Volume (UP) #11
“Not all heroes wear capes”
T: Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of Volume (UP). The last 2 months have been fantastic for Nigerian Pop music. We’ve gotten really great albums back to back to back. Tiwa finally gave us an album since 2015. And while people complained about its marketing, I’m just happy it exists. There are really nice songs on there that’ll I’ll play forever. Dangerous Love is one of them. That DJ Tunez remix is so great. I like when people say “remix” and create a whole new sound around the song. I respect that.
For the past few weeks I caught myself focusing on a certain type of rap songs. Once it comes on, it’s most likely a rapper from the UK. It’s so unique & enjoyable. I love it. I decided to add two songs that I’ve had on repeat for a while now. That’s why Famous by Octavian & No Pain by Paxe are on here.
S: While pop music was doing its thing, a beautiful version of highlife was given o us in Roots. It’s an offering by The Cavemen. I love how indigenous it sounded and it’s distinct sound. It was the best thing I heard in it’s “release” week and it’s my first pick for this issue. It makes me hopeful that our musical cultures wouldn’t be lost in our generation. Up north, Namenj makes wonderful Hausa music. Here is a cover we have begged him to clear and release.
Tiwa Savage also surprised us with her album. I love “Ole”, it has a surprising feature. Olayinka Ehi’s “Shake” is quite the slapper. I love how the Otedola girls are getting a hang of making pop songs. “Badman” is a really bright song from Tolani. Soul Food II is some special. That use of sampling was so beautiful and remarkable. It is really rare to find such a perfectly made song.
Miley Cyrus is back. It should be fun. I haven’t sat with Nasty C’s album but I currently like “Black and White”. Lmbskn is making remixes. I like.
Skip Marley has an EP out. I think its worth listening to. KelP is getting foreign attention on “Faith”. I am delighted to see him get Grammy Nomination referrals. KelP is truly amazing. We love to see it.
T: Finally, I want to eulogize a real life hero. I personally think the highest level a human being can achieve is making people believe in themselves. Chadwick did that when he was T’Challa. I remember what the announcement & the subsequent release of Black Panther did for so many people. Chadwick saw that & decided it was important that movie had its shine, so he never brought up his ailment. I’m very sure that would have changed the narrative around BP from that of celebration to that of concern over him. I think that is such a selfless act. I don’t like when people suffer in silence & I’ve never applauded it but for that & how he lived in his final years, he’s a real superhero to me. I hope we never forget this huge sacrifice he made. He’ll forever have my respect. And just like that, All The Stars has become the almost perfect eulogy.
S: Personally, I no longer feel bad about this tragedy because I feel he got to live his fullest in his final years. He put all of his life into his craft and got his final moments immortalized in some of the highest and brightest moments in global cinema. I feel this is a blessing that very few of us will get to know. Thoughts and prayers to his family as they mourn this loss.
T: Thanks for tuning into another episode & to the mandem, get that colonoscopy. It’s never too early. Stay healthy, watch for corona & peace out.
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