Emerging Nigerian rap artist Dampte officially unveils his brand new single "Are You Ready", crafted by platinum producer Goldhands. The dance music inspired song is a smash hit in the clubs across Europe, especially in the United Kingdom, where Dampte currently resides.

"Are You Ready", which features T-Pain’s Nappy Boy artiste Tay Dizm, is now available on iTunes and was released via Bugatti Entertainment. The single is a critical success and it is receiving a great amount of attention from notable commercial radio stations around the country.

Dampte, born Oluwaseun Oluyole, is a gifted writer and electrifying performer, who has successfully rocked audiences across Nigeria, UK, and beyond. The university graduate is ready top takeover the airwaves in Europe and to attack the US music market with his catchy music and witty wordplay, combined with rewind-worthy beats.

Listing Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, K’naan, and The Notorious B.I.G. as his musical influences, Dampte is sure to step into the limelight to show the world that he is next to blow.

Dampte is currently working on his debut album, "Los Gidi Certified", has got something in it for everyone. From laid back tunes to fast paced rhythms, Dampte has managed to compose and successfully record multiple hits so far.

Download "Dampte - Are You Ready" On iTunes Now
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/are-you-ready-feat.-tay-dizm/id466868932

"The fact is that in this industry, we all smoke a lot. I don't see why mine is so loud. If this question should come up again, I will mention all those who smoke more than I do" - Terry G, to an Encomium reporter when asked if he smokes hemp.

Paris-born Nigerian singer-songwriter Asa has landed her ‘Beautiful Imperfection’ album on the Billboard’s World Music chart for the week of October 1, 2011.

‘Beautiful Imperfection’ occupies the third position on the chart which falls under the week’s top-selling world music albums, ranked by sales data as compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The first and second positions on the chart are occupied by Tinariwen‘s ‘Tassili + 10:1’ and Celtic Thunder‘s ‘Heritage’

Asa released ‘Beautiful Imperfection’ in 2010 which spurned the singles ‘Be my man’ and ‘Why Can’t We’.

After an electrifying first season that saw the crowning of the first ever Nigerian Idol, Yeka Onka, the global music phenomenon returns to Nigeria for a second season.

Season II of Nigerian Idol is produced by the Optima Media Group (OMG) and Rapid Blue Format. It continues to enjoy the sponsorship of Etisalat, in association with Sony and Pepsi. This year, they have partnered with Beat FM and Air Nigeria which is the official airline of Nigerian Idol Season II.

This was revealed at a media & VIP launch on 28 September 2011 at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos.
The event also witnessed an electrifying performance of the hot new single ‘Follow U’ by Season 1 winner, Yeka Onka. The singer was produced by Chocolate City’s Jesse Jags.

"Nigerian Idol will be an even more exciting television experience this season," its executive producer, Rotimi Pedro, said. "The last three shows of NI garnered more viewership, especially with the youth demographic, than any other music reality show - proving the point of the power of the Idol brand across the globe. We are committed to ensuring that the standards from the past show - in terms of content, production and interactivity are surpassed this time around. This is Idol - it's the real deal."

The cycle of the show remains the same, spanning seven months, the producers have confirmed. The season kicks off on  October 7th with auditions in four Nigerian cities - Abuja, Port Hacourt, Enugu and Lagos, where auditions end in November. Nigerian Idol hopefuls simply have to go to Nigerianidol.com in order to register.

"Based on audience feedback and to enhance the unique Idol experience this season, we've made a few major changes," said Mr. Pedro. These exciting new changes include, a new judge; musician, former music association president and TV host, Charles Oputa, fondly known as Charly Boy.

The judges' line up however retains songstress Yinka Davies and international choreographer and musician, Jeffrey Daniels who has returned this season.

After hotly-contested auditions that featured the brightest across the media and entertainment sectors, new hosts have also been announced and they are rave-of-the-moment singer Tiwa Savage, and VeeJay Ill Rhymz.

"I am very excited to be a part of the successful Nigerian version of this global franchise," Savage said. "I am lucky to have worked in the music industry in America, writing for acts like Jennifer Hudson and to have seen close up what the flagship American Idol has done for amazing talents like her. I am incredibly thrilled to be part of that magical experience in Nigeria and to be a witness to the creating of a new Nigerian superstar."

There are only winners on Nigerian Idol this season as lead sponsor Etisalat will give premium prizers not just to the winner, but also to the runners-up and others from the Top Ten.

The winner of the show takes home whopping new prizes valued at $100, 000 which includes a management contract, the prize money and a recording contract. The first runner up gets N1.5 million, a Galaxy Tab, Blackberry and iPod; and the 2nd runner up will receive N1million, a Galaxy Tab, a
Blackberry and an iPod. Finalists from 4th to 10th place also receive each, N100, 000, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry and an iPod.

The show begins airing 4th December, until the winner is announced at a grand gala on April 1st 2012.
Nigerian Idol is brought to you by Etisalat, in association with Pepsi and Sony.  It is also supported by partners, Air Nigeria and Beat FM.

Otas Bazuaye was born in benin city, Edo State to Late Mr and Mrs Jos
Bazuaye (JBS). He did is primary schooling in University Staff Sch
Benin, his secondary schooling was in Greater Tomorrow Sec Sch and
Igbinedion Education Centre. Then went on to University of Benin where
he obtained a diploma in accounting, shortly after that he attended
Igbinedion University and obtained a B.Sc in Accounting. Otas Bazuaye
has a large family, 11 sisters and 14 brothers. After being fully
grown n educated, he decided to be part of the entertainment industry
to put his state, Edo State on the entertainment map of Nigeria, Otas
Bazuaye is popularly known as MR BIGG SPLASH.

Mr Bigg Splash is an Edo StaTe born and bred businessman cum Hip-Hop
artist with a unique flair for rap. With over 5years in the music
industry as an ‘Emcee’
and an entertainer, Bigg Splash has made a huge name for himself
throughout the South as a name to be reckoned with. As the founder of
independent outfit, Gruv EnufF Factory, which he is also signed to, he
has hosted and organized quite a number of high profile events and
free shows including the much publicized Bush Benin Boys Campus Slam.
His breakout single Amaka Y, featuring dancehall queen Nyore, became a
major favorite at clubs, parties and with djs; even breaking out of
the south to hit both TV and Radio playlists across the
country. The success of this 1st single earned him a number of
nominations, most notably at the prestigious South-South Music Awards.
He spawned a series of Amaka Y and Ozikpalor T-Shirt parties in Benin,
Port Harcourt, Abuja, Lagos and London.

DOWNLOAD SONG HERE

He has released 2mixtapes, Edo State Hip-Hop Lovers Vol.1(2009) and
The Sexii Freestyla (2010) and also has 3 music videos to his credit:
for Amaka Y and Beamer, Benz and Bentley remix and super hit track,
Ozikpalor which he features 9jas craziest, Durella. He has performed
at a large number of events like the Etisalat show, Rhythm Unplugged,
2face mega blast, Industry Nite alongside quite a number of notable
artists including 2face, MI, Jesse Jags, Banky W, Wande Coal, Durella,
Show Dem Camp, Terry Tha Rapman, etc.

With Ozikpalor getting heavy airplay on radio and TV, being on chats
on local and satelite channels, Mr Bigg Splash has set his sights on a
larger playing field and is making bold strides into the mainstream
music scene. Mr Bigg Splash is here to stay and he is bringing his
brand of flair and business mindedness to bear.
PS: Watch out for THE AMAKA Y GUY ALBUM as it drops dec 3rd, 2011
Enemies beware!