Legendury Beatz

Last updated

Legendury Beatz
Legendury beatz duo.jpg
Okiemute (left) and Uzezi (right)
Background information
Origin Lagos, Nigeria
Genres
Occupation(s)Record producers, songwriters
Instrument(s) sampler, drums, synthesizer
Years active2009–present
Labels
  • Starboy Entertainment [1]
*House of Legendury
Members
  • Mut4Y
  • Uzezi
Website houseoflegendury.com

Legendury Beatz (pronounced Legen-dury Beat-z) is a Nigerian record producing and songwriting duo, composed of siblings Uzezi Oniko (born 17 February 1986) and Okiemute Oniko (born 27 May 1989). [2] Their production style is deeply rooted in afrobeats as well as in several other genres, including hip hop, reggae fusion, moombahton and electro house. [3]

Contents

With less than a year as a music production duo, Legendury Beatz made international headlines in the Nigerian recording industry by producing the critically acclaimed single "Azonto", which was performed by afrobeats recording artist and MOBO Award winner Wizkid. [4]

Throughout their career, they have been noted for their extensive work with Wizkid. They have also been noted for writing and producing consecutive string of hits. The duo have produced many songs with vocal contribution from artistes such as American rapper Wale, British rappers Tinie Tempah and Yxng Bane, Urbano Latino artists Bad Bunny and J Balvin, 2face, Ice Prince, Efya, Banky W, Seyi Shay and Chidinma, amongst others. [5]

Early life and career

Formation and early works

With no initial music industry contacts, connections or recording studio, the duo's production followed a simple system in which they created beats channeled to a certain artist for whom they scouted for in clubs, award shows etc. The system yielded little success until they met Weird MC, a female rapper, songwriter and producer who heard their content in 2009. [6] They created the singles "Happy Day" and "Moving Up" for her, and also created an album with her that is yet to be released.

In 2011, the duo produced "Ara", the lead single from Brymo's second studio album The Son of a Kapenta (2012). [7] The song won Best Recording of the Year at The Headies 2012. [8] Furthermore, the music video for the song won Best African Pop at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards. The duo produced the song "Ko Ma Roll" for MTV Africa Music Awards winner Mo'Cheddah.

In 2012, the duo produced "Baddest Boy", the lead single from Empire Mates Entertainment's compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind (2012). [9] Legendury Beatz also produced the song "Emi Ni Baller" for Kora Awards winner Chidinma. [10] The song broke a record for Chidinma, as she became the first female musician to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart. [11] Legendury Beatz produced the song “Drop” with vocal contributions from American rapper Wale and Wizkid. [12]

In 2013, the duo produced the song "Caro", which was included as a bonus on Wizkid's second studio album Ayo (2014). In 2014, the duo produced "That Could Be Us" for Nigerian rapper Ice Prince. [13] They also worked with other notable African artists, including Banky W, Seyi Shay and Efya.

Production work and record deal

Legendury Beatz and Wizkid's production catalog include songs like "Ginger", "Caro", "Talk", "Eledumare", "Number One Lover", Won Gbo Mi", "Juru" and "Emi Ni Baller" (Remix). [14] On 29 April 2013, Legendury Beatz were signed to Wizkid's Starboy Entertainment. [1] The duo produced four songs on his second studio album Ayo. [15] The song "Ojuelegba" was well-received across different social media platforms. It contributed to the overall success of the album, which received a positive review from Rolling Stone magazine. [16] Wizkid added contributing vocals to the duo's first single "Oje". [17] Legendury Beatz and Simi collaborated on "Ayo", the third single from her third studio album Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 (2019). [18]

Influences and style

Okiemute and Uzezi's production style is highly influenced by afrobeats, fuji, and all variations of Congolese music from African icons such as Fela Kuti, Lagbaja, Awilo Longomba and Angélique Kidjo. The duo also had an ear for hip hop, pop and contemporary R&B genres.

Discography

Mixtapes
Singles produced
TitleYearAlbum
"Azonto" by Wizkid 2012
"2Musshh" by Reminisce Book of Rap Stories
"Baddest Boy" by E.M.E (featuring Wizkid, Skales and Banky W.) Empire Mates State of Mind
"I Love You (Afurum Gi N’ anya)" by Shiikane
"Emi Ni Baller" by Chidinma (featuring Tha Suspect and Illbliss)TBA
"Koma Roll" (Remix) by Tillaman (featuring Iyanya, Burna Boy, Ice Prince, Phyno and Trigga Madtonic)2013
"Denge Pose" by Skales
"Take Care of Me" by Skales
"Juru" by WizkidDJ Xclusive Presents:
The Xclusive Wizkid Mixtape
"Packaging" by Tillaman
"Talk" by Wizkid
"M.I.A (Money In Abundance)" by Tesh Carter (featuring That Suspect)
"Murda Dem" (Remix) by Phenom (featuring Wizkid)
"Sewere" by Weird MC (featuring Sasha P, Mo'Cheddah and DrPat)
"Drop" by Wizkid (featuring Wale)
"Kokose" by Sound Sultan (featuring Wizkid)Me, My Mouth & Eye
"Caro" by Starboy (featuring Wizkid and L.A.X) Ayo
"Ur Level" by Big Mo
"Won Gbo Mi" by Shaydee (featuring Wizkid)
"Eledumare" by Wizkid
"Number One Lover" by Starboy (featuring Wizkid and Shaydee)2014
"Ginger" by L.A.X (featuring Wizkid)
"Ibadi" by May D
"Oje" by Legendury Beatz (featuring Wizkid)
"Oh! Baby" by Legendury Beatz (featuring Wizkid and Efya)
"Crazy" by Seyi Shay (featuring Wizkid)TBA
"That Could Be Us" by Ice Prince
"Potential" (Freestyle) by Shaydee
Other production
Artist(s)YearAlbumSongs
Skales & Niyola 2012 Empire Mates State of Mind
  • 18. "Wetin' I Want"
Phenom2014The B.R.A EP
  • 9. "Foje Le" (featuring Phyno)
Wizkid Ayo
  • 10. "Dutty Whine" (featuring Banky W.)
  • 12. "Omalicha"

Awards and nominations

YearEventPrizeRecipientResult
2013 The Headies 2013 Producer of the YearLegendury Beatz for "Emi Ni Baller"Nominated
2014 The Headies 2014 Legendury Beatz for "Caro"Nominated
2015 The Headies 2015 Legendury Beatz for "Ojuelegba"Won

Related Research Articles

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

Panshak Henry Zamani better known as Ice Prince Zamani or just Ice Prince, is a Nigerian hip hop recording artist and actor. 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">Wizkid</span> Nigerian singer and songwriter (born 1990)

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. A prominent figure in the modern day Afrobeats music scene, Wizkid is regarded as one of the biggest and most influential African artists of all time. He began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five (5), a group he and a couple of his church friends formed. In 2009, Wizkid signed a record deal with Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). He later rose to the limelight after releasing "Holla at Your Boy", the lead single from his debut studio album, Superstar (2011), which also spawned the singles "Tease Me/Bad Guys" and "Don't Dull".

The discography of Wizkid, a Nigerian Afrobeats singer, consists of five studio albums, one EP, fifty-three singles, forty-four promotional singles, sixteen guest appearances, six cameo appearances and thirty-three music videos. Wizkid started his music career at age 11, releasing a seven-track collaborative album with Glorious Five entitled Lil Prinz. Wizkid garnered notoriety when he collaborated with Naeto C, Ikechukwu, M.I and Kel. He signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment in 2009. From 2009 through 2011, Wizkid worked on materials for his debut album Superstar (2011). Superstar was supported by the singles "Love My Baby", "Pakurumo", "Tease Me/Bad Guys", "Don't Dull" and "Holla at Your Boy".

"Azonto" is a song by Nigerian singer Wizkid. It was produced by the record producing and songwriting duo Legendury Beatz. The song was officially released on 28 January 2012. It helped popularize Azonto, a Ghanaian music genre and dance. It peaked at number 19 on the Afribiz Top 100 chart. Wizkid performed the song at Chris Brown's concert, which occurred at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Chris Brown also talked about the dance on 106 & Park and credited Wizkid for teaching him.

<i>R&BW</i> 2013 studio album by Banky W

R&BW is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Banky W. It was released on 14 February 2013, by Empire Mates Entertainment. The album was supported by the hit single "Yes/No", which peaked at number 1 on the BBC Radio 1Xtra Afrobeat chart. It features guest appearances from Camp Mulla, ELDee, Sarkodie, Sammy, Shaydee, Skales, Lynxxx, Niyola, M.I, 2Face Idibia, Rotimi and Vector. The album's production was handled by Banky W, Cobhams Asuquo, Masterkraft, M.I, Spellz, Sarz and Samklef.

<i>Jagz Nation, Vol.1. Thy Nation Come</i> 2013 studio album by Jesse Jagz

Jagz Nation, Vol.1. Thy Nation Come is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper and record producer Jesse Jagz. It was released by Jagz Nation on July 10, 2013. The album was primarily produced by Jesse Jagz, along with additional production from Shady Bizniz, Kid Konnect, GuiltyBeatz and Samklef. Musically, it is a hip hop and ragga record that incorporates elements of dancehall music. Jesse Jagz enlisted 9ice, Wizkid, Brymo, James Maverik and Lindsey Abudei to appear as guest artists on the album. Jagz Nation, Vol.1. Thy Nation Come was supported by the singles "Redemption", "Bad Girl", "Sex & Scotch" and "God on the Mic". It received generally positive reviews from music critics, who commended its production, lyrics and themes.

<i>Empire Mates State of Mind</i> 2012 compilation album by Empire Mates Entertainment

Empire Mates State of Mind is a compilation album by musicians of Nigerian record label Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). It was released by the label on 18 June 2012. The album's production was handled by Legendury Beatz, Sarz, Masterkraft, Cobhams Asuquo, Kid Konnect and Spellz. Empire Mates State of Mind features collaborations with X.O Senavoe, Rotimi and Basketmouth. It produced seven singles—"Baddest Boy", "Dance for Me", "Get Down Tonight", "Ko Mo Le", "Sun Mo Mi", "Don't Delay Me " and "Change".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baddest Boy</span> 2012 single by E.M.E featuring Wizkid, Skales, and Banky W

"Baddest Boy" is a song by E.M.E acts Wizkid, Skales, and Banky W. It was released on April 2, 2012, serving as the lead single from the label's compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind (2012). A leaked version of the song, featuring vocals from Wizkid and Skales, surfaced on the internet prior to its official release. According to OkayAfrica, "Baddest Boy" is a banger with synths that resemble a heavily screwed “Akpako Master”. The song was produced by Legendury Beatz.

The 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards took place on 31 August 2014, at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. The eligibility period was from March 2013 to March 2014. In April 2014, the NEA reviewing committee began collecting submissions for the 2014 edition. The deadline for submission was April 30, 2014, and the nominations were announced on May 29, 2014. Tiwa Savage and Davido received the most nominations with 5 each. Don Jazzy, Flavour N'abania and Wizkid all got four nominations each, while Olamide, Patoranking, Chidinma and Oritse Femi followed closely with three nominations.

The 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards was the 7th edition of the ceremony. The event was held on September 2, 2012 at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, New York City. The event was hosted by Funke Akindele and Ayo Makun. Winners included Wizkid, Davido, Don Jazzy and Tineh Tempah.

<i>Ayo</i> (Wizkid album) 2014 studio album by Wizkid

Ayo is the self-titled second studio album by Nigerian singer Wizkid. It was released on 17 September 2014, by Starboy Entertainment and Empire Mates Entertainment. The album is the follow-up to his debut album Superstar (2011). Ayo was postponed twice due to difficulty in track selection. Preceding its release were the singles "Jaiye Jaiye", "On Top Your Matter", "One Question", "Joy", "Bombay" and "Show You the Money". The album also contains the song "Ojuelegba". Wizkid enlisted Sarz, Shizzi, Uhuru, Del B, Dokta Frabz, Maleek Berry, Legendury Beatz and Spellz to produce the album. Ayo features collaborations with Femi Kuti, Seyi Shay, Yemi Sax, Akon, Banky W., Phyno, Tyga and Wale. It received mixed reviews from music critics, with some commending its production, song arrangement and sound quality, while others panned its lyrics.

"Ojuelegba" is a song by Nigerian singer Wizkid from his self-titled second studio album, Ayo (2014). It was written by Wizkid and produced by the record producing duo Legendury Beatz. The song shares its title with the metropolitan subsection of Lagos Mainland. It highlights Wizkid's struggles as an underground artist, who roamed the streets of Ojuelegba to support his recording interest. The song received numerous airplay on all major radio stations in Nigeria, and peaked at number 1 on Capital Xtra's Afrobeats Chart for February 2015. The official remix of "Ojuelegba" features vocals by Canadian rapper Drake and English grime artist Skepta. It made its premiere on OVO Sound Radio in July 2015. The song was ranked 12th on The Fader's list of the 107 Best Songs of 2015. Prior to the release of the official remix, Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie released his rendition of "Ojuelegba".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards</span> 10th edition of the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

The 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards was the 10th edition of the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. Wizkid won the most awards while Olamide received the most nominations with three across 39 award categories. Kiss Daniel won the Best New Act to Watch award while Praiz won the Best R&B Act award after he toppled the likes of Banky W, Chidinma, Seyi Shay, Timi Dakolo and Shaydee. The award was held at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, New York City, U.S.A and was hosted by Osas Ighodaro and Ice Prince.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Niniola</span> Nigerian singer-songwriter

Niniola Apata, known professionally as Niniola, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She participated in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013. After releasing her debut single "Ibadi", she was nominated for Most Promising Act to Watch at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shaydee</span> Musical artist

Shadrach Adeboye Folarin, professionally referred to as Shaydee, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and vocalist. In 2015, Shaydee was listed on notJustOk's list of "15 Artists to Watch in 2015". He is best known for his hit single titled "Won Gbo Mi", featuring vocal appearance from Wizkid.

Joseph Kwame Addison, popularly known as KillBeatz, is a Ghanaian music producer and sound engineer. He is a member of music group R2bees and is also the CEO of Legacy Life Entertainment, which has signed the Ghanaian musician King Promise.

Afrobeats, or Afro-pop or Afro-fusion, is an umbrella term to describe popular music from West Africa and the diaspora that initially developed in Nigeria, Ghana, and the UK in the 2000s and 2010s. Afrobeats is less of a style per se, and more of a descriptor for the fusion of sounds flowing out of Ghana and Nigeria. Genres such as hiplife, jùjú music, highlife and naija beats, among others, were amalgamated under the 'Afrobeats' umbrella.

<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 three singles: "Ara", "Good Morning" and "Go Hard". The album suffered a botched roll out and wasn't given the full big label push. As a result of this, it was included on The Nation's list of the "Albums that failed commercially in 2012".

"Essence" is a song by Nigerian singer Wizkid, featuring fellow Nigerian singer Tems. It was released on 30 October 2020, as the fourth single from Wizkid's fourth studio album, Made in Lagos. "Essence" was produced by P2J and Legendury Beatz. The "sensual" song sees the duo express their desire for each other. A music video was released on 9 April 2021, shot in Accra, Ghana. "Essence" is the first Nigerian song in history to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200. The song received a nomination at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Global Music Performance.

Akano Samuel is a Nigerian record producer. He is known for producing "Damages" for Tems and executive producing Oxygene by Oxlade.

References

  1. 1 2 "Wizkid adds Legendury Beatz to Star Boy Entertainment". Premium Times Nigeria. 29 April 2013. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
  2. "Legendury Beatz Bio". Notjustok. 29 April 2013. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
  3. "Legendury Beatz Bio". Afrobios. Retrieved 5 February 2015.
  4. "Wizkid Azonto produced by wizkid". Notjustok.
  5. "Legendury Beatz Discography". Notjustok.
  6. "Weird MC - Museke African artistes". Archived from the original on 27 August 2009. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  7. "legendury Beatz produce brymo's Ara amongst others". Jaguda. Retrieved 16 January 2014.
  8. "Headies past winners". The Headies. Archived from the original on 6 October 2013. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  9. "Empire Mates Entertainment-Home". Empire Mates Entertainment. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  10. Donboye (14 September 2014). "Chidinma Emi ni baller ft the suspect and illbliss". Too Xclusive. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  11. Njoku, Benjamin (7 September 2013). "Chidinma becomes first female act to make MTV's Naija top 10". Vanguard . Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  12. Goddard, Kevin (29 July 2013). "Wizkid - Drop Feat. Wale". Hot New Hip Hop. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  13. "Still ICE Forever! God bless the Fans and Supporters with us on the new records". Ice prince. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  14. Bey, Audu. "Wizkid 'Eledumare'". Okay Africa. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  15. Morgan, Femi (29 June 2013). "Wizkid reveals album tracklist". DStv. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
  16. "15 Great Albums you didn't hear in 2014". Rollingstone Magazine. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  17. Adekoya, Adetola (22 January 2013). "Legendury beatz drops Oje ft Wizkid". Mtvbase. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  18. "Ayo". Premiumlite.