Tagged ‘LadyBrille’

For someone who just literally stepped into the booth to record his first song “Taxi” less than 2 months ago, X.O has definitely made a big impression in the minds of many.

Ladybrille Mag interviews XO and he really opens up and gives us the inside story on his journey thus far. X.O also breaks down how he comes up with his wordplay and how he tries to make it universal where when one person from a particular country like Nigeria or Ghana hears it, they may interpret differently from someone from the UK, but it still makes sense to both.

An example would be:

“In “Taxi Music” I say: “I’m all over the web, DJ’s spin it like Ananse” – aside from the play on words, it speaks to all of us who grew up on Ananse stories in Ghana and Nigeria and beyond. In an unreleased song, I go “She said: ‘Baby, u the fella for me (Fela Femi)”, so he called her his “Cutie” (Kuti).” If you know Fela or Femi, you’ll get it. If you don’t, you’ll only hear fella for me and cutie, and the song will still make sense to you.”

Amazing thought process

X.O’s story is inspirational and can be a motivator for many. Read the excerpts below and then go and check out the entire interview at Ladybrille Mag

Big Shout Out to Ms. Uduak

“LADYBRILLEmag.com: I want to take you back to a little more sensitive area. You mentioned losing your father at age 10 and of course 6years ago, your mom. Did that drive you to be as successful in everything you touch? You are very driven. What drives you?
X.O: I mean, my parents were phenomenal, and I don’t mean that euphemistically. I mean, even if they were not my parents, I would look at them and go, “what amazing human beings these two people are/were.” One of the things their loss did was to show me that life is truly short and that all we can while we are here is to do our best. I try to do that. I mean, I’ve been blessed. I had a great childhood and my memories of them are fond. Also with any difficulties, there have been some growing up, but I haven’t really dwelt on them. I’m quite introspective and there have been times when, like anyone, you find yourself in “that” place – but I keep it moving. Life is short and I’ve been very blessed.

LADYBRILLEmag.om: Let’s talk about how you left your law firm to do music. Obviously it seems a crazy move. What next with respect to your music and your move?
X.O: Not at all. It was an opportunity to do now what I would regret not having done later; and it’s not a move from one into the other – not mutually exclusive. (Laughs) I’ve been fortunate to have people love it right from the start. But the proverbial saying the sky is the limit (applies).“

Happy New Week NotJustOk.com readers. I hope this week brings you success and the wonderful things your heart desires. No matter the problem in life, never let it weigh you down. Stay optimistic! Alright, “LET’S GO DIA” on our topic today!
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As Nigeria’s entertainment industry grows, we see it becoming more sophisticated and talents and entertainment companies looking to the court system to resolve disputes. While Nigeria (Naija) might not have a great criminal justice or civil law system, when it comes to commercial/contract disputes (a subset of Nigeria’s civil law system), we find that Nigeria’s legal system manages to work relatively okay. For NotJustOk readers in Yankee, the legal system, as we know, definitely works especially with contract disputes. So, cutting straight to the chase, today’s topic deals with understanding and dissecting music contracts. In this article, I set the foundation for what is to come with a focus on the basic principles of a legal contract you should know if you are an artist signing a record label contract or a label drafting a contract to be signed.

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Today, it is not uncommon to see many independent record labels in Nigeria’s (Naija) music industry. Depending on who you ask, this is a bad thing. In my view, this a good thing. From a few formidable labels like Kennis and Storm to more labels like Chocolate City, Alapomeji, Mo’Hits and Capital Hill, the emergence of this labels serves as a great economic stimulus, helps reduce unemployment rate and most importantly gives much needed hope to the young ones right behind.

If you agree it is a good thing and/or want to join the growing list of music entrepreneurs, this article provides a basic overview of how to start your own record label.

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Nigeria’s (Naija) music industry is growing in leaps and bounds. With the success of artists like D’Banj, M.I and P-Square, it’s almost like the industry is churning out new artistes everyday! In the sea of all these artists even with great music, it is becoming very hard to attract “media buzz” to help take your music to the next level? So, how do you attract media attention for your music, especially if you can’t afford to hire a marketing/public relations firm?

Today is your lucky day! Whether you are an up and coming artist trying to just get a break or you are a successful artist looking to “enlarge your territory” beyond the shores of Naija, here are true and tested tips to get media buzz within and outside Naija for your music.

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She goes in on Jude Abaga… They talk about his University days in Michigan, why he did not graduate, his 9-5 job in Nigeria before getting signed to Chocolate City, how he got signed to Chocolate, the success of his debut album, his upcoming international album and much more…

From the Interview:

LADYBRILLE.com: You will soon be releasing an album for the Western market and some people call you “Kanye West of the West” and even you have alluded to it in your lyrics, some say “Lil Wayne.” How do you intend to penetrate the Western market?
M.I.: [He laughs] Well for the Western market, I want to put my name out there because I believe it is an important statement to make for Africa, for Nigeria. I realize that I may not be the dude that will make it. I hope I am the guy and I hope I am someday at the Grammys and going up for an award. For now, I just want to put out the purest music I can and be good, like be very good. The “One” album I feel is better than Kanye West. It’s that good. . .I really think and work as hard as I can to let people know we can do it.

Read the full intereview here