#LaitAndAbout KSA's Fender Guitar Auctions For N52.1million? Wawu!

Yes o! All roads led to Federal Palace Hotel on Sunday, December 11th, for the legend, King Sunny Ade's Sunny on Sunday concert; a concert that was the grand "wrap-up" concert for the month long celebration of KSA's 70th birthday.

Before I s.h.a.r.e details of my "wawu" highlight of the night ( KSA's Fender Guitar that was auctioned for N52.1million ), let me share highlights of my moments on the red carpet.

I had the #TosynCam so first thing i did was let celebrity guests take #TosynCamSelfies. Check them out via @TosynsBlog on Instagram.

From Cool DJ Jimmy Jatt to quirky Lala Akindoju; from the selfie Queen, Toke Makinwa to Mimi Onalaja, Debola Williams, Darey, Iyanya and Emma Nyra.

The Sunny on Sunday concert had two fun zones - The Temple Balmoral Hall were the main event happened and the VVIP lounge where multi-instrumentalist Ed Izycs serenaded the guests.

Now, to my highlight - the starting bid price for the Fender Guitar was N9million and the bidding got up to N52.1million when an unidentified individual made the final bid.

KSA's glittering Fender guitar was designed by Nigerian visual artist,writer and photogragher Victor Ehikhamenor and the auction was handled by Dr. Jogun Onabanjo, a certified auctioneer.

The event was hosted by actress Funke Akindele, OAP Lolo of wazobia Fm and comedian, Tee A. Artistes who performed were Tiwa Savage, Onyeka Onwenu, Sir Shina Peters, Niniola, Iyanya, Terry Apala, Darey and Awilo Logomba.

Indeed, the night was a night to remember and I look forward to upcoming projects of King Sunny Ade. My Christmas kicked off on the bright side.

#EventWednesday A Week of Weddings, Jidenna and Fooooood

Last week was a full week for me. It was a mix of weddings, premieres, red carpets and foooooooooooooooooooood.

The week technically started Kunbi's wedding since I was there till Monday morning anyways.

Kunbi of April by Kunbi had a fairytale wedding and it was fun dancing all night.

The dancing continued on my radio show with old and new music. Imagine playing all those songs you danced to five, ten, fifteen years ago!

Kel (yes, Kelioooooo) also came on the show to exclusively premiere her brand new song, "Act like you Do", a 90s inspired song. Kel made a promise to me (on video) that she is back, and isn't going quiet again. Okay o!

Vera of Verastic.com, a blogger, content creator, mother and speaker, was my other guest this week, bringing us tips on blogging and niche blogging in particular for my Tip Thursday show. I learnt a lot, including having fun with things you love, even if it's niche you do.

On Thursday, it was 'Jidenna' live with Aurelien, and our friends, Benita and Jonathan. I enjoyed my goofy red carpet interviews with Bolinto for 'On the Carpet' (remixed 'Classic Man'), TraceNaija and Chuey of Pulse Nigeria (danced for him). Jidenna was funnnnn! The full set was enjoyable, even if 'Classic Man' still got the most buzz.

Buzz Friday was too much fun, with Makida and I doing the most; including a 'not Teyana Taylor' video via snapchat. (Don't look. Okay look. No don't).

*sigh*.

I'm eating doughnuts right now so I guess I can't ever hope to be like Teyana!

I can make music though, which I did, with a date with Sess.

And speaking of dates, I had a lovely dinner date with some (powerful) women in media, including Arit Okpo, Toke Makinwa, Lamide Akintobi, Olorisupergal and Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi. Dinner was with Mich ( Google ) and Teju ( Google Nigeria).

See? Full week right?

#TosynPlayMySongNa

Heyyy!

So you know I love music right? Especially when it is #FreshandAlternative? Plus I see a lot of people asking how to get airplay!

I can't play it all but we sure will try with #TosynPlayMySongNa

Here is how it works
- Put up a video on instagram of you singing YOUR OWN SONG accappella or with a guitar / piano ONLY.

- CC @tosynbucknor @tosynontheair using the hashtag #TosynPlayMySongNa

We will repost our favourites daily, play three favourites on my radio show weekly, interview a few of you here, and at the end of the month, one lucky person will not only get airplay and gifts but also N50000 cash.

All the best!

#FreshAndAlternative Byno shines as Gold hits happy ears

A very happy Matthew hung out at the "Gold" listening party. Here is his report.

"On a night with every member of the YBNL family present, as well as OAPs, pressmen and many other artistes including Bez, Tjan, Falana, Falz, Phyno, Pepenazi, Yung L and Uzikwendo, Adekunle Gold treated us to a newsworthy listening party.

Matthew with Douglas and VJ Adams

Matthew and Falana

Some might have been dismissive when they first heard a cover of One Direction's 'Story Of My Life' by a certain new-ish name back in 2014. Little did they know that was the beginning of a fresh sound of alternative music in Nigeria. 

 Adekunle Gold has successfully concluded the maiden Chapter of what has now become a new sound that has brought together and even unveiled many of his kind. The photoshop expert, who only dated girls he never met (words of the host on the night, Dotun) has now become the voice of true endearment.

The YBNL soldier treated his audience to an unplugged feel of GOLD and a night of unforgettable performances.

Despite starting over 2 hours behind schedule, largely due to the fact that many attendees were unable to surf through traffic, the event kicked off on a very refreshing note.

Label hypeman and OAP, Dotun, greeted Adekunle Gold’s parents and introduced indie artiste, Ric Hassani to start the night with, "Gentleman".

Ric's amazing performance was not the only thing noticed, but the fact that the live band captured every single detail of the song. In the midst of that applause, Byno appeared before the audience and just as everyone thought his rendition would be just a cover of Adele’s 'Hello', he instead delivered a medley, switching from that to Drake’s 'One Dance' and Kevin Little’s 'Turn me on' and then a native song. He then went on to Alicia Keys’ "In Common" and Kiss Daniel’s "Mama".

The mood Byno created was a dope blend of absolute awe and humour, leaving the audience at a crossroads as to whether to clap, cry or laugh. Just as everyone thought his session was over, Byno turned to the band for what he described as a 'Byno Party'.

  Aramide was next and her new songs "Funmilowo" and "Iwo Nikan" drove the audience crazy. 'The Voice' favourite Chike was next, and then after was Simi. 

  Adekunle Gold rounded up the night, supported by a fantastic Band, a standing audience and the brain behind the mixing of every song of GOLD, Simi. Pick Up wrapped up an extra-ordinary night and the audience were wonderful to delay hold on the night till around 11pm"

#MondayMotivation How to get on with it! Plus, a Dj Spinall tip

Let's be honest! Some days, you can't do it. 

Or at least you think you can't.

You can't go to work
You can't go to school
You can't face people
You can't smile.

That's a lot of can'ts.

And here's one more- you can't do that.

In an ideal world, we would "take all the time you need" but as grown ups, we have to get up and go, no matter what we are dealing with and each one of us has something we do to get things going.

I chatted with Dj Spinall on my show this morning and he told me he has a go to song that he plays when he is feeling down but still has to dj at an event. I have that too. Just a set of songs that pump me up.

And that's my first tip for you-

* Have a Go-To
It could be a go to song, Bible verse or poem that leaves you pumped!

* Psych yourself
I am not averse to throwing punches like Ali when I'm in the studio feeling down. I start dancing and psyching myself up. Err, just remember to do this away from people lest they call a doctor..

* Separate the two
They say women are able to compartmentalise better. I say, we all need to learn to separate. Don't bring those emotions from personal life to the workplace, and especially not with colleagues, bosses or clients. I can't be on air crying, dj Spinall can't start playing "my heart will go on" at a wedding just cos he's heartbroken.
Lol.

Separate it!
Practise and it makes perfect.

* Deal with it
I don't want to end this post on a defeatist or 'avoidance' note.
It's important to deal with whatever it is getting you down. If it's something that can be solved, solve it. Whatever it is, deal with it.

So, how do YOU cope?

#4pminLagos x Adele, Justin and Adekunle Gold... it is Play Data's Top Ten Week One!

Hi all
I apologise for the long silence. I made my blog a New Year 'Must Do' so let us see how it goes!
Lol.

But now back to the reason for the post.

The #RadioTopTen counts down the most played songs across radio stations in Nigeria. You can see the Top 100 on their site www.playdatacharts.com but here is a look at the Top Ten which features Adekunle Gold at Number 1



 

#TBDaily x What I Am Loving at the Moment: Love you Pass, BMPro and more!

Hey friendlies,
Welcome to this edition of "What I Am Loving At The Moment".
Today i am loving some music, skincare and  beauty products and a tv show about little people!

SONG
While i have been bumping a lot of cool songs on the radio and  in the car, one song that has stood out for me is- "Love You Pass' from the 'Stories that Touch" album by Falz featuring Bez.

Falz has a nicely themed album and works with different artistes to achieve that. This is one of his tributes to love and the world of alternative Nigerian music so who else but Bez?

Dope hook so please check it out from the album available on itunes now!

SKINCARE
I found an Orisade flier when i went for Locitude's Loc Appreciation Day earlier this year and i had been meaning to get some of the products like their body butter and more. I finally got complimentary soap and body butter and i have to say the soap is amazing.
You know how you wash your face with mosturizing soaps and keep rinsing because your mind feels it is still soapy but it is just the mosturising effect?
That is how i feel about 'Orisade Avocado and Aloe Vera Soap'.

It also strips your face of the day's make up and dirt so more props for it. The body butter has that powerful shea butter smell so it is taking me some getting used to but it gives your skin a natural glow.
Orisade uses natural products for their skincare brand so more props for them.

MAKE UP
When i went for a make up trial recently with Banke Meshida Lawal of BMPro and while i waited, i browsed through some of their make up products.

After the trial, i asked for one of the lipsticks they used and powder and their lipstick is giving me life. It is the 'Matte  Velvet Lipstick' and is perfect for days you have to do your make up yourself but still want that pop!

You know me i am all about the pop!
I love the shade and how long it lasts.

TELEVISION SHOW
What do you get when you put a group of women together? Usually a lot of talk, some conflict, work and relationship ups and downs and more, and that is what Little Women LA brings in spades. Add to it that the cast of this show are largely, little people.

p.s, if you have been saying 'dwarfs' or 'midgets', you have been politically incorrect so please start saying 'little people'.

Back to my current favourite ladies on reality television!
These ladies are fun, feisty, and like the average woman, have their pow-wow days and their bleh moments, Add to that some health concerns and peculiarities and it makes for one hour of pure tv goodness!

If you don't watch it yet, please catch new episodes on Lifetime now!

#TBDaily x #MondayMotivation And never let go

My cousin and I had a chat this Sunday. About music and entertainment in Nigeria mainly. Just like I have convos with my sister, I shd do convos with my cousin. It's always fun chatting with him cos he has an opinion (informed) about EVERYTHING. And one.

Lol.

I told him that what I wish most is that 6 years ago when I had the choice between full time radio or my music right after NYSC, I should have done music.

(P.s, check out my album on soundcloud.
 

See back then my music was termed 'weird', 'different', 'won't sell' and everything but good. I was frustrated. I remember going to record with a producer when I was in school and every one from the owner of the studio to random people at the studio discouraged me.

I shouldn't have listened. But if I am to be honest, it shook me a lot. Then of course after service I got my job at Top Radio 90.9.

Radio and Music seem complementary but if you do one, the other suffers. Check out every radio personality that has music out. Music always feels like a side hustle. Music demands things we can't give it if we are 'cheating' with other things. Like when someone tries to keep their bank job but still make music- it hardly works.

My cousin firmly believes I made the right choice though. He thinks I've done so well with entertainment / media and that music is such a gamble that it could have gone either way.

Who knows. Life doesn't offer us a sliding door where we can see how different our lives would have been if we turned left instead of right.

But I still do my music. When I can.

In my head I'm going to focus.

Lol.

Either way I will tell you now- if you have the passion and drive for something and it won't let you go, don't let it go either!

#4pminLagos Alanis Morisette updates 'ironic' for Social Media age

If you have ever had a conversation with me about music, you will know how highly i rate Alanis Morisette. So imagine my delight when i stumbled on this hilarious video of her performing 'Ironic' with some new lyrics. Lol.
It was on 'The Late Late Show with James Corden' and i think they both killed it.
Enjoy!

#TBDaily x #ThingsTosynLoves Joe covers Adele

I was randomly checking instagram out on Sunday when i stumbled on Joe's cover of Adele's "Hello". Yes. Joe of "I Wanna Know" and "Good Girls".

I love Adele's version so you know i was scared to click but click i did and guess what? This is so emotional, deep, grown and makes you miss your ex in sexy way.





What do you think?

#OAP101 How to Schedule and Create your Content

Hello lovelies! I have this week's edition of 'OAP 101 Podcast' ready and this week, have i got tips for you! Get tips on 'Scheduling and Creating Content' for your radio, television and other shows. I give you practical tips, lace it with examples and a lot of giggling. Lol. Please check it out and then let me know if you have questions or comments.
 

#TBDaily x #OnlyTheBest Day 1 of Tosyn taking Mauritius

Hey guys,

So I'm writing to you from sunny Mauritius. It is such a beautiful place. The resort we are camped in is the Outrigger Beach resort. It was love at first sight especially as they welcomed us with refreshing Lemon Grass tea. (I'm easily pleased).

Before I proceed, let's take this to the very beginning, for as they sang in the 'Sounds of Music', it's a very good place to start.

GoTV invited me down to Mauritius, alongside social media influencers like Olorisupergal, BellaNaija, Pulse NG and 360Nobs, for the annual #MultichoiceContentShowcase, themed, #OnlyTheBest.

Everyday a new adventure as to what to expect on GoTV, and indeed, DSTV.

I'm here with people from Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius (duh), Ethiopia, and more and I'll be uploading pictures and videos to my twitter, instagram and snapchat so heyyyyyy, follow me for great Behind the Scenes stuff.

(P.s, I can currently hear the Mavins doing their soundcheck).

With Olorisupergal (blogger) and  Korede Bello (Nigerian artiste, member of Mavins) on the flight

We flew Emirates (our Host on the Lagos to Dubai arm was a hoot!), and since the flights were looooong (at least six hours each, Lagos to Dubai, Dubai to Mauritius), I was able to watch 'Sounds of Music' (againnnnnnn), 'The Avengers' (again) and 'Cool Hand Luke'.

I also checked out the Ed Sheeran 'X' album and it's so good!!! Also worth checking out are Colbie Caillat's and Sam Smith's new albums.

I'll be heading out for a dinner at 7.30pm and I'm unpacking now so let me catch you guys later. In the meantime, don't forget to follow on instagram, twitter and snapchat for a blow by blow account.

I'm wrapping up with three essential tips for long distance travel

Tosyn's Travel Tips

- Have small tubes or containers for essentials like roll-on, lip gloss, foundation and powder.
You'll want to get off a plane looking like a million bucks!

- Don't skip the meals but be smart with the drinks. I recommend enjoying the complimentary water and asking for a little more, then keeping alcohol to a minimum

- Follow the clock! If you travel during the day, instead of sleeping off immediately (and then risking being awake at night), stay awake, read a book or enjoy an in-flight movie. Then sleep at night.
That way, you don't confuse your body and suffer too much jet-lag.

I hope the tips help!

#ShopTosyn My first week of Monochrome

Hello,

So last week I dug up some jackets and rocked a fabulous jacket week.
This week I played with black, and white.

Honestly, I thought it would be fun but it was a bit of a struggle. For one, the way I had the looks in my head didn't play out, and I guess I'm so casual that colour is a saving grace for me.

Nevertheless I stuck with it and had fun.

Monday was a simple black dress in ode to the #LBD. Tuesday I went 'gangster' as a colleague put it while Wednesday saw me with some baggy pants. I wore a skirt on Thursday (shock!horror!) then flipped things with an #LWD (Little White Dress) today (Friday).

My Favourite Day: Friday surprisingly because the one I thought wouldn't work, popped!

Least Favourite Day: Wednesday. The proportions weren't great

What I Learnt: Monochrome looks great but get contrasts right and o, cheat lightly with a dash of colour. Eg, black, white and red.

My Tips

1. Start with one of the colours then layer/offset with the other

2. Break it up in fun way, eg, your hair and neck accessories

3. Use patterns like polka dots, stripes etc for a cute or fun take on the look and keep it plain if it's more for the office or something formal.

Got any votes for what I should try next?

#4pmInLagos One Mic Naija is on August 30th!

Lagos is agog as we have announced the date for Nigeria's coolest concert series, One Mic Naija.

Scheduled to hold at Ember Creek, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, this month’s edition of the show will hold on Sunday, 30th August, 2015.

 Over the years, One Mic Naija has consistently delivered top notch performances with top music stars treating music lovers to quality live music. Recently, artistes like Korede Bello, AKA, Iyanya, Reminisce, Jesse Jagz, Kiss Daniel, Koker, Cynthia Morgan, Ayo jay and Bez have all performed and there's much to look forward to for this edition!



The last edition of the event held on Sunday, 28 June, 2015, and it witnessed several exhilarating performances from artistes like Bez Idakula, Koker, Sojay, Tomi Odunsi, Efa and Fefe. One Mic Naija is Nigeria’s coolest fully live concert which holds bi-monthly.

It sets out to provide artists the platform to present their music to fans in a very intimate setting, while also mingling and collaborating with fellow artistes. The well attended event has 'fans' like Banky W, naeto C, Wizkid and M.I who have all attended in the past.


Don't forget to stay glued to 'onemicnaija' across all social media platforms for performer announcements and more!

#FromTheShow New Music Monday with Fefe

Monday kicked off pretty good with #TopoftheMorningwithTosynBucknor. If you have never listened to my radio show... *clutches chest*. Mondays to Fridays on Top Radio 90.9. Hey, go mobile- www.mobile.909topradio.com.

I had fun with Old New Music Monday where I played two songs from an artiste- one old and one new. Today gave me a good chance to play Korede Bello's "Godwin" and also "I Love Naija", his first song I ever heard. The nostalgia request got songs like "Omode Meta" Tony Tetuila, Banky W's "Ebute Metta" and more requested for and by The Alternative Hour, I was well and truly thrown back. Gave them some Kenny Rogers, Cranberries and then brought it back with Clay's cover of "Godwin".

For New Music Monday, I had the crazy sexy cool (her words, not mine), Fefe in the building as a co-host.

 We listened to her songs like "Aura" (she promises there'll be a video for this one), and the new one "Make Sense". Also featured the Drake and Meek diss tracks, some Bosun, P Square's "Bring it on" and Femi's "Tumbo".

I learnt some fun things about Fefe. Like how she doesn't like to take medication when she has a cold, and would describe herself as Crazy, Sexy Cool if she had just three words! She is currently checking out "Motion" by Dj Lambo, and her throwback song was "Noone else comes close".

My #MCM this week? Drake. And that's thanks to Meek Mill. Ever since Meek dissed him and Drake responded, I've been crushing in the worst way. There's something sexy about a sensitive guy who brings it. Fefe is crushing on Chris Brown and Ope is crushing on Top Radio 90.9 on air personality, Yomi Kazeem.

Follow Fefe on social media "supadupafefe" and check out our snap on my snapchat "tosynbucknor".