Styl-Plus to hit Abuja with Expressions

Source: nigeriafilms.com
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Finally, fans of the award-winning R&B group, Styl-Plus, will have something to cheer about soon after waiting anxiously for something from R&B crooner. Come February 25th, Styl Plus will launch its first album in Abuja, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. Subsequently, the Lagos launch will take place at the Muson Centre, on Saturday, March 4.

The album, entitled, Expressions will showcase diversity of the group's writing and singing skills. As a group that is conscious of its image, it wouldn't want to be stereotyped as one that sings for a select group or only a certain type of music.

They want their songs to cut across broad-spectrum of the society. One unique thing about the album is the eclectic blend of the tracks and styles, although the music is not far from its afro-centric roots .The first single of the album, Imagine that, is currently receiving massive air play on radio stations across the country.

Other tracks on the album include: Iya basira(a pidgin English song ), Always on my mind, Home within your heart, ( Gospel) Ima (Efik song!), Drives me crazy (featuring Estranged Buddies, 2 Shotz & Biglo).

Fans of the group may be wondering why the new album is referred to as its first.

The managers explained that,the first release was just an EP- a collection of about four songs. In spite of the popularity of the songs, since the release did not meet international standard of nine tracks, the previous release can not technically be considered a full album. Meanwhile, the long awaited 11-track album may have dispelled the rumours making the rounds that the group had been in limbo or disarray. Rather, promoters of the band had taken time to perfect their marketing and brand building strategy.

Sponsored by Mtech, the sponsors promises that the album will be made available to the general public through Astromedia Integrated (www.astromedia-integrated.com)which plans to package the product in line with international standards. According to the producer, the album will come in a jewel case and will include a proper sleeve containing exclusive photographs, song lyrics etc unlike the substandard paper cases and low quality CDs that tend to scratch easily.

It has been a little over two years since Styl-Plus released its ground-breaking singles Olufunmi and Runaway to the world. Then, the trio of Shifi Emoefe, Tunde Akinsanmi, and Zeal Onyecheme, sold millions of audio cds, and are credited to having the bestselling Nigerian music VCD to date. Since then, they have been very busy touring and thrilling their fans across the country, as well as Africa and Europe.They have been privileged to share the stage with the likes of Wyclef Jean, Boyz II Men, Sean Paul, Shaka Demus & Pliers and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, among others. They have also performed at prestigious events outside the country, such as the the AUMG MOBO launch party in London, and the Red Blockade in Ghana.

Under the management of Anthony 'T- jazz' Ukpong and Joseph 'Joey' Ukpong, Styl Plus has received numerous awards including, Channel 0 Best R&B Video with the song, Call my name, Amen Awards, Nigerian Music Awards, City People Magazine Awards. They were also nominated for Best West African Group category in the 2005 KORA Awards.