New Music: Wizkid – Eledumare

New sound from Starboy Wizkid, this one is titled Eledumare and is believed to be on his forthcoming album.

- Prod. by Legendury Beatz
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Photos from the Banky & Tiwa Show launch last night

The Banky and Tiwa Show debuts on Africa's First Global Black Entertainment Network, EbonyLife TV, Channel 165 on DSTV, on Tuesday December 17, 2013, at 09:30 WAT.

The Banky & Tiwa Show is a brand new, star-driven talk show, propelled by the multiple-award winning African pop singer, the ever-charming Banky W and Nigeria’s first lady of pop, the beautiful Tiwa Savage.

On this show, topical and controversial social issues that border on the way we live our lives as Africans are discussed in a mature, non-judgmental and non-preachy manner. Some of these engaging social issues will include: addictions, homosexuality, broken marriages, infidelity, Pastors and Private Jets, Transactional Sex and many more. Continue to see photos from the launch...

Are they back together? D'banj & Genevieve step out at event (pics)

What do you get when an Internationally recognized superstar steps out with Africa’s sexiest actress? A show-stopper!

Last weekend, multiple award winning actress, Genevieve Nnaji was seen in the arms of the Kokomaster, at the Gulder Club Ultimate party, which held on Saturday, December 14th at Oceanview in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Looking dapper in a white shirt, straight cut black jeans and a black waist coat, D’Banj drove into the event in a Black Bentley seconds after Genevieve came in her G-Wagon.

Other big names who attended the 2-day event include Senior Vice Present, Viacom Africa, Alex Okosi, Dr Sid, Tee A, Tee Y Mix, JJC, Kunle Afolayan, Tunde Ednut, Toni Kan, Chuddy K, Weird MC, Zaina, Jay Jay Okocha, Tosin Martins, Black Magic among others.

Review RoundUp: Beyonce – ‘BEYONCÉ’

What the media outlets and blogs think of the surprise album.Beyoncé’s fifth self-titled album arrived without warning and is already reaping the rewards. The surprise release, which secretly hit iTunes on Friday, rocketed to No. 1 in 100 countries and generated 1.2 million tweets in its first 12 hours.

On the visual LP, Bey crafts 14 songs and 17 videos with some help from Jay Z, Drake, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell, Miguel, Frank Ocean, Blue Ivy, and more.

But the fans weren’t the only ones raving. The critics have also applauded her unprecedented move. The New York Timescalled the album “superb,” while Entertainment Weekly awarded it an A-.
Read some of the glowing reviews below:

Entertainment Weekly: This album reveals plenty of what’s in that head of hers. One of the most beautiful, painstakingly constructed women in the world singing ‘Pretty Hurts’? … Here more than ever Bey indulges clashing impulses—between strength and escape, megapop and fresh sounds, big messages and resonant lyrics. A-

Rolling Stone: The vibe on BEYONCÉ is moodily futuristic R&B, strongest when it goes for full-grown electro soul with an artsy boho edge. “Blow,” the best track here, evokes Janet Jackson circa The Velvet Rope, a song about oral sex that has an air of melancholy in the chilly neo-disco groove. There’s a similar mood in her excellent Drake duet “Mine.” 3.5/5

The New York Times: Beyoncé is flawless so no one else has to be. That’s the theme of her superb fifth studio album,BEYONCÉ, which arrives as a feat of both music and promotion. Its songs are steamy and sleek, full of erotic exploits and sultry vocals; every so often, for variety, they turnvulnerable, compassionate or pro-feminist.

USA Today: In none of these songs or visual sequences does Beyoncé coarsely exploit her celebrity. Rather, in keeping with her penchant for discretion, she reveals herself, and her loved ones, in controlled doses. The sensuality is distinctly, intentionally gritty, but never crass.

Los Angeles Times: Songs like the woozy “Mine” and the spooky, almost perversely stripped-down “Partition” reflect her determination, rare among superstars, to keep pushing creatively. 3/4

New York Daily News: The R&B warrior queen gives her music a soft new focus. In song after song, she drapes herself over the music with an insinuating sensuality. The beats, too, have a hazier texture, and proceed at a slower pace, the better to let the music last longer. 4/5

Newsday: BEYONCÉ is the third album since B took total responsibility for her work, and it sounds like she now has the hang of it. Throughout the album, she pushes the envelope of what pop and hip-hop expect from their divas, cowriting every song. Everything on BEYONCÉ is under meticulous control—lyrically, musically, and thematically.

PEOPLE: BEYONCÉ finds Queen B exploring new sonic—and surprisingly sexual—territory with her most adventurous music yet. 3.5/4

Favorite Tracks: “Pretty Hurts,” “Drunk in Love,” “XO,” “Mine”

New Music: DJ Kaywise – Loyalist ft. Iyanya

DJ Kaywise is the youngest most influential Nigerian DJ. At the age of 21, Born Ayorinde Kehinde Okiki is regarded as the #1 man of the street & celebrated promotional engine behind a handful of buzzing Nigerian artistes.

DJ Kaywise acclaimed for craft as the hardest working DJ churning out mixes back to back takes it up a notch with this new Rundatrax – produced single titled ‘Loyalist’ which features the mega pop sensation, Iyanya.

Off his upcoming DJ album, he puts forward another brilliant party starting jam titled ‘Loyalist.’ This is in follow up to the collaborative effort with Yung6ix and Dammy Krane. As we expect more singles featuring the biggest African acts, check out this bound-to-be-anthem track.

‘Loyalist’ is produced by Rundatrax and mixed by Sheyman.
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Wyclef puts Chris Brown, Jay-z and 50 Cent on blast?

Grammy award winner is speaking up!


Wyclef might just have explained why he decided to celebrate his 43rd birthday earlier this year by sharing a photo of himself wearing just a pair of briefs on Instagram. During his performance at the Ovation Red Carol in Accra on Saturday night, He reportedly made claims about being the finest and most handsome man in the music business as he jokingly added, ” Chris Brown ain’t got nothing on me; he wears makeup. I don’t do none of that…5o cent…makeup….Jay-Z makeup!”

Ouch! Do you agree with Clef?

NEW MUSIC: Sakeez - Halleluyah

Here comes a brand new single from the Igba(time) crooner Sakeez(@sakeezykeezy) titled ‘HALLELUYAH‘. Singing praises in an Hip Hop way? YEAH!

There is something about the beat that will surely make you dance as it has the fusion  of South-African and Nigerian dance hall  pattern merged together to create an exceptional tune and what do you expect when laid with a good composition?
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New Video: Wizboyy – Wizolingo

We have seen the behind the scene footage, No Time Records present the video for the monstrous hit highlife number ‘Wizolingo’ from Wizboyy wildly described as the genre’s powerhouse. The video is a classy and live affair featuring captivatingly captured scenes that highlight Wizboyy as the leading man that he is, surrounded by a bevy of fun having party people. Exquisitely colourful, Classy, vintage showcase meet a live party makes the video directed by Matt-Max.

The enthralling new visual does push it forward, making ‘Wizolingo’ one of the biggest urban highlife record released this year.
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Saidi Balogun replies Fathia, insists he didn't take her to court over use of name

This Saidi man has time sha. Always replying...lol. So yesterday the actor's ex-wife Fathia Balogun released a statement claiming she's in court with the actor over the use of the name, Balogun (if you missed it read here). Saidi says they are court for something else and not over any name...

Yesterday I was accused of lying to the press on a recent rumor that has been circulating. I separated from my ex-wife Fathia Balogun in 2006, over 7 years ago. Since we were legally married in court, we had to legally divorce in court to finalize the issue. The public is welcome to go to the Lagos High Court to verify these records. This has absolutely nothing to do with any name. I am not asking or forcing Fathia to stop using the name Balogun, as it is one of the most common Yoruba names.

Furthermore, to set the record straight, Fathia and I had two children together not three. Fathia’s first child is from a different husband that she later divorced before we were married. I never lied to anyone.

Journalists presented me with a rumor that had no basis in fact, so I simply stated that I DO NOT WANT MY PRIVATE LIFE MADE PUBLIC. IT IS MY PRIVACY AND CONCERNS NOBODY.  

I decided to stay quiet as the two parties involved in this issue are over 40 years old, and I think we are old enough to handle this issue MATURELY instead of turning our private matters into a public gossip debate. 

I hope this issue is now clarified for the public, as I SAIDI BALOGUN am divulging the true facts myself instead of using a MISINFORMED publicist to do so for me.  

There are so many positive aspects of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, we would rather focus on negative meaningless noise instead of these positive components. 

 PLEASE GIVE ME THE RESPECT OF KEEPING MY PERSONAL LIFE PRIVATE AND OUT OF THE PUBLIC EYE. I AM FOCUSING ON MY WORK. THANK YOU!

GIST: Yemi Alade on dating her Manager and future plans

Sultry female singer spoke on a sundry of issues in a recent interview.

First she responded to rumours of her dating her manager, Taiye Aliyu. She is quoted s saying: ‘The truth of the matter is that when it comes to my relationship I always try to let it reflect in my songs. My relationship status at the moment is in ‘Johnny’, so if you listen to the song, you will know what’s happening in my life. And no, I’m not dating him.’

She also shed more light on ‘industry politics’ saying: ‘There’s a bit of politicking everywhere so yes it has but if there’s no politics that means there nothing worth fighting for. I really think we need to drop some of those cabal moves because it’s really not helping good music.’

With video for her recent single, ‘Johnny’ on the way. She revealed that her album would drop sooner – the debut album would be released before the earlier announced ‘Aristo Music Mixtape’.

Exciting news!

New Music: Provabs – Heaven Knows ft. M.I.

“Heaven Knows” is a reflective & insightful message on wax on how two gifted emcees face their fears to conquer them. ‘Fears don’t exist; its only our imaginations of them that do’ – Provabs.

One Management’s award winning rapper Provabs collaborates with Chocolate City’s M.I. to release this Huge Record of Hope and Courage on this day, 13-12-13, believing that it would be the strength for someone out there to face & battle his/her fears.

“Heaven Knows” was produced & mixed by M.I Abaga and mastered by Dr Sankty for 17-17 AudioLaB.
Beautiful, good music from Provabs!
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Chidinma, iLLbliss, Suspect Others prep compilation album

Clarence Peter’s Capital Hill ensigned and affiliates would be putting out a compilation album soon. Veteran rapper illbliss will be gathering all acts and affiliates of record label Capital Hill for their first compilation album.

The likes of Tha Suspect, Chidinma, Phyno, Ayoola and Tesh Carter will all be featured on the project. A few singles have already been released including ‘Powerful‘ and ‘Nsogbu‘ featuring Tha Suspect, Illbliss and Phyno.

No release date or title has been announced, yet

New Video: D’Banj – Why You Love Me

“Eja Nla has surfaced! The eagle has landed!”
One of the dopest tunes on the D’Kings Men album now has a video. It’s “Why You Love Me” by Banga Lee himself, D’banj. Watch and enjoy!

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New Music: Emmerson – Fatima ft. 2face

Rising Sierra Leonean singer, Emmerson Amidu Bockarie popularly known by his first name Emmerson follows-up to his best selling album titled ‘Borbor Bele’ with new single and visual from the upcoming album titled ‘Rise.’ He recruits legendary Nigerian singer, 2face on one of the stellar single titled ‘Fatima’. Both singers deliver an impressive urban highlife joint on the rich production credited to Emmerson.

Emmerson is from Freetown area of Sierra Leone and he was named after his father who he lost at the age of 2. He grew up, schooled in Freetown before he went on to complete his education at Njala University. On losing his mother during his early adulthood, he found solace in music.

Sugar Entertainment recording artist makes a strong call, crossing boundaries with this stellar singles.
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Those sex tapes made me more popular –Chidinma

Kora award winner and Ex Project Fame winner, Chidinma Ekile, tells ‘Nonye Ben-Nwankwo how she has been able to manage the recent controversies surrounding her

You won Kora Awards last year and this year again, you were nominated for an international award, Channel O Awards. Did you ever imagine that you would get to this stage?

No way. I never imagined it in any way. All I did was just to be focused. I knew this was what I loved doing and I decided to just keep doing it. I didn’t expect that it would get this big. Sometimes I sit back and I think back of how it started.

But did the awards have any impact on your career?

Oh yes. When I won the Kora and got back to Nigeria, it was a whole different experience. People started treating me differently. They wondered how ‘small’ Chidinma could go to Cote D’ivoire and bring the Kora home. It added to my profile. Being nominated for the Channel O Award is a big deal for me even if I didn’t clinch the award.

How has it been since then?

It has been good and challenging. It has been a lot of work.

Did you go back to school?

Oh yes. I am managing my career and my studies. I don’t have a choice. I wake up every day and I realise I have a lot of things to do. This is really the best time to tidy up my education. This is my youth. I get busier by the day. It will get tougher. I have to do what I have to do before time gets tougher.

Are you not scared or intimidated competing with other bigger female artistes in the industry?

I have never been a competition person even though I am a product of a competition. But I didn’t see Project Fame as a competition. I was doing what I love doing. In the industry, I am not in any competition. I am just Chidinma. I have tried to carve a niche for myself. I try to be different all the time. I don’t like a situation where somebody will say ‘Chidinma sounds like this person or that person.’ When that comes, competition arises. I am not in for that. I just want to be me and I always try to improve. I want to be versatile. I don’t want to be put in a box. I am here to have fun and make money at the same time.

But you must look up to some of the female artistes…

Definitely. Most of the time I was preparing for the Project Fame competition, I listened to Omawumi a lot. I followed her right from the time she came out of West African Idols. I just loved her kind of music. It is African and she has lots of messages at the same time. I love Onyeka Onwenu as well. I can learn from any one. I am still able to talk and ask question. I am still their baby.

Do you owe Project Fame all you have achieved?

I owe it to Project Fame to a reasonable extent. I don’t think I would be here if not for Project Fame. I didn’t take music seriously. I felt it was something I could do during my leisure. I didn’t know it would become a profession.

If you hadn’t won, you wouldn’t have been bothered?

It wouldn’t have mattered. I didn’t even know I was going to win. I felt I was having fun and if I got money, it was okay. I didn’t want to be the winner. I didn’t want everybody’s eyes to be on me. But it happened and I didn’t have a choice. I decided to give it a trial. That is why I am here today.

You eventually came into the spotlight and it opened doors to controversies and scandals…

I have been in the news lately. My manager told me that I am a balloon on top of lots of needles. People want me to drop on those needles and get deflated. He told me to be careful. The first time was when my nude picture went viral. I actually went for a photo shoot for my friend. I wore a tube dress. Some mischief makers actually cropped off the lower part of the picture and posted it on the Internet. It was as if I was nude. I wasn’t happy at all. I had that picture. I had to post the real picture on the net and people now got convinced the nude picture wasn’t original. I thought that was the end, I didn’t know a bigger scandal was coming…

You mean the sex video?

Oh yes. I woke up one morning and I was greeted on the internet with ‘Chidinma and sex tape’.  I was worried primarily because of my mother. I didn’t let her see the video but I had to show her the photos. I didn’t want to go out that day. I couldn’t go out. But my mum felt otherwise. She told me to ignore the mischief makers. I almost took some actions but I thought against it. I met Sound Sultan on a set. He told me, ‘Babe, you are now a star. I welcome you officially into the industry.’ I trended for three days. Even people who didn’t know me got to know me. My fan base grew. And then, I was happy because more than 90 per cent of the public didn’t believe I was the one in that video. There were people who didn’t need to see the video to believe I couldn’t have done such thing. I am just grateful to everyone who didn’t believe the story. My twitter account was hacked and the people created another account. They kept releasing nasty pictures and they were even responding to the tweets as if I was the one doing it. I was just watching and laughing. It put me in the spotlight. I used it for good.

But such scandal shouldn’t be good for your career…

Ever since I started, I have been scared of scandals. I didn’t want to have any. But I realised that I cannot run away from it. It is just normal. It is not everybody who is happy seeing me rise. Some people are trying to do something to stop me. But sex tape is not enough to stop me. They should bring up something else. The sex tape just took me to another level in my career. It moved me up. This is no more ‘little’ Chidinma. It didn’t bring me down in any way. I am still doing a lot of things.

One of the Skuki boys said he is in love with you and would want to marry you…

Oh yes. Everybody wants to marry me but I am not ready for marriage.

But the boy came out publicly and declared his love for you…

I laughed when I saw that story. I have not considered his request. I still have to make more money before I consider marriage. He is actually my friend and he never told me something like that. I have been linked with so many people. People cannot imagine me being a saint. They are just looking for something to attach to me.

How does it feel like being a star?

It is a lot of work. People see me and envy me and say ‘ohhh, she is now a star and she must be enjoying’. I am not enjoying. The more you are there, the more you do things. The expectation is now so high. Being a star is not so much fun because you have to do more work. You have to please people. You have to smile even when you are not in the mood. It is so frustrating. But then, you owe it to some people, you have put yourself out there. This is what I have signed for. Nobody begged me to do this.

New Music: Obesere – Jaforie ft. Reminisce & Ransome

Alternative traditional act teams up with Reminisce and Ransome.


Paramount King of Fuji music as he is described is here with a new fetching Single titled “Jaforie” where he raps alongside with REMINISCE “Alaga ibile” & RANSOME “Bicycle Crooner.” Produced By LISMA & Co-produced by AJ COOL money.
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CHOAMVA: How Nigeria won just four awards

 The Channel O Music Video Awards, in its 10th year, was held in Soweto, South Africa last weekend. Rich in concept, performance content, and armed with a credible list of winners, Saturday Beats gives you details of the show, which has come to be rated as one of the biggest music awards in Africa.

No Stamp, no entry

Each year, the organisers always ensure a watertight security at the award ceremony. This year was no exception. First, guests had to go through some few minutes’ accreditation process where they were given a plastic card and a paper ticket. Thereafter, they were driven to The Dome of Walter Sisulu Square, Kliptown venue of the event and they exchanged the tickets with their seat number and a stamp on the wrist which could only be viewed with a mercury torch. Before the show proper, guests were treated to a pre-evening cocktail, which also gave them the opportunity to exchange banter, back slap,  giggle as well as check out what other guests wore to the event.

No African time

Scheduled to start by 8pm, this was not the case of ‘African Time’ for just as the clocked chimed 8pm, the show commenced with an incredible entrance of the hosts, South Africa’s AKA and Nigeria’s Nateo C who came in from the roof dressed like bikers. From then on, there was really no boring moment as the hosts and the presenters gave an impeccable delivery. The two-hour event was not marred by myriad technical deficiencies, poor logistics or stuttering presenters.

Nigeria versus South Africa

Although some other artistes from different African countries performed at the show, it was majorly Nigerian and South African artistes that hit the massive stage of the dome. Interestingly, as most of the popular Nigerian artistes are rated high in Nigeria, that didn’t seem to be the case with the SA crowd. An average Nigerian would easily jump up at Kcee’s Limpopo but just as the singer was giving what could be described as a great performance, most of the guests gazed at him as if he just came down from space. And it was the same attitude that was given to Burna Boy, EME’s Victoria Kimani and to some extent, Wizkid. However, when the likes of Mafikizolo, Khuli Chana and some others climbed on the stage, it was an overwhelming, thunderous applause that greeted their performance as the guests danced and danced on. But then, one cannot take away the fact that the acts were good at their game and made sure their delivery was not below par.

Special recognition for P Square

Whoever said the twin brothers, P Square are no longer interested in receiving awards or attending award ceremonies may not have been telling the whole truth. The duo not only attended the award but also put up a superlative performance. As much as just a little appreciation was shown to the other Nigerian artistes that performed at the show, that could not be said when the twin brothers, P Square got on the stage. Their dexterity on the dance floor was second to none and their hit bangers, Personally and E no Easy got the guests going haywire.

It wasn’t a surprise that they were honoured with the special recognition award which great artistes such as   Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Hugh Masekela, Brenda Fassie, Oskido and D’Banj had also been honoured in the past editions.

The twins dedicated the award to their late mother and to their fans.

And the winners are…

Nigerian voters were obviously sleeping this year, unlike last year that Nigerian artistes dominated the awards.  This year was the opposite as just three awards came home to Nigeria. While the host country, South Africa, packed seven awards.

In the Most Gifted Ragga/dancehall category, talented Jesse jags lost to Kenyan hip hop group, P Unit who also went home with the Most Gifted African (East) video award.

However, fine boy Banky W picked the Most Gifted Rand B Music Video award while Kcee’s Limpopo lost the Most Gifted dance Video award to Mafikizolo’s Khona.

So many people would have thought Tuface’s Ihe ne Eme would have clinched the Most Gifted Afro Pop video awards but South Africa’s The Soil, went home with the plaque for the video, Linkomo.

Tiwa Savage’s Without My Heart could not get her the Most Gifted female video for South Africa’s Zonke went home with the award for her Feelings video.

Wizkid saves the day

When it was almost concluded that this edition was not the best for Nigerian artistes, then came the announcement for the biggest award – The Most Gifted Award- and our own Wizkid, for his videos Azonto, picked the award, while the likes of Ice Prince (Aboki), Mafikizolo (Khona), PSquare (Alingo), Xtatic, AKA & Priddy Ugly (Hit Em Up), Zeus Ft.AKA & Tumi (DatsWasup) and others lost out.

New Music: Da Suspect – Nsogbu ft. illBliss & Phyno

Here's another New Tune From Tha Suspect Featuring Phyno and IllBliss.This is one of the best Joint of the week,Download,Listen and Enjoy...
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News: Burna Boy denies stabbing anybody to death

In just a few days, Burna Boy has been linked with some scandals that could last him a life time.

While still smarting from the bashing he got for performing in his underpants during the last Felabration concert held recently, some other rumours emerged earlier in the week concerning the talented singer.

First, it was alleged Burna Boy was involved in some of gang activities in London which resulted in the stabbing someone to death.

It was said that back in 2010 while the artiste was in UK, he was arrested by the London Police for allegedly being part of a gang who stabbed someone to death.

 He was allegedly tried as a minor and sent to jail. After 11 months, he was reportedly released and given two months parole plus community service on the grounds of being of good behaviour.

Burna Boy, Saturday Beats learnt, was said to have disobeyed the authorities and travelled back to Nigeria where he signed a record deal with Aristokrat.

Those who claim to know said Burna Boy travelled back to the UK but was arrested at the airport and deported to Nigeria and  is said to be currently barred from the UK for the next 15 years.

Then again, it was alleged  the singer has left Aristokat probably because of a tweet the singer posted on his twitter account about a change coming, some concluded that he had problems with his label.

The tweet which he deleted shortly after it was posted read, “Change is about to happen. I know #BBG will stick with me no matter what. Watch out for future announcement. BBG.” BBG refers to his newly formed crew ‘Burna Boy Goons.’

However, reacting to the allegations, a lady from the singer’s camp who spoke on the condition of anonymity told Saturday Beats via a telephone chat that none of the stories was true. The lady said that they did not know where such news came from and it was both vexing and malicious.

She said, “There is no truth in the story. Burna Boy would talk to his fans when he is ready and the time is right. He never stabbed anybody and he was not convicted of any crime. How would somebody kill a person and be sent to jail for just 11 months? It should be at least 21 years in prison. It does not happen like that. Also they don’t deport such an offender instead the person serves the jail term there. The story is very vexing and malicious. There is no problem between him and his record at least none that I know of.”

New Music: Sunny Nneji – One North One Love

Sunny Neji is back with a new track titled “One North One Love”. The song is Sunny Neji’s way of encouraging his kinsmen to embrace political peace in the forthcoming elections. The focus of his cry are the five local government areas that make up Ogoja local government area in the North of Cross River State where Sunny Neji hails from.

Watch out for the music video for “One North One Love” shot by Samklef in the coming week.
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Judge adjourns Chocoate city vs Brymo case again

Chocolate City Vs Brymo: Case adjourned again, till 14 January 2014 as court fails to sit
The legal battle between music and Entertainment Company, Chocolate City limited and popular musician Ashimi ‘Brymo’ Olawale failed to come up today, 5 December 2013 as the presiding judge, Justice Bubba of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division in Ikoyi didn’t sit. Thus, the case has been adjourned till 14, January 2014.

it was gathered that Chocolate City, who were represented at the court today by Miss C.o Madubuko from L & A legal consultants are yet to serve Brymo the court papers; Brymo was not represented at the Court today.

The legal battle which began 11:35am, Monday, 11th November, 2013 and presided over by justice Bubba was adjourned to today after Chocolate city’s lawyer, Miss C.o Madubuko appeared before the court without serving the defendant, Brymo, the court papers.