‘5QUAD’ Covers Mystreetz Magazine In ‘Music Aesthetics Rebirth’
Quantitatively, the combined income earned in the Nigerian music industry is in an all-time high but the level of creativity exhibited on mainstream is devastatingly low. Looking at the industry through the prism of artistic significance and aesthetic complexity in regards to the music churn out, visuals available and the brand of the artists, it’s worrisome how boring the sector is becoming. Only a few can stand up and be counted.
Words by Sesan Adeniji, Edited by Patience Christopher
The rush for quick bucks has robbed us of variety in the sounds, which also leads to the lack of uniqueness in music videos. The presumably death of artists’ development is one of the major reasons why we have lost the aesthetic that guides our music sources, the genre, development, performance, perception, significance and the final composition. Most artists and their songs are no longer fulfilling artistic and intellectual sensibility.
5QUAD – CALIE BANTI, JAFE, KHANDIE, VUDU , WAYE
Despite been in support of the inevitable modernist idea of jumping on trends but until we all go back to the days where artists and their record label give more preference to the primary component of music, the structure, culture and the desire to create not just an artiste with a hit single but a brand with timeless pieces – Until that day, the music industry will continue to grow without future value. Shout out to Falz for his new album ‘Moral Instruction’ – The music, the art and the philosophy behind that project speaks volume about the brand of the artiste. So what about everyone else?
How did we get to this point where fewer values are placed on the art in music? Some argue that the death of Hip-hop in its true element is a key deterrent.
Video directors, music producers and video models argues that hip-hop complex rhythm, intricate lyrics and life philosophy gives them rooms to be more creative than the popular monotonous rhythmic party pattern. Looking back at some of the award winning songs like Modenine – ‘Cry’, Gino – ‘No Be God’, MI – ‘Safe’, DJ Jimmy Jatt – ‘Sylee’ and Catiair –’Owo ati swagger’ Remix to name but a few. The art and aesthetics that goes into those productions are exemplary.
We are still in a hip-hop influenced era even though the music are toned down with pop which makes it more interesting- but the question now is, how do we give room for pop elements and still respect the fundamental cultural nuance of hip-hop art? The desire to discover the next set of entertainers that will fulfill these inventive cravings brought about the birth of the music group called 5QUAD. They are one of the new generation performers that will make several artistes question their personal creative sincerity.
Put together by Clarence Peters and signed to Capital Hill Music, 5quad (pronounced ‘Squad’) is a group with an impressive studio sound combined with controlled energy and great melodies.
Waye, Vudu, Calie, Jafe and Khandie are a blend that make them one of those who redefine what a millennial African music group is. The five young, gifted and creative members are from variety musical and artistic backgrounds: their individual quest for perfection and hunger to learn and re-learn the ropes of the game is addictive.
DOWNLOAD – 5QUAD -MIA
With a debut single titled ‘MIA’ due out, their sounds are mashup of Hip-hop and Pop laced with undertone of #Afrobeat musical strings. In terms of urban-centric style significance and pop culture devotees, 5quad reminiscent of great music groups like ‘Fugees’ and ‘The Black Eyed Peas’. The group artistic prowess and aesthetic mastery delivered in ‘MIA’ video directed by Clarence Peters is exemplary. If everything goes as planned, these lads will make an indelible impression on the Nigerian music landscape.
As a prove to their work ethics, their debut album which is ninety percent ready – a blend of Afrobeats, Hip-hop, R&B and Pop songs is a manifestation of an understated musicality with the artists working with producers like Spellz, Vtek, Da Suspect, Shmurddabeats among others to create soul stirring as well as party-starting grooves and intricate melodic arrangements. The album which is to be released mid 2019 will evoke feelings of perfection experienced with some of the best body of work ever churned out in this part of the world. This is music artistic aesthetics rebirth.
5QUAD – THE MEMBERS
WAYE
Waye whose full name is “Uwaye Eigbedion” was born in Kano state where she spent most of her early years completing her Primary and Secondary education until she moved over to the University of Benin graduating with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Mass Communications.
From rapping along to many of her favourite songs from her beloved rappers like Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes and T.I, she started writing her own songs at the age of 14, and in 2012, Waye released her first single- ‘Yago’ following it with more singles over the years including ‘Stronger’, ‘Pull Up’ and ‘Oji Oji’.
She has worked with producers such as Focus Ramon, 86, Andre Vibez, Esbee, Gray Jones, among others, the rapper, singer and songwriter has been able to show her versatility on every track and feature she has been on endearing her more to fans.
Waye has performed at several shows and events including Star Trek 2015, sharing the stage with MI Abaga, Seyi Shay and other acts. Besides music, Waye is a lover of photography, a good cook, fashion enthusiast, stylist and the brain behind the fashion blog- Style Waye.
Instagram – @Wayeofficial
JAFE
| Jamijafe Olowo a.k.a Jafe is a Nigerian Afrobeats singer, songwriter and record producer. A performing act and creative from Edo State. He started writing songs at the age of 12 and attended St’ Catherine’s College, Ibadan & Bowen University Iwo, Osun State respectively where he graduated with a B.A degree in Communication Arts.
While singing and rapping in university, he met music producer Shmurddabeats who has been collaborating with him ever since. He performed at the Ibadan Countdown Festival in 2016.
While in university, he also developed an interest in photography and animation and taught himself the craft. He served under the NYSC program with the NTA HQ Garki, Abuja. Jafe has released solo singles in the past including “Jubadi”, “Morenike” and “Sade” via his soundcloud page “vibeboyjafe”. Instagram – @jafethevibe https://twitter.com/jafethevibe
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KHANDIE
Becky Danso a.k.a Khandie is a multi talented R&B and hip-hop singer born to Ghanaian father and Nigerian mother.
Starting off her music career at the age of 16, she joined her father’s band called the “Shegele Band” as a back up singer and worked her way up to becoming a professional performing artist in a few years.
In 2016, Khandie released her first record, which was a cover of “Controlla” by Drake, this inspired her to enter for the ‘Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged’ competition which she won and got a chance to meet Trey Songz and perform on the Rhythm Unplugged stage amongst other artists. This kicked off her career as a recording artist and she went ahead to release singles such as “Emotions in Kumasi”, “Sippin” ft Ledge and “Just Like That”.
Khandie has worked with different talented producers such as Cobhams, Spellz, Vtek, Suspect, Smokeytunes, Drey beatz, amongst others as well as other talented artists such as AQ, Patoranking, Maka, Phlow etc.
She has also been featured in music videos such as “Bobo” by Mayorkun where she was the love interest, “With you” by Dj Babus, and also works as a voice over artist with “Inside Radio”.
Instagram – @khandie_xo
https://twitter.com/Khandie_xo
VUDU
Olabode Brian Abiola professionally known as Vudu (Formerly known as ‘Skyer‘) is a Nigerian Rapper, songwriter and record producer who was born on the 17th of February 1997 In Maryland specialist hospital in Lagos state. He is the son of Nigerian Actress Clarion Chukwurah and Babatunde Abiola.
Vudu attended Bloomingdale primary school at Ikeja, Lagos before attending Supreme Education Foundation in Magodo and then going to study animation in City Varsity College in Cape Town South Africa in 2014 where he taught himself production and sound engineering while studying his course
He released various songs in high school under the name ‘Skyer’ called ‘Down Low’ and ‘Badman Jump’ featuring Deuce and Marshall before his freestyle cover of Drake’s ‘Pound Cake’ was leaked in 2013 and eventually ended up on audiomack and rap genius. In 2014 Vudu put his musical career on hold to study animation but picked up where he left off in 2015.
His musical influences range from ASAP Rocky, Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, Nas, Joey Bada$$, Kurt Cobain, Burna Boy and Jesse Jags. Vudu from childhood has appeared in various music videos, commercials and movies. He is also known for his Style and Love for fashion and says he intends to get into the fashion business in the Future.
Instagram – @vuduchildsfm
CALIE BANTI
Calie Banti whose full name is Charles Chukwurah was born in Lagos, Nigeria and after he was done with secondary school, enrolled at the Yaba College of Technology to study Economics. Driven by the love for music by some of his influences including Drake, Snoop, Travis Scott and Lil Wayne, Calie started writing songs at 12 and ultimately released his first single called “Turn D Lite Down” in 2012.
Performing at multiple shows, Calie worked with upcoming producers such as Elstefano, Musikchef, Beats By Mayor in a quest to shape what has now become his own unique sound and style.
Instagram – @caliebanti
https://www.instagram.com/caliebanti/
Socials
Instagram – @5quadgram
Website – www.5quad.com
