Tag Archives: kanye west

Okayplayer Audio: Q-Tip x Juan Epstein On G.O.O.D. Music + New LP ‘The Last Zulu’

April 12, 2012 Leave a comment

Okayplayer-for-life Q-Tip called in to Cipha Sounds & Peter Rosenberg’s Juan Epstein radio show on Hot97 this morning to speak about his signing to Kanye West‘s G.O.O.D. music label, which was officially announced yesterday. Tip ran down his behind-the-scenes involvement with Kanye projects like Watch The Throne and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, collaborations which naturally lead, he said, to the new partnership. He also confirmed that he will have tracks on the G.O.O.D. music comp in the works and revealed that the name of his forthcoming LP (slated for 2013) will be The Last Zulu.

Interestingly, he says the name was inspired by a DNA test his manager arranged that traced his roots to South Africa–results that seem (?) to contradict the on-camera DNA test he did with Okayafrica and AfricanAncestry.com, which place his genetic origins with the Djola people of Guinea-Bissau, video of which you can watch above.

Of course (to get technical for a sec) OKA tested Tip’s maternal DNA and it’s always possible that he’s referring to another test tracing his paternal DNA. Generally, when doing our African Ancestry series, Okayafrica tests someone’s maternal DNA lineage to find African roots, as paternal lineages often provide surprising results (guess what? you’re white!). In addition, it would be rare to find an African American with Zulu heritage based on the patterns of the slave trade. African Ancestry president and founder Gina Paige explains:

When we trace the ancestries of African Americans, we find African results most often for maternal lineages. The majority of those ancestries are West African since that is where the majority of enslaved people came from during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Things look very different when we trace paternal lineages. We find European results almost 40% of the time when we trace the paternal ancestries of African American men. It makes sense when you think about the behavior of slave traders and slave holders towards enslaved African women during slavery.

All of that does nothing, of course, to change Tip’s so-so-real legacy as the most visible face of New York’s very own Zulu Nation, founded by the legendary Afrika Bambaataa. And if The Last Zulu is going to carry that spirit into the realms of pop radio Kanye is currently owning, it can’t drop soon enough. Get your Zulu beads here and listen to audio of the full interview below.

spotted at NR

Share|

An African Minute: Papa Ghana Is ‘An African’

March 28, 2012 1 Comment

(Not too long ago,) Okayafrica was put on to “I am An African” by Papa Ghana (thanks Spoek Mathambo!), the Ghanaian-rooted, Gandhi-quoting, Dutch musician whose influences are just as broad as his audience. Papa Ghana takes An African Minute to tell us about his single, the message in his music, and what we can look forward to next.

1.Who are you (besides “An African”)?

My name is Jefferson Osei a Ghanaian born and raised in the Netherlands. I’m 23 years of age. Student, football player by heart, 1/7 of the creative collective Daily Paper and 1/3 of L’Afrique Som Systeme.

2. How would you describe your music and its audience?

First of all I want my music to be approachable for everyone in the world. People should start smiling when they play my music, no matter what colour of skin or religion. I’m influenced by many cultures therefore I use a variety of styles and genre in my music such as afro-beat, coupe decale, kuduro, grime, dubstep, electro and hip hop. So if I were to discribe my music in one word I would say: Diaspora Beat, yeah I know you have never heard of it. It’s music made by people whom are away from their established or ancesteral homeland influenced by other cultures. I would describe my audience as people of all kinds of race whom are not stiff in the hips.

3. Who/What/Where are some your biggest music influences to date?

I have a broad taste in music. Fela Kuti, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, 2Pac, DJ Premier, Kanye West, Salt ‘n Pepa, Aaliyah, R. Kelly, Lil’ Wayne, Daft Punk, Dizzee Rascal, Magic Som Systeme, Buraka Som Sistema, D’banj, and Sarkodie. As you can see I have been influenced by many Artists whom made different types of music.

4. You just dropped a video for your single “I Am An African,” why did you choose to debut with this song?

This song has a message to all people in the world. We need more unity in the world. Africa is the homeland where it all started a long time a go. I want people to remember this, cause no matter what colour or religion we are all Africans.

5.What’s next for Papa Ghana?

My first priority is my bachelor degree in school and launching the first Daily Paper clothing line. I’m also working on The Mandingo EP, my new EP with various music styles. It should be released somwhere in the summer, on African time.

6. We noticed that Papa Ghana is sounds similar to “propaganda.” If Papa Ghana were to spread propaganda, what would it be?

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Check out more OKA’s African Minute interviewees- folks whose work reflects a new perspective of Africa:
Congolese superstar rapper Hugo Million
South African fashion designer Gareth Cowden
Nigerian songstress Zara Gretti
Zimbabwean celebrity hair and make up stylist Jackie Mgido
Kenyan comic artist Chief Nyamweya
Rwanda’s fashion designer House of Tayo
Oli Benet and Senegalese skaters
Zimbabwean self-taught illustrator/activist Sindiso Nyoni

Share|

Video: D’Banj ‘Oliver Twist’ w/ Kanye West & G.O.O.D. Music

March 19, 2012 4 Comments

First official video from D’banj‘s new partnership with the G.O.O.D. Music family. The “Oliver Twist” clip features cameos by Kanye West, the G.O.O.D. crew and, even, that white boy azonto viral star. In related news, D’banj and longtime Mo’ Hits Records business partner Don Jazzy (who also signed with G.O.O.D. Music) have confirmed rumors that they’ll no longer be working together. Watch the cameo-littered video for “Oliver Twist” above. Spotted: Mannie Fresh, Sneakbo, Big Sean, Pusha T, who else?

Share|

An African Minute: Rwanda’s House of Tayo

March 15, 2012 Leave a comment

What is House of Tayo and why has it got everyone talking? Elegant and chic with a taste of local flavour, House of Tayo is the latest clothing brand hitting the fashion blogosphere by storm. Featuring bold colours and scene-stealing prints, their first collection proves why Rwanda’s Matthew Rugamba is this year’s designer to watch. We spend “An African Minute” with the man behind the scenes.

1. House of Tayo uses stunning African wax print fabrics. Where do you get your supply and how do you choose your fabrics?

I source all of my fabrics locally. When I first decided that I wanted to use African wax print I made a trip to the marketplace in downtown Kigali. I met a group of lively middle-aged women who have been dealing with these fabrics almost all their lives. For some of them it is a family business and something that they will hand over to their children. They understand this fabric more than anyone else I have met. They are able to tell you the significance about certain patterns and colours in a more cultural context, and as a result I was immediately drawn to their stories.
When it comes to my method of picking the fabric, I actually just stand back and look at hundreds of prints stacked up in these ladies’ stalls and I simply pick the ones that stand out to me the most. I look for a special dynamic in each and every piece of fabric. If I have a bright and powerful colour I try to have a less complicated print on it and when I have a highly complicated print I prefer to have it on softer colours. There is always the danger of creating a piece that is too loud and I try to keep an eye out for that.

2. What inspired you to launch House of Tayo?

Having completed my second year of college in the United States, I found myself reflecting upon the fact that I repeatedly found myself in a position of answering questions about the food, music, style, culture, and history of my home continent of Africa. Through this, I realized that dispelling myths and sharing anecdotes of life growing up in various parts of Africa has—in fact—been an equally enlightening experience for me as it has for those with whom I have shared my stories. It was through this realization of my growing affinity for the sights, sounds, experiences, and aesthetics of his home continent of Africa that House of Tayo was born. It is a creative vehicle through which I can capture, interpret, and purvey the bright colours, rich fabrics, intricate textiles, poise and elegance of African fashion.

3. How would you describe your own personal style?

I would describe my style as classic. A year or two ago I was going through my albums looking for pictures that I was going to put up on my dorm room wall and it was an absolute cringefest. I winced at the pictures of me in my early teens wearing doorags, oversized T-shirts and huge “diamond” encrusted belt buckles with my initials. Granted everyone else has these kinds of pictures, but I just felt that didn’t accurately display my personality and character. It was simply a phase, a fad, a trend. I wanted to be able to look at a picture of myself and not be able to date it based on what I was wearing and this is the state of mind I was in when I started House of Tayo. I wanted to create pieces that were unique but more importantly ones with longevity.

4. Which style icon(s) would you love to see wearing your designs?

Oh wow. I mean there are so many that I could think of— Theopholis London, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Mark Ronson, David Beckham, Spike Lee, Andre 3000, D’banj, Solange Knowles, Janelle Monaé, Ozwald Boateng. I’ll stop there for now.

5. So far you have a wonderful collection of print fabric accessories. What can we expect to see from House of Tayo in the future?

Thank you for your kind words. Well there are a couple of different accessories that I am working on with my team right now but we definitely have plans to make actual clothing in the near future. Be sure to follow House of Tayo on Tumblr, Facebook, and Twitter.

Check out more OKA’s African Minute interviewees- folks whose work reflects a new perspective of Africa:

Congolese superstar rapper Hugo Million
South African fashion designer Gareth Cowden
Nigerian songstress Zara Gretti
Zimbabwean celebrity hair and make up stylist Jackie Mgido
Kenyan comic artist Chief Nyamweya

Share|

Okayafrica TV: Nigerian Superstar D’Banj Goes Global with Kanye

February 24, 2012 4 Comments

G.O.O.D Music signee and Nigerian superstar D’Banj, known in his own country for such bangers as “Mr. Endowed” (for real), “Fall In Love”, and “Oliver Twist”, made his US debut at Irving Plaza on February 19th to a sold out room (and in a bedazzled silver dinner jacket – no undershirt necessary).

Okayafrica TV caught up with the highly animated pop star — along with his Nigerian label-mates Dr. Sid, Wande Coal, and younger bro K-Switch — to talk shop. Subjects included: Kanye West, Kanye West, the African Michael Jackson, building the pop bridge from Africa to the US, and being signed by Kanye West. With this cast of characters, we can’t wait to watch the D’Banj race to the throne.

Shot by Myo Campbell, sound by Greg Scott.

Share|

Win Tickets To See D’Banj Live In NYC

February 14, 2012 Leave a comment

Nigerian superstar, Mo’ Hits Records all-star and Kanye West‘s newly signed G.O.O.D. Music artist D’Banj will play a rare New York City show at Irving Plaza on Sunday, February 19. Tickets are on-sale now, but you know Okayafrica‘s got the hook-up for a few of you!

We’re giving away 2 pairs of tickets for D’banj and Mo’ Hits’ NYC show, all you gotta do is join our newsletter below — use your real e-mail, that’s where we’ll notify you if you won! Head below for a promo clip from The Koko Master himself and check out the flyer for more details on the show. Watch D’banj’s video for “Fall In Love ft. Genevieve” above.

ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO D’BANJ AND MO’ HITS IN NYC

D’Banj and Mo’ Hits
Live at Irving Plaza
17 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003
Sunday, Feb 19, 2012 at 8:00 PM

Share|

Tracka De Day: Asa ‘Why Can’t We’

January 16, 2012 Leave a comment

For every musical need, there is a Nigerian. Want a side of political activism with your tunes, à la Bob Marley? Listen to Nneka. For traditional African music that picks funk as its dance partner, go see FELA! And it won’t be long before D’Banj is queued up after Kanye on every college dorm party playlist. But then there’s Asa, who hasn’t been tossed into a musical scene the way other Nigerians have. Even before you listen to her music, Asa seems like a different kind of Nigerian musician. While P-Square can blend in with fellow R&B artists Usher and Trey Songz, Asa’s choice of wardrobe recalls the distinctive style of indie rock songstress Shingai Shoniwa. Maybe it’s because she’s a Parisienne—Asa was born in the French/fashion capital and raised in Lagos. Asked in a recent interview with CNN’s African Voices program (video below) whether she felt more connected to Paris than to Lagos, Asa said no. Though currently based in Paris, she’s proud to be from Nigeria. She wants people to ask where she’s from when they listen to her music. Asa’s music, however, achieves a brand of genre-bending that few other Nigerian musicians are attempting. She’s doing her own thing. See for yourself in her latest video, “Why Can’t We” above. In the video Asa sports a series of bright, retro-inspired outfits. Though it’s hard to stick a genre label on it, you could say Asa’s music is like her fashion sense turned into a soundtrack.

Share|

The FELA! Tour Has Gone Hip-Hop

December 21, 2011 1 Comment

Legend Stevie Wonder, Kanye, and Nas have all stopped by FELA! on tour in the past weeks and hung with the cast backstage. What they had to say about the show? Nas: “very important work.” Yeezy: “inspiring” (he also invited the entire cast to a Watch The Throne show). Stevie Wonder – oh, just harmonized with Fela dancer Jacqui Dubois on an acapella ditty (see below). The tour, now in Los Angeles until January 22, is headed next to Detroit (get ready to shake it Motor City!). Get tix here.

Share|

WizKid, 2face & P-Square Sign To Akon’s Konvict Muzik Records

December 19, 2011 1 Comment

Nigerian pop acts WizKid, 2face Idibia and twins P-Square have signed to Akon‘s Konvict Muzik. The Senegalese singer announced the new signings at Jay-Jay Okocha‘s Lagos club over the weekend. If you recall, Akon jumped on WizKid’s “Don’t Dull” not too long ago (listen below). Is this gonna be Konvict Muzik vs. Kanye and D’Banj ‘s G.O.O.D. Music for Naija pop takeover? We’ll have to see. Listen to “Don’t Dull (Remix),” plus see Akon’s tweet below.

Stream: WizKid and Akon “Don’t Dull (Remix)”

Share|

An African Minute: Nigerian Songstress Zara Gretti

November 10, 2011 16 Comments

Zara Gretti is making waves in the Nigerian music scene with her new single “Teno” (below), a nice follow up to her hit “Aboko Ku” — a song that pokes fun at women who’d rather die than live without their man. In addition to her music career, Zara spent a year as an on-air personality at Rhythm 93.7 (the biggest radio station in Nigeria) during her National Youth Service Corp duty days. As an independent act, she’s crossing borders and has caught our attention. Okayafrica asked her 5 questions as part of our An African Minute series.

1. Your music crosses a lot of genres, how do you define your sound?

Ah! My sound! I would describe it as a huge pot of soup. A combination of various ingredients that do well individually yet compliment each other. What you typically hear in my music is my delivery in song (melody), rap, patois and random sounds that just find their way to each track. I use my language (Yoruba) as well as local slang in addition to the English language in my music.

2.You lived in the US before moving back to Nigeria to pursue your music endeavors, why the move? Has Nigeria met your expectations?

I moved because the world enables it. As long as I can exist legally in any part of the world, I am entitled to go there and explore. I’m a Nigerian by birth and a naturalized American. I decided to return home and explore in a nation I had not experienced in over a decade. In the process I am learning more about myself as an African woman, and as an artiste. Expectations? What are those? Ha! Seeing as I had not been in Nigeria for a while and as an adult, I did not have many. I just wanted to learn how the society worked while sharing my music. Now, my expectation for myself is to hone my talent, invest, have fun and leave as big a mark in the international music scene just as other African artists who have come before me have done.

3.You use a lot of native languages in your songs, is there a reason? who inspires you?

As a Nigerian woman, it is important for me to share who I am through my music. I feel as though I am doing myself and my audience a disservice if I’m not myself. Using vernacular in my music is one the ways that I feel I can do that. I am inspired by people who aren’t afraid to be themselves, who take risks and have broken across borders. Fela Kuti and his descendants are major inspirations to me. So is King Sunny Ade, the Marley‘s (Bob especially), Onyeka Onwenu, Miriam Makeba, and LadySmith Black Mambazo. As much as I have been inspired by Africans, non-African women who push the envelope like Madonna, Lauryn Hill, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga also influence me. The new age of Nigerian artists such as Don Jazzy and D’banj (who are now part of Kanye West‘s G.O.O.D Music family) and Wale keep me pushing and show me that there is an outlet for me as a Nigerian artist in the international scene.

4. What do you feel sets you apart from other Nigerian artists? what are your goals in the industry?

I am open to new sounds and experiences. I work with very talented producers like Spankie Doodle, Bigfoot of Micworx, DJ Klem of KnightHouse and many others. I keep it versatile as they all have different styles. I work with other African acts (Nigerians included) and push myself beyond limits. I also laugh a lot and I’m not afraid to make mistakes as long as I learn from them. I intend to build a reliable team and aim to become an international force to be reckoned with by God’s grace.

5. What does Aboko Ku mean?

“Aboko Ku” is a phrase that is generally used to make fun of women who “go through the fire” for their man or men. Haha! Literally it means “follow the husband till death” as a reference to women who wail and jump in their late husband’s grave and beg to be buried with him. I was never a huge advocate of love so when I chose to make my first love song, I had to be able to relate. Aboko Ku is about a love I am yet to encounter, so in this song I am saying that I will wait for him (my Aboko Ku), and when he comes, I’ll love him till death do us part. It was produced by Spankie Doodle and the lovely video was directed by Wudi Awa and shot in Nigeria. The former “Mr. Nigeria,” Kenneth Okolie, played my lover in the video. He went through hell to get to me and all I did was wait for him; a suiting contrast to the song. “Teno,” my latest single is different. The chorus instructs you to step on the gas, pedal to the metal things. It is a song about being driven in life. The track is backed by a major Afro-Techno beat, produced by Spankie who wrecked Aboko Ku as well. People seem to get a sexual innuendo from the song but hey! who doesn’t enjoy a good ride

Be sure to follow Zara on Twitter. Check out African Minute’s interview with a celebrity hair and make up stylist from Zimbabwe, and a cartoonist from Kenya.