His songs are party bangers! There is no way you would want to? rate a Nigerian artiste without mentioning the award winning? ‘Ten Over Ten’ crooner Naetochukwu Chikwe, popularly called Naeto C whose song? has become a slang of success chanted by all Nigerians.
What made him different from artiste like MI, Ice Prince, Ikechwukwu and the likes is his ability to play with words with poetic license and his undying quest for knowledge. He has obtained a Masters degree in Biotechnology from the University of Hertfordshire; something that is rare among entertainers who believe that with fame and fortune, education is not a priority and they are ahead of the game.
But for this artiste born in Houston, Texas who spent his early years growing up in England and Nigeria within a household largely influenced by music, that likeness for music grew fast and was articulated into other creative art forms, most specifically poetry, which took him to various places and earned him accolade among young artistes and music lovers across the shores of Africa. ‘Kini Big deal’ is a song that features Ikechukwu which made a lot of waves across the globe.
Blending songs for lots of artistes like Omawumi and Banky W who was in search of a good hip-hop artiste to remix his song, ‘Lagos Party’ and could only get to Naeto C who sang with other big boys like D’banj, 9ice.
While in the States, Naeto C recorded over 40 to 50 songs as a solo artiste. His original intention was to pursue a professional career within the medical field but like most creative artistes, “”Naeto C”, opted to drop the medical career path and follow one that would enhance his creativity.
Because of his lyrical prowess, he got offers from different record labels like Storm Records and Mo’hits with others still keen on signing him on.?
There was this fateful Tuesday afternoon when Mr. John who is in charge of the data processors in LEADERSHIP newspapers came to me and he said:
‘Tony I want to listen to that song by Naeto C, ‘Level Don Change, Ten Over Ten’. It might sound funny, but this just shows you what his songs mean to people having heard the lyrics and intended message on CD, local radio and television stations. Little wonder it made waves across the globe having found the ideal recording home that would provide the flexibility to nurture a career in. Beyond doubt, Naeto is ‘Ahead Of The Game’! That is why he says in his song ‘ Ten Over Ten’, ‘Level don change’!
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To say Jude Abaga better known by stage name M.I, (Mr Incredible), is the hottest rapper in Nigeria at the moment is an understatement. Since MI burst into the scene in 2006 with his hit song ‘Crowd Mentality’,he has not looked back.
Before MI came into the Nigeria rap scene, rappers like Mode 9,Idris Abdulkareem and Ruggedman held sway but the coming of MI relegated those rappers to the background. He has 14 awards to his credit in his short stint in the music industry.MI’s style has often been compared to American rapper Kanye West. His ability to use poetry and play with words has earned him the reputation as the best lyricist in Nigeria. In 2008, he released his album Talk About It’, his hit single, ‘Safe Featuring Djinee is one of the best Nigerian rap songs ever. ‘Safe’ got massive airplays in radio stations and dance halls and won several awards like Nigerian Music Video Awards, City People, N.E.A among others.
Just when fans thought they had seen the best of MI,he released his second album MI2,which is fast turning to a classic, he raised the bar higher in this second album which many rappers in Nigeria are trying to reach. Some fans criticized him for going commercial in this second album but it has not stopped the album from being a commercial success. One of the songs in the album, ‘Africa Rapper Number One’ featuring Flavour received massive airplay and it is considered to be a song the young and old can listen to because of the combination of hip hop and highlife.Also in the album, ‘One Naira’ featuring Waje,MI showed Nigerians his soft side,the song is regarded as one of the best Nigerian love songs ever, the song talks about a relationship, where the girl promises to stay with him whether he is rich or poor; it’s a song for lovers.
MI stands out among his peers in the industry because of his creativity; he is a breath of fresh air. Lyrically, he has a unique style, and he carries the listener along.
Everything he touches turns to gold at the moment. He has also shown consistency in his two albums. In one of his songs he said I am not saying I’m the best but who is better? That’s a good question, who is hotter than MI right now? We ask.
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