TX2: The Artiste With A Mission

By Perekeme Odon

TX2

Art is not all about pretty things. It is about who we are, what happened to us, and how our lives are affected. That is why a true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires other and Nigerian born TX2 falls in that category.

TX2 can be described as the proverbial sound buster. A talent with a Midas touch that fits into anything he dares. His musical adventure is as enthralling as can be said, and his obvious artistry leaves no one in doubt.

TX2 is one artiste that has been featured by many top acts in various genres of songs including high-life, Hip-hop, Afro and Jazz. He has excelled in all ramifications and believes “Nothing connects to the moment like music. I count on music to bring me back or, more precisely, to bring truth forward. You can tell a lot about my moods from my music”.

TX2

His rendition of the Afro beat single enjoying massive airplay on radio, “Original African Woman”, likened to its originator, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is simply breath taking and too exceptional to lovers of African music and sound.

TX2, currently on location shooting the video of “Original African Woman” has come a long way to be where he is today and he is evidently the most featured act on the stable of EL-Montage Records, where his influence can be experienced in all the songs. According to TX2 “I love music because it’s the only thing that has not walked away from me when I needed it most. Music is my painkiller and it makes the pain fades”.

Culled from

Perewinkle Blog

BDEX BOUNTY: A Rise To Stardom

By Perekeme Odon

Bdex Bounty

Reggae Afro-Fusion Dancehall artiste Abidemi Amoo aka BDEX BOUNTY is a sensational dancehall reggae artiste and musician in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Bdex professionally started off his music career as an R n B and Afro Pop artiste in 2007 under the stage name B’DEXTROUS but later discovered a very strong root with dancehall reggae music as he grew in his craft, and created a niche around the genre with fluent patois blended with accentuated African/Nigerian dialect (Yoruba).

The University of Ilorin Statistic graduate who has a dexterity for playing the guitar like a man ringing a bell is confident, versatile, bold and comfortable with any musical beat and style that come his way, ranging from Dancehall Reggae, Afro Pop, R n B, Hip-Hop and all kinds fusion to mention but few.

Bdex Bounty

A chance meeting with Bdex Bounty at the weekly gig of Reggae Everywhere Movement put together by B’Clean French at Festac, Lagos, he said, “ I believe I have what it takes to rule Africa as far as dancehall reggae music is concern. I am only waiting for time and chance to meet and manifest me to the testimony world”.

Bdex Bounty, whose versatility is mostly centred on reggae music, has recorded over 10 songs to his credit with some covers inclusive since 2007. Some of his songs are “Only Desire” (2008), “Magic Carpet Ride” (2013), “Facts From Figures” – Akon's “Mama Africa” cover (2014), Jubadi (2015), “Mi Ting” – Burna Boy's “Soke” cover (2016), “Mi Nuh Worry”(2017) and some other cool and bluesy tunes.

Bdex Bounty

The late 80s born and Lagos brought up Bdex Bounty only needs a little chance to become another positive virus in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Currently, Bdex is rocking the airwaves in Lagos state and beyond with a cover single of Ed Sheeran’s  “Shape Of You” titled “Shape Ah Yuh”.

Bdex can also reach by fans and bookings on Instagram/Twitter @bdexbounty and “BDEX BOUNTY” on Facebook.

 Culled from

Perewinkle Blog

DR. LUV: Back And Better

By Perekeme Odon

Dr. Luv

Akwa Ibom state born Victor Enang aka Dr. Luv is a bridge between the ageless and contemporary generation of music and sound.

Having transverse in stages of his music artistry with celebrities past and present both in Nigeria and Africa, Dr. Luv could say to have paid his dues in the music industry. His newfound sound could be adduced to his catalogue of experience in the business.

A multi talented instrumentalist also known as Mr. Lover Lover and one of the best sound engineers in the modern era, Dr. Luv is chock-full with ideas reminiscent of the likes of Kenneth Edmond a.k.a. Baby face, Will-i-am, OJB Jezreel, Jermaine Dupri and Wyclef Jean.

Dr. Luv

Dr. Luv brought this experience to bear on his just released 13 tracks debut album titled, SEXY LADY loaded with irresistible songs guaranteed to top the chat tables any day.

Dr. Luv submits that it is a comprehensive assemblage of his musical experience so far and one could not agree any less. His rendition of these scintillating Afro pop, dance hall and contemporary high-life songs is purely breath taking; a surefire social circle and club banger any day.

Dr. Luv

The executives at EL-Montage records say “Our voyage into the music industry is to redirect and bring originality into the now sound. We definitely appreciate talents when we see one, hence all the acts on our label are exceptionally gifted and with good facilitation is poised to herald the new era of music”.

Dr. Luv has produced for various Nigerian veteran musicians like Orits Wiliki, Eedri Abdukarem, Candy Sea, Pere Ruffneck, Fadabasi, Bowei, Kenny St. Brown and many more.

He is currently signed to EL-Montage records and in his summary believes he is a force to be reckoned with as far as the new sound is concerned. So believers and lovers of good music should get ready for the next best thing in the African music scene.

Culled from

Perewinkle Blog

KENNY WONDER: A Superintendent of Nigerian Music

By Perekeme Odon

Kenny WONDER

‘Wonder Man’ Kenny Wonder, born Kehinde Elisha Olagunju on September 19, 1987 is a recording Nigerian artiste, songwriter, record producer/label executive, and entrepreneur.  

He is one of Nigeria’s prevailing commercially incipient and applauded artistes in recent times, attracting admiration and criticism for his works.

The discerning artiste with exceptional intellectual ability and creative productivity was born and nurtured in Kaduna state in Northwest Nigeria. He developed an interest in music as a child. His professional sojourn into the Nigerian entertainment arena as a musician started after tertiary education. 
 

An encounter with levelheaded Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi graduate at Lekki, Lagos state unveiled the humility and submission of a future watch in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Kenny has indisputably strove and exhibited his dexterity as a singer and producer with most of African biggest recording acts at various musical productions with stacks of recognition and success to his name.

The inspiring Computer Science graduate has worked on collaborative projects with the likes of Victoria Kimani, Emma Nyra, Cynthia Morgan, Seyi Shay, Yemi Alade, Oritsefemi, Timaya, Magnito, Skales, and many others. His video “Nwayioma” featuring the “Ajaga” crooner, Skales has received remarkable viewership on YouTube, TV stations, and other streaming services across the globe. According to the St. Patrick’s Secondary School Kawo, Kaduna graduate, “I thank God for the talent and love from my fans in appreciating my works. I believe they’ll always get the best of  me.”.

The “Mama Too Sweet” executant is a package of talent and has much to offer the Nigerian entertainment industry. He is presently excelling in creating good music for his loving fans; and no doubt justly one musician many sought-after for, as his involvement in hit project like “Shake body” by Skales and the entire “Man of the Year” album. He furthermore worked with MC Galaxy on his mega hit Single “Sekem”, and Timaya featuring Sean Paul- “Bum Bum” remix,

Kenny WONDER

The synergy of his astounding production skills and his sensual vocals continue to win the souls of many with his music. He freshly released two singles “Slow and Steady” and “One by One” in collaboration with Magnito and Oritsefemi respectively, which are gaining massive airplay on radios all over the world.

The “Mama Too Sweet” executant is a package of talent and has much to offer the Nigerian entertainment industry. He is presently excelling in creating good music for his loving fans; and no doubt justly one musician many sought-after for, as his involvement in hit project like “Shake body” by Skales and the entire “Man of the Year” album. He furthermore worked with MC Galaxy on his mega hit Single “Sekem”, and Timaya featuring Sean Paul- “Bum Bum” remix.

Kenny Wonder & Skales on the set of "Nwayioma" video shoot

On about his next and latest project, the Ogbomosho music producer said, "Something big and great is about to happen. However, I will want to keep it on the low for now, but will inform my fans and the public when it is due. I thank you all for the supports".

The Christ High School Mando, Kaduna is the CEO of Phat Jamz Entertainment International. He is single and hails from Oyo state of Nigeria.

Discography:

Skales- “Give it to me” -Single 2014

Classiq’- ‘Zauna” -Single 2015

Timaya- “Eshe” (“Epiphany” Album released in 2015)

Olu Maintain featuring 2face--“Cinderella”-Single 2015

Timaya-- “How many Times” -Single 2016

Timaya-- “Telli Person” featuring Phyno and Olamide 2017

Dammy Krane – “On Point” 2017

CDQ- “Mujo- Single 2017

Oritsefemi – “Bodija”-Single 2017

Culled from

Perewinkle Blog

BOWEI: From Militancy To Music

By Perekeme Odon

Bowei

Lovers of good music in Nigeria and beyond will soon be thrilled with the emergence of a new genre of sounds from the stables of EL-Montage Records; featuring multi-talented acts with irresistible fusions of Afro-hip hop, dance-hall and Afro beats respectfully. 

Bayelsa state born music crooner, Bowei Bowei aka "D Lyrical Militant"who actually jettisoned the guns and restiveness of the creeks to embrace the microphone to express the level of violations meted out on his kinsmen is one of such act. But more interestingly is his extraordinary gift at mesmerizing his audience at any given opportunity.  

Bowei

Bowei, the Eniwari, Southern Ijaw artiste is an amazing creative talent,filled with multiple visions and ideas who visualizes himself in the future of having his own glimmer brand.

A Brief preview of some of the songs in the album project pays credence to this. His teeming fans will be entertained with heart melting love songs such as “Kpekele”, “Ariya baby”, “Destiny child”, fast tempo hits as “My Name”, “Kalakala”, “My Life”, etc. is definitely a  music lover's delight.

Meanwhile his hit single, “Kpekele”, which is officially burning the airwaves with massive radio play and reviews was released in May 2017. The LP album titled Destiny Child will be released in October 2017 from the stable of El Montage Records.

Destiny child, a musical album project that featured a galaxy of enthralling musical acts like the mercurial TX2, Dr. Luv and Cashson is produced by the eminent musical mastermind Tarila Thompson and prolific music producer Victor Enang for EL-Montage records. 

Culled from  Perewinkle Blog

Perekeme Odon Wins 2017 AMVCA Best Make Up Award.

By Eva Okechukwu

Photo Credit: Chizoba Edwin

Lagos based Bayelsa state born creative and talented filmmaker, Perekeme Odon. alongside Hakeem Ajibola Onoligbo win the Best Make Up Artist award for movie/TV series at the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice #AMVCA held on March 4, 2017 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos with the movie 'Oloibiri', produced by Rogers Ofime.

'Oloibiri', a movie starring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Olu Jacobs, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, Apel Orduen, DKD, Ivie Okujaye, Chucks Chyke, Dennis Oglafa, Ebi Willies, Ifeanyi Williams, Wale Adebayo outshines movies like '76, Umililo, 93 Days, and Happiness is a Four Letter Word' to emerge winner in the best make up category.

Perekeme is a trained Nollywood filmmaker, theatre practitioner & broadcast journalist. A graduate of Theatre Arts & Media Studies from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in 2000; and in 2002 proceeded for his National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) orientation in Paiko, Niger State, and later redeployed to the Bayelsa state Council for Arts and Culture where he met Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, his intellectual mentor. 

He joined movie production as a music producer/dance-hall reggae artiste under the watchful eyes of his music guru/teacher/advisor, Jon John Duke Dureke in 1995 & later got recruited into the Dagogo Diminas' 13 Fatman & Associates as a Make Up Assistant, where he met other make up artists & designers like Gabriel Okorie (GabaZzini), Ifeanyi Uzoka (Bandana Creation), Soibifaa Diminas (Just-So Designs) & John Okeh aka 'Old Prof. 

With Beverly Naya.  Photo Credit: Onyi Okechukwu

The former and ex student of Government Sea School, Isaka, Port Harcourt and Federal School of Arts & Science, Aba, Abia state has been making up actors in the Nigerian movie/entertainment industry & special events for over 20 years with lots of awards & nominations to his credit. Perewinkle,  as he is popularly called was nominated at the 2007 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) with the movie 'Covenant Church', directed by Charles Novia. He was also nominated at the 2012 Nollywood Movies Awards with 'Tango With Me', a movie produced & directed by Mahmood Ali-Balogun starring

With Kunle Coker aka Ziggy on set of 'Tinsel'.

 Genevieve Nnaji, Joseph Benjamin, Tina Mba, Ahmed Yerima, Joke Sylva, Kevin Ushi, Kate Henshaw, Francis Onwuchie and a host of other great actors. 

Making up veteran actor Pete Edochie

Perekeme was furthermore nominated at the fifth edition of the Nollywood and African Film Critics’ Awards (NAFCA), which took place at The Orpheum Theatre, Broadway, Los Angeles, California, USA with 'Oloibiri', produced by Rogers Ofime and directed by 2015 NAFCA best director of the year, Curtis Graham.

Making up Belinda Effah.  Photo Credit: Eshilo Visual

Perekeme has done make up designs and special effects in more than 150 movies in Nigeria and Africa; and also doubling as assistant director in Tarila Thompson's yet to be released big screen movie, 'In The Creek' and Mozzyva's Picture's 'Love Triangle'. However, since the challenges for great special effect movies were not forthcoming years back, he decided to explore a navigation into full time production in 2010. According to him,"  I am very glad and amazed to win this award to crown all effort in my specialization. I thought after all these while, it was not going to come, but thank God it finally came from the AMVCA stable. I am very grateful to God and everyone that have stood by me". He further went on to advise those in their chosen professions;" Everyone should be consistently consistent and positively focused in their chosen endeavour. It all has to do with one day like it has happened to me".

Making up Olu Jacob.   Photo Credit: Emma Edu

Besides make up and special effects, Pere is a movie producer, director, editor & videographer that shoots and edits musical videos, commercials, feature films, events & documentaries. His documentary 'Nigeria & Crude Oil: A Blessing or A Curse' was screened at the 2016 Abuja International Film Festival. He said "At a point I felt bored with no much challenges in the game of make up/special effect. Producers can't pay for your creativity. I was totally fed up with the everyday straight make up affair of powder and brush on location. So I embarked on a full scale production techniques and theory on technical film-making. It was not easy, but I am very thankful today writers and producers that want to take risk, and the knowledge and practice of the  craft". Perekeme is a member of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN), & Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU). 

With Director Tarila Thonpson on the set of 'In The Creek'
Photo Credit: Onyi Okechukwu

Making up IK Ogbonna.  Photo Credit: Eshilo Visual

In addition, Perekeme is a trained professional journalist, and an alumnus of the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Broadcast Journalism. He is currently the Head of Performing Arts Department, National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC), Lagos Zonal Office, National Theatre, Iganmu,Lagos state. 

Perekeme is also an alumnus of the Africa Leadership Forum (ALF) where he attended the Democratic Leadership Training Programme in 2006. His hobbies are reading, writing, dancing, swimming, meeting people, traveling, etc...

NCAC STAFF WINS 2017 AMVCA AWARDS.....

By Eva Okechukwu

Photo Credit: Chizoba Edwin

Lagos based Bayelsa state born creative and talented filmmaker, Perekeme Odon. alongside Hakeem Ajibola Onoligbo win the Best Make Up Artist award for movie/TV series at the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice #AMVCA held on March 4, 2017 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos with the movie 'Oloibiri', produced by Rogers Ofime.

'Oloibiri', a movie starring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Olu Jacobs, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, Apel Orduen, DKD, Ivie Okujaye, Chucks Chyke, Dennis Oglafa, Ebi Willies, Ifeanyi Williams, Wale Adebayo outshines movies like '76, Umililo, 93 Days, and Happiness is a Four Letter Word' to emerge winner in the best make up category.

Perekeme is a trained Nollywood filmmaker, theatre practitioner & broadcast journalist. A graduate of Theatre Arts & Media Studies from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in 2000; and in 2002 proceeded for his National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) orientation in Paiko, Niger State, and later redeployed to the Bayelsa state Council for Arts and Culture where he met Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, his intellectual mentor.

He joined movie production as a music producer/dance-hall reggae artiste under the watchful eyes of his music guru/teacher/advisor, Jon John Duke Dureke in 1995 & later got recruited into the Dagogo Diminas' 13 Fatman & Associates as a Make Up Assistant, where he met other make up artists & designers like Gabriel Okorie (GabaZzini), Ifeanyi Uzoka (Bandana Creation), Soibifaa Diminas (Just-So Designs) & John Okeh aka 'Old Prof. 

The former and ex student of Government Sea School, Isaka, Port Harcourt and Federal School of Arts & Science, Aba, Abia state has been making up actors in the Nigerian movie/entertainment industry & special events for over 20 years with lots of awards & nominations to his credit. Perewinkle,  as he is popularly called was nominated at the 2007 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) with the movie 'Covenant Church', directed by Charles Novia. He was also nominated at the 2012 Nollywood Movies Awards with 'Tango With Me', a movie produced & directed by Mahmood Ali-Balogun starring Genevieve Nnaji, Joseph Benjamin, Tina Mba, Ahmed Yerima, Joke Sylva, Kevin Ushi, Kate Henshaw, Francis Onwuchie and a host of other great actors. 

Making up Olu Jacob
Photo Credit: Emma Edu

Perekeme was furthermore nominated at the fifth edition of the Nollywood and African Film Critics’ Awards (NAFCA), which took place at The Orpheum Theatre, Broadway, Los Angeles, California, USA with 'Oloibiri', produced by Rogers Ofime and directed by 2015 NAFCA best director of the year, Curtis Graham.

With Director Tarila Thonpson on the set of 'In The Creek'
Photo Credit: OnyiOkechukwu

Perekeme has done make up designs and special effects in more than 150 movies in Nigeria and Africa; and also doubling as assistant director in Tarila Thompson's yet to be released big screen movie, 'In The Creek' and Mozzyva's Picture's 'Love Triangle'. However, since the challenges for great special effect movies were not forthcoming years back, he decided to explore a navigation into full time production in 2010. According to him,"  I am very glad and amazed to win this award to crown all effort in my specialization. I thought after all these while, it was not going to come, but thank God it finally came from the AMVCA stable. I am very grateful to God and everyone that have stood by me". He further went on to advise those in their chosen professions;" Everyone should be consistently consistent and positively focused in their chosen endeavour. It all has to do with one day like it has happened to me".

Making up IK Ogbonna.  Photo Credit: Eshilo Visual

Besides make up and special effects, Pere is a movie producer, director, editor & videographer that shoots and edits musical videos, commercials, feature films, events & documentaries. His documentary 'Nigeria & Crude Oil: A Blessing or A Curse' was screened at the 2016 Abuja International Film Festival. He said "At a point I felt bored with no much challenges in the game of make up/special effect. Producers can't pay for your creativity. I was totally fed up with the everyday straight make up affair of powder and brush on location. So I embarked on a full scale production techniques and theory on technical film-making. It was not easy, but I am very thankful today writers and producers that want to take risk, and the knowledge and practice of the  craft". Perekeme is a member of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN), & Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU).

With Kunle Coker on set of 'Tinsel'.

In addition, Perekeme is a trained professional journalist, and an alumnus of the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Broadcast Journalism. He is currently the Head of Performing Arts Department, National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC), Lagos Zonal Office, National Theatre, Iganmu,Lagos state. 

Perekeme is also an alumnus of the Africa Leadership Forum (ALF) where

With Beverly Naya
Photo Credit: Onyi Okechukwu

he attended the Democratic Leadership Training Programme in 2006. His hobbies are reading, writing, dancing, swimming, meeting people, traveling, etc... He is married with children.