DISCO BEAT MAKER AND MOTOWN LEGEND HAMILTON BOHANNON DIES AT 78

The super beat maker of the 1970s, Hamilton Frederick Bohannon popularly known as Bohannon was one of the greatest musicians of the disco era. He was born in Newnan, Georgia, United States of America on March 7, 1942 and learned how to play the drums at school. He began playing in local bands, one of which featured guitarist Jimi Hendrix, before graduating from college with a degree in music.  He was recruited in 1964 as drummer in the then 13-year-old Stevie Wonder’s touring band. 

Hamilton Bohannon

Hamilton Bohannon was employed by Motown Record at Detroit in 1967 as the leader and arranger of Bohannon & The Motown Sound, who provided backing for many of the label's top acts on tour, including Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Temptations and the Four Tops, and others. When Motown moved from Detroit to Los Angeles, Bohannon stayed behind to form his own ensemble, featuring members of local band, The Fabulous Counts and including such musicians as Ray Parker Jr. and Dennis Coffey. 

Hamilton Bohannon on Stage in the Early 1970s

Bohannon eventually began a solo career and released his debut album “Stop & Go” in 1973 and by the end of the 1980s, he made 18 more records. His music was popular in the ’70s disco era, but only one of his songs, “Good Stompin Music,” reached the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975. However, his funk music endured the years and has been sampled by artists like Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, and Snoop Dogg. In 2019, his song “Save Their Souls” appeared on the soundtrack for “Just Mercy,” the real-life legal drama starring Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson. His most recent single, “Bohannon Combination Gumbo Mix,” was released in February 2020.

Bohannon

Hamilton Bohannon died on April 24, 2020 and is survived by his son Bohannon II and his daughter April.

BOB MARLEY’S MUSICAL DYNASTY

By May 11, 2020 it will be exactly 39 years since the Reggae Legend Robert Nesta Marley died. However, his popularity has not faded, his legacies have continued to make waves as his name is still influencing millions of people in the world today. The current standard of measuring someone’s popularity in the world today is by the number of followership in the social media. For the records, the Bob Marley’s Estate has millions of followers on the social media platform; Twitter has 1.3 million followers, Instagram has 5.3 million followers, and Facebook page has 69 million likes.

BOB MARLEY'S SEVEN SONS

According to Bob Marley’s wife Rita Marley, the late reggae legend left no will when he died of cancer in May 1981 and all hell broke loose as every Tom, Dick and Harry was claiming to have been a child of Bob Marley. It was not in doubt however whether the legend had children from other women apart from his legal wife Rita. Bob Marley was known to have many girlfriends and children before his sudden death. Bob and Rita had five children: Sharon, Cedella, Ziggy, Stephen, and Stephanie. The late reggae legend had five other children from other women outside wedlock: Rohan, Karen, Julian, Ky-Mani, and Damian.

BOB MARLEY'S CHILDREN

A lot of the Marley children are musicians, and many play in bands together. Sharon, Cedella, Ziggy and Stephen began performing as the Melody Makers as children. Their first single, Children Playing in the Streets, was released in 1979, when Stephen was seven. Ghetto Youths International are another family musical collective and include half-brothers Julian, Stephen, and Damian.

RITA MARLEY (MIDDLE) - UNITING FACTOR OF THE MARLEY'S DYNASTY

In terms of their solo careers, Julian is more roots-reggae; Damian does dancehall; Rohan plays percussion; Stephen is a producer; and Ziggy was the voice of a fish in Disney's A Shark's Tale. The Marley women tend to look after the business side of the family empire – the Bob Marley Foundation, the Bob Marley Museum and the many other Marley music, clothing, and entertainment subsidiaries.

 

MARLEY BROTHERS ON STAGE

The Bob Marley family is ruling reggae music on a global basis.

IFY DAN EXCELL IS MAXIMIZING HER TALENT AS A GOSPEL ARTIST

Ifeoma Dan Nwude popularly known as Ify Dan Excell is a Nutritionist Dietitian who is vigorously exploiting her musical talent. She has served as a music minister in various capacities, starting as a lead vocalist for her secondary school choir. She went further to join the Campus Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS) ‘God’s Base of Operation’ while she was studying Nutrition and Dietetics in Kaduna Polytechnic.

IFY DAN EXCELL

As the pioneer Choir Leader for her church, Living Faith Church Worldwide, Agip-Ada George, Port Harcourt, Ify Dan Excell has been instrumental at various level, also in the youth fellowship choir.

IFY DAN EXCELL ON STAGE

 The versatile Ify Dan Excell has continued to push the frontiers of her artistic capabilities as she explores tropical music boundaries without discarding her soul music root. The steady, rhythmic mid-tempo tropical sound stirs audacious faith as the vocals of Dan Excell blares revelation with authority. She has to her credit beautiful releases including ‘Dominion’, ‘Okaka Jehovah’, ‘He is the Highest’ and more. In 2018 she released an EP titled ‘The Beautiful Counsel of the Lord’. She is working on her new album which will be released later in the year.

THE RISE AND FALL OF HIGHLIFE MUSIC IN NIGERIA (II)

The age of Highlife music in Nigeria is a little short of seventy years, since it started in the early fifties. Most of its major practitioners are no longer living. These Highlife stars include Cardinal Rex Lawson, Charles Iwuegbue, E.C. Arinze, Inney Uguseh, Celestine Ukwu, Chief Osita Osadebe, Prince Nico Mbarga, Sam Akpabot, Orlando Owoh, Bobby Benson, Bala Miller, Inyang Henshaw, Eddy Okonta, Oliver de Coque and Victor Olaiya just to mention a few. This lends credence to the fact that the big names in Highlife music in Nigeria belong to the old generation.

OLIVER DE COQUE

The decline of highlife music in Nigeria could be attributed to three major events in the country: the African tour of the Twist ‘King Pin’, Chubby Checker, in the early 1960’s, the dislocation of Lagos-based highlife musicians in the civil war period (1967 – 1970) and the Geraldo Pino ‘Pop’ revolution of the 1970s. Nevertheless, the issue of Highlife’s decline has become an institutionalized fact among musicians, patrons of Highlife, entertainment journalists and academic scholars.

GERALDO PINO AND HIS HEARTBEATS

After the Nigerian civil war, frantic efforts were made to revive Highlife music, but were unfruitful because Highlife patrons have switched allegiance to other forms of music such as Juju and Apala.  By the end of the 1980s, the musical entertainment scene in Western Nigeria was typified by a proliferation of Juju and Fuji bands and a corresponding decline in the profile of Highlife music.  The concern about the decline of Highlife was also shared by Victor Olaiya and Emmanuel Tetteh Mensah in 1983/1984. This culminated in a series of ‘revival’ concerts at the Papingo Nightclub of Stadium Hotel, Lagos and the eventual release of the ‘Highlife Giants of Africa’ album in the same year.

E. T. MENSAH & VICTOR OLAIYA

However, it is clear today that young musicians in Nigeria do not want to play Highlife music in its original form. The youths look at the old generation as living in the past and have therefore continued to re-interpret existing musical styles to suit the demands and technological innovations of the modern Nigeria and the world at large.

THE RISE AND FALL OF HIGHLIFE MUSIC IN NIGERIA (I)

Highlife is a music genre that originated in Ghana in the early 20th century. It uses the melodic and main rhythmic structures of traditional Akan music but is played with Western instruments. Highlife is characterized by jazzy horns and multiple guitars which lead the band.  

Highlife gained popularity among the Igbo people of Nigeria after the 2^nd World War and rose to become the country's most popular music genre at independence in 1960. However, highlife does not describe simply a musical genre but also a musical phenomenon. It symbolizes the musical acculturation which has taken place in Nigeria, not only within formal institutions and contexts like the church and the night club, but also in the informal, everyday musical life of the people. Highlife music therefore highlights the emergence of a new status for the Nigerian musician. In contrast to the predominantly communal role of traditional musicians, the emergence of highlife music marked the incorporation of Nigerian music and the Nigerian musician into the imported, capitalist, cash economy.

VICTOR OLAIYA

By the early 1950s, dance bands were already flourishing in the larger cities of Nigeria like Lagos, Ibadan, Kaduna, Enugu, Onitsha and Calabar. The most popular of such bands was the ‘Chocolate Dandies Orchestra’ in which the present Oba of Lagos, Kabiyesi Oyekan, played. Other notable bands of the period were: ‘The Akpabot Players’ led by Sam Akpabot, who later became one of the prominent composers of Nigerian modern Art Music; the ‘Western Toppers Band’ led by King Kendy Adex; ‘The Good Band’ led by Chris Ajilo and ‘The Triumph Club Band’ led by Fela Sowande, who is the most significant African composer of modern African Art Music.

OSITA OSADEBE

The influence of E.T. Mensah, father of Ghanaian highlife music, on the development of Nigerian highlife is significant. His Nigerian tour of the late 1950s had a considerable influence on Nigerian musicians such as Adeolu Akinsanya, Cardinal Rex Lawson and Victor Olaiya, who in the late sixties, became the pioneers of Nigerian highlife music. Other well-known traditional highlife stars include Charles Iwuegbue, E. C. Arinze, Inney Uguseh, Celestine Ukwu, Chief Osita Osadebe, Prince Nico Mbarga, Victor Uwaifo, Sam Akpabot, Orlando Owoh, Bobby Benson, Bala Miller, Inyang Henshaw, Eddy Okonta, Oliver de Coque, Ikenga Super Stars of Africa and the Oriental Brothers.

IKENGA SUPER STARS OF AFRICA

 However, in the early 1980s some artists began to modify the original style of highlife. The notable artists in these contemporary modes of highlife expressions include, Chris Hanem of Ozigizaga fame, Bright Chimezie of African Style fame, Sunny Neji, Lagbaja and Jesse King.

To be continued…….

ADA EHI IS WAXING AS AN INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SINGER

Ada Ogochukwu Ehi Moses popularly known by the stage name Ada Ehi is a Nigerian-born international gospel singer, songwriter, recording and performing artiste who started singing at the age of 10 as a backup singer for the then child star, Tosin Jegede. However, she had her break in Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s church, Christ Embassy where she professionally started her music career under Loveworld Records in 2009. She has been actively involved in the Music Ministry of the church and has performed at Christ Embassy events in several programs around the world including Europe, America and several African countries. Ada has continued to grow and has increasingly gained local and international popularity by inspiring and lifting a lot of souls with her songs.

ADA EHI

Her debut album ‘Undenied’ was released in November 2009 while her second album ‘Lifted & So Fly’, a two-disc album, was released in November 2013. She released her third studio album titled ‘Future Now’ on October 16, 2017 and claimed no.1 spot on iTunes Nigeria same day. Currently Ada has been working on a new album and have been also taking her time to grow as an individual and to improve herself.

 

ADA EHI ON STAGE

Ada said that she has given herself to music and to her ministry which she agrees has become part of her. “I put everything into music, so it is the life that I live. It is not like leave it and come back to it later.  Music is my life”. She quipped. The superlative gospel performer has recently released a super single titled, ‘Settled’, and according to her ‘Settled’ is about the name of Jesus settling all things. In the name of Jesus, it is settled and for her, it is a prophetic prayer song.

ADA EHI THE INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL SINGER

Ada is married to Ehi Moses and they have two children. As a wife and mother, she said that she copes in taking care of her home by paying the price and foregoing a lot of things that would have ordinarily give her some pleasure. She cited an example with watching of Indian or American series on TV, which some other women watch from day break till 12 midnight saying that the few times she tried following a series she paid heavily for it because she was trying to catch up leaving other things undone.

ADA EHI AND HER DAUGHTER

Ada has an advice for the upcoming artists whom she implored to learn to be patient. “Someone’s timing is not your timing and you are not anybody else but yourself. So, give yourself the opportunity to have a unique story.  So, be patient, and understand that you are different; your timing and your season are different. Then don’t allow peer pressure or pressure of the social media influence you negatively”. She advised.

Ada Ehi has just released another super single 'Fix My Eyes On You' featuring Sinach who is another Grade A gospel singer in Nigeria yesterday being Good Friday April 10, 2020.

STEVE CROWN IS A FAST-RISING NIGERIAN GOSPEL ARTIST

Steve Crown is a fast-rising Nigerian gospel artist who came to limelight with a super hit gospel song ‘You Are Great’ in 2015. The Abuja based gospel songwriter and singer was born on September 26, 1992 and hails from Benue State. He portrayed interest in music at the age of four and joined Saint John’s Anglican church choir in Abuja at the age of seven. As a kid he was also a member of the famous children’s happiness club named Deacon Kids Band of the same Church.

STEVE CROWN

Steve Crown is now into music full time and is preoccupied with ministrations around the country, which was an offshoot of the success of his hit single ‘You Are Great’. In his few years in music as a professional he has shared stage with many great gospel artists, sang in concerts, crusades, served as Music Director in several choirs and singing groups till date.

STEVE CROWN ON THE KEYBOARD

 Steve Crown has the following great gospel singles to his credit; ‘You are Great’, ‘We Wait on You’, ‘You Are Yahweh’, ‘Imela’, ‘Ejiro’, ‘God of Wonders’, ‘All the glory’, and ‘You alone’. He has released three studio albums; ‘You Are Great’ (2016), ‘Nations Will Rise and Sing’ (2018) and ‘Faith is Rising’ (2019). 

STEVE CROWN ON STAGE

Steve Crown founded Lakelight Entertainment, a record label and is now its President. He said that Lakelight Entertainment is a vision to discover talents, listen and help create a platform that will help the youth to create positive impact in the society. “For every youth we can reach we teach to believe in who they are and work hard to succeed and maintain excellence in their field”. He quipped.

BILL WITHERS OF ‘LEAN ON ME’ FAME BOWS OUT AT 81

William Harrison Withers popularly known as Bill Withers was born on July 4, 1938 in Slab Fork, West Virginia. He was an American singer-songwriter and musician who performed and recorded from 1970 until 1985. He recorded several major hits, including ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘Grandma’s Hands’ (1971), ‘Use Me’ and his most popular song ‘Lean on Me’ (1972), ‘Lovely Day’ (1977), and ‘Just the Two of Us’ (1980). Withers has won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for six more. His life was the subject of the 2009 documentary film ‘Still Bill’. He was inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. 

BILL WITHERS THE SOULFUL SINGER

Bill Withers became well known all over the world with his signature song ‘Lean on Me’ which though was released as a single but was a track in his second album ‘Still Bill’. The single ‘Lean on Me’ went to number one the week of July 8, 1972. It was his second gold single with confirmed sales in excess of three million copies after his debut album ‘Just as I Am’ which was released in 1971 with the tracks ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘Grandma’s Hands’ as singles. William Withers collaborated with some American big artists including Gladys Knight & the Pips, James Brown, Etta James and B.B. King in the mid-1970s.

BILL WITHERS ON STAGE

Perhaps the greatest honour to Bill Withers was the performance of Lean on Me, a paean to friendship at the inaugurations of former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Both ‘Lean on Me’ and ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ are among Rolling Stone’s list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

BILL WITHERS AND WIFE MARCIA JOHNSON

Bill Withers married Marcia Johnson in 1976 and they had two children, Todd and Kori. Marcia eventually assumed the direct management of his Beverly Hills–based publishing companies, in which his children also became involved as they became adults.  Bill Withers died of heart complications on Monday March 30, 2020. He was aged 81.

FRANK EDWARDS IS THE HOTTEST GOSPEL ROCK ARTISTE IN NIGERIA

Frank Ugochukwu Edwards, the Enugu State born gospel singer is undoubtedly the hottest gospel rock star in Nigeria today. He has six albums and many hit singles to his name. He has established himself as one of the best leading gospel singers and songwriters in Nigeria. He is the founder and owner of the record label Rocktown Records. 

FRANK EDWARDS

Frank Edwards is also a music producer and plays several musical instruments. He is a keyboardist and a member of the Presidential band of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome in Christ Embassy Church. His debut album ‘The Definition’ was released in 2008 followed by his second album ‘Angels on the Runway’ which was released in 2010, and his third album ‘Unlimited’ in 2011. His fourth studio album ‘Tagjam’ was released in November 2011. Frank Edwards is known for his high-pitched voice which has defined him as Nigeria's hottest gospel rock artiste. 

FRANK EDWARDS THE KEYBOARDIST

In 2016, he collaborated with famous American gospel artiste, Don Moen on a song "Grace" which was in his album ‘Frankincense’ released the same year. Frankincense which featured Micah Stampley and Nathaniel Bassey made history and got everyone wowed when it topped Beyonce's and Adele's albums within few hours of release on iTunes album chart.

FRANK EDWARDS THE GUITARIST

 The sensational gospel music minister has returned with a brand-new song called “Suddenly” continuing his impressive music release streak. He said: “There is a party in Heaven for every sinner that repents. Heaven Rocks every time we effectively evangelize to the lost. We should therefore be speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord" - Ephesians 5:19. This is a song of the moment, coming very timely, it’s a song that speaks of hope and answered prayers. It depicts the mediation of the average man who was troubled about life but God shows up “suddenly”, light shines on his path and dry bones rise again.