MJ Magazine interviews Obibini & Michael Asambo about the upcoming concert in GH (@ObibiniBoafo)

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Obibini & Michael Asambo

For the first time Michael Asambo, aka Da Biggest Boss, has invested in his passion, the show business. “Obibini & friends” is a novel act of Michael’s vision to showcase the best yet seen on the Ghanaian music scene. MJ Magazine was privileged to catch up with Mr. Asambo, CEO of Da Biggest Boss Promotions and Obibini, to get a gist of what the coming event was all about. The following is what they had to say.

MJ Magazine: Obibini & friends, what is the idea about?

Biggest boss: This idea is about pushing Obibini to the top. I am the type that pushes talent, and as someone who appreciates Obibini’s talent I thought it appropriate to showcase him to Ghana, Africa; and let the world know who Obibini is. The biggest boss sees OB as a unique artist; I am not just a fan of Obibini, but a part of his Boafo (helper) movement.

MJ Magazine: Is Obibini & friends a contract signed show?

Biggest boss: I thought about putting OB on a show, so I called him and asked to work with the team; I proposed to host Obibini & friends. So we planned it as friends do, to help each other without documentation.

Obibini-bashMJ Magazine: You have VGMA (Vodafone Ghana Music Awards) nominated acts on the bill, a second thing you would realize about the bill is its dancehall orientation. OB being a RAP artist, is it to give him a background that he can shine out of or what, why the kind of line up? Dancehall acts on a RAP headlined event.

Biggest boss: It is a street thing, this is a show to grow OB’s fan base. Most of the artists on the bill are artists I think have it. I did not want to have just RAP music on the stage, so we thought of broadening it, let everyone have their feel.

MJ Magazine: Are all acts confirmed?

Biggest boss: Yes all acts have confirmed.

MJ Magazine: A word from OB, how do you feel about the show?

Obibini Boafo: It feels great to be appreciated, thanks to the man them making it happen, Da Biggest Boss Promotions. It’s great, Obibini & friends, the title is sweet, I love it.

MJ Magazine: What would you say about the line up being Dancehall oriented?

Obibini Boafo: The idea is to steal the hearts of the streets, and to broaden our fan base. These acts are bringing their fans, it was going to take some time to get through to those fans, if not for this show. The man behind this event is the face of the street, it’s great, these dancehall acts are great and have great following.

MJ Magazine: We are here to bridge Africa and the Diaspora, what message do you have for the Diaspora

Obibini Boafo: We need them, they were and are still a part of us, we need to live life together; our own in the Diaspora should feel comfortable coming home, repatriation is a must! They taught us that in their music and we endorse it.

Come 21st March 2015, Keegee Hotel will witness what promises to be a memorable showdown of Real Rap meeting Dancehall, in a show dubbed “Obibini & Friends”. The “Wayuusu” hit maker would be supported by acts like Ras Kuuku, Episode, Hus Eugene, Luther, Konkarah, Chymny Crane, ShineyBoy, Agbeshi, King Vuvu, Maslarry, Owurah, Bastero, Gariba, Xpowa, Xblackson and many many more.

ARTICLE BY: ADOKWEI ADDO (@tsotsoobilove)

Canadian hip-hop artist Shad to host CBC’s cultural affairs radio show (@shadkmusic @CBCRadioCanada @thefacultyof)

2Shad will become the new host of CBC’s cultural affairs radio show Q, which relaunches in mid-April. The new show will have more musical performances and will be less structured, with a more conversational tone to allow more live spontaneous moments. Shad’s first morning behind the mic as the official host of Q takes place on April 20. CBC Radio is heard right across Canada; persons in other countries can tune in online at http://www.cbc.ca/radio/

Shad is a 32-year-old, multiple Juno-nominated artist who has drawn praise in Canada and the U.S. for his humour, passion and originality. Learn more about Shad here http://music.cbc.ca/#!/artists/Shad

THE UNTITLED TRACK, SLOWLY BECOMING A FAVORITE AMONG MANY (@LOVEagent876 @IMREDEEM)

14The outcome of a song that came about as a result of an expressive moment of fun by recording artiste Chaos Whyte and freelance media personality Disc Jock Redeem aka SIR is becoming a favorite among many. The song has been receiving rotations on some local and overseas radio stations, though it is yet to be titled and therefore has been presented as “Untitled”. 
 
SIR and Chaos have began a radio tour so as to increase the awareness of the song, as well as to get the assistance of the public in coming up with the song’s title. The radio tour kicked off with an appearance at ROOTS 96.1 FM, the radio station which Disc Jock Redeem is affiliated with. There are several radio stations both locally and overseas that are a part of the tour and there is an open invitation to any radio station that has the desire to join in on the tour. 
 
Interested radio presenters / disc jocks or station managers can make their interest known by sending word to: dj.redeem@yahoo.com or via whatsapp: 1-876-450-6633
 
See the link below for an audio version of the song: 

Don’t Let Them Get Away With Murder (Official Video) @jasiri_x

1Jasiri X shared his new video, “Don’t Let Them Get Away With Murder” which is a collaboration with Harry Belafonte’s organization Sankofa.org, and had this to say

“Unarmed people of color are being killed wholesale by police officers across the country. Their deaths are being ruled as homicides, yet no one is being held accountable. It is my hope that this song will serve as a reminder of how severely broken the justice system is and that we need to take action now to make sure all people are treated equally and given justice.”

Hip-Hop Legend Chuck D Collaborates With Hip-Hop Activist Jasiri X (@jasiri_x @MrChuckD @zeke_thomas)

11According to Jasiri X he received what is obviously a house beat from Zeke Thomas. Knowing he was a “conscious rapper” Zeke apparently wanted to know if Jasiri could spit knowledge over the type of tracks he plays in the club. As an artist Jasiri X took it as a challenge, and sent the song back with verses and a hook. After which Zeke went and got legendary hip-hop artist Chuck D to add vocals. The song is called “Blackness”, listen here https://soundcloud.com/tommy-boy-1/blackness

New iRadio Dedicated To Canadian Urban Music & Independent Artists (@DiggitLiveRadio)

diggitliveDIGGITLIVERADIO is a new online radio station dedicated to promoting the greatest musical talent Canada has to offer. Their goal is to captivate listeners with inventive beats and melodies in R&B, Reggae and Hip-hop from unsigned Canadian artists. This will be done through their direct collaboration with the artist(s) and/or production houses.

DIGGITLIVERADIO will showcase an artist by providing maximum air time while simultaneously cultivating an environment of change in digital radio and interest in Canadian musical talents! Listeners are able to CALL-IN for FREE and interact via the online chat room.

Tune into DIGGITLIVERADIO here http://www.diggitliveradio.ca/listen-to-station.html

Ms. Lauryn Hill extends her SMALL AXE: Acoustic Performance Series Tour (@MsLaurynHill)

1With the first run of dates quickly selling out, Ms. Lauryn Hill has announced an extension of her SMALL AXE: Acoustic Performance Series. These shows will take place in small, mostly seated venues, giving fans the opportunity to see Ms. Hill, with guitar, in a uniquely intimate setting. New dates added to the series include shows in Boston and Philadelphia, as well as additional shows in New York City. Go to http://www.MsLaurynHill.com for tickets. The concerts will also include music by special guest DJs (to be announced), as well as a screening of an abridged version of the documentary “Concerning Violence”.

In addition, fans will be able to upgrade their experience to a VIP Meet & Greet that includes a limited edition 24” x 36” art poster designed by Ms. Hill, souvenir tour laminate and an individual meet and greet (includes photo and autograph) after the show. For more information on VIP upgrades go to http://www.MsLaurynHill.com.

DATES & LOCATIONS FOR THE SMALL AXE ACOUSTIC SERIES
Feb 13 / Howard Theatre / Washington, DC
Feb 17 / Rough Trade / Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Feb 20 / Highline Ballroom / Chelsea, NYC
Feb 23 / Highline Ballroom / Chelsea, NYC
Feb 25 / The Blue Note / Greenwich Village, NYC
Mar 18 / Wilbur Theatre / Boston, MA
Mar 21 / Madiba / Harlem, NYC
Mar 25 / City Winery / Soho, NYC
Mar 28 / Keswick Theatre / Philadelphia, PA