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SLAM Returns, Speaks On The Declining Development In The Music Industry.

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Music Icon, Slam drops his highly-anticipated single, ‘Nice and Sweet’, on his birthday, Thursday, May 26 on his Label – Slam Entertainment (S’Ent) in partnership with Disrupt DNA

Slam was one of the ace RnB artists signed under the renowned Kennis Music label and was known for his exceptional vocals and amazing ballads.

Slam is a gifted singer, song writer and music producer. His latest single has received a lot of accolades by some of the biggest names in the music business in the country.

In a latest interview, Slam speaks on the numerical growth of the music industry which he claims has been declining in terms of development.

Excerpts below:

How did you get the name SLAM?

After every performance I would always get accolades and remarks like; that was slamming, you slammed it… and much more. So the name SLAM evolved

What inspired your genre of music?

The reaction it had on both me and the people around me.  A nicely delivered RNB from JOE or JODECI would just set you into a whole new world of full liberation, love, joy and happiness.

Who are your role models?

Everyone that is inspirational to my growth. Those that showed me love- they teach me tenderness; those that hate me- they teach me caution; those that are indifferent- they teach me God’s reliance.

What is your assessment of the current crops of artistes?

The new crops of artist are very intelligent with a yearning to be a par with their international counterparts. They have basically given the people want they want and that is good music for the soul. Whether it is good beats, melodious songs or choruses, they have managed to get diverse corporate organisations to provide them with huge funds to sell their products or brands either through promotions or endorsements. There is nothing a brand likes than attracting a huge audience and followership.  

How will you rate the music industry?

The industry is growing in numbers but declining in development: what I mean is that the industry is growing with an influx of musicians with little or no content therefore the staying power of produced songs are getting shorter and shorter by the year. This is easily seen in the recent releases form even our so called A-list artistes who churn out songs that don’t even last up to 3 months before it becomes stale and then the general public moves on to the next. The quest for huge commercial value  is also a great contributor to the low content of the songs and these in turn result in the declining development of the industry. There are a lot of other things wrong with the industry and I would not sit on any side of the divide but would rather bring it to fore by sharing my opinion. 1, There are no record companies; only independent record labels where the artiste is the all-and-all in the whole music process.  By PROCESS I mean: writing, payment for recording, promotion and advertising, public relations, distribution and lots more. All these are functions of a record company. 2, Record companies cannot thrive for now until basic infrastructures are put in place that would allow for easy penetration into non-urban regions and mitigate the impact of Piracy. 3, the online media which is supposed to address no 2, is not really tapped into here in the Nigeria considering the rate of illiteracy and fear of operating in the digital world. Tell me, have you ever bought a song form an online site? The telecoms have noticed a gap in this market and are milking from this. 4, we don’t have respected AWARDS anymore that is why we clamour for foreign awards and think that we have achieved global relevance when we manage to get recognition at these awards. This is slowly worsening the state of the industry but we don’t know. W e should be proud of our own.5, The Infrastructure OR world-class venues with all the necessary stage effects to host a proper Music event is not available with all the money PMAN , COSON MSCN have taken from the industry. It’s a shame because the National Theatre which is supposed to be the hub for entertainment is used for all sorts of funny activities that don’t propagate the entertainment industry. Today South Africa and even Ghana boast of better structures and frameworks in terms of their music industries while we are just capitailising on the our large population and wonderful beats. Please I would like to stop before I let my emotions get the better part of me.

Did you go and get a Master’s Degree because one artiste was always boasting of being the only MC with an M.Sc

 Oh not at all. I actually come from a family that holds Education in very high esteem. As you would see in my path: i had my First School leaving certificate from Our Lady’s of Apostles in Sabo Yaba; SSCE- FGC Wukari in Taraba State; B-ENG: FUTO; MSC: Northwest University London; 4years PR experience, 2 years integrated Marketing Communication experience with a Top Multinational.

Did you keep an eye on the industry while you were away?

 Offcourse I did. Everything I envisaged the industry would be, I saw it unfold before my eyes and I wanted to be part of it. Don’t wanna be like Moses who lead his people and didn’t make it into the promise Land. Lols…I saw the likes of Nice, DBanj, Don Jazzy, who gave the industry a whole new look; bringing Freshness, SWAG and Finesse into the game. I would say they broke the monopolistic nature the industry had and now you have few records labels with strong Management. Seems ‘’Strong Management’’ is the way forward. I also started seeing the integration of Nollywood, Music industry and brands working together and it made me so very happy.

What should your fans be expecting from you that you are back on the scene?

 First of all I want say that, I really have loyal fans and they have kept their loyalty and I truly appreciate them all. So wherever and whoever you are listening to my sound, you share a part of my World because Music is my World. It’s been years since I dropped an album.  So, I would be dropping my last Album Next year and moving into other areas of my life that I need to satisfy. I have just released a single with titled SWEETER (lover’s rock) featuring Reggae maestro Rymzo. I have another single to drop in October title   ‘’DESINGER’’- strictly a club banger and these songs caters for two different segments; the mature minds and the club heads.

 Your song ‘Ibu Chineke’ still remain evergreen a decade after, did you know it was going to be this big when you recorded the song?

Apparently No! I never knew it would get that big but I always thank God for it. I remember looking for the right words, melody sound. I also recall at the time Paulplay and I fell apart and I was alone struggling with my passion. I thought ‘’Paging you’’ would be the track but God has his own plans. I want to thank Kennis Music for the love and support (financial, emotional).  Please allow me say a Big thank you to Uzodimma Opkeshi- Director/ Cinematographer, George Nathaniel- Music Producer who currently worked with PSquare on their Double Trouble Album, Phyno, JMartins and lots more. Foster Zeeno and Dan jiggy   for the mixing and Mastering work. And most especially my FANS!!!

You started your career with a group; will your fans get a collabo between you and Paul Play?

Right now, I cannot say but am sure I have heard this question over a zillion times.   All I know for now is that I am working on my last album.  If our fans want a collabo from us, am sure we would work something out.

You once had a close shave with death, what did that experience teach you?

 PRAYER is the key. The lord is our refuge and fortress in all times  

How do you joggle your official duties and doing music?

Hmmm. That is a tough one. I guess am just glad I have a supportive Boss.

What’s the difference between Udoka Oguamanam and SLAM

Like a Gemini, I have two personalities: Udoka Oguamanam- One very serious minded individual who likes to study,  result driven, dedicated and full of enthusiasm but SLAM- Is just a HAPPY GUY

Lastly, how do you relax?

I like to chill at AFRIVILLE, sipping fine wine and listening good Music in the company of very sound minds. I also like Watching Movies (comedy, adventure and suspense) and reading good novels

 Thank you so much for your time. Have a great day.

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BIG STORY

Dapo Opayinka: UK-Based Bilingual Nollywood Actor Bridging Cultures Through Stage And Screen

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Dapo Opayinka stands as a shining example of a UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor whose personal brand is grounded in versatility, cultural authenticity, and a deep commitment to storytelling.

Trained at the renowned London Drama School, Dapo’s career began on the theatre stage where he honed his craft under the spotlight of British-Nigerian productions.

He brought charisma and depth to his performances as Mallam Gaskiya in Ola Rotimi’s satire ‘Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again’ and as Gbonka in the Yoruba tragedy ‘The Gods Are Not to Blame’.

His role as Etieno, a Kenyan freedom fighter in Lydia Ollets’ ‘Darkest Hour to Victory’, showcased his range and ability to embody characters with historical and emotional gravity.

As a UK-based actor with deep Nigerian roots, Dapo has successfully crossed over into the dynamic world of Nollywood.

His on-screen credits include critically acclaimed titles like ‘Basira in London’ with Eniola Badmus, TY Moore’s ‘Captivated’, and popular streaming releases such as ‘My London Slaves’ and ‘Sista Sista’.

He also starred in the TV series ‘Apostle Do Good’, produced by Toyin Moore and aired on the UK’s first Black entertainment channel, Ben TV on Sky, where he played a lead supporting role that endeared him to a diverse audience.

Known for his impeccable command of both English and Yoruba, Dapo is also a charismatic Master of Ceremonies, making him the go-to host for diasporic cultural and entertainment events across Europe.

Beyond acting, Dapo is a storyteller in the truest sense; an emerging filmmaker who has produced four independent films: ‘The Actor’, ‘The Passport’, ‘Amuwa’, and ‘Apeje’.

Each of these projects reflects his vision of creating socially relevant, culturally rooted stories for global consumption. His current pre-production work on ‘The Telepath’ promises to push creative boundaries even further.

Dapo’s latest screen appearance in the forthcoming film ‘Ireke Movie’, which had a private viewing at the Cannes Film Festival, is poised to take his brand global ahead of its 25 July 2025 worldwide release.

He is not just acting in films; he is helping shape the very identity of UK-based Nollywood.

His growing reputation as a respected creative voice within the diaspora positions him as a key figure in the next generation of African cinematic storytellers abroad.

Dapo’s experience, bilingual fluency, stage presence, and production portfolio make his brand distinct and indispensable.

“As a performer and filmmaker, I believe our stories deserve the world stage. My aim is to connect the African experience with universal emotions through characters that feel real, relevant, and respected,” says Dapo Opayinka.

With a growing body of work and an unrelenting drive to elevate African voices, Dapo Opayinka is not only a UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor. He is a cultural bridge-builder, creative entrepreneur, and bold voice in the future of global African storytelling.

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BIG STORY

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Endorses Laffmattazz, Says Ondo State Is Safe For Tourism And Entertainment [PHOTOS]

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The Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa has endorsed Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends.

Governor Aiyedatiwa who received Gbenga Adeyinka, the Grand Comedian of the Nigeria (GCON) on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, expressed his endorsement of the show and said the state is happy to host Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends at the FMT Events Center, Ala Quarters, Akure on Thursday, June 12.

Governor Aiyedatiwa while pulling his weight behind the comedy event, disclosed that Ondo State is a safe haven for tourism and entertainment, thereby promising to work with the organisers to reel out a successful show.

The ‘Sho Le’ crooner, Sean Tizzle will lead the repertoire of musical performances including Oyomesi, Abbey Awesome, Lekzido, Ruby, Miko Fridan and JP3PLE2.

Talented comedians on the bill are; Omobaba, Bash, Erekere, Baba Alariya, Kojah Kage, ATM, Chi Young, General Olak, Dr Spencer, Dr Arotele, MC Stylo, Taichi, Prince Phelar, Jingle, Wisdom the Mimic Guy, Honda Stevo, Odogwu, Iparipate, Emzuma and Ofak.

According to Gbenga Adeyinka, Red Carpet starts by 3 PM while the main show commences by 4 PM. “Tickets are available online at (https://www.funzweb.com/events/laff-mattazz-about-time-akure-158) and https://shorturl.at/FfVZP. Physical tickets can be purchased at Madigrazz Lounge, (Akure Mall),

Iya Saheed Alamala, Isolo Street, Akure, Madison Restaurant, Akure-Owo Road, Alagbaka and Vintage Royale, Off Airport Road, Oba Ile,” he said.

The show themed ‘About Time Tour’ is powered by FIRS, ODIRS, Omni Blu Aviation and supported by Ondo State and Eleganza Industries.

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BIG STORY

UPDATE: Portable Remanded In Kwara Prison Over Inability To Meet Stringent Bail Conditions

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Controversial singer, Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been remanded in the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, over his inability to meet stringent bail conditions imposed by an Upper Area Court in the state.

This follows the singer’s appearance in court on Monday on the charges of defamation of character levelled against him by veteran Fuji musician, Okunola Saheed, aka Saheed Osupa.

The ‘zazoo-zeh’ crooner, however, received bail of N1 million and other stringent bail conditions, including providing two sureties in like sum.

According to the court’s directive, one of the sureties must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, while the other must be a property owner within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

Report says the case was documented under First Information Report (FIR) 117(1) CPC, and filed by the State Intelligence Department of the police following a petition dated March 21, 2025, by Osupa.

The petition said Portable made a live broadcast on Instagram, where he allegedly defamed Osupa, claiming the complainant was envious of his success and attempting to destroy his reputation.

In the video, Portable was quoted as saying, “This man dey try bring down my shine! He be like person wey dey chop snail with shell—him no get sense. Osupa carry tortoise for stomach. When Apple Music and Spotify want to drop money for me, na him remove my song from the platform, make I no see money (sic).”

Osupa maintained that Portable’s remarks were not only defamatory and damaging but also intended to incite public hatred and disturb the peace.

It was submitted to the Kwara State Police Command, and its men arrested the street-pop singer who confessed to the allegations while being interrogated.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the petition accused Portable of several serious offences, including criminal defamation, threats to life, incitement, character assassination, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, as well as the use of abusive and offensive language.

“In view of the weight of these allegations and the supporting evidence presented, the command secured a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin.

“Acting on this warrant, operatives from the command proceeded to Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, 13th April 2025, where the suspect was apprehended at about 19:25hrs. He was immediately brought to Ilorin for further investigations.

“Upon his arrival, the suspect’s statement was taken in the presence of legal representatives from both parties,” the statement read.

However, the Investigating Police Officer, ASP Adeniyi James, confirmed that Portable was charged based on a directive from the police authorities.

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