Tag Archives: Music

TAWO: A RISING STAR SAYS ONE DAY HE’LL BE AS BIG AS DRAKE

To make it to the top, you have to be willing to meticulously watch the greats and apply what you’ve learned, all while being patient. This is a strategy rising music star and producer, TAWO has put a lot of effort into perfecting his artistry since the age of 14, the Atlanta, GA., native has only just begun. Making a point to keep his lyrics and music content appealing to the masses the 26-year-old rapper (TAWO has been adamant at shaking the ‘rapper’ label) is a walking embodiment of thinking beyond his years and in staying power.

Back in 2014, TAWO (then rapping under the moniker ‘William Blaze’) released his first project, New Vtlvntv Sound, a collaboration mixtape with another Georgia native, Jay Mays, that was hosted by DJ Iceberg. Followed in 2015 by an EP project, Season of The Sting. Both were met by hurdles and unforeseen personal life events that slowed their success and impact. Then came 2020. Using his middle name as his stage name, more focus and better honing his craft, TAWO is on track to make this his breakout year.

Having already released three projects so far: Closer Than I Appear, Blaze Loves MoMo and Spring Fever, and on track to releasing his debut album later in the year, TAWO has no plans of slowing up.

OUR INTERVIEW

Seated in the AfriQtalk studios living room flashing his signature goofy smile, TAWO discusses his initial jump into the music scene, one day being bigger than Drake, experimenting with his music and much more.

AfriQtalk: What convinced you music is what you wanted to do?

TAWO: Music is just one of numerous things that I’m drawn to like acting, fashion or politics. I just think it was the earliest and easiest way for me to express myself creatively. It was so accessible in my household growing up. My dad had and still has such a crazy CD collection and my mom would just keep the TV on like MTV Jams and stuff like that. So naturally I was drawn to the storytelling and impact certain songs had on people and that was something I wanted for myself.

Why do you think the acting wasn’t a first choice for you?

For me at least back in the day, and when I say back in the day I mean like early 2000’s it was hard to just go out and start acting from a starting out standpoint. You have to audition and so forth. With music I was able to just connect a mic to a computer and let it rip.

How did you end up finding yourself musically? You have a unique music voice.

I would say at first that was my biggest obstacle. I was taking in so much music that I would go on a track and sound like that artist and that really bugged me. Then when I went to experiment and try something new, I felt like people would not vibe with it. So there was this constant back and forth within myself and it really slowed me down in the beginning. I had to take some time to live life and really get to the core of who I was and take that and translate to my music. Now I just vibe, I don’t know what else to call it.

How did things change for you in 2020?

It’s weird answering that question with this whole pandemic thing going on. I just pray that the world heals and people like learn to be more compassionate to everybody and all that. On a more music note though I started this year off with a go-and-get-it mentality. Like I have no excuses anymore. I’m in a space where I can dedicate all my time to my craft and really hit the ground running. I’ve dropped three projects so far. I’m working on this dope video and also on an album. I’m not letting off the gas. This has been ten years in the making. I’m not getting any younger.

What was it like in the beginning for you?

Lost. Like when I was in high school doing the whole Facebook rapping thing it was cool. It made me popular and all but when I went to the real world I was just like confused really. I didn’t know the first thing about the music industry and how to progress from where I was. That’s pretty much how everything started to fall apart. Even with a project with a well known DJ on it I couldn’t move to the next level. I did some shows here and there but the consistency was off. It was hard.

“Closer Than I Appear” really started the run you’re currently on. How did that come about?

It was just a collection of songs I made over the years. 2019 was a really bad year for me and it put a mindset in my head that I need to get on my game. So compiled some records I had laying around and recorded like one or two songs and just threw it out there. After that I was like why stop now, and I just kept going. I never even liked the project to be honest. I just wanted something out there. I know a lot more about the music industry than I used to and so I’m incorporating all my knowledge and really grinding. It’s still a challenge and I’m learning new things like everyday.

Why didn’t you like the project?

I have this problem of just hearing my old music and cringing. I think it’s a maturity thing. I want to push myself to the next level all the time so when I hear old songs like that it irks me. I was still William Blaze when I recorded a lot of those songs. And it sounds dumb because I put it out this year but I just wanted something to get my metadata and SEO going on the streaming platforms. Don’t get me wrong I have a lot of people who loved that project. It’s just a personal thing.

What’s the difference between TAWO and William Blaze as a person?

It’s a combination of a lot of things. Life experiences, maturity, deeper thinking and a better appreciation for the simple things. I think William Blaze saw the world as only what was in front of him. The music was more taunting, more careless. Now everything I do is calculated.

What makes Georgia such an important part of your image?

It started this journey I’m on now. From my street smarts to how I view music to looking at the country through the lenses of the south. When you leave and look back a lot of things become clear and I want to always translate that into my music even though I don’t talk like I’m from the south. I still want to paint the experience in my music.

What are you looking for in a label?

As of now I have no plans to ever sign to a major label. I have my own that I started and I just want to build on that.

As of now?

Yeah, nothing in this life is for certain. Things change and so do people’s thinking. That’s just my current thinking. And it will take a lot to change it.

Where were you mentally when you started making Spring Fever?

Man…. I was just in a constant state of reminiscing. I spent all of 2018 living in Denver, Colorado and I met so many women that touched me in some way or another. So that was just me expressing myself towards that direction. I have a lot of content to record about my experiences in Denver. My mind really changed while living there.

Why do you think that’s a good direction to go in your music?

It was a moment in my life where I was really stripped to the bones physically and mentally. I was put into situations that really opened my mind and changed my way of thinking. The whole energy in that city is powerful. And I don’t want to sound corny or anything but just from that one year I have enough personal material to be the next Drake. The stories I have to tell and how things panned out is remarkable. I’m going to really start diving into it in my album.

The next Drake?

Of course! I say that with complete confidence. I want to be bigger! I have so many stories to tell. So many styles of music I want to try. You know like I hate being called a rapper because I don’t want to be put into that box. I have no idea what a genre is when I record music. It sounds almost like a safety net to say I make hip-hop music. I just make music. My debut album is going to really prove that point.. And all of this is just the start. I want to make a leap into acting too.

What sound were you aiming for with Spring Fever?

I just wanted a real modern retro feel. I wanted it to sound like the whole project was floating in air. Something that gave off bubbly vibes. I was also just experimenting with the whole thing. I really loved what came out of it.

What about Blaze Loves MoMo?

When I heard heard those two beats produced by Yunnygoldz I was like I just have to jump on those songs and really laser beam my deliverance. I didn’t want anything sounding to static or boring. I had a lot of fun working on that one. I’m actually working on a video for Bahm3x right now with this young dynamic director from South Carolina.

Take a listen

Bahm3x was such a vibe! You plan on making more music like that?

No doubt. My verse on there was nice. I’m definitely incorporating stuff like that on my album.

How has your parent’s response to your music been?

They have been real supportive, especially my mom. She was the one who took me to my very first real studio session. I used to record music on the computer and microphone she had for work. At first I used to hide my music from my dad because he was always the “go to college’ and focus on a career type of guy so I wasn’t really eager to show him but he is always asking me to play my music these days.

I know it sounds premature but what’s next for you?

I’m guessing you mean after this year?

Yeah.

I really don’t even know where to begin. Music for me is just the beginning of another journey. From music I want to create visuals that are story telling and like short films and from there I want to make feature films that tie to one album. And also breaking into mainstream acting as well as fashion. I just want o build this mammoth of a beast company and just change the dynamic of everything possible. Also somewhere down the line I want to get into public service but that’s far down the road. If I were to just pinpoint to 2021 I would say I want to be Grammy nominated and have a really good foundation under my feet to build on. So I really have to get on my game and grind.

You can catch Tawo doing his thing at https://www.tawoofficial.com

or follow him at https://www.instagram.com/willtawo

Immediate Press Release – Sensational Gospel Singer and Grammy’s Academy Award Member Shines

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Immediate Press Release – Sensational Gospel Singer and Grammy’s Academy Award Member Shines with her Third Album ” Yes You Can” Who is Princess Pat Akpabio? Princess Pat is an Evangelist who has touched the lives of people in her home town of Akwa Ibom and around the world through her message of Hope, Love, and Worship. The Nigerian- American gospel singer, song writer, producer and actress will have her Album Release Party and Concert on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 3099 Breckinridge Blvd, Duluth Georgia 30096. To know more about Princess Pat Akpabio click here.

Click here to heck out Princess Pat Akpabio Album Release Pictures

Cocka-Doodle-Doo Before Dawn

I hear your cry in the dark, in your form you filled my emptiness, I bless the day that you were born.

I feel birth pains at the mention of your name, In your absence, I long to hold your hands.

Like yesterday, I remember the sleepless nights that I held you in my arms.

I gave you, a love that binds, you strengthened me in a world that sets us apart, so I held on.

In your darkest moments, I pray that you’ve courage, in life’s ups and downs, I pray that you’ve patience.

Today, I speak restoration into your destiny, by faith, I proclaim victory in the battles of life as you hear, Cocka-Doodle-Doo Before Dawn.

AWARD WINNING NIGERIAN MUSIC DUO BRACKET HONORED BY THE CITY AND STATE OF PHILADELPHIA

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Award winning and top selling contemporary Nigerian-style African-pop duo Bracket, after receiving citation from the city and State of Philadelphia at the African American Museum on Friday August 3rd, 2012, highlighted the exciting stage line up at the 5th Annual ACANA African Festival on Sunday, August 5th, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The festival took place at the River Stage on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, a part of PECO Multicultural series.

Stage performances represented the African countries of Nigeria, Liberia, Congo, Sierra Leone, and many others. They performed along with the musical sensation Bracket will be the sensational LIB Queen from Monrovia, Liberia, Rafiya, a Congolese artist, and Jay Q from Sierra Leone.

Other performers throughout the day included: Black Diamond, Peter Cole, Chillton Jah James, Rotimi & De Afrophonik Crew, and Sista Rose. Dance is also an important highlight of the ACANA African Festival. Also, taking the stage was the world famous Universal Dance & Drum Ensemble.

In previous years, ACANA Cultural Festival had brought on stage such big name artists like Maxi Priest of Jamaica, Trinidad’s queen of soca music Joan Tigress Rowley, as well as Liberia’s Gebah Swaray of the Safari Band. This year’s event featured Bracket who were set to repeat the success of the previous festivals, until they got rained in during their performance. See the below preview of concert.

Along with presenting sponsor, PECO, the festival is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts through the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, AfriQtalk, Brown Family Shop Rite, Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health, Children Crisis Treatment Center, , Arik Airlines, Western Union, Cozen O’Connor, Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African & Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, The Welcoming Center, Chester Ave. Business Association, Funtimes Magazine, Liberian United Women In Progress, PNC Bank, and IT Solutions.

Bracket is one of the top selling contemporary Nigerian-style African-pop musicians. Bracket’s music is a composition of traditional Nigerian rhythms with contemporary pop and hip-hop influences.

Silvy De Bie Bridging the Cultural Gap

AfriQtalk Welcomes! Silvy De Bie, Belgian Music Billboard top 10, pop dance recording artist to Atlanta. The Belgian singer is best known for being the vocalist for the dance band Sylver. With them she eleased five studio albums and 20 singles. Between 1990 and 1994 she also released over 10 singles with band “Silvy Melody”.

Silvy became a Flanders child star when she was nine years old. She sung Ben, a song of Michael Jackson, in the Flemish showbizz TV Show De Kinderacademie (child academy). This show was not a contest, it was just an entertainment program where children between 4 and 12 years could perform an act (sing act, dance act, telling a little fairy tail or poem,…) Silvy’s performance was so good, an independent recording studio gave her a contract. Under the name “Silvy Melody” she recorded some songs (including a Dutch version of Ben) as solo-artist and also some numbers together with other famous Belgian singers. Many of her songs were in top 10 charts. Her career as child star stopped abruptly in 1994 due to Belgian law. She did too many activities, performances, and broke the law regarding child labour which is forbidden in Belgium.

In 2000 Silvy became the female vocalist for the dance band Liquid feat., later in 2001 the band’s name was changed into Sylver. Alongside the successes with Sylver, she started also solo.

In 2001 she worked with MNC, with him she covered the Eurythmics song Sweet Dreams. She also worked with the dance formation Milk Inc. (she is friends with Singer Linda Mertens). In 2004 the Track I Don’t Care came out, the single reached the Belgian Top Ten. In 2007 the Single Time alongside with 4 Clubbers in Belgium, she composed and wrote the song “Lovesong” from the Crossroads album.

In my conversation with Silvy, I find her to be somewhat adventurous and intellectually engaging. Do you see yourself working with Artiste from Africa? I asked, she replied! “I am ready to collaborate with artiste of different genre” including artist from Africa. Now that’s what I call bridging the cultural gap.

2Face Idibia “The Unstoppable”

2Face Idibia, again has proven to be ” The Unstoppable” in his career. His award winning hit track “African Queen” was used as the sound track of the 2006 comedy film, Phat Girlz. This made him even more recognized internationally. He first announced on AfriQtalk on October 28, 2010 that he was ready to take on America. Take a listen to my candid chat with 2Face a.k.a., 2baba.

2Face was recently, nominated for BET AWARDS 2011 Best International Act (Africa). He appeared on the Monique Show and Lola Ogunnaike interviewed him on BET, FM V103.1 radio station, just to mention a few. He is reported to have ongoing projects and collaborations with big name artiste in the U.S. Stay tuned! We’ll keep you posted. Not only is 2Face “the Unstoppable”, I’ll like to refer to him as “The Come Back Kid”. 2Face Idibia BET Awards Celebrations Party will be held Live @ the Valley Nite Club, Saturday, Aug. 6th, 2011. Atlanta, GA.

TuFace is currently one of the most popular artistes on the African music scene. 2Face Idibia was born Innocent Ugah Idibia in Jos, Nigeria. He started calling himself “2Face” in 1996. “The name to me just refers to the outside and inside: when you first see me you see the outside but when you get to know me, you see the inside,” he said in an interview with the BBC.

Tuface recently, released two lead off singles from the international version of his Unstoppable album and is the first Nigerian artist to have an appropriately priced international album. He is also reported to have recorded a single with Mary J. Blige.

In 2010 with his Unstoppable Album(The Intl. Edition) won 2 awards at the 2010 SMVA. He also, won the Channel O Most Gifted Western African and the MTV African Music Awards (Best Male and Artist of the year) making him the most successful pop singer in Africa. He is the lead vocalist of the Sony All African 08 Project alongside 7 other stars across Africa recording their first singles with R.Kelly and Prince Lee titled “Hands Across the World”.

Aside from running his own record label known as Hypertek after leaving Kennis Music, the artist has established the Tuface Idibia Foundation, which is into charity. In December 2010, the foundation collaborated with the Hands Project International for an Aids charity dinner. His show held at the expo center was the best of its kind, as it featured all the notable Nigerian artists, particularly 9ice, Dbanj and P-Square. Other awards include:

Best African Act MOBO – London (MUSIC OF BLACK ORIGIN) 2007 AWARDS
CHANNEL “O music video AWARDS a) Best Male Video, b) Best African Video of the year, c) Best African Act.
Best African Act KORAall african AWARDS 2005
NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS New York a) Africa Break Through Artist of the Year 2006 and b) Best Album of the Year 2007
Best Musical Artiste AFRO NOLLYWOOD AWARDS 2005,
Song of the Decade NIGERIAN MUSIC AWARDS 2007
African Song of The Year (Non Ghanaian) GHANA MUSIC AWARDS 2005,
Music of the Year EXCELLENCE RECOGNITION AWARDS 2004
Special Recognition Award HIP HOP WORLD AWARDS 2005
1st NIGERIA ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS 2004 a) Song of the year African Queen b) Best Album of the year c) Best Hip Hop and R&B Artiste
The Outstanding Musician of the Year 2005 BLACK HERITAGE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
Musician of the Year 2004 CITY PEOPLE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
Outstanding Contribution to the Entertainment Industry 2004 AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
2Face Idibia Wins MOBO Award for Best African Act
Best Song Of The Year 2005 G.C.E INTERNATIONAL AWARDS,
Musician Of The Year 2006 THE FUTURE AWARDS,
A.M.E.N AWARDS 2004 a) Best Male Vocalist, b) Song of the Year c) Best New Act Male d) Best Video.
Best Male Vocalist 2002 AFFINITY AWARDS.
Song Of the decade 2007 African Queen THE NIGERIAN MUSIC AWARD
Best African Act 2007 MOBO (MUSIC OF BLACK ORIGIN AWARDS) UK
HIP HOP AWARDS a) Best R&B album b) Best R&B male
Best African Act Australian African Awards 2008
Best selling Nigerian Artist – World Music Awards 2008, Monaco, Spain
Youth Ambassador for peace- Universal Federation for World peace
Nigerian International Youth Award- National Youth council of Nigeria.
Best R&B: 2face Idibia MTV Africa Music Awards 2009
Artist of the Year – 2Face (Nigeria) MTV Africa Music Awards 2010
Best Male – 2Face Nigeria MTV Africa Music Awards 2010
New Champions For An Enduring Culture 2011 16th edition of the Annual THISDAYAwards presented by President Bill Clinton and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
World Music Awards 2008 world’s best selling Nigerian artist
Best International Act: Africa (BET Awards 2011)

2Face Idibia has been named a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations’ world food programme, joining other Nigerian icons like Wole Soyinka, John Fashanu etc. who are also working with the UN to fight different causes across the African continent. First non-Liberian to become an honorary member of the Liberian music society in recognition for his outstanding contribution to the growth of music in Africa.

What’s next for this young man? It’s everyone’s guess but what I do know is that 2Face is one artiste that will continue to break the barriers and boundaries with his style of music.

Ministering Through Music – Falu Phalu

~ Princess Asha Okojie

For more than eleven years now, Christian musician Falu Phalu has been an integral, innovative and uncompromising part of ministering through music. “As a young musician I wonder, where my music comes from?” says Falu Phalu. “I’ve become a bit of a historian of Jazz and World-music genre, listening to music from across the globe. With the gift God has placed in me and the view I have of Him as a pioneer of all things and creator I strive to be like Him in such ways by reforming the known and bringing familiar things together to make the music that I would like to see happen.” He started his musical education learning to play the drums at the young age of seven and picked up other instruments in his later teenage years : the Piano, Guitar, Upright bass, Djembe and other percussions. His native Nigerian formative years found him firmly rooted in many different musical traditions, making him very fond of jazz, soul, blues, Latin Putumayo, and classical music. Right now touring, ministering and performing as an artist with very unconventional musical deliverance, Falu Phalu is out to keep bringing the unusual that we all enjoy to God’s glory. Falu pays homage to God whose masterful works of creation inspired his development as one diverse music performer creating his own style of Acoustic, jazz influenced, pop hint music with Pan African rhythms and soulful singing sometimes fused with rap. Former member of a young Christian group known as O3 (Chosen Okonrende, Miss Ree, Falu Phalu) and a pioneer of Acoustic rap, Falu Phalu reaches back to the primary sources of jazz and soul music to create his personal and spiritual interpretations of classic performers of the past and present. For example, some of his influences are Jim Reeves, Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Needham, Mali Music, Sam Cooke, Jason Mraz and Esperanza Spalding. While exploring and expressing himself through music, Falu Phalu acknowledges his own key role striving to carry on these powerful legacies by creating a distinct style to hopefully touch lives.

Falu Phalu will be performing at ATVA Center, Houston, Texas 05/29/2011 @ 6pm-9.pm. For more information email: dreamweaversentertainment@yahoo.com

Sensational DJ OUDY 1er Brings It On

DJ Oudy 1er, one of Decale’s hottest artists continues to fill up dance floors across the US. The West Africa Guinea born moved to France at a young age in order to pursue his love for music. From the beginning, Dj Oudy captured the attention of his audience, filled with people yearning for the beat of Africa. He lead coupe decale movements such as “the black and white”. A captivating performer, he is the pioneer of coupe decale’s popular “the black and white” move. He has sold out shows in France, Italy, London and parts of Africa and is touring the United States with special performances of some of his biggest hits. He kickoff of his Official United States Tour at the African Vibes Magazine 5th Anniversary celebration award on 05/01/2011.

Dj Oudy 1er although aclaimed in Europe, always made sure to travel to Africa. He travelled to Guinea, Cote D’ivoire and many other countries in order to not only share his music but also his experience. DJ Oudy first called ‘The Model of DJ’s’ for his style of dress is always fashionable without doubt. He completed his new album “Kill to Kill ‘in collaboration with DJ Lewis, Philip Bebi, Serge Beno, DJ Gesco, Pat Sexy DJ 5 Stars Vetcho Lolas, David Tayorault etc to create a new concept Tchoumakaya, which was quickly adopted a few months after its release Tchoumakaya was number 1 in Africa hit Trace. His new single “tchoumakaya” is a hit both in Africa and Europe. Dj Oudy 1er is currently on tour all over America.