In the five years since he made his debut with the album, Bongo Jere Uzo Ije, he has become a household name.
Among his people(the Igbos), for instance he has a hero. Saro-Wiwa’s music rules in market places, Hotels, beer parlors, in buses, social gathering and in the comfort of your home.

Today, non-Igbo speaking people who hardly understand the language of his music and other bongo musicians truly enjoy the rhythm.

Recently, Sunday Entertainment ran into this young bongo musician at a function in Owerri, where he recounted the circumstances that led to his rise from grass to grace in the music industry. The soft-spoken highlife musician whose voice betrays his age, is in his early thirties.

At home, he is a lovable and easy-going person, someone who is deeply in love with the music of his root. And on stage, he is the heir-apparent to the living legend of our time, Dan Orji of the old Peacock International Band.

Unknown to many, Saro-Wiwa whose genre of music has brought joy to millions of Nigerians, studied Urban and Regional Planning, at the Abia State University, Uturu.

Born into a family of musicians, his incursion was therefore no accident.

According to him, his father’s ambition to become a renowned musician was stalled by his grandfather, but nevertheless, he made good his dream by helping his son compose the song late Edere Chukwueke.

For Saro-Wiwa, singing is a divine gift from God as he remarked, “nobody taught me how to sing, except God.”

He said, his “Bongo Jere Uzo Ije” album, which he released four years ago was an expression of his love for adventure. ‘Talk of my other track “Onye Awausa Sanu de ziwa”, the song recaptured the story of my journey to the Northern part of the country.”

Narrating how he started music, Saro-Wiwa, the third in a family of seven said, he never believed he would become a musician someday because his family never supported him.

“ I never believed I’d become a professional musician. Music is a thing I like doing, but when I started singing, my family never supported me. They insisted that I must complete my education.

I did not give up the dream but continued with my education. I love singing, and it’s one of the things that makes me happy.”
Saro-Wiwa released his first album in 1998, unfortunately the album sold only within the Southeast axis was not a hit.

Faced with the challenges of matching strength with other emerging bongo musicians, Saro-Wiwa who started out playing Egwu Atilogwu went back to the drawing board. His second album also failed to impress.

At this point, “I cried to God to see me through, vowing that should my next album fail, I’d abandon music and travel out of the country to seek greener pastures.

Fortunately my third “Bong Jere Uzo Ije” released in 2005 was an instant success.
It was an explosion”

Saro-Wiwa who has since confirmed his rating with the release of “Bongo Jere Uzo Ije” Volume II is working on a special album which he said, will be released during the Easter celebration.

Asked how he came about the name, Saro-Wiwa, the Egbu, Owerri born musician said, “I started bearing the name when I came back from Port-Harcourt, where I sojourned for a very long time. My school mates nicknamed me Saro-Wiwa, because according to them, I look like the late Ken Saro-Wiwa.

In the past when I was called the name, I took offence when I realised that Ken Saro-Wiwa was an activist and a great man who sacrificed his life for the freedom of his people, I resolved to adopt the name as a point of contact for God to enlarge my coast and make me popular all over the universe. And before I knew what was happening, Saro-Wiwa consumed my birth name.
Video – Saro Apalila Egwu

SOURCE – Vanguard Entertainment

The video, which was followed by an incredible link of the casts as lovers, hit the entertainment industry with people feasting on the news that instantly became an hot item for celebrity and entertainment journals, not leaving out the blogs and other news site on the internet.

The romance, which was believed to be a gimmick to attract sales to the video and give D’Banj a hype based on the international recognition of Genevieve Nnaji, who is also on the height of her career judging from a profile-cast of her by American TV host, Oprah Winfrey, on her show, really hit the target with people falling for the line that the duo had indeed fallen in love.

Another twist to the tale was that Genevieve was paid N2 million by the Mo Hit crew for the role she played in the video and that D’Banj actually wanted more than an acting role, as he plotted to woo the actress into a relationship.

Lending credence to this was the MAMA awards 2010, where they both presented an award, the stylish singer made bold his act when he told his co-presenter, Genevieve, right on the stage if she knew they are the hottest couple in Nigeria, and the actress, who wore an embarrassing look, clearly evaded the question.

Though, further investigations also revealed that the duo had a brief romance which wasn’t really serious, before the actress blew in the whistle on whatever ‘deal’ she had with the singer.

Presently, it is said that the actress, for some time now, has been avoiding D’Banj as she reasoned on the effect the love-tale might, in the end, have on her career.

This move is said to have left D’Banj dejected as he actually have dreams of something serious with the actress.

D’Banj, who played a perfect lover’s role confirming his love for Genevieve in different interviews clearly enjoyed the attention.

Fall in Love

SOURCE – Saturday Tribune.

Why do you want to bring Buster Ryhmes to Nigeria?

It is a fact that when Buster Rymes performed in Lagos the other time, his performance was outstanding. I can confirm to you that there was no dull moment. He is somebody with so many hits. Everybody was asking for more. Actually we had it in mind to work with Akon, but we realised that Akon will suit a place like Bayelsa, but that is not now. There is a difference between Buster Rymes and Akon. Buster Rymes will be able to communicate better at this show. We went on a tour in East Africa and people were asking us to tell them about the situation in the Niger Delta. They always ask us what we are doing about the problems in the Niger Delta. It is really disturbing. It is not like what you people see on TV. Out there, they believe that once any white person arrives at the airport, kidnappers will pick him up.

Are there no chances that this foreign artiste could walk away without performing, like Anita Baker did in Nigeria recently?

I don’t think so. I am not ready to tell you what we have in the contract, but I tell you, Buster Rhymes is coming to Asaba, Delta State by the end of this month. There is a TV footage where he publicly said he was coming to Nigeria. If he doesn’t come, his own credibility will be at stake. Each time we perform outside the country, we always make sure we do a TV footage where we announce publicly that we would be coming to that country.

Apart from Buster Ryhmes, which other artistes will be performing?

We have Timaya, AY, Alaye from the UK, Black Solo and 2shotz.

You guys are popular. But don’t you think the N5,000 fee will be too much for people who would want to come for the show?

If it is taking place in Lagos, we will be talking of N20,000. The last time we had a P Square concert in Asaba, we made it N3,000 and the crowd was too much. I am talking about the concert that we had before the release of our current album. Now, we believe that if we make it the same thing, the crowd will be uncontrollable. With Buster Ryme, we are trying to control the crowd by charging N5000. We know the show is for everybody, but the fees will help us to check the turnout.

Are you guys not thinking of doing a ‘collabo’ with other foreign artistes?

Why not? That is the dream of every artiste. There are so many questions surrounding the idea of a collabo between P Square and other artistes. We don’t do our own things the way people go about theirs. We don’t begin to make noise without first doing our homework.

Do you think your current album is as successful as the last one?

Why not? I remember that we toured eight countries in Africa with the Get Squared album. But with the Game Over album, we have been to these countries back-to-back, and an extra nine. The only place left for us to conquer are the four northern African countries: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. By the time we play in these countries, we are done with Africa.

How was the acceptance at the places you have been to?

Apart from acceptance, and I am not blabbing, I can confidently tell you that we are the biggest in Africa. You see, everybody says Nigeria is big, but nobody knows what is happening outside.

So, the show is an opportunity to give back to the society?

Exactly. It is not that we are doing a charity show or something like that, but to at least make people come together and let them know that what is happening is affecting the image of the country outside.

How many copies of your current album have been sold?

In Nigeria, people don?t believe in paying royalty. What we do is a kind of projection: ‘Okay, since the last one sold seven million plus, this one is projected to sell 10 million…’ What we do is that we strike a deal in Nigeria, go to Ghana and strike another deal, then to Gabon, Liberia, Tanzania, Uganda. Here in Nigeria, we have Tjoe, in Ghana, we have another person. In every country, there are different people we work with. What we did for the album in Nigeria was that we calculated how much 10 million copies was worth and the marketer paid us straight away. That is how we do our business. That is why you can never hear any story anywhere that P-Square is ‘dragging’ anything with any marketer. The album sold a million copies in four days; that is the audio. But the surprising part of it is that the day we released the video, the guy printed just 1.5 million copies and sold all the same day. That is Nigeria.

How come people read suggestive meanings to the lyrics of Do Me?

We are asked the same question not only here in Nigeria but in other places. But we know that when we say, ‘do me and I do you’ in Nigeria, it means tit for tat. The explanation we give is that in Nigeria, there is what we call do me and I do you, God no go vex. It is not suggestive at all.

In the Do Me video, you have a crowd of girls. Yet I learnt the video was not shot in Nigeria. How did you come about such a crowd outside Nigeria?

You see, when we wanted to do the video in South Africa, we met different agencies who came with different albums of the girls they had. We then decided to take ten girls from each agency. But what happened was that, immediately the girls heard that P-Square was in town for the video project, they all wanted to feature in it. We said we would pay those that we selected and told the agencies that the rest was their business. That was why the video looks very crowded. But it was nice.

I never thought you could speak so well, considering the fact that you didn’t finish your education before you became famous?

Yeah, I was in school then, at the University of Abuja. But at the same time, we were battling with parents who wanted us to finish school before doing music. God made things possible for us, because if at the end we hadn’t made it, we would have had ourselves to blame. We give God all the glory, because as soon as we finished school, within two weeks, we started achieving our dreams.

Does your fame seem overwhelming at times?

It happens often; not here in Nigeria, but outside. We have just returned from a concert in East Africa, and it is amazing that even Jay-Z and other artistes that had been to the place did not get a quarter of the crowd that we got. I would play the video for you guys before you leave. The reason we decided to take Soundcity along with us was, so that when we talk, there would be proof. For the first time, you are going to see a DVD of P Square’s tour covering 19 countries in Africa, excluding Nigeria. And it is going to be like five minutes of each country. You will see how we live outside Nigeria and how we are accepted. You see, some people are big in Nigeria but they are not known outside. I can tell you that apart from Tuface, no other person is as popular in these countries as P Square, I am not trying to be immodest.

Are you satisfied with the height you have attained or are you still aiming higher?

No, we are not satisfied. It is not all about making money at shows. We are supposed to be making more money from sales. We don?t do proper packaging here. In Tanzania and Kenya, a CD is sold for $7, whereas in Nigeria, it is less than a dollar. But you see, in Nigeria, we sell more because of population. That is the difference. If we can sell over there what we sell in Nigeria, forget it. We are trying to do things according to international standards for Nigerians to know that there is no difference between us and Jay-Z or any other person outside. People tend to do whatever P Square is doing, like the good video. What we keep kicking against is bringing in foreign artistes and paying them a lot of money. What stops you from bringing in about five artistes and pairing each of them with five local artistes? Put it in the contracts of those guys; they will accept it. That is what we want to prove; you can bring in an artiste and still be in charge of the artiste.

Apart from natural talent, what else do you owe your success to?

It is our brother, Jude, who is our manager. He has studied the industry. He knows everything that goes on in the industry. Jude is a very strict disciplinarian. You cannot say you want to go to the club. You can’t try it. You don’t go anywhere here without two or three people asking you what you are going there to do and why another person cannot go for you. That is how we live. There is serious discipline in this house. You don’t see people trooping in here anyhow; it is not possible.

Why is he doing that?

He is more mature and he knows more about the industry. He knows that people are watching. You hear that somebody went to the club and fought and all that, Jude doesn’t allow that. He says whatever you want to do, do it at home. You want to drink? Drink here. You want to go crazy, do it here. You want to play music and make noise, do it here; not anywhere else.

Do you have other siblings?

We do, but we are the last boys in the family. We have an elder sister and the last girl.

How would you describe the family?

It is strong and loving. There is nothing they do in the family without contacting Peter and Paul. Like the house we are planning to build, they made like three sketches and everybody agreed that whatever Peter and Paul said would be the final.

Do you disagree or argue with your twin brother?

It is a normal thing. But, you see, we only do that when we are at home. We don’t go outside and misbehave. Sometimes in the house, we argue and disagree, especially when we are working on a project. That is why inside the house, we are Peter and Paul, but outside the gates, we are P Square.

But outside, you don?t normally dress the same way or wear the same hairstyle?

There was a time Peter was dating a twin and her twin sister expected me to date her, but I didn’t like that. Later, I began to create a different appearance. He cut his hair and I grew dreadlocks. He goes to the gym, but I don?t. I just want that difference between Peter and Paul. That was why Peter was more in the papers; that he was seen with this girl or with that girl. At least, people will not have difficulty in identifying who they see. Whenever something goes wrong, I want people to be able to identify who was involved: is it the one that has (well built) body or the one with the dreadlocks? I just want people to know the difference between Peter and Paul when it comes to looks.

Your mum appears more visible than your dad. What happened?

Our mum is more visible because of the nature of the job she does. She is more of a public person too because she is a preacher; she has a ministry. But my dad is not. My dad does not like anything that has to do with publicity. But my mum controls people. She speaks in public and people listen to her.

If you have a mother who is a gospel person, why have you not considered doing gospel music?

Yeah, there is something you do and God has His own way. There is something my mum always says, ‘Look, God is giving you guys this opportunity because He is preparing you for something.’ I might not know. Maybe she knows. What I know is that I am doing music to make people happy. I don’t preach sex. I want people to leave their bad ways and think about something positive. We are supporting her in her work and she is there praying for us.

Despite the beautiful picture you painted, there are still some scandals trailing P Square?

That is why we have Peter and we have Paul. No scandal can follow me. I am not saying I am perfect. There are people who cannot control stardom; especially my twin brother, he has that stardom ‘thing’ in him. At times, he loses it, but our manager tries as much as possible to let him realise the implications.

What of this story that you were robbed recently in Cameroun?

Nothing like that happened. We are going to Cameroun for the first time, next week. We just came back from Sierra Leone. If you say we were mobbed, I would agree. We were treated as big stars in the country where a big crowd came out to welcome us, old and young. There was a serious traffic to the extent that the police had to release some shots into the air. We were not robbed but mobbed.

How do you handle girls who would want to get attached to you by all means?

One way or the other, we make them realise that we have our own girlfriends. But I don’t think that is working any more. When you tell them you have a girlfriend, that is when they come even harder, believing they can compete and win. The one that is happening now, which is worse, is that when we are performing, about six or seven girls will be showing us their underwears. It is no longer funny. There are different ways girls try to attract us, but I wish they understand that we too are human. We have our own differences and our life. But we appreciate them, because we cannot do without them.

Are you currently dating someone?

Yeah, I am dating. I have been dating the same person since I was in school.

You are still seeing the same person?

Why not? It gives me the opportunity to remain focused and in control. If you have a girlfriend, no matter the pressure from others, you are somehow stabilised.

Can you tell us her name?

I am not afraid to say it; her name is Anita.

Is she a known person?

No, she is not in the public.

You don’t appear arrogant like people think P Square is?

That is what we are saying. In life, it is not everybody that likes you, no matter what you do. There are some people who would want to pull you down or spoil your name. I keep telling people that it is when you come close to us that you know the type of people we are. We even advise fellow artistes. You know there are some who you can predict where they are at a particular time, especially clubs or joints; we don’t do that. We don’t shout outside because of where we grew up, in Jos, which is a very quiet place where everyone minds their business.

You are here talking to us as a perfect gentleman and yet you go wild on stage. Do you take stuff to do that?

This is Paul sitting. It is P Square that is on stage. That is what happens. I don’t take stuff. What happens is that we love performing and dancing. The reason why people misbehave outside is that they don’t separate their private lives from their public lives. We get on stage and go crazy, but after that, we are normal. We get on stage and see no one in particular.

The other time I spoke with your mum, she expressed confidence that you would still come back to work for God?

Mum always believes that I am going to become a pastor, but that is too late now. She knows, however, that what we are doing is a positive thing for humanity.

What more should we expect from P Square?

We are working on our packaging. There is something in Nigeria, which we don’t see whenever we go outside. We only say we are giants but we are not organised. Outside Nigeria, no radio or television station will play my song without paying me royalty. You could crosscheck that on the computer. Do you think NTA will pay me for playing my song? Imagine some companies using my songs to launch their products without striking a deal with me.

Where do you see yourself and Anita in a few years?

I don’t know. Only God can decide that.

P SQUARE : Do ME

SOURCE: The Punch

Related Links:

P SQUARE at NMA 2008

2FACE Idibia:

Award winning song by the award winning artiste 2FACE have been remixed, replayed and performed in more versions than can be counted.

The song no doubt has got it retinue of fans which to a lady is a classic love song and to a man it is an eulogy and tribute but a true confession of love.

Here are the many version of African Queen original recorded by 2FACE:

African Queen (Original Version)

African Queen (New Slow Version)

African Queen Lyrics Slides:

Jordan with Jade singing African Queen:

Vanessa:

Justin and Rich from FTL:

Alvin and The Chipmunks Version:

AFRICAN QUEEN [[DJ DARREN RMX]]

Chello – African Queen

Official Website of 2FACE

Kween - The Jebele Lady:

Kween as she is popularly known is taking the Nigerian Music industry by storm just like her predecessor compatriots.

‘Jebele’ her chart bursting album has won her two awards and she is threatening that she has a lot to offer the thrieving Nigerian music industry; and the good news is that she has been in the studio recording.

Her new album, she says will be hitting the airwaves in August and she is giving her fans a peep into the things to come. She says the title of the album is ‘Kween don Come’.

Bio:
Queen Chinyere Onokala is a soul and R&B musician from Nigeria. She is a native of Abia state and she speaks fluent Igbo, Yoruba and English

She started singing in a church choir in Abeokuta when she was then. She grew up listening to thelikes of Erykah Badu, Toni Braxton and Whitney Houston. She went on to perform in several clubs, concerts and special occasions all over Nigeria

She also enjoys modeling, owns Kweens fashions and enjoys interior decoration.

She is managed by Ruffsounds productions. Museke

As you kween lovers await she majesty’s new album, we will like to tell you that she has been speaking with Ademola Alawiye of The Punch.

The Interview:

WHEN did you get into music?

I started in church; I was a choir member in the church. When I went to school in Abuja, I got a job with a band at Sheraton Hotel, where I worked for two-and-a-half years. But my first professional job is my first single, which was released in 2001 titled, Olurombi.

It‘s nothing special. Well, growing up was fun. I was just doing amala and sand as breakfast, just like any other kid. I was born in Enugu State. I moved to Abeokuta when I was pretty much young because my dad was a soldier and he was transferred there. I had primary education in Abeokuta. I went to Command Secondary School, Abakaliki. I was a normal girl. I was very skinny and nobody looked my way. I didn‘t have a boyfriend, although I was not bothered. I had fun in school. I came out with good grades. Thereafter, I went to the University of Abuja, where I studied public administration.

Why did you choose to become a musician?

I chose music because I discovered it early and it was what I wanted to do. I was in love with music early. I was so passionate about music so I decided to stick to it because, when you stick to what you love doing, you do it well.

We hear you are into fashion these days?

Everybody is into fashion, but if you say I want to start a fashion outfit, then, it‘s different. But my fashion line (K.Q.) is going to be ready soon. We are going to launch it soon. We are basically going to be dressing the ladies, grannies, mummies, gals and all of that. We are going to be dressing them trendy and everything has to do with African fabrics.

Will it not affect your musical career?

I don‘t see it affecting my musical career because fashion is another form of art. So there is time for music and there is time for art.

Jebele seems to have slot you into the limelight…?

Yes, Jebele has won two awards. My first award was from the Nigerian Music Video Award in 2007. I was nominated in five categories. My second award was at the Sound City Music Video Awards.

Is that music a personal experience?

Yes, it is a personal experience.

A man jilted you?

No, the question should be, ‘Did I jilt any man?‘ I jebelise men; they don‘t jebelise me.

Why did you say so?

Of course, when they misbehave, you give room for amendments and corrections for a way forward and there‘s no change. Then, you have to move forward because we were never born as twins. So both parties have to go their separate ways if it‘s not working. And that‘s what I do because it‘s healthy for me to live that way.

Are you doing any other album soon?

My album is coming out in August titled, ‘Kween don come.‘

Your Afro hair has become an identity. Do you wish to change it?

Change is the only thing that is constant. I don‘t know what tomorrow holds, but for now I am okay with it and I‘m not afraid of changing.

Is it true that you are a single mother?

Yes, I‘m a single proud mother.

Could that be the reason why you are not married?

No, I don‘t think so. I will be married when it‘s time to be married. I can‘t rush into marriage because everybody thinks it‘s the right thing to do in the society. I will get married at the right time to the right person, who loves me for me and who loves my child unconditionally.

We heard you dated a former army general who bought a house for you?

I never dated an army general, but if you have one you can bring him so that he can buy me a house in the GRA.

How come you have plenty scandals around you?

Tell me about them.

They also say you smoke marijuana?

I don‘t smoke at all. I started drinking recently; I take red wine and it‘s good for the heart. That‘s what my doctor recommended.

They also say you are a lesbian?

I‘ve heard that. It‘s old and stale. Demola, why are you bringing this back? I‘m not a lesbian. They have said so and they can keep saying so, it‘s their problem. I don‘t give a shit.

Do these scandals bother you?

Do I look bothered? I don‘t look bothered one bit because everybody is entitled to his or her opinion.

What is your vision like?

My personal vision will be to have a successful career, to have a long span career, to be recognised internationally, to win MTV and Grammy awards. My vision for the Nigerian music industry is for us to grow, to have good record labels that can look after artistes and their needs and have good management structure.

You and Weird MC are close friends. Any hope of doing collaboration with her?

I already have a collaboration done with Weird MC. It was a gospel track titled, Temini. And we are open to working together, any day any time.

Who is your role model?

My mother. In the music world, I love (the late) Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. He is a great role model, although he‘s not here with us but his works still live on. I love Asha; I think she‘s a kind of person one should look up to. I aspire to be like her because she‘s original and creative.

Tell us about growing up?

It‘s nothing special. Well, growing up was fun. I was just doing amala and sand as breakfast, just like any other kid. I was born in Enugu State. I moved to Abeokuta when I was pretty much young because my dad was a soldier and he was transferred there. I had primary education in Abeokuta. I went to Command Secondary School, Abakaliki. I was a normal girl. I was very skinny and nobody looked my way. I didn‘t have a boyfriend, although I was not bothered. I had fun in school. I came out with good grades. Thereafter, I went to the University of Abuja, where I studied public administration.

As we await ‘Kween do come’; we will like to ask her majesty to take life easy with all these talk talk in the air from one scandal to the other. There are so many younger and aspiring artist looking up to you; please do all that you can to set good examples for them.

May Her Majesty’s Days be LONG!

Jebele: The Music

Ikechukwu a.k.a International Killz
Born in Manassass Virginia to Nigerian Parents
Raised in (…..) Lagos

Singles:
1. My Name is Ikechukwu

Albums:
1. Life and Times of Killz Vol.1
2. Son of the Soil
Launch/Release: July 15th
others

Like You: Ikechukwu ft Wande Coal

Images Sources: Internet

The Nigeria Music Award 2008 was held over the weekend at Owerri, the Imo State capital. It will not pass without notice that the Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim despite the odds is poised to make Owerri the entertainment haven for Nigeria. The Hospitality of Owerri poeple was on display and the award lived up to the biddings.

And the Winners are:

Nigerian Artiste of the Year Award: P Square

Album of the Year Award: Grass 2 Grace by Tu Face

R$B Song of the Year Award: Tu Face

Song of the Year award : Yahooze by Olu Maintain

Best Higlife Artiste of the Year: Nda Chineke by Ugo Stevenson

Best Gospel Artiste of the Year: Sammy Okposo

Best Traditional Gospel Artiste: Paul Nwokocha

Best New Artiste Male: 9ice

Best Female Artiste of the Year: T.Y Bello

congratulations to all the winners and the PMAN’s exco led by Tony Okoroji for a wonderful organisation. Let us hope PMAN returns to its past glory.

POSTSCRIPT:

Evangelist Sunny Okosuns, passed away over the weekend.

He was one of the best musicians of his time in the aparthied freedom themed music era and pre-democracy Nigeria. Adieu, the ozidi King.

Written by: Ogbonna Amadi .

Members of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in Imo State have
expressed their delight at the historic opportunity given to Imo to be the first state in the federation
to host Nigeria’s biggest entertainment event, the Nigerian Music Awards.

Preparations by musicians in Imo State for the NMA festivities which will light up the state for the entire weekend of May 23 to 25 have reached fever pitch.

In a letter dated April 10, 2008, addressed to Governor Ikedi Ohakim, signed by the Imo State PMAN Chairman, Dr. Sam Villa Ekeocha and fifteen of the most respected musicians in the state, the musicians’ body wrote.

“The entire members of PMAN, Imo State, Chapter wishes to use this medium to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the honour and pride you have done to the Imo State artistes in particular and the entire Imo citizens by ensuring that the 2008 Nigerian Music Awards is held in Imo State. More amazingly, we know that this is the 1st time that the Award will be held outside Lagos and Abuja”

The Imo PMAN Chapter went on to commend Governor Ohakim for his interest and efforts in the upliftment and promotion of culture and tourism in the state.

Stating, “We are especially excited and filled with great joy and happiness that your laudable programmes of activities and focus towards the realization of the New Face of Imo agenda and the Clean & Green initiative which are aimed at repositioning Imo State as the most peaceful and cleanest state in the federation are beginning to yield fruits”

Among the musicians who signed the letter are Chief Herbert Udemba of the African Baby Party, one of the first musicians ever to be recorded in Nigeria; Chief Soki Ohale, one of Imo’s most respected performing artists who presently holds the position of the state’s Director of Arts & Culture; Nze Dan Orji, a leader of the famous Peacocks International Band and Chief Vincent Okorogu of Ikenga Superstars fame, a former chairman of the Imo PMAN Chapter.

The signatories also include another former Chairman of the Chapter, Kingsley Dallas Anyanwu, the celebrated lead singer of Sweet Breeze; Chief Dan Satch Opara, leader of Oriental Brothers Band; Douglas Chukwueke of Olariche fame and other celebrated stars like Jonel Cross, Dr. Jerry Boifriend and Chief (Mrs.) Esther Osigwe better known as Es Doris of the Nkuta fame. Other signatories are Chief Chris Chikere of Great Heroes Band, Saro Wiwa of Bongo Music, Chima Eke of Obara Eze fame and Chubby of Akwassa Group.

Via: Vanguard