MOBO: Mide – ‘E.G’ | Album Review

Having gained critical acclaim for his brand of original soulful musicality of wide-ranging influences via his recent singles ‘Mainstream’, ‘Unlikely’ and ‘Wind Chimes’, British singer/songwriter Midé drops his long-awaited debut album ‘E.G.’ and with it, takes us on a transcendent journey of differing musical moods.

This album as a whole soundscape is a non-skippable enjoyable listen from start to finish. Nothing fills like filler, every track feels right in where it is placed on the album – it’s all completely organic. Each track lives as its own entity displaying such execution and gravitas making it hold its own. It’s an honest body of work that gives you a warm fuzzy hug and embraces you with every nuance of its musicianship, production, lyrics, vocal harmonies and musical styles to enhance your feelings to a higher level.

There’s true talent in Midé’s voice but also in picking out sounds that go with it too. At times, he sounds like a husky lighter version of Seal, then he will have that air of John Legend about him but it’s done in a way of reverence and respect more than anything else. He knows he has his own identity and his influences have helped colour that to this amazing creative point for him. The genres that he touches on within these songs include Reggae, Soul, Folk, Ska and R&B whilst still staying true to the instrumentation and acoustic vibe of live intimate music. It’s an album that could open him up to a new audience, an album for people who appreciate real music that affects people and makes them feel something – music of substance and fullness.  

‘E.G’ stands as a definitive artistic statement, about who Midé is and where the London native is as an artist and musician in 2014. It allows him to portray and hold up a mirror to his sensibilities as an artist and brings his creative melodic art to life. This is a promising original piece of art that showcases some of the finest sublime Soul music I’ve heard in a while.

From the groovy feel–good album opener ‘Face The Music’ which calls the listener to leave their worries behind, to the fitting album curtain call ‘Holding On’ which pays a sincere reverence to Mide’s late father, and its twelve glorious songs in between, this album is brimming with some very excellent music, brought together by captivating vocals and impassioned songwriting from start to finish.

Whether it is exquisitely written songs or vocal dexterity or lush musical milieus that you indeed are looking for, ‘E.G’ certainly does not disappoint. With the support of a bevy of fine British musicians such as Chris Atwell (Bass), Krysztof Syposz (Bass), Feranmi Oguns (Drums), Ben Trickey (Guitar), Signature Horns and Izzy Jones, Izzy Protheroe and Lottie Fletcher (Strings), Midé delivers a beautiful debut album that will not only serve as the soundtrack for the rest of your 2014 but will also stand the test of time for years to come.

Purchase on iTunes: Midé – ‘E.G.’

Keep up to date with Midé and his latest musical developments via Facebook, Twitter and his Website.

Author: Kamran Assadi

Full Article Link – http://mobo.com/news-blogs/mide-%E2%80%93-eg-album-review

MOBO Interview: Joy Osaiah Talks To MOBO

Joy Osaiah

At MOBO, we enjoy picking up on fresh new talent especially when it resides on UK shores. Oxford-hailing singer/songwriter Joy Osaiah is a wondrous breath of melodic and soulful fresh air to the UK Soul & Hip-Hop scene. Having heard her debut single ‘Reality’, we couldn’t resist a chance to talk in depth with her about her craft, influences and future projects.  

 

Who inspired you musically whilst growing up?

Whilst growing up, everything was an influence; my parents have very eclectic musical tastes. There was always music in the house. My parents were always playing Soul, Reggae, African music or Gospel, whilst my brothers and I would play Hip-Hop. Growing up in the church meant that gospel was a major influence on me musically. 90’s R&B and Hip-Hop formed my musical identity with artists like Aaliyah, Brandy, Eternal and TLC being a revelation to me.

How important is the way you represent yourself in all aspects as an artist?

Very important, I feel like your image as an artist is really an extension of who you are as a person so it’s important to me that I am represented in the most authentic way. At the same time as a creative person, there is a desire to stand out from the crowd somehow, so finding the balance is the tricky part.

How important do you think it is to be strong in your own writing skillset to tell the story/situation you want to tell?

This is such a key thing. I couldn’t imagine not being able to write my own songs – songwriting is your voice. Nobody can say what you want to say better than you can, it is a gift I am truly grateful for.

Can you tell us more about your debut single ‘Reality’ and how it came about?

‘Reality’ as a song was inspired by a dream I had – there was a guy I really liked at the time. So the song is just exploring the emotions around unrequited love and what you do when you think someone is ‘the one’ and they don’t seem to feel the same.

Do you have any other plans in terms of releasing any more singles? Any other creative projects lined up?

Absolutely. I am toying with the idea of putting out another two singles. I’m really looking forward to sharing more of the music in the coming weeks. I’m already thinking about the next project which will be a mixtape. I’m so excited because the mixtape is built around a concept that has been on my heart for a long time.

What can we expect from your upcoming debut EP in terms of its sounds and concept?

The upcoming EP ‘The Banks of Cherith’ is a soulful Hip-Hop debut. I am definitely drawing on my early Hip-Hop influences. I have tried to be interesting in terms of the songwriting, but the general concept of the EP is about accepting your destiny and being fully immersed in what you know you should be doing with your life.

Which artists do you look up to?

There are many artists that I love and look up to. Singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Chaka Khan, Karen Clark, and Mary J Blige – because of their vocal expression. Also, Little Brother, Biggie Smalls, Common and J Dilla for their refusal to be anything but honest. It’s something that really inspires me – the hard soulful beats and the flow, it’s just a crazy combination. I love many African artists such as Fela Kuti, Asa and Oliver de Coque – their songwriting formed part of the social consciousness of the society of the time and I think that is such a powerful thing. I totally adore Annie Lennox, because she is a woman who is unafraid of laying her heart bare in such a beautiful way. When I listen to her, I learn.

What are your thoughts on the development of the Hip-Hop/Soul genre in the UK?

I think it’s amazing to see that UK Hip-Hop is forming the main scene for popular music in this country. What people like Tinie Tempah and Wretch 32 have achieved is amazing. The Boy Better Know Camp have built their own musical identity and brand, so it’s definitely a genre that is developing nicely. The only thing is that when a genre of music becomes popular and big business gets involved, it can be hard for the artist to maintain their musical authenticity in the face of pressure placed on them to sell. How many of the UK Hip-Hop artists truly like the music that they make?

Who would you love to collaborate with?

I would love to do something with Emeli Sande – she really is a great songwriter and she expresses her music in such an honest way. Also, Florence and the Machine as her songs are amazing – she always has something uplifting to say. In terms of beats, I would say Labrinth as his production is outstanding.

What does success mean to you?

I guess success to me is getting to the end of your life and feeling like you used every gift that you were given. You did all that you were supposed to do – nothing was wasted. So in a small way, you have left an impact on the world around you.

Knowing where you are now, what advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?

DO NOT BE AFRAID – at one time I was so scared of what people thought or might say, I would tell myself to just go for it. No one will accept you until you accept yourself. Hiding away won’t make you any happier, you might as well just get out there and live.

Download: Joy Osaiah – Reality

Keep up to date with Joy and her latest musical endeavours via Facebook, Twitter and her Website.

Author: Kamran Assadi

Full Article Link – http://www.mobo.com/news-blogs/joy-osaiah-talks-mobo

WPGM: Best New Music: Kylie Minogue – Kiss Me Once (Album)

Kiss Me Once – Kylie Minogue

This month brings with it a new album Kiss Me Once from one of Pop’s favourite and most-respected singers, Aussie princess and current The Voice UK judge – Kylie Minogue. Since the release of her last album Aphrodite, things have changed a lot behind the scenes in her own career. Getting rid of her long-standing management to join the very hip Roc Nation management roster as well as taking on new producers and songwriters to collaborate with, on this new album – it’s been a sea of change for Kylie.

This album has been over two years in the making to make it right and ready to be released into the world. It’s something you can feel she curated and worked hard at. Although we were given the very urban/Dubstep-leaning buzz track “Skirt” last year, showing a very different change in her artistic direction (which did worry some Kylie lovers and fans alike), Kylie has kept things very Pop and Disco whilst blending other genre touches with a true updating of her sound to give us one of her best and most cohesive albums to date.

Getting into the album, lead single “Into The Blue” is an euphoric self-empowerment anthem that sets the album’s artistic direction on the right foot and naturally sets the tone for it. It’s a majestic, thumping dancefloor anthem with a killer chorus and a beautiful bridge that is just pure Kylie. “Million Miles” starts with something that Kylie hasn’t had on a track for a long time, it’s a guitar intro! It can throw you off but the throbbing beat soon comes in and rescues the track. A true guitar-infused Dance-Pop tune talking about feeling detached from sexual activity and obviously enjoying it. It keeps the pace of the album going and keeps it all mid-tempo.

“I Was Gonna Cancel” is a brilliant album highlight and yes it has that ‘Midas Touch’ from producer extraordinaire Pharrell Williams. It feels upbeat and full of encouragement (the song is based on a real life experience from Kylie having a bad day and bursting into tears at the recording studio with Pharrell) with disco-grooves in all the right places. An atmospheric choir in the background, Kylie harmonies, groovy Funk/Electronica beats and Pharrell’s trademark cowbell sound make this a must-listen – definitely potential single material!

“Sexy Love” is another potential guitar-driven single that screams summer vibes. It’s sexy and full of feel-good bounciness. It’s full of beautiful melodies and huge hooks – it’s the type of dance-pop that Kylie shines on. Addictive and another potential single material! “Sexercise” is co-written by multi-talented Aussie singer/songwriter Sia Furler (if you don’t know, look up her credentials) and oozes sexual innuendos galore. It’s Kylie but just not as you know it! Great electro bassline with some undeniable dubstep nuances and string arrangements driving it forward. It’s fresh and contemporary and suits Ms. Minogue unbelievably well.

“Feels So Good” had a previous life of its own, under the song title of “Indiana” which was released last year by Tom Aspaul. Kylie’s cover version is virtually the same but has been given a lush electro mid-tempo makeover by the UK’s very own Grammy Award-nominated producer MNEK, who gives Kylie a fresh feel and this married collaboration really makes for a hypnotic production that feels very smooth. Another album highlight!

“If Only” is addictive in its use of futuristic synths, stuttering marching drums, angelic subtly enhanced vocals, dramatic production and its complex textures. It’s experimental with one of the best Pop hooks I’ve heard this year. It sounds big and unique – brilliant! “Les Sex” is a cheeky tongue-in-cheek track with one of the funniest choruses – “les love, les sex, les hand on les leg”. It is an urgent flurry of synths and delicious modern pop sounds that demand your catchy ear to listen to it. Another track oozing sexual innuendos galore and again it works.

The album title track “Kiss Me Once” has again been co-written by Sia Furler and is an enhanced euphoric track that has such mighty sweeping lush blissful production with chiming bells lifting it to higher musical heights. A wonderful love song that talks about love conquering all, “Kiss Me Once” is a nice departure from the sex-filled songs on the album.

“Beautiful” is a track that shouldn’t work in hindsight and also seems to be an unnecessary addition to the album. The Enrique Iglesias feature doesn’t look good on paper either, but this somehow works and isn’t a bad track at all. The electro-ballad is a grower and it’s a track you’ll appreciate more and more with each new listen. The chorus is glorious and the robotic vocoder voices from both artists marry together in such a unique subtle way. “Beautiful” makes for a surprisingly good track.

“Fine” is a cracking album closer here. Mirroring some of the good pulsing vibes of her previous album Aphrodite and meshing it with 90s-influenced House and Dance-Pop, this track uplifts and empowers the listener on a positive note. It’s mature and rich in its lyricism and production. It’s modern, contemporary and doesn’t feel forced. A great track to end a great album!

Kiss Me Once is up there with Kylie’s sexiest albums, oozing sex in a way that Kylie pulls off so well. It’s more of a cheeky wink and acknowledgement of it than a Rihanna-esque “get everything out for the lads” kind of way. It’s believable and undeniably Kylie. It truly feels like a journey and another opening into Kylie and her mind. She truly sounds happy, is enjoying her music and sounds like she is just enjoying life and expressing herself again. This is someone who doesn’t have anything to prove as her career and time at the top has shown what a star she is – she oozes longevity in this disposable musical age.

This is a glittery, well-produced and executed refreshingly modern Pop album that has got to rank highly as one of her best albums to date. It’s a great update to her sound and sounds so cohesive considering that a team of producers and songwriters came together to produce this impressive body of work for Kylie. It’s nice to hear a Pop album full of really good music that shines and shimmers its love songs into your head for a high replay value!

Purchase: Kylie Minogue – Kiss Me Once (iTunes)

Words by Kamran Assadi // Edited by Ayo Adepoju

Full Article Link – http://www.wepluggoodmusic.com/2014/03/12/best-new-music-kylie-minogue-kiss-me-once-album/

Biography Commission: Tneek

In late 2013, I was commissioned to write the following biography for UK female rapper Tneek‘s website. Here is the full version of the biography I had written for her:

Creativity hasn’t left Teneeka James’ side and along with her spirituality and Christian faith, it has been her strength in the triumphs and tribulations of her career and craft. Teneeka (aka Tneek) and her love of music – in particular, rapping – was birthed from a young age when listening to influential female rappers of her time who broke the mould and put their own individual stamp on the game. These artists gave her the courage and confidence to do the same from her angle.

From seeing early glimpses of her gift, she was encouraged by her musical family to keep flourishing with her rapping and to hone it to the best of her ability. Naturally over time, her artistry developed. Performing with her younger brother to Christian audiences at various gospel concerts and local church events allowed Tneek to be comfortable with the art of performance and artistic expression.  This progression of her talent was noticed as urban collective SoundBwoy Ent. asked her to join them. This resulted in Tneek appearing on three tracks (‘Dem Nah Betta Dan We’, ‘Temptation – Say No’ and ‘Dance 2 Dis’) on their first mix CD ‘Ill Hype’ and performed these around the UK on the secular music circuit.

Tneek knew that her God-given talent warranted and deserved more. After finishing her university degree in Business Management, she decided to obtain a university diploma in Music and Media Management to gain experience and an insight into the music world and the skills needed to proceed. Tneek took advantage of this and carved out her solo career with invitations to perform at renowned music venues/events on the circuit like the Royal Festival Hall, Trafalgar Square, Notting Hill Carnival, I Luv Live, Hackney Empire and The Sunday Show.

Using her tenacity and opportunism, Tneek delved into making new material to capture her artistic essence and contagious energy. It was those qualities that nabbed her big artist features with prominent established urban acts such as Chip (formerly Chipmunk), Scorcher, Wretch 32, Double S (Marvell), Fugative, Shaun Emmanuel and Artcha. She then released her first mixtape ‘Music is Me’ as an introduction to the game. Seeing her star rise because of her obvious talent, Tneek was asked to feature in some music videos including Casso Blax’s UK All-Stars remix of his underground hit ‘Why You Clocking My Face’ (featuring Dot Rotten, Black The Ripper, G Frsh, Flirta D, Boya D and Saskilla) and the Drum & Bass remix on Taner Hassan’s track ‘My Space’. After some of these videos gained constant video airplay on the well-liked music TV channels, Flava TV and Channel AKA – there was an anticipation for Tneek to release more of her own body of work. So, Tneek decided to work on the release ‘No Implants, No Facelifts’ which had the lead collaborative single/video ‘Knock Knock’ with Drassick. However, this mixtape was never released.

After many personal life-changing events, Tneek grew apart from the project and decided against releasing it as she felt the content didn’t represent her opinions of life and beliefs at that time. Instead, she re-dedicated her life to God and decided to follow the Christian faith with a fresh slate. With all her career developments and the guaranteed success she would’ve gained in the secular scene had she carried on, it was a painfully difficult but necessary decision for Tneek to make.

With Tneek’s faith at its strongest, things were being done with a new verve and vision based on her new life and belief system. Tneek started to think of herself as more than a rapper and as more of a budding entrepreneur and positive female role model. This new thinking got her actively involved with her church supporting her husband in aiding its youth department and giving back to others by mentoring some of its young ladies. Because of her aim to be a positive role model to females as she feels they are under-populated, she now supports a not-for-profit organisation called GirlTalk.

This vigour has renewed Tneek to get creative again with her music as she is currently working on a project and has also had her music featured on gospel radio station, Premier Gospel, when appearing on The Hip-Hop Sessions show with the musical trailblazers Karl Nova and Triple O.

Tneek also co-founded the idea of creating a positive Christian movement called UK Gospel Hype. This movement endeavours to ‘Bridge the gap between the church and the streets’ through entertainment, nightlife, events and other innovative facets. Tneek has seen her purpose and is setting the foundation for fulfilling it as best as she can for God’s glory.

“God Business is the Best Business…” 

Link to Website Biography: http://www.tneek.com/about.php

MOBO: Rochelle Jordan – Follow Me

 

It seems that Canadian R&B singer/songwriter Rochelle Jordan  has been having a quiet 2013 after her two critically acclaimed LP releases ROJO and P R E S S U R E lit up the years of 2011 and 2012 with her subtle atmospheric and harmonic take on Contemporary R&B.  Even though she has already appeared on  Red Bull Music Academy’s HASHTAG series, in an episode that focused on the status quo as well as the future of R&B, and contributed co-writer and vocalist to Childish Gambino’s highly anticipated album Because The Internet on one of the stand-out songs Telegraph Ave.

Just as 2013 is nearing its close, PROTO’s young starlet drops on the music world an absolute gem in the form of her new single Follow Me, which has a feel good vibe playing on the art of seduction and flipping it on its head. They say “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” and true to form, ROJO has stuck with her immensely talented producer KLSH to give a slinky cacophonous and melodic soundbed for her to wrap her silky seductive vocals around. It all sounds gorgeous and effortless in its vocal and instrumental arrangements. The musical chemistry is still there and has been enhanced. In my eyes, they’re as important to each other’s sound and evolution as Missy Elliott and Timbaland were and still are to each other.

 

However, what truly impressed in this sultry track is the growth, grace, confidence and willingness of Rochelle to push her voice and evolve her songwriting to an even fuller extent than before. There’s a reassurance that she musically knows where she is going now more than ever. Everything is taking hold and her craft is being honed.

This is just a progressive little taster of what Rochelle Jordan might be releasing in her upcoming EP in 2014, which if it sounds like this – I’ll definitely be looking forward to.

Buy: Rochelle Jordan – “Follow Me”

Author: Kamran Assadi

Full Article Link – http://www.mobo.com/video/new-music-rochelle-jordan-%E2%80%9Cfollow-me%E2%80%9D

MOBO: Ofei – Tomorrow

 

Having made a subtle splash this year by putting audiences and online blogs under his enchanting musical spell via his previous tracks London and Fate as well as opening for Kendrick Lamar and Shuggie Otis, enigmatic London singer/songwriter Ofei is back to release the latest track off his The London EP, Tomorrow.

After keeping up the mystery and mystique of his identity by not appearing in previous videos or not doing any press interviews, Ofei uses this new video to reveal the man behind the dreadlocks. Tomorrow is a wonderfully beautiful spare, piano-led track showcasing Ofei’s rich, cracked vocal (listen for the outro – so good). It’s minimalistic, arty, emotive and intriguing just like himself. Written, arranged and produced by him, Ofei transports you to his words and lets the music do the talking. Although he usually stays in the soul realm, this is his most mainstream pop offering yet and it still feels naturally authentic.

The visual carries on the slow reveal of his identity surrounding the stigma around Ofei as the video is interspersed with some shots of his mysterious self and suggestive images of him and his background.

Ofei is proving with every release that he is necessary and unique to this music industry. He’s doing it for the music and letting the music speak for itself. This is an artist at his best working carefully on his craft and how to keep drawing the audience in. A dynamic mix of R’n’B, distorted soul and unearthly gospel, Ofei’s style feels incredibly fresh and original.

The London EP will be released via One Little Indian on 25^th November as a limited edition 12” and free download

Ofei will perform with a full band at The Waiting Room on Thursday 28^th November

Author: Kamran Assadi (@kamranassadi)

Full Article Link – http://www.mobo.com/news-blogs/new-music-ofei-%E2%80%93-tomorrow

MOBO: Daps – Ian Wright

North West London rapper DAPS announces himself to the UK with his debut single Ian Wright; an edgy well-produced record packed with an irresistible hook and a soul-crunching baseline. It’s a track that incorporates Rap, Trap and Hip-Hop elements with the right amount of British swagger and attitude to make it feel authentic. A true original anthem which explodes with witty punchlines, catchy lyrics and crafty metaphors.

DAPS pulls out all the stops with an equally impressive black and white stylistic video which includes colourful streaks of tear gas, gas masks, a subtle shout out to renowned NYC artist Basquiat, a beautiful woman on top of an unknown car, shots of London, and a brilliant unexpected cameo from Arsenal goal scoring legend Ian Wright, of which who the song is named after. These visuals are above the norm.

Having previously worked with the likes of Kanye West, Pusha T and Wretch 32, DAPS arrives with awesome pedigree and Ian Wright shows the intensity and seriousness of his craft as well as the unique stamp he wants to put on the scene.

Ian Wright is out on November 26^th.

Keep up to date with DAPS on Twitter and Facebook.

Author: Kamran Assadi (@kamranassadi)

Full Article Link – http://www.mobo.com/news-blogs/new-music-daps-ian-wright

MOBO: Sharaya J – Smash Up The Place / Snatch Yo Wigs

With the music industry, sometimes it can get cosy within the confines and boundaries that the mainstream industry makes for itself, especially when it comes to current trends and staying within those realms. However, there are a handful of new and old artists that are all about causing havoc, breaking boundaries and showing their talent and genius in a creative productive way regardless if the mainstream want to open their arms to them or not.

Although she has this year been working behind the scenes for various artists and featuring on other artists’ songs (including Fantasia’s ‘Without Me’ and Little Mix’s UK Top 20 hit ‘How Ya Doin’), it seems that creative innovator and pioneer has been working on her new protégée, New Jersey-hailing rapper & choreographer (she trained as a dancer under the influential Laurieann Gibson) Sharaya J, and crafting her into a burgeoning star with some stellar material.

After releasing her single ‘Banji’ (which represents her own empowerment movement and stands for Be Authentic Never Jeopardise Individuality) earlier this year and putting the work into increasing her fanbase and creating online buzz, Sharaya J comes through and drops another banger and music video in the form of ‘Smash Up The Place / Snatch Yo Wigs’.

With Missy Elliott directing the video herself (and making a cameo at the end), this video is an assortment of colours, style, crazy outfits and creativity all played out perfectly by Sharaya J’s undeniable likeability, personality, scattergun rapping and the clean diverse fluidity of her choreography. Even though this has Missy’s influence within it (Missy has been helping her craft her talent and artistry for nearly six years as a mentor), Sharaya J’s individuality and identity shines through everything she does.

Missy’s original pioneering music video techniques come through as this song encompasses beat switches and tempo changes whilst the video has the two song mash-up within it.

Smash Up The Place is a gritty, fast-paced, bass-driven Hip-Hop track that sounds current and fresh and covers aspects of attitude, swagger and humour to make a very entertaining track.Snatch Yo Wigs is a loud vibrant track that hollers energetic vibes at you but then switches to whispered verses before going into a brilliant chopped interpolation of Bell Biv DeVoe’s hot R&B song ‘Poison’.

Sharaya J (already recognized by Dazed Digital and VIBE Vixen as one to watch) is a welcome breath of fresh air and we at MOBO can’t wait to see more of her and the musical journey she will take.

Peep the video below…

Author: Kamran Assadi (@kamranassadi)

Full Article Link – http://www.mobo.com/news-blogs/new-music-sharaya-j-%E2%80%93-smash-place-snatch-yo-wigs

MOBO: Chuky Feat Gyptian ‘Burning From The Heart’

Reggae has been experiencing somewhat of a resurgence of late with new artists (Konshens,Gyptian etc) coming out of the woodwork showing their love, respect and appreciation for the genre, its music being used in chopped and screwed samples by artists like Jay Z and Kanye West, as well as renewed interest in seasoned veterans of the scene like Jimmy Cliff, Freddie McGregor and Morgan Heritage to name a few. And with new strands of the genre like Dancehall putting their stamp on the urban scene more and more year on year, this music is not leaving anytime soon.

It’s with these observations that I introduce you to the latest British artist wearing his reggae badge with honour – a young Dancehall artist and producer named Chuky.

Chuky has worked hard on honing his craft and talent over the years with this year being a breakout year for him as he has made his name on the sunny shores of Reggae’s spiritual home, Jamaica. This undeniable work ethic in getting his talent known whilst gaining established attention in Jamaica has resulted in him gaining copious TV and Radio appearances, producing tracks for well-known reggae artists including Gyptian, a successful schools tour and a distribution deal with the largest independent reggae label, VP Records.

Ready to experience this type of success on British shores, Chuky has teamed up with international reggae artist Gyptian (known for his worldwide hit ‘Hold Yuh’) for his latest single‘Burning From The Heart’. Mammoth collaborations like this show how serious Chuky is at gaining even more respect within the genre and that has to be commended.

The beautifully-shot video for ‘Burning From The Heart’ (filmed in Montego Bay, Jamaica) shows Chuky falling in love all over the tropical island on this exotic summer smash. Chuky blossoms on this track reverting from London slang to Caribbean patois with ease and holding his own alongside Gyptian (who sprinkles his addictive magic over the hook). This has feel-good vibes all over it and Chuky’s production and vocals truly make it an enjoyable listen.

Burning From The Heart is out now.

Keep up to date with Chuky via his Website, Twitter and YouTube.

Author: Kamran Assadi (@kamranassadi)

Full article link – http://www.mobo.com/news-blogs/new-music-chuky-feat-gyptian-burning-heart

MOBO: The 11th London African Music Festival

When it comes to unique music festivals of cultural and musical relevance, it’s hard-matched to find none better than the London African Music Festival which takes place in 11 venues across London (including Rich Mix, The Vortex Jazz Club, Upstairs at the Ritzy, Hackney Attic/Hackney Picturehouse, Jazz Café, Cargo and Queen Elizabeth Hall) from the 13-22 September.

In the last ten years, this festival has gone from strength to strength by always including an eclectic line-up of artists that represent Africa and its varying musical styles in its full glory. This eleventh year is no exception. The majority of the artists are performing in London for the first time and making their festival debut.

The festival line-up this time includes Congolese soul singer Fredy Massamba, Ugandan singer Jaqee + Congolese Kasai Masai, Senegalese rapper Sister FA and Ethiopian singer Hanisha Solomon. Also hailing from Senegal is Modou Touré + DJ Fenomeno.

Making their festival debut are rapper M3NSA, Eritrean singer Miryam Solomon, Pan-African-British band The Venus Bushfires, Cuban band Son Yambu, percussionist Guy Schalom’s acclaimed project with Egyptian master musicians The Baladi Blues Ensemble  and UK’s premier jazz vocalist Cleveland Watkiss leading an all-star band The Heads and Feet House Band, Afro-Latin group Family Atlantica, jazz singer Adjoa, soul singer Namvula (Brixton Ritzy) and afrobeat specialists The Fontanelles + DJ Jamie Renton and Fofoulah + Minn Jiarabi.

Two legendary figures of Nigerian music present unique projects. Saxophonist and composer Orlando Julius joins forces with the British group The Heliocentrics for a night of afrocentric grooves and Nigeria’s greatest female singer Queen Salawa Abeni meets The Yoruba Women Choir for the first time.

For full listings information and to book your required dates, please visit http://www.joyfulnoise.co.uk/

Author: Kamran Assadi (@kamranassadi)

Full article link – http://www.mobo.com/news-blogs/11th-london-african-music-festival