Chocolate City (record label)

Last updated

Chocolate City
Industry Entertainment, media, music
Founded2005
Founders Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, Yahaya Maikori
Headquarters Lagos, Abuja, Nairobi, New York City
Key people
Parent Chocolate City Group
Website chocolatecitymusic.com

Chocolate City is a Nigerian record label founded in 2005 by lawyers Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, and Yahaya Maikori. Generally regarded as one of Africa's most successful indigenous urban record labels, [1] Chocolate City operates as a subsidiary of Chocolate City Group. Other arms of the group include Chocolate City Distribution, Chocolate City Events, CCX, and Chocolate City Media. [2] On 28 March 2019, Warner Music Group partnered with the label. Under the partnership, Chocolate City artists will join WMG's repertoire and receive the support of the company's distribution and artist services via its independent label services division, ADA. [3]

Contents

The label has been home to recording artists such as M.I Abaga, Femi Kuti, Nosa, Dice Ailes, Blaqbonez, ClassiQ, CKay, Candy Bleakz,Young John [4] Torna, and Dijay Cinch. [5] Artists formerly signed to the label include Victoria Kimani, Ice Prince, DJ Caise, DJ Lambo, Jeremiah Gyang, Ruby Gyang, Pryse, Brymo, Koker, Jesse Jagz, Lemon Adisa, Mr. Gbafun, Ijay, Kahli Abdu & VHS Safari. Chocolate City has also worked on the careers of artistes such as Djinee and Asa. In 2012, business mogul and philanthropist Hakeem Bello-Osagie joined the board of Chocolate City Group as its chairman. Reuters International has documented Chocolate City's influence on the evolution of the Nigerian music industry. The label is headed by Mr Abuchi Peter Ugwu, who took over from M.I Abaga.

History

Founded as a nightclub in 1997, Chocolate City quickly became the number one promotions outfit in the Northern part of Nigeria[ citation needed ] and moved into the industry mainstream in 2005 with the launch of the record label (Chocolate City Music). In 2001, Audu Maikori and Paul Okeugo founded the Guild of Artistes and Poets, called an "arts appreciation society" which held weekly meetings which focused on the arts, music, poetry and creativity as a means of youth engagement and empowerment.[ citation needed ]

Under the leadership of MI, Chocolate City expanded by creating sub-labels that included 100 Crowns which discovered and signed Blaqbonez, and UpNorth Records, which signed Classiq and Dijay Cinch, it had its first-ever press conference where every artiste was present to answer questions from members of the press. The press conference was planned to be every month, but it only had been held once [6]

In March 2019, Chocolate City signed a worldwide distribution deal with Warner Music Group. [7]

G.A.P

The G.A.P later became one of the new age art renaissance movements, which quickly gained membership in Jos, Abuja, and Lagos with a combined membership of over 3000 attendees at its peak. The GAP brought to light the need for artists to have better representation, which Audu gave in the form of pro bono legal services, and this eventually led to his registering Chocolate City with his bonus earnings from his job as a lawyer with the chambers of Afe Babalola and co. The first act to be signed to the Chocolate City label was multi-talented instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer Jeremiah Gyang (whose debut album Na BA KA sold over 4 Million copies and won numerous accolades and acclaim for the artist as well as the label).[ citation needed ]

Na Ba Ka was known for its instrumentals, which was studied by a Canadian University on Sound Engineering and Production and was even listed on the top ten charts in Israel between 2005 and 2006.[ citation needed ]

Chocolate City went on to discover and manage the careers of Djinee, M.I, Aṣa, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Brymo, and other artists who have won over 70 local and international awards.[ citation needed ]

In June 2007, Audu Maikori won the British award for International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year (IYMEY) by the British Council, making Nigeria the first country to win two global awards in the Young Creative Entrepreneurs Series (the first was Lanre Lawal (IYDEY) 2005), after beating nine countries including the Philippines, Latvia, Lithuania, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Tanzania, Egypt and Poland. [8]

Accolades

Chocolate City was the first Nigerian music company to attain a global music award and recognition by the British Council in 2007: International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year (IYMEY) 2007. [8]

Chocolate City has since worked closely with the federal government of Nigeria and several international organizations, such as the British Council, to promote creative industries and capacity-building projects in and around Nigeria. In April 2008, Chocolate City announced a major collaborative effort in partnership with the British Council and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to take a delegation of Nigerian music stakeholders to London Calling 2008 in a bid to open new vistas for the fast-growing Nigerian music industry currently valued at around $500 Million (2007). The Minister of Culture and Tourism led the 40-man delegation. [9]

Chocolate City has also been active in promoting the Creative industries globally, having participated in several workshops and initiatives. In January 2008, Chocolate City delivered a keynote address at a workshop tagged "Mapping the Creative Industries in Albania" organized by the British Council, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Ministry of Economy, Albania. The workshop aimed to share the experiences of creative entrepreneurs from around Europe, the U.K, and Nigeria.

Reuters International produced a documentary on the Chocolate City success story tagged "Music and Money" in recognition of its contributions to developing the Nigerian music industry. [8]

Over the years, Chocolate City has partnered with many international and regional creative industry organisations, with affiliates in South Africa, the U.K., and the US, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the British Council toward promoting and celebrating creativity in Nigeria. [9]

On 8 December 2011, parent company Chocolate City Group won the African Awards for Entrepreneurship, beating over 3,300 applicants from 48 African countries to clinch the runner-up prize, making history as the first entertainment company to win the prize since 2007. [10]

Chocolate City won the "Best Record Label of the Year" award in both 2013 & 2015 at the City People Entertainment Awards. [11] At the 2011 edition of the awards above, the record label won the "Record Label of the Year" award. [12]

In April 2015, Maikori stepped down after ten years of piloting the affairs of the label and appointed M.I. to take over as the CEO of Chocolate City Music label while Ice Prince became the Vice President of Music for the label [13] [14]

Maikori assumed the position of Group CEO of Chocolate City Group, which comprised Chocolate City Music (Record Label), Chocolate City Media, CCX Lounge (live music venue franchise), Bean Agency (an experiential marketing company), and Replete Publishing (A music publishing and distribution company). Paul Okeugo was also appointed Group COO for the group.

In October 2019, M.I Abaga stepped down as CEO of Chocolate City Music. Aibee Abidoye was subsequently promoted to Executive Vice President for Chocolate City Group - her portfolio includes Music licensing, distribution, and artist projects. On 19 April 2021, Abuchi Ugwu, a long-time manager of M.I Abaga, sound engineer and producer, was appointed as substantive CEO of Chocolate City Music Ltd.

Awards and nominations

Artist roster

Management

ActYear signed
Femi Kuti 2014 [15]

Current artists

ActYear signedReleases
under the
label		Ref
Nosa 20121 [16]
Dice Ailes 2014– [17]
Ruby Gyang 20151 [18]
Ckay20161 [19]
Yung L 20171 [20]
ClassiQ2019– [21]
Blaqbonez 2 [21]
Candy Bleakz1 [21]
Young Jonn 20222 [22]
Noon Dave20222
Major AJ20221

Former artists

ActYear
signed		Year
left		Album Releases
under the
label		Ref
Jeremiah Gyang 200520101 [23]
M.I 200820208 [24]
Jesse Jagz 201020131 [25]
20152017 [26]
Ice Prince 20102016 [note 1] 3 [28]
Brymo 201020131 [29] [30]
DJ Caise 20112017 [note 2] 0 [32]
Pryse201220160 [33] [34]
Victoria Kimani 201220172 [35] [36]
Milli201520160 [37]
Kahli Abdu & VHS Safari201520160 [27]
Koker 201520180 [38]
DJ Lambo 201520190 [39]
Ckay
Nosa

Discography

YearInformationRef
2005 Jeremiah Gyang - Na Ba Ka
  • Released: May 2005
  • Singles: "Na Ba Ka", "Wakar Najeriya", "Gonna Be", "Kasi Tala", "Ban Da Kai"
2008 M.I - Talk About It
  • Released: 11 December 2008
  • Singles: "Safe", "Anoti", "Money", "Teaser", "Crowd Mentality", "Blaze", "Short Black Boy", "Talk About It"
2010 Jesse Jagz - Jag of All Tradez
  • Released: 20 April 2010
  • Singles: "Wetin Dey", "Nobody Test Me", "Love You", "Pump it Up"
M.I - MI 2
  • Released: 23 November 2010
  • Singles: "Action Film", "Beef", "Undisputed", "Nobody"
2011 Ice Prince - Everybody Loves Ice Prince
2012 Brymo - The Son of a Kapenta
  • Released: 15 November 2012
  • Singles: "Ara", "Good Morning", "Go Hard"
2013 Victoria Kimani - Queen Victoria
  • Released:14 October 2013
  • Singles:
Ice Prince - Fire of Zamani
  • Released:28 October 2013
  • Singles:"I Swear", "Gimme Dat", "More", "Aboki"
2014 Nosa - Open Doors
  • Released:14 March 2014
  • Singles:"Always Pray for You", "Why You Love Me"
M.I - The Chairman
  • Released: 30 October 2014
  • Singles: "Bad Belle", "Monkey", "Bullion Van"
  • Sales certification: 30,000 in pre-order sales
2015 Ice Prince - Trash Can
  • Released: 29 January 2015
  • Singles: "Marry You"
Chocolate City - The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation
  • Released: 30 April 2015
  • Singles: "Summer Time", "Suite 99"
2016 Ruby Gyang - This is Love
  • Released: 29 February 2016
  • Singles:"Shakara", "Good Man"
M.I - Illegal Music 3
  • Released: 29 February 2016
  • Singles:"Everything I Have Seen"
Victoria Kimani - Safari
  • Released: 5 December 2016
  • Singles:"Gota", "Giving You"
2017 Yung L - Better Late Than Never
  • Released: 13 October 2017
  • Singles:"Gbewa", "Anya", "Pressure"
2018 M.I - Rendezvous
  • Released: 9 February 2018
  • Singles:"Your Father", "Lekki"
 [40]
M.I - A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl
  • Released: 24 August 2018
  • Singles:"You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives"
 [41]
Blaqbonez- Bad Boy Blaq
  • Released: 31 October 2018
  • Singles: "Mamiwota" feat Oxlade
2019 CKay - CKay the First (EP)
  • Released: 30 August 2019
  • Singles: "Way"
 [42]
Street Billionaires - Street Born (EP)
  • Released: 27 September 2019
  • Singles: "Yoruba Ni Mi" [43]
[44]

Blaqbonez- Bad Boy Blaq (re-up)

  • Released: 8 Feb 2019

Blaqbonez - Mr. Boombastic

  • Released: 25 October 2019
  • Singles: "Shut Up", Mr. Boombastic

Blaqbonez- Young Preacher

  • Released: 28 October 2022
  • Singles: Back in Uni
 [45]
Nosa- Na Your Way
Candy Bleakz

Singles- Owo Osufeat Zlatan, Naira Marley Released: 31 May 2019 Virus

2020 MI Abaga- The Live Report (EP)
  • Released: 15 April 2020

African Knockout

  • Released: 23 October 2020
Nosa
  • Singles

-Dry Bones (13 March 2020)

- If God Be For Me (1 May 2020)

Ckay Love Nwantintin remix (feat Joeboy, Kuami Eugene)
Candy Bleakz

Kelegbe (17 April 2020)Won La (11 September 2020)

2021 MI Abaga SinglesTBDK (19 March 2021)All My Life (4 June 2021)
Blaqbonez- Sex Over Love
  • Released: 30 April 2021
  • Singles: Bling
Candy Bleakz-

SinglesKope (19 March 2021)Baba Nla feat Teni (27 May 2021)

2022 Young Jonn-

Singles

  • Dada
  • Dada Remix feat Davido (28 April 2022)
  • Normally
  • Xtra Cool

EP

  • Love Is Not Enough
  • Love Is Not Enough Vol 2
Candy Bleakz

Tikuku (single)- Released 29 April 2022 FIRE EP - Released 24 June 2022

Notes

  1. ↑ Although Ice Prince's contract expired in 2013, he didn't publicly announce his exit from the label until 2016. [27]
  2. ↑ While announcing his exit from Chocolate City, DJ Caise revealed that his deal with the label was basically a joint venture. [31]

Related Research Articles

Audu Maikori is a Nigerian lawyer, entrepreneur, social activist, public speaker, and creative industry expert. He is the co-founder and executive vice chairman of the Chocolate City Group, the mother company of one of the leading African record label Chocolate City Entertainment. He is well known as the founder of Chocolate City, an entertainment lawyer, and is regarded as the "Simon Cowell" in Nigerian Idol's first season. He won multiple awards during his career, including the International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A-Q</span> Nigerian rapper and songwriter (born 1986)

Gilbert Bani, popularly known by his stage name A-Q, is a Nigerian rapper and songwriter. His single "Agu Ji Ndi Men" was nominated for Best Rap Single at The Headies 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M.I Abaga</span> Nigerian rapper (born 1981)

Jude Lemfani Abaga, popularly known by his stage name M.I Abaga, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is widely considered one of the influential rappers in Africa. He gained mainstream attention after the release of his track song, "Crowd Mentality" (2006). Since then, he has released albums Talk About It (2008), MI 2: The Movie (2010), The Chairman (2014), The Guy (2022); playlist Rendezvous (2018), and A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ice Prince</span> Nigerian rapper (born 1984)

Panshak Henry Zamani better known as Ice Prince Zamani or just Ice Prince, is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. He rose to fame after releasing "Oleku", one of Nigeria's most remixed songs of all time. He won the 2009 Hennessy Artistry Club Tour. His debut studio album Everybody Loves Ice Prince was released in 2011. It was supported by three singles: "Oleku", "Superstar" and "Juju". In 2013, Ice Prince released Fire of Zamani as his second studio album. The album contained the singles "Aboki", "More", "Gimme Dat" and "I Swear". On 1 July 2015, Ice Prince was announced as the vice president of Chocolate City. He held the position until he left the label in 2016. He has collaborated with top African rappers like Navio of Uganda, Khaligraph Jones of Kenya, AKA of South Africa, Sarkodie of Ghana among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jesse Jagz</span> Nigerian rapper and record producer

Jesse Garba Abaga, known professionally as Jesse Jagz, is a Nigerian rapper, record producer, and songwriter. He signed a record deal with Chocolate City in 2010 and released his debut studio album Jag of All Tradez that same year. He voluntarily exited the Chocolate City deal in 2013 and announced the launch of his independent label, Jagz Nation. Jagz released his second studio album Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come in 2013; it included singles such as "Redemption", "Bad Girl", "Sex & Scotch" and "God on the Mic". His third studio album, Jagz Nation, Vol. 2: Royal Niger Company, was released in 2014. He returned to Chocolate City in 2015 but left the label again prior to releasing his fourth studio album Odysseus in 2017. In May 2020, he released a 5-track EP titled Garba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brymo</span> Nigerian singer (born 1986)

Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ, better known as Brymo, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, sonic artist, actor and author who was born and raised in Okokomaiko. Brymo started recording music in 1999 while in secondary school. He signed a recording contract with music label Chocolate City in 2010 but was accused of breaching his contract in 2013. Brymo released his debut studio album Brymstone in 2007. His second studio album The Son of a Kapenta was released in 2012, and was supported by the singles "Ara", "Good Morning" and "Go Hard". His third studio album Merchants, Dealers & Slaves, which was released on 20 October 2013, received positive reviews from music critics and yielded the singles "Down" and "Eko".

<i>Everybody Loves Ice Prince</i> 2011 studio album by Ice Prince

Everybody Loves Ice Prince is the debut studio album by Nigerian rapper Ice Prince. It was released by Chocolate City on October 9, 2011. The album's production was primarily handled by Jesse Jagz, along with additional production from M.I Abaga, Wizboyy, E Kelly, Samklef and Chopstix. It features collaborations with Brymo, Wizkid, 2 Face Idibia, Jesse Jagz, M.I, Yung L, J-Milla, Samklef, Wizboyy, Morell and Sean Tero. The album was supported by the singles "Oleku", "Superstar" and "Juju". E.L.I is a mixture of hip hop, R&B, dancehall, raga, Afrobeats, reggae, highlife and soul.

<i>Fire of Zamani</i> 2013 studio album by Ice Prince

Fire of Zamani is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper Ice Prince. Sean Stan of Vintage Sounds Production mastered the album before Chocolate City released it on October 28, 2013. Comprising eighteen tracks, Fire of Zamani features guest appearances from Sunny Neji, Wale, M.I, Chip, Ruby Gyang, Wizkid, French Montana, Jesse Jagz, Olamide, Sound Sultan, Burna Boy, Yung L, Jeremiah Gyang, Shaydee, and Morell. The album's production was primarily handled by Chopstix, a member of Grip Boiz City, along with additional production from Don Jazzy, Jay Sleek, Sammy Gyang, and E-Kelly.

<i>Open Doors</i> (album) 2014 studio album by Nosa

Open Doors is the first studio album by Nigerian Gospel artist Nosa. The album was released by Chocolate City on 14 March 2014. It was supported by the hit single "Always Pray For You", which peaked at number 5 on Nigezie's and peaked at number 6 at Rhythm Radio Afrobeat chart. The album features Chocolate City artist MI. Production was handled by Nosa, Audu Maikori, Eddy Isaacs, Bigfoot of Micworx, Tune x, Ultrasound and Dr Drexx.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King James (M.I song)</span> 2014 promotional single by M.I

"King James" is a song by Nigerian rapper M.I. Written and produced by M.I himself, the song was released by Chocolate City on August 21, 2014. M.I described the song as a "non-profit project designed to create awareness and inspire social change". "King James" was serviced to radio stations in Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa. On the record, M.I proclaims to be the "best rapper alive". Critical reception to "King James" was generally mixed.

<i>The Chairman</i> (M.I album) 2014 studio album by M.I

The Chairman is the third studio album by Nigerian rapper and record producer M.I. It was released on October 30, 2014, by Chocolate City and Loopy Music. The album features collaborations with producers and guest artists such as 2face Idibia, Wizkid, Reinhard, Sarz, and Ice Prince, among others. The Chairman was supported by the singles "Bad Belle", "Monkey" and "Bullion Van". It won Best Rap Album and was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies 2015.

Ngohide Ruby Ann GyangGyang, better known by her stage name Ruby Gyang, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She was formerly signed to Chocolate City.

<i>Illegal Music 3</i> 2016 mixtape by M.I Abaga

Illegal Music 3 is the third and final mixtape of the "Illegal Music" series by Nigerian rapper M.I. It was released by Chocolate City on 29 February 2016. The mixtape features guest appearances from Ruby Gyang, Ckay, Pryse, Khaligraph Jones, and Poe. It was supported by the single "Everything I Have Seen", which was released on 11 February 2016. The mixtape's production was primarily handled by M.I, with additional production from Ckay and G-Plus.

<i>The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation</i> 2015 compilation album by Chocolate City

The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation is a compilation album by recording artists of Nigerian record label Chocolate City. It was released exclusively on the Star Music platform for free digital streaming on April 30, 2015. The album features appearances from Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, M.I Abaga, Nosa, Ruby Gyang, Victoria Kimani, Pryse, DJ Lambo, DJ Caise, Loose Kaynon, Dice Ailes, Milli and Koker. Its production was handled by Jesse Jagz, Reinhard, L37, Tunday, Teck Zilla, Nosa, DJ Caise, Ckay, and TMXO. The album's release celebrated the merger of Loopy Music and Chocolate City, as well as the return of Jesse Jagz. TICBN was released to the general public two weeks following its exclusive release on Star Music, and was supported by the singles "Summer Time" and "Suite 99".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lindsey Abudei</span> Nigerian neo-soul singer

Lindsey Chukwufumnanya Abudei, who is known professionally as Lindsey Abudei, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She started recording music and having jam sessions with rappers M.I Abaga and Jesse Jagz while still an undergraduate law student in 2014. Abudei has released the solo projects Brown: The EP (2013), ...And the Bass Is Queen (2016), and Kaleidoscope (2023).

<i>Merchants, Dealers & Slaves</i> 2013 studio album by Brymo

Merchants, Dealers & Slaves is the third studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo. It was made available for purchase as a digital download on October 20, 2013, and was released six days after Chocolate City filed an interim injunction against Brymo. Mikky Me Joses produced the entire record, with guitar work done by a guitarist named David. M, D & S was supported by the singles "Down" and "Eko". Physical copies of the album were not allowed to circulate as a result of the injunction. The album's physical release was issued on March 26, 2014, a few days after the injunction was lifted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dice Ailes</span> Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper

Shasha Damilola Alesh better known by his stage name Dice Ailes, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper. In July 2014, he signed a record deal with Chocolate City. He was nominated for Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2016. In 2016, TooXclusive ranked his breakthrough single "Miracle" third on its list of the "Top 10 Songs for the month of October". In 2017, tooXclusive named him as "one of the sixteen artists you need to know.

<i>MI 2: The Movie</i> 2010 studio album by M.I Abaga

MI 2: The Movie is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga. It was released on November 23, 2010, by Chocolate City. The album features guest appearances from 2face Idibia, Bola Adebisi, Brymo, Flavour, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Julius Ceaser, Femi Odukoya, Loose Kaynon, Praiz, Ruby Gyang, Timaya and Waje. M.I addresses a wide array of topics on the project, including corruption, poor education, the Niger Delta crisis, shooting, looting, and the sexual objectification of women. MI 2 was ranked the best Nigerian album of 2010 by music blog Jaguda. It won Best Rap Album and was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies 2011.

<i>The Son of a Kapenta</i> 2012 studio album by Brymo

The Son of a Kapenta is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo. It was released by Chocolate City on November 15, 2012. Recorded in English and Yoruba, the album combines elements of fuji music with contemporary pop and techno. It features guest appearances from Jesse Jagz, Pryse, M.I, Ice Prince and Efya. The album was produced by E Kelly, Mikky Me Joses, Legendury Beatz, Jesse Jagz, Blaze, DMM Oluremi and Kid Konnect. The Son of a Kapenta was supported by the singles "Ara", "Good Morning" and "Go Hard". It received positive reviews from music critics, who commended its production and Brymo's voice.

<i>CKay the First</i> 2019 EP by CKay

CKay the First is the second extended play by Nigerian singer-songwriter CKay. It was released on 30 August 2019 by Chocolate City through Warner Music Group. It was self-produced by CKay, with additional production from Tempoe, Real Btee, and its exclusive producer Audu Maikori. It features guest appearances from DJ Lambo, BOJ, Blaqbonez, and Barry Jhay.

References

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  3. ↑ "Warner Music Group Announces Partnership with Nigerian Label Chocolate City | Billboard". Billboard . Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  4. ↑ "Candy Bleakz - Dawn of A New Rage". Aura Magazine. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  5. ↑ Akan, Joey. "Chocolate City Record label merges with Loopy Music". Pulse.NG. Archived from the original on 12 February 2017. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
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  40. ↑ Victor Okpala (15 February 2018). "REVIEW: M.I Abaga's "Rendezvous" Is a Decent Crossroad Of Musical Diversity". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2019.
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