Posts tagged with "OKayAfrica"

LLOYISO - “WHAT I WOULD SAY” via 360 MAGAZINE

LLOYISO – “WHAT I WOULD SAY”

DYNAMIC SOUTH AFRICAN SINGER LLOYISO RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE “WHAT I WOULD SAY”

LISTEN HERE

NEW BODY OF WORK COMING IN 2023

Crossing boundaries and borders with a showstopping voice, South African singer and songwriter Lloyiso unveils his new single “What I Would Say” today via Universal Music Group South Africa/Republic Records.

Listen to “What I Would Say”: HERE

The track’s cinematic keys and soaring guitar uplift his dynamic delivery to heavenly heights. He leverages his expansive range, projecting with power and passion on the confessional chorus. With unfiltered emotion, his words ring out, “I’ve been praying, if we were in a movie scene, living in a Hollywood screen, I’d say I love you ‘til the morning comes.” 
 

His most recent single “Speak” has amassed over 7.8 million streams. Right out of the gate, OkayAfrica touted it as one of “The 20 Best South African Songs of 2022 So Far, and hailed it as “an emotive, piano-laden ballad that, like most of his songs, highlights his soothing voice. Additionally, last year he made his international debut with the single “Seasons. Right out of the gate, it tallied 21.3 million streams and garnered a ton of buzz. Off of the success of both tracks, Lloyiso has been nominated for the “Songwriter of the year | Most Promising Artiste” award at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2022.
 
Last year, he made his international debut with the single Seasons. Right out of the gate, it tallied 21.3 million streams and garnered a ton of buzz.

Right now, Lloyiso is finishing up his debut EP, expected early next year.

Hailing from just outside of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, singer, songwriter, and producer. Lloyiso wields the kind of voice that instantly tugs at heartstrings. It’s the kind of voice that shines in any arena—whether in front of a laptop camera or under the lights of a festival stage. It’s the kind of voice that makes you stop what you’re doing and sing along. At 16-years-old, he appeared on South African Idol and placed fifth in the competition. Following “three weeks at university, he left school and focused on music inspired by the likes of Sam Smith and Travis Scott. He performed anywhere possible, singing in exchange for dinner at local pubs. He even recorded in English and ten different African languages. Taking over social media, Lloyiso amplified his voice globally by posting covers on Facebook before embracing YouTube. He gained the endorsement of everyone from Kygo to Tyga and gradually amassed an enthusiastic audience. Nailing viral renditions of Rihanna, Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, and more, he launched his TikTok during 2020, generating tens of millions of views and attracting the attention of labels worldwide. Finding his home, he notably made history as “the first South African artist signed to Republic Records.” Following the 2021 fan favorite “Seasons,” he connects like never before with the powerful piano-driven ballad “Speak” in 2022 with much more to come.

About Republic Records
A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic Records has been recognized by Billboard as the industry’s #1 label over the last 10 years. It is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Billy Porter, Bo Burnham, Ciara, Clairo, Coi Leray, Conan Gray, Daddy Yankee, Drake, Eddie Vedder, G Herbo, Glass Animals, Florence + the Machine, Greta Van Fleet, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack Johnson, James Blake, James Bay, Jessie JJimmy FallonJohn Legend, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Kim Petras, Lil WayneLorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Stevie Wonder, Swedish House Mafia, Taylor SwiftThe WeekndTwice, TXT, and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Federal Films, HYBE, Imperial, JYP, Lava Records, Mercury Records, Republic Records: Kids & Family, Republic Nashville, Universal Arabic Music, Uptown Records, Victor Victor, Wicked Money Family, XO, Young Money, among others.

“FLOWERS” by TOBi via 360 MAGAZINE

TOBi – “FLOWERS”

TOBi DROPS NEW SINGLE AND VISUALIZER “FLOWERS”

FROM FORTHCOMING ALBUM COMING SOON 

LISTEN/WATCH HERE

Nigerian born, Toronto-based artist TOBi drops his brand new single and visualizer “Flowers” via Same Plate Entertainment/RCA Records – click here to listen/watch. The guitar-driven track allows TOBi’s undeniable bars and effortless flow to lead the way for this genre-blending song. This release is the first single off of TOBi’s forthcoming album coming soon. Recently, TOBi released his elevated COLORS performance of “Flowers” and his song “Move” was featured on Netflix’s buzzing new movie release Do Revenge starring Camila Mendes (Riverdale) and Maya Hawke (Stranger Things).

Listen to “Flowers” HERE

TOBi on “Flowers” and his forthcoming album: “This is one of my favorite songs I’ve done. The definition of unapologetic soul music. I wanted to tell a story of what it meant to be a man, growing and learning and dealing with my vices. Protecting my peace, while navigating the challenges of life. This song is a turning point in my mental journey. Addressing fears, seeking therapy, paying homage to those who are living.. its a lot to unpack in the verses but at the end of the day it feels so good to be alive and creating and I’m grateful for every moment.”

Recently, TOBi released his Alex Goose-produced single and video Before We Panic” featuring Mikky Ekko(written for Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Drake), which was a prelude to his forthcoming album. The artistic visual was shot and directed by Dom McLennon (BROCKHAMPTON) and Jeremy Grier.

Stay tuned for more music from TOBi coming soon.

About TOBi:

Nigerian-born, Toronto-based recording artist TOBi is the winner of the 2021 JUNO Award for “Best Rap Recording of the Year” for his latest project Elements, Vol. 1Elements blends hip-hop, R&B, soul, grime & Afrobeats and features some of TOBi’s favorite producers and musicians worldwide, embodying the sounds and music that have influenced his artistry. Prior to this album, TOBi released his debut STILL in May 2019, exploring themes of vulnerability, post traumatic growth, self-reflection and masculinity in his time emigrating from Nigeria to Canada.

Voted by Complex Magazine as “a top artist to watch” TOBi has received critical praise from Interview MagazinePitchfork, Vogue, Teen Vogue, L’OfficielPaper, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Clash, OkayAfrica, Flaunt, Exclaim!, Refinery29, Essential Homme, COLORS, and many more.

In 2020, TOBi signed with Same Plate Entertainment/RCA Records and in 2021 his single “Whoa” with fellow Torontonian rapper Jazz Cartier was released to critical praise. “Whoa” follows a slew of tracks released over the summer including “Off The Drugs” with Mick Jenkins, “Come As You Are” featuring Baby Rose and “Don’t Touch!,” which was praised by Complex for its “smooth production…elevating [TOBi’s] empowered musings on the hairy side of the Black experience to new heights.” TOBi, who was nominated for the 2022 JUNO Awards, has continually released music including his Shall I Continue? bundle, Too Hot (Maxi Single) bundle and single “That’s Alright” this past year. Most recently, TOBi dropped the single and video for “Before We Panic” – a prelude that set the tone for his new music. Now ready to share that music with his fans, TOBi shares “Flowers,” the first single off his forthcoming album coming soon.

“FLOWERS” by TOBi via 360 MAGAZINE
“FLOWERS” by TOBi via 360 MAGAZINE

Buy/Stream/Watch “Flowers”:

Multi: https://tobi.lnk.to/Flowers

Buy/Stream/Watch “Before We Panic”:

Multi: https://tobi.lnk.to/beforewepanic

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7aCfKxmYMs

Keep Up with TOBi:

Instagram –  Twitter – Facebook – YouTube

TOBi Off The Drugs album cover fro Sarah Weinstein Dennison, RCA Records for use by 360 Magazine

TOBi × Mick Jenkins – Off The Drugs

Winner of the 2021 Juno Award for Best Rap Recording of the Year for his project Elements, Vol. 1, Canada-raised/Nigeria-born TOBi and Mick Jenkins today release an old school groove “Off The Drugs” via Same Plate/RCA Records.

Listen/watch the lyric video here.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the song, TOBi says, “When I smoke, I see things clearer and I’m way more aware. So I’m intentional about how I use it. I think more money should go into researching things like cannabis and mushrooms for their healing properties. Just the way I look at it, so many things are actually drugs—alcohol, gambling, even social media cuz it affects brain chemistry, but all that shit is legal. Whereas things that can legitimately heal if properly understood and done correctly are stigmatized, it’s wild. Mick came thru and bodied the verse as he should, and we’ve got a video on the way too. I just wanna live life to the fullest and enjoy this while it lasts. Life to me is a good trip if you let it be.”

The slow burning track follows a handful of TOBi’s singles  “Come As You Are” featuring Baby Rose and “Don’t Touch!” which Complex heralded for its “smooth production…elevating (TOBi’s) empowered musings on the hairy side of the Black experience to new heights.”

His re-working of track “Family Matters” with Flo Milli was described as a “dynamic” and “impassioned reboot” (Atwood) and Highsnobiety declared it a “formidable pairing.”

ABOUT TOBi

TOBi released his music project ELEMENTS, Vol. 1 in fall 2020, heralded by the critics, combining hip-hop, R&B, soul, grime & Afrobeats. The project features some of TOBi’s favorite producers & musicians worldwide and embodies the sounds and music that have influenced his artistry. TOBi was voted by Complex Magazine as “a top artist to watch” and has received critical praise from Interview MagazinePitchfork, Vogue, Teen Vogue, L’Officiel, Paper, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Clash, OkayAfrica, Flaunt, Exclaim!, Refinery29, Essential Homme, COLORS, and many more. The rising star announced his partnership with Same Plate Entertainment/RCA Records last year and has enjoyed over 49 million streams globally. Prior to ELEMENTS, TOBi released his debut album STILL in May 2019 followed by a deluxe edition, exploring themes of vulnerability, post traumatic growth, self-reflection and masculinity in his time emigrating from Nigeria to Canada. STILL’s release was followed by two new singles “Holiday” produced by !llmind, “Paid,” the “City Blues Remix” featuring The Game, the “180 Remix” featuring Kemba and the “24” remix featuring all Torontonians SHAD, Haviah Mighty, Jazz Cartier and Ejji Smith.

TOBi has cited the work of Gil Scott-Heron, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, Marvin Gaye, Eartha Kitt, Florence and the Machine, and Andre 3000 as some of the artists who have inspired his work, particularly his lyrics.

Follow TOBi:

Instagram – Facebook – Twitter – YouTube – Spotify – Apple