership with Warner Music Group is unique in the sense that our clients get the best of both worlds -- curated and bespoke services by a highly experienced team across Africa and a dedicated global team to further push their music and their brands.

Audu Maikori, Group CEO of Chocolate City [TheTrentOnline]

At Chocolate City, we have always been passionate about discovering and developing the best talent across Africa and giving them a platform for global growth," said Audu.

In addition, Warner Music Executive VP Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa Alfonso Perez Soto stated that, "The music scene in Nigeria is so rich and diverse that it's important that we develop bespoke entrepreneurial strategies.

At the same time, we'll keep in mind the lessons learned from other emerging markets, for instance Latin America where we successfully broke local artists globally. We have great affinity with Chocolate City's creative and ambitious approach and we're excited about Warner's role in bringing to life their vision of taking their music worldwide."

The deal, which is designed to broaden the reach of Chocolate City's roster of artists across the world, includes a strategic, reciprocal marketing agreement with WMG South Africa.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/BomfxX5L86">pic.twitter.com/BomfxX5L86</a>&mdash; The Guy (@MI_Abaga) <a href="https://twitter.com/MI_Abaga/status/1111261519117987841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The label will also financially invest in Chocolate City to assist in its mission of signing and developing promising local talent. Chocolate City co-founders Audu Maikori and Paul Okeugo, along with executive VPs Jude Abaga and Aibee Abidoye, will continue to lead the company.

With Afrobeats making daily incursions on the global stage through flagbearers like Davido and Wizkid, it is no surprise to see more international platforms partnering with music organizations on the continent.

For WMG, this is the second partnership they will be announcing in the past couple of weeks after signing a licensing deal with streaming platform Boomplay and this also follows <a id="0236c4a5-0617-4363-a251-5b64861c1d1f" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/don-jazzys-mavin-records-secure-multi-million-dollar-deal-with-kupanda-holdings/9cnm0w2">Mavin Records investment deal with Kupanda Holdings</a> announced in January.

Chocolate City is also home to Dice Ailes, Nosa, ClassiQ, Ruby Gyang, Blaqbonez, C Kay and Street Billionaires, while its catalog also includes such popular artists as Brymo, Ice Prince and Jesse Jagz.

Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced a pioneering partnership with influential Nigerian label Chocolate City.

Chocolate City announces deal with American giant company, Warner Music Group

For <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/pulse-interview-meet-wurld-the-nigerian-born-artist-with-a-contagious-message/gtyphlm" link="null" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wurld</a>, the 'Love Is Contagious' EP is that body of work where he gets it right, winning the hearts of the local audience even with a cosmopolitan style that plays against the prevailing sounds.

Born, Sadiq Onifade, the blue-haired singer weaves a spell not just with his personality but particularly his music, one that keeps you wrapped to his voice at first listen and despite having his single, 'Follow You' alongside Polish disc jockey, DJ Gromee go Gold in 2015, it has taken him a longer period for the audience back home to finally catch up with his music.

From the very first time I got introduced to Wurld, he has demonstrated that irresistible skill for embracing a fusion of sounds not necessarily within the conventions of mainstream pop but still managing to enjoy some level of success and this time he is taking it even further with his experiment of indigenous sounds like Fuji, Juju and Afrobeat to form a wholesome piece.

In 2013, Wurld released his debut body of work, ''Evolution,'' a project he admitted holding onto for two years before its eventual release.

It has further taken him six years of finding himself, blending more sounds and coming back home to reconnect with his roots to put out his second body of work mainly produced by his frequent collaborator, Shizzi.

''I'll be honest, I know I've been lost, I'm still trying, don't stop shining your light on me make I glow,'' are the opening lines on the album from his 2016 released single, 'Show You Off' with Shizzi and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/major-lazer-diplo-jillionaire-and-walshy-fire-deliver-a-night-of-edm-brilliance-at/b4wp6mb" link="null" rel="noopener noreferrer">Major Lazer</a>'s Walshy Fire, a song that brought his biggest mainstream success.

The beautifully delivered record which is lit with a heavy Afrobeat feel is one of the 'poppiest' records I have listened to in a while and for those new to his sound, making it the EP's intro is a smart way to suck listeners straight into his world and enforce rapt attention.

From EDM to Afrobeat and Carribean music, he infuses it all into one song to create a unique spectral thrill.

'Contagious' released as the lead single last year is the follow-up record and the infusion of the delicious Shina Peters 'Afro Juju' inspired vibe ups the ante and turns this to a happy people house party.

On the house influenced 'Gbemisoke,' which translates to 'Lift Me Higher', he doesn't tinker much with the theme as he gently but confidently talks about being stuck to love forever, while 'Paranoid' is perhaps the tape's best written song where he assures his partner of giving the best of love despite her previous relationship experience which didn't end well.

''You screaming 'no one ever loves you tight', but I want you the way you are, so you don't need to play love games.''

'Wishes and Butterflies' is the midpoint of the EP where he restates the earnestness of what he needs most and what he is all about; Love. 'Feel Alright' and 'Candy' are triumphant R&amp;B records as he continues his search for the one on the former while the latter leads him to the path of that sweet person.

'Drown' is another brilliant record that rises from a soft, emotive moment as he battles his personal conflict and addiction to become a slowly stomping anthem well pushed by the detailed lyrics that forms a powerful imagery of one deeply lost in love despite the attempts of everyone around him to help keep his head.

''Man are go outside all day for my zone, Some people waste their time keep calling my phone, Take the keys, everything that I have is your own, Oh my god, I love it, Baby, never leave you''

The EP couldn't have found a more perfect way to bring the music journey to a close than it did with 'So Good', a rich and truly contagious song.

Wurld is yet to become a genuine player in the mainstream space but this EP puts the virtuoso jersey on him, that unabashedly romantic special talent who has found a perfect balance between his songwriting and his search for something bigger.

Love ballads are his bread and butter and on almost every song, he nails it. His richly layered vocal performances added to Shizzi's bright production has seen him expand his range and influences, reaching the level of quality that his talent promises.

There are plenty of oversweet ballad moments and it is clear that in setting out to create a concept album, he falls back on his most striking star quality, which is his song writing and how well he pays attention to laying the lines and phrasing his lyrics while also singing with every emotion that flows through him.

Wurld is here to stay and 'Love Is Contagious' is the cohesive body of work that not only drives home everything that love represents; healing, fighting, magic and fantasy but also confidently backs up his claim as a force to reckon with on the scene.

Stream the ''Love Is Contagious'' EP <a href="https://umgafrica.lnk.to/LoveisContagious" rel="noopener noreferrer">HERE</a>

3 - Worth Checking Out

Wurld expands his appeal on new EP, ''Love Is Contagious'' [iTunes/Wurld]

Wurld has never been afraid to experiment and push the boundaries and on his latest EP, he showcases how his music has blossomed into a more matured and well-rounded style.

Wurld aims for continental appeal on ''Love is Contagious'' EP

19 year old Koffee is the latest music sensation out of Jamaica, blessed with a unique talent for delivering soul-stirring songs that is rapidly getting her major attention across the world.

The teenager who is enjoying both critical and commercial acclaim since the release of her genre-bending debut EP, ''Rapture'' early in the month had a few weeks back hinted her interest in working with Nigerian Afro-fusion star and the standout artist of 2018, <a id="0bb02ea9-11c9-44d2-98aa-f570aa1fc81c" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/youtube-shines-spotlight-on-burna-boy-in-new-documentary/9n4rl44">Burna Boy</a> in response to a fan tweet.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Well wah we ah wait pon? Let&#39;s do this!🔥&mdash; Koffee (@originalkoffee) <a href="https://twitter.com/originalkoffee/status/1109977593275695104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Koffee has been on a tour of Europe since the release of her introductory body of work taking her music to places like Amsterdam, Berlin and the UK.

On Wednesday, March 27, 2019, while performing songs from her EP at the official launch event held at the Brixton Arena in London, the singer also delivered an inspiring cover of Burna Boy's smash single 'Ye.'

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/originalkoffee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@originalkoffee</a> cover of <a href="https://twitter.com/burnaboy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@burnaboy</a> Yé - this was toooo smooth 🥺❤️🙌🏾 <a href="https://t.co/NzFoHaIOMD">pic.twitter.com/NzFoHaIOMD</a>&mdash; M. (@m_ldnn_) <a href="https://twitter.com/m_ldnn_/status/1111029212683608064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ehis Ohunyon

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