Lebara Mobile Presents: Cokobar Music Festival with Flavour, Olamide and Sean Tizzle @ the IndigO2!

Lebara Mobile and Cokobar.com are gearing up for what is expected to be the biggest Afrobeats show of the year thus far. In honour of Nigerian Independence Day, they're flying in Flavour, Olamide and Sean Tizzle for this one off special show, held at London's IndigO2 this October.

Flavour will be performing his hit songs ‘Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)’, ‘Adama’, ‘Oyi’ and many more, whilst Olamide will also do the same with his songs ‘Omo to Shan’, ‘Stupid Love’, ‘First of All’ and the latest banger ‘Durosoke’. It'll be Sean Tizzle's first time in the UK and he is set to rock the stage with his club favourite jam - ‘Sho Lee’ and his new songs including ‘Mama Eh’.

The Cokobar Music Festival will take place at London's IndigO2 on October 6 with comedian Eddie Kadi as the host on the night.

Tickets for the Cokobar Music Festival are selling fast, so make sure you get yours as soon as possible. Furthermore details about the show below..

Cokobar Music Festival with Flavour, Olamide and Sean Tizzle

Venue: IndigO2, The O2 Millennium Way, Greenwich, SE10 0DX

Date: Sunday, 6 October 2013

Time: show starts at 7.30pm

Tickets: are currently priced at £25 for standing, and £50 for VIP (seated). You can purchase your tickets via: www.cokobar.com or call: 07930193803 to have them delivered to your doorstep!

New Music: Awilo Longomba - Coupe Bibamba (Remix) ft. Lola Rae

YES TO THIS REMIX!!!!!!!!!

This has got to be the most unexpected collaboration of the year, Lola Rae features on the official remix of Awilo Longomba's hit single ‘Coupe Bibamba’.

Veteran in the game Awilo Longomba is one of Africa's most popular and loved musicians, and will be celebrating almost 30 years in the African music industry in a special way, treating fans to remixes of some of his most popular songs in addition to releasing his highly anticipated new album.

What more better way to kick start the celebration by remixing one of Africa's most notorious and renowned anthems of all time, ‘Coupe Bibamba’.

As a lover of both Awilo Longomba and Lola Rae - this remix is sure to send shock waves down your spine. ‘Coupe Bibamba’ was remixed by UK based producer - P2J.

This song will have you dancing immediately, and what a great way to kick off your weekend! ENJOY!

New Video: DJ Afro B - My Sweet Coco ft. Mista Silva

20-year-old South London based DJ and artist - Afro B is one of the fastest rising DJs within the genre of Afrobeats, as well as in the DJ field in general.

Afro B has gained fans from all over the UK, and is now branching off into Europe and the motherland - Africa.

Taking his career a step further, Afro B teams up with Mista Silva - one of the UK's finest Afrobeats act right now, for his new single ‘My Sweet Coco’.

The video was shot on an island in the Mediterranean Sea over the summer, and already has a buzz in the clubs, and is bound to do the same on the radio airwaves.

Check out the video to Afro B's first official single, ‘My Sweet Coco’ and purchase the song on iTunes today!

New Music: Ajebutter22 - ‘Butter Was Here’ + ‘Hire Killer’

Ajebutter22 has taken a healthy break from releasing music, but he's back with TWO new songs ‘Butter Was Here’ and ‘Hire Killer’. Ajebutter22 keeps it sultry on both tracks - with his smooth sailing voice, he gives us an upbeat sound with ‘Hire Killer’, whilst he takes it slow on ‘Butter Was Here’ produced by Adey.

‘Butter Was Here’ (prod. by Adey)

‘Hire Killer’ (prod. by ODH)

New Video: Mike WiLL Made-It - 23 ft. Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa & Juicy J

Producer Mike WiLL Made-It gets an allstar lineup for his debut single ‘23’, as he features Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J for this high-school themed music video in honour of legendary basketball player Michael Jordan and his famous number 23.

Mike WiLL Made-It, Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J and the gang are seen wearing the three famous Chicago Bulls colours - black, white and red in the Hannah Lux Davis music video. Birdman even makes a cameo appearance. Peep the video below.

New Video: Future - Sh!t

Following the release of his first single ‘Honest’, off his forthcoming album also titled ‘Honest’. Hit-maker Future turns it up for us with this new track ‘Sh!t’ produced by producer of the moment Mike WiLL Made-It.

Future keeps it hood in his home town Atlanta as he kicks it with the goons in the Alex Nazari directed cut as he raps about people who don't keep it real, about the lifestyle their living.

‘Talking 'bout you poppin' tags, n-gga you ain't bought shit

Talking 'bout a hundred bottles, n-gga you ain't popped shit..’

New Video: The Weeknd - Pretty

*THIS VIDEO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR WORK*

The Weeknd's second studio album ‘Kiss Land’ went straight to number 1 on the day of it's release on the iTunes chart.

Continuing the momentum of his album, he brings us the video to ‘Pretty’, based in China and is just a classic Weeknd video - which has his blueprint all over it. The video takes a turn for the worse, when The Weeknd finds out his girl has been cheating on him, and then later takes matters into his own hands as soon as he lands off the plane.

I bet she won't cheat again!

New Music: Chingy - Falling (Remix) ft. 2Face & May7ven

Atlanta rapper Chingy was one of the hottest rappers of his era, when he first came out with his bangers like ‘Right Thurr’, ‘One Call Away’, ‘Pullin Me Back’ and ‘Holidae In’ to name a few.

Returning to the music landscape in 2013, Chingy is back with a brand new single, the remix to his song ‘Falling’ featuring Afrobeat artist - veteran, 2Face Ibidia, and UK based Afrobeat artist May7ven.

Despite the fact that Chingy has not been on the scene for a while, I'd expect for his return to be a glorious one - but instead he fell off with this track... Literally! (Pun intended).

‘Falling’ was produced by Triple O Productions and is to be released on iTunes and all other digital stores shortly. 2013 will see the release of Chingy's EP ‘Chingology’ and he'll embark on both a UK- wide and Nigerian tour in November.

Just take a listen to ‘Falling’ below and let me know what you think

New Video: Drake - Hold On, We're Going Home ft. Majid Jordan

Drake takes it to Miami 1985 for his new video ‘Hold On, We're Going Home’. We see another side of the Canadian rapper who plays a gangsta in his new video alongside A$AP Rocky, who makes a cameo appearance. 

Drake gives us a cinematic music video, something that we'd see in a movie and knocks it out the park. 

But all for a female? Drake honey, there's plenty more fish in the sea! 

The song is off Drake's third studio album NWTS (Nothing Was The Same), and is out in stores now. 

New Music: Wondaboy - Romeo & Juliet

Wondaboy switches up his sound for us with this new piece of material ‘Romeo & Juliet’. The track is in celebration of his birthday month (September), a special track dedicated to all of his female fans and music lovers.

‘Romeo & Juliet’ was produced by Ghanaian producer - Genius Selection and is sure to have your body moving once you hear it.

Be sure to hit up Wondaboy on his birthday (September 27) via his twitter page @iamwondaboy, and show the artist some love.

New Music: Naeto C - Finish Work

It's been a long time since we've heard from Naeto C. The new husband and father took time out of his parental and hubby duties to hit up the studio with producer E Kelly, for this new track titled ‘Finish Work’.

No word on if this track will be featured on his forthcoming release ‘Super C’, but it's nice to get some new music from the ‘10/10’ rapper.

Joey Bada$$ to Headline Converse Gigs @ London's 100 Club, October 2

After playing host to such heavyweights as Nas, Ghostface Killah and DOOM, hip-hop is returning once again to the 100 Club in October when 18-year-old Brooklyn native Joey Bada$$ will take to the stage for an exclusive UK show, with support from Irish rapper Rejjie Snow. 

Venue: 100 Club, 100 Oxford Street, London W1D 1LL

Date: Wednesday, 2 October 2013

Time: (doors): 7.30pm

Tickets are FREE and are currently available exclusively via the Converse UK website: www.converse.uk/conversegigs - DO NOT miss out on a great show, Joey Bada$$ is gonna put up!

New Video: Chrisette Michele - Love Won't Leave Me Alone

R&B/Soul songstress Chrisette Michele switches up her hairstyle for her new video ‘Love Won't Leave Me Alone’. The Grammy award winning singer has great on-camera chemistry in whatever video she's in and ditches her short edgy natural hair cut for some long box braids. Stunning either way.

New Video: Katy Perry - Roar

Jane Porter, wife of fiction character Tarzan - is exactly who Katy Perry transforms into for her new music video ‘Roar’, just a sexier version!

The pop princess crashed on the island and takeovers, where she's the queen of the jungle as she overlooks the scene with the wildlife and all the jungle animals. Like something out of The Jungle Book. 

Perry sits high on her throne as she sings this inspirational song, that knocked off Robin Thicke's ‘Blurred Lines’ off the charts.

‘Roar’ is the first single off her forthcoming album ‘Prism’. 

New Music: Rick Ross - No Games ft. Future

Future is on everyone and their mommas tracks, and is one of the highest in demand hook hit makers. And next in line was Rick Ross who blesses us with the new song ‘No Games’ off his forthcoming LP ‘Mastermind’. 

Rozay has another hit on his hands with this J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League production. A real turn up jam for the clubs - DJs are gonna love this one!

New Video: DJ Khaled - I Wanna Be With You ft. Nicki Minaj, Future & Rick Ross

After his dumb ass proposal stint to Nicki Minaj, DJ Khaled unveils the video to ‘I Wanna Be With You’ featuring Nicki Minaj, Future and Rick Ross. 

The video was shot in a club in Miami and will appear on Khaled's forthcoming album ‘Suffering from Success’. Future sings on the hook of the song with his main chick Ciara right there, as she makes a guest appearance in the video towards the ending. Along with YMCMB boss Birdman - who keeps it calm throughout the video. 

Sip some Myx Moscato with the gang in this chilled Colin Tilley-directed video below

New Video: Wale - Clappers ft. Nicki Minaj & Juicy J

‘Clappers’ may not be my favourite song off of Wale's ‘The Gifted’ album, but it surely is a catchy one. 

Wale, Nicki Minaj and Juicy J bring out the booty clapping women in this bootylicious Benny Boom-directed clip, where the women are going HAM!

The only person missing from the video is Miley Cyrus seeing as she wants to be a twerker so badly! Lol..

‘Imma shake this ass til I graduate!’

New Music: Baiyu - The One

A voice like no other. Baiyu is back at it again, with her latest material ‘The One’. 

She says about the song...

"Love is the opposite of fear. When realising that the only thing to fear is the fear itself, one can make a choice to demystify and prevail. This stage of fearlessness opens up a limitless realm of possibilities, and that's when all the universe will conspire to guide you on your path."

Produced by her in house producer Grand Staff and mixed by Kevin Odom, Baiyu sings her heart out on this ballad.  

New Video: Jarell Perry - Win

Jarell Perry opens up his LP ‘Simple Things’, with a track titled ‘Win’ even though it was one of the last songs he wrote for the album. 

Perry is already prepping for the December release for his new forthcoming project - his sophomore EP. 

The R&B sensation will be touring this week with Cody ChesnuTT and has already hit up Seattle in Washington and will be in California, Utah, and Colorado for the remaining tour dates. 

Watch the video and check out the your dates below - be sure to see him perform live if you have the chance to!

9/7 - The Independent - San Francisco, CA
9/10 - The State Room - Salt Lake City, UT
9/11 - Belly Up Aspen - Aspen, CO

New Video: Shank - Ghetto (Remix) ft. Seun Kuti, Kay Switch, Vector & Davido

It's been a while since we've heard from Nigerian based rapper Shank. 

Shank who switches up the lyrics to the song a little bit, calls up on some heavy hitters for this exclusive remix. Seun Kuti, Kay Switch, Vector and Davido who all make a guest appearance on the song and in the video, talk about their experiences in the ghetto in their verses. 

Shank and director Patrick Ellis take it to the streets of Lagos to capture the true essence of the ghetto for this video titled ‘Ghetto’. 

New Video: Michelle Williams - If We Had Your Eyes

Ever wondered what life would be like if we had the eyes of God? 

Ex-Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams takes us through that with the visuals to her new single ‘If We Had Your Eyes’. The new video directed by Derek Blanks - shows a homeless man begging for money, and a woman giving it to him. Also a young woman who cuts herself in the wrist and suffers from self-harm. 

If you're a person of faith - this video is bound to leave you with a tear or two, as it's easily relatable. 

‘God, if I had your eyes..

I could.. Love better, have more compassion

Understand what I'm going through, why I'm going through

I'd be more patient. 

God, help me to see things the way you see things. 

Give us your eyes God!’

Was the little prayer Michelle used to wrap up her song and music video. The visuals feature another ex-Destiny's Child member Letoya Luckett. 

If you had the eyes of God, how differently will you act? 

New Video: Emeli Sandé - My Kind of Love (RedOne and Alex P Remix)

Emeli Sandé channels a new hair colour - rocking an aqua blue in her new video to ‘My Kind of Love’. 

The video captures emotional moments all based around love, where we can see hurtful words in the form of bullets piercing through the skin of the people in this video. And them all overcoming because of someone's love for them - including a dying horse. 

Director - Sanji Senaka pulled out all the stops for this one, and it surely touches the heart. 

Words do have an impact on people's lives - both positive and negative and that is exactly what's portrayed in the video below. Check it out.. 

New Video: Ariana Grande - Baby I

With her album currently sitting at #1 on the iTunes chart, Ariana Grande premiered the video to ‘Baby I’ one of my personal songs off her debut release; and her second single off the album.

The 20-year-old takes it to the streets to the bus and then wraps it up with a house party, for this fun and flirty music video. 

Ariana Grande brings on an old school vibe with the music video - from the clothing, cars and even down to the dance steps around town, in this bloc party themed video.

Bringing back that 90s sound and look - Grande is sure to shift units with her debut album Yours Truly, out in stores now. 

New Music: YFS and 2Kriss - ‘Baddo’ + ‘Tonto’

After a brief hiatus from the game following their 2012 single ‘Clique’, 2Kriss and YFS - the crowned Princes of Afrobeats - are back with two massive new collaborative singles ‘Baddo’ and ‘Tonto’ that will blow you away!

Both produced by 2Kriss, ‘Baddo’ is a gloriously bass-heavy tune with quickfire witty lyrics and infectious flows from 2Kriss and YFS, backed by thumping drums and synthy grand piano arrangements while ‘Tonto’ as you will have guessed is a playful and light-hearted ode to Nigerian Superstar actress Tonto Dikeh.

All aged between 18 and 21, Moses and Raphael, who together are 2Kriss and Esdee and Havoc, who make up YFS, have both achieved large strides in their own rights within AfroPop and Afrobeats music circles and at such young ages too.

Having produced for the likes of Iyanya, Olamide and EMI recording artist Amplify Dot and collaborated with Wizkid and Ice Prince among others, 2Kriss continue to remain one of the most sought after production names across Nigeria and the UK.

YFS on the other hand have already been co-signed by several industry heavyweights including Iyanya, Skales and Ice Prince to mention a few while also working with the likes of Wizkid and Maleek Berry, having supported Wizkid on his UK tour last year.

With the explosive A-side ‘Baddo’ already being requested by club and radio DJs and with Tonto Dikeh herself already a professed massive fan of bonus B-Side ‘Tonto’ already, 2Kriss and YFS are about to have a sensational next few months and it all starts now - listen to ‘Baddo’ and ‘Tonto’ below!

‘Baddo’

‘Tonto’

Download ‘Baddo’ here | Download ‘Tonto’ here

2013 MOBO Awards: Nominations

Check out the full list of nominees below...

Best Newcomer in association with HTC

Daley

Elli Ingam

Etta Bond

Fuse ODG

Jacob Banks

Jahmene Douglas

Krept and Konan

Sam Smith

Shakka

Stylo G

Best Male Act

Disclosure

Naughty Boy

Rudimental

Wiley

Wretch 32

Best Female Act in association with Tresor Paris

Jessie J

Jessie Ware

Laura Mvula

Lianne La Havas

Rita Ora

Best Video in association with SBTV

AlunaGeorge - Attracting Flies

Dizzie Rascal - Bassline Junkie

Fuse ODG ft. Wyclef - Antenna

Laura Mvula - Green Garden

Naughty Boy ft. Sam Smith - La La La

Rizzle Kicks - Lost Generation

Best UK Hip Hop/Grime Act 

Akala, K Koke, Tinie Tempah, Wiley, Wretch 32

Best Album

Angel - About Time

Disclosure - Settle

Laura Mvula - Sing to the Moon

Rudimental - Home

Wiley - Ascent

Best R&B/Soul Act

Angel, Daley, Jessie Ware, Laura Mvula, Lianne La Havas

Best Song in association with PRS for Music

Disclosure ft. AlunaGeorge - White Noise

Naughty Boy - La La La 

Rudimental ft. Ella Eyre - Waiting All Night

Wiley ft. Chip - Reloaded

Wretch 32 ft. Shakka - Black Out

Best International Act

Ciara

Iggy Azalea

J.Cole

Jason Derulo

Jay Z

Justin Timberlake

Kanye West

Kendrick Lamar

Miguel

Robin Thicke

Best African Act

Atumpan

Bombino

Fuse ODG

Ice Prince

Liquideep

Mafikizolo

Seun Kuti

Spoek Mathambo

Tiwa Savage

Wizkid

Best Reggae Act

Mavado

Popcaan

Sean Paul

Stylo G

Tarrus Riley

Best Jazz Act

Sons of Kemet

Courtney Pine

Soweto Kinch

Jazz Jamaica

Lineage

Best Gospel Act

Guvna B

El-Marfex

Lurine Cato

IDMC

Sandra Godley

Go online to vote for who you want to win HERE: http://mobo.com/voting2013

2013 MOBO Awards: Nominations Party

Tuesday the MOBO Awards held their annual nomination party and I was in attendance. Weeks prior to the nomination party - I was chosen to be part of this years music panel, alongside some other big names in the music industry in the UK. We had to sit and discuss who got nominated - including their chart success from September 1, 2012 - August 26, 2013. Some of who we chose made the final list, some never. But the experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it was good to see how artists were chosen to be nominated. 

Kanya King and Mobolaji at the MOBO music panel nomination meet - in August.

Tuesday evening commenced with the red carpet, and drinks on arrival. Jessie J, Naughty Boy, Emeli Sande, So Solid Crew and more were all in attendance So Solid Crew opened up the show with a performance of their classic single '21 Seconds' before presenter Sarah-Jane took to the stage to present, later on Kanya King blessing us with a few words. MOBO Unsung winners Insight sang their own rendition of Emeli Sande's 'My Kind of Love', as well as Jahmene Douglas who sang Amy Winehouse's 'Back to Black' with a special acoustic session.

 Check out the pics from Tuesday nights event - and see who I got to meet on the night below...

MOBO Awards cupcake and cake stand. The cakes were delicious!

Having fun at the photo-booth with my friend Sarah.

 

Rapper Cashtastic and Mobolaji | Mobolaji, So Solid Crew's Romeo and friend

Afrobeat artists Dizzy Vocal Chameleon | Dr Sid 

 

Mobolaji and Mega Man of So Solid Crew | Mobolaji - PHOTO OP!

Krept (Play Dirty) was also in attendance | Sarah and Harvey from So Solid Crew

Sarah, Misha B and Mobolaji | Mobolaji and DJ Melody Kane (SB.TV's official DJ)

Look out for the next blog post of who got nominated for what!

New Music: Ariana Grande - You'll Never Know

Congratulations are in order for Ariana Grande as yesterday saw the release of her debut album ‘Yours Truly’ as it went straight to number one in 30 different countries on the iTunes chart. 

‘You'll Never Know’ is just one of the many songs on the album produced by Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds and is bound to be another favourite along with ‘The Way’, ‘Baby I’ and ‘Right There’.

This album is currently the talk of the town, and if you don't have it make sure you download it via iTunes as soon as.. (iTunes UK/iTunes US)

New Music: Sevyn Streeter - It Wont Stop (Remix) ft. Chris Brown

Chris Brown's artist Sevyn Streeter is already a name people are getting familiar with and he has now jumped on the remix to her second single ‘It Won't Stop’.

Breezy's sweet voice compliments the track from Sevyn. Sevyn has written for Ariana Grande, Alicia Keys and Kelly Rowland to name a few.

New Music: Pusha T - Sweet Serenade ft. Chris Brown

Seems as if Pusha T's debut release is finally ready. After a lot of set backs Pusha T's debut album has finally got a released date. But before then - we get a brand new song from him toasting to the good life alongside Chris Brown. 

‘Sweet Serenade’ lives up to it's name on the Swizz Beatz produced anthem, and accompanies a sweet sounding hook from Chris Breezy. The song will appear on Pusha T's forthcoming debut ‘My Name Is My Name’ out on October 8 and features guest appearances from Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Future, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West and more.

New Video: K. Michelle - The Right One

Revenge is really sweet when you're K. Michelle. The Love & Hip Hop reality TV star gets gangsta and hella ratchet in this new video to ‘The Right One’ off her debut #1 release ‘Rebellious Soul’.

K. Michelle really lives up to the statement "paybacks a b-tch" as she burns her mans clothes after she sees him cheating on her. Chi Ali plays K. Michelle's man in the Juwan Lee directed video.

Toast marshmallows on the side of the road with a scorned woman.

New Video: Cviro - 187

As promised the official video to Cviro's jam ‘187’ directed by Rico. Without a doubt Cviro has an amazingly unique voice and his whole presence is easily welcomed in the music industry. 

Watch the new video from Cviro - more to come from him within the coming months.

New Video: Sultan Marshall - Biola

After releasing new material almost every month since the start of the year, including the mellow track titled ‘Biola’ which was released in April. Sultan Marshall brings you the visuals to the aforementioned track ‘Biola’ in the form of a viral video. This serves as a build up to the release of a mixtape scheduled for later in the year.

New Video: Bibz Onpoint - RagaBomi ft. Jade Valentine

UK-based Nigerian Hip-Hop artist Bibz Onpoint links up with the video director of the moment Mr. Moe Musa to bring you, the brand new video for his latest single titled ‘Ragabomi’...

Featuring British songstress Jade Valentine and produced by OY Beatz, who also produced DRB LasGidi's ‘Take Control’, ‘Ragabomi’ is Bibz Onpoint's official return to the Nigerian music scene after his 2011 debut single ‘She Dey Like Me’, which garnered rave reviews and saw him performing alongside P-Square, Wizkid and JJC at the 2011 Afrobeats Music Festival.

Shot with London's vibrant nightlife as its backdrop, Bibz Onpoint and Mr. Moe Musa pull out all the stops in creating a fun and exciting visual spectacle to bring the ‘Ragabomi’ single further to life, with the onscreen chemistry between Bibz and his co-star Jade Valentine drawing the viewer further into enjoying the full bass-heavy sounds of ‘Ragabomi’ and fully enhancing your listening experience... Check it all out below!

New Videos: Jay Z, Big Sean, R. Kelly, Birdman & Rick Ross

Jay Z - Holy Grail ft. Justin Timberlake

Big Sean - 10 2 10

R. Kelly - My Story ft. 2 Chainz

Birdman & Rick Ross - 50 Plates