The Best of 2021

It's the last month of the year! Actually, it's the best season of the year, and we can’t deny that 2021 has been good to us musically. Well, we have more than a few songs to back up this part. 

The truth is a lot of artists brought on their A-game this year. Even the new artists came with a bang. Looks like they all had enough time to rest and be creative with lockdown last year. 

While we can rightly say they have all done well, some songs have been exceptional. In fact, we haven’t stopped dancing to them since they came out. I know you are already running through a list in your head. But to make it easier, I have decided to compile a list of the top songs this year.

Kilometre -Burna boy

Bloody samaritan -Ayra starr

Somebody’s son -Tiwa Savage ft Brandy

Rock -Olamide Baddo

Running to you -Chike ft Simi

Crazy Things -Tems

Show me -Joeboy

Focus -Joeboy

Bounce -Rema

Thunder Fire You -Ric Hassani

Flex -Kizz Daniel

Promise -Niniola

Early momo -Vector ft Good girl LA

Woman -Simi

Alcohol -Joeboy

Holy Father -Mayorkun

Monalisa -Sarz

For You -Teniola

Lonely -Joeboy

Somebody Baby -Peruzzi ft Davido

Squander -Falz ft Niniola

It Is What Is -Adekunle Gold

Ojuju -Oxlade & Troniq

Away - Ayra Starr

Question -Burna Boy

Pretty Girl - Adekunle Gold ft Patoranking

Loving is harder -Johnny Drille

The Don -Mr Eazi

Understand -Omah Lay

Peru -Fireboy DML

The best part is how some artists feature two to three times on this list. That is not what I would define as luck, and neither should you. It is something that only comes from hard work. And that is highly commendable because long hours of thought and considerations went into these masterpieces. But more importantly, they are a testament to the artist's growth. Some of them debuted last year, some 2019, and have already recorded milestones like this. Well, that’s the beauty of music, isn’t it?

Is there any song you think should be on this list? Kindly let me know which song and why in the comments. In the meantime, why not create a playlist of your favourite songs this year on Epoh Music?

A Truly Merry Christmas

December is that time of the year that gets us all excited. It's the Christmas season and the last month of the year. Just as that songwriter puts it, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. We know it has been a long year for everyone, particularly because we have had to make up for the compulsory holidays of last year while grappling with the challenges of this year itself. At least now we can legitimately take a break. But what makes it even more wonderful is that we can celebrate Christmas as we know it this year. 

This year we are grateful for life. We are grateful for being able to return to life as we know it. We are grateful for being able to share beautiful moments in each other's company again. We are grateful for the wonderful songs that help seal those moments. We are grateful for the opportunity to share a dance again. The events of the last two years have taught us that it is a privilege to be able to celebrate together, and for that we are grateful.

We wish you a truly merry Christmas and a happy New Year from all of us at Epoh Music. Kindly let us know what you are grateful for this Christmas. 

Music Genres to Watch Out for in 2022

One music genre birthing another is not a strange occurrence in music. It is a principle that applies to every area of life. A new concept is a derivative of previously existing ones. 

Another thing that is common with every genre of music is that it is birthed by people who go beyond the rules. People who refuse to be held bound by rules. People who desire to create a sound of their own. And from creating the new sound end up creating a legacy for generations to come. This is true in both traditional and contemporary music. The point is music will continue to evolve. There will always be something new for our ears. In the meantime, here are two genres you should watch out for in the coming year. 

Amapiano

Amapiano is a Zulu phrase that translates as The piano. The sound which emerged from South Africa in 2012 is not only taking the airwaves by storm but is on its way to dominating it. In 2020, Amapino began to increase in popularity and fan base across Africa. The sound has a unique blend of Jazz, Deep house and Lounge music. Although the origin of Amapiano is still largely debated, its similarities with Bacardi have made some people hold Pretoria as its place of origin. Trust me, some of your favourite songs this year are Amapiano. Here are a few Nigerian Amapino songs to enjoy the season. Trust Naija artists to always represent now. 

Highway -DJ Kaywise ft Phyno

Southy Love -Peruzzi ft Fireboy DML

Woman -Rema

Kilofeshe -Zinoleesky

Monalisa - Lojay & Sarz

Squander -Falz

Yaba Buluku -DJ Tariko ft Burna Boy, Preck & Nelson Tivane

Hallelu -Masterkraft ft Bella Shmurda & Zlatan

Alté

The name of the genre already suggests non-conformity. However, Alte is not a new sound, it is a mix of R&B, Pop, and Afro-Fusion. To the fans of Alte, it goes beyond music, it is a culture. It is the Gen Z culture. It is breaking away to create something that truly defines you. Derived from the word Alternative, Alte is used to characterise sounds that exist as a subform and unique blend of the predominant sound. The point is there is no standard definition for Alte. Alte is what you call it. Alte is what you make it. Alte is a step away from whatever is considered the norm. 

With this definition, we are tempted to say all genres started as Alte. But Alte is not merely the evolution of sound as it interacts with various cultures. Alte is a music genre and culture born of the desire of a generation who do not identify with the norm and rebel against it to create something that suits them. 

Notable Nigerian artists of this genre are Tems, Odunsi the Engine, Lady Donli, Wavy The Creator, Black Beatz, and Cruel Santino. If you are looking to understand this sound more, here are a few Alte albums you should listen to. 

Everything You Heard is True -Odunsi the engine

Suzie's Funeral -Santi

Enjoy your life -Lady Donli

For the love of woman and country -Oma Mahmud

P.S. Thank You for Waiting -Wavy The Creator 

BT4W -Tome

For Broken Ears -Tems

Why not create a playlist for your favourite songs on Epoh Music? There are scores of Alte songs not listed here waiting for you on the platform. Happy listening!

Choosing a Music Producer

Thankfully, music is a passion that pays. Other people are not so lucky in their areas of interest. But it doesn't matter, does it? They do it for love. Music rewards when you give it your best, and you give your listeners the best. However, certain factors could hinder you from giving the best to your listeners, which is how you make money from music. One of them is the Producer.

A Music producer gives life to your music. You can have a great voice, write beautiful lyrics, but that is not enough to make great music. A music producer seals the potential of your song to be successful or unsuccessful. Here are five things you should look out for when working with a music producer.

Professionalism: lookout for how they present themselves and their brand. Music production is a serious business. And if a producer doesn’t care about how their business looks to potential customers, then you should be concerned about what their attitude to your song will be.

Expertise: just as an artist has a style of music they specialise in, so do producers have a particular style or a few they are good at. Beware of Producers who claim they can do all styles or a ridiculous number like eight genres. Specialisation comes before competence. 

Your expectations: have set expectations and let them guide your choice of a producer. If you don’t stand for anything, you will fall for everything. Any producer who cannot give you what you need for your music should be ruled out no matter how successful they are. The point is that it is not the producer you need.

Chemistry: your producer should connect with you as an artist, your song and your message. Only then can they take what you have and make it what it needs to be. If you don’t see any connection between you and your producer, your project is already missing an essential ingredient. You cannot make a sound judgement on a song unless you have connected with it.  

Cost: of course you have to consider money. Pick someone whose full services you can afford. Don’t insist on a producer, only to get a half-baked service from them because they can’t give their best at the price you can afford. Don't do that to your song. This is not to say you should be haunting for cheap services. That won’t serve you well either because you can fall into the hands of a quack. 

Honestly, many songs are great on their own. This greatness has just been lost during production. If you have a song like that, it's not a bad idea to have a new producer work on the song afresh. When you have that song ready, a platform to share it is not a problem. Epoh Music has got you. It is free, and you can manage your content on the platform from your Artist account.

Don’t have an Epoh Music account yet? Click here to get started -Register

P Square - our favourite music duo is back

Who would have thought this year had this kind of plot twist waiting for us. But I think it's fair to say we deserve it, considering how 2020 went for the music industry. Well, it was the same for everybody. 

It is no longer news that Peter and Paul Okoye are back together as P Square. Rumors of their separation first made rounds in 2015. But the actual separation happened in 2017. It was quite a hard one for everybody to swallow, and the following years witnessed their fans literally begging them to come back together. However, the two brothers remained unyielding and continued their solo careers.

Well, the tables finally turned this month, and the duo is back together. They have followed each other back on social media. And Paul was seen in a video taking Peter's children shopping. There was also a video of the brothers hugging passionately with big smiles on their faces. It is so delightful to see them back together. I'm sure we all can’t wait for them to drop a song. While we await this, here are their back to back hit Albums to reminisce about the old times. 

Last Nite         -2003

Get Squared    -2005

Game Over     -2007

Da Remix       -2007

Danger            -2009

The Invasion   -2011

Double Trouble -2014

Just listen at your convenience and add your favourites to your playlist. Don't have an Epoh Music account yet? It takes just about a minute, and you are ready to create your playlist. Click here to get started - Register 

Epoh Music Sunday Playlist

The point of a playlist is to have a set of songs that goes with a particular mood or moment. We all have that moment when one cannot stop to select or look for the right songs. Having the right songs on standby helps you concentrate and savour the moment. 

And Sundays, there is just something about Sundays. It is a day most of us try to be on our best behaviour (wahala for who no know God o). It is also a day we tend to feel more grateful to God. And music is a perfect way to express our grateful hearts. While you are preparing for this Sunday, here are songs you should consider adding to your Sunday Playlist. 

New Season              -Chidinma

Songs of Gratitude    -Neon Adejo

Ready                        -Preye Odede

The message             -Minister GUC

The King is Coming -Nathaniel Bassey

Arojinle                     -Adeyinka Alaseyori

Majesty                     -Jahdiel

Kingdom Now          -Dunsin Oyekan

Victory                      -Solomon Lange

I’m Blessed               -Sinach

Soundz of Afrika       -Sonnie Badu

Hymns and Psalms    -Oluwalonibisi

Celebrating Jesus       -Gift Dennis

Isodotun                     -Shola Allyson

Chiomalized               -Chioma Jesus

Born of God               -Ada Ehi

Kosobabire                 -Psalmos

Forever                       -Eno Michael

The Singles                -Enkay

God Alone                  -Joe Praize

Kuro Dein Kimi         -Gift Obot

Satisfied                     -Mercy Chinwo

Lord of All                 -Elijah Oyelade

Yes and Amen            -Tope Alabi

The Spirit of Light     -TY Bello & Tope Alabi

These are all Albums and EPs, which means you have a truckload of songs waiting to be added to your playlist. The good thing is, there is no deadline. Just listen at your convenience and add your favourites to your playlist. You can also check out other songs and artists not listed here on the platform. Don't have an Epoh Music account yet? It takes just about a minute, and you are ready to create your Sunday playlist. Click here to get started - Register

Highlife Music in Nigeria

Although Highlife music originated in Ghana in the 19th century and spread to other parts of Africa much later, Nigeria has come to own this genre of music proudly. Highlife has remained a top genre in the Nigerian music industry to date. The eastern part of the country carries the genre so well that it has almost become synonymous with Igbo music. 

Highlife is a fusion of African beats and Western Jazz melodies. The highlife sound can be best described as Africans combining the Jazz and Blues style and recreating it the African way. In western Nigeria, Highlife music grew to include more of the guitar and traditional Yoruba beats. This evolution of Highlife music went on to lay the foundation of Juju music. By the mid-1960s, Highlife had given way to Juju music in the west.

However, the rhythm continued in the East to birth what is now known as Igbo highlife - a blend of highlife music and Igbo traditional music. Chief Stephen Osita Osadebey, whose remarkable career spanned over forty years, took Igbo highlife to the international limelight with his evergreen track, Osondi Owendi. The language of the Igbo highlife is Igbo with a fusion of pidgin English. Other notable musicians include Chief Oliver De Coque, Bright Chimezie, Ali Chukuma, Sir warrior, Celestine Ukwu, Oriental Brothers and so on. A prominent voice in the original Igbo highlife today is Eze Chijioke Mbanefo.

Unlike in the south-west, the torch of Highlife music continues to burn in the East with musicians like Flavour, J Martins, Bracket, and Wizboyy. But with their style of Highlife is shaped by other western influences. 

One of the beauties of Highlife music is its agelessness. Highlife bands still play at parties, hotels, and bars. Some recreational places even have a designated day of the week for Highlife music. It is a great way to relieve stress after a long day. Create your Highlife playlist with our vast collection of highlife music on Epoh Music.

Music Artist or Songwriter?

If you are trying to figure out what this question means, you are not the only one. And the question is correct. A songwriter is quite different from an artist, though one person could be both. 

As the name indicates, a songwriter is a person -a musician, who writes songs professionally. While this might sound new to you, it is not in any way a new concept in music. It might even interest you to know that some of your favourite songs were written by songwriters, not your favourite artist. 

Music writing is an art, and it takes more than having a great voice to come up with good music. There is the pressure of coming up with music that meets the demand of each season and remains relevant for all seasons. Finding the right words and rhythm is no easy task for anybody. It requires mastery of musical elements and has nothing to do with the quality of your voice. 

Furthermore, songwriting is not so straightforward. Some writers are only able to come with the right words and have someone else turn them into a song. While some write the perfect words, turn them into the perfect songs, and have a successful musical career to top it. The most important thing is in knowing what works best for you.  

Many artists started their careers writing their songs and got nowhere meaningful until they started working with songwriters. And many artists have spoken about not finding fulfilment until they began to write their songs and share their voices. 

A common mistake many upcoming artists make is that they assume they have to write their songs themselves. Some don’t know they can work with songwriters. And some view it as shameful and indicating a lack of talent to be unable to write your own songs. This misunderstanding is further fueled by the invincibility of songwriters to people outside or new to the music industry. 

For those passionate about music and seeking to build a career in it, proper research would show that the stage and spotlight are not for everyone. There are other options in the industry to explore and express your passion. And, of course, songwriting pays well.  

Upcoming artists could also try working together with songwriters to create songs suited for their voice and artist/brand identity. This move could be the boost your career needs. Whichever career choice you make, Epoh Music is the right place to share your content and connect with your audience. 

On Epoh Music, you can create an artist account to manage all your songs on the platform. And it’s free. Click here to get started - Register.