Entertainment
Samklef Joins Akon’s Konvic Records
Nigerian-born music artiste, Samklef, whose real name is Samuel Oguachuba has signed with mega super star Akon, for a multi-million record deal with KonLive because he is the best all-around entertainer from Nigeria”, said Akon who tops the 2017 list of richest African Musicians, according to Forbes Africa and known for launching the careers of superstars – Lady Gaga and T-Pain.
“Everything Samklef touches turns to gold and I expect his first single “Philo” to quickly climb the charts once it is released in 2017″, said Akon. Samklef, a multi-talented music artiste, producer, DJ and video director hails from Imo State, but was born and bred in Lagos, Nigeria.
“Life on the Nigerian streets amidst the harsh survival condtions of the typical African ghetto made me business savvy and a realist. The opportunity to be part of Akon’s camp and learn from the greatest in the music and business world is an honour”, said Samklef.
Before he took the leap of faith to leave his home country and head to the USA. Samklef worked as a music producer with some of the biggest in Nigeria’s music industry, including Sunny Neji, Rugged Man, Durella, Simi, Wizkid, Skales, D’Prince, Jahdiel, Ice Prince Olamide and Victor to mention a few.
It was gathered that Samklef produced six records on Wizkid’s successful debut album, “Super Star” that sky rocketed him to international success. “My team is very impressed with Samklef’s professionalism. He has worked with sound factory, flow records, smashers records, Back 2 Back, mindfalls, Exp&I 360 and S.O&U”, said Rozina Negusei, CEO of En Treeg records and Akon’s wife.
She noted that Samklef is a certified hitmaker, has great stage presence and he is a master at engaging any music-loving crowd.
Samklef’s debut album titled “Noni” was released in 2010 followed by an international edition titled “Nonilizing” released in January 2011. He spans several year’s in the entertainment industry and the outcome is vast experience which can only be garnered by working with some of the best hands in every field.
His influences include international producers and artistes, Timbaland and Kanye West as well as his industry colleagues, Don Jazzy and Tuface. During the 2017 Best Awards Week, Samklef performed his international hit “Molowo Noni”, to a standing-only-room crowd at the Sayers club in Hollywood California.
The diverse Samklef is also an entrepreneur and motivational speaker. “I want to inspire others to achieve their dreams, if I can make it out of the poorest conditions from Lagos Nigeria, with hard work and dedication anyone can”, Samklef said.
The Nigerian singer is signed by Akon’s KonLive Distribution and Kes Entertainment record label, a joint venture partnership with KonLive, En Treeg and Simcol entertainment. Simon Guobadia is the chairman/CEO of Simcol entertainment. The purpose of the partnership is to advance the careers of African and Caribbean talents.
R&B star, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has recounted the early-career challenges she faced, revealing that she was once booed out of the stage while performing at a school event.
Speaking in an interview with Newsmen, the Crazy Tings crooner shared that she wasn’t only booed but was also harassed with plastic bottles.
“I remember one time I was going to perform at my school as an up-and-coming singer and I thought I was going to receiving a standing ovation.
“But I got booed. They even threw plastic bottles at me,” she recalled.
Tems explained that despite the embarrassing incident and other such rejections, she remained determined to pursue a career in music.
The Tide Entertainment reports that Tems admitted that some of the initial rejections she faced could be due to her conviction to stick to her originality instead of doing covers or familiar sounds like most of her peers.
The Grammy-winning singer said looking back now, she is glad that she didn’t compromise her style despite the initial pressures.
A close associate of late singer Mohbad, Primeboy, has appealed for the artiste’s burial nearly three years after his death.
According to him, Mohbad’s body remains in the mortuary since September 12, 2023, pending burial arrangements.
The Tide Entertainment reports that in a statement Primeboy urged the family, public, and government to permit the burial, stating, “It’s been almost three years since Mohbad left us. His body is still in the mortuary. I’m begging the family, I’m begging the public, I’m begging the government, please let’s bury our brother. He deserves a befitting burial.”
It would be recalled that Mohbad’s death sparked public outrage, protests, and investigations. Ongoing autopsy examinations, police inquiries, and legal proceedings have delayed burial arrangements amid family disagreements and public scrutiny.