JOHNNY NASH BOWS OUT AT 80

The American reggae and pop singer-songwriter Johnny Nash, best known for the 1972 hit "I Can See Clearly Now" died on 6th October 2020 aged 80.The musician began singing as a child and made his major label debut with the 1957 song "A Teenager Sings the Blues".

Born in Houston, Jonny Nash was one of the first non-Jamaican singers to record reggae music in Kingston, Jamaica.
His single "I Can See Clearly Now" sold more than a million copies and reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1972, where it remained for four weeks.

He also had a No. 1 hit in the UK in 1975 with "Tears on My Pillow".

It was Nash that brought the reggae legend Bob Marley to limelight and helped him to sign a recording contract. Nash's covers of songs like "Stir It Up" helped bring Marley's music to a broader audience, and the pair later collaborated on a track called "You Poured Sugar On Me".

SONGS THAT PROMOTE NIGERIA UNITY AND CELEBRATE HER DIVERSITY

As we celebrate the 60th independence anniversary of our dear country Nigeria, we present some of the music by Nigerian artists that centre on the motherland and promote her unity.

Which Way Nigeria (Sunny Okosun)

The song "Which Way Nigeria" was about the growth trajectory of the nation many years after independence. Sunny Okosun sang in part:
Which way is Nigeria is heading to;
Many years after independence;
We still find it hard to start;
How long shall we be patient till we reach the promise land;
Let’s save Nigeria, So Nigeria won’t die. Which way Nigeria, Which way to go;
I love my fatherland, I want to know;
Which way Nigeria is heading to…”

Peace Song (Onyeka Onwenu)

Onyeka Onwenu released this song which, as the name implies, called for peace in in the country. It contained the lyrics:
“We’re the women of Nigeria
And peace is what we bring
Let it reign, let it reign everywhere
We’re the children of Nigeria
And peace is what we need
So that all can live as one…”

The Way Forward (King Sunny Ade)

King Sunny Ade's song "The Way Forward" was an instant hit with fans as it inspired the spirit of patriotism in many. The song called on all Nigerians to join hands in lifting the country. The musician sang that no matter where one travelled to, there could never be any place like home.

Nigeria My Beloved Country (Funmi Adams)

Funmi Adams contributed to shaping a positive perspective for the nation with her song "Nigeria My Beloved Country" in which she sang about her love for the motherland.

Nigeria Go Survive (Veno Marioghae)

Veno Marioghae's song “Nigeria go survive” which was released in 1985, was a favourite of many back in the day. Accompanied by a funky beat, the track proclaimed that regardless of what happened to it, Nigeria would survive. And no doubt, some may now see Marioghae in the mould of a prophet because though the country has gone through many turbulent times, it is still standing strong.
The song contained the lyrics:
“If they steal our oil,
Even if they burn the oil o,
Nigeria will survive.
I say if they drink the oil o,
No matter how they try o,
Nigeria will survive.
Our roots dem strong for ground o, Ancestors no go gree o,
Nigeria will survive…”

Arise, Make Nigeria a Better Place (Emeka Okeke)

This song was a track in Emeka Okeke's debut album "True Messages" released in 2000. The song promotes Nigeria unity by calling on all tribes and ethnic groups to come together and unite to make Nigeria a better place. Part of the lyrics goes thus:
"Arise arise make Nigeria a better place,
All my brothers wake up wake up,
All my sisters this is the time,
Umunne m o ngwanu ngwanu,
This is the time to call white white,
This is the time to call black black,
This is the time to say all the truth,
This is the time to forgive ourselves,
Arise arise make Nigeria a better place."

Green Land (TY Bello)

Bello was able to endear herself to fans with the song "Green Land". The lyrics included,:
“The land is green―it’s green,
The land is green― it’s green,
Can’t you see? The harvest is ready,
Cos the Lord of the harvest told me so,
It’s green― it’s green for me,
It’s green― it’s green for me…”

Great Nation (Timi Dakolo)

Timi Dakolo's song ,"Great Nation" was another song that promoted Nigerian unity. The song contained the lyrics:
“We’re all we have, We’ll defend our land, We believe in this nation,
And we know we’ll get there,
We’re all we have, we’ll defend our land,
We believe in Nigeria and the promise she holds,
And that one day we’ll shine like the sun, We’re a great nation…”

SAMSONG IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR GOSPEL ARTISTS IN NIGERIA

Samsong is a Nigerian gospel artist, based in Abuja, Nigeria. He was born Samson Uche Mogekwu in Delta State, Nigeria. In 1991, he formed a quartet known as Praise Creation. They were signed to Ivory Music Label and released their debut album in 1996 titled "Best of Life". The group however broke up, and Samsong became a solo artist, releasing his debut CD in 2002, titled "Count Your Blessings". His album was a success, garnering airplay, and resulting in winning The Psalmist Award that same year.

SAMSONG

Samsong has had a successful recording career with radio hits like Bianule, and a handful of accolades such as The Psalmist Award in 2000, and recently being nominated as "best Gospel Artist" by Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) in New York in 2008. He has graced the stage with Gospel greats like Marvin Winans, Donnie McClurkin and Panam Percy Paul, as well as successful mainstream artists like Donell Jones, Kenny Latimore, etc.

SAMMIE OKPOSO IS A SUPER NIGERIAN GOSPEL ARTIST

Sammie Okposo born May 30, 1971 is an international Nigerian gospel artist. He is also a music producer, psalmist, and CEO of Zamar Entertainment. He released his first album “Addicted” in 2004. He has collaborated with many other artists in the gospel and soul music fields, and has performed regularly in Africa, Europe, and North America and curates a series of concerts called SOPP (Sammie Okposo Praise Party). His most recent album, The Statement (2018), was produced by the Grammy-winning Kevin Bond.

NATHANIEL BASSEY THE GREAT NIGERIAN GOSPEL WORSHIP AND PRAISE SINGER

Nathaniel Bassey is a Nigerian gospel artist, born in Lagos in 1978. He is popularly known for his song "Imela" "Onise Iyanu" and "Olowogbogboro". Bassey started his musical career in the church where he joined the Rhodes Orchestra and he played the Trumpet for two years. He was just an ordinary trumpeter until he composed a song at the visit to Late Stella Obasanjo, the wife of former president Olusegun Obasanjo. In 2018, Bassey was one of the leading artistes in the Nigeria's Christian gathering, The Experience.

NATHANIEL BASSEY

Nathaniel Bassey is the brain behind the #HallelujahChallenge, where he worships God for an hour, from 12:00 am to 1:00 am. He streams this event on his Instagram page and invites others to join him. In less than a month, the event had over 600,000 views. The #HallelujahChallenge for 2020 was held from 4 to 24 February.

JOE PRAIZE THE PRAISE AND WORSHIP LEADER

Joseph Omo Ebhodaghe, popularly known as Joe Praize, is an Edo State born Nigerian gospel singer, praise and worship leader, songwriter and music director who rose to popularity following the release of his hit song "Mighty God" off his debut album My Praise.

JOE PRAIZE

Joe Praize has since become a praise and worship leader at the Love World a.k.a. Christ Embassy. He has ministered in several countries including South Africa, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Cyprus, Nigeria, Ghana and others, and he has won several awards. He has five studio albums to his credit: “Mighty God”, “Alpha Omega”, “My Praise”, “All the Praise”, and “Most High”

THE FIRST NIGERIAN MUSICIAN TO RELEASE AN ALBUM

The first ever Nigerian to release an album is Canon Josiah Jesse Ransome Kuti (Fela Anikulapo’s Grandfather and Prof Wole Soyinka’s great-grand father). He has been composing songs since 1878 and in 1925, he became the first Nigerian to release a record album after he recorded several Yoruba language hymns in gramophone through Zonophone Records. His album is still at the British Museum.

JOSIAH JESSE RANSOME-KUTI

The Reverend Canon Josiah Jesse Ransome-Kuti, was perhaps the earliest person in Nigeria to compose gospel songs in form of Church hymns used in the early Anglican Church at St. Peter Cathedral Church, Ake Abeokuta Ogun state Nigeria. 

EBEN IS A POPULAR AFRO GOSPEL SINGER WITH A CLASS

Emmanuel Benjamin, known professionally as Eben is a Nigerian gospel singer, vocalist, and songwriter born September 9, 1979. He started his singing career in 1997 and was mentored by his elder brother as a rapper but he later discovered his talent in singing and became a gospel singer. In 2005, as a gospel singer, Eben became popular after his first big public appearance, at a youth conference organized by Pastor Chris where "Imarama" was first heard He has four Studio Albums to his credit: “On the Rock” (2007), “Phenomenon” (2010), “Justified” (2013), “Magnified”.

EBEN

Eben however became an internet celebrity with the release of a song titled “Victory” in 2016 which went viral after release.

KUNLE AJAYI THE FOREMOST GOSPEL MUSIC SAXOPHONIST IN NIGERIA

Kunle Ajayi is a Lagos State born gospel artist and pastor. He started playing musical instrument particularly, saxophone in the early 1980s but stopped due to Lung-related ailment that almost resulted in the damage of his larynx. He had contributed significantly to Nigerian gospel over the years and he is currently the Director of Music at the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

 

In recognition of his immense contributions to gospel music in Nigeria, Kunle Ajayi was bestowed with the Award of Excellence by the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 2007 and in 2008, he received the "Leadership award in Nigeria music".

BUNNY MACK'S 'LET ME LOVE YOU' IS STILL POPULAR IN DANCE HALLS

Bunny Mack (December 1945 – July 2015) was a Sierra Leonean musician, singer, songwriter and performer. He was best known for his song "Let Me Love You" a disco song that was released in Nigeria in the mid 1970s and took the dance halls by storm. The song is still popular in many night clubs, especially in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Cameroon.

https://youtu.be/bRldpgSWo1Q

REMEMBERING SISTER SLEDGE WITH A FEELING OF NOSTALGIA

Sister Sledge is an American musical group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed in 1971 and consisting of four sisters: Kim Sledge (born August 21, 1957), Debbie Sledge (born July 9, 1954), Joni Sledge (born September 13, 1955), and Kathy Sledge (born January 6, 1959). The group is best known for their hit songs "We Are Family" and "Frankie".

The siblings achieved international success at the height of the disco era. In 1979, they released their breakthrough album We Are Family, which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and included the 1979 US top-10 singles "He's the Greatest Dancer" and "We Are Family".

OBIORA OBIWON'S 2009 SONG "OBI MU O" STILL VERY RELEVANT

The 2009 song "Obi Mu O" by a Nigerian gospel singer Obiora Obiwon still sounds great 11 years after and will likely remain relevant for some decades to come.

MUSICIANS AND SONGS THAT RULED THE NIGERIAN AIRWAVES IN THE 1990s (2)

1. Tony OneWeek – Gyrate

Tony OneWeek took the Nigerian music space by storm in 1996 with the release of his monster hit “Gyrate”. The song was like Nigeria’s second National Anthem and became theme song for the Super Eagles, ever since then, the Gyration Master has not looked back as he kept on progressing and even participating in active politics.

TONY ONEWEEK

2. Baba Fryo – Dem Go Dey Pose

Baba Fryo is a Nigerian Ghetto singer from Ajegunle in Lagos. He is known for releasing street songs like Dem go dey pose in the late 90s. He sang with a popular Nigerian music style known as Galala. His real name is Friday Igwe.

BABA FRYO

3. Junior & Pretty – Bolanle

Junior and Pretty came into limelight in the 1990s with the release of the hit song ''Bolanle'' which became an anthem in the country. They became known faces in social circles and even more popular because of their love for power bikes. Sadly, Junior died in a bike accident in 2004.

JUNIOR & PRETTY

4. Femi Kuti ‎– Wonder, Wonder

Femi Kuti began his musical career playing in his father's band, Egypt 80, but in 1986 he started his own band, Positive Force with Dele Sosimi, former keyboard player of his father’s band, establishing himself as an artist independent of his father's massive legacy. His 1995 single “Wonder Wonder” was a super hit that got Afrobeat lovers dancing.

FEMI KUTI

5. Daddy Showkey – Diana

Daddy Showkey whose real name is John Asiemo is a veteran Nigerian galala singer. His genre of music is called ghetto dance or simply ghetto. He was popular in Ajegunle, Lagos in the late 1990s. His hit songs include “Diana”, “Fire Fire”, and “The Name”.

DADDY SHOWKEY

6. The Remedies – Sakomo

The Remedies were a pioneering Nigerian hip-hop music group. It consisted of Eedris Abdulkareem, Tony Tetuila and Eddy Remedy. They were popular in the late 1990s with hits like Sakomo, Sade, Belinda and Jealousy.

REMEDIES

TINUADE ILESANMI IS MAKING WAVE WITH “IGWE” VIDEO

Tinuade’s new single and music video titled "IGWE", which is an Igbo word meaning "King" is making waves in the Nigerian music space. The song is an up-tempo, upbeat, and joyful dance song produced by the amazing Dami Ayeni for Diadem Multimedia International (DMI). Directed by renowned video director and colourist, Lexten (DMS Pictures), "Igwe" visuals feature a jubilant yet inspired Tinuade and her band alongside a cross section of indefatigable praise singers dancing to the ONE who is most deserving and worthy of praise - JESUS!

The Ogotun-Ekiti born Tinuade Ilesanmi is a Port Harcourt based gospel songwriter, music minister, praise, and worship leader. She is signed to Nigeria's fast-growing record label, Diadem Multimedia International. Her humility and meekness has always proven her worthy to secure all the great blessings which God has entrusted to her despite her will and they have flourished, and her music is not left out as she keeps commanding leading results in every platform and different stages of her ministration. 

TINUADE

Tinuade’s music ministry is a testimony, which has always been a sole inspiration and motivation to her act of worship, her lyrics are soul lifting and mind elevating, her sound comes from a refined heart as an acceptable offering. These are the tenets of a good gospel singer.

MUSICIANS AND SONGS THAT RULED THE NIGERIAN AIRWAVES IN THE 1990s (1)

1. Alex O ‎– Celebrate

Alex O was born in Imo State and started his music career as a singer under "Uncle Steve Rhodes." He later joined the Lemmy Jackson music company and worked as a production assistant and songwriter, later signing to PolyGram Records which is also known as Premier Music of Nigeria in the year 1988. Alex O, a Swingbeat, Neo Soul and Pop Rap singer rose to fame in the music scene and became popular in the Nigerian music scene in 1990s, after the release of his most popular song "Celebrate" which became a Nigerian disco hit in the 1990s. Alex O's song "Celebrate" has been featured on several music television shows.

ALEX O

2. Daniel Wilson ‎– Mister Ragamuffin

Daniel Wilson, a Reggae, African and Boogie singer was the original lover boy of the 1990s as he had this outlook and style which most ladies loved. He was a hitmaker of his era, every song he touched turned to gold. We cannot forget some of his monstrous hits like ''Mister Raggamuffin'' which gave him his nickname ‘Mr. Raggamuffin’. 

DANIEL WILSON

3. Blackky ‎– Rosey (About Tyme)

In the early 1990s, Nigeria saw the emergence of an artist who was not making the traditional social conscious kind of music. Blackky, a Ragga HipHop singer was different as he blew us away with the hit song ''Rosey'' which at that time was the biggest love song. Blackky despite his young age at that time was able to stay away from controversies and was one of the biggest celebrities of the 1990s.

BLACKKY

 4. Alex Zitto‎ – Walakolombo

Alex Zitto, a Reggae, Highlife and Folk singer was born half Nigerian half Ghanaian. He started out his music career in the early 80s as a bass guitarist in Ebenezer Obey’s Miliki Band. Alex Zitto gained prominence when he won The Lekki Song Context in 1988, with his song ‘Tickle Me’. He then got signed to PolyGram Records. He released ‘Walakolombo‘ in 1991. The song was a big hit, a national anthem, and a crowd favorite in the 1990s. 'Walakolombo’ is a fusion of Reggae and R&B. It tells a story of Alex Zitto getting played and fooled by his lover.

 

ALEX ZITTO

5. Sir Shina Peters – Shinamania

Sir Shina Peters’ "Shinamania" swept Nigeria in 1990 as young music fans rushed to buy the electrifying album. The album which was a follow-up to his monster hit “Ace” was produced by Laolu Akins. It was a powerful fusion of Juju, Afro-Beat, and intense Fuji-style percussion with the use of electronic keyboards, saxophone, and guitar. The album broke new ground in its use of synthesizers to complement the Fuji drumming.

SIR SHINA PETERS

To be continued.....

PARIS JACKSON (MICHAEL JACKSON’S DAUGHTER) LAUNCHES HER MUSIC CAREER

Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson and her boyfriend Gabriel Glenn have formed a band, The Soundflowers, a folk-indie duo that Paris Jackson admits is not what anyone expects from someone in her famous family. Nevertheless, her dream with her music according to her is to influence self-acceptance and courage. She said she would love if her music connects with someone and helps in some way.

PARIS JACKSON

Their debut EP titled “The Soundflowers” was released on Tuesday June 23, 2020 via Imperial. The five-track EP features lead single "Your Look (Glorious)" with its simply romantic music video and "Geronimo," which Paris Jackson wrote when she was 15, inspired by loss, heartbreak and letting go. The other tracks are: “Notes on a Ghost”, “In the Blue”, and “Best Version of Myself”. The Soundflowers’ sound blends indie acoustic and folk with influences of blues, soul, bluegrass country and beach reggae.

 

PARIS JACKSON & GABRIEL GLENN (THE SOUNDFLOWERS)

The EP which was produced by Mike Malchicoff (King Princess) with mix engineer Rob Kinelski (Billie Eilish), is accompanied by video vignettes created by Hannah Lux Davis (Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj).

THE SOUNDFLOWERS

RCCG PASTOR ‘JESUS PIKIN’ IS MAKING WAVES AS A GOSPEL SINGER

Kunle Oluleye popularly known as Jesus Pikin is a multi-talented gospel music artiste. He has this unending thirst for Music, especially African music from his early age. He is a lead singer at The Redeemed Christian Church of God National Praise Team, who with the help of God has become one of the best gospel artists that Nigeria has produced.

JESUS PIKIN ON STAGE

Jesus Pikin’s debut single “Koyipada” which translates as “He Changeth Not” was a Praise Medley released in 2016. The track was carefully produced and arranged to keep you dancing and giving thanks to God.  In 2018 he released yet another wonderful song titled “Me 2 You”. A song born from the place of thanksgiving and gratitude. Jesus Pikin has come with a new song “All My Life” released in 2020. He said that the song was birth during a personal fellowship with God. It comes as a plead to God saying please accept me as I am though not perfect. And then giving all to Him as a sacrifice.

JESUS PIKIN

God has helped Jesus Pikin to bless many lives within and outside the country, like USA, UK, United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Ghana. As a youth pastor he is leading and affecting the youths of this generation positively to achieving a purposeful life.‎

TANZANIAN SUPER STAR DIAMOND PLATNUMZ HITS 1BILLION VIEWS ON YOUTUBE

Tanzanian bongo flava recording artist, actor and dancer from Tandale, Dar es Salaam, Nasibu Abdul Juma Issack, popularly known as Diamond Platnumz is now the only African musician to hit 1Billion views on YouTube. He achieved this feat after sharing at least 600 videos that entail music, behind the scenes, and tour performances.

 

DIAMOND PLATNUMZ

 Diamond Platnumz’s main competitors in the YouTube numbers game are Nigerian Afrobeats stars; P Square – 810 million; Davido – 618 million; Flavour – 617 million; Tekno – 574 million; Burna Boy – 507 million; Wizkid – 480 million.

DIAMOND PLATNUMZ ON STAGE

Diamond Platnumz, the 30-year-old award-winning musician has over the last 10 years popularized “bongo flava” – a uniquely Tanzanian offering: romantic melodies with an urban beat influenced by traditional taarab music from the East African coast. Diamond is considered influential among his fans and is said to be the most loved and decorated East and Central African artist now.

DIAMOND PLATNUMZ

Diamond Platnumz has won numerous awards at Channel O, MTV Awards, Soundcity, Kilimanjaro Music Awards, Headies, Afrima, Afrimma, Kora, AEA, the HiPipo Music Awards and more.

DIAMOND PLATNUMZ ON STAGE

Here are the 5 tracks that earned Diamond Platnumz 1billion views on YouTube:

1. Innoss’B Ft. Diamond Platnumz – Yope Remix. This Lingala song introduced the Yope dance style to the world. It has garnered over 94million views.

2. Diamond Platnumz Ft. Mr. Flavour – Nana. The Nana video which was shot in South Africa has over 63million YouTube views. 

3. Diamond Platnumz Ft. Fally Ipupa – Inama. This song that featured the new king of Lingala Fally Ipupa has garnered over 61million views less than a year after its release.

4. Diamond Platnumz Ft. Omarion – African Beauty. This was Diamond’s second collaboration with an American artist after Ne-yo. The video has now amassed over 48million views.

5. Diamond Platnumz Ft. Ne-Yo – Marry You. Shot in Beverly Hills, the ‘Marry You’ video has garnered over 43million views.

ABBA THE SUPER POP GROUP OF THE 1970s AND EARLY 1980s

ABBA was a Swedish pop supergroup formed in Stockholm in 1972 by four independent musicians: Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The group's name is an acronym of the first letters of their first names. They became one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of popular music, topping the charts worldwide from 1974 to 1982.

ABBA ON STAGE

"Waterloo" was ABBA's first number-one single in big markets such as the UK and West Germany. ABBA released a total of eight albums as a group: Ring Ring (1973), Waterloo (1974), ABBA (1975), Arrival (1976), The Album (1977), Voulez-Vous (1979), Super Trouper (1980), and The Visitor (1981).

ABBA

During the band's main active years, it was composed of two married couples: Fältskog and Ulvaeus, and Lyngstad and Andersson. With the increase of their popularity, their personal lives suffered, which eventually resulted in the collapse of both marriages. The relationship changes were reflected in the group's music, with latter compositions featuring darker and more introspective lyrics. After ABBA disbanded, Andersson and Ulvaeus achieved success writing music for the stage, while Lyngstad and Fältskog pursued solo careers. Ten years after their disbanding, a compilation, ABBA Gold was released, which became a worldwide bestseller.

ABBA

Estimates of ABBA's total record sales are over 380 million, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. ABBA were the first group from a non-English-speaking country to achieve consistent success in the charts of English-speaking countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. They had eight consecutive number-one albums in the UK.

ABBA ON STAGE

The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2015, their song “Dancing Queen” was inducted into the Recording Academy’s Grammy Hall of Fame.

SPOTLIGHT ON GODFADA A NIGERIAN GOSPEL ARTIST

Eteobong Inieke Uko popularly known as Godfada is a gospel artiste, performer, prolific singer, composer, and songwriter who majors in Reggae and Highlife. He hails from Etinan LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and is a graduate of Business Administration /Management. He Started singing in 2001 and released his debut single ‘Thank You Father’ in 2008. Godfada has been performing with his band the Rhythm Affairs within and outside Akwa Ibom state.

GODFADA

He is the Organizer of ‘I Believe in Etinan Concert’ for 11 years now in his hometown and is a former vice Chairman of Performing Musician Association of Nigeria (PMAN). Even after being appointed the Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Project Monitoring, he has not lost his love for making and performing music. 

GODFADA AND EMEM BASEDA

Godfada in early 2020 collaborated with Emem Baseda in a wonderful worship song titled “Afo’do Abasi” (You Are God) produced by prolific producer King Baseda. The song which was delivered with a dexterous mix of English and Ibibio language in an emotional and prayerful manner which could not have come at a better time than now. The duo has already shared the same stage with prominent gospel acts within and outside the country and their very inspirational songs have enjoyed massive airplay and blessed lives around the globe.

POPULAR ARTISTS, RECORDS AND SESSIONS MUSICIANS OF 1980s IN NIGERIA

1. Evi-Edna Ogholi ‎– My Kind Of Music

EVI-EDNA OGHOLI

Label: Polydor ‎– POLP 157

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album

Country: Nigeria

Released: 1987

Genre: Reggae, Folk, World, & Country

Style: Reggae, African

Session Musicians:

Arranged and Produced – Emma Ogosi

Lead Vocals – Evi-Edna Ogholi

Backing Vocals – Ama Benson, Cicely Omonhinmin and Mike Okri

Bass Guitar – Majek Fashek

Drums – Mambo

Rhythm and Tenor Guitar – Amos McRoy Jegg

Keyboards – George Orwell's

Percussion and Sync-drum – Laolu Akins

Synthesizer – Lemmy Jackson

Tambourine – Leo Adjebro

Engineer [Recording] – Johnson, Ola and Lak Ade

Engineer [Mixing] – Goddy Ukonu, Ola and Lak Ade

2. Majek Fashek – Prisoner of Conscience

 

MAJEK FASHEK

Label: Tabansi ‎– TTL 367

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album

Country: Nigeria

Released: 1987

Genre: Reggae

Style: Reggae, Reggae-Pop

Session Musicians:

Producer, Drum Programming – Lemmy Jackson

Co-producer – Majek Fashek and Nkono Teles

Composed and Arranged – Majek Fashek

Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar and Rhythm Guitar – Majek Fashek 

Backing Vocals – Jolas Mercy and Miss Faith

Bass Guitar – Amos McRoy Jegg and Majek Fashek    

Drums – Black Rice

Keyboards [Fender Rhodes] – George Orwells

Percussion – Chris Mba and Ortis Wiliki

Rhythm Guitar [Percussive] – Efik Duke

Engineer [Laydown] – Emma Kalu

Engineer [Mixing] – Mark Fire

3. Amos McRoy Jegg – Cool & Deadly

 

AMOS MCROY JEGG

Label: Tabansi ‎– TTL 585

Format: Vinyl, LP

Country: Nigeria

Released: 1990

Genre: Reggae

Style: Reggae

Session Musicians:

Bass Guitar, Lead Vocals – Amos McRoy Jegg

Backing Vocals – Emma Ogosi, Ify Atuegbu Ofili and Jolass Ehi

Drum Programming – Lemmy Jackson

Electric Piano – Charles Dickson

Flute – Mike Appoh

Percussion – Chiko Oyemade and Ortis Wiliki

Rhythm Guitar – Majek Fashek

Synth – Leslie Brunner and Nkono B. Teles

Synthesizer – George Orwells

Talking Drum – Osy Denobis

Vocals – Ras Kimono

4. Onyeka Onwenu - Dancing In The Sun

 

ONYEKA ONWENU

Label: Ayollo Records ‎– AYO 04

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album

Country: Nigeria

Released: 1988

Genre: Funk / Soul

Style: Gospel, Rhythm & Blues

Session Musicians:

Producer – Lemmy Jackson

Lead Vocals and Backing Vocals – Onyeka Onwenu

Backing Vocals – Cicely Omohinmin and Mike Okri

Drums, Keyboards, Synthesizer [Synth Programming] – Bayo Adepetun

Guitar – Ade Onayiga

Drums, Synthesizer [Synth Programming] – Diran Olajoyegbe

Keyboards, Saxophone, Bass, Guitar, Drums, Synthesizer [Synth Programming] – Lemmy Jackson  

Engineer – Diran Olajoyegbe

Engineer [Assistant] – John Bassey

5. Ras Kimono - Under Pressure

 

RAS KIMONO

Label: Polydor ‎– POLP 198

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album

Country: Nigeria

Released: 1988

Genre: Reggae

Style: Roots Reggae

Session Musicians

Producer and Keyboards – Lemmy Jackson

Composed and Arranged – Ras Kimono and Monyaka G. Enahoro

Lead Vocals – Ras Kimono   

Edited By – John U. Ndoh

Backing Vocals – Ebi Ghariokwu, Ed. Jatto and Jolass

Saxophone – Tino Batangisa

Trumpet – Mack Makengele

Engineer [Recording & Mix] – Ebenezer, Ola, Johnson, Lak Ade and Akin

6. Christy Essien Igbokwe - Taking My Time 

CHRISTY ESSIEN IGBOKWE

Label: Soul Train Records ‎– STR 001

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Yellow

Country: Nigeria

Released: 1986

Genre: Electronic, Reggae, Funk / Soul, Folk, World, & Country

Style: Reggae, Highlife, Soul, Funk, Synth-pop

Session Musicians:

Producer and Keyboards – Lemmy Jackson

Composed, Arranged and Song By – Christy Essien Igbokwe

Backing Vocals – Cicilia Engelhart, Jini Sir Renne, Lee Genesis

Acoustic Guitar and Lead Guitar – Kevin and Matt Noble

Bass Guitar – Willie Nfor and Matt Noble

Effects – Emma Ogosi

Percussion – Freddie Pozzo

Programmed, Arranged and Keyboards – Floyd

Engineer – Gody, Kevin and Matt Noble

7. The Mandators ‎– Crisis

THE MANDATORS

Label: Polydor ‎– POLP 158

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album

Country: Nigeria

Released: 1987

Genre: Reggae, Folk, World, & Country

Style: African, Reggae

Session Musicians:

Producer and Keyboards [DX9] – Lemmy Jackson

Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals and Percussion– Victor Essiet

Written and Arranged By – Victor Essiet

Backing Vocals – Peggy Curtis Imanah, Chucks Eddy and Lucy Ebere

Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar – Majek Fashek   

Bass – Amos McRoy Jegg

Drum Programming – Osy Denobis and Johnny (OK Boy) Bassey  

Percussion – Johnny Bassey and Ortis Wiliki  

Electric Piano [Rhodes], Keyboards [DX9] – George Orwell

Engineer & Percussion Overdubs / Final Mix] – Martin Ikebuaku

Engineer [Overdubs] – Bayo Aro

Engineer [Recording] – I-G (New Yorker)  

8. Orits Williki – Tribulation

ORITS WILLIKI

Label: Polydor ‎– POLP 203

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album

Country: Nigeria

Released: 1989

Genre: Reggae, Folk, World, & Country

Style: Reggae

Session Musicians:

Producer and Keyboards – Lemmy Jackson

Composed, Written and Arranged By – Orits Williki

Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals and Percussion – Orits Williki

Backing Vocals – Alex O and Edward Jatto

Electronic Drums [Linn Drum], Drum Programming [DD5 Korg Ital] – Austin Onwura and Orits Wiliki

Engineer [Mixing] – J. Olahan

Engineer [Recording] – Johnny Malife, Lak Ade, Martin Ikebaku, Sunny Uka and Tony Nze

Guitar [Tenor] – Fortune Otega

Horns – Mike and Teno

9. Sir Shina Peters – Ace

SIR SHINA PETERS

Label: CBS ‎– CBS-N-1002

Series: Afro-Juju Series – 1

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album

Country: Nigeria

Released: 1989

Genre: Folk, World, & Country

Style: African

Session Musicians:

Directed and Produced by – Laolu Akins

Written, Arranged and Co-produced by – Sir Shina Peters

Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar, Synthesizer [DX7 & Roland D50] – Sir Shina Peters

Agogô – Taiwo Oyeleke

Bass Guitar – Jelili Lawal

Congas – Saubana Adekunle

Drums – Alibaba Ahmed

Engineer [Recording & Mixing] – LAK Adeniran and Laolu Akins

Engineer [Recording Assistant] – J.A. Olahan and S.A. Oligbinde

Guitar – Biodun Olasunoye, Joseph Miller and Dapo Amuyin

Keyboards – Afolabi Fadare

Liner Notes – Olutade Makinde

Maracas – Ojo Olatidebe

Pedal Steel Guitar – Gbenga Okunusi

Percussion – Kayode Aransiola, and Lateef Adepoju

Percussion [Omele] – Sule Alayande

Talking Drum – Ashimiyu Ayantola and Femi Ayantunde

Talking Drum [Lead] – Ramoni Ayandare

Vocals – Adewunmi Ogunsanmi, Babatunde Afolabi, Emmanuel Akpan and Gbenga Peters

10. Tera Kota - Lamentation For Sodom

TERA KOTA

Label: Twilight (8) ‎– TRL 0001
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: Nigeria
Released: 1984
Genre: Reggae, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Roots Reggae, Dub, African
Session Musicians:
Produced and Arranged By – Lemmy Jackson
Lead Vocals, Composed and Arranged By – Gboyega Femi (Tera Kota)
Backing Vocals – Al-Jackson, Shola Damole and Willy Roy
Bass Guitar – Seuol B.   
Drums – Vincent K.
Guitar – John Kpiaye
Keyboards – Frankiie F.
Percussion – Friday Pozzo and Jeffrey Scantlebury
Keyboards, Organ, Piano – Paget King
Saxophone – Ken Eley
Trombone – Rick Taylor
Trumpet – David Sefries
Engineer [Dubbing] – Bob Broglia
Engineer [Recording & Mixing] – Tok's Shotade
Executive-Producer – Tessy Sal-Allan
Management – Dele Obi-Okolie

11. Felix Lebarty – Lover Boy 

FELIX LEBARTY

Label: Taretone ‎– TTL 182
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Nigeria
Released: 1983
Genre: Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Boogie, Disco, Neo Soul
Session Musicians:
Arranged and Produced By – Jake Sollo
Lead Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Felix Lebarty
Backing Vocals – Pat Henry and Tracey King
Bass Guitar – Mark James
Strings, Synthesizer, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Jake Sollo  
Congas, Percussion – Mamadi Kamara
Drums – Ron Telemaque
Electric Guitar – Jake Sollo
Engineer [Recording & Mixing] – Alex Burak  
Piano – Noel Fisher
Tenor Saxophone – Geoff Driscoll
Trumpet – Steve Sidwell

12. Dizzy K. ‎– Be My Friend

DIZZY K. FALOLA

Label: His Master's Voice ‎– HMV (N) 012
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Nigeria
Released: 1983
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Boogie, Funk, Soul
Session Musicians:
Producer and Engineer [Mixing] – Tony Okoroji
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals and Voice Effects – Dizzy K.
Backing Vocals – Felicia Ogie and Tony Okoroji  
Drums, Congas, Percussion – Ondigin Louis
Electric Guitar, Percussion [Hi-hats], Cymbal – Elimbi Oscar
Electric Piano and Synthesizers – Nkono Teles
Engineer [Recording & Mixing] – Bayo Aro and M. Oki  

13. Oby Onyioha ‎– I Want To Feel Your Love

OBY ONYIOHA

Label: Time (10) ‎– TLP 1002
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Nigeria
Released: 1981
Genre: Funk / Soul
Style: Soul, Funk, Disco, Boogie
Session Musicians:
Arranged and Produced By – Lemmy Jackson
Lead Vocals – Oby Onyioha
Acoustic Guitar – Bunny Mack  
Horns & Trumpet – Luke Tunney
Backing Vocals – Dan I., Jane James, Keni St. George, Lemmy Jackson, Ray Shell and Simeon Catlyn
Guitars – Morris Michael, Eugene Ndema and George Achini  
Bass Guitar – Soul and Basil Barap
Drums – Laolu Akins and Paul Sokeng
Keyboards and Percussion – Lemmy Jackson
Engineers – Goddy Nkonu, Kayode Salami, Ben J. Bonnaud, Peter Schwrier and Kervin Metcaf  
Executive-Producer and Percussion – Dean Disi
Percussion – Francis Igboke, Igwe Ede and Keni St. George  
Saxophone – Gary Barnacle
Strings – The Locrian String Ensemble
Trombone – Annie Whitehead

14. Stella Monye ‎– Mr. Right

STELLA MONYE

Label: EMI ‎– HMV (N) 019
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Nigeria
Released: 1983
Genre: Reggae, Funk / Soul
Style: Boogie, Funk, Neo Soul, Reggae-Pop
Session Musicians:
Arranged and Produced By – Odion Iruoje
Lead Vocals, Composed and Written By – Stella Monye
Harmony Vocals – Funmi Adams
Bass Guitar – Basil Barap
Drums – Alli
Guitar – Chucks
Keyboards – Nkono Teles
Percussion – Chico 
Talking Drum – Saliu Alabi
Engineer – Bayo Aro and Monday Oki
Engineer [Assistant] – Bashiru Raifu, Edward Jatto, Sonny Ukah and Ugochukwu Ibeneme

15. Harry Mosco ‎– Sugar Cane Baby

HARRY MOSCO

Label: Samba ‎– SAM 004
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Nigeria
Released: 1982
Genre: Funk / Soul, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Boogie, Calypso, Disco, Funk
Session Musicians:
Arranged, Produced and Sung By – Harry Mosco
Engineer – Marcus Frank
Remix – Benny King

16. Bright Chimezie ‎– Life Of Yesterday

BRIGHT CHIMEZIE

Label: RAS (2) ‎– RASLPS 074
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Nigeria
Released: 1985
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: African, Highlife
Session Musicians:
Vocals Composed By, – Bright Chimezie
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Nico Ossomba
Bass Guitar – Bartho Mindjo "Iron Fingers"
Claves [Clips] – Jacob Nguni
Drums – George Atomba
Horns – Ali
Keyboards, Electronic Drums [Linn Drum Clapp] – Jake Sollo
Lead Guitar – Jacob Nguni
Lead Guitar, Guitar [Tenor], Rhythm Guitar – Elimby N. Oscar
Maracas – Eric N. Moore
Percussion – Chico
Trumpet – Sharp Mick
Engineer [Recording & Mixing] – John Malife, Remmy Njoku
Engineer [Recording & Mixing Assistant] – E. Nnaka and Tony Nzekwe
Executive-Producer – Chief R. E. Okonkwo