Artist Spotlight - Kizz Daniel

Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, better known by his stage name Kizz Daniel, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He was born on the 1st day of May 1994 at Abeokuta in Ogun State, Nigeria. He is best known for his singles "Woju" and "Yeba" and currently the globally trending track Buga.

We could say his journey to fame started after he met JahBless – a producer – who helped him discover how exceptional he could be in the art of singing and writing songs.

Kizz Daniel made up his mind to pursue music as a career alongside his studies. Upon his graduation from the university, Kizz Daniel, fortunately, met Emperor Geezy the CEO of G-Worldwide Entertainment who signed him to his record label.

While singing and performing in different shows under the record label of G-Worldwide Entertainment, everything seems to be moving smoothly for Kizz Daniel. But shortly after the release of “Woju”, the Afropop singer started having issues with G-worldwide Entertainment regarding the percentage of interest he was entitled to receive from the profits made. 

The issue led to the termination of the contract and he had to change his stage name from Kiss Daniel to Kizz Daniel in may 2018. Kizz Daniel's music career has however been on a trajectory being named in the class of Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy.

His latest track " Buga" featuring Tekno could be said to be the biggest thing in the Nigerian music industry this year. He released the "Buga" video a few days ago and the video had over 2 million views in 24 hours.

In his recent tweet, his ambition is to perform Buga in the coming World Cup. We pray his dream will come true. A win for Kizz Daniel is definitely a win for the Nigerian music industry.

DJs Deserves Some Flowers In the Music Industry

 

Why do you go clubbing? let me guess, you go clubbing to have fun, dance, socialize and enjoy the life of your head, right?. Lets create a scenario, imagine you get to the club on a Friday night ready to party. Surprisingly, the club was really quiet because there was no music playing. What would be your reaction?, I'm sure you would walk out right?

Often times, all attention is given to artistes ignoring all the other creative partners that contributes to the success of a song. For an artist to successfully create a hit song that the audience will vibe to, there’s a team of others that have to perform certain tasks. In other words, behind any successful artiste or project is a team whose creative contribution is equally important. We tend to disregard the fact that, for every guy you see in front, there is a team of people in the back. For every striker, there are ten other players including the goalkeeper. We usually celebrate the artiste as they break into the limelight, not considering that people like DJs, dancers, promoters, producers, the media, event planners are all playing a role.

Along side being the best streaming platform for Nigerian music, Epoh Music is also a home for the biggest DJs in Nigeria. DJs have access to create playlists and also get booked for events by users on the platform. epoh.ng is the home of everything Nigerian music and entertainment.

Do you think DJs are an important aspect of the music industry? Of course they are.  Disc Jockeys (DJs) play an essential role of keeping a party rocking from the beginning to the end. DJs are the funnel between the owners of the content (artistes) and the people who are going to enjoy the content. Unfortunately, the role of DJs are underemphasized in the music industry that is why there is a wide financial gap between a DJ and an artist. The artist will perform for 20 minutes but a dj will perform for one hour, keep the crowd up and end up getting paid less. Well, I guess this is where branding and talent comes to play.

What do DJs do? DJs mix music for live audiences, usually in club or festival settings and on the radio. Through the use of techniques such as looping, adding effects and scratching, they alter the structure of tracks to build and maintain energy on the dance floor. However, there’s more to DJing than simply creating a seamless set. It’s about knowing what to play and when to play it to deliver performances that are perfectly suited to the moment. Being a DJ is beyond mixing and changing songs for people to dance. There are a lot of technicalities involved.

20 Songs You Would Have Never Heard #Discover

How many songs could possibly make it to the table of hit songs yearly? Let’s say 50, and considering there are usually songs from the previous year still considered Hit songs of the year, we might want to leave that number at about 30. But, of course, way more than 30 songs are released yearly. In Nigeria alone, about a thousand songs across different genres are released yearly. And they have to compete for the limited position of hit songs. Although, you'll agree with me that it's not a fair competition for all. Well-known artists have a better chance of getting their songs to listeners than upcoming artists, which is essential for being a hit song. People have got to hear the song first. 

If Davido releases a new single, people would want to hear the song, radio stations will play it, DJs will have it blasting through your speakers at parties, and a week later, it’s the song on everyone’s lips. But it's not the same for a new/up-coming artist. No one knows of your new single, and music promotion is not exactly cheap. 

Now the sad part of all this is many good songs get lost in the flood of all the songs released yearly because very few people hear of the song release, and very few people eventually listen to the song. I haven’t listened to every song myself; I cannot even listen to every song. But here are 20 songs you probably would have never heard that I am recommending. Just pick a few from the list and try them out. 

Onyeoma -Jay1
Sweet mama -24 Moral
Sirens -Aina More
Free -4tunez
Beautiful Beautiful -3rty
Rockstar -AcebergTM
Long Time -Wichyskills
One Night -Dunnie
Hey You -Agukamsee
Space -Tay Iwar ft Santi & Preye
Olympus -Alpha Ojini
Sundown -David Meli
Ayo -Madikid
Moonlight -Agust D
Tito -Asojaid
Quintessa -Hotbillz ft Marowz
Motion -Jinny Savage
Bad Fella -Femi Factor
La Cream -T-Classic
Babylon -Tide

I know I said music promotion is not exactly cheap, but we are solving that problem for you at Epoh Music. First, we offer you a platform where you can upload your song for free and even put it up for sale to make some money. We also have a promotion feature for you to promote your songs to listeners on our platform. Sounds good, right? Then click here to get started -Register 

P.S. If you’re an artist, you should select the artist account when registering. 

#DiscoverwithEpohMusic 

A Little About Rap Music

Apart from not hearing what the artist is saying for more than half of the song, I probably won't be able to sing a line of the song successfully. That, ladies and gentlemen, is my tale of my experience with Rap music. But, how is it for you?

The Rap music genre belongs to the family of Hip-Hop culture which arose among African-Americans in the 1970s. It is a form of poetry combined with instrumentation -rhymes, rhythms, and spoken word combined with a beat. And I agree it is indeed a genre of its own class. 

As with other expressions of Hip-hop culture, Rap music became the black communities' way of expressing themselves about their everyday reality which is summed up as racial discrimination, racial violence and human rights abuse. It became the language of the Blacks and has largely remained that way to date. On its origin, Rap music is credited to the West African griot tradition.  

Rap Music in Nigeria 

One of the things I love and appreciate about the Nigerian music industry is the ability to pick any genre of music coming from anywhere in the world and own it. By owning it, I mean recreating it in our own way -garnishing it with our indigenous language, beats, and style of music. 

Naturally, Rap made its way to Nigerian music with Hip-hop music in the early 1980s. The first Rap album, The Way I Feel, is credited to DJ Ron Ekundayo. The floodgates have opened since then giving us some of the finest acts in the Nigerian Music scene. Today we have the likes of MI Agaba, Olamide, Phyno, Falz, Reminisce, Vector, Ice prince and so on. Despite being gone for over 10 years, you will agree with me that Dagrin is still a worthy mention when talking about Nigerian Rap music. If you are in the mood for Rap vibes this Friday, here is a list of throwback Rap songs to start with. 

Eni Duro -Olamide

Oleku -Ice Prince ft Brymo 

Ehen -Ruggedman

Pon pon pon -Dagrin 

Local rappers -Reminisce ft Phyno & Olamide

Too much -DJ Jimmy Jatt

360 Poetry -Mode 9

Ghost mode -Phyno ft Olamide

High -Eva Alordiah

Cry -Mode 9

Anoti -MI 

Baraje -Ruggedman  

Anamachi Kwanu -Illbliss ft Phyno

Eyan Mayweather -Olamide

Wazup Guy -Falz

Although our dear Afrobeats have been topping the charts and leaving no space, Rap music is still considered a major genre in the Nigerian music scene, and as long as we have the Hip-hop culture around, we can be sure this music will remain for a while. 

IS FALZ THE FELA OF OUR TIME ?

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who is regarded as the pioneer of Afrobeat, an African music genre that combines West African music with American funk and jazz, was one of the most influential and charismatic music performers in Africa. His impact on the African music industry cannot be overlooked. He was a human rights campaigner and political activist who thrilled his audience with his smooth dance steps and whipped the asses of the government with his politically inclined lyrics. He was known and revered as the activist with a lion heart. Despite facing arrest over 200 times, having his house burned down, and seeing his mother thrown down from the window of his Kalakuta Republic, he fearlessly called out corrupt leaders in Nigeria. Some of his songs are expensive shit, Beast of No Nation, Suffering and Smiling, etc.

Since the demise of Fela, although there have been a couple of Nigerian musicians who have addressed political issues with their songs, no one has been able to tie the shoes he wore.

However, the Nigerian singer, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has been making a great effort to wear the shoes of Fela. Falz addressed some of the important societal issues in his album titled "Moral Instruction," which was released in 2019. With the use of clever words, Falz in his single titled "Talk" threw a shade at President Buhari in these words: "four year tenure, three year holiday," and "We buy your story but you do not give us change." These moves are great ones because they serve as checks for the government.

Falana backed his words with action during the #endsars movement in 2020. His tenacity toward the movement inspired many other Nigerian youths to join in the peaceful protection, and he has since continued to speak out against bad governance and encourage youths to participate in politics.

Ahead of the 2023 Presidential election, Falz has partnered with the European Union, Yiaga Africa, INEC, and Development Alternative Incorporated (DAI) to encourage Nigerian youths to get their voters’ cards by organizing a free for all concert with the admission ticket being the PVC or TVC; permanent or temporary voters’ card. The event is dubbed "Youth Vote Mega Concert 2.0," and it will take place on June 11th at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square. The show, which is slated to start by 9 a.m., also offers an allowance to non-voters’ card owners to register for their voters’ card at the same venue. Isn't this impressive? Of course it is. It's the first of its kind and hopefully it will make a huge difference in the forthcoming election.

Can we then say that Falz is the Fela of our time?. Well, they are two unique individuals from two different generations with one approach to the same issue. So what do you think, can Falz be compared to Fela?, share your thoughts in the comments.

Be sure to get your PVC, while at it, listen to educating and entertaining music by the 2F's activists- Fela and Falz on Epoh Music.

Exploring Johnny Drille

When was the first time you heard Johnny Drille? 

Mine was in a movie. His song was the soundtrack, and I spent the next few months searching for the song. Yes, a few months. In my defence, I didn't know the title or who sang it. I just had this desire to listen to that song over and again. I guess that's the Johnny Drille effect. And that is perhaps what stands out about him to many people -you just can’t get enough of his songs. 

Is it the harmony, the lyrics, the blend of English, Pidgin and Yoruba, or his voice? Johnny is a good example that good beats and vulgar words aren’t all Nigerian artists have to offer. 

Johnny Drille, whose actual name is John Ighodaro, started his musical career in the choir. Many Nigerian artists have this Choir story, and we should probably consider awarding those Choirs cause they did a good job o! 

He is a singer and songwriter who came into fame with his cover of Awww by Di'ja in 2015. He joined Mavin Records in 2017, under which he has released many hit songs. My favourite is Romeo and Juliet. Yeah, it was the song in the movie. 

What defines Johnny’s music is the gentleness you can feel in his lyrics. He must be a gentle person, I think. His music has a way of just reaching to your soul. Johnny is the person you want to listen to on a cool sunny day and a cold rainy night. My point is he is diverse and has the right song for every moment you wish to immortalise. 

Here are a few of his songs I’d recommend. And if you are new to Johnny Drille, this is a good place to start. You already know which song I’ll put first ...

Romeo and Juliet 

Halleuyah ft Simi 

Wait For me

Count On You

Mystery Girl

Shine

Papa

Ova ft Don Jazzy 

When you are done with the list, do come back and let me know which you enjoyed most. But if you are a Johnny Drille fan already, what’s your favourite Johnny song, and when did you first hear it? Yes o, I want all the gist!

Do you know you can create a Johnny Drille playlist on Epoh Music? Click here to get started - Epoh Music

TRIED OF BEING AN UPCOMING ARTIST? DO THIS TO BLOW

 

The Nigerian music industry is one of the most sought-after industries in Nigeria because it comes with a package of money and fame. Everyone wants a good life, therefore, it will be shocking not to have thousands of young Nigerians who want to explore this space so that they can blow.

For starters, if you think the word 'Blow' referred to here is about a bomb blast, then you probably are not Nigerian. The word blow in the music industry context means to be famous, rich, respected & recognized like Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, etc. you Gerrit now?... Of course, you do.

Now that you know the meaning, are you an upcoming artist who wants to  blow? if yes, then read on.

Nigeria has a large number of talented singers but unfortunately, not all talented singers can make it into the industry. It is quite difficult to penetrate the industry and blow within a short time. The Nigerian music industry is very competitive and it requires more than a good talent.

In the chase for stardom, upcoming artists try many methods to be recognized. Some go to reality tv shows like  Big Brother Naija, others go to singing shows like Nigerian Idol, The Voice Nigeria and so on. This of course has been working because we have the likes of Laycon, Timi Dakolo, Chike, and so on who became stars through these platforms.

Let's face it, not everyone will have a slot in the Big Brother Naija or Nigerian Idol show, not everyone will be fortunate enough to have Wizkid hear them sing on the street and sign them and not everyone will have the opportunity to be signed by a record label, but you know what every upcoming artist have access to? The Internet.

There is a misconception that you can only blow in the music industry if you are signed to a record label, this is wrong. The Internet has made things easier in the music industry. As an upcoming artist, you should make effective use of the Internet to show your skills, make some money and eventually blow.  A smart social presence is undoubtedly the best way to grow your audience and show your talent. 

How so?

Selling your market where your customer is has proven to be the best strategy to make sales. Your audience is likely glued to social media regardless of your genre. Instagram recently passed a billion active users while Facebook boasts two billion daily active users themselves. These numbers are certainly not small and you can blow by concentrating on putting yourself out there instead of spamming a celebrity's DM with your plead messages. Davido saw a video of Mayorkun on Twitter even while he was a banker and he invited him to his house. If Mayorkun was just in Davido's DM without making effort, he probably might not have blown by now.

Besides, an optimized social presence can signal your status as a professional. In an industry where competition is so cutthroat, having pristine profiles out there lets people know that you’re anything but an amateur.

Additionally, Epoh Music is a platform that can help you blow and make some money without any huddle. It allows you to register as an artist, have a dashboard, register and manage your songs all for free, such an amazing offer right?.

Epoh Music gives you and your content visibility,  then before you know it, you don blow!. I'm sure it might not be as easy as it sounds but we at Epoh Music are ready to hold your hands as you take baby steps to stardom! 

Reach a wider audience with your songs on epoh.ng for free.

 

 

The Fuji Music

Fújì music is a genre of music that is unique to south-west Nigeria, which houses the Yoruba nation. It is one of the most popular genres of music in Yorubaland. Even in the diaspora, you can trust the Yorubas to represent their style of music. 

If you stay in Lagos or have ever attended a Yoruba party, the chances are you have heard the Fújì music at least once. Yes, that's how deeply rooted this style of music is amongst the Yoruba. It is their thing. 

Fújì is an offshoot of Wéré music, which refers to the music used to wake up Muslims during the Ramadan fasting in the south-west. It was from this style of music that Fújì was pioneered and given its name by the late Chief Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. It is interesting to note that the word, Fuji, is not even a Yoruba word. It was inspired by Mount Fuji, the highest peak in Japan. Chief Sikiru Ayinde saw an ad for the mountain at the airport and just picked it up from there.  

Fújì is widely considered a song for adults. But the narrative is fast-changing, with younger people now accepting the Fújì music despite their exposure. This acceptance is largely a result of the rebranding Fújì artists have been undergoing and the combination of Afrobeats trends in their music. An example is the hit song, Ade Ori Okin, by K1 De Ultimate. This song can literally scatter a party, and I mean that in a good way. 

There have also been cases of Fújì artists collaborating with mainstream Afrobeats artists like Pasuma & Tiwa Savage’s  Ife. It was no doubt a beautiful blend of both genres.

Many Yorubas identify with Fújì music culturally and therefore have a form of allegiance to it. The music lyrics hardly ever witness any foreign words; it is sung almost entirely in Yoruba. If you are looking to explore Fújì music, you should start with these artists.

Wasiu Ayinde K1 De Ultimate

Wasiu Alabi Pasuma

Saheed Osupa

K.S.1.  Alao Malaika

Abass Akande Obesere

Chief Sikiru Ayinde Barrister 

Taye Currency

Muri Thunder

Remi Aluko 

Adewale Ayuba

Sefiu Alao

Wasiu Alabi Ajibola

Alhaji Chief Kollington Ayinla

I believe we won't be hearing the last of Fújì music anytime soon. Instead, it would be more infusion with Afrobeats and acceptance in other parts of the world courtesy of the Yorubas in the diaspora. However, one thing remains sure, there is an emerging generation of Fújì singers, and they are doing a good job.