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General => General Board => Topic started by: Abdalla on February 03, 2007, 08:28:15 PM

Title: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Abdalla on February 03, 2007, 08:28:15 PM
Jama'a, Sallamun Alaykum

I am starting this thread because it is sparkling new -- and in full stereo too! Also I want it to be a basis for providing feedback to subsequent activities that will follow.

I am sorry I have been rather absent, as Muhsin noted, but being an Almajiri, I am always on the road here and there. Further, most of the other discussions on this board are too heavy duty for me as I am completely ignorant of the issues being discussed. So unless it is musical, literary, dance, or filmic, you may not hear much of me -- which throws a challenge then, eh -- try to keep bringing them on!

I did not forget the Mecca II Medina concert which I promised at the Karamar Sallah Kukuma Rap. Scheduling conflicts made it impossible for us to hold the concert at the Babbar Sallah as initially promised. Remember, we are running the concerts in partnership with the British Council Kano, so things have to be streamlined to work out neatly for everyone.

But now I am very happy indeed to inform you all that the concert details have been finalized. Mecca II Medina are coming back, by popular demand, to perform three dates in Jos (Saturdy 10th February at Crest Hotel), Kaduna (Monday 12th February at Gamji Gate Theater) and a massive finale on Saturday 17th February at Kano British Council.

As with their concerts in 2005, they will also this time be accompanied by Nasiru Garba Supa's Arewa -- the band of traditional Hausa musicians who play with kuluma, duman garke, kalangu, sarewa and a female on shantu. Mecca II Medina, being nasheed rappers, will overlay their lyrics on the kukuma ensemble music. It was truly magical the last time they did it, and I hope for a repeat performance.

To further spice up the evening at each venue, we have also employed the services of young local rappers as the opening acts of each evening. In Jos we have a combination of three local rap bands that call themselves Living Scroll. In Kaduna we have a dude who goes by the stage name of Buzun Kaduna (and dressing up in Tuareg gear to match, too, even though he is from Edo State!).

In Kano, we have Billy-O (remember "Rainy Season") and Shaba ("Naga Matata) as the support act. Many who attended the Kukuma Concert during Karamar Sallah might remember Billy-O as the leader of the pack of rappers that opened that concert. This gig will be less crowded, as only Billy-O and Shaba will be on the frontside of the stage. Any additional dancers and back up singers will have to be way out of the way!

As usual the evening will start with the support act (Billy-O and Shaba in Kano, and others as listed in other towns), followed by Arewa solo spot, then Mecca II Medina solo spot, an intermission for the usual Q&A, and then a finale jam session featuring Arewa and Mecca II Medina; and who knows, maybe Billy O.

We are holding a (rather closed :-[) interactive session between Mecca II Medina and a group of about 10 local rappers/what they call R&B, nasheed and Shai'rai) from Kano on Thursday 15th February, which will include a jam session at 3.00 p.m. Those who happen to be in the BC around the day (and time) may drop in to see things for themselves. The musicians assembled from the Kano region cut across all the genres, including, interestingly enough a pair of musicians who call themselves PEACE -- using the synthesizer to build up Islamiyya type of songs in English, Hausa and Enghausa. Quite exciting, really. I have three of their demos and I am quite impressed with what I hear. They are Nazir Hausawa and Umar Gombe (who used to be a Hausa videofilm star, but now has migrated to music). I will see about uploading their samples at the download section of the site.

More significantly, however, we are holding an open  :D dialogue on Saturday 17th February where Mecca II Medina will address members of the audience about their music, their hopes and their aspirations in using music as a bridge to understanding in multicultural societies. You are welcome to drop by at 10 to 12 on Saturday 17th February.

We are hoping for two things to come out of this concert (beside people enjoying themselves!). First, would be a contract to be signed between Arewa and Mecca II Medina concerning recording deals. This is very exciting because it would mean that Kukuma Rap CD would be a reality in Virgin, HMV, Our Price, Tower and other stores across the world from New York to Hong Kong.  Second, we hope that more collaborations could be possible between Mecca II Medina and other local musicians; at the same time, we hope for a horizontal collaboration among the local musicians themselves. So all told, things are looking kinda peachy, as we used to say back in the college days!

Now to the REAL news! I have reserved 10 invitations to the 17th February concert for Kano Onliners at the Security Post of the BC in Kano (Emir's Palace Road, opposite Kano Printing Press) for anyone on this forum who may wish to attend. I am afraid due to other committments I may not follow the tour group to Jos and Kaduna, so I am not sure about those who wish to attend in these cities. If you do live in Jos or Kaduna, and wish to attend, let me know within THIS week so that I can arrange for where you can get your invitation.

Would love to send the invites to Hong Kong, but I am sure SHE would not be able to come (mysterious, wot is he talkin' abaht? ???). However, HER kids can of course come. These invitations can be picked up from about Wednesday 14th February. If there are difficulties, please let me know BEFORE the concert day. And if you are coming (with your family -- mum, dad, sis (if you can stand her!), bro (if you can stand him!) make sure you are there at 7.00 p.m. to avoid the hordes who may try to come in without invites. If you are stuck at the gates, holla, and I will try to come and rescue you!

So let the discussions begin -- what would you want to be covered at the concert, what would you want us to avoid?

Abdalla




Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: gogannaka on February 08, 2007, 03:57:55 PM
Good news.
I would love to attend the jos event please prof.
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Dan-Borno on February 08, 2007, 05:31:54 PM
From Maiduguri to Kano.... ? ? thats about 500 kilos, but i think i will attend.  Count me in Prof.  I pray u will be able to control the crowd!!!!!
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: guest33 on February 08, 2007, 08:08:45 PM
Will the concert be sharia compliant?
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Abdalla on February 09, 2007, 12:18:50 AM
Jos -- please pick up the invitation from SANI MU'AZU, who is the contact person. I'm afraid I don't have his phone number, but he owns LENSCOPE MEDIA, a fairly famous outfit in Jos, we are informed. Remember the concert is on Saturday 11th February 2007. We almost had to re-schedule because Mecca II Medina were stranded in Amsterdam due to heavy snow which affected flights to Nigeria. But insha Allah we are moving on. They are arrving to Nigeria via Abuja, and from there direct to J-town.

Didn't know there was interest from Maiduguri, otherwise would have ensured your invitation is hand-delivered as we had someone just returned from there! We will try to control the crowd, but to avoid the crowd at all try to be there within the time stipulated 7.00 - 7.30 during which we allow only those with the invitations. Beyond 7.30, it is a jungle out there! However, if any KanoOnliner gets stuck out at the gates, please holla on 08033208384 and I will come with the flying squad to rescue you!

Those in Kaduna may pick up their invitations at New Age (as Hauwa Maina, or Auwalu Rimi) offices. The event itself is scheduled at Gamji Gate theater on Monday 12th February 2007 at 7.00 p.m.

Those in Kano please pick up the invitations at the Security post at BC (Emir's Palace Road, Kano City). Identify yourself as KanoOnliner (and try not to look embrassed about it!)

I will not co-ordinate the Jos and Kaduna events  :'(, so those who do attend let us know how it goes, o.k.? That way if there are problems we can nip them in the bud before the finale in Kano. As I said in the previous post, Mecca II Medina are giving a talk about their music in the morning of Saturday 17th February 2007 -- kinda open house, so if you happen to be in Kano for the weekend, feeling kinda bored, why not pop in. It is from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon. You might even get soda to drink!

Shari'a? Of course it is Shari'a compliant! It is a family affair, innit?! So come along with your Mom, Dad, Sis (ahem) or Bro (ahem, ahem)- I said it before, right! ::)

Abdalla
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: NewEte on February 09, 2007, 02:34:35 PM
Wait a minute, I thought stuff like this was anti-Islam. Maybe I am wrong, but it my impression that musical expression of this nature is totally unaccepted in Islam. I recall just a few years ago when music was even banned in marriage ceremonies in Zamfara and some other northern states. Then recently on this thread, some of our female contributors were chastised for watching and enjoying cartoon on T.V by some hardline religious authority. So I am confused here. If Tom & Jerry cartoon shows are inappropriate for viewing, how in this world will an all out music jamboree (which supposedly includes muslim version gangster rap, hoochies mamas, and curse words) be appropriate?
Is this really going to take place? Or is this 419?
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Dan-Borno on February 09, 2007, 02:58:56 PM
Ete has landed again! will you or will you not attend?
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: gogannaka on February 09, 2007, 10:01:33 PM
Wai,that is a little difficult for me.1st of all i dont know much about jos.I got someone to describe crest hotel to me but the lenscope media seem to be hard to locate.
Inshaallah i'l try as much as possible to find the place.Now i can see the importance of the telephone.
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Abdalla on February 10, 2007, 08:35:57 PM
Quote from: Dan-Borno on February 09, 2007, 02:58:56 PM
Ete has landed again! will you or will you not attend?

This guy is a troll. He derives pervasive pleasure in sending you up with his diatribe about Islam, Northern Nigeria, Hausa, etc. It beats me why you bother to even acknowledge his existence.
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: NewEte on February 11, 2007, 03:13:07 PM
Abdalla, whatever!  :P
For your information, I make this forum very interesting. See how boring it is since I haven't posted any new topics? My postings here arouses people's intellect.
I've never see you discuss anything of significance here regardless of topic. The only thing you've done is place an annoucement here about a Nigerian version of American idol and then invite people to show up 500 miles away from their residences. Like some other forumites here, I was simply wondering if this was sharia compliant. Is it wrong to ask these questions ahead of time in order to avoid any misunderstanding?
Wasn't it just a few years ago that the Miss Universe contest was thwarted in Kaduna or so because shariaists were offended that the event promoted indecency? As a result, it even led to a bloody riot.
So should one not make sure that this "Move to Mecca II" event meets all decency guidelines as prescribed by the Umma? Isn't it prudent for one to follow up and make sure the event is sanctioned by the leading Northern Clerics such as the Grand Ayatollahs, etc?
I would rather know this information ahead of time rather than board a plane to Kano and be told the show is cancelled. Wouldn't you?
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Dave_McEwan_Hill on February 12, 2007, 01:44:03 AM
New Ete's attempts at offensive humour are childish and are getting tiresome.
Members of this forum will be aware that I have little time for Sharia law when it is interpreted foolishly but I see little in any of Abdalla's post to suggest that this subject has anything to do with his post.
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: NewEte on February 12, 2007, 04:18:01 PM
Dave, I am getting tired of your very annoying inferances. You need to freaking go back and read where others have asked if the show was sharia compliant. Why aren't complaining about that? Listen pal, if you better back the hell off DAVEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's getting ridiculous already!
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Dan-Borno on February 12, 2007, 05:11:13 PM
Hey guys, lets share some respect whenever we are dicussing issues in this forum.  I cant wait to see either Dave or Malam Sabo Ete exchanging words, deviating from the central theme of our discourse.

Malam Sabo Ete! i want to draw your attention very clearly by refreshing your memory:

Quote from: guest33 on February 08, 2007, 08:08:45 PM
Will the concert be sharia compliant?

This is the question asked by guest33, and immediatelly, Prof replied:

Quote from: Abdalla on February 09, 2007, 12:18:50 AM
Shari'a? Of course it is Shari'a compliant! It is a family affair, innit?! So come along with your Mom, Dad, Sis (ahem) or Bro (ahem, ahem)- I said it before, right! ::)

It is supposed to be over from here, then you Malam Sabo Ete slammed in, with a different topic which is not an issue in this thread:

Quote from: NewEte on February 09, 2007, 02:34:35 PM
Wait a minute, I thought stuff like this was anti-Islam.

That is why Dave quickly reacted:
Quote from: Dave_McEwan_Hill on February 12, 2007, 01:44:03 AM
New Ete's attempts at offensive humour are childish and are getting tiresome.

That is   why in my post, i quickly tried to bring you Ete back to track (topic)

Quote from: Dan-Borno on February 09, 2007, 02:58:56 PM
will you or will you not attend?

Malam Ete, dont be offended, lets get back to the topic.  Will you or will you not attend?
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: gogannaka on February 12, 2007, 07:38:56 PM
I attended the Jos event.The turnout was sooooooo poor.I think those that attended weren't up to 50.Plus the acoustis was not good. We heard the music but not the lyrics.
I hope M2M were not disappointed.
I'll write a brief summary of event later inshaallah.
I hope the KD and Kano ones will have a greater turnout.
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: alkanawi on February 12, 2007, 11:43:43 PM
Quote from: gogannaka on February 12, 2007, 07:38:56 PM
I'll write a brief summary of event later inshaallah.
lol if its brief it is a summary likewise if its a summary then it should be brief ;D
Ba ka ganin ko ba ayi sufficient marketing bane? It should give some lessons for future events anyway.
And i hope it becomes more successful
Malam Danbarno na ga alama ba ka son bin shawarar Prof.Ka daina kula wannan mutumin. Q.e.d
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: MySeLf on February 13, 2007, 12:46:22 AM
Quote from: Dave_McEwan_Hill on February 12, 2007, 01:44:03 AM


Ignore the ignorant dave........ Silent is the best answer to a fool.

Zancenka gaskiya alkanawi....... Kyale wannan jahilin mara tarbiya shi yafi.

Have a good time guys! Wish i can be there.
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Dave_McEwan_Hill on February 13, 2007, 11:28:21 AM
Myself
I presume you mean "silence".
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Muhsin on February 13, 2007, 11:49:01 AM
m,
Its a great loss for me. Dishearten. Why things happened in such a nice sphere all in my absence. I wish this thread started with me right from the first day Prof. had posted it. Though, it's an ineluctable experience/engagement that made it an unfortunate necessity for me to be OFF board. Alhamdulillah; everything is solved.

Prof. Abdallah, many thanks to your kind look at my inquiry about your whereabouts on board. And also to your action over this forthcoming concert. Hoping it to be as (or more than?) as the preceded one was. By Allah's grace I'm going to attend duly.

And other forumers (if the word ever exist), we've to be bearing one another. I learn that (as I'm already aware since) that there are some few heads among us who detest peace in this Site. I see our doyen prof. has had x-rayed him. And we see him. And also depicted the direction of his boat. Please, let him go on, posting his snooty posts. Kifi na ganin ka........

Lastly, having failed to see Husna's reply to this thread set my mind to uneasiness. Is everything all-right with her? Who knows please?

Long life KOL!
Muhsin
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: HUSNAA on February 13, 2007, 01:21:32 PM
Lol Muhsin, I dey!!  :D  thanks for the concern.  :)
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Dan-Borno on February 13, 2007, 02:08:06 PM
Quote from: HUSNAA on February 13, 2007, 01:21:32 PM
I dey!!

No be sey u go sey I dey, what Muhsin means is that ki tofa albarkacin bakinki game da muhawarar da ake yi.  However, you are welcome please.
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: HUSNAA on February 13, 2007, 02:27:53 PM
I have nothing to tofa that is why I have not 'tofa ed' ;D
Yauwa, kai kuma Dan Borno da kabi kana rokon kada a kula kashi, kai kafi kula shi! Har kana tambayar yaushe zai fado! Daga cikin wa? Kwa sha wari a concert din!!! >:(
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Muhsin on February 13, 2007, 02:56:27 PM
Haj. Husna. I'm so happy to learn that you are OK. Thanks to Allah.
As to the Dan-Borno's words. Sincerely your saying is along the line; I also mean her to contribute to the thread.

A bit disappointed by her saying that she had nothing to say. Is it because she's there in Hong Kong as, indirectly, revealed by Prof.???
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Dan-Borno on February 13, 2007, 03:03:17 PM
Quote from: Muhsin on February 13, 2007, 02:56:27 PM
... in Hong Kong

ni ma naji 8)
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: gogannaka on February 13, 2007, 05:17:42 PM
Quote from: alkanawi on February 12, 2007, 11:43:43 PM
Quote from: gogannaka on February 12, 2007, 07:38:56 PM
I'll write a brief summary of event later inshaallah.
lol if its brief it is a summary likewise if its a summary then it should be brief ;D
Ba ka ganin ko ba ayi sufficient marketing bane? It should give some lessons for future events anyway.
And i hope it becomes more successful

LOL i am trying to avoid that kind of CTV kano's summary whereby the 'a gurguje ba tare da bata lokaci ba' will take half the time of the program.
Anyway thanks for the correction.I'll make it a summary.

First of all i collected my Invitation from Lenscope media.True prof,the place is a popular place.I asked only one person and she knew it.I didn't meet Sani Mu'azu but i met a very very friendly guy Habib who offered me as many I.V's as i wanted.I ended up collecting 3.Unfortunately i didnt stay till the end of the event cos i live very very far from the hotel and jos is such a place that 10pm seems like 2am.Ga sanyi,ga babu Okada after 8,Plus they didnt serve item 7  ::). I left the place 9.50pm.

The event didn't start as scheduled.Instead of starting 7pm it started exactly 8pm.Though those that were there 7pm got to enjoy a 'behind the scene' rehearsals and set up of the venue.
The hotel mind u (Crest hotel) is such a beautiful hotel.I'll recommend it for valentines day dinner.Especially the covenant garden restaurant.
Anyways,the event officially started with an address by Sue Mace(director British council).She said the event was meant to be enjoyed so anyone who wanted to come up stage and dance is free to do so.
The address was followed by the introduction to the event by Sani Mu'azu(owner of Lenscope media) a pretty heavy guy with lots of energy and a very good way of introducing the performers.

First to perform were the living scroll.I didn't even know they were Jos based.I thought they came from the UK too.One of them had dreadlocks and i was surprised to hear him speaking Hausa outside.Even thought their dressing was simple,one would no doubt,at their sight,know that they are some kind of artists.They performed 2 beautiful pieces,the second track being the moral booster of the event.Even thought the crowd was small that second song of theirs made the place lively.Mind u i didnt hear a word they said in the songs cos the sound system was so poor u could only hear the beat.But people danced sha!

Second to perform were the G-Vibes. 2 youngsters,one was very very young and looked like Abdullahi Mighty(when he was small) and he had a nice voice u would mistake him for Fati Nijar.They performed two tracks also.At least i caught some of the lyrics.I have forgotten now.They were introduced as the next P-square.

Third came the malomen.Surprise-surprise one of them was Habib,the nice guy that gave me the I.V's at Lenscope media. I sat beside the other chap and was wondering why they were dressed the same. They didnt do the rehearsals so i didnt know they were the malomen.They certainly didnt look 'malo'.
They performed 4 tracks all very beautiful.Their album according to the person that selected the artists to perform in the event was in the offing.The album is 'Ukulle'. The group really brought fun and energy to the event.One of them reminded me of shaba in kano cos he was so energetic and funny.A real entertainer.They had one beautiful girl,Aisha  :o that did some background vocals. Husnaa,no desription of her outfit this time  :P
Their first track was 'ba yawa' then 'ukulle' then 'kudi'.All of the tracks were absolutely beautiful.

After the malomen came Arewa in their famous purple and blue dyed attire.They performed the tracks they performed in the Kano event.In this performance though,all the instruments were perfectly audible and one has nothing but to appreciate the beauty of their music and the 'perfectness' of the co-ordination.The duman girke flowed along with the shantu and kalangu,the kukuma along with the flute and the lyrics.It was so so original and beautiful.Such talent.
To my disappointment,it was like most of the people didnt so much enjoyed Arewa'a performance.Maybe they preferred the hip hop dance that came earlier.But to me It was the best performance.No wonder the band has gone international.

M2M came after Arewa's perfomance and they were so energetic.O boy they were huge o.They don chop KFC tire they don become agric  :P only one of them was nija size.They performed many tracks including one acapella about the young people under attack-on the roads of London.
It was like most of their songs were sort of reggae and we couldnt get most of the lyrics coupled with the  poor sound system(again).But one could hear the da'awah in the lyrics and the message of peace.They performed another track that tells about their life prior to their conversion to Islam.It was titled 'Our Journey' a nice and inspiring track.
M2M were in the middle of their performance when i realised its time to go.I really wished i had stayed till the end especially so i could see the finale-the free performance by all performers.I even went to the hotel reception to find out the accomodation rates  ;).Ah it was quite big for my little pocket, and besides me wife'll not be happy  ;)

Anyways something i think those that didnt attend will like to ask is 'was the event covered on video?'
yes it was fully covered.I think one of the crew that covered the event was a hausa home video filming crew.They came with all those bright bright lights that caught the attention of everyone.They put some coloured screens on them that made the place look like the Oscar venue(  :P to Husnaa) kuma gashi dama the Hall had these Big and beautiful chandeliers.

For the record,all the performers except arewa had their music played on a CD player so it was like the instrumental and in some cases not even instrumental(like the malomen) was played and they mimed.
This time sha, i didnt see any PSR3000 keyboard.
Also M2M said when they were coming to Nigeria,people were like 'why are u coming to Nigeria,its such a bad place....this and that' but they said they found Nigeria to be such a good place 'Dont believe the hype'.A message from M2M.

That was the event.
I hope there will be a large turnout in Kano.I'm quite sure there'll be.It would be good if some of M2M's tracks be played on some radio stations in Kano before the event so that people wont find them strange and at least people could sing along with them.They kinda like that.Their aim which is Da'awah through music would be achieved.

Alkanawi would you call this a summary?Ko kuwa dai ina ganin nayi irin na CTV din fa  ;D
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: HUSNAA on February 13, 2007, 07:01:28 PM
Quote from: Muhsin on February 13, 2007, 02:56:27 PM
Haj. Husna. I'm so happy to learn that you are OK. Thanks to Allah.
As to the Dan-Borno's words. Sincerely your saying is along the line; I also mean her to contribute to the thread.

A bit disappointed by her saying that she had nothing to say. Is it because she's there in Hong Kong as, indirectly, revealed by Prof.???

Lol Muhsin me in Hong Kong? I wish..... As the saying goes, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride!!  Prof must be talking of someone else, certainly not moi!! I live in Nigeria.
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: MySeLf on February 13, 2007, 08:55:34 PM
Quote from: Dave_McEwan_Hill on February 13, 2007, 11:28:21 AM
Myself
I presume you mean "silence".

To make mistake is human
To stumble is common place, And to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity.... :)
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Abdalla on February 13, 2007, 10:06:19 PM
Jama'a, Sallama

Gogan Namu, thanks so much for the concert review. As I said earlier, I was not on the tour because I am engaged on another project in Kano, but I was on the phone with the members of cast and crew, as it were throughout the whole concerts in Jos and Kaduna. You have given us something to chew about -- bad acoustics, poorly reproduced lyrics, and timing. We will definitely take care of these. You know, the original idea was to do the concerts in Katsina and Sokoto; but I changed the route to Jos and Kaduna because we need to reach out to people over there -- plus these are the areas with constant flashes of ethnic and religious unrest. We want to show that music can be the message to bridge the divides and create a truly peaceful multicultural society.

One early feedback we had was that the hotel in Jos was abit far away (located at the end of this looooong drive way!). We also tend to forget that a LOT of our punters will come via commercial transport -- which means we gotta close by or before 10 p.m., otherwise we will loose them! There was more turnout in Kaduna (we targeted 300, about 230 came in, including British High Commissioner himself, Sir Richard Gozny who has always been supporive of our collaborations).

We are waiting for the report (from someone else) from Kaduna, and then we will put it all together on Thursday and see how we can make the finale in Kano on Saturday a grand event! If people happen to be in Kano region in the morning on Saturday they can drop in at the BC for a chat with Mecca II Medina at 10.00 a.m., and some soda!

Husna in Hong Kong. Naah! Now I didn't say that, did I, young Muhsin? "indirectly" implied so? Possibly! All I know is I have a junior sister in Hong Kong and I know she has read my messages, kuma a wannan majalisar!

Abdalla
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: alkanawi on February 14, 2007, 04:40:36 AM
GGNK i was so enthralled by u'r review didnt know when i finished it.
When do we get to see the full "white paper"?
On the whole, me think its' a good development.
Prof. yaushe za a yi a Ingila?
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: gogannaka on February 16, 2007, 06:39:35 PM
Quote from: alkanawi on February 14, 2007, 04:40:36 AM
GGNK i was so enthralled by u'r review didnt know when i finished it.
When do we get to see the full "white paper"?
On the whole, me think its' a good development.
Prof. yaushe za a yi a Ingila?
The white paper will come from the British Council or the centre for Hausa development or the Prof.  ;D
Irin wadannan abubuwan ai ana yi a ingila kullum.Ko ba haka ba?

It seems like no one here attended the Kaduna event  ???
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: gogannaka on February 26, 2007, 06:50:10 PM
Been waiting for someone to at least tell us(or me rather) how the event went in Kano?  ???
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Muhsin on February 27, 2007, 09:52:19 AM
To be sincere enough I have had attended the event. And it went very wonderfully and well-organized. But...... ::) :o
What actually forbade me to tell you of how it went is just my little English, which I consider as unripe to describe the exact blow-by-blow description of the marvelous concert. What I then decided doing was to tell you of how they (M2M people) convert to Islam. Eventually, I later learnt that doing so is of no use, hence I gave up the idea.
I hope Prof. himself will soon answer your call Goga.
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: HUSNAA on February 27, 2007, 02:51:15 PM
In baza ka fada da turanci ba ka fada da Hausa. Chi kenan
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: MySeLf on February 27, 2007, 05:19:13 PM
Check their website and get all the latest about them
and enjoy their music too.

http://www.mecca2medina.com/front.htm
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: alkanawi on February 27, 2007, 07:12:05 PM
Quote from: HUSNAA on February 27, 2007, 02:51:15 PM
In baza ka fada da turanci ba ka fada da Hausa. Chi kenan

aa to. Dama sunan dandalin ko faggen, "Kano a yanar gizo" Kaga hausa ma  ta zama karbabbiyar hanyar da za ka iya yada ra'ayi,shawara,rahoto,manufa ko furofaganda a wannan fagen.

To mallam Muhsin Bisimillah:
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: gogannaka on February 27, 2007, 11:07:20 PM
Aww ashe ba ni kadai nake jira na ga breakdown of event din ba.
Shine da duka kuka yi shiru?
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Muhsin on February 28, 2007, 11:42:53 AM
 :)Thanks for your approaches. By Allah's grace I'll soon come up with it. Unluckily; no enough time for that, now.
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: bakangizo on March 03, 2007, 11:25:32 AM
Lallai na zama bako! yaushe akayi wannan bidirin bana nan? I wouldn't have missed it had I known. In fact I just saw a picture of M2M at the british council on yseterday's Daily Trust newspaper. That's how I knew the about he event. Well, Prof., ba mu mu sha. Yaya aka kare? ;D
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Abdalla on March 29, 2007, 10:17:33 PM
Tsira da Amincin Allah su tabbata gare mu gaba daya

Since young Muhsin has suddenly become shy (and he used to be such a a chatterbox too!), I thought I will close this thread by updating forumites about the M2M concert. I conceptualized and produced it -- and as such I don't think I can give a fair account -- that is why I had wanted Muhsin's review, as that might be more objective than mine. In the absence of his review, I am going to give a mechanical report of the concert (not what the punters say or do!).

The Mecca 2 Medina concert was tagged Rap Across Cultural Borders (RACB). It was based on the wake-up call given by the success of the Kukuma Rap, and it was the next level in empowering local performance artistes in northern Nigeria. This time, with an international, British, flavor. That flavor was provided by Mecca 2 Medina (M2M), a group of three British Muslims who preach Da'awah (call to God) through hip-hop nasheed (a capella lyrics). The group had visited Nigeria and gave two performances in 2005 at the BC Kano to an enthusiastic reception. The increasing high profile of Hausa hip-hop makes it possible to consider the possibilities of inviting M2M back to Nigeria for collaborative performances with local hip-hop artistes.

The usual format of holding performances at the British Council, Kano, however, was revisited and this time around a series of concert performances was conceived as being held in Jos, Kaduna and Kano. The planning for these series of concerts meant traveling to Jos to sound out local hip-hop artistes whose musical fare will blend with M2M's Islamic calls to peace and multicultural unity. With this collaboration with M2M, the entire concept of the concerts assumed a wider dimension and the particular expectations of the visit of M2M to Nigeria were, among others,

To poster greater understanding of contemporary youth musical cultures in the U.K. and northern Nigeria
Enable exploration of possible networks to facilitate musical exchange between musicians across the borders
Create situations and contexts for exchange of skills and training in musical production to promote appreciation of the individual cultures[/li][/list]

These expectations are to be realised through a series of concert performances as well as interactive sessions between local hip-hop musicians and members of M2M. Due to logistics and tight schedule – M2M had only 10 days in Nigeria – the interactive sessions were held only in Kano.

The concerts were scheduled for 10th (Jos), 12th (Kaduna) and 17th (Kano) February. The interactive sessions were took place on Thursday 15th February, while M2M held an open day for members of the public and journalists on Saturday 17th February to enlighten members of the Kano community about their brand of hip-hop and how successful it was in multicultural Britain.

In Jos the support act was a combination of two artistes – Living Scroll, Malomen & G-vibes. In Kaduna local support artiste, Buzun Kaduna, provided the support act with additional supported provided by Dan Hausa (both from Edo State!) In Kano, Billy-O and Shaba were to provide the support; although Shaba did not take to the stage because his daughter was scalded with hot water and had to be rushed to the hospital about two hours to the concert; nevertheless, X-Man Sarari ("Corruption"), another local rapper, took the stage and supported Billy-O's finishing performance.

Next up was Arewa providing a scintillating performance, which included new songs they had composed for the event. They were followed by Mecca 2 Medina who started their slots a capella, followed later by a backup CD of drumming with which they used to conclude their set. This was followed by a question and answer session during which M2M interacted more with their audience and provided more insights into their music and their approach to using music to further improve multicultural relations.

(http://)

Sheikh Rabi'u Usman Baba (left) and Rakim (M2M) in Hausa gown – Rappin' All Over the World!

The finale was the Kukuma Hip-Hop with Arewa providing backing music to M2M's lyrics to songs sung both in Hausa and English. The effect was as eclectic as it was innovative. In one song, Ya Rasulillah (on the Prophet Muhammad), sections of the lyrics were sung in Hausa, Cockney English and Patwa (patois – Jamaican Creole). This was certainly giving new meaning to the phrase, World Music! Most significantly, in the last song, Ka Yi Rawa (you have danced), Rakim (M2M's front man) invited various people to join him on the stage to give it the old bop! One of those who joined was a respected poet Sheikh Rabi'u Usman Baba – showing clearly how music became the message, even if in mutually exclusive languages.

(//%5Bcenter%5D%5B/center%5D)


      Rap concert punters at the British Council, Kano

A series of successes were recorded by this visit of M2M -- including a record deal with Arewa that will hopefully see the release of a true Kukuma Rap towards the end of the year. The tracks have been laid down in the studio, all that remains is the production of the CD label. The marketing will be done by Center for Hausa Cultural Studies (of which I am stepping down as the Chairman, but remaining onboard!). M2M also recorded some tracks with Rabi'u Usman Baba, and PEACE a duo of young Islamic hip-hoppers (which included Nazir Ahmed and Umar Gombe, the latter probably best known as Hausa video film star).

Another success was the rising profile of Arewa -- now rappers are eager to jam with them, and this is very encouraging because it brings prominence to the traditional music sector. While strongly appreciative of modern music and its forms among the Hausa, nevertheless the Center for Hausa Cultural Studies would wish to revive the spirit of acoustic traditional Hausa music as part of our cultural heritage which we can export to the world.

I have started thinking about the NEXT round of concerts. Our concerts, since last year, have a tag – Empowering Local Traditional Performing Artistes. I am thinking about a Dueling Banjo (does anyone remember the Burt Reynold's film, Deliverance, about a funny-looking kid (who is my age now, by the way!) strumming a banjo, while being echoed by the acoustic guitar of one of the characters?) type of concert – running up a gurmi, kuntigi against kukuma! We are also thinking of getting an all-girl band (musicians, vocalists, the lot!).

I will, insha Allah, be going to Morocco in August to be part of an international conference on Music in the World of Islam – that should provide new ideas for more, possibly collaborative concerts! So watch this space 8).


Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Muhsin on April 06, 2007, 12:16:53 PM
Thanks to Professor. I'm also wishing you safe journey to Morocco.
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: IBB on May 09, 2007, 05:46:33 PM
hello people, wats that about? r they moroccons i like the building, but the dress look senegalese to me
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: gogannaka on May 10, 2007, 07:02:33 PM
LOL IBB read the thread from the beginning.

Prof i think it would be a nice idea if,since the hausa music and film industry is greatly influenced by the indian industry,a concert be organised that will bring the indian and hausa music together.

Hmm i'd love to see the famous Salman or if possible the great Lata Mangeshkar perform alongside Shaba or Maryam Fantimoti.
Wallahi ko kudi za a saka zan je.
Title: Re: Mecca II Medina -- LIVE ON STAGE in Nigeria (at bloody last!!!)
Post by: Abdalla on May 10, 2007, 08:55:39 PM
Quote from: gogannaka on May 10, 2007, 07:02:33 PM
Prof i think it would be a nice idea if,since the hausa music and film industry is greatly influenced by the indian industry,a concert be organised that will bring the indian and hausa music together.

Lallai kam da an ga sabon salo! Seriously this idea might have some merits if not for one or two things. First, the Indian backbone of the Hausa video film industry is based on the infrastructure of piracy and identity crisis. The Indians have a formal arrangement with northern Nigerian-Lebanese cinema owners to distribute licensed Hindi films across Nigeria. What gets to the markets are pirated copies of these same films -- so arranging a concert along that line might create copyright problems.

Secondly, the core focus of Indianization of Hausa video films is based on cultural identity crises of the purveyors of the Indian influence in Hausa popular culture. Not being mainstream Hausa, but living on the fringes of Hausa cultural universe, they latch on the Hindi film as a means of negotiating access into the Hausa cultural mindset. This worked. It gave them credibility, respectibility -- and in two or three cases, actual mainstream "Hausa-Fulani" wives.

Yet this mechanism worked brialliantly, because it created a chiasma through which there is a massive revival of interest in Hindi film music, especially among urban educated Hausa (whereas in the 1970s only the non-Western educated Hausa actually bother with Hindi and Chinese films; the Western-educated prefer American or English films). Nazeer Abduallahi Magogo of Kano (Nigeria), for instance, has created a nice niche for himself on Radio Kano FM by translating Hindi film songs into Hausa. He has also published two books on "Indiyanci a Saukake" (a sort of Teach Yourself Hindi Language). I have attempted to attach the picture of the cover of one of his books -- let's up it works, because sometimes this board gets a bit stroppy! I have extensive contacts with Magoga -- which actually led to his radio program -- and he told me he learnt Hindi language (which he speaks fluently!) purely from watching Hindi films.

(//)

I have tried my best to see if the local Indians in Kano (through their cultural groups) could meet with the local Hausa filmmakers for some collaborative efforts but I was not successful. First, the Indians are contemptous of whatever the Hausa do in the name of "film". In 1999 some real Indians came from India to Kano and produced a Hausa video film, Wasiyya. It flopped. The Indians wanted to create a Hausa "art" video film for the Hausa. The Hausa could not be bothered with such high-concept ideas. They wanted the Indians to show them how to sing and dance. The market did not care. The Indians went back. No more Indians coming. End story!

Second, the local Indians are not impressed that the Hausa are copying them. In fact in my interaction with some of them (who, incidently were born and bred in Kano and speak the Hausa language fluently), they say they cringe when they hear attempts by Hausa to sound like Indians in Hausa video films.

So yes, such musical collaboration would be fantastic, but unfortunately, not feasible. I simply happen to be at the right place and at the right time, doing the right things. The British Council that provides impetus for our (Center for Hausa Cultural Studies) activities is basically interested in British-Nigerian youth networks; they certainly would not provide funding to bring Indians to Nigeria. The local Indians are not interested in any networks. That leaves private investors -- the Lebanese. They tried this in the 1970s when they brought the famous Hindi film actor, Dara Singh (Tarzan and King Kong) to Kano (he was a wrestler, who, like Hulk Hogan and Dwayne "The Rock" Douglas Johnson meandered into film through wrestling). Since they they did not bother getting involved in such cross-cultural currents.

But you have given me an idea, though. When funding becomes available, we might try to see if among the local Indian residents in northern Nigeria there might be musicians -- tabla, sitar etc, and we can see how we can create a jam session with our traditional musicians (not, I am afraid, Shaba or Billy who tread different paths!)

Abdalla