Singer and ‘Sebi Wo’ crooner Taiwo Agbohunsa, popularly known as Lace, says he has what it takes to compete favourably with singers, Wizkid and Davido.

The young singer signed on to Dozage Records said the sky is big enough for everybody to shine.

“You ask if I can compete at the same level with Wizkid and Davido? I say yes. I am talented, creative and original. I have over 80 recorded songs and I doubt if any of them have such a rich repertoire of songs.

“I am a fan of both acts and a personal friend to Olamide. My songs speak for themselves. I make good music and I now have quality people working with me,” Lace said.

•Lace

The talented singer who has been severally commended by industry stakeholders has an album titled ‘Benin 2 Nigeria’, and recently released the video of his new single, ‘Turn by Turn.’ “From now on, you will be hearing a lot about me and my music,” he promised.

Speaking on what motivates him, Lace said it is the desire to create something more than the usual.

His words: “I want to make a difference in the music industry. I look up to people like Akon, Tuface, most especially Wande Coal, and all other artistes who are doing good songs.

“Seeing what they have been able to achieve gives me the strength and the will to put more effort. I want to be a model of an impactful artist, someone who can be said to have given his all to music.”

Having worked with Olamide and Phenom, Lace’s new single ‘Turn by Turn’ is already enjoying good airplay. The song was produced by popular female music producer, DJ Toxic.

The delectable radio diva, Mercy Ajisafe, popularly known as “Omo London” was this week’s studio guest at the MTV Base Official Naija Top Ten weekly show.

Mercy who co hosted the show with MTV VJ, Ehiz, brought down the house with her humour and new rap skills. She gave her views on some of the videos on the chart as well as commended some of Nigeria’s hottest artistes.

•Mercy Ajisafe

The talented lady later revealed that she is more than just an On Air Personality as she freestyles on a beat Ehiz provides on the show.

Meanwhile, Dancehall star, Burna Boy remains number one on this week’s show with the video, “Don Gor Gon”. He was trailed by Seyi Shay holding strong at number two with “Murda” featuring Patoranking and Shaydee while Wizkid moves up to number three with “Show You The Money”.

Others on the Episode 76 chart are Patoranking featuring Tiwa Savage with Girlie O on the number four spot; L.A.X ft Wizkid “Ginger” on number five and “O Set” by Phyno featuring P-Square holds down number six.

Runtown featuring Davido with “Gallardo”; Tchelete by Mafikizolo featuring Davido; Sean Tizzle’s “Take It” and Illbliss’ “WTF” were on the number 7, 8, 9 and 10 spots respectively.

•Phebe

Lady Evangelist Phebe Oyewole, an upcoming gospel singer, in association with her Horn of Praise Gospel singers, has released her debut audio CD.

The new work entitled A Ba e Se (He Will Do It) was released some days ago.

It is a seven-tracker with songs like Magbe Ga, Oba Nla, Alagbawi and Ileri Ase. Other songs in the album are Aba Ese, Konipede and Baba O Seun.

Speaking on the inspiration for the new work, Phebe as the Lady Evangelist is fondly called, said that having served in God’s vineyard in various capacities, God actually showed her those messages delivered in her new works while in trance.

She said her local church pastor, Afolayan Johnson of Jesus The Strong Tower Gospel Ministry, Mowe, Ogun State, corroborated the vision when she shared the message with him.

Funsho Arogundade 

Fast-rising singer, Sledje has just completed work on the video for his hit single titled Redi.

The much anticipated video, which was shot in Lagos, would soon be released, P.M.NEWS Entertainment Cafe learnt.

•Sledje

Sledje gained relative popularity with his rap song ‘Oga Remix’ but he is set to take his dues in the Nigerian music industry with the new song Redi, a new Afrobeat sound.

“My fans should expect lots of fun and energy from the video. Redi is a feel good, party song, so the video is full of energy. I want to be able to connect with my fans in this video,” the singer said.

Sledje is an all-round entertainer who raps, writes and sings. He has worked with big names in the industry like Cobhams Asuquo, Masterkraft, and Vector.

The graduate of Economics from Covenant University, CU, who came into the music industry in 2010 has three singles to his name and would be dropping his debut album in September.

Motunrayo Idris

Prolific youthful Juju musician, Oluwaseyi Akinfenwa, popularly known as Seyi Akins, has expressed his intention to redefine Juju music in Nigeria.

The talented singer noted that the latest trend in the music industry is gradually taking Juju music out of the market but his brand will ensure that Juju music retains its reputable place as well as its recognition.

“I take time to release my albums not for lack of materials and the basic ingredients, but because I always want to deliver the best at all times. I don’t just want to release what people will feel terrible about when they listen to it. It should pass a message across,” he said.

•Seyi Akins

Seyi Akins, who started singing at age 10 in the church has grown to be passionate about Juju music and this he maintains, is one of the drives with which he intends to ‘rebrand’ the Juju music genre.

Responding to a poser, he said: “I am particularly passionate about Juju and I am sure there is something about it which I can’t define but it is very inspirational and interesting. It has a unique style with which it is being sung and my role models are Shina Peters and King Sunny Ade”.

The 28-year old musician has two albums to his credit, his debut and follow-up titled Oluwaseyi and My Shepherd dropped in 2006 and 2010 respectively.

Kayode Aponmade

Gospel music star, Evangelist Femi Opalemo has disclosed that he has completed work on his new album titled Double Tuale and it will be formally presented on Nigeria’s Independence Day, 1 October.

He made the disclosure during the album preview held recently at his Femopal Studio in Lagos.

Opalemo stated that the album which is to commemorate this year’s Independence anniversary will be unveiled at Etal Hall & Hotel, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.

•Femi Opalemo

He said further that the 8-track Double Tuale is a departure from his previous efforts as it carries all music enthusiasts along with its all encompassing composition, percussions, message and delivery.

Produced and engineered by Dare (Drey) Fashola, Segun Daniel and Jayeola Jamiu respectively, Opalemo’s 12th vinyl will be released from the stable of Benson Akinkuebi’s KY Entertainment.

Tracks in the album include Ore Mi, Ero Oja, Wa Mi Jeje, Ariwo Oja, Iyawo Ma F’iwa Jowon and Double Tuale (medley) the title track.

Expected as chairman at the launch is the former Lagos State  Commissioner for Health Dr. Leke Pitan while King Sunny Ade, Evangeliat Ebenezer Obey, Timi Osukoya (Telemi) and Tope Alabi are also billed to grace the occasion.

In another development, Opalemo hinted that arrangement is in top gear to unveil a concert packaging outfit in conjunction with corporate bodies which among others is aimed at discovering and showcasing budding talents in the society in a bid to empower them economically.

Bolatito Adebola

Afro-Rock king, Mr. Miracle has just released a new single entitled, Aye Kan.

The song, featuring LKT and ADX of Artquake, is well-arranged, composed and delivered with lyrics and rhythm that can pass the test of time.

•Mr Miracle

Aye Kan has been enjoying massive airplay on top radio stations.

Meanwhile, Mr. Miracle, presently out of the country, would be going on a club tour with LKT and ADX-Artquake when he returns to Nigeria.

Kayode Aponmade  

KSB Oluperi, former lead talking drummer of Saheed Osupa’s band, will on Sunday, 31 August launch his new album, Drum & Dance.

Billed to hold at Etal Hall & Hotel, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, the three-in-one event will feature the official commissioning of Perrysona Drumming Academy.

•Oluperi

The event is packaged by Perrysona Production and supported by various media houses including City People.

Dignitaries expected include Oba James Adegoke, Akunraledoye 3, Alapetu of Ipetumodu; Dr. Fredrick Fasheun; Chief Taoreed Faronbi;  Chief Mutairu Makinde and others.

Guest artistes are PMAN president Hajia Aminat Dangaji, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, Saheed Osupa, Musiliu Ishola, Sulaimon Adio Atawewe, Dare Melody, Alhaji Bukola Alayande while Olaemi Ajide and Banjo Ojedeji are the anchors.

Kayode Aponmade

•Mozbanx

Talented hip-hop act, Moses Ugheni a.k.a Mozbanx, who has been absent from the music scene for some time has returned with a new hit single, Looking For Something.

The singer, who has rebranded musically and physically, said he is ready to hit the top of the chart.

‘‘At a point in time in someone’s career, one has to review his performances and do some necessary overhaul if he really wants to hit the top. That’s what necessitated my brief absence,” he said.

Meanwhile, the single is enjoying air play across various radio and television stations in the country.

Kayode Aponmade

Alhaja Zeidat Basirat Ogunremi famously called Iya-nGhana will launch her new album, America Experience on Sunday, 31 August 2014.

The new album launch which holds at Banquet Event Centre, Lateef Jakande Road, Agindigbi, Ikeja is also to commemorate her 20 years on stage.

•Basirat Zeidat

It was also learnt that a Yoruba language weekly magazine, Alariya Oodua will give her a recognition award at the event.

Alhaji Kollington Ayinla will lead an array of guests artistes which include all Islamic singers, Shefiu Alao and Saheed Osupa, while Yomi Mate (Ifankalleluyah) is billed to anchor.

DJ Caise, Chocolate City’s official DJ, has officially released his latest single, Buckle Up.

The new single, featuring ace producer Emmy Ace, is a high tempo dance hall track. It follows up on DJ Caise’s two previous successful singles: Number One featuring Waje and Crush featuring labelmate Ice Prince.

A message from DJ Caise’s reps stated that the collaboration between the two, DJ Caise and Emmy Ace, births a heavy street beat urging the listeners to get up and dance.

•DJ Caise

“There is also an element of social awareness in Buckle Up, as DJ Caise hopes to use the release of this single  not just to entertain fans and listeners, but to also pass across important messages on safety such as safe driving, safe sex and preventing the spread of Ebola Virus,” said the reps.

During the past few days, thought provoking images have appeared on social media with the hashtag #buckleup, urging people to ‘Buckle Up and live responsibly’.

Meanwhile, P.M.NEWS Showbiz Trends learnt that DJ Caise will be premiering his own talk show in coming weeks where he gets to reveal never before heard things about his celebrity guests.

Funsho Arogundade

Sultry singer and TripleMG first lady, Emma Nyra has released the visuals for her new single ‘Elele’.

The video was shot at Inagbe Beach Resort in Lagos, styled by the renowned Chyna Bee and directed by acclaimed cinematographer Sesan Ogunro.

•Emma Nyra

The colourful video, with cameo appearances by Iyanya and Davido, saw two young artistes flirting at a beach party until the video transcends to a house party where they eventually realise they share mutual chemistry for potential romance.

The song itself was produced by TripleMG’s new comer, Selebobo.

Prolific youthful Juju musician, Majekodunmi Sunday Iseoluwa, popularly known as Sunny Majek, is poised to redefine Juju music with the coming of his new album.

Abeokuta, Ogun State-born Majek, has concluded plans and will be releasing soon his five-track album titled New Dimension Juju.

•Sunny Majek

The talented singer noted that the latest trend in the music industry is gradually taking Juju music out of the market but his brand will ensure that Juju music retains its reputable place as well as its recognition.

“It took me time to release this album because I always want to deliver the best at all times. I don’t just want to release what people will feel terrible about when they listen to it. It should pass a message across,” he said.

Sunny Majek,who started singing in the Celestial Church of Christ, Okike Mole, has grown to be passionate about Juju music and this he maintains, is one of the drives with which he intends to ‘rebrand’ the Juju music genre.

Funsho Arogundade

Loopy Music act, Loose Kaynon has released the video of his latest feel-good music, Halleluyah.

The video, directed by the ingenious MEX, was shot in Lagos.

•Loose Kaynon

It features appearances by MI, Kid Konnct, DJ Lambo, L37, Koker and Bugsy.

The single Hallelujah released in June was produced by Kid Konnect. The song sheds light on the lyrical talent of Loose Kaynon as he picks a subject and sticks to it till the end.

Kayode Aponmade

Canada-based Nigerian female singer simply called Fabulous Foluke and her management have concluded plans for her visit to Nigeria to promote her newly released single, Take My Hand.

Take My Hand, an R&B track, is an advocacy song aimed at raising the spirit of the hopeless and hopeful all over the world. It was produced out of her unusual creativity and passion to be outstandingly different from the crowd.

•Fabulous Foluke

Foluke, a former beauty queen and ex-brand ambassador of Western Union in Canada, is reputed for advocacy music and poetry, with a bias for those living with sickle cell anaemia.

A graduate of Economics from York University, Canada and a certified Project Management Professional, her love for music is beyond words while her sojourn to the world of music stems from her early involvement in church choir.

Foluke, described as a bundle of talents, when inducted into the National Wall of Role Models at the Black Canadian Awards held in July this year has performed to the admiration of the Canadian prime Minister, Steven Harper.

Kayode Aponmade

Princess Ifemide Akinmboni, an upcoming female gospel act and spiritual daughter of the late Prophet Elijah Iretiola Ajanaku, has dropped her debut album titled Ifemi Si Olorun Ajanaku.

She has also released two videos, Halleluyah and Ire off the seven-track vinyl which are enjoying impressive air play across various television stations in the country.

Tracks in the album produced by Julie King at Punch Studio are Halleluyah, Ite, Duro De, Ifemi, Orisa, Oriki Olodumare and Ibi Mo Gba Koja.

•Princess Ifemide

Speaking with P.M.NEWS Entertainment Cafe, Ifemide disclosed that she chose the title to acknowledge the man who introduced her to God.  She claimed to have met the late prophet Ajanaku in his Church in December, 2012, and since then he has inspired her great passion for music.

Multi instrumentalist Ifemide who still resides in Ajanaku’s house in Lagos disclosed further that she started music as a chorister at Christian Revival Victory Chapel, Lagos and went professional in 2013.

She stated that she is a cross-over gospel musician with her style of music being a fusion of Reggae, Hip-hop, Makosa and Highlife, aiming at impacting on all spiritually and inspirationally.

The ex-student of Mater Christi Girls High School, Igede Ekiti who hails from Ondo Town is set to study music in the tertiary institution. She appreciates Dr. Bola Are, Funmi Aragbaye and Baba Ara as her role models.

Bolatito Adebola

Singers, El-Plex have teamed up with Oritsefemi to record their new single titled ‘Celebrate’ in New York, United States.

P.M.NEWS Entertainment Cafe learnt that the duo hooked up with Oritsefemi, who was also in the city for the recently concluded Nigerian Entertainment Awards, and they all ended up at the Sony Studios to produce the new single.

•El-Phlex

El-Phlex were among the nominees for the prestigious award. They are also using the opportunity to tour other US cities. They will have gigs in Miami, Los Angelesa and other cities.

El-Phlex are due to release their debut album “School Of Thought” which will feature Reminisce, Patoranking, Skales, Sheyman and others.

Fast rising music sensation, Taiwo Ogungbe, popularly known as ATM, has dropped his highly anticipated single, ‘Confam’.

Produced by hit-maker, Chykeyz, the song laced with witty lyrics and a captivating hook. It has a perfect blend of guitar and drums meant for the delight of music lovers.

•ATM

Currently signed unto Campus Entertainment, a subsidiary of Campus Alive Initiative LTD, with base in Nigeria, South Africa, USA  and the United Kingdom, ATM said the song ‘Confam’ was inspired by his love for nature and happenstances around him.

Plans are in top gear to release the song’s video before the end of the year.

Funsho Arogundade

Renowned Disc Jockey, Jimmy Jatt has released a new video for his recently-released sophomore album, ‘The Industry’ Volume 1.

The Intro video, directed by Chixon Nexus and shot in Lagos, features some of entertainment bigwigs. It opens with an introduction by another industry luminary, Olisa Adibua alongside new generation of on-air personalities, Toolz and Dotun Kayode.

•Jimmy Jatt & Modenine

Nigerian rap titan Modenine and P-Square also feature in it.

Jimmy, known for setting the pace for Hip-hop music in the country and beyond, recently celebrated his 25 years in the music industry as DJ and music producer with the album.

The album, first of its kind, features over 40 artistes from the Nigeria music industry.

Seasoned Juju music act, Prince Ilesanmi Ikuomola, popularly called Sanmi Oris, has expressed determination to rebrand the music genre.

Speaking after a performance in Alagomeji area of Yaba, Lagos last weekend, Sanmi noted that Juju music appears to be fast fading away, considering the current trend in Nigeria’s music scene. As such, the music act intends to make sure that it retains its enviable position.

•Sanmi

To achieve this, he disclosed that he is presently in the studio working on another album which, according to him, will shake the music industry to its foundation when released in December this year. “I am always careful of what to dish out to the public, especially my fans and other lovers of music. That is why I don’t rush to the studio as I will not want to come out with what will not be acceptable to the people,” he added.

The Ilaje, Ondo State-born musician who also is a school teacher with three albums in the kitty, disclosed further that the new album will further project him as very talented.