ENTERTAINMENT

Burna Boy Stands Tall On The Cover Of NME Magazine’s August 2020 Issue

Published

4 years ago

August 10, 2020

FAB.NG

With his new album “Twice As Tall” on the way, Burna Boy is keeping fans, music lovers, as well as critics, on their toes, and now he’s working tall on the cover of NME magazine. The award-winning afrobeat singer speaks to the magazine about everything from his legacy, being an African Giant to creating irresistible music in the publications August 2020 issue.

Read his recent interview with the New York Times.

Inside the magazine, he recaps his journey, speaking against the system of oppression in Africa, inspiring a revolution in Africa and more. He’s pictured on the cover and in the magazine in black and white rocking a sculptured diamond neckpiece in the likeness of Fela‘s iconic victory, and another custom made neckpiece with the inscription of “African Giant”-which is the name of his previous album- on the pendant.

For “Twice As Tall”, Burna brought in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs as executive producer, and Combs, in turn, facilitated collaborations with the likes of Timbaland and Anderson Paak.

Read some excerpts from his cover feature below:

On the track “Monsters You Made” featuring Chris Martin of Coldplay

…There are so many situations where a fight needs to be had. A revolution is needed, and I want to inspire it. I’m painting a picture of what we already see every day, but maybe no one has painted the picture in an honest form before. I tried to do that with ‘Monsters’.

I had the two verses and an empty space for the hook, but in my mind, I was like: ‘Bro, if I don’t get Coldplay on this one then I’m just gonna release it with no hook’…

I don’t know the English words to put this in or the politically correct words to use for this, but he’s one of the only people that could bring that balance and still relate.

Is it, I suggest, something to do with contrasting the verses’ stinging critique of white Western imperialism with a hook sung by one of the biggest stars in mainstream white Western pop?

That’s the balance…He’s the only one that could have pulled that off.

On Afrobeats

On the positive side, yes, it’s a good step. There’s a genre from Africa that is now accepted worldwide to the point where it can have its own chart in mainstream United Kingdom. At the same time, it’s something that has to be done carefully. You can’t start an Afrobeats chart and not come to Nigeria!

Afrobeat was done by one person and one person only: Fela Kuti.

My only thing is, whoever is doing the Afrobeats chart in the UK should not even be in the UK. If you’re doing a grime chart, then you can be in the UK, but it’s not fair for the people who have really based their lives on this, who have really grown up on this. This is their culture. It’s a lot bigger than what the charts are presenting it as, but at the same time I’m still happy about it, I’m still thankful because it’s a step in the right direction.

On Fela Kuti being the Afrobeat originator

I keep on letting everybody know that Afrobeat was done by one person and one person only, which is Fela Kuti. The rest of what we hear today is Afropop, Afro-hip-hop, Afro-whatever – you know, Afro-fusion. They decided to use the word ‘Afrobeats’ to put it all under one umbrella, which is cool, but you have to make sure it gets to the people who really do this. Right now it’s coming across as some watered down thing that feels like a consolation prize. I don’t really believe in consolations. I believe in wins and losses.

Read the full feature at NME Magazine (@nicolasgerardin)

Photo Credit: @nicolasgerardin

Related Topics:Burna Boy Burna Boy Stands Tall On The Cover Of NME Magazine’s August 2020 Issue NME Magazine

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ENTERTAINMENT

OdumoduBlvck Recounts How Don Jazzy Gifted Him $10,000

Published

5 days ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

OdumoduBlvck on how Don Jazzy gifted him $10,000 | fab.ng

OdumoduBlvck recently praised Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy in an interview with Beats FM.

The rapper discussed his latest project, “Nothing Changed,” a collaborative effort with the Anti-World Gangsters crew. The album features Don Jazzy on the track “Asampete.”

OdumoduBlvck revealed that after recording “Asampete,” he felt the song would benefit from Don Jazzy’s contribution. When approached, Don Jazzy readily agreed to the request.

During their meeting, Don Jazzy not only added his vocals to the song but also surprised OdumoduBlvck with a generous gift of $10,000.

Impressively, Don Jazzy declined any royalties for his contribution to the track.

“When I went to his house to get his vocals, he gave me $10,000 and even my friend was asking me why he gave me such a huge amount of money,” he narrated in the interview.

OdumoduBlvck further praised Don Jazzy, describing him as the most original personality in the Nigerian music industry and a true icon.

“There’s nobody more original than Don Jazzy…The way the younger artists look up to Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, and Olamide today is how they used to look up to Don Jazzy”.

OdumoduBlvck’s praise for Don Jazzy’s generosity and influence on the Nigerian music industry echoes sentiments expressed by numerous artists whose careers have been shaped by the Mavin Records boss.

Four-time Grammy nominee Davido has credited Don Jazzy and D’banj’s flamboyant lifestyle for inspiring him to relocate to Nigeria and pursue his musical aspirations.

Don Jazzy’s philanthropic endeavours also continue to make headlines. Recently, he donated a substantial sum of 100 million naira to Very Dark Man’s charity.

Check out more updates here.

ENTERTAINMENT

Actress Eucharia Anunobi Preaches Against Seeking Validation From Others

Published

5 days ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

Eucharia Anunobi preaches against seeking validation | fab.ng

Nigerian actress and evangelist Eucharia Anunobi shared a compelling message about self-empowerment through her Instagram platform on December 19, 2024.

The Nollywood veteran directly addressed her followers in a social media post, urging them to break free from seeking external validation.

Anunobi, known for her influential roles in the Nigerian film industry, stressed that individuals should cultivate a strong sense of self-worth independent of others’ opinions.

The acclaimed actress articulated that personal growth and fulfilment stem from embracing one’s authentic self rather than conforming to societal expectations or public judgment.

In the video posted, Eucharia Anunobi enquired, “Why do you want everyone to like you? Even ice cream isn’t liked by everyone, come on.”Her post caption read,

“Seeking to be liked by all is a sign that you are emotionally and spiritually imbalanced! Some people will hate you because to hate is what gives them joy!! Because they are genetically wicked!!! So get used to not being liked!!!!1 John 5:19.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Apostle Dr Eucharia Anunobi (@euchariaanunobi)

The actress’s post ignited a flurry of reactions in her comment section, with followers expressing support and sharing their personal reflections.

Actress Sola Sobowale commented simply, “Fact.”

Other followers shared their thoughts, with one writing, “Anyone who is always seeking validation from the public whenever he or she does something, just know say that person no clear 💯.”

“Caring what people think about you is natural. Letting it drive your behaviours and keep you from doing things you believe in is usually a sign of,” said another person.

Another Instagram user shed more light on the issue, saying,

“codependency conditioning. The core belief in codependency is: what people think of me defines what I think of me. My mother always said, “Your opinion of me is none of my business.” It can get real exhausting perceiving yourself through the eyes of others. No matter how pure your intention, you cannot control how people receive you. Give others the freedom to perceive you as they wish, for it’s merely a reflection of themselves and not your reality. Never mind who sees you. Do you see you?”

“I don’t like people who wanna be liked by everyone, just do you and move on,”

“Thisss ,it’s okay to be a bad person in another persons story ,Only God is PERFECT 👍”

Check out more entertainment news updates here.

ENTERTAINMENT

Elozonam Reflects On How “Japa” Makes It Hard For Him To Make Friends

Published

6 days ago

December 19, 2024

Reporter

Elozonam on how ‘japa’ makes it hard for him to make friends | fab.ng

Former BBNaija star and content creator Elozonam revealed how Nigeria’s “japa” syndrome—where individuals emigrate in search of better opportunities abroad—has impacted his personal relationships, especially with friends and family.

During a conversation on the Uncoloured Podcast, hosted by fellow BBNaija alum Venita, Elozonam candidly shared how his twin brother’s relocation has significantly altered their once-close dynamic.

“For my twin brother and I, being twins, we naturally used to argue a lot,” Elozonam said. “But after he left, there was nothing to fight about. Now I have to consciously reach out to him because there are days or weeks when I don’t hear from him. It’s frustrating, but I understand that everyone has to do what they need to survive and build a better life.”

Elozonam reflected on how the japa wave has reshaped his social circle. He traced the trend back to 2018 when his former boss moved abroad with his family.

“That seemed to open the floodgates,” he said. “Since then, people have been leaving one after the other. It’s exhausting. You become hesitant to form new friendships because you don’t know if they’ll just up and leave tomorrow.”

He expressed deep frustration about Nigeria’s deteriorating economy and infrastructure. He acknowledged that unemployment, insecurity, and poor living conditions push many Nigerians to seek better opportunities in other countries.

“Between 2018 and 2024, I’ve seen so many people leave. Nigeria isn’t improving, and everyone wants a better future. It’s hard to blame them, but it’s also hard for those of us left behind.”

Watch the interview below.

“…you’re now too wary of making new friends. Nigeria is not getting any better. We all know this”

Elozonam speaks about living in a different country from his twin brother and the downsides of japa. pic.twitter.com/zc7KMuLcdX

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 18, 2024