Nigerian music is gaining international acclaim, and one of the artists contributing to this global success is Flavour. Known for music that blends cultural elements, Flavour has earned numerous accolades throughout his career.
During a recent interview on The Afrobeats Podcast with Adesope, Flavour was asked how he felt about being excluded from the list of Afrobeats’ biggest global exports. The hitmaker promptly responded. He made it clear that he wasn’t concerned about such discussions, as he doesn’t consider himself an Afrobeats artist.
“I am not an Afrobeats artist. I am an African artist,” Flavour replied.
He also highlighted that the spotlight is currently on Afrobeats, noting how the media tends to focus primarily on this genre while overlooking other types of music from across the continent.
“Most time, the media just talk about Afrobeats. They are not talking about African music. If you talk about African music, you have to talk about Flavour,” the veteran musician said.
Flavour’s career has spanned over two decades with numerous hit records and critically acclaimed albums. Yet, he emphasized that not every artist needs to conform to the Afrobeats narrative. He pointed out that era-defining pop star Asake, for instance, offers a modern take on Fuji music, just as Flavour himself has been creating music that embraces various aspects of Igbo culture.
Flavour’s identity as an African artist is clearly reflected in his most recent album, titled “African Royalty“, which was released in December 2023. The award-winning veteran has also actively collaborated with several prominent African artists, including Fally Ipupa and Diamond Platnumz.
Mohbad, a man of influence, seamlessly blended Fuji, Afrobeats, and Hip Hop to create songs that reflected his unique artistry and genuine spirit. His songs, ranging from Street Hop anthems to introspective narratives about life’s challenges, offered both joy and comfort to his audience.
On September 12, 2023, the music world was saddened by the tragic news of Mohbad’s passing. A year later, artists and fans continue to pay tribute to this talented musician who captivated listeners with his vibrant music.
In commemoration of his one-year remembrance, here are seven unforgettable songs that showcase the exceptional musical talent of Mohbad:
Rexxie feat Mohbad – Ko Por Ke (2020)
One of the most iconic songs in the history of Street-Hop, “Ko Por Ke” was a cultural phenomenon that left an indelible mark on Nigerian music. The song’s infectious rhythm and Mohbad’s captivating lyrics resonated deeply with listeners, propelling him to mainstream success and showcasing his extraordinary talent.
Marlian Anthem (2020)
Signed to Marlian Records during the peak of Naira Marley’s influence, Mohbad created “Marlian Anthem,” a mesmerizing anthem that embodied the movement’s rebellious spirit and challenged societal norms. However, the relationship between Mohbad and Marlian Records eventually soured, adding a bittersweet layer to the song’s significance.
Holy (2020)
Taken from his debut EP “Light,” “Holy” offered a glimpse into Mohbad’s personal journey as he embraced his imperfections with a refreshing honesty. The song’s uplifting message encouraged listeners to accept their own flaws and find strength in vulnerability.
Feel Good (2021)
Demonstrating his versatility and musical prowess, Mohbad delivered a Neo-Fuji reinterpretation of James Brown’s classic “I Feel Good.” The song’s infectious energy and Mohbad’s unique style made it a massive hit, further solidifying his position as a distinctive talent in the Afrobeats scene.
Peace (2022)
In “Peace,” Mohbad candidly expressed his frustrations and longing for tranquillity amidst the challenges he faced in his career. The song’s raw emotion and powerful lyrics resonated deeply with fans, offering a glimpse into the artist’s inner struggles.
Ask About Me (2023)
Following his highly publicized departure from Marlian Records, Mohbad made a triumphant comeback with “Ask About Me.” The defiant song reaffirmed his determination to pursue his dreams and showcase his undeniable talent.
Tragically, just before his untimely passing, Mohbad collaborated with singer Chike on the joyful single “Egwu.” The song’s infectious energy and Mohbad’s brilliant performance quickly made it a mega-hit. “Egwu” served as a testament to Mohbad’s ability to spread joy and positivity through his music.
Simi released her hit album “Simisola” 7 years ago. The album cemented its status as a timeless classic. It offered solid music and captured the hearts of listeners. Simi built a loyal fanbase with this album.
Simi released “Simisola” on September 8, 2017. The 12-track album featured hit songs like “Jamb Question,” “Smile For Me,” “Tiff,” “Love Don’t Care,” and “Joromi.” Each track resonated with fans, showcasing her unique blend of Afro-pop and R&B.
On September 30, 2017, “Simisola” debuted at number five on the Billboard World Albums chart. Its success didn’t stop there. At The Headies 2018, “Simisola” won Album of the Year and was nominated for Best R&B/Pop Album. The album also earned a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2018 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
To mark the 7th anniversary, Simi shared reflections on the album via social media. She spoke about her favourite tracks and offered personal insights into the meaning behind each song. These reflections gave fans a deeper connection to her work and celebrated the album’s enduring impact.
Despite seven years passing, “Simisola” remains a cherished part of Simi’s discography. Its timeless appeal continues to resonate with listeners, highlighting her artistry and emotional depth. The album’s influence and Simi’s ability to create lasting connections with her fanbase make “Simisola” a standout achievement in Nigerian music.
Jamb Question was mine and @falzthebahdguy ‘s first fight lol. It was so hilarious that all we did was fight and all you people saw was chemistry. pic.twitter.com/xW2YQ6JvAa
Nigerian singer Korede Bello recently explained why he left Mavin Records. Don Jazzy is the renowned producer who founded this record label. Signed to Mavin in 2014, Korede exited the label in 2021.
The artist told Hip TV that he felt like a “product” designed and marketed only for profit. He talked about the constant pressure to chase hit songs. Also, staying relevant in the industry made him lose focus on what truly mattered to him.
What’s more, this feeling prompted him to take a break from music. During the break, he had to reflect and reconnect with his deeper purpose in life. Korede emphasized the importance of this hiatus in helping him realign his career with his values.
Korede Bello said,
“I was at a season in my life where I needed to metamorphose from a caterpillar to a butterfly. To explore my inner worth, to do introspection, to understand myself, understand meaning more, and reconnect to my why. Because I was at a stage where I started to feel like a product, I started to feel like something that was just being sold, something that is just there to make money.”
“You lose sight of what matters when you chase after the next song, after the next hit, and after the next whatever it is that can get you into conversations. So a lot of artistes are addicted to that circle, and that is why they will do anything to just stay relevant. And I know that music is not my destination, music is not my endpoint, it’s a means of communicating who I am and why I am. So I needed to reconnect to why I am and why music is an important tool for communicating what I’m about.”
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