WALAKOLOMBO by Alex Zitto [ RV VIDEO FEATURE ]

This song takes me way back to when I was a kid in Nigeria. Those were the days when the likes of Alex Zitto, Alex Okorigwe [ Alex O ], Daniel Wilson, Blackky [ Edward Inyang ], Oritz Wiliki, Evi Edna Ogholi and Cecilia Omohinmi were holding us captive with their great music. However, Alex Zitto was phenomenal and different in his approach to music. 'Walakolombo' was a nice track that rocked Lagos Night Clubs and Parties. The video of the song was also good with all those lovely ladies and their smiles. Alex Zitto is half-Nigerian and Half-Ghanaian and he was discovered by Chief Ebenezer Obey who employed him as a Bassist in his band.

After winning the Lekki Music Competition in 1988 with his song 'Tickle Me', Zitto became a favourite of Nigerian music lovers. He went on to record his first album also titled 'Tickle Me' with the music label, Polygram International. His second album, 'Walakolombo' increased his popularity and he started performing at many concerts. In the mid 90's, Alex Zitto emigrated to the United States of America. He lives in Minnesota and he is the founder and president of TIYGGI Inc, a sophisticated recording studio. TIYGGI means 'Talent Is Your God Given Investment'. We've heard that Alex Zitto is planning to return to the Nigerian Music scene with his new album which he is still working on. RV cannot wait for this gifted brother to serenade us once again with his romantic songs. Meanwhile, Enjoy the video above.

Where To Get Alex Zitto Online: www.tiyggi.com

DR SIKIRU AYINDE BARRISTER: A FUJI MUSIC ICON'S FIGHT FOR LIFE.

On the 28th of July 2010, rumours hovered around Nigeria that Fuji Music icon, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, popularly known as Alhaji Agba, had passed away. The news spread like wild fire and many of his fans in Europe and North America worked the phones to verify if the depressing story was true. In a matter of hours, Barrister's family issued a press statement refuting the story and evidence that the musician was alive was presented to the media. The legend was indeed still with us as he tried to recuperate on a hospital bed in a private hospital in Surulere, Lagos.

However, it is clear that unless urgent steps are taken by Nigerians and the Federal Government to see that Barrister receives first class treatment, Alhaji Agba might soon be lowered into his grave. RV's investigation has lifted the cover off a pot of information that will make you cry. According to our sources, Barry Wonder has been in and out of hospitals in the last three years. He is said to be suffering from a heart condition due to his weight and other related complications. After being flown to a respected hospital in India where he was operated upon without his sickness abating, Barrister is back in Nigeria to continue his battle to be healthy again. We've received information that Barrister left the Indian hospital because the bills were accumulating while his health was not improving. It is important to note that Barrister denied reports that he had visited Prophet Temitope Joshua's Synagogue Church of All Nations for succour in 2008. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister said he remained a Muslim and would not let his faith down by seeking healing in a church.

So what is Barrister's current state of health? According to our trusted sources, the Fuji exponent's condition is not really improving. Barry Wonder cannot sit or stand up without assistance from people. He also finds it difficult to recognize visitors who have been allowed access to him. Until recently, Barrister found it difficult to defecate but the situation has been arrested by the doctors treating him. Barrister's ailment has elements of hypertension and diabetes. He is said to have developed hypertension after his house was gutted by fire in 1996. Shortly after, his weight led to his being diabetic. RV has confirmed that Barrister sustained a leg injury in 1968 while he was serving as a soldier in the Nigerian Army during the civil war. The injury has troubled the Fuji star since then and the pains he feels has aggravated his bad state of health. Barrister has not featured on the Nigerian Music scene in recent times, and has only been able to perform while seated in the few live shows he honoured.

Though there are plans to fly him abroad for the second time for proper treatment, RV feels it is time for Nigerians and especially the Federal Government to rise to the occasion and ensure Barrister does not die unnecessarily. Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister is an ex-soldier who fought to make sure Nigeria remained one during the civil war ( July 6, 1967-January 15, 1970 ). He sustained his leg injury which has contributed to his present predicament as a serviceman. This is why President Goodluck Jonathan should intervene in this matter. Barrister is a National Hero and should be treated as such. It won't be out of place if the Presidency funds his treatment abroad and makes sure he is flown out immediately. The Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria ( FUMAN ) should go beyond asking for prayers from Nigerians and start a fundraising campaign to help one of their own. Nigerians at home and in diaspora can also write to Newspapers and Magazines calling for the FG's Intervention on this issue, and also help raise cash for Alhaji Agba's treatment. RV wishes Dr Sikiru Ayinde Barrister a quick recovery and more years of thrilling us with his brand of Fuji Music.

Sources: www.naijarules.com, nigeriafilms.com, artistdirect.com
Contact Us: tolukandi@yahoo.com

T.W.O LEGIT: A DYNAMIC COUPLE'S NEW ALBUM.

They are one of Nigeria's most admired couples and they've made their marriage a model for single ladies and guys. We started seeing glimpses of their greatness when they were part of the Charly Boy Show in the 90's, but they have raised the stakes in recent years by becoming noted musicians. Now to the gist of the day. RV has gathered that this lovely couple have come out with a new album. Tunde and Wunmi Obe [ As if you don't know who we are talking about already ] released their 5th studio album 'T.W.O Legit' on the 3rd of August 2010 at the Protea Hotels in Lagos. The couple told the media during the launch that the album was inspired by rumours that they were done with music and had embraced Television careers for good.

'T.W.O Legit' was produced by a string of big names in the Nigerian Music Industry. The golden list includes Sean Keyz, Abel Davey, Foster Zeeno, ID Cabasa, Puffy T and Rymzo. The LP is hybrid in nature with dance tracks, thanksgiving songs and family friendly songs in the offing. Watch out for 'Believe In Me'. The track is going to be a classic and our sources say the video of the song is hot. The album's marketing and distribution is being coordinated by Alec's Entertainment and a copy of the CD is being sold for 1000 Naira. Tunde and Wunmi Obe have three children and they are graduates of Lagos State University and the University of Lagos respectively. Wunmi's dad is the late Olu Aboderin, founder of Nigeria's widely read The Punch Newspapers.

Sources: 234Next.com, nigeriafilms.com, RV.

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE WITH AYO OGUNMAKIN'S MUSIC.

I love checking out music videos on YOUTUBE, and I can remember that I stumbled upon a couple of her videos in 2008. I did not really give all my attention to the videos and I soon forgot about Ayo and her music. However, after writing the piece about Nneka Egbuna's rise on the world music stage and her subsequent collaboration with Nas, I recalled my encounter with Ayo. The memories flooded back because Ayo and Nneka are mixed race Nigerians and they both have links with Germany. If you think Nneka Egbuna is amazing, you need to listen to the music of Ayo Ogunmakin. While Nneka is consolidating her position as Africa's Queen of Contemporary Hip-Soul music, Ayo is working her way up gradually as a versatile soul musician.

Joy Olasunmibo Ogunmakin was born on the 14th of September 1980 in Frenchen near Cologne, Germany. 'Ayo' is the Yoruba translation of her first name, Joy. Her father is Nigerian while her mother is from Romania. Ayo lived briefly for a while in Nigeria with her parents as a baby. She had a turbulent childhood as her mother suffered from drug addiction, went to jail, and her parents later divorced. After spending time in care homes and with foster parents, she returned to live with her father and that was when her musical career started. Her father worked as a DJ and had albums of greats like Fela Kuti, Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley. Ayo naturally developed a love for music and subsequently recorded her first demo tape. She was then allowed by her father to drop out of school and pursue her music interests.

Ayo worked on her voice before releasing her debut album 'Joyful' in 2006. The album achieved Double-Platinum status in France, Platinum in Germany and Poland, and Gold Status in Greece, Italy and Switzerland. The album which was released in the US by Interscope Records in 2007 sold 500,000 copies in France alone, with an extra 750,000 copies snapped up by music lovers worldwide. Her second album 'Gravity At Last' [ 2008 ] was recorded in the Bahamas with Jay Newland as the Producer once again. 'Gravity At Last' is more introspective with some experimentation with the instrumentals. Ayo has two children with her partner, the Afro-German reggae singer Patrice. They live with their kids in Manhattan, New York City.

Ayo Ogunmakin is highly valued in the Western world. On the 4th of February 2009, Jacques Hintzy, President of UNICEF France, announced that she had been chosen as a Patron of UNICEF to promote the right to education for children worldwide. She has performed with Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds, Omar and Cody Chesnutt. A documentary about Ayo's life and her musical journey titled 'Ayo Joy', is being produced by 'Slingshots Music' [ Owned by her Music Manager, Fatou Sow ]and will be released later this year or early 2011. She is also working on a third album which will be out in the stores next year. Ayo and Patrice Plan to build a house in Jamaica. RV will keep you informed about the strides Ayo is taking to make the world feel her vibes.

Sources: www.ayomusic.com, Wikipedia, www.wrasserecords.com, RV.
Where to find Ayo online: www.myspace.com/ayo, www.ayomusic.com

Contact Us: tolukandi@yahoo.com

NEW MICHAEL JACKSON ALBUM DROPS IN NOVEMBER 2010.

The King of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson [ August 29, 1958-June 25,2009 ] is not done with music yet. A posthumous album of unreleased Jackson songs will hit Music Stores this November. The new album which does not have an official title presently will feature 10 new tracks including collaborations with Akon, Will.i.am and Ne-Yo. We've also heard that the album will feature several songs recorded in the 1980's that failed to make the cut for Jackson's hit album 'Bad'( 1987 ).

Michael's former Manager, Frank DiLeo talked about the new album in an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine. DiLeo revealed that he has over 100 completed tracks in his Michael Vault and wants to know what Wacko Jacko's fans think of them. Rodney Jenkins, who produced Michael's 2001 'Invincible' album is currently putting finishing touches on the record. The new LP will be the first release in a ten-album deal Michael's estate signed with Sony BMG early this year. The contract which is worth $250 million will see nine more records released before December 2017. Michael Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by the Guinness Book of Records. He is the eight child of the Jackson Family and began his solo career in 1971. His lifetime earnings from royalties on his solo recordings, music videos, revenues from concerts and endorsements have been estimated at $500 million.

Sources: www.smh.com.au, Wikipedia, RV.
Where To Find Michael Jackson online: www.michaeljackson.com

Blackmoon "Buck'em Down" [ RV VIDEO FEATURE ].

Blackmoon remains one of the most underrated Rap Groups in the history of Hip-Hop Music. I started feeling the dynamic rap skills of Buckshot Shorty in 1993 when I saw him in the video of the group's song 'I Got Cha Opin' [ I coveted the Canadian Hockey Jacket he wore in the video ]. Blackmoon was unique and there was this creative angle to their music. 5ft is also a good rapper and it seems he will be releasing his own solo album very soon. DJ Evil Dee of the Beatminerz is the Pillar of the group. Without his well crafted beats and presence in the group's videos, Blackmoon would not have been popular in the Underground scene. The group's debut album 'Enter Da Stage' sold 350,000 copies in the US alone and is now seen as a classic. I love the video above- The Army Gear, the comradeship, the flow of Buckshot and the camera shots. It is a great video. Enjoy!!

Contact us: tolukandi@yahoo.com

WHY ONYEKA ONWENU RESTRICTED SALES OF HER NEW ALBUM TO CHURCHES.

When we heard that the Matriach of Nigerian Pop music, Onyeka Onwenu, had restricted sales of her new album, 'Legend', to churches in Nigeria, RV decided to investigate further. We can confidently disclose that the Elegant Stallion is selling her 13 track CD in churches, because she wants to stop music pirates from reaping where they did not sow concerning her work. Onwenu who resigned as the Chairman of the Imo State Arts Council recently stated in a newspaper interview that she does not want to be ripped off as usual by Marketers. According to the Imo State born crooner-

' My new CD is doing very well. We are going around in churches doing direct marketing because I don't want to be offered 5 Naira per CD. That is what most artists are getting. The CD's out on the Street are selling for 200 Naira and by the time you remove the cost of the CD itself ( the sleeve/jacket ) and the marketer takes his own share, you as the musician is left with 5 Naira and that is silly.'

Onyeka and her Marketing and Publicity team at Ayollo Productions are selling her new CD for 1,000 Naira per copy. Onyeka also revealed that some people have bought a copy of the CD for 100,000 Naira with a huge chunk of the money going back to the church of the purchasers. A member of the Fountain of Life Church, Onyeka says she did not release 'Legend' to make money and that she is using the proceeds from her work to further the gospel of the lord. RV also gathered that Onyeka has finished recording the theme song for Nigeria @ 50. She recorded the song for free. Onyeka, who is an indigene of Ideato North LG in Imo State, holds a first degree in International Relations and Communications from Wesley College in Massachussets, USA and a second degree in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research in New York. She has released many albums and great songs including 'You and I', 'One Love', 'I'm The One' and 'Wait For Me [ A duet with King Sunny Ade ]'. Onyeka plans to acquire a broadcast licence later in life. Be assured of quality on air programming if she does that. She will be in a territory she understands.