Interviews. Podcasts. Videocasts

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Wharton African Business Forum Round-Up

As you know, last month, the highly anticipated Wharton Business Conference went down in Pennsylvania.  Though I ended up not being able to make it, thankfully, a good friend, colleague and afiive reader, Kyle Newell, was in the building for the event festivities.  We meet up afterward so he could fill us out on what we missed. Here's is the audio of the whole interview but I should warn you - it's super raw. Read more

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Hmm...It's Looking Like a Green October. You Ready?

Music has a powerful quality about it.  A good song can make hundreds of party goers put down their drinks and get to their feet.  A bad song…well, a bad song can ruin the whole damn night. Thankfully, Green October: The Mixtape Vol 1, is a collection of feel good music you can groove to at the club and at home.  Created by Tribe X Entertainment and DJ Manixx of Naija DJs, the mixtape brings you Naija’s hottest hits from D’Banj, Olu Maintain, Timaya and 2face, to name a few. afiivé.com had the distinct pleasure of chatting it up with Harry Baba of Tribe X Entertainment about both the company and Green October. afiivé.com: Thanks for taking a few moments with afiivé. Before jumping right in, tell us a little about Tribe X Entertainment. How did it start? Harry Baba: Tribe X actually started off as a T-Shirt company!  Back in 2000, a friend of mine owned a silk screen business and was making fake Fubu, Tommy Hilfiger and Karl Kani t-shirts.  He asked me to join him But I didnt want to copy to copy someone else’s’ name or design; I wanted my own name and brand.  The result was “Tribe X”. I got a graphic designer and did my research and printed a batch of 750 t-shirts. I hired two college kids to do grass roots selling from the trunks of their cars and registered the company as Tribe X. I soon moved on to other things and left the t-shirt business behind for the time being. afiivé.com: From printing t-shirts to international music promotions, very interesting path to take! How did you get into the music? Harry Baba: The year after I left the t-shirt business, I met my future wife Tochukwu Okasi. She was friends with Dee Dee Wellington who just so happened to have a talented brother named Banky. I, Banky, his managers Tino Bendel and Donnie Demuren hit it off right away. Before you knew it, I was putting together a concert for Banky in the heart of Washington DC’s trendy Adams Morgan.  I learned pretty much everything there was to know about marketing and promoting from Donnie and Tino. I and my wife, who also played a major role in the marketing and promotion decisions, renamed and re-registered our company Tribe X Entertainment, LLC. Things really began to take off after working with Banky W. I loved what he was doing and wanted to help promote his music. I began to build a database and worked in promotions for four more years before moving full time in to events.  We did Nollywood events, fashion shows and picnics to major events like those for Ms. Africa International and 24/7 Africa.  We did a huge event on the National Mall in DC for the African American Family reunion. We had a tent out there, did a fashion show, had artists perform, the whole thing was amazing!  After that, we got back in to the music in 2006 and did a few shows that brought Nigerian artists to the limelight.  And then came the Green October Project. afiivé.com: Speaking of the Green October Project, tell us a little about its evolution. Harry Baba: Back in 2006, I put out The Green October Project Volume 1. It was strictly underground, upcoming artists residing mostly in USA/Diaspora. The goal was to expose the artists and their various styles of music (hip hop, reggae, R&B, gospel rap, etc.).  We had various unknowns from different cultures (Igbo, Yoruba, etc) & different styles, all reppin’ Naija through their music.  It wasn’t a mixtape but a compilation of their works from artist based in the US at that time. A few notables who were in the US at the time and were on that project included Banky W and Amplyfied.  {afiivé note: Haven't checked out afiivé's exclusive interview with Amplyfied yet? no problem, click here for it!} afiivé.com: And the new Green October Mixtape,  - where did the idea for this come from? Harry Baba: The mixtape is a mixed tape on purpose. You know, mixtapes are not usually sold in stores. We are giving it away for free and the goal is to expose some of our culture through music to people in the Diaspora.  Being that it is a compilation of popular super star Nigerian artists residing mostly in Nigeria. the goal here is to positively promote Nigerian culture through music.  The music itself is fast paced on purpose...to uplift the listener, encourage folks to dance, be happy and have a good time. at the same time experiencing something positive and wonderful coming straight out of Nigeria. Definitely wanted something positive- no gangster, no rims, no talking about jewelry- just good music. Also, oftentimes people go out to party and hear all this great music, but have no idea where to go get it. Either you have to travel to get it or have someone bring it to you.  So we – DJ Manixx and I – thought why don’t we get all the hottest, latest songs from Nigeria this year and put it all together so people can bump to it in their iPods, cars, etc. afiivé.com: I have to say, what first attracted me to finding out more about the project and the mixtape is this very unique name, “Green October.”  How did that name come about? Harry Baba: Green stands for the people, the land, the prosperity - not the activity - but the actual people. The love. Nigerians are the happiest people on the planet – trying to bring that positive aspect of us out there. And October means a lot to me. First, of course we have Naija Independence day.  Second, my mother passed of Ovarian Cancer in October of 1996. Finally, in October, the leaves fall away, making way for new things. In that sense, October is a month of renewal, new and positive energy and that’s what Green October is about – beautiful, positive music  & culture proudly coming out of Nigeria. It's like a testament - we are here, regardless of how people feel, we are great, wonderful and blessed. We are Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba. We are dynamic, always advancing. We have our faults but we’re here and proud. afiivé.com: What can listeners expect from the Green October Mixtape? Harry Baba: DJ Manixx wanted to make sure that the songs we had were still hot, songs that were still getting spins on Naija radio.  We took those songs and added a few up and coming artists on there to create the mixtape. The flow on the CD is mostly afro hip hop or afrobeat and it's fast-paced on purpose Trying to keep it at 100 beats per second. At the tail end, it gets a little slower but not by much.  Green October is a CD where you can slide it in and have a party. Both listen and groove to it. I would have to say some of the inspiration for the CD comes from people like DJ Mighty Mike in Atlanta – who put out a lot of mixtapes.  We aren’t trying to re-invent the wheel here or compete with anyone. Just trying to get the music out there as much as possible.  We want mixtapes and Naija music in general to be in as much demand as Nollywood movies, especially with the Diaspora.  Because I’m a promoter, I can get it out there, to more people. afiivé.com: Shifting gears, what have been your most memorable projects/collaborations? Harry Baba: I’ve got so many memorable projects/events.  The first would be Tribe X’s initial event. It was Banky’s first time performing in DC – at Adam’s Morgan  back in 2001. It’s memorable because we put that event together from scratch. It was like learning on the job.  About 50-150 people came out.  My second would be the event we did for the Filmmakers Association of Nigeria in 2003.  Tribe X was hired to promote the showing of Nollywood films in an American movie theater – the AFI Theater in Downtown Silver Spring, MD.  This event was the first time all the Nollywood actors and actresses were in the country together. Every single show – the movies were played all through Black History Month – were sold out, it was pure pandemonium. Then there was he Annual Black Family Reunion held on the National Mall I mentioned before.  Many performed including Les Belle Afrique, Madarocka, Pa J, Lil Ayo, Shoboy, TNT (who is also on the new mixtape), Damask and Tolumide. Estella Couture did the fashion show and overall, this was the first time many in the audience had ever seen anything like what we were doing. The event was great!  Finally, I would have to say that working with non-profit organizations have been memorable.  We worked with the Exclusive Women of Enugu State, helping them raise money by getting a Moneygram sponsorship.  They used that to renovate and build a motherless baby home in Enugu.  We helped feed and clothe children in Nigeria by working with organizations like Nylah Feeds The Children and Shaping Destiny.  It’s amazing to participate in that and I derive great joy from those projects and opportunities. . afiivé.com: Seems like Tribe X has definitely moved beyond just promotions. Harry Baba: Definitely. I look to do a lot more than throw a party and get people to come.  There’s so much stuff going on that’s being ignored; there are people who have the ability to get the positive side out to the masses but sometimes they don’t so that’s what we aim to do.  Trying to get the music out into the Diaspora. Trying to get it to non-Africans as well so hopefully they can get a different view of Nigeria. We’re all about the positive spin – great nation, good people.  You can throw as many events as you want but that doesn’t necessarily push out a positive message afiivé.com: Bringing it back to the music, what do you see as the future of the African music scene? Harry Baba: The future is this – if African artists – can cross over to America but be humble so they can open doors for others – we can really go far.  The problem is although there are many Nigerians in entertainment, many are selfish and close the door behind them on their way up.  And even unknowns have issues. They are so proud. If they could just get over that, cross over and help others come up, they themselves can go far.  People need to help other artists, other people in the game and not seek to steal the spotlight for themselves. As for the future of Tribe X, I’m thinking about retiring so I’m looking around for new stable, yet exciting projects. I want long term – I want to go international with the marketing and promotions. afiivé.com: Given Tribe X’s past success, we’re sure no matter what the next phase is, it will be amazing!  Thanks so much for sitting with us. Harry Baba: Thank you. Big shouts to afiivé readers, DJ Manixx, Naija DJs, the Tribe X family and everyone involved in the Green October Project!  Make sure to download the free Mixtape Today! You won't be disappointed.  Its Tribe X, baby.

Final note: Green October: The Mixtape Vol I is a compilation of Nigeria’s most popular hits from the beginning of 2008-2009. The simple goal is to share this phenomenal music with non Nigerians and Nigerians in the Diaspora who would not otherwise have the opportunity to own or readily obtain the music. ~Harry Baba, Tribe X Entertainment, LLC

So there you have it folks – the Green October Mixtape is out and reading for your listening pleasure.  Click here to download it, take a listen and COME BACK TO COMMENT! Did you like it? Any particularly favorite songs? Any songs you could do with out?  Comment, Discuss and Share here on afiivé.com.

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Interview with Amplifyd Crew and TNT

Two of the hottest music groups out right now are Nigeria's own, Amplifyd Crew and TNT. Rappers Biola "B-Eazy" Pedro, Muyiwa "Muyo" Olorunfemi, and their DJ Temie"DJ TnT" Olley comprise Amplifyd Crew while rappers Tayo "TK" Kalejaiye and Tayo "T-Mac" Fawehinmi hold it down for TNT. Via online interviews, both groups discussed their insights into the music business, their own projects and upcoming albums. Amplifyd Crew

Africannect.com (AC): So, gentlemen, where did the name "Amplifyd" come from?

Amplifyd (AMP): First off, a massive shout-out to Africannect.com.  From what we've seen and read so far, it's definitely a must for anyone in the Diaspora who wants to stay connected with Africa. Now back to the question lol...to be honest, we were just a bunch of friends who loved hanging out, throwing parties, etc..and we ran into the word "amplified" somewhere, and thought it would be pretty cool to adopt it as our name...we decided to add a lil' twist with the "Y."  We loved the literal meaning of "amplified" because we've always been the kind of people to do things differently. AC: Cool, so from hanging out to organizing parties, how did you get into music? AMP: Well it's funny because most people who've known us since high school never saw it coming, and neither did we. Muyo actually got things started, he'd send me [Biola] instrumentals of songs that were pretty big back in 2002/2003 and we'd just freestyle on the beats for fun...but then in 2004 we got a call out of nowhere to perform at a show in UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore County) and everything took off from there. AC: Now, the one thing that has been bugging me for the LONGEST time, have been the group's catchphrases..."I can't shout"...really?? I even got my best friend saying it, and she's not Nigerian...lol AMP: lol...Jor jor! I don't even know how we come up with the phrases sometimes! Between us, we've conjured so many random terminologies and I think we've been able to throw them into the music-making process, which sort of adds humor to our songs. AC: So, tell us about the awards. You guys won an NEA (Nigeria Entertainment Awards) award. AMP: We actually scooped the NEA award for best international music video for our debut video "Wetin Man Go Do" last year. It was a pleasant surprise considering it was our first major video but I think we won because of our creativity. Most videos from Nigeria follow the same format with the dancing girls and the redundant storylines. We felt we needed to amplify things a bit (pun intended). We were pretty excited about the nominations and extremely overwhelmed by actually winning. AC: Hopefully, there's more [awards] to come. Now, being Nigerian, you know our culture, our parents always expect us to come out as doctors, or lawyers (esp. when they feel that they are sending us all the way to UK/US for school)...how do your parents take the whole music thing? AMP: Well, initially they were totally against it, but now they are our biggest fans! They understand that the 21st century world we live in is not the same as the world they grew up in. Things have changed, and the "go to school, get good grades, get a 9-5 and live happily ever after" routine just isn't registering with kids anymore...but we also aren't naïve either. We were able to mix school and music together without too many problems...we just had to plan ourselves properly. AC: What do you have to say to people who are looking to get into the music business? AMP: The truth is you have to decide for yourself exactly what you want to get out of the industry. Some are in it for the fame, some for the money, some do it because they love it. The market is so over-saturated that every Tom, Dike and Haruna jump in without a clear plan. A lot of people dabble into music without an iota of sense as to what entrepreneurship entails. The most important thing is to be able to use music as a form of expression, but more importantly as a means of generating income. You have to be self-sufficient, not merely making noise all over the place, which is what about 70-80% of the industry unfortunately ends up doing. A little bit of planning, sprinkled with a dose of patience, not to mention the proper use of talent and most definitely a business plan is the most effective way to succeed in my opinion. AC: Gladly y'all came out/are coming out just fine..speaking of planning yourselves out properly, your album is out already right? AMP: Well we just finished with the recording phase. "Gbeducation" is our second album and we are pretty excited about this one, because it's been a work in progress for quite a while now...in my biased opinion it is HOT HOT HOT lol...our music is quite diverse, we try to cater to all types of listeners, so I can assure you there's a little bit of something for everyone! AC: Your "I Can't shout" video is one of the best Naija videos I've seen lately...it's fresh...and you all look good. AMP: Thanks, all for you lol AC: So what's next? AMP: We have big plans with the upcoming project. As always, we are gonna do things differently- we aren't playing by anybody's rules. God willing, it should be a pretty eventful year for us. We've got a bunch of things on our plate at the moment and hopefully we'll be able to execute things well. Most especially, we anticipate that our fans and listeners will appreciate the product and the effort! AC: I'm sure they will; thanks for the interview. AMP: A big thank you to Africannect.com...JOR JOR! And make sure y'all hit us up on our Facebook Fan Page anytime. Fans will be able to get exclusive stuff from the upcoming album before it drops...ciao! Check out Amplifyd's latest video, "I Can't Shout" off their "Gbeducation" album on afriTV now! TNT

AC: Starting off, how long have u guys been in the music business? Who are you musical inspirations? TNT: Well we started writing music at different times, but we officially got into the business in 2005. As for inspirations, we have a lot of respect for Jay-Z and Kanye West. But we also love our Nigerian music - D'Banj, Naeto-C to name a few. AC: You guys are in school so is this something that is on the side? Also, what school do you guys go to? What are your majors? TNT: Let's just say it's part of the big picture, we'll go where it takes us. I'm (TK) at Morgan State University, majoring in Computer Graphics and Visual Communication; and T-mac is a Political Science major at Towson University. AC: Your computer skills have come in handy with your website, which I think is pretty cool. TNT: Haha thanks. Not allowed to say much now, but you ain't seen nothin' yet! AC: Looking forward to it! On a serious note, as Nigerian, you know our culture - our parents always expect us to come out as doctors, lawyers, or engineers (especially when they feel that they are sending us abroad to get a better education)...how do your parents take the whole music thing? TNT: Our parents are 150% supportive of our craft. Our mothers play our songs all the time lol. The most important thing is that we both have our heads tightly fastened on our shoulders. We know how important an education is no matter how much wealth or fame the music industry brings. Our drive to excel both inside and outside the entertainment world is something that helps our parents sleep worry-free and support us even more. AC: That's good; you're blessed to have all that support. Now let's talk about your album. What is the album about? And when is it dropping? TNT: The million dollar question..lol.. well the debut album is a compilation of our thoughts, emotions, opinions,experiences and moods. It's something you can dance to, relate to, and be inspired by all at the same time. Can't disclose any dates yet, but look for it before the end of '09. Don't tell my manager i said anything! AC: Lol...your secret is safe with me. Once you guys get the ball moving and it's moving fast, what's next? TNT: Expand and re-invent, we have big big things in the works, a lot to deliver in the near future. There's so much stuff we have to get out there but for right now we are building a solid foundation. We have our video blog '2420 the basement' which is like a web tv show giving our fans a bird's eye view into what we do and how we do it. We have our brand of apparel (T-shirts, hoodies, etc) and loads more, all tied in one way or the other to giving back to the community back home. Again, I can't give away too much but we are setting up a non-profit organization. We believe we all have to play our part in the advancement of our country and then the world, no matter how small. AC: That's really good; definitely let us know how everything works out. Visit TNT's blog to learn more and check the group perform their single “I Want Your Body” at the TNT Single Release Party. About the Author: Ayodele Dele-Giwa covers all things Entertainment for Africannect.com. A lover of God, dance and all things fabulous, connect with her via Facebook or Twitter.

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Interview with Nicolas Georgakis

A white guy singing 9ice's Gongo Aso?  After a friend alerted me of the news, I had to see for myself and what I found was pleasantly surprising.  The "white guy" in question is Nicolas Georgakis, a 17 year old from Germany who has some serious musical talent. The video of Nicolas performing the acoustic version of Gongo Aso has been viewed over 110,000 times so it was definitely necessary to get the scoop.  After corresponding via YouTube, Nicolas agreed to an exclusive interview for Africannect.com, via email.  Enjoy! Africannect.com: Thanks for agreeing to the interview, Nicolas. Tell me a little bit about yourself. How old are you, where are you from? Nicolas Georgakis: I'm 17 years old, 18 on the 21st of September.  I was born in Germany; my father is Greek and my mother is German.  I have an older brother, two years older than me, but he isn't interested in making music, he only listens to it =)  Also, I am a Christian. AC: Have you always had an interest in music? NG: Yes I was always interested in music. My father plays greek instruments too and I have listened to him since the first day of my life.  Now we are able to play together =). I've been listening to music all my life but at the age of 9, I started to learn instruments. Guitar was always my favourite instrument and it was the only instrument I have learned professionally (with a teacher),  you know. The other instruments I learned by myself. The first instrument is the most difficult to learn, the other instruments, not so difficult. AC: From your YouTube videos, we can see that you play the guitar and the piano. Do you play any other instruments? NG: Yes, I play the E-Bass, the drums and other percussion instruments because I have the Rhythm in my Blood =)  I can play every rhythm you want, if you bring me a djembe I would play it like an African =)  I have much talent in music its not difficult for me to learn other instruments. For example, at church, I am so good I can replace every Guy who plays in the band -the Drums, Guitar, Bass, Vocal Performance, etc.I can only say it again I am very talented. (Praise the Lord) AC: What inspired you to get into music? NG: I can't answer that because there is no one point in my life that I can point to and say, there was a situation and from then on, I started to make music. The inspiration was there from the first contact with music. I have a good story for you =) about Gongo Aso.  One evening we went with a few friends to a discothek, at the Disco was a Nigerian DJ, he played the Song Premier Gaou.  I learned the lyrics of this song long time before but this was the first time I heard the song played in a Disco. I went to the DJ and asked him: Can I have the Mic please ? I know the lyrics of this song and if you let me, I can make a few backups and make party with the people on the dance floor. He gave me the MIC and I started with Premier Gaou, the Dj looked at me wheeeeee! How did you learn the lyrics of this song? I said to him I have listened to the song too many times, that's all. He began to laugh. Then he said: Ok that was yours, now I can show you my favorite.  He played GONGO ASO. I had never heard the song before. He played the song and all the people danced to it but I was only listening because the song sounded very good. When the song finished, I asked him what was the name of the song.  He said 9ICE's Gongo Aso. Then I said ok next weekeend i will be here to Perform this SONG!  He began to laugh and said: Oyingbo! You know what you can do? You can eat FUFU but you are not going to be able to sing in my language (Yoruba) and I told him I CAN! We will see this next weekend. The next morning I began to listen to the Song and now, I sing it every time! AC: What's been your favorite song to work on so far? NG: Gongo ASO ! I LOVE THIS SONG and that's why it was the first video of myself.  The Premier Gaou video was recorded later but I learned it a long time before. GONGO ASO was the reason why i start with my videos =) AC: Are there any African artists you would like to collaborate with in the future? NG: 9ICE himself !!!!!!  Olu Mantain and the Kentro Familie.  2Face Idibia and the MAGIC SYSTEM. AC: Where do you see you and your music in the next five years? NG: I want to be an Entertainer on big stages or small locations.  As somebody who will be invited all over the World to make a Performance there.  That's all I don't think about a professional career as a musician. I only want to be on STAGES not more.  You have to know I am a STAGE BOY =) I love it to be in the MIDDLEPOINT =) in front of much people, in front of cameras, so on. AC: If you weren't doing music, what would you be doing? NG: I would be a normal worker! With a big talent but i have to USE it, not to throw it away! AC: For inquiring minds, what is your status? single? looking? in a relationship? NG: I am Single and I am looking =) haha  I like Africans girls very much; they are to my taste. AC: Wrapping up, can we look forward to any more videos soon? NG: Yes! I have much projects in the future. I think the next video will be Street Credibility. AC: Where can people get in contact with you? Youtube, Myspace, Facebook? NG: Youtube: http://de.youtube.com/user/NicolasGeorgakis , Facebook: Nicolas Georgakis Nicolas's Original Version of Gongo Aso:   *Update 1.29.09: New Version of Nicolas's Gongo Aso video below:

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A Few Moments With Dem Naija Boys

I walked into the club and only had to scan the room for a moment before I spotted them. As I walked over to where they were standing, I was greeted by warm smiles and hugs all around. Not only are these guys attractive, but the young men of Dem Naija Boys are well mannered and very chill. I got the opportunity to spend some time with them before a performance in Baltimore and they were open to sharing some info about themselves. Talented and creative, fly yet down to earth, Laide "L.P." Ayansola, Gbenga "Cap B" Akinyemi and Ayo "hottICE" Jimoh are newcomers to Africa's hip hop scene but judging from some bangers like Tamurege, O' Shele and N.A.I.J.A, we're betting it won't be long before they are a household name.

AC: Thanks for meeting with me today, guys. Okay, lets start with ages and hometowns.

LP: (laughs) Old enough, Born and raised in Naija (Nigeria), living in Jersey

Cap B & hottICE: Same

AC: What inspired you to make music?

hottICE: We all love the music. Our pops used to blast music in the house all the time and it just stayed with us.

LP: Yeah, we all had that in common and we just thought, lets bring our talents together..

Cap B: and do this thing.

AC: How long have you been together and how did you get together?

hottICE: 2 years

LP: We were all friends first, started as playing around, but then it got serious.

AC: How would you describe your music?

hottICE: Definitely a mixture of American Hip Hop and African beats; Nigerian motivated.

Cap B: Yeah, our music caters a lot to Nigerians but indefinitely good music for everyone to enjoy.

AC: Who already in the game inspires you?

All talking at Once: We get inspired by whatever is out there; definitely learned from the best. People like Dbanj, fela, Langbaja, Nyce...

AC: Where do you see yourselves in five years?

hottICE: On top of the game. Right now we are still climbing the ladder, still tring to get out there but in five years, we hope people are listening to our music around the world.

AC: Ten years?

Cap B: A Household Name.

AC: If you artists, what would you be doing?

hottICE: (laughs) Working at Radioshack. Just kidding...probably working with music somehow.

LP: Going to school for a bachelors, eventually somewhere in the business world

Cap B: in school. Yo, all the kids out there..Make sure you always have a Plan B!

AC: Okay, so the ladies want to know…what's the status? single? looking? wife-up?

(all the guys give a little smile before answering…)

hottICE: Single 'till im married

LP: Not married, not looking!

CaP B: Not married; we got love for the ladies!

AC: Your idea of a sexy woman?

Cap B: Big small, short tall, whatever is appealing to me, I just go after what I feel

LP: Respect herself, me, goes to church, good head on her should, doing positive things

Cap B: Got to look right!

AC: Wrapping up, how did you get with your co-manager, Frances Awe

hottICE: All friends from the jump and we wanted to keep it in the circle.

AC: (turning to manager) How do you see the guys in the future?

Awe: Going towards mega star level.

AC: IIght, thanks for meeting with me guys, its been great. Any parting words for the fans?

LP: if you believe in what you are doing, keep going. Don’t stop,

Cap B: do good; good will come back to you. Have a positive outlook

hottICE: stay in school, respect your parents, have fun life is short. Do the damn thing!

Awe: To all the DNB fans, thanks for the support! Visit DNB Ent. Online, our MySpace page and look for us on YouTube!

-LA for Africannect.com

Pictures from the event: