MISSPIN Ambassador Ohimai Godwin Amaize is working to shift cultural perceptions of scammers and their victims through the B.L.I.N.G. project, which unites some of Nigeria’s most influential musicians around the problem of cybercrime. Their song, “Maga No Need Pay,” challenges young Nigerians to resist the temptation of “yahoo-yahoo” and avoid creating more maga, or victims. The song, an Afro Hip-Hop and R&B fusion, is intended to help inspire both national and international audiences.

I’m also proud to announce that on September 7-10, the EFCC will convene the 1st West-African Cybercrime Summit in Abuja. Coordinated by the EFCC, Microsoft, the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) and the International Mass Marketing Fraud Working Group (IMMFWG), this conference will bring together an international group of political leaders, decision makers, criminal justice authorities, industry representatives and other stakeholders from Africa and around the world to help:


Raise political awareness and commitment to combat cybercrime
Build capacity for scalable and sustainable solutions
Develop multi-lateral cooperation
These are by no means the first steps taken to fight advance fee fraud. In 2008 Microsoft joined with Yahoo!, Western Union and the African Development Bank to establish the Advance Fee Fraud Coalition. Last fall, Microsoft, Western Union, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Trade Commission launched a public safety ad campaign in Bing to help warn consumers about financial fraud.

Cybercrime knows no national boundaries. To fight it effectively we must embrace a variety of approaches – technological, legal, and cultural. Motivating individuals to reject cybercrime and pursue legitimate ventures begins with campaigns like MISSPIN and the B.L.I.N.G. project. With awareness, education and partnership, we can help make the Internet safer for the whole world.

I encourage you to check out “Maga No Need Pay” For more information about advance fee fraud in general, please visit http://affcoalition.org.

culled from: microsoftontheissues.

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QUIRK PRESENTS...CAMP + COBHAMS ON THE GREEN




Quirk is back with our second concert on the green and we'd love to have you there for what's going to be an amazing night of music.

On Dec. 10, Award winning producer Cobhams Asuquo, most famous for producing Asa's album, Rooftop Mcs ‘Lagimo’, Banky W ‘Strong Thing’, Dare Art-Alade's ‘Not The Girl’ and so many other artists, introduces four young stars from the CAMP (Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions) studio to a privileged Quirk audience. Bez, Omolara, Tarri and Joan will join Cobhams on the green at Coral Reef, Ikoyi for a great night of soulful music. They will be followed by the Renaissance Man playing a mix of soul, funk and old school tunes for you to groove to.

Doors open at 7 and performances start by 7:30 so come by after work, get a drink and find a good spot. Admission is N2,000, payable at the door. And please pass the invite to everyone you think would enjoy the music. Looking forward to seeing you all for an amazing night.

December 10, 09


Coral Reef
10A Ikoya Avenue,
Off Macpherson Street,
Off Bourdillon Road,
Ikoyi, Lagos

Doors open: 7PM
Admission: N2,000

BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE Here

More details on our websites:
Quirk
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=190936462186&ref=nf
BUY

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MUSIC
Bez – Zuchiya Daya (One Heart) + Stop Pretending
Posted on November 6th, 2009 by Ovie O

Bez, government name Emmanuel Bezhiwa Idakula, was born November 10, 1983 in Jos, Nigeria. Bez is a relatively new act whose strength not only lies in his voice, but also his guitar skills.

While in college, he pursued an undeniable passion for music, honing his skills day by day to produce one of the most remarkable playing styles. His first live performance was with gospel group KUSH, and then other regular performances with Sage Has son (A spoken word artist) followed, sharing the stage with Mode9, Terry tha Rap Man, Djinee, M.I, Roof Top Mcs and many more in quite a number of events including Taruwa® an unplugged show he features in regularly. One of his most defining moments was performing as an opening act with Cobhams, an ace producer at Asa’s two day concert in Lagos.

Tagged as “The next big thing” in the Nigerian music scene by The Guardian and Thisday newspapers in two consecutive weeks, his style can be described as a hybrid of jazz, soul, and world music, a really eclectic sound he calls alternative soul. Though quite different from the ever-popular afro hip-hop genre in Nigeria, he believes the quality of his music would create a niche by itself taking him to greater heights as he takes a life long ride creating and sharing his music with the world.

He also took place in the recently concluded Hennessy Artistry 2009 in Nigeria and ended up as the 2nd runner up. He brings something new and really good to the table, and for thar reason, I’m already a fan. Listen and let me know your thoughts on these 2 songs.

*O.O*


Culled from NOTJUSTOK

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Little Miss Sunshine BY BEZ
By Bez

Tuesday October 27, 2009


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OMOLARA RELEASES NEW VIDEO
  

  

Singer, songwriter Omolara Ayodele was born in Lagos Nigeria, The only girl in the family of four kids; she was raised by her dad who was an officer in the air force and her mother a nurse. Growing up as a kid, her mother encouraged her and her three brothers to sing, she would teach them songs and make them sing at family functions. After completing her primary and secondary school education at Air Force Primary and Secondary School in Kaduna and Lagos respectively, she went on to the University of Ibadan where she graduated with a degree in Philosophy. In the course of all these events, Omolara discovered her love for music. She started writing songs when she was 10 years old and later on in secondary school, got awarded for her effort when she co-wrote an entry for the proposed new school anthem.


While studying at the university, she joined the Spirit of David Dance club where her love and passion for music and songwriting grew even more. As they danced and toured the country, she began to write and perform theme songs as an opening act for the tour. During this time she got to meet other aspiring artistes and featured on some of their work. In 2003 she featured on the Rooftop MC’s song “Gods Calling You” from the Shock Therapy album.

After a couple of failed management and record deals, Omolara decided to take a bold step at working on the album on her own. The single “Be Like Yours” which is a product of this effort was produced by renowned producer Cobhams. Citing the likes of Whitney Houston, Brandy, Mariah Carey and Jill Scot as some of her many musical influences, Omolara’s deeply soulful and atmosphere music is bound to captivate any listener. Her album which is expected to consist of twelve tracks infuses a blend of soul, RnB pop and soft rock, a combination which she hopes will help express her desire to identify with the personal struggles of a lot of young people all over the world as well as a declaration of her Christian faith. The album, which already promises collaboration with the lyrically skilled hip-hop artist M.I, is expected to be released in 2009.

  

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Bez. The new school soul man. Photo: OLADIPO OLADAPO



Notes on inspiration

By Michaela Moye


November 2, 2009 02:27PMT 


What was the Hennessy Artistry

experience like for you, since you were the only non Hip-hop artist involved?

Bez:

First of all, it was a learning experience... the rehearsals and the event

itself. Prior to that, I wasn’t very free on stage... maybe because I didn’t have

a band but the Hennessy show brought me out... brought out my true essence. That

I was a “different” act from the rest was a challenge. First of all, I thought

it would be a head start but eventually, when we had the club events, I found

out that they were pulling more... but I did really good, I know. It was a good

experience. I enjoyed it.

What was it like playing live with the Hi-Notes band?

Bez:

I didn’t play with Hi-Notes. I played with my own band. It was hot.

Cobhams:

He was the only artist who didn’t play with Hi-Notes. [The band Bez used] play

for CAMP artists. They play for Omolara, they play for Bez; they play for me,

they play for Joan.

Do you think the best team won?

Bez:

I wouldn’t put it that way. I would say he was a deserved win.

So is there still a Hennessy relationship?

Bez:

If they are hoping to do anything... events or something, I’m very open to that -

I mean, that’s what I do.

And with the other artists...

Bez:

I knew most of them before Hennessy Artistry so there had always been a

relationship, except for Blaise and Jimmy Flames.

Now that Hennessy Artistry is over, what’s next?

Bez:

I’m putting out a single really soon. I continue work on my album and

performing.

What collaborations should we look forward to on the album?

Bez:

The album is still very much in the working stage. We’re still putting ideas

together to get the best.

What’s the creative process like for you?

Bez:

First of all there’s inspiration. Then there’s writing and then playing.

Recording. Scrapping and starting all over again. There’s exchange of ideas.

It’s a whole lot more than people think. That’s the exciting part of it - the

creative process - when you watch something grow from zero to 60 per cent, back

to zero and eventually 100 percent.

Cobhams, is the creative process the same with different artists?

Cobhams:

It’s never the same with every artist. People experience differently, people

express differently. You always have to pace yourself according to their speed

and expectations. It’s like relationship management. It’s never the same but it

always starts with inspiration. Good music is always inspired music.

Speaking of inspiration, Bez, you’ve been compared to Raphael Saadiq. Does he

serve as inspiration?

Bez:

To be honest, I think I’ve only heard [one] track of Raphael. I listen to a lot

of female artists - Amy Winehouse, Corrine Bailey Rae [and] more [of] neo-soul

acts. My inspiration comes from a higher force which, of course, is God.

Sometimes I can’t explain how I get some things done. Inspiration to write

comes from my guitar - I fiddle around and might get a new tune and then write

from there. Or something just comes. Or I push myself.

Does your upbringing influence the kind of music you produce?

Bez:

Maybe not. I was brought up listening to Don Williams, Kenny Rogers, and Dolly

Parton - mostly country music. And Michael Jackson, which I think everybody

listened to. I just grew into my own style.

Confess...did you ever try Hip-hop?

Bez:

(Laughs) In secondary school I had a very funny song. It wasn’t really Hip-hop

but it had... vibes! (Laughs)

Cobhams, do you think songwriters in Nigeria get minimal attention?

Cobhams:

Songwriters in Nigeria get no attention at all. I don’t think people pay

attention to the fact that songs are written, they just know that songs come

out. Songs are just listened to and enjoyed. That’s a shame.

Probably because of the kind of music that is so popular?

Cobhams:

Every kind of music is written. Every kind of music is an intellectual

property, even if it’s (chants, gibberish). I think it’s so because we’ve not

been sensitised enough, we are not aware and because we are a society that does

not have as much regard for intangible property, we don’t pay it as much

attention. We value more what you can see, touch and feel. It’s just as

valuable but we have a challenge of songwriters thrown way down to the back

burner. Every kind of music is written.

What’s your favourite song you’ve ever written?

Cobhams:

(Laughs) I don’t know if I have a favourite. Well, I have two songs that I do

like very much I haven’t quite finished. One of them is titled “This Hair of

Mine” which I wrote when I was looking for my comb and the other one is “Stupid

Little Girl”. Those are not songs I do just about any and everywhere but I know

I like them a lot.

Tell us about the transition from producing adverts to producing Nigerian artists.

Cobhams:

There’s never really been a transition. I’ve always done - and still do - both.

I create adverts to pay the bills; I produce Nigerian artists because I realise

my life has to give and I’m part of an evolving industry, in particular, the

entertainment sector and sort of dictate the trend, not just as far as

entertainment goes, as far as lifestyle in Nigeria is concerned, that’s why I

love to produce artists.

You mentioned giving. Are you currently involved in any charities?

Cobhams:

My whole life is a charity project. Everything I do has a reason and everything

I do is a seed I’m sowing and sharing with people. I’m hoping that you leave

here with something inspiring. I believe that every meeting is an opportunity

to share something with somebody that impacts the person positively. I think

that’s charity. It isn’t until I gather a bunch of pressmen and go somewhere

and donate stuff and make people see me. Charity is the little nugget I drop in

peoples lives with things I say; with the music I create that is able to

positively affect your emotions. That’s charity! You can’t pay me for that. You

can’t pay for the feeling. But in the material sense of it, yes, I want to

start a reading club for blind people. A challenge for blind people all over

the world is access to printed material. I want ‘superstars’ to come to the

studio voluntarily to read some of these books unto a machine or whatever and

make them available as audio books for libraries, iPods, MP3 players so that

the blind community is not left out in a world that is fast evolving. That’s

something I really want to address. I’m big on empowerment and knowledge. It’s

a project I want to work on, God willing.


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ELAN PERSONALITY: Cobhams Asuquo

By Hauwa R. Mukan


September 4, 2009 05:27PMT


  
picture by elan



The likes of Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles never let their eyesight or lack thereof become a handicap in achieving their dreams and Cobhmans joins this list, fast becoming a Nigerian musical legend—a one man music powerhouse.

The Man

He struts around the corridors of his house with keen precision, calculating each turn, corner and winding staircase without apprehension; after all, this is where the magic is made. His house is one part home, two parts business.

He is in the process of converting all the rooms into his mini recording studios. So far he has four recording studios. “They are studios with four different sections and each has its own work station so producers can work at the same time,” he explains. “It’s a happy, happy room where musicians can rehearse and collaborate.”

Cobhams is quite the charmer; he makes jokes, gentle quips and is never stingy with his smile. “I just really love to spend time with people. I like to build real and intimate relationships between myself and others.” As a spiritual creature and man of understanding, he says that his blessings come directly from God who has sustained and kept him this far and that if he weren’t such an indispensable figure in the music industry he would be a pastor.

Affecting Societal Change

Cobhams is an avid lover of music. Everything from Gregorian chants to hip hop; he consumes music like most people consume food. Today I sit in his den with the classic accompaniment of strings and piano chords as background music, the relaxing soundtrack of the evening. You name the musical genre, and he can tell one million things about it. “I write songs for artists, corporations, theme music, I attempt to write movies scores, and the like.”

He has produced work for several artists like Asa, Yinka Davis, the Rooftop MCs, Charlie Boy, Mode 9, Sasha, Omawunmi, Timi Dakolo, Banky W, Sound Sultan, 2face, Timaya, and that’s only about a quarter of the list. He has written and produced work for a number of organisations as well: MTN, Zain, Globacom, Etisalat’s 0809ja campaign music, Stanbic IBTC, Coca Cola, Close-up, Reltel and this list continues to grow as he plans to watch his career solidify and inspire minds to become the best that they can be despite obstacles and challenges.

“I want to build the brand for what it represents. I am interested in becoming a key player contributing to the growth of the entertainment sector in terms of capacity building and helping to build a structure for the business, not only to make profits but to give back to a society that has given so much to me.”

He declares that he was not born with a silver spoon. His father was a military man and he just wanted to see his children grow up to be positive influences in society. As the youngest of six children, Cobhams spent much of his formative years honing his love for music, and admits to not being the strongest student academically.

With just a few terms into his University career, he, very much like Kanye West, decided that he was finished with school and took the alternative route, crafting his entrance into the music scene by becoming a songwriter and producer. As a self taught musician, his skills are quite impressive. “I try to sing and I play the piano, guitar, percussions and I mess around with other instruments from time to time.”

Inspiration and Style

He says that the magic happens in the bathroom and he sometimes takes a bath to get inspired. “I love me some bathroom time! I am that extreme. In my bathroom I am any and everything, from an astronaut to a physicist, to a soldier. I’m scared if I change my bathroom around too much it might affect the inspiration for now, but I know sometime in life I’ll add in a recorder and piano.”

Cobhams likes to go around looking fresh. He’s no fashion slave, but admits he enjoys looking good yet comfortable. Today he sports a crisp button up and jeans, the look he generally moves about in.

“It’s just God because sometimes I get into the studio and I’m just confused with the direction I should be going. I just want to live my dream and support the industry and motivate young Nigerians towing the line in their industries into becoming beacons of light.”

Good Movies and the Importance of Solid Foundations

Yes, ladies and gentleman, he watches movies. Watches in the sense that he listens very well and fills in the visual blanks however needed. He explains that a good movie will transcend the visual barriers and can appeal to the sense of sound if made properly, and that really is all that is required. On an average weekend he finds time to inject some love for cinema into his schedule, relaxing and catching a good flick with his sweetheart.

Yes, he is very much taken, and hopes to be a husband and father sometime down the line. As far as the Nigerian music industry is concerned, he likens it to a skyscraper being built on a foundation fit for bungalows. “It is taking shape but we need to deal with the foundational issues, given the rate at which the industry is growing. We need to get our processes and structures right. It is a sustainability issue that depends on our education and looking at the industry from an economic standpoint: regarding it as a science and a lucrative, sensible and viable part of our nation’s economy.”

Words of Wisdom

“Get up and go, whatever you are thinking of doing do it. If it is within reason and doesn’t harm anyone. To be a pioneer you need to first take the baby steps. Live the dream.”


culled from 'Elan' 234Next