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‘OSG’- On The Shoulders Of Giants Album: Tito Da.Fire Shares The Stories Behind Each Track To His Fans
‘OSG’- On The Shoulders Of Giants Album: Tito Da.Fire Shares The Stories Behind Each Track To His Fans
In a couple of days, precisely Friday 23rd of September, 2022, the singer, composer, and lyricist, Tito Da.Fire will be introducing a new generation to his world of Global music with a touch of Afrobeats, and alternative, reggae and juju fusions through his intimate songwriting ability in his third album titled, “OSG” On The Shoulders Of Giants.
The talented artist shares the stories behind each song to the global audience.
Tito Da.Fire, who is known for his dexterity drew from his classically trained background to create a captivating symphony for all ages in the beautifully recorded 12-track album which is expected to drop on Friday.
In a track-by-track explanation, the music enthusiast takes his fans and listeners deep into his latest record with a concentrated breakdown of every song.
According to him, “This Album tells my compelling story of NIGHALI (Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia) through Music. I coined that name as a metaphor for non-violent Pan-African liberation through Music, Cultural, and Economic Empowerment. It is themed around rising on “On the Shoulders Of Giants”, which is my rising through the Liberian Civil war, to Nigeria (my father’s birth Country) some went to Ghana, some went on to become wealthy, some like me, became one of the most Consistent Voices out of Nigeria, impacting over the past 25years, reaching million weekly. Importantly, the album reminds the culture that, while we all call out the oppressors, and their oppression, are we ourselves guilty of oppressing those around us?”
He continues, “That’s where “Elevation” comes in, that’s where the strength of the “African Woman”, comes to play. That’s where “Temple” speaks to our vanities, that’s how “I Come With Fire”, in the message, to put “Fire Inna Dancefloor, knowing that “One Day”, whether our birth was singly or under the drum rolls of “Abibeji” twins, nothing shall make us sing a “Breakup Anthem”, away from our dreams of victory and freedom, because we rest assured that our “Lifeguard” stands solidly, that no “Kokoro” can come close to “Me & U (winners)” in our generation, incited in spirit to move, positively, incited to the soles of our feet, to dance with the zest gathered from major thinkers who have left their marks, for us to rise – “On The Shoulders Of Giants – OSG!”
1. “African Woman”
‘“African Woman”, the first song off the album, with Bunmi Africa poetry, feels like Caramel toppings, and my son Ryan singing, is my kinda twilight, serenaded storytelling scene like I’m in “NTA Tales By Moonlight”. A honey-tongued tribute to where I came from, my mother, motherland, sisters, Africa, and beautiful and strong women globally, like Lupita Nyong’o, Queen mother Nana Yaa Asantewaa, Mother Victoria, Kamala Haris, Ngozi Chimamanda Adichie”, #AfricanWoman”.
2. “Elevation”
“The story of “Elevation” is about triumphs of the culture, of Afrobeats, about freedom from Neo-colonialism, it is also my call for peaceful revolution in “NIGHALI” (that’s Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia, which are metaphors for non-violent Pan-African liberation) through Music and empowerment. We were wealthy, got broken by Civil wars, in Liberia, to Nigeria, Ghana, as Refugees, some of us became wealthy again…but while we all call out the oppressors, are we guilty of oppressing those around us? That’s where Elevation comes in, it incites the spirit to move, positively, incites your feet, to dance!”
3. “Kokoro”
“This song is the first single off OSG Album, it was my comeback from a break-up, from a hot breakfast, betrayal, and I’m saying “the ant or insect that eats the leaf, is on the leaf”. Kokoro is a warning, like a popular Nigerian slang called “Frenemies”, with me saying “your best friend could be your worst enemy, so shine your eyes” be street smart.”
4. “Lifeguard”
“You’re the angel God sent to me…when I was down you pull out of the waters, you’re my lifeguard”, those “Lifeguard” lyrics are very personal and spiritual to me, it’s me finding myself on a lone career and life ship at one time, and then connecting with Grammy winner Wouter Kellerman, just brought a timeless friendship, my love for South Africa grew with leaps, as we began to create timeless magic. After I produced “Lifeguard”, my producer Aizbag came to Lagos and we wrote the song. It is a symbol of our spiritual heritage with Jah, our Creator.
5. “Fire Inna Dancefloor”
“On this song, I drag you back onto the dance floor culture. I simply cannot drop a body of work where there aren’t tracks that demand you to shake your body, like fire on the dancefloor”, right in the middle range of the album.
6. “One Day”
‘“One day the sun will rise for your end, one day you go make am”. That’s a street anthem, it’s me saying, take it from me, you can make it, regardless of what society throws at your feet, cos I’ve walked that road. I remind you of giants like Fela, 2baba, Don Jazzy, and others who paved the way for Afrobeats to rise on the international stage and with it, the rise of the culture.”
7. “I Come With Fire”
“I’m roaring on this song, literally if you like. Over the 2-year period I recorded this album, I’ve got burnt in many ways, with waves of lofty highs and deep lows like “tears and blood” Fela” sang about, so what else is left to be afraid of? I had Producer Sharnor coming from Ajah, Marshall Bryant Mixing in LA, Aizbag coming from Owerri to Lagos, Olumix Mixing in Germany, Wouter sending in the flutes from Johannesburg, and Bill Hare in California Mastering, those were the highs of the album “let my burns turn to Gold, who Baba God don bless, nobody fit stop am”, is Tito Da.Fire speaking the truths of many, from a place of sincerity”.
8. “Breakup Anthem”
‘“Breakup Anthem starts with the soulful “It’s like me against the world, in this thing called love”. The song tells how hard it is, to not go through a dish of Breakup, or “breakfast” as it’s the common slang in West Africa. Plenty of times we feel we’re in the right, but the pain doesn’t care. Selma sings her heart out with me.”
9. “Abibeji”
‘“Abibeji” is a song about love, a song for walking down the aisle, it’s a lover singing to the love of his life. “my baby will give birth to twins¸ if God wills”. On the conceptualization of the song, I remember my grandfather who had a set of twins and how much of an impact it had on him, and so it struck with his family that twins are double blessings from God, which I tap into”.
10. “Temple”
“Temple hits you differently, like Bob Marley singing “Redemption Song”, or Buju Banton belting his heart on “Destiny” and Wyclef on Diallo”. This time I sang about Solomon, his vanities, and his way with women, and metaphorically to myself, cos I was named “Jedidiah” at birth, and that translates to “Solomon according to Biblical canon. I find myself levitating to the rhythm in this only reggae/soul ballad on the album. You should never forget that your body is a temple of the Highest God”.
11. “Me & U (Winners) feat. Selma & Ryan E. Peters”
“This song unearths a wealth of emotions from me, with Selma and my son. Some traditional households hoard love and praise, like hoarding fuel during scarcity. But I believe somebody needs to let you know that you’re a star, a winner, Somebody like me”.
12. “Nighali”
“This song re-echos how the album tells the compelling story of NIGHALI (Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia) through Music. I coined that name as a metaphor for places my bloodline runs, having cultural significance to younger generations, to Nations. The music in the album calls for Global Empowering and Elevation through shared cultural knowledge and experiences gathered from major thinkers who have left their marks, for us to ride OSG (On The Shoulders Of Giants)”. This twelfth song on the album summarizes the message of Social Change, of freedom and of shared cultural knowledge that Tito Da.Fire stands for”.
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Celebrating The Women Behind The Music : The Members Of Elite Women Musicians Club Of Lagos
Celebrating The Women Behind The Music : The Members Of Elite Women Musicians Club Of Lagos
In the pulsating heart of Lagos, the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos
stands as a beacon of unity and empowerment for female artists. This dynamic association, renowned for its diversity in musical genres, prides itself on bringing together talented women from all walks of musical life. Today, we celebrate its esteemed members, who number twenty-nine strong, each contributing uniquely to the vibrant tapestry of the Club.
Leading The Charge :
At the forefront of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos Club is Alhaja Queen Isimot Abake Abiola PQ1st (Omo Opeki), the President. Her leadership is a source of inspiration for many, guiding the Club with a vision of inclusivity and excellence. Supporting her is Alhaja Queen Halimot Ayinla Omowura, the Vice President, whose dedication ensures the smooth operation and growth of the association.
Alhaja Badirat Adunni Olaniyan (Just Like That) serves as the Treasurer, managing the financial health of the Club with precision. The Social Secretary, Alhaja Aminat Babalola Balogun (Omotayebi, Iya Kekere Eko), brings vibrancy and connectivity, fostering a sense of community among the members. Asiwaju Yeye Tosin Eniba (Fuji Queen), the Secretary, ensures that the administrative duties are handled efficiently, supporting the organizational backbone of the Club.
Valued Members :
The Club’s strength lies in its diverse membership, each woman a luminary in her own right. The following are the distinguished members of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos :
– Afonja Gbajoba
– Bisi Ewa Ogo Jesu
– Alhaja Jelilat Dupytie
– Ejire Akewi Oba
– Alhaja Aminat Itojuobi
– Alh. Fatimo Oseni Salawa Onigbongbo
– Alh. Tawakalitu Alagbada Tokotaya to nko Fuji
– Aishat Irepo Obi
– Olaleye Rahemot Arike (Akomolesin Agbaye)
– Alh. Dasola Abeke
– Ewebiyi Iya Oriki
– Ameerat Oninure
– Alh. Azeezat Otibiya
– Alh. Rukayat Bashirimi
– Alh. Mujidat Damilola
– Alh. Fatima Aljafaria, an Elder whose wisdom and experience enrich the Club.
– Alh. Taibat Omo Tayenfe
– Queen Muheenat Ijaodola
– Sakirat Yeye Oge
– Alh. Mariam Akiki Akanbi
– Queen Abebi Ayala
– Aweni Adepeju (Aweni Fuji)
– Fatimo Ajoke Cinderella
– Alh. Hafsat Sideeq, another Elder whose guidance is deeply valued.
A Legacy of Excellence :
The Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos is more than just an association; it is a legacy of excellence, a network of powerful voices that harmonize to uplift and inspire. Each member, from the executives to the distinguished members, plays a crucial role in shaping the cultural and musical landscape of Lagos and beyond. Their combined efforts create a symphony of collaboration and mutual support, ensuring that the future of female musicians in Nigeria remains bright and promising.
As we celebrate these remarkable women, we also look forward to the new heights the Club will achieve under their leadership and unity. Their commitment to their craft and each other stands as a testament to the incredible power of music and the unwavering strength of women.
Sustain Tempo of High Revenue With Compliance, CGC Tells Comptroller Olomu
… As Apapa Command Honours Outstanding Stakeholders
By Ifeoma Ikem
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR has commended the Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi for the command’s outstanding revenue collection of over N2.2tr and urged him to sustain the tempo.
CGC said this in Apapa on Friday at the command’s end of the year party and award ceremony also harped on the need for compliance and synergies as necessary strategies to greater productivity at the port. According to him, compliance is a competitive advantage.
He was represented by Deputy Comptroller General Caroline Niagwan, DCG Tariff and Trade, Adeniyi congratulated the Customs Area Controller and all the officers and men of Apapa Area Command for the milestone achieved in revenue collection to the tune of N2.2tr and still counting which has earned the command multiple accolades
“It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today to celebrate a shared commitment to compliance and excellence in trade. This award ceremony is a testament to your dedication to ethical business practices, adherence to regulations, and unwavering support for the principles that drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
“Compliance is not merely a requirement; it is a competitive advantage. It fosters transparency, reduces operational risks, and strengthens the trust between businesses and regulatory authorities. It also positions compliant stakeholders to enjoy streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and access to the numerous benefits that come with being recognized as trusted trade partners.
“As a Service, we understand that sustaining compliance can sometimes require capacity building, especially as global trade evolves.
To this end, the Service is committed to providing the necessary training, technical assistance, and partnerships that will empower you with the knowledge and tools to maintain this high standard.
“Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder remains competitive,vinnovative, and aligned with global best practices.
By working together, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth. Compliant stakeholders not only contribute to national revenue but also drive economic development, attract foreign investments, and enhance Nigeria’s position in international trade” Adeniyi said
In his welcome speech, Comptroller Olomu expressed appreciation to the CGC and the customs management team for always providing the direction and inspiration to the command in it’s drive to meet government’s expectations .
He described the end of year party as many things rolled up in one as it strengthens the stakeholders bond as a community of government and private sector collaborators working together for the betterment of Nigeria;
it’s also to celebrate together as the year 2024 ends and honour those whose outstanding performances contributed in shaping the command’s achievements in 2024.
Comptroller Olomu said despite the challenges of low trade volume, the command is able to achieve it’s target which is a reflection of officers commitment and dedication to duty
He added that in line with the policy thrust of the CGC, the command utilised it’s relationship with stakeholders to achieve it’s goal this year.
According to him improving on stakeholder engagement has become an operational template the Comptroller General of Customs has impressed on the officers and expressed joy to announce that it has proven to be a masterstroke towards enhanced compliance.
Comptroller Olomu said “Compliance is no doubt the bedrock of all customs achievements in areas of revenue collection, anti smuggling and legitimate trade facilitation. Our approach to regurlarly engage our sister government agencies has raised our degree of intelligence sharing towards a common national interest.
“Let me use this period to thank the NPA, DSS, NDLEA, NAQS,Port Health, Police, Immigration and other sister government agencies for their consistent collaboration in 2024. They are indeed an integral part of the command’s success story in 2024. I urge them to stay on board let’s do it again in 2025.
“With our port users, we maintained regularly enlightenment meetings, faster trade dispute resolution mechanism and consistent appraisal of feedbacks to keep improving on our responsibilities.
“There have been positive fallouts of our regular interface with our stakeholders. This is evident in our collection of N2..2tr revenue and still counting, zeroing in on the minority that attempt smuggling by curbing their activities with seizures. We are fostering inclusivity and this will continue in 2025
“We have ensured no container , import or export consignment goes through our control without due diligence of proper examination. This has been the foundation of our impeccable enforcement drive.
“We are honouring some of our officers and stakeholders for their outstanding performances in the year 2024 . I want to urge the awardees to see this as a call for more commitment to surpass their best outputs. There is no end to improvement
“This should also be a challenge to those who didn’t make the award list this time, I urge them to keep improving with a promise that their inputs shall not go unnoticed for due recognition” he concluded
Among those recognised with various awards are APM Terminals, Sifax Group, ENL Consortium, Dangote, Talod Ocean Airfreight and Princess Chi Ezeh the CEO of Munah Sylva Nigeria Limited
The command also recognised serving and retired officers for their contributions to it’s overall successes in 2024.
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