AFROPOLITAN VIBES MUSIC FESTIVAL - DECEMBER 2016 by Afropolitan Vibes

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

What is Afropolitan Vibes? Afropolitan Vibes is a monthly live music concert which exists as a platform for alterna-tive music: a place where music lovers congregate to watch contemporary singer-songwriters and musicians perform mostly original works that are firmly rooted in African musical origins of Afro-beat, Afro-funk, Afro-hip-hop, Afro-pop and Highlife music. A host of talented artists gather each month to rehearse and then perform with Bantucrew on stage at Freedom Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Main Stage. The show is held every third Friday of each month. Show starts promptly from 8.00pm-10.30/11.00pm. Afropolitan Vibes is co-produced by Ade Bantu and Abby Ogunsanya. Afropolitan Vibes Music Festival December 16th & 17th marks the first ever Afropolitan Vibes Music Festival - a two day festival of live acoustic sets, a range of arts and dance activities during the entire day, even-ing performances on the main stage and after parties featuring a host of guest DJs - all held within the grounds of Freedom Park Lagos. Bantu Bantu aka Brotherhood Alliance Navigating Towards Unity is a 13-piece Afro-funk-Afro-hip-hop-Afro-beat musical collective founded by Nigerian-German brothers AdĂŠ Bantu and Abiodun. The band features multi-instrumentalists and singers who perform as a collec-tive. Palm Wine Tradition Palm wine is now available at all our shows. As our palm wine is always freshly tapped in Sagamu in the early hours of the morning of each show, this luscious white liquid is guar-anteed to be sweet and only mildly intoxicating as it is yet unfermented. Our palm wine is served the traditional way: the wine is available to buy per gourd (to share with friends/family) or in individual calabashes. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are also available for purchase at the Freedom Park bar area where we encourage you all to come join us after the show for a drink, chat Spread the word If you love Afropolitan Vibes, spread the word - tweet about us, join our Facebook page at facebook.com/Afropolitanvibes, subscribe to our digital magazine at issuu.com/afropolitanvibes and invite your friends and family next time. WE TAKE A BREAK IN JANUARY SO THERE WILL NO AFROPOLITAN VIBES SHOW HELD UNTIL FEBRUARY 17TH 2017. ENJOY THE FESTIVAL AND HAVE A GREAT XMAS AND NEW YEAR!

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note This month has undoubtedly been the most trying and thrilling period since we started Afropolitan Vibes in 2013. Putting together this type of event in Nigeria - the first proper music festival in Nigeria - has not been without its frustrations, but we are extremely grateful for the support that we have received from many quarters, many of whom are acknowledged in the magazine. If there are any omissions, please forgive us for the error. We have acoustic live sets, performances on the main stage in the evenings, and af-ter parties hosted by our guest DJs. We have also curated lots of activities that we hope will keep you entertained throughout the two days of the festi-val. If you like what you see, please spread the word and tell your friends. If you have any criticisms or suggestions, please do contact us. We are always happy to hear from you as we strive to get better with every show and with every festival. Contact Us: You can email us with your thoughts at info@afropolitanvibes@gmail.com. We also read all comments and respond to questions on all of our social media platforms We have a limited number of back issues of Afropolitan Vibes magazine. If you would like a copy, please contact us via email or on +234-803-493-7094. AFROPOLITAN VIBES MAGAZINE CREDITS: Editor: Abby Ogunsanya All festival Graphic Design Samad Smett Ade Festival Magazine Graphic Design Ayomidotun Freeborn Guest artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pictures Courtesy of subjects Contact and advertising enquiries: info@afropolitanvibes.com Tel: + 234-803-4937094

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

Polly Alakija facilitates various community arts programs involving primary, secondary and tertiary education. these programs at once educate,entertain and uplift our communities. The artist is committed to ongoing mentorship and skills training and at the same time building up a body of images that reﬂect what we all love about Lagos Polly Alakija created her latest piece of mobile art in celebration of Nigeria’s Independence day. “MUSIC MAKES THE PEOPLE” this project was in association with “Lights Camera Africa!” Film Festival. In 1960s Lagos Volkswagen beetles were one of the most popular cars on the road.

To ﬁnd out more please contact : 0908 569 2721 Info@pollyalakija.com or visit THE STUDIO ,Main entrance ,Parkview Estate, Ikoyi

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

ADUKE Aduke, originally named Aladekomo Ayobamidele is a powerful and distinct voice out of Africa. Aduke is a singer/song writer, multi instrumentalist and performing artiste who sings afro neo-soul/afro-jazz, afro-beat and reggae, with strong threads of the Yoruba and African culture she represents, ever present in her songs and performances. She is a conscious artiste that believes in ART as a tool for social and political reform. Tobias Strahl at the SEHNSUCHTSORT in March 2016 said of Aduke: “… the singer with the voluminous and powerful voice is perfectly aware of that. Listening to “Hear the Voice” in a live performance is simply breathtaking. The word ‘performance’ here meets its literal meaning” Aduke is currently working on her first body of work expected in 2017.

ADUNNI & NEFRETITI Adunni & Nefretiti is an all female singing group which was established in 2006 by Adunni, then a fresh graduate of Creative Arts from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Spelt Nefretiti instead of the Egyptian ‘Nefertiti’ (meaning ‘a beautiful woman has come’), Adunni says she and their then manager Toyin Allison-Balogun, settled on the name because they liked the sound of it. The all-women group has grown from strength to strength in the decade since its formation, touring Nigeria and the rest of the world performing their unique blend of “raw and undiluted African Music’’. The group sings mostly Yoruba folk songs acapella, or with the accompaniment of shekeres. Adunni & Nefretiti has been at the forefront of promoting indigenous Yoruba folk music all around the world. The list of venues at which they have performed is simply staggering, as is the number of musicians they have collaborated with. The list includes a recent and critically acclaimed collaboration with legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen on the song ‘Ire Omo’ on his tenth studio album ‘Film of Life’, as well as frequent invitations to perform at major concert venues in the UK, USA and Canada. Adunni explains why the group appeals so much to an international audience: “They love us, not just the music but everything - the way we dress and talk. Some people in the USA even call us their ancestors because they see Africa as their root. She goes on to add that, “The revolution is here. You have to preserve your language.”

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

AYO AWOSIKA Often described as a “songstress”, Ayọ Awósìkà is much more than just a woman who sings and writes songs. Born to a Nigerian father and American mother, she was fortunate to grow up in a musically colorful household full of the sounds of the greats spanning across all genres from Fẹlá Kútì and Michael Jackson to Billie Holiday and Madonna; these sounds woven into the soundtrack of her childhood and ultimately, into her artistry. Today, she is known as a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and voice coach. A seasoned performer, she has shared the stage with or opened for the likes of Seun Kútì, Robert Plant, Richie Havens, Peter Eldridge (of the NY Voices), members of Tower of Power, has toured internationally and across the US with both her band and as a background singer for several artists, and has also performed on the UK’s top music TV show, Later...with Jools Holland. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Ayọ is a passionate educator with 9+ years of teaching experience. She has created and curated a number of masterclasses and voice curriculum for several different private music schools in the US and also has a roster of students across the country. She will soon be starting a music academy of her own. Her first full length album produced by Grammy winner, Scott Jacoby (Sia, John Legend) featuring a host of incredible musicians including Cory Henry of Snarky Puppy, was released in May of 2016. Look out for more new music soon.

BOJ A member of the group DRB Lasgidi and with no particular musical influence to name, Mobolaji Ojudokan AKA BOJ, winner of the Best Alternative Song at the Headies 2014 for “Bolaji” is a name that we all know or have heard in the past couple of years. He is unique and continues to carve a musical niche for himself with his sound, voice and style. Recently signed with HF Records, BOJ never dreamt of becoming a musician as a kid, he thought of becoming a business man or a footballer. He started making music only a few years ago and accidentally too, after asking to record with his college buddies for fear of being out of place. The positive responses he received from his listeners and fans encouraged him to continue down the musical path. The graduate of Audio Engineering, with a young fan base, has put out multiple EPs with the most successful being BOTM – BOJ on the Microphone. He has worked with numerous acts such as Falz, Ajebutter 22, Stonebwoy, Asa, Olamide, Maleek Berry and he plans to work with even more till he attains the status that he knows he deserves. BOJ’s quest is to conquer the world stage and to still be making music in 20 years’ time. His latest single For Sure featuring Simi is now available online. Instagram – bojonthemicrophone.

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

FALANA Raised by Nigerian parents in Brampton, Canada, Falana’s sound began falling together in her home. Despite describing her parents as “non-musical”, they introduced her to the sounds of Fela Kuti, and King Sunny Adé. Noting pop’s prevalence at the time, she recalls writing love songs in the “traditional pop” style that she often heard on the radio. But it was upon listening to Lauryn Hill that her powerful and honest writing style really began to take form. As she got into high school, her musical tastes expanded. Sade, Maxwell, Amy Winehouse and Erykah Badu were added to her playlists alongside Nina Simone, Etta James, and Duke Ellington. Falana speaks and sings in four different languages and is a self confessed globetrotter. While still in the process of exploring her artistic voice, Falana decided to travel to Havana, Cuba. It was in Cuba where she would spend a year, performing, developing and eventually recording her debut EP “THINGS FALL TOGETHER”. She credits her time in Cuba for leading her to hone a sound that she calls “Soul Fusion”, her very own blend of jazz, soul, afrobeat, and R&B.

DANIELLE EOG MAKEDAH Born in Paris in the 80s, Danielle Eog Makedah discovered music by leafing through her father’s vinyl collection where she discovered several wonderful musicians. After she moved back to Cameroon in 1997, she was discovered by Krotal in 1999 and her collaboration with Rap Conteurs 1 on the hit song “Je Wanda” contributed to her visibility. In the wake of working with Macase in 2006, she further collaborated with musicians such as Krotal, Ayriq Akam, Sultan Oshimhin and did backup vocals for Manu Dibango, Papa Wemba,Les Nubians and Fredy Massamba. In 2004, she released her first video titled “Kongossa”, which was followed by several other singles and an album in 2013. Danielle Eog’s eclectic style cuts across hip-hop, neo-soul, spoken word poetry and afrojazz. Shortlisted for RFI’s Prix Découvertes in 2013, Bakwa magazine described her as the “uncrowned queen of neo-soul in Cameroon,” based on her singular artistic sensitivity and the strength of her debut album, Peace, Love and Light. In 2016 she participated in exchange workshop at the Popakademie in Mannheim, Germany, alongside other Cameroonian musicians.

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

GENERAL PYPE General Pype, (born Ibrahim Olayiwola Majekodunmi) hails from Abeokuta, and was raised in Obalende, Lagos. He was inspired by music from a very young age in the church choir and later as a member of the Triumphant Chorale Voices while he attended St. Gregory’s College in Lagos. This artiste embodies the full persona of a street kid with enormous talent, a large posse of co-rappers, and a brass-knuckle daredevil attitude that triumphs in the face of negativity. Channelling Sean Paul’s Dancehall Ragga against a background of hardcore naija rap, his music takes the listener on the kaleidoscopic tour. His trademark dreadlocks are a tribute to his mentors in world music, but perhaps also a symbol of rebellion common to practitioners of that genre. Pype boasts of a successful musical career to date, gracing stages with internationally acclaimed artists like Sean Paul, Akon, Wyclef Jean, M.I., Lira, and many other talented voices across Africa. He has won several awards including Africa’s prestigious Channel O Award in 2010 for the Most Gifted Dancehall Ragga Video. He also won the Bold Awards’ Most inspiring song of the year 2010. His singles include The Seed (2016), Lovers Rock (2016), Gasto(2014), It’s Ok (2014), Mama Song (2013), Jeje (2013), Give it to Me (2012), Victorious Man (2012), My Desire (2012), Dancehall Avenue (2012), Overload (2012), Champion (2009), etc. All of these songs were released under Obalende Records, a name he coined from an area of Lagos where he developed some of his earliest influences.

JINMI ABDULS One of the new vibrant voices on the Nigerian music scene today is barely twenty. This musician with a bold and confident style carries with him the influence and deep insight of old high-life music, among others. Born Folarin Oluwafeyijinmi Abdulsalami in 1997 in Lagos, Jìnmí Abduls is not only a recording and performing singer-songwriter, he is also an avid reader, entrepreneur, multi-instrumentalist, producer and sound engineer. His earliest contact with music was from his early childhood when he was surrounded by musical instruments at home and at church. He developed an interest in these instruments with the help of his sister. But it was at age ten, when he won a phone on Moments With Mo, that his curiosity and appetite for music took off like a rocket. He got addicted the phone’s radio feature which introduced him to all sorts of music from around the world, and he knew that he wanted to make music himself. His first recorded song, With You, was released when he was eleven, produced by his elder brother, formerly known as Versebeat. For the next five years, he made music of all sorts of genres, discovering his sound and niche in the process. Then he re-branded his music, met new producers and began to create a new and distinct work. In August 2015 , he joined forces with H.O.D and created Pose, following it up with a remix in early 2016. In June 2016, he released his most famous hit Tinuke Eko.

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

KALINE Kaliné is a singer-songwriter/pianist and Berklee college graduate with a major in film music composition. She is based between london, new york and lagos. She has toured and opened for the likes of Femi Kuti, Chaka Khan, Angelique Kidjo, Somi, Bez and many more. Her achievements include the Berklee College Songs for Social Change award 1st prize and 1st place Tamezin Singer-songwriting festival, London. Her songs have been licensed for tv shows B430 and film ‘Flower Girl’. She also composed ‘Bring Them Home’, a song to create awareness for the Chibok story. It had a country-wide reach. She recently composed theme music for Hello Africa - a TV show aired on Ebony Life TV and has composed music for commercials such as Sheraton Hotel Abuja. She is set to release her debut EP early next year.

JOJO ABOT Ghanaian artiste Jojo Abot is not only just a singer but also an actress, model, and a stylist with strong interests in photography and film. She’s a well-rounded creative who can be found at any one of the following cities; Accra, Copenhagen or New York City at any given time, creating her new and unique sound, experimenting with other forms of arts or simply just pushing whatever boundaries that interest her. With musical influences like Fela Kuti, Asa, Sia, Brenda Fassie, Ebo Taylor, Buika, Simphiwe Dana, Brymo, it is no surprise that her music is an inventive blend of different genres with what appears to be a conscious tilt towards electronic and afrobeat sounds with not so subtle hints of reggae and neo-soul infused into each track creating a very unique and edgy sound combined with her enthralling vocals often delivered in her native Ewe language. Her debut EP titled Fyfya Woto, is a 4-track body of work which, according to her, delves into matters related to family, tradition, duty, love, freedom, slavery and of course gossip but most importantly it highlights a woman’s right to choose even at the high cost of losing both life and freedom. As alluring as her voice is, and no matter how eccentric her music and overall style is presented, you cannot help but to notice the eagerness with which she wants to share her unique sound, a sound described as a cultural and musical sonic fusion. You can listen to or/and buy her EP – Fyfya Wowo at https://jojoabot.bandcamp.com/releases

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

KOLLINGTON AYINLA Alhaji Ayinla Kollington is a name-brand in the Nigerian music industry, one as identifiable with the success of indigenous music recorded on tape as any. His brand of music is called Fuji, which he helped pioneer. The musical style featured a set of drums, repetitive vocals, and later a set of modern acoustic equipment. But Fuji was defined mostly by its distinct verbal gymnastics with the best of Yoruba and Islamic aphorisms. At the height of his fame, he dueled both in creative output and in album sales with the likes of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. Born in 1953 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Kollington (a name created from his birth name “ Kolawole”) started music in 1965 alongside his friend and ultimate creative rival, the late Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. Their music, at the time, was called Were, a form created for the entertainment of devout muslims during early morning of the Ramadan fast. In the late 1970s, he refined his sound by adding bata drums and changed his band’s name to Fuji 78. He also worked in the military for a bit, earning 18 pounds as salary. Kollington, popularly known as Baba Alatika for his fashion style, released a number of notable albums during his career. Some of them include “Ijo yoyo”, for which he was awarded the Best Fuji Artiste of the Year, “Lakukulala”, “Fuji Megastar”, among many other hits. He is also known as the famous spouse for another notable musical star Salawa Abeni with whom had three children.

KEZIAH JONES Born in 1968 as Olúfẹ́ mi Sànyàolú, this Nigerian singer-songwriter and guitarist shines like a comet. Keziah Jones was born to the family of Oshódọlámú Sànyàolú, a Yorùbá chief and industrialist, and educated in Lagos and in England. His career started early. By age thirteen, Jones started teaching himself how to play and write songs through an old school piano he had discovered. Three years later he switched to the guitar. Eventually, he went against his father’s wishes and family tradition by skipping school and taking to the streets, clubs, and the London underground where he refined his craft. He describes his musical style as “Blufunk”, a fusion of raw blues elements and hard, edgy funk rhythms. His original Nigerian roots in Yorùbá music and soul music are a major influence on his sound, along with the works of Fela Kuti, Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix. In 1992, Keziah signed to Emmanuel de Buretel’s Delabel label for his debut album Blufunk Is a Fact. His first single “Rhythm Is Love” became a success from the album. Jones attributes his Parisian subway experiences as highly instrumental to his now blossoming career. Keziah Jones is a multi-talented artist. He draws, paints, writes poetry and teaches masterclasses to inspire others coming after him. He is a photographer and has produced short films, including one entitled BlackSpeedText. This film, his music and the other facets of his artistic life reflect his experiences on the streets. By 2008, Jones had recorded eight albums and one DVD.

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

MARY AKPA In a world full of voices, Mary’s shouts a whisper that draws you in. Mary Akpa does not belong to any particular genre. She delightfully rejects these boxes. She is not from our world of such categorisations. Her vocal expression ranges from the demure to the “you’d better watch out.” The most intriguing thing about Mary’s talents is her uncanny ability to make a track into a song, a pop hit, a club banger, a sleepy jazz lullaby. She is the embodiment of the human condition: ever-reaching, ever-searching yet ultimately relatable. Born in Nigeria and raised in Southern California, Mary Akpa brings a blend of grounded freedom to her music-a seamless blend of soul, jazz, electronic, and African. Her coming album “UNSEEN” is a soulful discovery of love - both the lifelong journey of finding oneself and of the people we encounter along the way. It is a testimony to all the things we never expect that leave footprints on our hearts and imprints on our souls. Mary’s musical history spans from being discovered as college freshman by Arista/La Face records-ultimately becoming lead singer for an all-girl band, which she contributed as song-writer; touring both domestically and internationally in various countries from Germany to Iraq; writing with and for numerous artists; being featured with her all-vocal group on NBC’S The Sing OFF, recording 2 jazz albums, 2 electronic/down temp albums; and releasing an introductory EP, Brave. Stay tuned for her upcoming new project, UNSEEN, coming January 2017.

NOSA Nosa Omoregie, popularly known as Nosa started singing at the age of 7 years old, when he joined the church choir. He discovered his interest in music and taught himself to write, experiment with, and produce music. Nosa was born on the 26th of February in Lagos but grew up in Benin City. He is a graduate of Electrical Engineering and a devoted and fulltime Church Minister. Nosa came into the limelight a few years ago, when he released his song “Always Pray for You” which got everyone’s attention, including the folks at Chocolate City, with it’s simple composition but strong vocals and message. This led to him signing a record deal with Chocolate City. He released his Debut Album – Open Doors, in 2014, a 14-track production which details his day-to-day life as a Christian. Nosa describes the release of this album as the defining moment of his career till date. As a gospel and inspirational artiste, he continues to minister through his music while encouraging others, Christians and non-Christians alike, to embrace and maximize their God-given talents. His newest releases – “Blessed” & “God Is Good” continue in his usual trend of using music as a tool to communicate and interpret the word of God, making it simple to digest. His gospel lyrics with influences from Jazz, Soul music and Afro-Highlife sounds is Nosa’s solution in making Gospel music more mainstream in the Nigerian music industry.

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

SAHEED OSUPA To know Fújì in Nigeria today is to know Saheed Òṣùpá. This important artiste with a distinct voice and an engaging style, was born Saheed Akóredé Okùnọlá in 1969 in Ìbàdàn. He started music professionally as a teenager in 1983 and has been a relevant force in the second generation of Fújì musicians in Nigeria since then. Along with Wasiu Àlàbí Pasuma, Saheed - also called “Saridon P” - pioneered a new brand of Fuji music that retains root in traditional Yorùbá while making relevant overtures to contemporary music, particularly hip-hop and rap. Saheed was educated at Saint Mary’s Primary School Ajegunle, Amuwo Odofin High School Mile 2, The Polytechnic Ibadan, and the American International College in Massachusetts. His rise to stardom came when his first album Fuji Fa Disco, released through Alasco Films and Records, was positively received among Fuji music lovers. He has gone on to release over 28 studio albums including a 4-in-1 studio album titled Mr. Music, the first of its kind in the Nigerian music industry. In 2008, he was crowned the “King of Fuji Music” by Àyìndé Barrister, an honour signifying a generational baton passing from one musical great to the next. To cement his reputation as a crossover artiste, Saheed Òṣùpá released a hip hop single titled “Vanakula”, which was produced by K-Solo, in 2014. In 2015, he released another single titled “African Beauty” with vocal appearance from Yétúndé Ọmọbàdàn. He is currently working on his debut hip hop studio album titled Lord of Music.

SHINA AYINDE BAKARE Growing up as the son of the late juju and highlife maestro, Ayinde Bakare, Sina was constantly exposed to music and musical instruments. Although, his father tried to prevent him from pursuing a career in music, he learned to play the guitar at a young age, shocking and impressing his father with his mastery of the instrument. Jimi Hendricks, George Benson, Eric Gale, Johnny Lee Hooker were some his influences. Sina Ayinde Bakare started playing his own music as a young man while still at the St. Finbar’s College in Lagos. He has played on stages worldwide and with numerous bands and musicians including the likes of Segun Bucknor, Orlando Julius and Jimi Solanke. The 71-year old singer-songwriter and guitarist is also a music producer and is focused on promoting professionalism within the music industry. He often reminisces about the good old days of the Nigerian music industry, when musicians were more dedicated and acted more professionally. He believes the newer and younger generation of artistes are gaining the rewards of the groundwork done by his generation. His latest release is a full album released under the JazzHole Records label.

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

SHOW DEM CAMP Tec and Ghost, the pair of rappers that make up Show Dem Camp are devotees of hip-hop. Olumide Ayeni, before becoming Ghost, was a music loving child. The plan was not to take it up as career but that is exactly what happened. Perhaps the decision was easier for Tec (real name Wale Davies) whose father ran a record label years ago. Both rappers were born in Nigeria and lived in Europe and the US before returning to Lagos in the 1990s. After the underground success of mixtapes Clone Wars volume 1 and 2, the duo released their debut studio album in 2011. Titled ‘The Dreamer Project” the album charted the path of young persons with big dreams. It spawned the single ‘Farabale’ featuring singer Mr. May D and had guest spots filled by, among other, 2face, MI, Temi Dollface and Poe. They took the opportunity offered by the warm reception of The Dreamer Project to tour the world. The duo released the roguish ‘Feel Alright’ in 2013 featuring Poe and the alternative artist Boj. A year later, came the hit comic single ‘Happy Weekend’, a song which for all of its humour probes Nigerian bribe culture. In 2015, Show Dem Camp joined a half-dozen other artists to form The Collective (but stylised as The Collectiv3.) Other members of the group are Poe, Temi Dollface, producers Kid Konnect and IKON, as well as Funbi and Nsikak. They closed that year with a few singles including a feature on rapper Falz’s remix of ‘Karishika’, and their own song ‘Shey Bai’The Collectiv3’s self-titled album. A follow-up to The Dreamer Project is in the works.

TERRY APALA Terry Alexander Ejeh was born July 27, 1985, to a family of six originally from Delta State. The penultimate child, Terry Àpàlà attended Ìgbẹ̀ hìn Primary School and Community Secondary School, both in Mushin, where from where he finished in 1996 and 2003 respectively. He discovered his talent for music at a tender age. From his early years as a church drummer, to the streets of Lagos, and finally into the Nigerian entertainment industry, Terry has paid his dues in large doses. Terry Àpàlà has wowed fans as a singer, songwriter and performer, dominating the stage at local gigs and earning praises for his ethnically flavoured work in a language not originally his own. His rise to stardom started with a performance with his former R&B group, Mezo Soprano, as the lead vocalist, where he earned the first prize honour during the launch of the Kanu Heart Foundation in 2000. The opportunity positioned the group to perform alongside the music maestro, Orlando Julius. Since then, he has grown in leaps and bounds. Terry Àpàlà describes his genre as “Àpàlà Hip Hop”, inspired by the late Hárúnà Ishọ̀ lá. His writing prowess has positioned him to work with Annie Macaulay-Idibia, for whom he composed a soundtrack for the movie, “Calabar Girls”. With an undying passion for music, he has been able to create collaborative features with a number of Nigerian artistes such as Ice Prince, Ọlámìdé, Phyno, Orezi, Fuse, Sugar Boy and Sexy Steel. He is currently signed to NELSON JACK MUSIC.

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

TOMI THOMAS Tomi Thomas is a multi –talented artist with a strong belief in the power of GOOD Music .The young versatile artist draws inspiration from the likes of Mariah Carey, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, Eminem, Akon and Bumi Thomas. Born in Lagos, Tomi is very much like the city, full of life and bursting with personality and energy. Raised between Kano, Lagos, Atlanta, he was always drawn to music and the performing arts. Now based in Dubai, his talents continued to flourish as he embarked on the creation of his debut EP, Patience. The Ep is a creative expression of his thoughts, taking a year and a half to create in the quest of his befitting sound and aesthetic. The EP is a very versatile mix of different sounds ranging from soul, hip hop, house, afro beat, garage, funk, techno and pop genres courtesy sounds from producers, Leriq, Benie Macaulay, GMK, Banky On The Beat and Tomi Thomas himself. The project also contains features from his L.O.S partners, BrissB and King Zamir LOS, finally his mother, Lizzy Thomas. The EP was released through Urbanmass a Dubai based digital music distribution company on more than 80 music distribution platforms worldwide and can be easily accessed via Itunes, spotify, beatsmusic, amazon, shazam and many more platforms. TWITTER: @TomiThomas_LOS. INSTA: tomithomas_los. FACEBOOK: TomiThomas. WEBSITE: tomithomasmusic.com

DJ NEPTUNE Imohosien Patrick, popularly known as DJ Neptune is a multiple award winning DJ from Edo State, Nigeria. He grew up in Lagos State, where he was exposed to music in the late 90’s and from the age of ten, he started to entertain his friends and neighbours when he developed an interest in becoming a Disc Jockey after watching online DJ tutorials. He soon started living his dreams, and earning pay for it by spinning at school parties, fast food eateries, nightclubs, and house parties. DJ Neptune started his career as a professional Disc Jockey in 2001 and was hired by Nigeria’s first private radio station Ray power 100.5 FM Lagos where he worked as an in-house DJ from 2004 to 2010. As a professional Disc Jockey he was renowned for his broad knowledge and varied taste in music, Neptune was able to keep the listeners glued to their radio sets and in a short period of time, he became a household name in the Nigeria entertainment industry. In 2008, Nigerian rapper Naeto C signed DJ Neptune as his official Disc Jockey/ Hype man and together the duo created a new face to Nigerian HipHop/ Nigerian DJ’s in Africa. As part of plans to expand the brand and put a face to the name, Neptune released a series of promotional Mix tapes online for free downloads. He then went on to start production on his own DJ Album and later released the audio and visuals for singles like 123 {Remix} featuring MI, Naeto C and the late Da Grin, This Gbedu featuring Ice Prince, YQ and Shank, {audio/video}, Skoobi Doo featuring Jesse Jags, General Pype and Lynxxx, {audio/video}. My #1 featuring Kay Switch and May D {audio}, Twerk It featuring D’ Prince {audio/video} , So Nice featuring David O and Del B {audio/video} and Baddest featuring Olamide, Stonebwoy and BOJ {audio/video}. It is no wonder he is in such demand as a DJ and has amassed quite a collection of national and international DJ awards.

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

DJ HUMILITY Benedict Afagwu, aka DJ Humility started his career in the early 90s when he developed an interest in the craft of Disc Jockeying from his love of Hip-Hop music. Since then, he has been at the forefront making DJing a credible art form in Nigeria. He is resident DJ at Rhythm 93.7 FM Lagos and the pioneer of Classic DJs, an annual Disc Jockeying event, which in the past six years has become the foremost event that gathers an average of twenty DJs each year from Nigeria and abroad for the beach event which draws thousands of young people to Elegushi Beach. In recent years, Dj Humility has delved into other entertainment ventures including creating H-Records - an independent Music label in 2012, signing the Hip-hop duo ‘Sugar Boiz’ and releasing their first single ‘Badman’ on the label in the first quarter of 2013. The single made it to various charts on local Radio stations and got nominated at the prestigious Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2013 edition in New York,USA under the ‘Best new act’ category. In April of 2014, he partnered with a concept development company SoundMind Production to host an exclusive Boat Party tagged ‘Tropical Rave with Dj Humility’. He has performed at notable corporate and private events across the globe and has won a number of Awards including Best World DJ NEA(2008),FAB Magazine’s DJ of the year (2012),Winner; Benson and Hedges DJ competition (2000) and many others.

DJ JIMMY JATT Credited for the new phase of Nigerian DJs and for being one of the pacesetters of Hip Hop in Nigeria is renowned DJ Jimmy Jatt – born Jimmy Adewale Amu, in Lagos State – Nigeria, where he has spent most of his formative years and made home of his entertainment career spanning over two decades. He released a debut album titled THE DEFINITION featuring over 50 of Nigeria’s best artistes including the hit single STYLEE which featured 2face Idibia, Mode 9 and Elajoe. His sophomore album, THE INDUSTRY, a 24 track album rated as the”biggest collaborative album in Africa” was released in 2014. DJ Jimmy Jatt has also written a biography titled AVANT-GARDE. With a TV Show and an Annual Concerts both tagged “JIMMYS JUMP OFF” which has been a platforms through which countless artistes have kicked off their careers on mainstream media, JIMMYS JUMP OFF concert is Nigeria’s biggest DJ event. DJ Jimmy Jatt recently released singles featuring Wizkid, Flavour, Davido, Vector, Olamide, Navio, M’anifest and a host of others. DJ Jimmy Jatt is the biggest DJ brand out of Africa, however, his accomplishments in the entertainment industry within and outside the shores of Africa remains a force to reckon with humbling legacies others still emulate and draw inspirations from.

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016

DJ JAVA Olaniyi Teidi aka DJ Java began producing songs in 2007, two years before leaving Nigeria to study for a degree in Mechanic Engineering in Northern Cyprus (TRNC). He quickly became known on campus as a DJ and was soon made the official university DJ,a position he retained for four years in a row. He was also appointed as the official DJ for the Spring Festival (the biggest event in Famagusta city). Since his return to Nigeria, Java has performed at many high profile events organised by well-known brands/companies. He was one of the selected participants for the electronic music soundscapes workshop organised by the Goethe Institut, which also partner with Afropolitan Vibes. On the production side, DJ Java has worked with various artists to produce their songs. His recent work was with Ajebutter on ‘Bisola Coker’. As a talented disk jockey with music production skills, Java brings a unique blend of the best sounds and mixes from around the world to light up any event. His exposure to sounds from home and abroad makes him comfortable in any type of crowd and you don’t get a more eclectic and diverse crowd as you do at Afropolitan Vibes. It’s no surprise then, that he is the official after-party DJ at our monthly Afropolitan Vibes shows.

DJ RAYBEE BROWNE Bola Browne aka DJ Ray Bee Browne has been a lover of music since the age of 4. Though he says he cannot sing or play any instruments, he does knows the right tunes to play to make sure that everybody is up on the dance floor. He has been a DJ for over 3 decades and he that time he has mastered his skill as a professional DJ. He was the stage manager for the Lagos Carnival for 3 years and has worked as an Event Manager, organising events in Lagos, UK and the USA. He is running his own Company Known as BrowneHILL Entertainment which is into A&R, Promotions, Artists Management, Events and Media and he runs a popular blog called Jukebox Indie Artist’s, Producers and DJs Review. He is also the Official Dj & MC for Freedom Park and one of the Official DJs of Afropolitan Vibes Pre and after parties.

AFROPOLITAN VIBE MUSIC FESTIVAL | 2016