Entertainment
Akintunde Brown reveals why Davido, Wizkid, other Nigerian musicians can’t win Grammy
BY: Nmerichukwu Igweamaka
A popular musician and recording artiste, Akintunde Brown says Nigerian musicians can not win Grammy award because “we sing in our local dialect and the sounds are poor.”
Brown disclosed this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.
“We have sounds from different parts of Africa, the mixture will make it a world class sound but we are not complying with that,” he said.
Brown said Nigeria’s hip hop and other genre do not conform to world music standards.
“We also do not use the right nomenclatures which consists dynamic and partly subjective set of songs, which can be identified by having been performed or recorded by variety of musical acts, often with different arrangements.
“At the Grammys, you have a best R&B album category, but someone who calls his music Afro-Soul, or fuji Blues and some other names in Nigeria, cannot win in that category,’’ he said.
He said Sikiru Adepoju who in 2009 won the “Best World Contemporary World Music Album’’ was because he was part of Mickey Harts group Planet Drum US-1991.
“Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as “Wizkid’’ got a nomination for his contribution in One Dance by Drake in the album of the year category.
“That song as been streamed over a billion times, that is what data, brings to the table.
“They create category, when they feel like honouring an artiste and their people must be involved,’’ he said.
Brown noted that the genre of music we create in Nigeria can not blend with what obtains in the international music.
“David Adeleke aka Davido and Olamide Adedeji, and their likes do not even stand a single chance to win anything because the beats and sounds are nothing to that of.
“Lets say a Drake or Jay Z to rap album of the year with fuji poly-rhythms of Wouter Keller, Fluist and Composer, best New Age Album in 2015, roots in classical music hence his techniques in mixing classical and contemporary tunes effortlessly.
“Kellerman is a Grammy Award-winning South African flautist, producer and composer who has won 7 South African Music Awards (SAMA).
“His Love Language- 2015 received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album and won a SAMA for Best Instrumental and/or Classical Album. It debuted at no one on the World Music Billboard charts in July 2015,” he said.
Brown added:”The album also featured at no. one on the ZMR Top 100 International Radio Airplay Chart in August 2015, and spent 11 weeks in the CMJ New World Top 40 Chart, peaking at no 12.
“He used his classical training as a foundation and focused his attention on World Roots music, exploring the versatility of the instrument and fusing classical and contemporary sounds.
He received a Grammy Award at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards for his 2014 album “Winds of Samsara’’, a collaboration with Indian composer and producer Ricky Kej.
“Winds of Samsara’’ reached No. 1 on the US New Age Album Billboard Charts and also peaked at No. 1 on the Zone Music Reporter (ZMR). Top 100 Radio Airplay Chart in the month of July 2014.’’
The musician said that the economic value of many musicians abroad did not equal that of Nigerian musicians, he gave examples of Bruno Mars’ average nightly gross swelled from 130,000 dollars to 202,000 dollars.
“Esperanza Spalding went from 20,000 dollars to 32,000 dollars and Taylor Swift jumped from 125,000 dollars to 600,000 dollars.
“They’re all paying tax in the US, the home of Academy. Their economy does not have anything to gain if an African wins,’’ he said.
He noted that lack of data and lack of good music has been the problem in Nigeria.
“Besides Fela, who else has commanded the kind of respect he had,” he said.
He said that Asa could have, had it been she was more intentional with her sound but the she risks authenticity with her core fans and that is the French and Europeans.
“They enjoy the flavour in her sound without having them leave their comfort zone which is classical music,’’ he said.
He claimed that even at home some awards like Headies, Soundcity and MtV Base awards, the number one issue comes from the ever changing nature of genres here.
“You can imagine Olamide getting angry because Nasty C won best rap song of the year. They have to be steady in what they do,’’ he said.
He said that the Grammy organizers don’t have that time.
“I know we will get there, our industry still in its infancy but we have to infuse our own sounds in Nigeria with other African countries.
“We need to have that distinct sound, compose them well, infuse them well to make a good meaning, that will stand us out.
“But there must be improvement on our music structure, established genre and not limited to time signature as stated above, and majorly label backing,’’ he said.
The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith. In commemoration of this, the Love of God in Christ (LOGIC) Church is hosting the first edition of the Jesus + Nothing Worship, an uplifting evening dedicated to expressing the message of the death, burial and resurrection in music.
This event will be held on, Friday, April 18, 2025, by 4PM, at The LOGIC Church headquarters in Lekki, Lagos.
The event offers worshippers an opportunity to connect with the essence of the Gospel in worship.
The Lead Pastor and Apostolic Head of the LOGIC Church, Apostle Flourish Peters, asserts that worship is a significant part of the New Testament believers’ experience in Christ.
“As a Christocentric faith community, this event is a great way to celebrate the gift of Christ, who laid down his life for our redemption. Good Friday is a great time to have a worship celebration like this,” notes Peters.
On the context for the event, he notes, “Nothing speaks to the culture of a people like the music they listen to.
Jesus + Nothing Worship will contribute to shaping and mainstreaming a culture of christocentric worship, where the Gospel of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection is platformed through worship.
With Nigeria’s young demography heavily influenced by the music and the arts, Christocentric music is a powerful tool in pointing this generation to Christ,”
Guest ministers expected include; Ministers Neon Adejo, Greatman Takit, Victor Thompson, Timi Dakolo, Samuel Giveson (SMJ), Noble G, Steve Hills, and Lily Perez. Others include Ministers Joxie, Anderson Qozan, Pastor Victor Paul, EmekaSongz, Flo, Dorcas Moore, Magpsalms, Mera Owili, Gerald Bishung, Phebe Lion, and the vibrant Evolution Children’s Choir.
The Jesus + Nothing Worship is a free event and attendees are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
For more information, visit the official website: https://thelogicchurch.org/en/ and follow on YouTube at @TheLOGICChurch and on Instagram at @thelogicchurch.
Spotify today announced the launch of its ‘Detty December’ hub with playlists for December, a celebration of the vibrant festive season in West Africa and South Africa. The hub is a one-stop shop for all things Detty December, with curated playlists featuring the biggest hits and emerging sounds of the season. Users can find everything from Afrobeats and Amapiano anthems to chilled-out vibes for those much-needed recovery days.
“Detty December is a special time for our users in West Africa and ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration,” said Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa. “We’re excited to be part of their celebrations with this dedicated hub and playlists, bringing them the best music to soundtrack their festive moments.”
This unapologetic season of street jams, back-to-back concerts, and endless summer fun has developed its own culture that draws diaspora and local fans alike. The curated sounds of Spotify’s Detty December hub will pay homage to the Lagos rooftop lounges, Accra’s beachside festivals, and South Africa’s township tunes that keep people grooving.
In addition to the hub, Spotify has also launched a new playlist called ‘Songs of Detty December’. This playlist is a curated list from Spotify Africa’s editors on the songs predicted to dominate this year’s Detty December. From DJ Skelm’s Afro Tech sounds to Flytime Fest’s tour of songs that tell Africa’s aspirational stories, the hub will be the home of takeover playlists that display Africa’s diverse talent. Barrier-breaking Amapiano talent Kamo_ww has taken over a South African Summer playlist too.
Spotify is also supporting Jerk x Jollof, a popular event making its way to Africa for the first time, through its Frequency program. Held at The Ostrich event space, the Jerk x Jollof Cape Town takeover will feature DJs and artists such as TxC, DBN Gogo, Spinall, Sarz and Odeal, merging the spirit of Detty December and ke Dezemba experiences and bringing South and West African cultures and artists together.
“We’re committed to supporting African music and culture,” said Okumu. “We believe that music is a powerful way to bring people together, and we’re excited to be part of the Detty December celebrations.”
You can keep the good vibes going as you make your way to the hotel, beach or next Detty December party with Spotify’s curated and immersive sound selection. Discover something new or run the year’s best party anthems back on your app today.
The ‘Detty December’ hub is available now on Spotify.
Forty years after the release of the original JESUS film, Jesus Film Project is releasing an updated edition of founder Paul Eshleman’s book, I Just Saw Jesus.
The new edition features a heartfelt foreword written by Eshleman’s daughter, Jenn Huff, as well as refreshed cover art. The book was officially released in October 2024.
Originally published in 1985, I Just Saw Jesus chronicles Eshleman’s journey to create the JESUS film, the most translated and viewed film in history. Translated into more than 2,100 languages and counting, the film has been a significant resource in spreading the gospel to millions across the globe.
The release of this updated edition comes at a critical juncture as Jesus Film Project reimagines the 1979 film for today’s generation.
In her foreword to the new edition of I Just Saw Jesus, Huff reflects on her father’s vision and passion for the project. She writes, ”The JESUS film, meticulously crafted to depict the life of Jesus with unprecedented accuracy, stood as a beacon of attention to detail. Behind the scenes, my father’s equally meticulous storytelling mirrored the attention that was paid to every aspect of the film’s creation.” She added, “I Just Saw Jesus is not just a book; it is a testament to the miraculous change Jesus makes in people’s lives.”
Paul Eshleman’s work on the JESUS film was inspired by the mission to share the gospel message in every corner of the world.I Just Saw Jesus tells the stories of the faithful volunteer film teams, missionaries and pastors who ventured into remote tribes to show the JESUS film. They carried generators and projectors across jungles, stood before influential leaders, and overcame threats, curses and deadly diseases – all to share the story of Jesus in the heart language of those who might not otherwise hear the gospel.
This new edition of I Just Saw Jesus is a tribute to Paul Eshleman’s legacy. It marks a new chapter in the ongoing mission to innovate and reach people with today’s tools, ensuring that the gospel remains accessible to new generations.
Purchase I Just Saw Jesus on Amazon or the Cru store, and join the ongoing conversation about how media can inspire the next generation.
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