Flavour’s album, ‘Uplifted’ will be available in South African music stores this November, Lolhiphop Records has announced.

The hunky Nigerian singer has captured the hearts of music lovers all over the continent, including South Africa, with seductive dance moves and banging hits such as Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) and Adamma.

Born Chinedu Okoli, Flavour began his music career in 2002 at the age of 19. He joined the band Enugu as a drummer and pianist. He went solo in 2004 and released the album Nabania in 2008. In 2011, Flavour teamed up with Godfather Productions in South Africa to release the music video of the single ‘Nwa Baby”. It became an instant international hit, and a popstar was born.

Flavour has since become one of the continent’s most sought after artists. He is set to perform in Botswana and South Africa this November, before going on tour in Europe and the United States.

He will also perform at the upcoming Channel O music video awards, for which he has two nominations.

The album UPLIFTED (International GOLD Edition) was billed for release during Easter 2012, but massive public demand has driven a soft release in music stores this year. This means that music lovers will be able to buy the album in South Africa from 15 November.

Lolhiphop Records President Wax Dey said the release is a move to quench the thirst for Nigerian music in South Africa.

“Over the past few years, Nigerian music has achieved significant underground success in South Africa.  But In 2011, Flavour has set a precedent by gaining mainstream recognition in South Africa, with high rotation on major stations such as Metro FM and 5 FM.”

“This popularity is helping the local industry tremendously. We are seeing more collaborations and new fanbases across the continent for South African artists. It has also raised the bar for local video production, making South African music more competitive and globally successful.”

“In addition, Nigerian artists spend a significant amount of money in South Africa, producing music and first-class videos. This is a healthy relationship that must be encouraged,” said Wax.

He said that Flavour’s album is the first of several such releases to come from Lolhiphop Records. The label is expected to announce more releases from top Nigerian artists in March 2012.

 It’s 77 Days to the kick-off to the FIFA Soccer World Cup, Wax was never good enough for the Cameroonian soccer squad, but he’s definitely keeping the music alive in South Africa.

Wax (aka Nde Ndifonka) will join other Arts contemporaries for Quo Vadis Sharpville? The Sharpville Footprint on the Literary, Arts, Culture and Heritage Sphere: 50 Years On. This will be on 27 March @14h30 at the African Literature Bookshop, 191 Louis Botha Avenue, cnr 8^th Street in Orange Groove, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Earlier on that day, Wax will continue to support Usizolwethu School for impaired learners in Daveyton, at the handover ceremony of their new classes and Home Economic Centre, hosted by the Gauteng Provincial Government and Carnival City. Back in September 09, Wax and Siphokazi also performed for the school's fundraising gala at Carnival City.   

And now to new collabs! When Wax released the ballad “Miss Real, Mr Regular”, it signified a new and unique soundscape in South Africa: carefully tailored acoustic rhythms set in live arrangements with rich melodies and emotive lyrics. And while the original song continues to grow on the airwaves, new audiences are already reaping its flavour through covers and remixes. The Hip hop remix featuring local rapper and producer Omen became an instant hit on youth stations… and now, there’s even something for the Househeads as Rowick Deep has emerged with not one, but two interpretations of the song… and Word is one of them is the first single off a hot and happening House DJs upcoming compilation… We’re not letting the cat out of the bag yet, but of course, you can hear what Rowick Deep and Wax have been up to when you CLICK HERE.  

 MEDIA STATEMENT.  MEDIA STATEMENT. MEDIA STATEMENT

Quo Vadis, Sharpeville?
The Sharpeville Footprint on the Literary, Arts, Culture & Heritage Sphere: 50 Years On.

 The Miriam Tlali Reading and Book Club, a legacy programme of the South African Literary Awards and the wRite associates, in partnership with the City of Joburg’s Library and Information Services, marks the 50^th anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre by hosting a panel discussion on the Sharpeville Footprint on the Literary, Arts, Culture & Heritage Sphere: 50 Years On, on Saturday, 27^th March 2010, from 14H00 to17H00, at the African Literature Bookshop, 191 Louis Botha Avenue, Cnr 8^th Street, Orange Grove.  

 Panelists include South Africa’s National Poet Laureate, Prof. Keorapetse Kgositsile, poet Marcia Tladi, activists Nicho Ntema ,Thami ka Plaatjie & poet, author and SALA Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dr. Mongane Wally Serote. Facilitated by activist academic and musician Dr. Motsumi Makhene, the high-powered programme features poet Tsoana Nhlapo Mokhemisa, veteran activist playwright and actor Gamakhulu Diniso & Sons. Live music will be provided by Cameroon’s world acclaimed and versatile musician Wax aka Nde Ndifonka.  

 The programme, in honour of activist author Miriam Tlali, a SALA and other awards winner, aims to celebrate and honour the life, times and the contribution of this prolific woman who has written extensively and has made history by being the first South African black woman to publish a novel in English.

Fifty years ago, on 21 March 1960, a group of between 5,000 and 7,000 people converged on the local police station in the township of Sharpeville, offering themselves up for arrest for not carrying their pass books.  

 The result was an unprovoked shooting by police, killing many people.

The official figure is that 69 people were killed, including 8 women and 10 children, and over 180 injured, including 31 women and 19 children. Many were shot in the back as they turned to flee.

 This day marked a turning point in the liberation struggle for a free South Africa, when the democratic and progressive world sided with the oppressed majority against the minority apartheid government.

The discussion on the 27^th March 2010 will attempt to look at the artistic, cultural and heritage angle since then.

 The Miriam Tlali Reading and Book Club, meets every third Saturday of the month.

 For more information, please call:      Tel: 011 791 3583       Fax: 086 605 3642      Email: info@writeassociates.co.za

Meanwhile, you can join Wax on SHIFT, SABC1 at 1pm on Monday 8 March, for an exclusive live performance of the song everyone’s curious about: African Dream. Plus: Wax (Mr Nde Ndifonka) discusses why African is Lekker; mental slavery; and how IOM’s ONE Movement is working to promote human rights and a deeper understanding of Africa in the streets!

Coming soon: AFRICAN DREAM RELOADED! (SA only)

C ya! And we love y’all! Really!

Here's your chance to join me in South Africa during the World Cup, where I'll be performing live in Durban. I've hooked up with your fav Cameroonian broadcasters to make this sweet and sensational: Jambo (CANAL 2), STV, adn LTM. So get smsing to stand a chance to win.

To play with Jambo, sms 'Wax' and 'your name' to 8009 (already active).
To play with STV, sms 'Wax and 'your name' to 8184 (from February)
Numbers for LTM to be announced.

What are you waiting for? Play as often as you can to increase your chances of winning. And now, I'm, adding something extra. Every week, 20 lucky winners will get original WAX CDs, and an automatic place in the grand draw, which will eb televised by all partner broadcasters.

Dit Wax, Dit Ouin!