LIFE IN GIDI

I’ve finally settling into life back home. It’s been a full and complete assault on the senses. I’ve had to decide between sleeping in a blanket of heat and total darkness or with making do with the mind rattling drone of generators. The landscape itself is brutal, dust/smog filled and humid as f**k! But hell, I’m home. The big apple in many ways prepared me for the unexpected, the chaos, the quick witted, the hustlers and flossers, the ballers……. only they’re way more aggressive out this way. Like a close buddy once mentioned to me a few months back upon his return home after 18 plus years in Babylon; “It’s a jungle out here bro, but the only jungle you’d ever want to be in”. It’s the jungle all right and I’m deep in it for the long haul.

There’s a great deal of work to be done here to undo some of the damage that’s been inflicted upon society at large. It’ll take nothing short of a cultural, social, spiritual, political, musical, industrial, psychological (r)evolution of sorts to steer folks right. But more on that later. For now, I’m home and adjusting to realities fast. My friends, many of whom are now industrialists, ceo’s, executives, decision makers and highly influencial members of society, have been nothing short of generous with their time, advice and hospitality. Simply put, I’m in great company.

The highlight of my trip thus far; watching the legendary highlife musician, Dr. Victor Olaiya hold court at the Stadium Hotel, Surulere in the wee hours of dawn last weekend. Awe inspiring!

Till later…

GIDI BOUND

I’m about to embark upon a long overdue trip to see my native homeland, Nigeria. I was last on the continent a little over 7 years ago and without a doubt, much has changed since then. I’m hoping the trip would provide fodder for my next recording project as well as fulfill a nagging desire to reconnect with my kinsmen back home. My next single ‘Eniyan Dudu‘ would also be launched from out there. Stay tuned for updates on the trip and other forthcoming releases.

Thelonius Monk; The Life & Times of An American Original

I’ve just picked this up. It’s quite a riveting and fascinating insight into the work and lifetimes of the high priest of Bop, Thelonius Monk.

‘MORENIKE’

We’ve just completed the first half of the video shoot for , ‘Morenike‘ and currently working on post production. ‘Enjoy.

UNTOLD STORIES; NIGERIA’S BURMA VETS

British documentary makers Robin Forestier-Walker and Oliver Owen have been tracing Nigerians who fought against the Japanese in Burma during World War II. On VJ Day, the anniversary of victory over Japan, they tell the veterans’ story.

(VIDEO)

OSUNLADE’S REBIRTH

I met Osunlade back in ‘98 during what was then my first professional musical trip to the US. Our very first collaboration together, yielded the much raved about and danced to, Soulful House classic, ‘Feel’s Like‘.

During his initial foray into the dance world, Osunlade was kind and generous enough to have me tend to his shrine and musical altar back in New York, whilst he was out moving bodies globally with his unique blend of African and electronic music. It was during this time that I crafted what was to become my debut album, ‘God-given‘.

I heard of few of the gems that make up his forthcoming masterpiece, ‘Rebirth‘ back then and my feelings of awe and marvel  pretty much remain the same. His musical range and diversity shine through on the entire record. I eagerly anticipate the records’ official release early in October and only too sure it will do exceptionally well, particularly among true music connoiseurs worldwide. Pay heed!

ONLY BUILT 4 CUBAN LINX, Vol 2.

Hip Hop needed this and the ‘Chef’ brews quite a feast on this tasteful blend of beats and rhymes. With Dre, the green eyed bandit and the GZA at the helm, the production was bound to be airtight. Enough of the auto tuners already. Acknowledge and support. Click on the image above to preview and purchase.

MUSIC FAN FIRST

I’m digging Eric Robersons new album ‘Music Fan First. It’s highly encouraging to see an independent artist taking on the industry on his own terms and winning on all fronts. I particularly love his ode to chocolate city’s finest on the sensual ‘Howard Girls‘ Go check it out and help spread the word.

STILL BILL

I sure dug me some Bill Withers. My old man dropped brought along a well worn copy of the ‘Still Bill’ album with him to Lagos when we returned home in ‘74. It was definitely a household favorite alongside the music of Fela, Marvin Gaye & Sunny Ade.

The new documentary ‘Still Bill‘ directed by Damani Baker & Alex Vlack, is an intimate portrayal of the legendary singer, songwriter who walked cold out of showbizz in the 80’s at the height of his popularity.

BLITZ!

Ghana’s finest, BLITZ The Ambassador, finally drops his long awaited masterpiece and believe me, it’s a refreshing and riveting piece of work. In this musical age of pseudo, 1980’s, half baked, music gimmickery we’re constantly being force fed, ‘STEREOTYPE‘ delivers on many levels and should do relatively well with your support and basket mouth marketing. Kindly tell a friend, buddy, aficionado, lover, foe…. all about it.