In Lagos, Brownz, Maino Bring It To Life
By Chuks Nwanne
TWO American music stars, Ron Brownz and Maino, will be arriving Nigeria next week for a music concert tagged Bring It To Life. Billed to open on December 4, with club appearances by the invited artistes, the 3-day event is organized to mark the official launch of Big Dreams Entertainment in Nigeria.
The concert proper has been slated for December 5, at the Jades Place, Adeola Odekun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where Ron Browz and Maino, alongside some selected Nigerian artistes, are expected top thrill guests to an all night groove. The night will also witness the formal unveiling of the entertainment outfit, which aims at repositioning entertainment business in Nigeria.
Aside the two American acts, the list of Nigerian artistes for the gig include Mr. Capable, Banky W; petit rapper, MI; Wande Coal; Kel and shank. Meanwhile, Clem and Akas, two up-coming artistes, who have been signed on Big Dreams record, will also share the big stage with the international acts.
Speaking at a media briefing held recently in Lagos to announce the event, the public relations manager of the outfit, Uju Obidison, observed that the Nigerian entertainment industry has grown over the years, with different companies coming up with innovations that have brought it to its present level.
"Big Dreams has come with that touch that will bring deserved placing for Nigerian music and help market it on an international level. The planned launch is aimed at entertaining interested members of the public with different genres of music in a conducive atmosphere."
Obidison informed that the concert was conceived as a yearly event that will create an atmosphere for healthy interaction between Nigerian acts and their counterparts from different parts of the world.
"We want to provide them with an opportunity to collaborate with each other and we believe it will surely elevate the status of Nigerian music abroad; If the songs are good, they will be promoted abroad, which will in turn get the artistes foreign recognition."
On the choice of the artistes for the gig, the PR manager explained that, "Maino and Ron Brownz are currently on top of their game in the US; their songs are being played here. Their videos are enjoying massive airplay on satellite stations all over the world. As for the Nigerian artistes, these are tested hands in their area; they know their game. Our promise is that this show will be a must to see."
The concert, according to the organisers, will also feature an interactive session between the foreign artistes and members of the public.
"This is a free session where the youths and members of the public will get the opportunity to interact with Maino and Ron Brownz. We expect the artistes to use the platform to share their life experiences with the young people as a means of inspiring them to aim high," Obidison said.
Ron Brownz started his music career as a producer and has been behind successful hits by top rated US artistes including Nas, DMX, 50 Cents, Lil Kim, Keri Hilson and others. Following his intuition, he became a performing artiste with a single, Arab Money, featuring Busta Rhymes. His track, Pop Champagne, is also making waves all over the world, with the video enjoying airplay on MTV Base and Channel O.
Brownz is definitely coming to Nigeria to show appreciation to his fans; he had already promised them a swell time all through. Meanwhile, the artiste has indicated in working with Nigerian artistes within his few days in the country.
Born Jermaine Colemen in Brooklyn, New York, Maino started his music career as an underground rapper, hustling on the streets of Brooklyn and overcoming the issues like poverty, crime and heartache. He was locked up as a convict for 10 years, but came out with a will not to let his past hold him down.
Maino's first effort is making music resulted to All of The Above, featuring T-Pain and was later signed on Atlantic records. Today, his life has become a motivation for youths in the US through his concerts. He tells the tales of his life and connects with his listeners through his songs. He plans to extend such opportunities to Nigerian youth with a brief session upon his arrival in the country. He described his visit to Nigeria as 'going back to my roots.'
