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What Burna Boy Told Me In Person – Timilehin Ajagunna Writes

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It’s interesting that Burna Boy’s new album title, ‘I Told Them,’ reminds me of a personal encounter with him from years ago. Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is indeed a talented and outspoken artist who has made a significant impact on the music industry, not just in Nigeria but globally.

It’s not uncommon for artists to face skepticism or doubt from their own communities, especially early in their careers. Many artists, including Burna Boy, have faced challenges and criticism before achieving success. It’s inspiring to see him rise to a level where he can confidently say, ‘I told them,’ as it signifies his belief in his talent and his journey to success despite the initial doubts.

I first met Burna Boy in 2011, in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers state, when he was an up-and-coming artist. He had just returned from studying in the United Kingdom and instantly became a fan favorite with his hit track, “Abeg Abeg,” which later appeared on his debut album, L.I.F.E.

 

At the time, Port Harcourt’s music scene was dominated by Duncan Mighty, but Burna Boy brought a breath of fresh air with his unique style of music, which he described as Afro-Fusion. As a senior entertainment reporter with City People Magazine, I was in Port Harcourt for a show organized by my media house, which featured top artists like Ice Prince, Muma Gee and a host of others.

 

Ice Prince was the most popular musician in Nigeria at that time, thanks to his hit song ‘Óleku’ , but Burna Boy impressed everyone with his performance. I was immediately struck by his talent and knew that he was going to be a superstar. Over the next year, I kept visiting Port Harcourt regularly to keep up with the latest developments in the city’s music scene.

 

While I kept tabs on the Port Harcourt music scene, Burna Boy’s name always came up in conversations. Although not known in Lagos, he was already a big name in the oil-rich city. I decided to showcase him to Nigeria by using my platform, and he agreed to an interview.

 

Eventually, we arranged to have the interview at Aristokrats’s studio, located at Stadium Road, where he was to have a recording session with his then producer, Leriq. Before the interview, he played me an unreleased song called “Touch Your Toes.”
During the interview, Burna Boy told me about his plans to take over Nigeria with his music. He was confident in his ability to become a fan favorite, which he achieved with the release of his debut album L.I.F.E.

 

After dropping his debut album, L.I.F.E, Burna Boy established himself as a mainstream artist with his hit song “Like to Party.” He continued to push out good music, winning multiple awards, including a Grammy Award. Today, Burna Boy is Nigeria’s number one artist, and his talent knows no bounds. He can comfortably perform several genres of music, and his artistry has earned him a global following.

 

Burna Boy has gone beyond being just an African artist. He is now an international superstar who sells out tours across the world.

 

Looking back, I’m proud to have been a part of Burna Boy’s journey to superstardom. It’s been an incredible ride, and I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us next.

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Fuji Icon Remi Aluko Set to Thrill Fans at Ojez Railway Recreation Center Ebute Metta on Friday

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Fuji music legend Remi Aluko is set to bring the house down at the highly anticipated Toitoi Concert this Friday, December 20, at the Ojez Railway Recreation Center, Ebute Metta. Returning to the heart of Lagos, where his storied career began over two decades ago, Aluko is ready to deliver an electrifying night of rhythm, energy, and nostalgia.

 

Known for his mastery of blending traditional Yoruba melodies with modern Fuji vibes, Aluko has built a reputation for high-octane performances and a soulful connection with his audience. At the Toitoi Concert, fans can expect a lineup of his classic hits alongside fresh, unreleased tracks that showcase his continued evolution as a Fuji icon.

 

Speaking at a media briefing, Aluko shared his excitement:

“This concert is personal for me. Ebute Metta holds so many memories, and I can’t wait to give my fans a night they’ll never forget. Come early for some surprises—it’s my way of showing appreciation for the love and support over the years.”

 

Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chairman of Ojez Entertainment Group, echoed Aluko’s enthusiasm, highlighting the venue’s significance as a cultural hub:

“The Ojez Railway Recreation Center is more than just a venue—it’s a place of history and celebration. We’re thrilled to host this landmark event and are committed to providing a secure and festive atmosphere for all music lovers.”

 

The Toitoi Concert promises to be more than just a musical event—it’s a celebration of Fuji culture, bringing together fans from all walks of life. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Aluko’s career or a newcomer to Fuji music, this concert offers an immersive experience into the rich heritage and modern vibrancy of the genre.

 

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to groove with Remi Aluko in an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to make memories at the Toitoi Concert!

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Photos From The Star Studded Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0

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COSON MEMBERS CELEBRATE BUMPER =N=465.5 MILLION ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION!

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It was singing, jubilation and merriment this Tuesday, December 10, as members of Nigeria’s No 1 copyright collective management organization, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), approved a 2024 royalty distribution of a whopping =N=465.5 million for COSON members and associates. Following the approval, the distribution which is the highest in the history of the organization, began immediately as several COSON members started receiving bank alerts on their phones while still at COSON House.

They came from the East, the West, North and South of Nigeria: gaily dressed musicians who stormed Oluwaleimu Street, in the Allen Avenue Area of Ikeja where the magnificent COSON House stands sparkling in the sun, and in which COSON’s 2024 Annual General Meeting took place.

The AGM practically turned into a carnival as the former President of PMAN and Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, who presided at the General Meeting, delivered a moving address which he titled, “the COSON Spirit”.

 

The celebrated copyright warrior was praised repeatedly by joyous COSON members after delivering his speech in which he said, “We have deployed the law, like no other organization in the history of Nigeria, to form a bulwark against the people, in and out of government, who have tried everything to hijack and plunder COSON or if they fail, to kill COSON. You know the modus operandi of the vampires among our citizens: they grab every good thing in Nigeria for themselves, their friends and families with no thought for the millions of other people in our country. They are not satisfied with owning one house. In a nation where millions do not own even a hut, they grab what belongs to all of us and build 735 duplexes for themselves alone and want more as if they have a contract with the Almighty that they will never die.

“I wish to state that I have been to practically every court in the land, have mounted the witness box and testified, and have won victories on behalf of COSON that many had thought were impossible. We have retained the services of four first class senior advocates and several other senior lawyers.

“Without the decisions of those distinguished Judges of the Courts who remain committed to truth and justice, COSON, this great pan Nigerian organization that has become the nation’s most formidable agent of strength, unity, progress and growth for the creative industry, would have since been sucked dry and wiped away.“

With sadness in his voice, Chief Okoroji said, “Fellow members of COSON, let me state that I verily believe that in these hard times, we could have done more, much more for the musicians of Nigeria. It is a paradox that the institution established by the state to enable us to soar and achieve great results for our nation, conspired with carpetbaggers and fraudsters to become the greatest obstacle to our progress and success. But… we continue to fly, due to the unbreakable COSON Spirit”.

In his speech, the COSON Chairman thanked the Management led by General Manager, Mrs. Bernice Eriemeghe Ashibuogwu, for their contribution to the success of the society,

Identified at the AGM were such persons as the President of the Creative Industry Group, Amb. Felix Duke; President of the Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN), Eng Sharon Wilson; Afro Juju music super star, Sir Shina Peters; Reggae Music giant, Righteousman Erhabor; celebrated female singer, Stella Monye; Pop Music sensation, Alex O; Gospel Music Minister, Kenny Saint Brown; Showbiz Impresario, Koffi Da Guru, Popular entertainment die-hard, Steve Black and many more.

Also present were members of the COSON Board such as Abuja based, Chief Uche Emeka Paul, a workhorse of the Catholic Charismatic Music Ministry; Enugu based music toaster and publisher, Angus Power Nwangwu; Oge Kimono, first daughter of the unforgettable Rub-A-Dub Master, Ras Kimono who himself was a COSON die hard, before his death; renowned drummer, Richard Cole, famed producer Zdon Paporella and Gospel Music Minister, Evangelist Olusegun Omoyayi.

Hundreds of COSON members joined the jubilant AGM on-line via Zoom.

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