IANA Blog- April 2022

Happy April.

For those that don’t know, the Grammy Awards happened. The Grammys are one of the most major music Awards in the world…although, I’m not alone in saying that they get their picks wrong…most of the time. I do remember when Burna Boy won though, and he said his win was a “big win for his generation of Africans from around the world.”

I also think of the many Nigerian musicians/artists that have won Grammys, and doing the research I found out it was Burna and the others are Babatunde Olatunji (the first Nigerian to win), Sikiru Adeponju and Wizkid. 

As Bob Marley states, “one great thing about music, when it hits, you feel no pain.” Music definitely plays a part in our lives, it can be used to raise someone’s mood, get you excited, calm, enhance brain functioning and used for liberation. Here in the U.S., African American gospel music, Jazz, folk music, other genres of music played a part in the Civil Rights movement, and in South Africa, music played a huge role in the Anti-Apartheid movement, from South African legends like Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela, to legendary Nigerian artist Sunny Okosun who wrote the song, “Fire in Soweto.” 

Similar to the last blog, I thought we could focus on music this month, especially since music plays a huge role in Africa…especially Nigeria. Whether we hear it at birthday parties, weddings, Nigerian parties, our lives would be different without music. Like the last blog, I thought we could ask members of IANA and 2nd Gen about their favorite films and about music, especially in Nigeria.

Interviewees- Chiedu Ufoegbune, Chekwume Ufoegbune, Chekwume “Che-Che” Nwaesei, Chiedu Nwaesei, Banyem Ufoegbune

Who was your favorite musician growing up?

Chiedu U.- Marvin Gaye

Chekwume- 2Pac

Che-Che- Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, and Diana Ross.

Chiedu N.- Michael Jackson, Motown legend

Banyem- Kanye West

Do you have a Favorite Music Genre?

Chiedu U.- I enjoy all types of genres of music, although country music is probably my least favorite genre.

Chekwume- Alternative Hip Hop

Che-Che- I do enjoy listening to a plethora of genres and I usually enjoy different types of genre based on the season and whatever I am doing. For example, EDM when I am exercising, or classical when I am studying. Beautiful Motown jams when the winter season hits and indie, pop, R&B, and EDM as the summer approaches.

Chiedu N.- Latin music

Banyem- Afrobeats

Favorite Nigerian musician/singer/artist?

Chiedu U.- Fela Kuti

Chewkume- Burna Boy

Che-Che- it would have to be P-Square. Those twins and their entire family are musically gifted/talented.

Chiedu N.- Flavour

Banyem- Rema

Do you remember the first time you were exposed to any type of Nigerian music?

Chiedu U.- My Dad would play Highlife music in the car. Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe was one of the first Nigerian musicians I could remember listening to for the first time.

Chewkume- Yeah, [although he is Congolese], Awilo Longomba’s music blasting at Nigerian get-togethers as a kid hit differently back in the day.

Che-Che- I think I was probably nine years old when my siblings and I were introduced to Fela through my dad.

Chiedu N.- At a very young age, my dad used to listen to Fela Kuti.

Banyem- My parents play music on the way to my cousin’s house or at an African party.

Favorite Nigerian song?

Chiedu U.- “Lady” by Fela Kuti. That was the first time I heard that Fela Kuti song. I think I heard it at a Nigerian party, and the lyrics and the beat were stuck in my head. That automatically became one of my favorite Nigerian songs.

Chekwume- “Awele” by Davido

Che-Che- Any song that uses the Akpele instrument I'm on the dance floor.

Chiedu N.- “Essence” by Wizkid ft. Tems

Banyem- “Roma” by Wizkid

Favorite Nigerian music genre?

Chiedu U.- I always liked Afrobeat and Nigerian reggae.

Chekwume- Afrobeats

Che-Che - it's hard to pick a favorite. I enjoy all the genres.

Chiedu N.- Afrobeats and Dancehall

Banyem- Afrobeats

Nigerian music executive Aibee Abidoye said that Afrobeats is here to stay after Burna Boy’s Grammy win. What is your view on Afrobeats getting more exposure in mainstream music?

Chiedu U.- I still find it crazy. I still remember when Afrobeats was only played at Nigerian/African parties, or when my mom would play it. Now, I’m hearing it on the radio, at parties around Oakland and the Bay Area, hearing it at events around Oakland, seeing people jam to it and dance to it. It kind of reminds me of how Dancehall music got more mainstream in the 90’s and 2000’s, although it was already popular in Jamaica. 

Chekwume- I’m 100% here for it and it only means more exposure for Nigeria and Nigerian culture. It’s putting Nigerians in a better light and it’s great that they’ll have that platform.

Che-Che - It is truly amazing to see Afrobeats cross over so seamlessly. Honestly it's about time. In my opinion most instrumental music stems from Africa.

Chiedu N.- It’s about time and the new artists are representing our culture in a beautiful way.

Banyem- It’s definitely taking over. You can’t have a song without a little bit of influence and more U.S. artists are almost begging to work with an Afrobeats artist.

How does Music play a role in your life?

Chiedu U.- Whenever I’m stressed, irritated or having a bad day, I usually go to YouTube, Pandora, or the radio to play some music and make it less stressful. It helps me calm my nerves.

Chekwume- Music is a great way to prepare for your upcoming day or to de-stress after a long day. It’s my getaway from it all.

Chiedu N.- Music is very therapeutic and helps express how I’m feeling in the moment. I feel music helps me connect with other people on a deeper level. I also love to sing, so when my favorite song comes on and it’s Karaoke night, I’m most definitely having a blast singing to my favorite song. In addition, I believe music at a gathering/party either makes or breaks the event. There always needs to be great tunes to keep the party interesting and lively.

Banyem- I listen to music everyday, it’s like the soundtrack to my day.

Favorite concert/music festival you’ve been to?

Chiedu U.- Hiero Day 2015 in Oakland.

Chekwume- Soundset 2016

Che- Che- P-Square concert in Toronto, Ontario 2013. I was with friends and family.

Chiedu N.- P-Square concert was by far a dream come true in Toronto. All the top hits were played and it was so much fun to be a part of history. One of my favorite songs that was played that night was “Personally.”

Banyem- Lost in Riddim

Favorite song of all time? What does this song mean to you?

Chiedu U.- “What’s Going On,” by Marvin Gaye. In my opinion, one of the most conscious, socially aware songs ever. My all-time favorite Marvin Gaye song.

Chekwume- Mos Def/Yasiin Bey- “May-December.” While this isn’t one of Mos Def’s more well known songs, it’s a perfect depiction of how I would describe my inner workings through music. Also, this song got me into Alternative Hip Hop.

Che-Che- "Three Little Birds'' by Bob Marley & The Wailers. In today's current climate it is so hard to believe where we are now and where we might be heading. The beginning of the song, don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright, is really significant to me because it reminds me to trust and put my faith in God that everything will be alright. This song brings a real focus on living in the present, now for me.

Chiedu N.- Favorite song of all time is hard to pick because I love all different types of music. However, songs create the scene and mood that you are in. In conclusion, whichever music I am listening to really depends on how I am feeling at that moment and what activity I am hoping to participate in. For instance, if I want to dance, I would prefer listening to a more up beat song such as "Johnny" by Yemi Akade.  If I just want to relax, I will listen to some smooth jazz, for example "The Moment" by Kenny G. If I want to worship and praise, I will listen to catholic hymns such as "10000 reasons" by Matt Redman. If I want to work out, I will listen to motivating music such as "Fade" by Kanye West. These are all different kinds of genres that I listen to and they all represent a different side of me. Music is an expression of life. 

Banyem- “3005,” by Childish Gambino. It just has a tune to it that gets me in my feelings and opens up my senses somehow. I can see myself in the artist and this sound just hits differently.

For fun- Wizkid, Davido or Burna Boy?

Chiedu U.- Burna Boy

Chekwume- Burna Boy

Che-Che- Wizkid, only because the name is hard to miss or forget. Genius!

Chiedu N.- This is hard, but Wizkid, all day every day.

Banyem- Wizkid