CHARLES NOVIA AND MAJEK FASHEK

Today I want to write about two people I like so much: Frontline musician,Majek Fashek and talented filmmaker cum many other things,Charles Novia. I like Majek because he gave us entertainment of the highest quality,on stage and in records from the late 1980s through the entire 90s,then sufaced from nowhere to drop one of the very best albums of the 2000s - Little Patience. And that is where my affection for Charles started.

Like Aibtonia did some years back, Charles Novia saw beyond the horrible press on the artiste and took on the daring responsibility of resurrecting Majek's recording career (well,in Nigeria that is) about four years ago.It turned out to be a very successful venture from an artistic and commercial point of view, as Majek's reggae/rock/afrobeat - lased pangolo music surprisingly caught on effortlessly with the hiphop incensed youths.The only minus in the whole thing was that Novia kept promising that Majek will return to the country by November of that year to stage concerts across the country (and went ahead to further wet the fans' appetite by releasing a video compilation of live material from the US ) - a promise he never fulfilled; and to the best of my knowledge no credible excuse or even an apology was given.

It would appear that 'a lot of water has passed through the bridge' as my people would say, since then. Majek Fashek has been in Nigeria since last November, but from available reports, not at the instance of November Records (Novia's company).More significantly, from the moment he landed in Nigeria, according to press reports, Majek has been dissociating himself from the planned film on his life by Novia.Novia has also consistently responded by affirming that all is well between the two of them and that the film will go on as planned.Well and good.

My interest and concern on the matter was however aroused when I read an article on Majek by Charles Novia on saturday. Now, I do not know what Charles intended to achieve with that article: promote Majek or destroy him ? However I think articles like that do more damage than good to Majek's already severely battered image.

Let's put this in it's proper perspective: In the 1980s when Majek burst into the scene as a very lively twenty-something year old with the rest of his ghetto-bred hommies like Victor Essiet and Ras Kimono,he was obviously the most handsome and photogenic.Like Kris Okotie before him,it was difficult to assertain what really drew the large turnout of ladies to his shows - the music or the look ? Today, almost 30 years later, things have changed and Majek is a lot leaner with the wrinkles of age now very obvious. But so what ?

The legendary Fela went through exactly the same physical transformation, but that did not stop him from creating the best music of his life. Another superstar, Sunny Okosuns who dedicated his latter years to propagating the Gospel also had a similar experience. What then is the point in flogging this issue of Majek's 'new look'. Majek Fashek made his name as a musician, not some corporate exec. or model. So the question is; does he still have the music in him ? Can he still perform ?

Little Patience, a great work by all standards, showed clearly that Majek still has the music in abundance, while his recent one-man performance to honour Fela at the shrine,plus November Records' video release also proved that his thrilling stage presence is still intact. However,and most dissappointingly, Majek has been in the country for three months now, yet no major shows have been organised for him, and millions of his fans - both old and young - across the country. All we see are unnecessary write-ups like Novia's, alluding to drinking problems,spiritual problems, 'substances',olokun deity, and what have you. If this is what Novia's Majek film is going to be all about, then I'll advise that he drops the idea, otherwise Majek's kids will sue the life out of him !

And for the records, Majek Fashek has, despite his weaknesses been one of the best role-models among Nigerian artistes, or in fact Nigerian men as a whole. First he has extremely strong family value.His life has always revolved around his family : From his late mum to his wife and kids.I cannot remember ever reading or hearing any tale of Majek being involved in extramarital issues of any kind. Second, his music is entirely devoid of vulgar language or themes, but always addressing positive issues ,and from a very honest and frank position. Tracks like Jobe Lamentation and I'm Not Tired contain very deep philosophy that can only come out of a very perceptive mind.

What the likes of Charles Novia should realise is that the music of iconic artistes like Fela, Majek ,Bob Marley and Jimi Hendricks, amongst others transcend the physical and is deeply rooted in the spiritual. Except you are like them you cannot really understand what they go through emotionally - which of course sometimes manifests in wierd outward behaviour of one form or the other.Majek was born a Dada. Although he took after Bob Marley's music he is not a rastafarian: His Christian faith is easily discernible in all his albums. But there always has been something mystical about him. He is not called 'rainmaker' for nothing.In those days,when he performed Send Down The Rain, the skies obliged.This is no fiction.

But who cares really ? So long as the music continues to flow , and as sweet as the song I Am Not Afraid. The real challenge for Charles Novia and concert promoters across Nigeria is to get Majek back on stage; at Lekki beach, Ogbe Stadium , Abuja, Polo Club, wherever. Put the red gown on his back,the handcuffs, the bell........Let loose the Prisoner of Conscience ! Let the rain fall !

THE BEEF MASTERS,2FACE THE UNSTOPPABLE,HARUNA ILERIKA,FUJI GREATS,BAFANA BAFANA,SUPER EAGLES AND SA 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND FULFILLING NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL !

Back in the day,Christmas season used to be characterised by Church Service (for Christians ),harmattan weather,empty highways from late November,endless and assorted bangers,and of course rice and chicken !Now apart from the religeous rites which remains a constant,a lot has changed:The harmattan which gave the season a distinctive and very welcome feel is not there while traffic jams continue right up till Christmas eve.

Notwthstanding these however,Christmas still remains Christmas,a unique occassion when everyone somehow manages to wear a glowing face and shares good tidings with his/her neighbours. In this spirit therefore I wish you all a merry Christmas and a wonderful and blessed new year ahead.

THE BEEF MASTERS

Well the beef game is not in any way new to Naija music;what's new is the immaurity that some of our young hip hoppers are displaying.I mean the juju music scene in the 70s was laden with beef.The fuji music scene is characterised by beef till this day,and I'm sure that there'll always be beef in music.The hallmark of the great artistes is the fact that they craft beef into a veritable art form - a classic!In these songs the listener,despite strong suspicion of the subject under reference is still at ease to interprete the lyrics in a thousands of other positive ways.

But when an artiste records lyrics directly mentioning a competitor's name within extremely uncomplimentary statements (e.g "why you too dey rap like mumu?"),it is exactly like approaching that person face to face on the street and asking for a fight.That is not art;not even freedom of speech.That is violence,and therefore a crime!And that was exactly what Ruggedman did with his 'song' Ehen a few years back.It is to Ruggedman's credit however that,with the passage of time he has refined his ways and even did a collabo with one of the subjects of his beef,Eidris Abdulkareem (who in any case is a much more accomplised and successful recording artiste).His (i.e Ruggedy's) last album was clean, refreshing and very creative.

Unfortunately,the problem with sowing a bad seed is that you may not be able to control its fruits.In an ironic twist,Ruggeddy himself has become the prey in the latest edition of the beef game,with Modenine the predator.Death Blow is as scary a title as any song could get;and when the words pt 1 is added it becomes even scarier because you never know what will follow!The lyrics are indeed strong,to say the least:One of the lines describes the subject as having "cocoayam head,long neck - like a guinea fowl " !Thankfully Rugged's name is not mentioned.

While this madness is going on however,some other rappers are elevating their game and pushing rap closer to mainstream acceptance in the country.Naeto C and Kel fall into this category,with DJ Jimmy Jatt also contributing.In any case,instead of going about copying yankie rap hook,line and sinker,our self-ordained master lyricists should take a cue from Lord of Ajasa's So Fenuso which is not only original but very successful commercially.

I further advise our young 'beefmasters' to also learn from the Faze/2Face diatribes.It spawned two classic songs that will most certainly join the list of evergreens in Nigerian music:Faze Alone and See Me So:That is talent for you.The production quality of most of these beef songs is so appalling that you begin to wonder if the artistes involved are serious with their art in the first place.

My advice: Don't kill your career before it is born .

FUJI GREATS

Still on the subject of hip hop,VH-1 an influencial magazine recently released its list of the 100 greatest hip-hop songs ever,and it's been controversy ever since.What else do you expect in a list that does not include Carlifornia Love (Tupac),Rebel Without A Pause (PE),or Ice Ice Baby (Vanilla Ice).On my part,I only think Jay Z should be higher up,while Sugarhill Gang's Rappers Delight is my No. 1 any day.That was the song that took our (my ?) virginity away !

Vh-1's list gave me inspiration to think of the greatest Naija hip hop songs,of which only the Remedies' Shakomo and Sade seem sure in my head for now.The list that however clearly forms itself is that of the 10 greatesat fuji songs of all time.Here we go from bottom up:

10.YOBOROYOBOSIN - Fuji Sandoka.

Never mind if he never did any other thing as close,this was a masterpiece for Bobo Sandoka.

9.OPON APALA .... - Musiliu Haruna Ishola

Well this should be Apala really,but since the word is hardly mentioned anymore I guess we'll have to give this son-of-a-legend's huge hit a place among the fuji greats.

8.LAKUKULA - Kollington Ayinla

This was a huge hit for kollington,and won for him many of his big rival's fans at the time.

7.ASAKASA - Obesere

Real and down to earth lewd in the classic 2 Live Crew sense; shot omo rapala to limelight.

6.FUJI GARBAGE - Ayinde Barrister

The master himself.This was the beginning of many more great things to come for the undisputed king of fuji.

5.OROBOKIBO - Pasuma Wonder

This motorpark anthem of the 80s paved the way for arambabi's immense success till date.

4.FUJI REGGAE - Ayinde Barrister

The song that first gave fuji a cross-over appeal, way back in the 70s

3.IYO YOYO - Kollington Ayinla

A wild dancefloor hit that stunningly broke into mainstream niteclub DJ's playlists,competing

with american disco songs.Awesome!

2.BUBBLE - Adewale Ayuba

This song completed the cross-over journey started by Ayinde Barrister's Fuji Reggae,and

finally gave Fuji nationwide acceptance.Ayuba's urban popstar looks and electrifying dance

contributed immensely to the success of the song.

THE NUMBER ONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSS..............................

1.The greatest fuji song of all time is Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (now K1 The Ultimate)'s FUJI COLLECTION .Simply put,it was more popular than anything before or after it!

I must however add that there are a lot of other talented and exciting acts in the fuji world.If you are a fan of Malaika,Saheed Osupa,Sunny T,Remi Aluko,Atawewe,etc etc,don't worry.Your acts will certainly feature in the sequel sometime in future.

HARUNA ILERIKA

If you have been following this blog you would have known by now that I started following Nigerian football at a very (very!) early age in the 1970s.You know that I grew up in Lagos - Surulere to be precise.You know therefore that Stationery Stores was my darling team !

I witnessed the second generation of Stores,which developed from the all-conquering 'olympics' team of 1968,and there were still a lot of exciting players in the team who also played for The Nigerian National Team.But something unique was happening: A truely exceptional young talent had emerged,and he was the most popular secondary school student in lagos at the time.Like Pele and Maradona did in Brazil and Argentina,Haruna Ilerika took Nigeria by storm very early in his life.Stores signed him straight from school,while The Nigerian National Team followed suit.What was the attraction in a petite,thin and short footballer?

Answer: His left foot !!!!! There is no doubt that Ilerika's left foot was made from the same heavenly factory as Maradona's.Only that Maradona's was much thicker ! Ilerika must go on record as the only dribbling centre forward ever.He was nicknamed the 'tailor' because of the way he measured his 'victims' on the pitch before 'heighting' them or passing through their 'window'! For a spell of almost ten years,he personified the phenomenen called Stores,the Flaming Flamengoes,and multiplied the attraction and popularity of the team.

Although officially recognised as one of Africa's best players of his era,his retirement years were tinted by poverty until very recently when Governor Fashola's government absorbed him into the hierarchy of the Lagos State Sports adminisration ( a local magazine,Style Africa was the first to expose his life of squalor some years ago).Haruna Ilerika passed on a few weeks ago.

As I weep,I wish to join in condoling his family and to pray to alAlmighty God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

May his Soul rest in Peace.

BAFANA BAFANA,SUPER EAGLES AND WORLD CUP 2010

I'm often baffled when when I hear people talk about the South African National Team,Bafana Bafana as if they are minnows in African football.Well,they are certainly not.As far back as 1996 The Bafana Bafana were already African champions,and followed up with an inspiring performance at the World Cup.They've also produced some of the most exciting players in the African continent:Mark Fish,Phil Masinga,Lucas Radebe,and Doctor Khumalo the dribbling maestro,to name but a few.

Although results have been poor in the last few years,there has been a timely rejevunation in the team as they build up towards the 2010 World Cup to be held in their country.The SAFA should therfore continue to support the current technical crew of the team and take no action that will destablise the group.I believe South Africa as hosts ,stands the greatest chance of doing Africa proud at the tournament.

The Nigerian Super Eagles also stands a big chance of doing well at the competition,although they will have to qualify first.Immensely talented and vastly experienced coach Amodu Shaibu has to be given due credit for turning the character of the team full cycle at so short a time;from the 'super chickens' of the Nations Cup to record breakers in the World and Nations Cups qqualifiers.Indeed,Amodu's Eagles' performance has turned out,together with the Olympic outing, to be the only good thing about Nigerian football in 2008.

Unfortunately,as often the case in Nigeria the armchair critics seem determined to derail

the smooth sail of the team,just because they don't like the coach's face.They say the team is not playing well:That they were only lucky to have played the minnows of African football.They say the coach must replace the current 'tired legs' of the team with the fresh legs of the Olympic team.In fact,they even want the team's captain Yobo to be replaced (with immediate effect !) by the Olympic team's Dele Adeleye - the new found defence stalwart and saviour of Nigerian football ! As a matter of fact the all-knowing critics ,after the second round World Cup draws,declared Nigeria's imminent qualification no big deal,a fait accompli ! They want the Olympic coach Siasia to replace (or at best be drated to work jointly with) Amodu immediately so Nigeria can be guaranteed victory at the World Cup proper.

So while South Africa is gradually putting her acts together for a sussessful World Cup outing,Nigeria's self-destruct elements are threatening her own path to glory.

Please leave Amodu alone to do his job as best as he can.

2FACE THE UNSTOPPABLE, MAJEK FASHEK NEGLECTED

Despite his growing noteriety for 'enterring the place',2face Idibia continues to impress me as an artiste and as a professional.His latest album is world class in terms of production,and true to his word,it features an R.Kelly - written and produced track,Flex.This therefore not only extends Tu's impressive list of firsts,but represents a huge leap forward for Nigerian hip hop as a whole.

On the other hand,I've observed with huge dissappointment the near total neglect of reggae icon,Majek Fashek since he came back to the country about two months ago.It's unbelievable that one of Nigeria's true true living legends is around but does not feature in any of the big Christmas concerts.Instead,it is the same old bad press about his 'new look' (which has been 'new' for over ten years now !) and the stale speculations about drug use that we see in the press on a regular basis:One writer even made a veiled prediction this week that the old man may just be on his way...They are doing this to a man who has already confessed to having emotional and spiritual problems of which he has been battling to come out of.Is this the way to help him out ?

Yet Majek was at the Afrika Shrine recently to honour Fela with a superb performance with his voice and guitar to the delight of all.Are MTN,Nigerian Breweries,Glo and the rest of them saying they are not aware of Majek's pedigree as a performer?

Wake up Nigeria.Let's honour,not kill our heroes.