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JJC, the persistent face of Afrocentrism, returns to the spotlight of entertainment with a new single "We are Africans"
With his trademark firebrand resurgence, JJC is out now with a powerful brand new single. "We Are Africans" (digital release date 24 October 2009) is a sure firecracker which embodies the meaning and significance of the Black History Month. It is one piece that combines the sentiment of pride with clear messages of unity and positivity. Serious, but also fun, tongue-in-cheek and wildly infectious, "We Are Africans" is an anthem - in fact it could be labelled as the national anthem for the United States of Africa, a concept that may yet signify the fortification, unification and reinvention of Africa and Africans across the world. Nigerian-born and London-based songwriter/ rapper/ singer/ producer JJC aka Skillz first rose to fame when he formed Sony Music act Big Brovaz (their first single "Nu Flow" was a worldwide hit). He then went on to produce for Lemar, Jamelia, Ginuwine, Liberty X, Booty Luv and many others. Alongside these mainstream production credentials, he created pioneering Afropean group JJC & 419 Squad, where he was the producer, songwriter and main vocalist. During this time, JJC became a mentor to Nigerian superstars D'banj and Don Jazzy.
JJC & 419 Squad, whose hit songs included "Gbao", "Atide" and "Kilonsele", broke new ground with their fresh fusion of hip-hop and African flavours, with lyrics in Pidgin, Yoruba and English. The group managed to reach out to European and World Music audiences as well Nigerian audiences, and they performed at countless events, including major festivals such as WOMAD in the UK and also at MTV Base Africa's launch concert in Abuja, alongside Ludacris, 2-Face and Asa. Their music was used in films (Stephen Frears' Oscar-nominated Dirty Pretty Things) and on TV (Channel 4's drama Stealing Lives) and tracks were included on internationally released CD compilations. JJC & 419 Squad picked up a number of awards, too, such as the 2004 Kora award for 'Best African Group'. JJC, a true pioneer of the Afro Pop music scene, returns to the spotlight with brand new solo material. "We Are Africans" (feat. J-Rock and Randy of Big Brovaz) is the first single of his forthcoming album, entitled "United States of Africa". As always, all lovers of good music should expect a blitz from the entertainment supremo, the likes of which have characterised his works and endeared him to our musical consciousness. Under his alias Skillz, JJC is a prolific music producer who has produced a range of hits including "Ijoya" by Weird MC, "Pu'yanga" by Tilla Man & Dola Billz, "No dull yourself" by MP, "Morile" and "Love u 4eva" by Bouqui, "Burn dem" and "True born 9ja" by Ragga Remi, "Nu music" by Smokey, "Anyhow" by Shakar El Swagga and "Why" by Jibola. A multifaceted, talented and creative persona, JJC is also a music video producer/director and includes "Karmakazee" and "Takerewa" by Olu Maintain feat. Kentro Family, "Omo 2 Sexy" by Justina, "Morile" by Bouqui, "Pu'yanga" by Tilla Man & Dola Billz, "Why" by Jibola, "Swagga po" by Maydaz, "Anyhow" by Shakar El Swagga, "Shake" by DK, "Omo Ele" by Lexzy Doo and many more in his production cache. JJC is signed to Big Boyz Entertainment and managed by Ilka Schlockermann of ilkamedia, a London-based PR and marketing consultancy outfit. The official video of the new single available for download at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTNnuCqLzOY
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he management/PR company handling JJC may be right after all for insisting that the artiste fondly remembered as a pioneering Afropean pop dynamo from Nigeria never really went away. So, to insinuate that his headlining 're-appearance' or 'return' is a 'comeback' is akin to doing disservice to the prolific entertainer who with his artistic prowess and productive acumen, will long be remembered for assuaging our musical senses with outstanding works at all times.
