DIAMONDS

The Diamonds have been able to ensure that every department of instrumentation essential for creation of an all-rounded sound has been taken care of.

Bandleader, “Mr. Biggs,” Anthony Nwanne Iwediunor is in charge of keyboard, and his strong vocal capacity is an added plus, but lead guitarist, the mature, cool headed, Ifiok Effanga could be the most important asset of the band. He was in high demand during the band formation process and remains the reason why other bands have enormous respect for the Diamonds’ capacity. Within the band, Ifiok also commands high respect, often seen directing affairs during rehearsals.

The rhythm section with “Mr. Nice,” Tope Ogunlowo on bass, and Ebenezer, aka “EbeneStar” Ofili on drums, seems tight and controlled. What’s left is for the main vocalists, petite Ajumoke Nwaeze and Blessed Edewor to provide the vocal harmonics. It’s a mix of styles, but it’s a creative blend. They say ‘Diamonds are forever;’ this group could be around till the very end.


DA HERITAGE

Unlike some other bands, Da Heritage doesn’t have a natural guitarist.
No problem as what they lack in that regard is rewarded by the dexterity of bandleader Christian Amagiya on keyboards, Nathan Omadudu on bass and versatile Pelumi Togun on drums.

Pelumi’s stellar skills are unique-not always does one come across a drummer who can also rap; and Nathan’s stage presence is a delight to watch. Additionally, and arguably, Da Heritage has the smoothest vocal combination in the house: female voice, Glory Odeh has an amazing range, while male vocalists Will Nzeh and Chukwudi Ubido provide the backing she needs to ‘raise the roof,’ as she has often shown she can.

Then again, that lack of a natural guitarist? Maybe we were wrong, Will Nzeh has shown variously during rehearsals and off stage that he can fit perfectly into the role of ‘axe man,’ if he has to. So, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome…Da Heritage!


EXPOZEE

The band, Expozee is led by Emmanuel Aika, a 25-year-old who plays both bass and keyboards and whose father was a brilliant guitarist. Emmanuel leads a team of very interesting young musicians.

Drummer boy, Alexander Obiseh began his career as a drummer by beating tins and cans around the house as a child-the punishments he often received for his ‘noise-making’ never deterred him from following his dream. Bass guitarist Jeremiah Ishaya over time grew familiar with the drums, keyboards and bass guitar. He’s chosen the latter as his prime ‘WMD’ for the band.

Lead guitarist Seun Adegboye is perhaps the musical ‘whiz kid,’ in Expozee. His profound knowledge of music is a deep asset. And vocalists Sunday Omale and Nnedi Ezirim are quite an interesting pair: Omale, formerly known as “Sunny Brown of the Tu stars,” now permanently wishes to be known as “Sunny Brown of Expozee!” And 22-year-old fair-skinned, attractive, Nnedi Ezirim provides huskiness in delivery that should stand out in the mix. We can’t wait to see Expozee in ‘full exposure!’

SPECTRUM

The six guys from Spectrum had the first in-band bickering of the competition. As expected it came during the band formation stages. Keyboardist Divine Grant had to be ‘negotiated’ from another group which had chosen two bonafide pianists. You’d expect Divine to settle in nicely. There was a mild rumpus, he was wanted out, but the mature manner the band members sorted things was worthy of commendation.

Also worthy was their choice of leadership. Daniel Ikpeme, the flamboyant, ever-smiling bassist is the bandleader. He’s also an athlete who knows the importance of consistency. He fronts a ‘mean’ team of players: Saxophonist ‘Sammy O’ is ‘Dr. Love,’ literally! Ladies simply fall in love with his soothing, caressing pipes. Sammy’s got in-band competition on the horns from Harrison Ogbebor on Clarinet.

Drummer Stephen Ogunwede doesn’t need to do too much talking-his sticks talk well enough! And Faith Eriata, hmm…well what can we say? Faith is definitely a power vocal in the house; she’s got the voice and she’s got the moves. That’s Spectrum. They’re no mirage…what you see, is what you get!

NEXT

Who’s Next? Next are three boys and three girls who are in this contest to be the difference!

Bandleader Isiah Okoh learnt to play musical instruments like you learn to speak a language. In 1994 he started with the drums, progressing to the keyboards the following year, and eventually graduating to bass, which is what he wields with Next!

Computer guru Albert Oyakhilome employs his programming skills on the keyboards to great advantage, and Guitarist Bright Ejike adds experience, maturity and great philosophical depth to the mix-all that could come into play on those nerve-wracking, tension-soaked moments.

But that’s just one half of the picture; now add Tope “Top Sticks” Odebiyi, female drummer par excellence, and Menzi Iwedi and Amanda Kalu on vocal chores and you have a band that’s almost just complete…three strong males and three tough girls! But that could be a problem, right? Wrong! Next! seem to have it all tied up nicely. They got everything they need to be the next big thing!


B SIXZ

We asked all the other bands which band they would consider as closest rivals. One band’s name stood out. The B Sixz!

What makes them so intimidating? Well if you have a voice as distinct as band leader Eme Jackson, whose ambition is to change the music scene with his own unique brand of music, complemented with the sonorous vocals of the adorable Aishat Malik, you must be wary. There’s also a promising ‘Senator’ in the mix-Ken Fidelis, who is the bassist. Then there is the gentle and understanding Emeka John on the drums and on the horns is a fellow who believes that his instrument is designed ‘only for the strong’.

Godwin Iguwe insists that the trumpet chooses you, and not the other way round! But it seems that B Sixz have a problem, which if not nipped quickly, could destroy all their efforts…ego! Eme Jackson the band leader acts as if he owns the band! But Aishat, protested, and we believe, the tension has since cooled down. We just hope it doesn’t raise its ugly head again? Time, will tell; none the less B Sixz seem to be one of the top contenders, at least for now.