Rhythms From The East

The last time we had our spotlight on artists from the north, and I’m sure the list had some of your faves you probably didn’t know were from the north. Well, today, we are taking that spotlight to the east. 

We have many artists from the eastern part of Nigeria in the music industry that are doing well. Over the years, there are even artists that have become synonymous with eastern Nigeria, such that when you think of Igbo artists, their names definitely come to mind. A good example is Phyno. How many many of his songs are playing in your head already? However, this list will be featuring the less popular names.

And why is that?

Because we want you to explore less known songs from the east, particularly songs that carry the eastern languages and cultures so boldly. We want you to enjoy a taste of eastern music and encourage upcoming artists. 

The eastern culture is macho oriented, and so is their music. Their dance and musical style not only promotes physical strengths but also praise the display of it. You might want to take glucose cause you're going to need a lot of strength to dance through this list. Here you go...

Ayaka Ozubulu

Chief Dr. Emeka Morroco Maduka 

Ada Achi

HRH Eze Chijioke Mabanefo 

Onowu Ugonabo

Otigba Agulu

Lake

Umu Obiligbo

Chief Onyenze

Anyi Don

Dr Sir Warrior

Tony One Week 

Odogwu Jhonshow

Dr. Okey Izuegbu

Chief Dr. Aronwanteje Alusi Olinaofo

Moskino Seeker 

Prince Gozie Okeke

Tony 1 Wind

Onyeoma Sam Nwammadu

Did you enjoy the list? Which of the artists did you know before? Do let us know in the comments. You can also create your Igbo playlist and explore other songs and artists not listed. We have an enormous collection of rhythms from the east waiting for you on the platform. Click here to get started -Epoh Music 

5 Times P-Square Got Us Falling in Love Again!

I have to confess, this post was inspired by vibing to PSquare this morning, and it is even refreshing listening to their songs knowing that they are back together. I am very excited at the prospect of what will come from their restored partnership. 

Back in the days, Psquare never disappointed us with their lineup of back to back hits songs. But you will agree that what made it all the more special is their combination of dance and music. Anyway, their solo careers have also taught us that both brothers are worthy musicians as we have good songs from them. However, these songs will feel like a throwback playlist, but these songs are timeless, and as you listen, you will agree too.

Beautiful Oyinye: featuring Rick Ross in an all-white music video, this is the song you want to walk down the aisle to. It features a beautiful declaration of that desire to commit to one person for the rest of one's life. Love is not easy to find, and songs like that remind us to be grateful when we find that special person.

 

I love U: the message is in the title. Love is a beautiful thing, and when you find it, this song reminds us not to hold back in our words and in our actions. Say it as often as you can 'I love you.'

No one like you: when you find that special person, they will stand out because they will be unlike any other person you have met. And every moment with them will matter. The video of this song features a wedding morning confession to a significant other, and it indeed emphasises that every moment will feel special with the right person.

 

Forever: we run into people we like from time to time, but meeting someone you love is different. And loving them forever goes beyond feelings, it is a commitment. 

Ifunaya: what would you not do for that special person? Love makes us do crazy things, but none of it matters with the right person. 

Which one was your favourite? I happen to enjoy all of them and can’t seem to pick one. I'm sure you know not all their songs are love songs, so if you have gotten into the P-square mood already, you should probably explore their other songs. We have lots of them waiting for you on the platform. You can also explore other artists of that period. Start here -Epoh Music

The Japa Effect on Nigeria Music Industry

 

Are you among those that have 'japa' or do you have plans to japa?

I'm certain that you probably have a positive answer to one of these questions above.

It is no news that the rate at which people relocate out of Nigeria nowadays has increased exponentially. If you ask any average Nigerian today especially the youth about their plans in the next three years or thereabout, many, if not all, will tell you about their decision and plan to japa, which literally means to relocate or travel out of ones home country.

Let's back this up with some fact,  in 2015, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) estimated the number of Nigerian international emigrants to be 1.2 million. Interestingly, in 2017, the figure increased to 15million, that's huge right?. In order to establish this fact, check your circle of friends, can you mention at least 5 persons that have relocated from Nigeria in the last one year? Of course, you can?

Did you know that people leaving the country has been beneficial to the Nigerian music industry?  Read on to know more about this.

Over the past few years, Nigerian music has received a lot more international acceptance, it's almost as if the way Nigerians are migrating our songs is also following them. Nigerian music is performing significantly better than other African countries, which has led to a lot of conflict between musicians. For instance, the recent feud between Burna Boy and the Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale.

The success of Nigerian music have been attributed to so many factors like our large population, good beats, technology, access to the internet, language, social media, branding, major label deals and so on. While these reasons are major contributing factor to Nigerian music's global success, there is another factor that has been paid little or no attention to which is what I would call "the japa effect".

Nigerians in the diaspora are not only a great market to the industry but they are also excellent marketers. How do they market these songs?. Nigerians are generally loud people, who continue to be so even when outside the country. A recent trending video showed some Nigerians in the United Kingdom singing at the top of their lungs the recently released single by Kizz Daniel Buga in a moving bus, isn't this a form of marketing?.

Music satisfies the desire of Nigerians in diaspora for something that reminds them of home. It is the most enjoyable and simple way for them to connect with their motherland, so they are unafraid to sing and listen to it anywhere. They play Nigerian songs in their cars, homes, and parties. Foreigners hear this sound, vibe to it, and want to hear it again and again.

The success of Nigerian music is due to a combination of good talented artists and producers who bring songs to life, DJ's who mix and play these songs, local and international promoters who professionally publicize these songs, technology who has made it easy for people to access songs, social media and so on, as well as Nigerians in the diaspora who market these songs through words of mouth.

All of these factors combine to give us an amazing globally recognized industry. What else do you think contribute to the growth of the Nigerian music industry? Kindly Comment below.

It's a new day, click Epoh Music to Buga through out the day.

Rhythms From The North

It is not often we have a big break out music star from the north. And even when we do, we mostly don't realise they are from the north. But this is not tribal oppression or conspiracy outplay. There was no general meeting where it was agreed to keep northerners out of music. Plus, northerners are very much present in the music industry. 

The reason for the low involvement of northerners in mainstream music is primarily cultural and religious. The northern Nigeria region is predominantly Muslim, and much of their modern cultural beliefs are influenced by Islam. Due to this, the type of music in demand in the north is quite unique. Most northern music artists grow up listening to and loving this type of music. Therefore when it’s time to venture into music, most of them choose this style of music. 

As a Lagos girl wey I be, I can’t even remember the last time I had the urge to dance to some northern country music. And that is true for almost every other person in the south too.

But it has not all been religious and cultural music from the north, we have northern music artists who are into mainstream music, and some of them have done well. This post is dedicated to shining the spotlight on a few of those artists. I'm sure you know some of them. Just relax, and enjoy the list. While at it, you can create a playlist too. 

Jesse Jags

M.I

Ice Prince Zamani

Morell

Classic Q

BOC Madaki

Dj AB

Kheengz

Adam A. Zango

Ado Gwanja

Ali Jita

Abdul D One 

Fati Niger

Umar Shareef

Hamisu Breaker

Naziru M Ahmad

Musa Akilali

Lord Bawa

Buba Barnabas Luka

Haruna Abdullah

Simon Bulus

At Epoh Music, every type of music is welcome as long as it is Nigerian. Our mission is to promote Nigerian music to a global audience. And if you are a northerner, a big fan of northern music, or just open to exploring, why not take a look at our collection of Northern music on the platform. We have lots of good sounds waiting for you. Start here - Epoh Music

Keeping Fit With Music

The one time I decided to be serious with my life and work out every morning, my seriousness was over within a week, and I spent the next two weeks barely able to climb the stairs. Which brings me to my first question, how do you people do it?

During that one week, I learnt a few lessons about exercising, the first of which is exercising requires discipline. It takes discipline to get up from your bed early enough and keep to your workout routine to achieve your body goals. And, honestly, if you exercise consistently, I applaud you for that. 

But I have also come to learn of the role that music plays in helping to keep up with a fitness routine. Many people enjoy music when working or reading, but it's not just about a sound playing in the background for dramatic effect. Listening to music does help to get through the task faster and better. Music helps the mind to relax while it is at the same time working. And this is how music aids exercising by challenging your body to do more. 

Music brings pleasure to your mind and helps you relax. Listening to music also stimulates you, makes your body more flexible during a workout and helps lose consciousness of time which is a major obstacle when working out. You keep squatting and pressing up only to check your phone, and it’s been barely 5 minutes since you started.

 

Furthermore, music creates a good distraction from the pain and fatigue during the workout. It also improves mood, which in turn increases productivity. If you are in a good mood, you will be motivated to put in more effort. 

It is good that you have a playlist for working out, and there should be about two playlists so you can select which goes with your mood. That way, you are not just working out but also enjoying yourself.

Regardless of how you put it, music is great for working out. If you are having trouble keeping up with your routine, you should definitely try listening to music. But if you are part of those who have seen the light and already workout to music, I have one question for you, what’s your favourite workout song? 

Kindly let us know in the comment section. It might help another person with creating their playlist.

IS BUGA BY KIZZ DANIEL FT. TEKNO WORTH THE HYPE?

 

Over the past few days, speakers on the street and social media have been buzzing with the sound of the newly released song of Kizz Daniel ft. Tekno titled Buga.  This song is certainly living rent free in so many people's heads. In fact, as at the time of writing this article there are over 50 thousand reels of this song on Instagram. 

This single by Kizz is absolutely the best thing that is currently happening in the Nigerian music industry so far in this month of May. In just six days of releasing Buga, it was crowned by apple music the No 1 single in 13 countries namely: Ghana, Cameroon, Chad, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, Gambia and Malawi. 

It is the first ever single to reach 1million streams on boomplay within 24hrs. Not just that, it is also the no 1 on YouTube music and no 3 most Shazam song in the world, impressive right?

The Afropop musician who emerged into limelight in 2014 with his hit single "Woju" which was nominated as the best pop single at the Headies award in 2015, is also called "the no bad song" artist because his songs are always spectacular.

 Is Buga really worth the hype? As expected, music lovers have taken to social media to give their thoughts on the song, with majority of them lauding both artists for their efforts on the song. Let's discuss some interesting things about Buga.

The dance step: Buga dance is unique, simple and filled with pure vibes. Since the release of the song, kizz has been uploading different videos of him dancing the buga dance with some other celebrities and it has been really fun to watch.

The beat: the beat is so good that when it comes up, no matter how stiff you are, you will definitely 'gbera'. It's a party type of song, with heavy beat filled with bass and amapiano vibes. It will definitely make clubs shake.

The lyrics: Buga is a yoruba word which means to brag, to walk with swag, to do "shakara". The lyrics is relatable and resonates with every human being especially the millennials and Gen z's who are currently going through the adulting stage. It addresses the fact that even though life is tough we have to "wake up" /"gbera" and go make some money. This  is denoted in the intro of the song.

The song further stated that after you get the money, you should flaunt the result of your hard work and enjoy life. 

Kizz Daniel and Tekno through the lyrics of Buga emphasize the need for people to work hard for their money, never forget to flaunt the result of their effort and enjoy life.  The collaboration of kiss and Tekno is perfect and their voices synchronize so well. This is definitely a good one from  kizz and Tekno and it's indeed worth the hype.

Buga your haters by listening to this banger on Epoh Music 

Dance Trends and the Nigerian Music Industry

The Nigerian music industry's terrain is always evolving. Nothing stays the same. Few years ago, Olamide's slang "shoro niyen" was formerly the most popular, but now it's 'o tun ti Zeh o', we are all 'zazuing' 'Zehing' lol. Nigerian musicians are regularly restricting airflow by displaying incredible creativity in music, slangs, and dance. The trend setting especially in dance has made dancing a crucial aspect of the Nigerian Music industry.

Talking of dance, it is one of the most notable aspects of the Nigerian music industry. It's no secret that Nigerians enjoy partying and dancing (I'm sure it's in our DNA) and Music artists have been giving us back-to-back some great dance steps.

Refreshing our memories on some dance steps that made our childhood enjoyable wouldn't be a bad idea, right? ready? Leggo!

1. Yahooze: Olu Maintain is to be thanked for this. The Kennis Music star released “Yahooze” in 2008. This was a favorite dance for many because it was easy. It only involves popping two figures in the air in the like manner of spraying imaginary money. As usual, it started all simple, until Nigerians got crazier with it and developed its steps to various styles.

2. Makossa: this is the native language of Douala, Cameroon, and it literally means "dance." You sure need some energy to perform this dancing step. Makossa, especially in Nigeria, was a wave, vibe, and everything else.

3. Alanta: This was a very unique but crazy dance movement originated by a group called “Artquake“. It involved a crazy movement of the arms and legs in an alternate manner and crazy facial expressions that were slightly debasing, beating an imaginary drum on the stomach. Alanta could genuinely put you in a state of shock and dismay.

4. Galala: This dance step is associated with “the ghetto” or Ajegunle, Lagos. It originated from the pseudo-reggae sound made popular by artistes like Ras Kimono, Blacky, Fada U Turn, etc. However, Daddy Showkey will be most remembered as the instigator of the dance; it is as much a part of his identity as his long dreadlocks.

Recently, some other dance styles like shakiti bobo, shoki, shaku shaku, zanku, focus, legwork, one legge, and so on were invented.

Refreshing our memories on the trends in dance is to show the patterns of change in an aspect of the Nigerian music industry. Trends come and go and there is nothing that can be done to stop this. Truth be told, life will be boring without trends.

Ready for some legwork? Click Epoh Music to vibe to your favourite naija jams.

Do you have any dance steps to add to this inexhaustible list? Kindly use the comment section.