Events

Hip-Hop: Chocolate City celebrates golden anniversary

Published

3 years ago

January 11, 2024

Chocolate City Music, renowned as a pioneer in the African music industry, has released the ‘Chocolate City Cypher’ to celebrate the golden anniversary of Hip-Hop.

Abuchi Ugwu, Chief Executive Officer, Chocolate City Music, said the tribute track features elite artistes including MI Abaga, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, A-Q, Loose Kaynon and Blaqbonez, marking a celebration of the genre that has shaped generations.

According to Ugwu, hip-hop has given a voice to the voiceless and brought diverse communities together and as such needs to be celebrated.

“Since its emergence in the Bronx in the early 1970s, hip-hop has grown from a local movement to a global phenomenon, influencing fashion, language, and lifestyle.

“As hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, Chocolate City honours this legacy by showcasing the best of Nigerian hip-hop through the Chocolate City Cypher.

“From the days of MI’s groundbreaking hits to the current era of Blaqbonez, we have not only witnessed but also shaped the evolution of this genre in Nigeria.

“This Cypher celebrates that legacy and our ongoing commitment to hip-hop.”

Ugwu said that Chocolate City’s impact on Nigerian hip-hop could be traced back to the late 2000s, with MI’s “Safe” remix, revolutionising the industry.

According to him, MI’s lyrical prowess and storytelling set a new standard in the Nigerian music scene, paving the way for future hip-hop artistes to thrive.

“MI went on to win the MTV Africa Music Awards as “Best New Act” in 2008 and numerous other awards for his hip-hop style.

“The introduction of the Choc Boiz, a rap ensemble made up of MI, Jesse Jagz, and Ice Prince, marked a new era in Nigerian hip-hop, blending Afro beats with contemporary hip-hop rhythms.

“It also created a unique sound that resonated across the continent,” Ugwu added.

He also said that Chocolate City had continued to shape the careers of some of the most respected names in Nigerian hip-hop culture, providing a platform for rappers like Loose Kaynon, AQ, Pryse, Candy Bleakz and Blaqbonez.

“To date, the label has produced over 25 hip-hop albums, stamping its authority as the number one hip-hop label on the African continent.”

Aibee Abidoye, Vice President, Music, Chocolate City Music, said, “we have succeeded in weaving the past, present, and future of Nigerian hip-hop around music that fans will enjoy through the Cypher.

“Chocolate City Cypher showcases our contribution to the genre and reminds us of its power to voice societal narratives. We are proud to be a driving force in this journey.”

He added that the Chocolate City Cypher blends topical conversations articulated through brilliant wordplay and effusive lyrics.

“Each artiste brings a unique style and perspective, ensuring that the Cypher resonates with a wide range of audiences.

“The track is available for download on all major digital music platforms,” Abidoye said.

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Rechael Okonkwo’s Carnival Brings Free Healthcare to 5,000 Residents

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3 days ago

September 2, 2026

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”