SambaTV: THINGS YOU DON'T KNOW with JJC Skillz On SambaTv

Tuesday, 28 October 2014

THINGS YOU DON'T KNOW with JJC Skillz On SambaTv

JJC SKILLZ

To the UK Urban/pop/mainstream music scene London-based JJC is better known as Skillz, a sought-after producer whose credits include Big Brovaz, Liberty X, Jamelia and Lemar. In fact, he is also the founder of Big Brovaz, recipients of two MOBO awards (Best UK Act and Best Newcomer), and was a one-time performing member with the group (check out the “Nu Flow” video).But 26-year old Nigerian-born JJC (real name Abdul Rasheed Bello) is also an artist in his own right whose music is an exciting, fresh fusion of hip-hop, African flavours and much more, defying categorisation.

In 2003, JJC & 419 Squad first released their album “Atide” (meaning “We have arrived” in Yoruba) which was independently marketed, promoted and distributed by his production company Backbone Music.Despite the lack of backing by a major label or distributor, the strength of the music, its originality and determination, meant a lot has been achieved: The album has received critical acclaim (see below) and it is probably the only release ever to be reviewed in both the World Music section as well as the Urban Music section of the BBC’s music web site (and no “EXPLICIT CONTENT/PARENTAL GUIDANCE” sticker in sight).While tracks like “Jekalo” and the life-affirming “Maje Aye” contain traditional African elements, the album goes far beyond what is usually described as World music.The track “Atide” (feat. Cherise from Big Brovaz) is a Latin-flavoured Anglo-Yoruba feel-good anthem which has been featured in Stephen Frears’ Oscar-nominated film Dirty Pretty Things and is included on Charlie Gillett’s World 2004 compilation (Wrasse Records). There are also elements of salsa (“Malemicita” – included on Union Square Music’s Afrobeat Sessions compilation).