New Music (Nigeria): 'Omote' by Ese Peters

If you’re expecting the normal party song with lots of swashbuckling beats for commercial appeal, then it may not be this. However, ‘Omote’, by Ese Peters; a Nigerian artiste who performs rock ballads, is a beautiful composition definitely worth listening to, whether you're a fan or not. This guy sings so beautifully. What “Omote” lacked in party beats, it pulled off with some depth and soul, and probably would become a choice request for wedding ceremonies, receptions, romantic getaways, or just to woo that beautiful and special girl somewhere.

“AbOriginal Music is proud to present “Omote” – the brand new single from Alternative Nigerian Singer/Songwriter and producer Ese Peters. Debuting as the first single from his forthcoming self-titled EP, the Sizzle-produced “Omote” is a soaring ballad that is very much vintage Ese Peters. Backed by lush acoustic guitars, resounding string arrangements and subtle drum patterns, over which Ese Peters effortlessly but compellingly displays his soulful vocal tones, undeniable singing abilities and heart-tugging song writing dexterity, “Omote” is a brilliantly crafted Rock ballad that not only cuts straight to the heart of its listener but also sets Ese Peters well apart from anything that is in Nigerian’s musical landscape in 2012,” read the statement from AbOriginal Music, the label Peters signed on with after last year’s release of his AcousticEP.

A hit song? With the right marketing and distribution strategy- online and offline, lots of air plays on radio stations; and probably a little more, it could be. And it would definitely be worth the spot at the top of the charts.

Listen and enjoy: "Omote", which was officially released today, Thursday, September 27.

Ese Peters: Nigeria's Next Rock Music Star?

Remember this name: Ese Peters. This Nigerian singer, guitarist and songwriter, from Warri, Delta State, is blessed with a vocal talent that could propel him to become the country’s next contemporary/rock music star. Well, he also describes himself as a dreamer. But one thing that he doesn’t need to dream about is how really good he can sing and perform love songs.

After last year’s release of his Acoustic EP, which includes the hit single, Gone (Wetin I Go Do), Peters has followed it up with another single; a beautiful composition titled “Omote”, a rock ballad that would leave any girl with a taste for good music swooning for love. Although written and performed in English, Omote is an Urhobo/Isoko word for ‘girl’.

And Omote does have a music soul, untainted by the rush of blood for commercial or mass appeal, as common with many new generation Nigerian artistes. Well, the thing is, this guy doesn’t come across like an uncommon artiste. While there are a lot of foreign influences on his songs, Peters’ evolving music constantly probes the depth of originality, in voice and delivery.

“Omote, don’t you know that I’d trade the world for you, just to see you smile and have all that you wish for in life. I would walk, run, pull down every door in your way. And if you fall, I will pick you up. And if you cry, I will dry every tear in your eye. Cos you’re the sweetest thing I know… And you dance. And you fly. And you tear down the walls with your heart. And you run. And you soar... ” With a lush voice that cuts to the heart like John Mayer’s or Dave Matthews’, Peters gushes about his undying love to his ‘Omote’. Laced with romantic clichés, the song may just be a runaway hit with the way he makes the listener believe again in love. “Omote is an honest declaration of love. Honesty is a rare commodity in today’s world. It is one lover telling the other; ‘I’ll be there for you’. I think we all need that every once in a while. It is raw and passionately painful. It is truth. It is real life, that’s what makes it special,” he told me.

Once an independent artiste, Ese Peters signed a record deal with AbOriginal Music, after last year’s release of his Acoustic EP. Watch out for Omote, which is due for release on Thursday, September 27, online, including on this blog, on Spinlets and iTunes, as well as on radio stations nationwide.

Omote... Two words: simply beautiful.

DON CORNELIUS: THE DEATH OF SOUL TRAIN

He founded ‘Soul Train’ in 1971, brought  R&B into America’s living rooms and broke down racial barriers through the nationally syndicated feel-good-music-and-dance show that he hosted from 1971 and 1983. However, Don Cornelius couldn’t find peace for his own soul or break loose from his train of personal troubles. On Wednesday, February 1, Cornelius, 75, was found dead in his Los Angeles home and it was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Department that the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

While he brought soul and music to million across the world through Soul Train, Cornelius’ personal life was full of discordant tunes. Plagued by health problems for the last three decades of his life, he survived a 21-hour operation in 1982 to correct a congenital malformation in blood vessels in his brain. In 2008, he was arrested and charged for felony domestic violence against his estranged wife Victoria Avila-Cornelius, who also filed multiple restraining orders against him. While in 2009, he pleaded no contest to one count of “corporal injury resulting in traumatic condition of a spouse,” was put on probation for 36 months, and ordered to pay over $1,000 in fines.

“He brought soul music and dance to the world in a way that it had never been shown, and he was a cultural game changer on a global level. Had it not been for Don Cornelius, we would not have ever transcended from the ‘Chitlin circuit’ to become mainstream cultural trendsetters,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, also an African American activist. Soul Train changed America’s pop culture, brought more African American artistes to a wider audience and was a springboard to greater fame for many others like James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.

Until it was rested in 2006, Soul Train could be said to have influenced many generations of African American artistes. No wonder, Aretha Franklin, whose rise to fame could be attributed to the show, said Cornelius’ death was ‘sad, stunning, and downright shocking … a huge and momentous loss to the African-American community and the world at large.” For legendary music producer, Quincy Jones, it was more.  “Before MTV there was Soul Train, that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius,” said Jones in tribute to Cornelius. “Soul Train was a huge part of my Saturday mornings growing up,” tweeted hip-hop artist Talib Kweli. Soul Train” also gave rise to the Soul Train Music Awards and the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.

Cornelius would also be remembered for his timeless quote with which he closed each episode: “I’m Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!” Sadly, for the Soul Train founder who went on to become a broadcasting icon, had a Chicago street named after him in 2011 at the 40th anniversary of the show’s syndication and was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, there was no soul, music or dance to accompany his train to the great beyond; only a trail of blood and disbelief from million of fans in America and across the world.

THE ECLIPSE OF A GRIN

Widely acclaimed as one of Nigeria’s most sought after Hip Hop artistes of recent times, Dagrin’s rise to fame was cruelly cut short by the sting of death on Thursday, April 22, 2010, eight days after crashing his Nissan Sedan into a stationary heavy duty lorry along Alakara Road, in Mushin area of Lagos.

Born Olaitan Oladapo Olaonipekun, Dagrin’s first official entrance into Nigeria’s music scene came unannounced as his 2006 debut album “Still on the Matter” did not enjoy much publicity or commercial success. Back then, only a few had heard of this confident, yet humble, young Nigerian artiste who stamped his creativity with his style – rapping in his native Yoruba language. Although Lord of Ajasa can arguably be said to have started the movement, Dagrin, with his energy and swagger, literally oiled the wheels. “There are quite a lot of guys out there who do the same thing. But Lord of Ajasa is the pioneer. Like I tell people always, I rap in Yoruba, while Ajasa represents,” said Dagrin in an interview with a magazine. Mutual respect is quite rare in this genre dominated by overblown egos and personality clashes.

And it takes humility to dance in the limelight and still remember the sparks that made it possible.

On his journey into musical prominence, Dagrin featured on Efimile, a track with fellow artiste and close friend, YQ. But it was the release of his second album, CEO (Chief Executive Omoita) that forever etched Dagrin on Nigeria’s musical consciousness. With hit singles such as Thank God, Pon Pon Pon and Kondo, the album rapidly gained critical acclaim and commercial success. For most Nigerians, both at home and in Diaspora, here was an artiste that has finally entered the zone of his creative powers and ready to conquer the world with his music. Many expected that he would be hugging the limelight for a long time to come; until his untimely death in a private ward in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi-Araba.

A flower was cut off in full bloom. At the age of twenty six, Dagrin was gone too soon. No doubt, Nigeria has lost one of its finest and original artistes. Although his earthly time was short, Dagrin made an impact with his music, which many believe would certainly outlive him. “We pray that his music and what he represented lives on and that his memories live in our hearts,” said renowned rap artiste, M.I. Maybe if reliable statistics were available, it would have shown that CEO (Chief Executive Omoita) record sale has hit the roof.

Dagrin’s short life and being able to rise above his circumstances is a testimony to the power of dreams – and believing in it. What he was able to achieve with his music in such a short time should be motivation to millions of Nigerians youths who should believe that they too, with hardwork and doggedness, can achieve their dreams in any field of endeavour. “If only Dagrin had lived longer….,” many (understandably) would still cry. But if there is any solace in such unexpected loss, it is the fact that Dagrin, against the odds, pursued and lived his dreams. And yes he did it in a big way - on the big stage.

Unlike in 2006, when he came into the musical scene unannounced, Dagrin’s talent and hardwork ensured that he left the earthly stage with thousands of fans screaming his name and a constellation of stars trailing behind him. It was evident in the mammoth crowd that graced his candle lit procession and burial ceremony.

His fans would certainly want to keep his music alive.

Rest in Peace, Dagrin.

© ARUKAINO UMUKORO

KEVIN, A NIGERIAN, WINS BIG BROTHER AFRICA REVOLUTION

Kev-olution. Or is it the Big Brother Africa 4, Revolution?

Well, I am not exactly a fan of Big Brother Africa. But for the sake of information, it's worth mentioning that a Nigerian, Kevin, walked away with the $200,000 prize at the grand finale of the 2009 Big Brother Africa Revolution, which ended tonight in South Africa.

'Swagger pass Swagger', said the inscription on the T-shirt Kevin's father wore at the finale. While D-Banj, 'you don make me fall in love' played in the background as Kevin came out of the house to be officially named winner of Big Brother Africa (Revolution) 2009, presented by a Nigerian, IK Osakodiuwa.

Congratulations, Kevin. He sure represented 'Naija' very well. Of course, more fame, fortune and endorsement deals should follow for the entertaining young man when he gets back to Naija base.

"JOStified"...hmnn, I like that coinage.

And Bow Wow also put up a wow performance at the show finale.

Check out all the news at

http://www.mnetafrica.com/bigbrother