tansali paparazzi

This is a piece on a new young African- American group- Brutha
"He's my brother and I love him like myself."
--from an original song written by Brutha

Love of family and music. Those are the energizing forces behind Island Def Jam/Goodfellas Entertainment latest R&B discovery, Brutha.

Powered by a strong family bond, these five brothers resurrect the goose bump-raising harmonies and thrilling showmanship that were the hallmarks of groups like the Jackson 5, New Edition and Boyz II Men. However, Brutha represents more than just a contemporary facsimile of these popular icons.

Equally talented, the Harrell brothers--Anthony, Jared, Jacob, Cheyenne and Grady-- couple crystal-clear, five-part harmony with high-energy dance moves and a genuine exuberance for their craft. In short, Brutha is the real deal: bringing back the magical group dynamic sorely missing in today's music. In fact, Brutha's natural ability not only netted a recording contract with Island Def Jam/Goodfellas Entertainment but also an upcoming BET reality show, "Brothers to Brutha," premiering Nov. 18.

Recorded primarily in Atlanta, the group's self-titled album will be released Dec. 9. Collaborating with the soulful quintet was a who's who in songwriting and producing, including Jazze Pha, Shae Taylor, the Corna Boyz, the Heavyweights and 112 founding members.
Already whetting fans' appetite is lead single "I Can't Hear the Music." The track pulsates with an infectious R&B beat, complemented by the brothers' distinctive vocals and a spirited rap by Fabolous, the project's only guest. The single's accompanying video, directed by Jesse Terrero, fittingly captures the group in performance mode --simultaneously underscoring Brutha's raw essence and striking appeal.

"We not only pride ourselves on our a cappella harmonies but thrive on the choreographed precision moves that take you back to the days when groups moved rather than just walked around the stage," says Grady, the eldest Brutha. "Our sound is fresh and uplifting. It's about being young and experiencing life's ups and downs."

The brothers' struggle to fulfill their musical dream--without compromising their close family ties--is the premise behind the forthcoming BET reality show, "Brothers to Brutha." Notes group member Anthony, "While other shows have sugarcoated similar journeys, ours actually shows us laughing as well as fighting, overcoming issues associated with working in the music industry as well as the everyday obstacles families experience living together under one roof."

Ranging in age from 19-25, the brothers Harrell come from a music-loving family of 13: eight boys and five girls. The Los Angeles-based quintet's earliest memories are of their father introducing them to the artistry of the Jackson 5, Sam Cooke, the Temptations, New Edition and Boyz II Men. Another major influence was dad Harrell himself, a former member of an R&B group once signed to RCA Records.

Steeped in soul as youngsters, the brothers took their father's lessons to heart as they grew older and began performing at school talent shows, weddings, parties, bar mitzvahs and even on street corners. Their relentless grind eventually paid off in more professional gigs. Brutha's first official performance was in 2003 at Los Angeles venue the Key Club featuring celebrity basketball team the Hollywood Knights. Then came stints as the opening act for Brian McKnight and entertainer Wayne Brady plus more high-profile, special engagements: Michael Jackson's 45th birthday party and a 2006 Christmas Eve celebration at Steve Wonder's home.

It was the brothers' manager/uncle, industry veteran Donny "Drano" Harrell, who brought them to audition for Def Jam Executive VP Shakir Stewart and Island Urban/So So Def President Jermaine Dupri in 2007. Within two weeks of that audition, the group accepted an offer to sign with the label. In the midst of recording its first album, Brutha was asked to perform at ASCAP's annual Rhythm & Soul Awards in honor of another male group that got its start 25 years ago, New Edition.

Keeping their eyes on the prize of achieving a similar legacy is what sustains Anthony, Jared, Jacob, Cheyenne and Grady as they arise each day at 6 a.m. for a cardio workout followed by rigorous vocal and dance rehearsals. As grueling as their schedules may be and whatever challenges come their way, one thing is for certain, says Grady., "Whatever the music industry brings, our bond is unbreakable."

P-Square

P-Square are a Nigerian R&B duo composed of identical twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye. History The story of P Square began in St. Murumba College, a small Catholic school in Jos, Nigeria. Identical twins Peter and Paul joined their school music and drama club where they began singing, dancing, and miming songs by MC Hammer, Bobby Brown and Michael Jackson.They later formed an a cappella quartet called MMPP (Michael, Melvin, Peter and Paul). Drawing inspiration from their music idol Michael Jackson, they began break dancing, and formed the group called "Smooth Criminals" in 1997. Their artistic talent and precise dance routine soon made them household names in the city of Jos, where they performed at school functions and other occasions.Later in 1999, Peters and Paul returned to music school to develop their skills on keyboard, drums, bass and rhythm guitar. Their work includes the soundtracks for films like Tobi, Mama Sunday, Moment of Bitterness, Evas River.Academic pursuits led

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-Square
All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License

2-Face

Career

Idibia hails from the Idoma ethnic group in the southern part of Benue State, in central Nigeria.He attended Mount Saint Gabriel's Secondary School in Makurdi,Benue State. He schooled briefly in the Institute of Management & Technology, IMT, Enugu, one of the country's foremost higher institute of learning where he did his preliminary National Diploma course in Business Administration. Though, he didn't finish but would hone his skills in music by performing in shows and parties organised by the IMT and some other schools like Enugu State University of Science & Technology, Enugu (ESUT) and University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC).

His major breakthrough in the IMT was composing and singing the jingles in the famous radio show GB Fan Club in Enugu State Broadcasting Services (ESBS)in 1996. He then relocated to Lagos and joined up with his ex-IMT mate BlackFace and Faze to form Plantashun Boyz^[1] He started calling himself "2Face" in 1996. "The name to me just refers to the outside and inside: when you first see me you see the outside but when you get to know me, you see the inside" he said in an interview with the BBC.

His award winning hit track African Queen was used as the sound track of the 2006 comedy film, Phat Girlz ^[2]. This made him even more recognized internationally.

The Plantashun Boyz came together briefly in 2007 to record an album which they titled 'Plan B'.^[3]

He also released a promotion album in 2008 which has spawned a Hit Enter the Place though one of his least successful hits ever, did well in some charts. The Promo CD is said to have faced distribution and sales problems, going unnoticed in some areas of the country.It has led to the shift of the release date of the album from 2008 to 2009 instead of the proposed release date announced in 2007.

Discography

ABOUT CHREST

Christian.E.Samuel a.k.a CHREST Crucifixo is one artiste who is bound to stamp his presence in the muzik world.Born in Surulere l.g.a of Lagos State,Nigeria in the mid 80s,He had his secondary education in federal government college,Ikot Ekpene,Akwaibom state and also presently an Engineering student of the university of uyo Nigeria.The artiste who plans to use his education as a mean of improving his muzik career,Whose greatest influence has been Faze of the plantashun boiz and 2Face Idibia of the same group and also his early influence Majek Fashek and Wyclef Jean.Chrest's electrifying R$B/dancehall sounds and the confidence and sheer fun he exudes on stage has endeared him to his ever growing fa base.Chrest dropped his much awiated single "UR LOVE" which is currently enjoying air play in naija.Chrest's still working on his album project and is ready to work with any serious minded management/entertainment outfit to rise to the next level.The very handsome and hardworkin artiste and song writer believes that the key to success is determination and believe in oneself.His philosophy is "OUR BURNING DESIRES ARE THE PROPHESIES OF OUR DESTINIES.Chrest's fan club contact +2348028988448

Album Information
Face 2 Face Released: 2004 Label: Kennis Music Chart Positions: N/A Sales: Over 2 million sold[citation needed]
Grass 2 Grace Released: 2006 Label: Kennis Music Chart Positions: N/A Sales: N/A
The Unstoppable Released: 2008 Label: Hypertek Chart Positions: N/A Sales: N/A