Fire of Zamani
| Fire of Zamani | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by Ice Prince | ||||
| Released | October 28, 2013 | |||
| Recorded | 2012-2013 | |||
| Genre | Hip hop, African hip hop, Afrobeat, Dancehall, Reggae, Highlife | |||
| Length | 61:00 | |||
| Label | Chocolate City | |||
| Producer | Audu Maikori(exec.), Paul Okeugo(exec.), Yahaya Maikori(exec.), Jude Abaga(exec.), Chopstix, Don Jazzy, Jay Sleek, Sammy Gyang, and E-Kelly | |||
| Ice Prince chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Fire of Zamani | ||||
Fire of Zamani (stylized FOZ) is the second studio album by Nigerian hip hop recording artist Ice Prince. It was released on October 28, 2013 under Chocolate City. The album was executive produced by Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, Yahaya Maikori, and Jude Abaga. It was mastered by Sean Stan of Vintage Sounds Production.[1] The album's production was primarily handled by Chopstix, a member of Grip Boiz City along with additional production from Don Jazzy, Jay Sleek, Sammy Gyang, and E-Kelly. It features guest appearances from Sunny Neji, Wale, M.I, Chip, Ruby Gyang, Wizkid, French Montana, Jesse Jagz, Olamide, Sound Sultan, Burna Boy, Yung L, Jeremiah Gyang, Shaydee, and Morell.[2] The album was supported by four singles—"Aboki", "More", "Gimme Dat", and "I Swear".
Background, release, album cover
Ice Prince first announced the title and release timeframe of his second studio album during an interview with Toolz on NdaniTv's The Juice. He said:
| “ | I'm working on an album for 2013. I can't announce the date yet but later on in the year, there will be an album called the Fire of Zamani. One of the stories I'm trying to tell is that criticism brings out the beast and fire in you. Often being criticized from my first album, I'm working on the next album like I've never worked on anything in my life before. It's going to be awesome, I can guarantee you that. It's going to be great. | ” |
Furthermore, he said: "I heard the phrase Fire of Zamani from 2Face's Unstoppable album." Elaborating on the reception he got from his first project, Ice Prince said: "When I put out Everybody Loves Ice Prince, my first album, I was one of the people that got shot, like all the hip hop heads in Nigeria came together to say Ice Prince, you are dead. It kind of like weigh me down at the time but I didn't let it stop me obviously cuz I had to grow. I had to keep growing and improving."
Fire of Zamani was initially scheduled for release on September 9, 2013 in order to commemorate the victims of a 2001 crisis that happened in Jos. Ice Prince tweeted: "My second album 'fire of Zamani' will drop Sept 09 2013 in memory of the first Jos crisis in 2001".[4][5]
On October 17, 2013, Bellanaija reported that Ice Prince revealed the album's artwork, stating: "To add a little fun to the unveiling of the album artwork, the BET Award winner took to his Instagram page to make a little puzzle. He chopped up the album art and promotional posters into smaller pieces so when you look at his age on your smartphone, you have a collage." [6] On October 21, 2013, Ice Prince released the tracklisting for Fire of Zamani.[7]
Fire of Zamani is available on the Spinlet platform, a digital media library application similar to iTunes. Ice Prince said: "I expect this innovation to help in the distribution of my music and that of other musicians".[8][9] It is also available on iTunes.[10]
Promotion
To celebrate the release of "Fire of Zamani", Ice Prince and Chocolate City held an album launch on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotels and Suites.[11] The concert featured performances by Chip, M.I Abaga, Don Jazzy, Olamide, Burna Boy, Sunny Neji, Yung L, Ruby, Morell, Jeremiah Gyang, DJ Caise and DJ Edu among others.[12]
Singles
On August 28, 2012, Ice Prince and Chocolate City released the first single titled "Aboki". According to Nigerian Sounds, "Aboki" means friend in Hausa; the song celebrates some of the most successful individuals hailing from Northern Nigeria. The song was produced by Chopstix. Commenting on the single, Ice Prince said: "I’m absolutely excited about my new project; I feel it shows my fans a different side to me. My whole approach to the music, the delivery, my thought process is different from how it was last year." [13] The music video for "Aboki" was directed by Phil Lee in Los Angeles.[14]
On August 28, 2012, Ice Prince and Chocolate City also released the second single titled "More". The music video for "More" was shot and directed in London by Moe Musa. It stars Lola Rae, a British Nigerian recording artist known for her single, "Watch My Ting Go".[15][16]
On April 24, 2013, Ice Prince released the third single, "Gimme Dat", featuring Yung L, Burna Boy, and Olamide. The song was also produced by Chopstix.[17] An alternative version of the song featuring Wande Coal surfaced on the internet after the release of the official version.[18]
On September 9, 2013, the Chocolate City rapper released the fourth single, "I Swear", featuring French Montana and Shaydee.[19] The music video for the single was directed by J R Saint in the U.S.[20]
Critical reception
Ovie O of Notjustok said: "Fire of Zamani is not that regular just-for-the-sake-of-it kind of album nor is it a follow-up to the timeless debut album,“Everyone Loves Ice Prince (E.L.I)”. Fans can expect a lot more music in the fusion of melodies and harmonies. This album takes us back to Church where Ice Prince started, and is a perfect balance between hip-hop and pure music. More pidgin than all English. A touch on the daily struggles and a celebration of success. The underlying theme is a message of hope. Ice Prince’s versatility, maturity and messages are obvious and clear on the album." [21]
Onos O of Bellanaija added: "With a truck load of features and production credits from the likes of Don Jazzy, Chopstix and Sammy Gyang, this is definitely an album to look forward to." [22]
Critical response
| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Nigerian Entertainment Today |    [23] |
| 9janinja | [24] |
| Hit Play Online | [25] |
Fire of Zamani was met with mixed reviews from music critics. Tayo Ayomide of Nigerian Entertainment Today gave the album 2.5 out of 5 stars, adding: "The lack of a solid theme running through the LP makes the whole project sound all over the place. It could have sounded better if Ice Prince’s writing was sharper but we all know this is not his strong side. Instead Fire of Zamani is glued with glossy beats, catchy hooks and over simple writing. There is a fire inside of Ice Prince but it isn’t hot enough to melt his cold and distant style of writing songs."[23]
Toye Trill of 9jaNinja gave the album a 4.8 out of 10, adding: "I have to admit as much of a Chocolate City empire fan as I am, the label hasn't been living up to expectations in the most recent times, losing two key star artistes and to cap it all, allowing Ice Prince to release this watery album is a big fail on their part. Most of this album sounded like I was listening to a free mix tape and the album I paid for itself will be released soon. The album itself couldn't pass up for the commercialism we all recognize Ice Prince for. There seemed to be no improvement on the standards already set by E.L.I, most of the album sounded like I was listening to E.L.I on new instrumentals, especially with the "Aboki" format Ice has consciously infused into every song. The album didn't sound like what you'd expect from the Ice Prince who has had countless tours in the U.K and The U.S and hence should have gained more exposure. Overall the album was very tiring to listen to and offered very little excitement to the average Afro-Hip Hop enthusiast expecting a banger from his favorite artiste. To make things worse, there was so much reggae infusion into Ice' verses, that lyrically only few songs didn't have evidence of Ice Prince's inner rasta man, for a supposed rap album, it got annoying at a point. I honestly don't know how Ice came up with the title "Fire of Zamani", there was clearly no heat or burn from this album that we had not felt already from E.L.I. In fact the albums should switch names as it is clear from the delivery of this album, Ice Prince just took advantage of the love of fans for him to release this watery album. E.L.I definitely had more fire."[24]
Mackson Okotie gave the album 7 out of 10 stars, stating: "His lyrical prowess speaks volume of his passion, sweat and efforts in a bid to deliver as promised. #FOZ is a follow-up to his incredibly lauded debut – Everybody Loves Iceprince [E.L.I] The excitement about this album is really crazy as there has been a lot of buzz about it on Social Media. He tried to cover all genres of Nigerian music. Featuring the new school artistes and the oldies too. A big credit to him for that."[25]
Wilfred Okiche, a writer for YNaija.com said: "Ice Prince is not the artiste some would wish him to be but he is exactly the kind that sells millions of records and hangs around for as long as he keeps making the hits. Malleable, discerning and calculative, he knows what the vast majority wants and dishes it in piles. ‘Fire of Zamani’ burns as bright as he wants it to, with Ice carefully dousing the flames anytime they threaten to spread beyond his control zone. The songs glide by easily and go down smoothly. Easily accessible and ridiculously catchy, ‘FOZ’ has Ice Prince tuned to his audience as he glides between the good stuff and the bad, the songs of fire and those of ice."[26]
Tracklisting
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Stars and Light" (featuring Ruby Gyang) | Panshak Zamani and Ruby Gyang | Sammy Gyang | 5:22 | |
| 2. | "Skit by MC Longs" | MC Longs | — | 0:52 | |
| 3. | "Aboki" | Panshak Zamani | Chopstix | 3:07 | |
| 4. | "My Life" | Panshak Zamani | Sammy Gyang | 4:52 | |
| 5. | "Mercy" (featuring Chip) | Panshak Zamani and Chip | Chopstix | 4:03 | |
| 6. | "Whiskey" (featuring Sunny Nneji) | Panshak Zamani and Sunny Nneji | Sammy Gyang | 4:52 | |
| 7. | "N Word" | Panshak Zamani | Don Jazzy | 3:45 | |
| 8. | "Tipsy" (featuring Wale and Morell) | Panshak Zamani, Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, and Morell | Chopstix | 3:37 | |
| 9. | "Jambo" | Panshak Zamani | Chopstix | 3:32 | |
| 10. | "No Die Tomorrow" | Panshak Zamani | Sammy Gyang | 4:00 | |
| 11. | "Gimme Dat" (featuring Yung L, Burna Boy, and Olamide) | Panshak Zamani, Yung L, Damini Ogulu, and Olamide Adedeji | Chopstix | 4:51 | |
| 12. | "Komotion" (featuring Wizkid) | Panshak Zamani and Ayodeji Balogun | Chopstix | 3:30 | |
| 13. | "I Swear" (featuring French Montana and Shaydee) | Panshak Zamani and Karim Kharbouch | Chopstix | 3:39 | |
| 14. | "Person Wey Sabi" | Panshak Zamani | Chopstix | 4:52 | |
| 15. | "Kpako" (featuring M.I and Jesse Jagz) | Panshak Zamani, Jude Abaga, and Jesse Garba Abaga | Chopstix | 4:31 | |
| 16. | "Pray" (featuring Sound Sultan) | Panshak Zamani and Olanrewaju Fasasi | Chopstix | 3:55 | |
| 17. | "More" | Panshak Zamani | Chopstix | 4:26 | |
| 18. | "On My Knees" (featuring Jeremiah Gyang) | Panshak Zamani and Jeremiah Gyang | Sammy Gyang | 5:22 | |
Total length: |
61:00 | ||||
- Notes
- "—" denotes a skit
Personnel
- Audu Maikori - Executive Producer
- Paul Okeugo - Executive Producer
- Yahaya Maikori - Executive Producer
- Panshak Zamani - Primary artist
- Olubowale Victor Akintimehin - Featured artist
- Sunny Nneji - Featured artist
- Jude Abaga - Executive producer, featured artist
- Jahmaal Noel Fyffe - Featured artist
- Ruby Gyang - Featured artist
- Ayodeji Balogun - Featured artist
- Karim Kharbouch - Featured artist
- Olamide Adedeji - Featured artist
- Olanrewaju Fasasi - Featured artist
- Damini Ogulu - Featured artist
- Yung L - Featured artist
- Jeremiah Gyang - Featured artist
- Shaydee - Featured artist
- Morell - Featured artist
- Chopstix - Mixer, producer
- Michael Collins Ajereh - Producer
- Jay Sleek - Producer
- Sammy Gyang - Mixer, producer
- E-Kelly - Producer
- Sean Stan - Master
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | October 28, 2013 | CD, Digital download | Chocolate City Music Label |
References
- ↑ "Tracklisting image". Notjustok. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
- ↑ "Ice Prince Reveals Art Work & Tracklist of Sophmore Album ‘Fire of Zamani’". Jaguda. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ↑ "The Juice - Ice Prince". YouTube. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ↑ "ICE PRINCE ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR ‘FIRE OF". Hip Hop World Magazine. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ↑ "Nigeria: Ice Prince to Release New Album in September in Memory of 2001 Jos Crisis Victims". AllAfrica. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ↑ ""V.I.P" Rapper Ice Prince Zamani Reveals "Fire of Zamani" Album Artwork". Bellanaija. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ↑ "Ice Prince Releases Official Tracklist For ‘Fire Of Zamani’ [PHOTO + Tracklist]". 360nobs. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ↑ Makinde, Tade. "Olisa, Iceprince excited by Spinlet’s support for ‘Fire of Zamani’". Tribune Nigeria. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ↑ "Fire Of Zamani". Spinlet. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
- ↑ "Fire of Zamani by Ice Prince". iTunes. Retrieved 5 November 2013.
- ↑ "Ice Prince to hold album concert on November 23". The Net Nigeria. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ↑ "Confirmed! Wale is coming to Nigeria for Ice Prince’s concert". Nigeiran Entertainment Today. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
- ↑ "Audio - Ice Prince - Aboki + More". Nigerian Sounds. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ↑ "New Video: Ice Prince – Aboki". Bellanaija. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ↑ "Ice Prince - More (Official Video)". Music Of Africa. Retrieved 25 October 2013.
- ↑ "VIDEO: Ice Prince – More – (Prod By Chopstix)". Notjustok. Retrieved 25 October 2013.
- ↑ "Ice Prince – VIP + Gimme Dat ft Burna Boy, Yung L, Olamide". Notjustok. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
- ↑ "Ice Prince – Gimme Dat ft Wande Coal, Yung L, Olamide". Notjustok. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ↑ "OFFICIAL: Ice Prince – I Swear ft. French Montana". Notjustok. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ↑ "BN Video Premiere: Ice Prince Feat. French Montana – I Swear". Bellanaija. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
- ↑ "Ice Prince – Fire of Zamani - View Tracklist". Notjustok. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ↑ "Ice Prince Zamani Unveils the Track List for His Sophomore Album Effort "Fire Of Zamani"". Bellanaija. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Ice Prince’s ‘Fire of Zamani’ isn’t hot enough [Album Review]". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 5 November 2013.
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Fire Of Zamani by Ice Prince (Album Review)". 9janinja. Retrieved 5 November 2013.
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Album Review: Fire Of Zamani". HitPlayOnline. Retrieved 5 November 2013.
- ↑ "Album review: On ‘Fire of Zamani’, Ice Prince serves up songs of fire… and ice". YNaija. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
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