It was something many lovers of African hip hop had been asking for. Finally! Chocolate city Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga returns to Coke Studio Africa. He was among the first acts to join the show’s first season back in 2013. For the third season (currently being filmed in Kenya), he is working with Kenyan singer Avril in the show’s new mash-up style format. Their songs are being produced by top Nigerian producer Cobhams Asuquo. M.I’s "Bad Belle" and Avril’s "Nikumuona" top some of the hits set to be produced afresh by Cobhams and performed alongside a live band, as directed by South African Grammy Award winning music expert Zwai Bala.
It seems like M.I is on a collabo roll! Fresh from two of his songs being featured in the ‘The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation’ (TICBN) – a Chocolate City artists’ album compilation, his management has confirmed that he’s already shot a video for “Buillion Van” featuring Phyno, Runtown and StormRex. There are plans underway to shoot videos for “Mine” featuring Wizkid, “Always Love” featuring Seyi Shay and “Million Dollar Champagne” featuring Ice Prince (also to feature in new season of Coke Studio Africa) and Sarkodie.
“The mash-up format is very powerful, we’re going to unite fans, markets and hearts,” revealed M.I in Nairobi at an exclusive media hangout at Coke Studio Africa this week, adding, “Cobhams is quite simply a legend. When you think of Nigerian music – he’s the symbol of its creativity, that explains why he’s gone on to work with international superstars.” M.I added that he's very keen to work with Kenyan artists like Blinky Bill and Octopizzo.
NOTE:
M.I is among Africa’s most talented musicians and producers selected this year to feature in upcoming new season of Coke Studio Africa. The superstars represent a great wealth of music from Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. For the first time these superstars will merge forces with Africa’s most innovative music producers to collaborate in a unique new show format of mash-ups, the latest trend in the global music industry. “A celebration of African music” being its core element, Coke Studio Africa’s new season will feature performances and collaborations from popular artists who have made a mark on their local music scene.
MI's Album The Chairman was released in 2014.
M.I "Bad Belle" video: https://www.youtube.
M.I "Monkey" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
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