The Nigerian rapper Skales is scheduled to perform on the New Year’s Eve at Monarch Hotel. Raoul John Njeng-Njeng a.k.a. Skales, started his singing career in 2000. His stage name is an acronym for “Seek Knowledge Acquire Large Entrepreneurial Skills”. His debut single, “Must shine”, received numerous spin on the Rhythm Station in Lagos. Skales has recorded over 200 songs and collaborated with numerous artists. Some of his well-known songs include “Shake Body,” “Mukulu”, “My Baby,” “Take Care of Me”. Skales debut album, “Man of the Year”, was released in 2015. Skales supported Wizkid on his tour of London in 2012. On October 2013, Skales performed at the 2013 edition of Felabration, a yearly concert dedicated to the late Fela Kuti. In February 2014, The Vanguard reported that Skates left Empire Mates entertainment following the expiration of his four-year recording contract. In May 2014, Skales established his own record label, OHK music. The label is home to renowned producers and music personalities with in Nigeria.
Abraham Abebe’s Hopeful Art draws from his Ethiopia, US roots
“My design and artworks are result of two cultures,” says Ethiopian born artist Abraham Abebe who is an assistant professor of Graphic Design at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. Abraham’s upcoming Solo exhibition, which is entitled “Guzo”, will be held at the Leland Gallery, from January 9 to February 3, 2017. The title of Abraham’s new show Guzo (Journey) makes use of “lottery tickets as a starting point then translates numbers from each ticket into visual forms using the metric system. The resulting visual data serves as the basis for the painting, mixed media, kinetic and screen-print that would define the four quadrants on the two dimensional surface of the stretched canvases, papers and panels.”
Abraham, a talented artist, holds both an MFA degree in Studio Art and BFA (Cum Laude) majoring in Graphic Design, Painting, and Drawing from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as well as an AA degree from Truckee Meadows community college. (Tadias)
Eyob Mekonen’s album to be released
The album of one of Ethiopia’s musical icons, Eyob Mekonnen, who passed away three years ago, is to be released soon. Eyob, who is renowned for his reggae and roots music, was working on a second album when he suddenly passed away. Born in Jijiga in 1975 his interest in music started at a very young age. He joined Zion Band, which made its name for having reggae beat with a distinctive Ethiopian cast. Eyob’s musical style was unique. He is known for mixing popular Amharic music with reggae. He also sang Oromiffa songs counting Ali Birra as one of his major influences, alongside Bob Marley. In 2010, he released his first album, “Ende Kal”. Although lukewarmly received by audiences at first, as it differed from the often-synthesized music that had prevailed since the era of the Derg and the demise of the big bands of the Haileselassie era. Gradually, the album gained great national acclaim. His songs dealt with issues of morality, love, peace, and social consciousness.
Lij Michael and Sami Dan @ Laphto Mall
Lij Michael and Sami Dan, two contemporary popular artists, are scheduled to perform on the eve of Ethiopian Christmas, January 6, 2017 at Laphto Mall. Organized by Jorka events, Betty G and Dawit Nega will also perform along with these artists. Mehari Brothers will feature these artists. A popular hip-hop artist, Lij Michael started his career by establishing a hip-hop group called ABC. With his latest album “Zare Yihun Nege”, he reintroduced Amharic rap adding an Ethiopian flavor. His single, “Zemenay Marye”, became successful in penetrating the market and being an icebreaker for Amharic rap. Lij Michael, who is one of the Coke Studio artists, had a good year with concerts and a nomination for MTV Africa. Sami Dan, a graduate of Addis Ababa University in Construction Technology and Management, is creating a unique sound in Ethiopian music. His new album “Keras Gar Nigigir” garnered him admiration from music lovers.
The entrance fee is 200 birr. Couple’s package is 300 and VIP is 500 birr.