SHAI Storms Lagos

SHAI a.k.a. Abaje, needs no introduction as far as Northern Nigeria is concerned. Due to his 2007/2008 hit single titled Mubaje meaning let’s flex, he became well known and a popular figure in the whole of the North after release.

The success of the hit single took him places and led him to work with many top Northern Nigerian celebrities like ‘Aminu Alan Waka’. He has also performed alongside top Nigerian stars like 2face Idibia, M.I., Style Plus and others.

He was one of the MTN face in the North in 2009 alongside other top Northern Nigerian artistes such as Zule Zoo, Fati Niger, Buzu for the MBUFU ’09 concert (music by us for us) organised by MTN in Kaduna state at the Ganji Park.

SHAI released the full album of Mubaje in 2010. The album sold very well in the North but could not penetrate into the Lagos market because of it genre. It’s a blend of Hausa and Hip Hop style of music. So the album was not so successful here.

In search of fortune and fame the light skinned, Zamfara-based Kogi-born singer has just released a new single titled Zamfara to Lagos to demonstrate his quest to take the Lagos market by storm. The new single is really getting positive response and comment on the internet.

According to his manager, Tope Akinkuowo a.k.a. Topinero McKenzie of Street Wise Music, work is in progress to collabo with top Nigerian artistes such as Tuface Idibia, D’banj, Durella, 9ice, Ice Prince, etc, and they have already opened discussion with Durella to feature in Zamfara to Lagos remix.

 —Ayodele Lawal