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Akintunde Brown reveals why Davido, Wizkid, other Nigerian musicians can’t win Grammy

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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.

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

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“His Death Leaves a Huge Void”, Gov Mbah Mourns Music Icon, Ejeagha

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'Gentleman' Mike Ejeagha

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep grief over the death of music icon, ‘Gentleman’ Mike Ejeagha, saying the legend had created a void that would be too difficult to fill.

Mbah described Ejeagha as an unassuming and easygoing personality, whose fanbase spread across international boundaries.

Recall that the news of the passing on of the ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ crooner at age 95 filtered into public space Friday evening.

Reacting to the sad development, the governor, who had celebrated the folklorist during his lifetime by reconstructing the popular Obinagu Road and the adjoining Chief Mike Ejeagha Crescent leading directly to his residence in Abakpa Nike, Enugu, a long wish of the icon left unfulfilled by successive administrations in the state, and by renaming Obinagu Road as Chief Mike Ejeagha Road in his honour, assured that his government would further immortalise the legend in death.

Taking to his verified  social media handles, @PNMbah, the governor paid a heartfelt tribute to the Enugu-born musician

“I’m profoundly saddened by the death of music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.

“Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador and a revered son of Enugu State.

“He was one of the finest musicians of his generation with an easygoing personality and humility that belied his towering celebrity status.

“I will always cherish fond memories of the time spent in his company – the warmth and wisdom he radiated; the joy he found in the ordinary.

“This is a loss not only for his immediate family; it’s a big loss for Enugu State, the entire music community, and the country as well.

“Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures.

“Ejeagha’s fan-base transcended boundaries. He was easily one of the most recognizable voices in music.

“His death leaves a huge void that will be difficult to fill. But the legacies he has left behind will last a lifetime.

“On behalf of the Enugu State government, I offer heartfelt condolences to the Ejeagha family, and assure them of our support.

“As a government, we would ensure that his memory is duly immortalized.

“Above all, I pray that his family experiences the comforting grace of God’s love, and the fortitude to bear the loss.”

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From Bomb Blast to Praise: Maureen J’s Miracle Song

–Lagos bomb blast survivor tells her story through soul-stirring gospel track

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Maureen J

From the ashes of one of Nigeria’s most devastating tragedies has emerged a powerful testimony in song. “How Do I Kelee Gi?” — a soul-stirring blend of English and Igbo meaning “How do I thank You?” — is the heartfelt anthem of Maureen Onwuka, popularly known as Maureen J, a survivor of the January 27, 2002 Lagos bomb blast.

The blast, which rocked the Ikeja Cantonment area, left hundreds dead and thousands displaced in an unforgettable moment of national grief.

For Maureen, then a young evangelist, it marked the beginning of an emotional and spiritual journey that would change her life and eventually give birth to a song of thanksgiving.

On the day of the explosion, Maureen had stepped out for routine evangelism when she was caught in the chaos. Fleeing with a panicked crowd, she found herself at the edge of a canal near Ajao Estate. She couldn’t swim. Before she could react, the surging crowd pushed her into the water.

“I found myself stepping on bodies. People who had already drowned. It was like walking on human carpet, and I didn’t even know at first,” she recounts, her voice heavy with emotion. “Some were grabbing at me, trying to come up, but every time someone held my leg, I felt myself going under.”

Maureen screamed out a desperate prayer: “Lord, remember me! I was just out telling people about You! Please show me mercy!” In that moment, a stranger appeared in the water — a man who swam to her, pulled her to safety, and vanished without a trace. “I don’t know who he was. I believe he was an angel,” she says.

She escaped with her life, but the images of that day, especially the lifeless bodies of children, women, and men, remained etched in her memory. In the aftermath, she made a solemn vow to God: to tell the world what He did for her.

That vow found its fullest expression in “How Do I Kelee Gi?” — a song she describes as a sacred offering of gratitude. “Words weren’t enough to carry my story. I had to pour it into music,” Maureen explains. “Mixing English and Igbo was intentional — what God did for me was too great to explain in just one language.”

Though the song was written two to three years after the tragedy and initially recorded with little fanfare, Maureen never stopped sharing her story. Encouraged by those who’ve heard the track and urged her to push it further, she is now relaunching the song with renewed purpose.

“This song is my flagship,” she says. “It’s time to tell the world. I want people to not just hear my voice, but to know the miracle behind it.”

Maureen, who hails from Umukparo, Mbala Isuochi, in Abia State, has always been musically inclined, serving in choirs from her youth. But the 2002 experience gave her voice a new purpose. “After the blast, music became more than a gift — it became a mission,” she says.

Inspired by gospel icons like Mercy Chinwo, Sinach, and Nathaniel Bassey, Maureen hopes to reach hearts and stir worship through her sound. “Their songs move me toward God. That’s what I want mine to do too.”

“How Do I Kelee Gi?” is currently available on Audiomack and CD Baby, with plans for a full official launch slated for August this year.

From tragedy came a testimony. From near-death, a new life’s mission. And through it all, Maureen J stands — a living witness that miracles still happen, and when they do, the only fitting response is to sing.

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You’re a priceless gift: Gov Mbah Celebrates Jim Nwobodo at 85

… Nwobodo: Mbah is a Success, reports SANDRA ANI

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Peter Mbah, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi celebrate Jim Nwobodo at 85
Governor Peter Mbah (2nd right), former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (right) celebrate Jim Nwobodo at 85

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, at the weekend, led other who-is-who in the state to celebrate elder statesman and a former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo

Speaking during the 85th birthday anniversary celebration event in honour of Nwobodo at his Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu, country home, Friday evening, Mbah recalled the octogenarian’s outstanding service to Enugu State, old Anambra State, Nigeria, and humanity in various capacities, describing him as an epitome of excellence.

“It will be difficult to find words that amply capture the true essence of what Dr. Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo represents. Your life is a living proof that the true value of existence is selfless service.

“Nothing endears one to his people than selfless service. That is what you epitomise. The men and women gathered here today to celebrate you is a reflection of that selfless service that you have provided for the people of Enugu State and Nigeria.

“Today, we celebrate an extraordinary journey. We celebrate 85 years of impactful life.

“As Governor at 39 years, you left bold legacies that are still evident today. As a Minister of Youth and Sport, your record remains unbeatable; and it’s still a heartwarming reference point in this country. As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you were an epitome of courage and patriotism. We are indeed very proud of you.

“You are a priceless gift to humanity and to Enugu State and indeed our dear country. We are so blessed to have you. You have also provided a shoulder on which countless leaders stand on. You are a charismatic, yet unassuming leader; a man of all seasons,” the governor stated.

He wished him many happy returns in sound health and cherished moments so that the new generation of leaders could continue to benefit from his fatherly counsel and wealth of experience.

In his remarks, Nwobodo enjoined leaders to utilise the opportunities God had given to them to work for the people, citing the Mbah example in Enugu State.

“Today, Peter (Mbah) is a success. Whether anybody likes it or not. He is a success because the results speak for him. Whatever he is in Enugu today was God’s design from time. God gave it to him. God inspires all that he is doing in Enugu today.

“Governor Mbah also listens. He really does. I suggested something to him not long ago. He reflected on it and told me that he would do it. Today, he is already doing it. That is how your know a leader that would go far,” the elder statesman said.

While thanking the governor for organising a state event to mark his birthday, Nwobodo said that Mbah had underscored the need to celebrate people while they are alive.

“I did not expect an elaborate celebration as this. But the governor insisted on celebrating me so well. He maintained that it was better to celebrate people when they are alive, to say all the beautiful things to their hearing. So, Governor, I thank you for this show of love and thank all of you, who came out in your numbers to celebrate me,” he added.

Also, at the event were the former governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; members of the Enugu State Executive Council; serving and former federal and state lawmakers, Council Chairmen under the leadership of the Chairman, Enugu State chapter of ALGON, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, as well as the traditional rulers led by the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, among a host of others.

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