Blackmagic with his baritone and resonate themes had Nigeria's hearts. His songs were vibrant, and the cult following he amassed was due to his ingenuity, his simple way of saying complex things; sometimes, it was the other way round. Whatever the case, circa 2012, anything Blackmagic touched turned gold.

Blackmagic Version 3.0 [Starving Artist]

An extended project would come by way of Black Friday (with production from Kid Konnect), with the 2015 release failing to generate much buzz.

A slide down the popularity chain didn't begin with the poor reception of the EP, however. It began with the influx of new voices, and the listenership it pulled. The Alternative sound, which Blackmagic helped bring to Nigerian consciousness, was fighting a losing battle. However, when the Santis and Odunsis surfaced on the mainstream about three years ago, their movement and sound were rallied by their youth. Although he remains a kind of ancestor to a group of people called Alté, the grace of the new times does not extend to him, unfortunately. And with his last major input coming so long ago, he was removed from his peers, too. Commercially, that is.

It is to Blackmagic's credit that he keeps trying: last year, he released projects whose impacts were like a tree felled inside a forest. At a crossroads, Blackmagic has seen the crowd depart, and all he has is his music. The music, and of course, a small cult of fans who still swear by his genius.

Starving Artist Tracklist

Blackmagic Version 3.0 - Starving Artist

Releasing an album in 2020 comes with a whole lot of politics. For one, Blackmagic has to align by a movement. Of course, for one whose music thrives in different genres mashing to his signature style, it will be a huge ask. But for commercialization purposes, it is imperative for him to pitch his tent somewhere. From the first song on his latest album, his third, Blackmagic seems to recognize this. On "Soon," he teams up with the scintillating Tems, an artist whose own sound is popularly grouped under the Alternative tag. For two voices so unique, the duet delivers on its promise. The Spax production is a trademark: warm, palm wine-invoking, and easy on the ears. "Sorry to keep you waiting, I've been chasing inspiration," Ejay raps. "I've been on this journey, I can't wait no more," they both sing.

"Koole" continues in the soundscape, as Blackmagic raps as he's always done. His lines are explicit yet calculated, and the soft horns which accompany its production make for an enjoyable listen. "Anything for Love" and "Bad Intentions" revel in the emotional, with both songs revealing different approaches to the theme. On the former, he's a lovebird, singing affectionately and on the Xela-produced song, he's more risque, singing of his appeal and his irresistibility to a woman. "She say Blackmagic oya put am," he sings. "Oshey Blackmagic oya go down." 

Blackmagic hasn't forgotten how to make a conscious record if that's what you're thinking. The critical "Dreams" is the best song on the album. Short and sharp, Blackmagic's lyricism cuts deep into the pain felt by many creatives on a daily. Especially in Nigeria, he seems to say. His hook, which manages to sound makeshift and poetic at the same time, is delivered somberly. "Ordinary Man" plays into the sequence, with Blackmagic creating a collage of emotions, singing moodily on a beat that could have been a Trap banger. His experimentation with the sound isn't as flashy as one would like, but he delivers another Nigerian anecdote that all but confirms the song's replay value.

Musical reinvention is the creative drive behind this project, as on different songs, Blackmagic takes the fresh and infuses enough of himself. A song like "Ponmo" which finds musical chemistry between Hip Hop-esque drums and EDM chops is a fine demonstration. As always, Blackmagic's sound doesn't lend itself to typical categorization.

As he's known to prefer, the soundscape of his latest album is here and there but streamlined through a desire to express personal emotions, most of the songs allow for somber reflection. "Strong Man" is one such song. He addresses the pain he felt after his father's death and in the same breath, acknowledges his mother's love. There's enough for Efemena to live for, he seems to say. He reiterates this on "Blue," an oddly quiet song that is carried by Ejay's passionate singing. "I'm in my darkest days/ that's why I'm chasing blue," he sings. For a rap verse, he takes the Nigerian condition as a metaphor for his own struggles. "And yeah I got the power, but you know it's gloom and I can't charge phone with this kind of light," he raps.

Although the singing which closes the album sounds grim, Blackmagic comes back with a positive message of accepting oneself. With such a personal and vulnerable project, Blackmagic, like Ikon on Hungry to Live, favors the inward gaze. And he's the better for it: in 2020, Blackmagic isn't the big-name he once was and had he placed an overzealous eye on getting the Pop credits, he might have strayed from the autobiographical edge that has ensured the critical acclaim of this series.

This here is an art that stays true to its creator, flaws and all. He's been sexually inciting, he's been pained like every Nigerian. He's been reinvigorated, and if for anything, that will keep his fans waiting for his next project. Long live Ejay.

The post Has Blackmagic Still Got The Magic? | "Version 3.0 [Starving Artist]" Album Review appeared first on NotjustOk.

It's a double delight as B.O.B Entertainment act - Blackmagic premieres two spanking new singles entitled - "Anything For Love" and "Ponmo".

"Anything For Love" was produced by Spax, as the title suggests its a love themed number. The infectious tune has some jazz-influence embedded in it which helps Blackmagic shine with his silky vocals.

"Ponmo" is a conscious number which sees Blackmagic call out Pastors and Politicians.

Listen Up!

For more info and tracks check out Blackmagic's NotJustOk Page

Check out other Lyrics of your favorite songs. Also, Get updates as they drop via Twitter and Facebook

The post Blackmagic - Anything For Love + Ponmo appeared first on NotjustOk.

VIDEO: Blackmagic - Bad Intentions

BOB Entertainment frontier - Blackmagic, releases the official video to his previous single - "Bad Intentions". The song was produced by Xela, and the video directed by Aje Films.

Check it out below...

DOWNLOAD AUDIO

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BlackMagic - Bad Intentions (De De De) | prod. Xela

B.O.B Entertainment is pleased to announce the release of “Bad Intentions,” the debut single from Blackmagic.

‘Bad Intentions’ produced by Xela definitely delivers on what Blackmagic does best. Its classy, catchy with a mix of dancehall and afrobeat.

Blackmagic’s melodic, introspective, low key raps, often set to stripped back, downbeat rhythms, have become one of the defining sounds of our times, an appealing lo-fi contrast to modern pop’s frenetic tendency to overdo everything. 

Bad Intentions is 4 minutes and 28 seconds long, set at a gentle, mid-tempo pace, with the same three chord sequence repeating all the way through.

The performance quality is high throughout, both vocally and instrumentally. Overall, the single is distinctive and original.

STREAM "Bad Intentions"

The post BlackMagic - Bad Intentions (De De De) | prod. Xela appeared first on NotjustOk.

 

This not your typical romantic song but instead an exploration of the complicated layers that are such an intricate part of every love story. All so different, yet so similar at the same time.

Blackmagic's "No need" explores the often complicated layers of a romantic relationship; unspoken pains and misunderstandings, unexpressed feelings, complicated love.

An inescapable human emotion, love is not always romantic, easy or straightforward

The post VIDEO: Blackmagic - No Need appeared first on NotjustOk.

"Off his forth coming album “Magic Republic (Version 3.0)” B.O.B Entertainment is pleased to announce the release of “No Need,” the debut single from Blackmagic.

“No Need”, produced by Xela,

The single "No Need” with its soulful lyrics, tempo, and dynamic chorus, “Not Every Love Story Is a Romance” emanates a clean and classic hit.

The latest from B.O.B entertainment artist Blackmagic depicts a specific kind of romantic encounter in a bright, meandering tune.

As the title suggests, each lyric offers a different take on love. But Blackmagic's track isn't a gushing ode to romance or a lamentation on lost love; instead, "No Need" deals with tricky, blurry feelings that fall somewhere in between."

DOWNLOAD AUDIO

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NotjustOk TV: Show Dem Camp, MI Abaga, Moelogo, Black Magic, Di'Ja Thrill At Palmwine Music Fest

You're now rocking with the SDC, it's the Show Dem Camp, Omo, Yes Indeed!

Last Friday, Super Hip Hop group - Show Dem Camp held their very first headline show in Lagos tagged "Palmwine Music Fest", a music and food festival where some of the biggest names in the industry came to honour fans with great music and of course, it was fun all the way.

Right there at Muri Okunola Park, fans were treated to great music from the likes of MI Abaga, Bez, Di'Ja, Moelogo, Blackmagic, Lynxxx, Poe, BOJ, Ajebutter, Efe Oraka and of course, the headliners - Show Dem Camp.

Amazing performances as fans simply yearned for more and can't wait for another edition in 2018.

NotjustOk TV was there from start to finish to bring you exciting moments from the show.

Watch below.

The post NotjustOk TV: Show Dem Camp, MI Abaga, Moelogo, Black Magic, Di'Ja Thrill At Palmwine Music Fest appeared first on NotjustOk.

BlackMagic calls on two of the finest indigenous rappers in the game; Phyno and Reminisce and rap heavy weight Vector to help out on the remix to Africa.

It is good to see Reminisce and Vector on the same song after they squashed their beef.

Produced by Kid Konnect [DOWNLOAD]

The post Blackmagic - Africa (Remix) ft Vector, Phyno & Reminisce appeared first on NotjustOk.

With his 2012 hit record “Repete” continuing to dominate radio, TV and digital spaces, not just in Africa but globally well into the second half of 2013, BLACKMAGIC is proud to debut his brand new single titled “Africa”, as premiered only moments ago on BEAT FM and TOP Radio.

 

”Africa”, which is produced by critically acclaimed beatsmith Kid Konnect, showcasesBlackmagic in all of his versatile glory and Pop sensibilities over this dense and catchy drums-led bass heavy musical backdrop. This new single will serve as the latest offering taken from his forthcoming album Version2.0 to be released in the coming months via the newly formed B.O.B (Based On Belief) movement.

 

The new album from Blackmagic is set to feature production from the likes of Kid Konnect, IKON, Remy and TinTin with guest appearances coming from M.I, Banky W and Oritsefemi just to mention a few and while we await the Version2.0 album that is sure to be a game-changer for Nigerian music, enjoy “Africa”, the latest single from Blackmagic below:

- Lalaboiy

DOWNLOAD

The post Blackmagic - Africa appeared first on NotjustOk.

Simplicity is the word to describe this video. All I see are beautiful black women with lovely smiles. Thanks Blackmagic.

Directed by Unlimited LA.

*O.O*

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23MsneAXhAc[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZIHBpDbFa4[/youtube]

MOBILE VIDEO DOWNLOAD

The post VIDEO: Blackmagic - Repete appeared first on NotjustOk.

Repete is a slow tempo song that will draw you in; very well composed track. Fantasy is the party type track that will get you moving and has that fun feel.

I want to see BlackMagic blow; he always delivers good music and never wastes our time when we press play.

Listen and share your thoughts.

LOL @ Based on Belief

Repete (Produced by Xela)
[audio: http://www.notjustok.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/REPETE-prod-by-Xela.mp3]
DOWNLOAD

Fantasy (Produced by T-Flava)
[audio: http://www.notjustok.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/FANTASY.mp3]
DOWNLOAD

The post BlackMagic - Repete + Fantasy appeared first on NotjustOk.

He is back with a new one and I absolutely love it. It's a mature, feel good type of track that will sound perfect in a Lounge or laid back hangout setting; a mix of soul, Jazz and rap. Listen and share your thought ma peoples.

Rainbow

The post BlackMagic - Rainbow appeared first on NotjustOk.