Day 3.. New World Nigeria Showcase

We did not get to stay to the end of the third day but this last day was the most  musically fulfilling. It included performances by Bez Idakula, Keziah Jones and King Sunny Ade. We came a little bit late (dragging our feet at Portobello Road market) so we missed part of Bez's performance. We managed to watch him perform 'That Stupid Song' (Linda posted the video some time ago, watch Here) and 'Super Sun' (watch live performance Here) both off his Album Super Sun.

Next up was Keziah Jones. It took about an hour (exaggerating a little bit) to set up the stage for his performance. We all started to get impatient but in the end it was the best performance of all. It was well planned, executed and very different. Linda was already familiar with some of his music but I was not, so I did not know what to expect. All in all we were blown away. Keziah Jones....where do I begin (He's the type of artiste you Google to find out more after a live performance)...His music which he calls 'Blue Funk' is a fusion between raw blues elements and hard, edgy funk rhythms was so unexpected. I was in awe of both his style of music and performance. All of the lights moved with the music and then he took off his shirt....(**swoon**, Randomly, he is a 44 year old, hot man) and started to move along with the music. He was an amazing way to end the 3 days. Sadly, we did not get to take pictures with him.We had to leave early and also missed the King Sunny Ade performance.

Bez

Keziah Jones Back drop (a little blurry)

Keziah Jones

He had this cool funky way of playing the guitar

and the shirt went off....

Linda, Bez and Alheri

Zel, Linda and Alheri

xx A. 

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Jesus Can You Help Me Now

At least one good thing I keep getting out of Mob Wives is the songs. Once again, I discover yet another great singer yeay! Jesus can you help me now is a great song from Singer-songwriter, guitarist.... Amos Lee

Listen Below and be touched by this sultry, bluesy, folksy voice.
Amos Lee - Jesus (Can You Help Me Now!)

Also Big ups to our Naija Soul singers Bez and Nneka, they recently showcased at the SXSW 2012 at Austin Texas.

Nneka 'My Home'

Bez 'That Stupid song'

Also to MI and the Chocolate City Boyz who also showcased at Beso Cantina in Austin Texas, Lots of Love.

xx.L

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My Nostalgic Obsessions???

...Nostalgic obsessions... that is if there is anything of the sorts. Am I the only one who reminisces so much about the past? I hear a song or I see an old picture and I'm suddenly transported-to the past. It is beginning to weird me out, I'm starting to think I might need some kinda help, counselling or something.

So many things make me nostalgic, not too long ago I was happy about discovering Daria reruns on TV, then was happy to chat with a group of friends about the books and magazines/comics we read back in the day. I even go on amazon to look for old books and read them again. Another strange thing is; I dream about the past a lot and also love TV shows that are based in the past (not like I was around in the 50s or 60's).

I've talked about liking Mad Men, happy its coming back for the 5th season. Love Pan Am despite what the critics say-hope it doesn't get cancelled,  also love Boardwalk Empire, and love to watch Cold Case especially the episodes from the 60's. Old school music is my thing too... as I've mentioned Otis Redding and Nina Simone in a past blogpost.

I have written  a post about my happy trip to Portobello road market, I also remember being too happy about visiting Graceland and Lorraine Motel (Press club school trip) and listening to classic soul and jazz at night in Memphis Tennessee...

I also love to collect old memorabilia and visit vintage and thrift stores...

This is my only consolation though, I just don't reminisce on past memories and wish or think how good life was, because believe me there are some things I don't want to remember from my past or relive ever again. So maybe I just like that old feeling...

So, my conclusion!

Maybe I'm just an old soul...

Below is music from my naija soul brother that reminds me of my childhood, listen and enjoy
Bez- 'That Stupid Song' feat Praiz

*BTW That Stupid Song premieres today at 7PM GMT/9PM CAT 8PM Nigerian Time on BET's 106 & Park

xx L.

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Bez 'Super Sun'

Bez Idakula (November 10, 1983) is an alternative singer, songwriter and guitarist from Nassarawa State, Nigeria.

Bez has opened for international artistes, Asa, Angie Stone and Yolanda Brown. I first heard his song on the radio in Nigeria and was blown away. I am not really a big fan of the hip hop/rap scene in Nigeria (some exceptions to this rule) so when I heard his song 'Zuciya Daya', I thought it was a breath of fresh air and figured all hope was not lost in the home front for me.





It meant I could enjoy my kinda music too in Nigeria, granted Asa has been there for me, but it meant she was the only one until I discovered this new sound. Then his music video 'More you' came out -posted it on this blog a while back. Now I hear the album called 'Super Sun' which  features the songs  ‘Zuciya Daya’ – (which means One Heart in Hausa), ‘More You’ ‘Stop Pretending’ and the self titled ‘Super Sun' will be released on Sunday the 24th of July.

The video ‘More You’ was  recently nominated for the ‘Video of the Year’ awards at the forthcoming Nigerian Entertainment Awards New York. 

Expect more blog posts from me when the album comes out, excited and can't wait...

Listen to 'More You' and 'Super Sun' below

'More You' Bez

'Super Sun' Live Performance Bez

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Alheri Is Totally Loving Right Now...

Hey Hey, been a while since I did this. So for those who don't know, I'm gonna be posting 5 things I'm totally feeling right now.... so without further ado, I give to you...

1.  Arsenal's Blue 2011/2012 Away Jersey...(*literally melting*). I heart Arsenal, and it gives  me so much joy to see that this jersey actually looks awesome. Love it! To buy it, follow the link below.

http://arsenaldirect.arsenal.com/replica-kit/away-kit/icat/awaykit/

2.  Adele.. Might be a bit of a cliche because everyone seems to really like her now, but I honestly believe that I am her #1 fan (Ok maybe some where  in the top 10...). Her music is AMAZING. Not sure what else to say. It really moves me. Just in case you haven't bothered to listen to any of her songs, I'm gonna do you a favor and post two...(thank me later) and you should buy her album, 21...

Adele

Someone Like You

Set Fire to Rain

3.  Bright Colored Pleated Skirts..Sadly I don't have one yet, but I'm gonna be a proud owner of one very soon...(yeay me). These skirts are so lovely and every time I see it on someone or somewhere, I feel butterflies in my tummy. 

You can purchase both the yellow and the red skirt from River Island...

4. Alexander Wang...I believe Alexander Wang is one of the best designers in the world. His creativity is beyond this world. Every time I look at his collections, I am totally blown away. I like to think of him as one of those designers who were born as geniuses of fashion. Okay don't wanna talk too much so I'll just show you pictures from one of my favorite collections; the look book of Spring 2010 collection, which was inspired by sport..(yes its old but I'm still in love with it).

visit his website: http://www.alexanderwang.com/

5.  Super Sun Remix - Bez featuring Eldee, Ice Prince and Eva Alordiah.  Linda is like totally in love with Bez,  not me really...but I love this song ( been playing on repeat). Listen below. 

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Linda is excited... and no I didn't win the lottery...

...I am excited about the kind of music (my kinda music) I am hearing these days and surprisingly I don't have to go digging, some are becoming mainstream. Once in a while I just want to turn on the radio or go into a store and not listen to Rubbish music. As we all know, music gets stuck in your head whether you like it or not.

Raphael Saadiq


So the other day I was in TK Maxx and I was surprised to hear Nneka and I got really excited. Then I turn on the TV and its Raphael Saadiq's Good Man... and good thing Adele is on the radio 24-7 around here so you hear cars blasting 'Rolling in the Deep' or 'Set Fire to Rain'  on their radios...then you get into a local pie shop and that is what you hear. And while Nigerian soul singer, Asa can be heard too internationally in retail stores across the UK, I am happy that music from alternative soul singer Bez is being played on the radio in Nigeria. The first time I heard his song was on the radio and I was like whoa!!! His album 'Super Sun' which have songs that I absolutely love comes out soon, and I will write about it here on this blog.


Aloe Blacc



I like old soul musicians like Otis Redding; my favourite old school artiste of all time. I still listen to his songs and get emotional and always wonder why music is not like that any more. Then I listen to Nina Simone's music and also wonder what happened to people making good music. But if you are like me, you will get excited once more because good music is back!! Songs like Aloe Blacc's 'You make me smile' and 'I need a dollar' are beginning to come into our lives and we don't have to go searching anymore...

Listen to Raphael Sadiq's 'Good Man' below

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Bez- More You

My kinda music... Bez is a Nigerian alternative soul musician. Nice soulful music... nice video....
Listen/Watch Video Below

'More you' by Bez

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