Maleek Berry is one of the UK’s rising producers. Born in the heart of South London, Berry – real name Maleek Shoyebi – grew up listening to some of the biggest names in R&B from Tevin Campbell, Boyz II Men, Jodeci and of course the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson. It was at this time, at just the tender age of 14 that he saw young stars break into the American music industry. Although worlds apart from the shores of London this did not deter him, but rather spark his ever growing love of the music industry.

Like most, Berry started off his career in the church, forming a group with two close friends. Managing to get his hands on a little pre-production setup – Fruity Loops – the group began writing, producing and performing their own songs at the ages of 14 and 15, only to disband at 16. However, the experience didn’t leave Berry disillusioned, as he was the brains behind a lot of the group’s records and they all remain very close till this day.

Fast Forward to 2009, Berry spent years working on his craft in between formal education – attaining a Bachelors degree in Computer Science – learning to play the piano by ear, which has played a major part in the maturity of his sound. Even with this big achievement, he knew deep down what his true calling was – music.

Upon meeting IKES, a rapper hailing from North London the two just clicked and began working on records together and would soon become Berry’s long term partner in his musical career. Since then he’s gone on to produce records for some of the hottest UK acts such as S.A.S, Bigz, Scorcher, Jermaine Riley (Formally of FDM) and the list continues to grow as we speak.

Being the creative soul that he is, Maleek Berry wasn’t satisfied with only working on his home turf, but wanted to spread his wings to the Motherland. In the summer of 2011, he flew out to Nigeria for a family holiday but managed to take advantage of this trip and make great connections that would later change his status into an international producer.

Through a good friend and artist Davido, Berry was able to spark relationships with artists such as Wizkid , Naeto C, Wande Coal. He also went on the produce the hit ‘Carolina’ (one of the biggest singles in Nigeria in 2011/2012) by Sauce Kid featuring Davido, which ushered Sauce Kid back into the Nigerian music scene after a brief hiatus and his recent smash hit single “The Matter” Featuring Wizkid. Maleek Berry is currently signed with Wizkid’s Starboy Entertainment and has gone on to produce hits such as “Baby Hello” for Wande Coal, “Finito” for Iyanya and “Ye Play” for UK Afrobeat star Fuse ODG.

Even with all his achievements to date, who knows what the future holds for this young producer. In his own words, he plans to, “Create timeless music that will hopefully last longer than his generation“.

Birth Name: Maleek Shoyebi

Born: August 11

Genre: Afrobeat/ Pop/ R&B/ Hip-Hop Producer

In a short space of time, Davido has developed a huge fan base worldwide and the young fresh talent’s first single “Back When” featuring Naeto C, enjoyed massive media attention and airplay online, on radio and TV. Within no time Davido took us by storm when he released Dami Duro, which has been said to be one of Nigeria’s biggest hits ever. Without a doubt, dami duro has become a leading club song as well as one of radio’s most played songs.

As a versatile artiste, Davido is able to adapt to a variety of beats produced by other producers. However, this is a craft he has succeeded in mastering himself and has produced numerous jams for himself and other artists.

Often asked where his inspiration as a producer comes from, David explains “… I like it when people are happy and when they can dance to my music!”

In January 2016, Davido announced via Twitter that he signed a record deal with Sony BMG.

Birth Name: David Adeleke

Born: Nov 21

Genre: Afropop

Tekno Miles is the youngest member of the Made Men Music Group (Triple MG). He’s often referred to as the “Chris Brown of Nigerian music” due to his talent as a singer and dancer. He’s from a family of 1 sister and 4 brothers from Ebonyi State.

Tekno has been playing the piano from the tender age of 8 when his father enrolled him into a music class, and then went on to learn how to play other instruments like drums and guitar.

He was initially signed under K.Money before signing with Triple MG.

Birth Name: Augustine “Miles” Kelechi

Born: December 17, 1992

Genre: Afrobeat/ Afropop

Career Beginnings
Falz journey into music started from his secondary school days. He took it to another level in 2007, when he strung together a mixtape titled:’ Shakara’. He has been identified as a great talent by music veterans like Eldee, Don Jazzy and M.I.He is known for his trademark witty punch lines, infusion of local dialects, and comedic lines which seem to stand him out.

With the release of his single ‘High Class’ produced by Studio Magic, Falz is gearing up for rap domination.
Falz took up Rap as a hobby towards the end of his secondary school education. Growing up listening to the likes of Nigerian legends Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Trybesmen, Plantashun Boiz, he gradually unraveled his talent in music.

He continued to release hit singles like ‘Wazup Guy’ (2011), ‘High Class'(2013) and ‘Currency’ (2013) before officially releasing his debut studio album titled ‘Wazup Guy’ in May 2014. The album features the likes of Olamide, Yemi Alade, Dr. Sid and many more.
Falz’ trademark style has been described as a fusion of witty lines and comedic tones on indigenous Nigerian sounds thus setting him in a lane of his own.

During an Interview ….. Falz was asked about his views on The Nigeria Music Industry and the level of competition he is experiencing.. this was his reply;
“I believe what you have to do in a scene such as this is to be unique. And I think my music is very unique. The infusion of comic lyrics, which people can easily relate with, with a lot of old school jam and contemporary hip-hop is what makes my brand of music very unique. It is very different from what any other artiste out there does”.

Recognition and Releases

In 2016, Falz won “Best Actor in a Comedy Movie/Series” at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for his role as Segun in Funke Akindele’s TV series Jenifa’s Diary. In June of 2016, Falz was voted the winner of the “Viewer’s Choice Best New International Act” category at the 2016 BET Awards. On October 27, 2016, Falz collaborated with Simi to release Chemistry, a 7-track EP solely produced by Sess. The EP was released after he had previously worked with Simi on two singles titled “Jamb Question” and “Soldier”.

Awards And Nominations

Scream Awards 2014 (Best New Act). Also, he was nominated for the 10th edition in the Best New Act Category for the Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2015

Endorsement
Fast rising singer, rapper and comedian, Falz The Bahd Guy signed an endorsement Car sales site Cheki, he went ahead to pen yet another deal with WebMAllNG. as an official brand ambassador of the online shopping store for clothes, footwear, electronics, mobile phones, laptops, books, toys. On February 2015 he signed a deal with online Fashion retailer, Jay Osibe.

Birth Name: Folarin Falana
Born: October 27, 1990

Genre: Afro Hip-Hop/Rap

Yemi Eberechi Alade was born on March 13, 1989 in Abia State, Nigeria. Her father James Alade is of Yoruba origin while her mother Helen Uzoma is of Igbo origin resulting in her being referred to as “Yoruba-Igbo girl”. Alade is the fifth out of the seven children in her family. Her sister is the famous Jessica Ejiofor, known as Stelea. She attended St Saviour British Primary School, then went on to Victory Grammar School, Lagos, before obtaining a degree in Geography at the University of Lagos.

Yemi Alade made her debut in a girl group named Noty Spices in 2005. Her musical discovery began after she won the Peak Talent Show in 2009. She later released her first single “Fimisile” under the Jus’ Kiddin’ label.

In 2012, she signed to music label Effyzzie Music Group and released her single “Ghen Ghen Love”.

In July of 2013, Alade released the emotive video for her romantic afro-R&B “Bamboo”, produced by Fliptyce. “Bamboo” went on to be a moderate hit and a massive love and wedding anthem. In the last quarter of 2013, she broke records when her most recent hit single, “Johnny”, produced by Selebobo, was leaked on the internet. The dance number received major critical acclaim and became an instant smash hit, topping and dominating countless music charts across the globe. It been listed as one of the best songs of 2013 despite the fact it was released towards the end of the year without a video. Alade has featured on the covers of a number of magazines and has performed around the world, sharing the stage and songs with Mary J. Blige, Shina Peters, M.I, Wizkid, Becca, May D, Waje and Yemi Sax, headlined the Super Diva’s Nite at the 2013 Calabar Festival, and also was called upon to open the 2013 edition of the televised Headies Awards ceremony (popularly referred to as the “Nigerian Grammys”) with an electrifying performance.

In 2014, Alade was featured on Yung6ix’s album on the critically acclaimed track “Lights” and also on the remix of the smash hit “Sebiwo” by Beninese afropop star Lace. Alade teamed up with award-winning cinematographer Clarence Peters to create movie-like visuals for her international smash hit “Johnny”. The music video for “Johnny” was released in March 2014 to critical acclaim and now has more than 16 million views on VeVo/YouTube. “Johnny” became an international smash hit as the single dominated the top of music charts and became an anthem in countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, The United Kingdom and more.

Yemi Alade joined M.I. Waje, Timi Dakolo and Burna Boy on the UNESCO World Book Capital 2014 theme song for the Port Harcourt World Book Capital, a project urging the new generation to read and stay in school. Shortly after that Alade released a new single entitled “Tangerine”, featuring Selebobo; the critically acclaimed track charted across Africa. She also appeared on Falz’ debut album as a guest artist.

She released her debut album, King of Queens, on 2 October 2014 and had a tour to go with it.

Birth Name: Yemi Eberechi Alade

Born: March 13 1989

Genre: Afro Pop

The Up Next program is created by Apple to support rising artistes. Each month ‘Up Next’ selects a rising artist for which Apple Music uses all its resources to give their music visibility to new audiences. This will include an introductory documentary shot on the artiste, an audio EP from a live session which will include an interview and live performance on Beats 1 and an appearance on The Late Late Show With James Corden which Apple Music partnered with.

Speaking about the collaboration in his Beats 1 interview with Julie Adenuga, the ‘Ye’ singer who seems to be climbing new heights every now and then; from Coachella to BET, expressed his excitement to be a part of the Up Next campaign as he said;

“I’m super excited to be part of the Apple Music Up Next campaign, … Apple continuously comes up with new initiatives to support artists globally and push the African culture. It’s an honor to be a part of this and with my African Giant album coming out soon, the timing is perfect.”

From the snippet of the documentary, the singer was seen talking about the birth of his relationship with music;

“My granddad was a DJ in Lagos; all the records would come to him first … I would find myself being inspired by things that I’ve heard as a kid: Nigerian music or African music, some French music or some Jamaican music. When it’s time for music to be made, it’s almost like my ancestors just come into me and then it’s them.”

Speaking about Burna’s collaboration with Apple Music, Apple Music’s Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B, Ebro Darden said

“Burna Boy has built his brand his way and has been on fire all over Africa and the UK … He does things his way and Apple Music is honored to be able to connect with Burna Boy on this moment and help make the name even more well known!”

The exclusive documentary with Apple Music will be dropping on the 16th of July after which his new album, African Giant, which is presently on Pre-order will drop on the 26th of July.

He recorded his first album with a group named Gospel Insanity unfortunately; the album never got released due to fallout of some of the members. Jesse thereafter started producing beats professionally and thereafter formed another group ‘Eleven Thirty’ which quickly became a huge success in Jos.

In 2004, he hooked up with Jude Abaga a.k.a MI together they started Inner Hub Studios. By 2006, Jesse started a solo career with a debut-hit “Africa” that remained at #1 on the cool fm chart for months.

Between 2006 and 2007 Jesse Jagz had 3 songs simultaneously dominating the top ten charts on Cool FM, RayPower FM as well as Rhythm FM! becoming street anthems in and around the north of Nigeria.

Jesse Jagz hit songs include Bend down low, Sugar Cane Baby, The Greatest while his hit song My Brother was selected as part of the International Music Entrepreneur of the Year (IYMEY) 2008 compilation.

In February 2009, the Award nominated producer and hip hop artist was selected to represent Nigeria at the 2009 edition of Sauti Za Busara Music Festival- a yearly international festival celebrating East African music and features top-quality musical performances by more than 400 established and upcoming artists (40 groups in total) and over the years has established itself as one of Africa’s leading music festivals which held in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

His newest singles Wetin Dey and Pump it up are currently topping charts across the country.

His production credits include M.I, Modenine, Silver Saddih, Banky W, Majek Fashek, Ruby, Ice Prince, Faze, Djinee, Kel, Shank, Tosin Martins, Sasha, Djah Djah (def jam poetry), Kahli, Pherowshuz among a host of others.

His video Pump It Up was released in November 2009 and has been getting rave reviews.

He released his debut album, “Jag of all Tradez ” in 2010 to critical acclaim. He was notably absent from the music scene in 2011 and 2012,returning in 2013 with a ragga/Patois infused style of rap . He released the singles “Murder Dem” and “Redemption” in the 1st half of 2013 after parting ways with Chocolate City Music. The singles were released under his new imprint, Jagz Nation. In June 2013, Jesse Jagz left Chocolate City and released his second album (his first as an Independent artist) “Jagz Nation Vol 1; Thy Nation Come “. With him rapping, Singing and handling most of the production on his first album, Jesse Jagz chose to seek the help of other producers such as Samklef, Shady and Kid Konnect on his second album instead. The album features the likes of Brymo and Wizkid on it with the latter helpoing to creating one of the best hits of 2013/2014.

On the 8th of April 2015, Jesse Jagz returned to CHOCOLATE CITY and renewed his contract.

Production Credits include:

I(Short Black Boy, Illegal Music)
Mode 9(Nine)
Silver Saddih(Konko Jabele)
Banky W
Majek Fashek
Eve(Crazy)
Iceprince(Rewind, Extraordinary)
Lindsey(Drift Away, Pictures)
Faze
Djinee(Overkillin’)
Kel(Sittin On Top,Jeun Soke,Untouchable)
Shank
Tosin Martins
Ajuju(Testing the Microphone)
Dekunle Fuji(Jesu Funmi)
Sasha
Sammy Sage
Wudyema
2 Shotz(Money In My Pocket)
Proverb
Djah Djah (Def Jam Poetry)
Kahli
Pherowshuz among a host of others

AWARDS

Best Producer of the Year-Splurge Magazine Best Rap Single 2008

Producer of the Year-The Future Awards 2010.

Best New Act – Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2010

Lyricist on The Roll – The Headies 2014 Awards

NOMINATIONS

Most Top Ten Hits on Cool Fm 2007.
Best Dance Single-Bend Down Low 2008
Producer of the Year (Hip Hop World Awards 2009)
Producer of the Year(The Future Awards 2009 and 2010)
Best New Act – Nigerian Entertainment Awards, NY 2010
Best Rap Act – Nigerian Entertainment Awards, NY 2010
Hip Hop Revolution – Hip Hop World Awards 2010

PERFORMANCES AND APPEARANCES

Names on Platinum(Independence show)- October 1st, 2008
This Day international Music and Fashion Festival June, 2009 Abuja
This Day international Music and Fashion Festival, Abuja –August 2008 Opened for Jay Z, Rihanna, Usher, Beenie Siegal e.t.c
London Calling 2008– Headliner of 4 Nigerian acts, London UK
Sauti Za Busara Music Festival, 12th – 17th of February 2009.
Crack Your Ribs( Abuja) –August 2008
Crack Your Ribs( Abuja) – July 2009
Rhythm Unplugged 2008 &Rhythm Unplugged Abuja 2009
Big Brother Eviction Party Abuja (the Dome)2006
Host WAPI (words and pictures)- British Council Abuja (2008)
MTV Base Advance Warning party- July 2008
Nokia Xpress Music Rave
Host Chocolate City “The Jam Sessions ” 2007 & 2008
Face of Selara 2009
0808,Abuja- Headline Act-August 2009
Gordons Show- Abuja 2009 Names on Platinum (Independence Show) October 1st, 2008
Co Host-Club MTV Base Party -2008,Jos
Port Harcourt Stand Up-July 2009.
Visafone Promo Tours-Abuja
0808-Fashion, Poetry and Song-August 2009.
Hennessy Artistry, Lagos–September 2009.
Star Mega Jam with Busta Rhymes and Ludacris-December 2009.
Professionals Rock, Abuja-February 2010.
100% Basketmouth in Concert, Indig02: Lord of the Ribs, London-February 2010.
Rebirth Reading, UK – April 2010
Crack Ya Ribs Abuja (Julius Agwu) – August 2010
AY LIVE Abuja – August 2010
Charlie Boy Album Release – August 2010
Nigerian Entertainment Awards New York – September 2010

He is signed to the Chocolate City Music Label and management.

Runtown was born in Enugu but grew up partly in Abuja and Lagos, where he finished his primary education. After the death of his father, he moved to Abuja with his mother who was working in the Ministry of Health. While growing up, he had the aim of being a professional basketball player. In 2005, he relocated to Enugu after his mother developed interest in politics; he went on to finish his secondary school education in Enugu State.

Runtown is currently studying Fashion Management at a fashion school in New York.

Runtown released his first single titled “Runtown” which was produced by Soge in 2007. His 2010 single titled “Forever” had a video directed by IvanEdd films.

In 2012, Jamaican/American singer Laza Morgan featured Runtown on a song titled “High on You” which did big on the Caribbean charts. J. Martins featured Runtown on a song off his Elevation album titled “Tonight”; he also worked with Phyno on a song titled “Anam-Achi Vers-Achi” which was produced by WizzyPro. In an interview with NotJustOk.com, he said he acquired his musical inspirations from Sean Kingston, Bob Marley and Kanye West.

On 29 January 2014, Runtown collaborated with Davido to release a song produced by T-Spize titled “Gallardo” which won the Best Collaboration of The Year award at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. He later released the video which got over 418,000 views on YouTube in its first 2 months. The video features cameos from Patoranking, Skales and Phyno; it was shot in Nigeria and directed by Clarence Peters.

Runtown’s career took a huge step after he signed a recording contract with Eric-Manny Entertainment through his friend, releasing “Successful” and “Domot” which received frequent airplay.

Runtown was featured on WizzyPro’s “Emergency” song which also featured Skales and Patoranking. The song was produced by WizzyPro and released on 2 November 2014. The music video for “Emergency” which was directed by Patrick Elis was released on 19 January 2014.

He released his first studio album on November 23, 2015 under the Eric Many Entertainment imprint.

Birth Name: Douglas Jack Agu

Born: August 19, 1989

Genre: Afropop

Bose Ogulu, the manager and mother of the Afro-fusion musician accepted the award on her son’s behalf. Ogulu, who has accepted trophies for her son in the past, also came with a quick word for African-Americans.

“Thank you very much BET, thank you, Africa. That is the constituency for which we got noticed. The message from Burna would be that every black person should please remember that you were Africans before you became anything else.”

See the full list of winners below:

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

Beyoncé (WINNER)
Ella Mai​

H.E.R.

Solange

SZA

Teyana Taylor

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

Bruno Mars (WINNER)

Chris Brown

John Legend

Anderson .Paak​
Childish Gambino​

Khalid

Best Group

Migos (WINNER)
Chloe x Halle​
City Girls
Lil Baby & Gunna​
The Carters

Best Collaboration

“Sicko Mode,” Travis Scott ft. Drake (WINNER)

“A Lot,” 21 Savage ft. J. Cole

“Please Me,” Cardi B & Bruno Mars

“I Like It,” Cardi B ft. Bad Bunny & J Balvin​

“Could’ve Been,” H.E.R. ft. Bryson Tiller

“Taste,” Tyga ft. Offset

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

Cardi B (WINNER)
Kash Doll
Lizzo
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj​
Remy Ma

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

Nipsey Hussle (WINNER)
21 Savage
Drake
J. Cole
Meek Mill
Travis Scott

Video of the Year

“This Is America,” Childish Gambino (WINNER)
“A Lot,” 21 Savage ft. J. Cole
“Money,” Cardi B
“Please Me,” Cardi B & Bruno Mars
“Nice For What,” Drake
“APES**T,” The Carters

Video Director of the Year

Karena Evans (WINNER)
Benny Boom
Colin Tilley​
Dave Meyers
Hype Williams

Best New Artist

Lil Baby (WINNER)
Blueface
City Girls
Juice WRLD​
Queen Naija

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational

“Blessing Me Again,” Snoop Dogg ft. Rance Allen (WINNER)
“All Of My Life,” Erica Campbell ft. Warryn Campbell
“Tell Me Where It Hurts,” Fred Hammon​
“Love Theory,” Kirk Franklin
“Never Alone,” Tori Kelly ft. Kirk Franklin

Best International Act

Burna Boy (Nigeria) (WINNER)
AKA (South Africa)
Aya Nakamura (France)
Dave (UK)
Dosseh (France)
Giggs (UK)
Mr. Eazi (Nigeria)

Best New International Act

Sho Madjozi (South Africa) (WINNER)
Headie One (UK)
Jokair (France)
Nesly (France)
Octavian (UK)
Teni (Nigeria)

Best Actress

Regina King (WINNER)
Issa Rae
Regina Hall
Taraji P Henson​
Tiffany Haddish​
Viola Davis

Best Actor

Michael B. Jordan (WINNER)
Anthony Anderson
Chadwick Boseman
Denzel Washington
Mahershala Ali
Omari Hardwick​

Young Stars

Marsai Martin (WINNER)
Caleb McLaughlin
Lyrics Ross
Michael Rainey Jr.
Miles Brown

Best Movie

BlacKkKlansman (WINNER)
Creed 2
If Beale Street Could Talk
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
The Hate U Give

Sportswoman of the Year

Serena Williams (WINNER)
Allyson Felix
Candace Parker
Naomi Osaka
Simone Biles

Sportsman of the Year

Stephen Curry (WINNER)
Kevin Durant
LeBron James
Odell Beckham Jr
Tiger Woods

Album of the Year
Invasion of Privacy, Cardi B (WINNER)
Astroworld, Travis Scott
Championships, Meek Mill
Ella Mai, Ella Mai​
Everything Is Love, The Carters

Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice

“Trip,” Ella Mai (WINNER)
“I Like It,” Cardi B ft Bad Bunny & J Balvin​
“This Is America,” Childish Gambino​
“In My Feelings,” Drake
“Middle Child,” J. Col
“Sicko Mode,” Travis Scott ft. Drake

Here in our studio, his music are constantly on heavy rotation and well loved by listeners across the globe and if you listen to our broadcast regularly, you will hear Slim Brown’s unique voice on our radio station announcements.

Slim Brown shows no sign of slowing down as he has been dropping Music back to back. After his last effort NKEM, a love song which is still fresh and getting rotation, he comes with this inspirational tune titled ZAMO. An Afro dancehall tune which makes a quick impression on you. He calls this one “The prayer Of A Hustler” and it is definitely going to be a big tune soon.

The song is produced by “Dannyblaze” and presented by his Record Label “Oojee Records”. We can’t wait to see the video of this banger.

Tune into WorldBeat Radio and groove to many hits by Slim Brown and
you can also follow Slim Brown on all social media platforms @iamslimbrown #SlimBrown #OojeeRecords