Love at first listen: Mariechan Luiters

Mariechan (Image via Soundcloud)

Do you believe in love at first listen? 

I do, this was exactly how I felt when I heard “Let Me Live My Life” by Mariechan Luiters. No questions asked, I just fell in love with her music. I'm sure you are wondering who this is. Mariechan Luiters is a South African singer and song writer.  The singer is no newbie to the music scene. She's been right here for the past 10 years! She was a member of female pop group Jamali. The singer has officially stepped out on her own and released her debut single “Let Me Live My Life”.

"Abandon fear, don't need a handout trophy"

The new song was written and co-produced with producer David De Mont. Mariechan wrote on her Facebook wall: "The song is about feeling liberated as a female artist who has to face many obstacles in the music industry, my personal life and social expectations". The lyrics of the song convey deep felt emotions. Some of which we can all relate to. Her voice easily sways you to move along to the instrumentals. The song which falls quite easily under the genre of soul music incorporates some elements of reggae. I quite like the sound of the drums and the bass. 

"Let me live my life - like I want to"

Great song from Mariechan. It's hard to believe she's been here for so long and I only just heard about her. “Let Me Live My Life” is a feel good song you should definitely have on your playlist. Recommended for cloudy days and moments when you need a push.

The song will be available on iTunes in a couple of weeks. Listen to it below and remember her name is MARIECHAN!

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The Martian Has Arrived, IBK Spaceshipboi

"Spaceshipboi, never under estimate that boy . . "

Last month, February 2014, vocalist Emuwawon Ibukun popularly known as IBK Spaceshipboi, released a visual audio album for his "I Come In Peace" album which was released late last year.

IBK Spaceshipboi maybe Nigerian but brace yourselves, he does not come forth with sounds of Afrobeat or typical genres that other Nigerian artists tend to work with. His new album made up of 8 tracks features genres such as gospel, jazz, rap and hip hop with a touch or two of traditional African instruments and sounds. The album features collaborations with Bez, Dami Kalejaiye, Olalekan Maxwell, Stan Iyke and TaiChy.

"He is supernatural always"

The "Spaceship Anthem", which is the first track on the visual album introduces you to who the Spaceshipboi is. "Light In Me" featuring TaiChy is a gospel rap track. Now, there are not that many doing this; I actually don't know of any Nigerian artist who has put out a gospel hip hop track with such style. My favourite line in  this song is "No disrespect to Biggie, that's a little smalls, cause homie I ride with the most glorious".

One of my best songs on the album is "Worship Medley" featuring Dami Kalejaiye. As you can guess, it's another gospel song. It's a really smooth song. I have never heard Yoruba language sound so sweet. This song actually brings tears to my eyes (every single time I listen to it). Dami is such a marvellous singer (with an amazing personality). I would really like to see this song performed live.

IBK showcases his personality in his various songs. His song "Loving You" has this Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke swing to it. I listened to the a cappella mix of this song before the original, I much prefer the a cappella mix of it.


I like how IBK switches from gospel to singing about love then about food and change. If you are in a public place don't listen to "This Time", because you'll find yourself clapping and shouting "This Time"! (This happened to me on the tram the other day). This song is such a Jazzy record. You can't help but snap your fingers to this.

"I'm on mission, changing the world . . . "

I particularly like the sound of the first instrument that that plays on "The Mission". Not sure if it's a wood block or xylophone. This song featuring Olalekan Maxwell has an influence of traditional Yoruba folk music. IBK is soldier of change, spreading the message of love and courage. I've seen him perform at a couple of Bez's concerts, I'm glad to see he featured Bez on "Sticks and Stones. The song also features Stan Iyke. This song is dedicated to the ladies, it's clearly a contradiction to songs like "Birthday Song" by 2 Chainz and "Bandz a Make Her Dance" by Juicy J. "Baby keeping your body well na so . . .  Don't let nobody tell you, you are as good as the sex you are bringing".  Ladies, you don't need to be a hoe to make it. Three men have made a song about it.

And the album comes to an end with "The Heaven Experience". The name of the song already describes it, such angelic sounds and celestial harmony. This song also brings tears to my eyes. This is a song for the masters, such powerful music!

IBK's "I Come In Peace" album is lyrically rich with lovely music. It's fun, joyful and entertaining. The Spaceshipboi's voice is definitely out of this world! I love his voice. I can't sing (except for food).

I must commend IBK Spaceshipboi for being daring and stepping out of the commercial bullish*t music bandwagon. His "I Come In Peace" album is available on iTunes and Spinlet.

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Keeper Of The Sun

The condolence register at the Sheffield Town Hall

Since moving to the Steel City I've hardly felt the sun. Most days it's grey; sometimes the sun does come out and on those days I feel as though it's saying to me: "Hey Ré I'm here, smile, go out and do something". The other day I realised I had started acting as cold as some of the city folk. And that's not who I am. I am warm, loving, I am the daughter of the sun! It seems I might have finally found a heart warmer; God bless TemiDollFace and IBK Spaceshipboi for this.

Now what this two did was write, produce and release an inspirational song titled "Keeper Of The Sun". Their new song is a tribute to late revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela. The song starts off with chants of "Mandiba Mandela", at first you are not sure what turn the song is going to take. Then the dolly (Temidollface) comes on with some enchanting lyrics. The hook of the song is one of those that ropes you in and you don't even realize your fists are pumped and you are singing along. I was very allured by IBK's verse, I felt like it was reminding of the greatness I was born into.

As most of you know I am obsessed with the star at the centre of the solar system. I believe I am from the sun . . . well that is a story I will tell you another day. 

"Seek in yourself what you see . . . "

"I am the future and  I am the one
As long as I see a ray,
I know there's a sun . . .  "

After listening to "Keeper Of The Sun" I concluded I did not need to feel or to see to the sun to remember to smile or be kind. I looked into my mirror and I saw myself Ré, then I looked closer and I saw the sun and the Madiba in me. I am a keeper of the sun. I am That Ré of Sunshine.

Listen to Temi and IBK's track below. :-) 

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Seyi Shay: Wanted For Ragga Dancing

It's 2014 and Seyi Shay has got something new coming out! The singer is set to release a video for her recent single "Ragga Ragga".  Get ready folks 'cause knowing this lady it's going to be HOT!

I remember the first time I heard about Seyi Shay, I was having dinner with the editor/publisher of Mannequin Magazine. She had barely sat down when she said excitedly: "I've got a song you need to listen to."

And she started singing Seyi Shay's "Loving your way" before showing me the video. After watching we admired her voice, how she could sing so smoothly even in pidgin English and her fashion style.

"Loving your way" was stuck in my head for weeks (more like a whole year and I'm singing it right now). Since that night I've listened to almost everything she's released. And thanks to my old job at Base I got to see the songstress perform live.

**Updated

The official "Ragga Ragga" music video is out! I must say Seyi Shay has started 2014 on a fabulous note. Check out her new video:

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In Love With The Super Sun

Hearing his voice and the lyrics to the song Zucidaya and More you makes me want to fall in love. *sigh. Have you ever heard a song or a voice that just told you listen, relax, its ok to fall in love.


See me talking about love. Ha ha ha. This post was meant to be an open letter to Bez to please make his album Super Sun available on compact disc. Bros made it available only online for a while. Anyways, I finally got my Super Sun album almost a month ago (18/09/11) so all is well in the land of the Sun. Been playing this album non-stop, I swear I heard my dad singing along to Super Sun. My CD  had better not scratch.

"The 15 track Super Sun album was entirely produced by the enigmatic Cobhams Asuquo, with the exception of the track “I Know” co-produced by phenom, IBK. This album captures the rare and un-distilled essence of Bez."

Yes, I got it autographed too!

On the October 15th at the Life House, I watched Bez and his band perform live at the Felebration celebration. All I can say is I forgive him for me getting the album late.


It was a serious jam session. I've only seen a couple of Nigerian artist perform live and most of them are not that great. I've got to give it to BEZ. He's amazing. I love him! (Groupie love) Ha ha ha.


Have you ever watched a live band perform? Not an owambe band. A proper one. Its amazing. Bez's band was amazing, their synergy was explosive. All the sounds of the different instruments being played at the same time was . . .  I don't know how to describe it, magic to my ears? The next time you go watch a live band perform, take time out to watch each player; the singer/vocalist, the bassist, the other guitar players, the drummer, the violinist, etc one at a time, then listen to the combination of their sounds.


After witnessing such spectacular performance last Saturday, I don't blame any girl who falls for a guy in a band. I didn't know who to keep my eyes on during the performance. Bez was entertaining with his soothing voice and dance steps (dude did alanta with his guitar). His drummer is a BEAST. I think his name is Samuel! Homie was driving everyone in the crowd crazy. Then the other guitar player "White Boy" was insane!! At one point I couldn't take my eyes off his electric blue guitar. The sounds coming from it were hypnotic. 

In need of some easy listening music, feel good music, music for the soul? I would recommend you some BEZ. My favourite songs from Bez are; Stop Pretending, Super Sun, Zuchidaya, Technically, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, I absolutely love More you and I almost forgot That Stupid Song.

If you've never heard Bez, I suggest you do, better still, go see him live if you can. Check out Bez's Website for more information about him.

Off to write my application to become a part-time member of Bez's band. I can't sing, so I'm applying to play the tambourine or rattle for them. ;-)

R

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The Video: Folashade By Definition Of Sound DOS

Check out Behind the Scenes of the Folashade video shoot.

R

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Drake - Headlines

Drake released the video to his new single “Headlines” which he shot in his hometown; Toronto on Sunday night.  Can't wait for his album Take Care to drop!
R

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Behind The Scenes Of The Video: Folashade By Definition Of Sound DOS

Behind the scenes of the video: Folashade by Definition Of Sound DOS brought to you by That Ré of Sunshine. Will post the video in a week or two. x

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Watching The Throne

I swear I've listened to this song about fifty two times today, I would have said a hundred but I would be exaggerating. Its Otis by Jay-Z and Kanye! Check out the video.

Listening to the Watch The Throne album now. So far, I like what I've heard. Will be blogging again sooner than you think. x

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That MTV BASE "P"

The NEW MTV BASE LOGO 

Hook yourself up with the Africa's Biggest Music Television Channel for the freshest singles, celeb news & stand a chance to win invites to exclusive MtvBase Parties!!!
LIKE the MTV Base Nigeria fan page! Just click here ---------►  MTV Base Nigeria Fan Page
Oh yeah, what do you think of their new logo? 

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The Definition of Sound

Definition of Sound, D.O.S is a Nigerian pop group founded by the late Meny Ema and Deremi Adewunmi during their high school years at King’s college Lagos. The group originally consisted of seven members but later reduced to three members.

D.O.S released their 1^st single “Can’t stop” in the summer of 2008. The song helped build substantial followership for the group, particularly in the University of Lagos where they were undergraduates at the time. It also allowed the group to grace the same stages as artists such as 9ice, Banky W and Roof Top Mcs. However due to in-house differences, the group again reduced to two members leaving Deron (Deremi) and Dee-y (Dayo) as the only remaining members of the group.

DOS: Deron and Dee-Y

After spending sometime behind the scenes rebranding and harnessing their talents, the two brothers by birth, Deron and Dee-y, redefined their sound, snowballing their separate experiences and uniqueness into the musical phenomenon that is today D.O.S.

The recently released “Folashade” is the 1^st single from the yet to be named D.O.S album. 2011 marks the official launch of D.O.S into the mainstream market.

Listen to Folashade - DOS

Like their facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Definition-Of-Sound-DOS/12178897158

Download Folashade on:

http://www.4shared.com/audio/LimIE7MV/Folashade.htm


Can't wait for their album. I'm officially a member of the DOS fan club. Call me a groupie if you must.I've got everyone around me asking who Folashade is.
Ta ta. x
Pictures on post and video were taken by Temi B.

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