Weird MC - After Da Storm
Sola Idowu, better known as Weird MC the Raptainer is one of the unique voices in the Naija hiphop/pop scene. Unique not only for her sound and music, but because Naija female MCs are far and few between.
One thing that is immediately clear about Weird MC is that this woman doesn’t play around – she takes her music very seriously – recording, producing, touring, promoting, etc… striving to put her stamp and flavor of Naija Hip Hop, on the map.
Splitting time between Naija and Jand, Weird MC continues to evolve her sound (which has indeed evolved from the first time I heard her on the 1996 hit – Allen Avenue). Her upcoming album After Da Storm, features original production work on her part as well as collaborations with Skillz of JJC and the 419 squad and Don Jazzy.
On the verge of releasing her upcoming album After Da Storm Weird MC sat down with us over here at Naijajams for an interview:
Naijajams: How did you get into music? MC’ing & producing?
WeirdMC: Just watching other acts such as Brenda Fassie, Janet Jackson, Fela Kuti, Jimi Hendrix…
NJ: How did “Weird MC” come about?
WMC: I used to be a member of a group called the weirdos we split up n I took on weird mc from there.
NJ: What are your main musical influences?
WMC: My Main influences musically range from jimi Hendrix to Outkast to Fela Kuti. I listen to a lot of HipHop, Alternative vibes, Neo soul, jazz, Classical and Afrobeat these respective genres helped in shaping my sound.
NJ: You’ve been in the music business for some time now – how has the Nigerian music scene changed since you began performing?
WMC: It’s evolved into something really exciting it’s unbelievable all eyes are on Nigeria right now we have to let the world know what’s up it’s time to put us on the map. There’s more quality then quantity artistes are putting out great material.
NJ: You have performed all over the world – U.K. , Japan, Ukraine,Russia, Bulgaria, Finland to Nigeria, Ghana, Berlin, Belgium, etc – How did those opportunities materialize?
WMC: I met with a High profiled African/World DJ known as Rita Ray a while back I started doing club oriented dates with her sound system known as the shrine sound system before I knew what was happening we started going round different parts of the world it was such an experience. Through that an awareness of who the weird mc was got out I also started getting additional solo dates with my band off the back of what I had done with the shrine system i had a rare opportunity of sharing the stage with the grammy award winning sound system known as the Afrocelts. I did high profiled gigs at festivals and proper concerts.
NJ: How is your music received abroad?
WMC: With open arms but because of the afrocentric slant my kindda sound gets lumped into the so called World Music category I get mad love at my concerts and club dates. It’s all good.
NJ: The title track on your upcoming album, “Ijoya” is a departure from your earlier work. How did the concept come about?
WMC: The title of the new album is not actually Ijoya. Ijoya is just a title of a track on the album the full album will be called “After Da Storm” I will not really say that the track Ijoya is a departure as such it’s just a coming of Age my sound has evolved u know one thing is constant CHANGE Ijoya was conceptualised via a Bass Line I thought to myself “This is a catchy Bassline” I took it from there my brother jumped on it cuz he was feeling it. We finished writing the lyrics then I did some pre-production myself at home like a demo cut but I felt I needed to take it one step further so I hooked up with Don Jazzy and Skillz we took the song to another level I can’t believe the feedback I’ve been getting from people. I shot 2 videos an animated and life one MTV Base Africa has put the animated version on heavy rotation already.
NJ: How was working with Skillz/JJC?
WMC: It was kool he alongside Don Jazzy did Ijoya he also did another track called Da Way We blo’ with me it’s amazing he comes into his full element when in the studio he’s such a delight to watch. I hope to do more with him in the future.
NJ: What unique challenges does an MC/Musician face in Nigeria? (production, distribution, radio, performance, etc)
WMC: Unique ? That’s putting it nicely it is a constant struggle u’ve got to get the right producer who understands your direction and of course he/she must be level headed there are a lot of phony egos in our industry. One has to have the funds to cover promotion and getting an effective distributor is a different thing all together. For me performing comes naturally so I don’t really feel any kindda pressure but of course it’s still a challenge to be able to come up with the baddest things which will drive the crowd wild everytime one takes to that stage. The greatest challenge is money what we do is capital intensive and believe me if you have no money in our industry you are as good as f*cked.
NJ: Are there any challenges associated with being a female artist in a male-dominated field?
WMC: Yes u have to work twicw as hard to command the same kindda respect accorded a guy.
NJ: Who are your favorite Nigerian MCs?
WMC: 2Shotz, RuggedMan, Eldee, Ruckus, Blackface, Nas.
NJ: Moving forward, what do you want for your music and Weird MC?
WMC: My greatest dream is for the weird mc to become a global brand music, movies, fashion and whatever I want it all. I want my music in every home I want my label imprint “0907 Entertainment” to become a powerhouse recording company.
NJ: Final Thoughts?
WMC:To the people who have been behind me from day one thanks for your love and support. To fellow artistes stay real.
——Big thanks to Weird MC for taking the time to chat with us. Check out the track Ijoya, from the upcoming album After Da Storm as both audio and music video… these leave me thirsty more!
Stay tuned and we’ll be sure to let you know when the album drops.
September 27th, 2005 at 7:08 am
wow i love this lady welcome back
September 27th, 2005 at 10:31 am
Damn OMG can u find her one song Allen Avenue….I love this chiq
September 28th, 2005 at 1:49 pm
nice video & informative interview, i never heard of her b4, oshe-o!
October 1st, 2005 at 7:00 am
Never heard of this MC. Ijoya is the hotness, f’real. Thanks for the interview and the clips. Thanks for the whole site. How else can those of us in foreign keep up with the musical scene back home. Respect.
October 1st, 2005 at 8:42 pm
uche email artistes direct for example weird mc’s single will drop very soon.
October 3rd, 2005 at 12:27 pm
Actually, I should be able to pick up the stuff I’ve been hearing about here in Naija this December. I’m going back on a visit:
http://copia.ogbuji.net/blog/2005-10-02/Imgoing_
October 3rd, 2005 at 11:27 pm
yo. dope blog.. u definitely representing for nigerians!! thats real.. big respect to ya.
a.
October 4th, 2005 at 3:29 pm
Wierd MC a.k.a. the Raptainer…what can i say. she does a really really good job of promoting herself online. strong woman and nice songs i guess. one!
October 5th, 2005 at 1:50 am
There can only be one queen of hiphop weird mc na u jare
October 18th, 2005 at 8:32 am
Hi,
Wierd MC is the bomb! she really represent Afrobeat + naija hiphop.
Keep it up girl.
Peace
October 26th, 2005 at 10:39 am
she is my girl for life she keeps it real no shaking we dey expect your return
November 3rd, 2005 at 7:59 am
yall are really doing great in the musik industry.
i will be coming out wit ma ownkind of raps.
this is CMADS for real.
am out, peace!
November 3rd, 2005 at 8:02 am
its only the almighty that will kip blessing the naija’s musik carts.
since God Himself is a producer.
I will surelly work wit him as other carts do.
God bless our musik industry.
Amen
November 6th, 2005 at 9:23 am
i love shola
November 30th, 2005 at 3:42 am
yeah good to see u back.. i was 10 years old trying to learn ur rap “allen avenue”.. and sudedenly… u vanished…hope u spit somting for the hiphop heads. coz i am one of dem!
December 21st, 2005 at 3:10 pm
WE WANT HER TO COME AND DO HER THANG IN WASHINGTON
December 30th, 2005 at 8:33 am
keep ur thing up. u r doin great. I like u cos u r mi name sake. I Like u better cos u r a tom boy and i will like u best if u r little bit CRAZY.
U r d BOMB
January 3rd, 2006 at 4:12 pm
I really love your music especialy your lyrics was great, i really wish i could do a colabo with some one like you, if you don’t mind.
January 20th, 2006 at 8:24 am
i need the lyrics of Weird Mcs Ijoya song who knows please send it to me i really love d song
February 1st, 2006 at 7:03 pm
the u.k peeps they hola, keep doing your thing and maybe oneday we’ll do a
combo u and my music production team.
we love ur music.
hola back
wierd mc.
February 5th, 2006 at 4:05 am
What wierd,
U really utilised that TOMBOY THING.I neva nu u were female until I raed your pro in the guardian life.
keep jamin and Iexpect da album soon….......
February 7th, 2006 at 1:02 pm
havent heard her song yet but i am dying to coz of the noise i am hearing about it
February 19th, 2006 at 4:50 am
Hey Weird!
Hurry up and come back to the UK - we’re missing you something bad
!
p.s. could u pls get one of the tv stations here to air your non-animated video of Ijoya, we still haven’t seen it – thanks!
March 2nd, 2006 at 1:01 pm
Hey, I really like the song Ijoya. I don’t think a lot of nigerian rappers realise that it’s not “uncool” to rap and not sound like tpac or eminem. I think I like this song particularly bcos it’s a unique blend of yourba music and hip hop for the present day Nigerian youth who is not totally 2westernized” yet is not that connected to his roots.
March 10th, 2006 at 3:42 pm
Baby Gal I Dig Female ill rappers like u and would love to spit one on one with you someday. keep the flow coming. I Love ijoya. xtralarge Studios KD City.
March 11th, 2006 at 8:02 am
i live in da U.K n it aint often u hear naija music i used 2 hate dis music cos i heard da ones my ma played but as soon as i heard weird MC n other nigerian rappers i changed my mind n Now i love nigerian music
Weird MC is da next MISSY ELLIOT but nigerian which makes it better
Keep on representin Naija
U r da best woman MC in Nigeria
March 11th, 2006 at 11:35 am
yeah am Bcap a new talented artist 4rm ibadan , actually i like naija music we are really talented in nigeria.
now i am d one of naija star but i could’nt find any body to bring me out so dat my dream will come to reality,even i have’nt get to studio but am very sure that i can performe better than anybody
March 14th, 2006 at 3:08 am
weird mc to me is DA BOMB….but remember dnt let it get to ur head though, always keep ur feet on solid ground cos what goes up must come down…
March 15th, 2006 at 8:42 am
it will be good’ if we in naija can understand ,how good music is to da soul’
my advice to da ones untop it time we all come down to,PHC,where da reallest reside’.....over here we breed (mc’s)naija is blessed shine ur eyes’and keep it real….....much love …..o2dko
March 18th, 2006 at 6:24 pm
man shola is hot
she is a pride 2 nija n africa as a whole.im one of her favorite fans n im really proud of her.u go girl.n kip kiping it real.
April 1st, 2006 at 9:16 am
I LOVE SHOLA TO THA BONE.
May 11th, 2006 at 4:15 am
men ijoya is tight of d chain. I am an igbo guy but the voice, beats& d video held me spellbound. I can’t still believe that d is mc is actually a lady.
GUYS WHATS HAPPENING
June 1st, 2006 at 7:29 am
hey im like freaking out here, im a tomboy also and i lovvvvvvve wierd mc like mad, nehow, dnt get flattered
June 4th, 2006 at 12:56 pm
shola rocks big time
June 4th, 2006 at 12:59 pm
shola rocks and keep it up chic
June 12th, 2006 at 12:48 am
shola is da bomb!! anybody that doesnt like that can wipe his ass with wat he /she likes
June 18th, 2006 at 8:59 am
hey am ghanaian but i can help maself when i hear ijoya,shola is 2 much,i will appreciate it if we ghanaians can get her songs,especially me,keep rocking girl.
June 21st, 2006 at 12:00 pm
u guys thanks 4 da lov n support meanwhile stop by da site n show some more love i lov u guys
June 21st, 2006 at 12:14 pm
uda site address www.rappatainer.com
June 23rd, 2006 at 5:01 am
Sola aka Weird mc is the bst ffemale rapper naija has ever produce,she beat d likes off Sasha, Bonqui n even Blaise,keep it kool girl,i look 4ward in meetin u someday…..............................
August 8th, 2006 at 1:07 am
yo wasuup!!
!
im a huge fan naija musik and from deep down in South Africa called durban.I gota say, i love WEIRD MC’S SONG cALLED IJOYA
kEEP IT UP wmc
August 11th, 2006 at 12:07 pm
i really comment on weird mc shes really hot and 4 donjazzy keep it up u are d illest men.4rm alake deji
August 11th, 2006 at 12:09 pm
i want 2 say another thing cos if u really love yr fan u say d bad side of him/she so that she can improve in it is just that weird mc try annd be haoop i mean always go 2 fans hug them and fell them thats just all
August 22nd, 2006 at 4:43 am
sup weird? am really falling continuosly for yur lyrics…like lord of ajasa wuld say”its too much”just to remind you that the best way to shapen yurh music is to dish out what wuld beat pple’s imagination just like the animation of the IJOYA…that got my like::::am proud of you baby::::c you wen u get there baby….cheers
!
October 10th, 2006 at 12:12 pm
Weird Mc i love ya and i love ur songs, i heard that u wanna release hit single with Missy Elliot. I am one of ur fans and ppl say alot of carzy things about u but i dont mind i love u mail me on anitaclothing@yahoo.com bye.
October 11th, 2006 at 3:42 am
Well, i think she is d best female rapper so far.And to be frank i love her personally.U can call me on 08036378219
October 13th, 2006 at 11:39 am
weird mc i love ur hard working thaks for ur country a great identity,ur make people to feel and know who u are buying seeing ur videos, so weird mc keep it up,lets wait and u shall be the best among u and ur co,s BUKI,SASHA AND CO,
nut keep it up sasha is on the run wit u b,cos her album is coming soon i wish all the best b,cos we knw is not easy but let,s join hands to praise our beloved country nigeria. t make the world feel us know we are there.
October 17th, 2006 at 4:29 am
U d best female artiste in naija 4 now.D track ijoya is the bomb,so keep it up.
October 20th, 2006 at 3:53 pm
hi u’re doing a nice job, keep it up
October 24th, 2006 at 5:54 pm
i love this woman to the core the music inspires me
November 3rd, 2006 at 6:00 am
the first day i watch ur video on d internet, i fell in love wit it. you r a greeeeeeeeeeeeat lady, i love the way you set ur video and your song. u r a success, keep d ball rolling and d light of d star u r shining. u r a special lady.
November 3rd, 2006 at 7:05 am
watz up pretty queen, are a good musician. i luv ur videos b’cos u know wat d world want and wat the young want. u r taking naija 2 d next level.
November 8th, 2006 at 1:27 pm
mama,
tooooo much.i jst dey feel u 4rm fut cos
December 9th, 2006 at 1:05 pm
One must take his music seriously. That is the only way you can go through the ladders of success.
Don Lapre Fan
webmaster@j-ams.org
www.j-ams.org
December 11th, 2006 at 8:27 am
Hi I really love wierd mc and peops say i look like her. Anyway I hope to do a collabo with her one day. I am a moy though
December 15th, 2006 at 5:27 am
Wierd MC girl, i love and what u are doing. But then don’t u think it is better to use this talent God has given u to serve Him. Remember what the bible says in Eccl. 12v1. Remember ur creator in the days of ur youth. God loves u so much and will more pleased if u use the rest of ur life to serve. if u are not born again, pls do so becos Jesus will come at a time nobody knows. Heaven is a better place to be, and all this while this same God has sustained u. My sister don’t get offended becos u soul’s eternity is more important. Hell fire is a bad place to be. People are praising u including me, but is God doing same about u. Remember He created u to serve Him. Think about it. I love but God loves u more. U are more beautiful wen u make ur hair. pls send me pictures of u dressed like a woman and the others. God bless u.
January 23rd, 2007 at 11:42 pm
weird mc you are the bomb i am feeling you more some male artist so keep on the the good work and keep promoting nigeria and i can’t wait to listen to new stuff.i love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.
January 31st, 2007 at 4:53 am
am looking for a manager to aid me in music
January 31st, 2007 at 4:57 am
am looking for a manager to aid me in music,
my mail lyricsinfinity@yahoo.co.uk
February 7th, 2007 at 5:07 am
The Weird one dont worry for me engineer saheed all the way from festac wao! being your fann belive me ‘U WILL MAKE IT’ with JJC WEIRD MC )0907 BACK BONE i am urs
peace
February 23rd, 2007 at 2:54 am
i must say am very happy for the great opportuniy god almigthy gave to and i want to keep it up cos u will exell more than this, and neva the less the heaven shall be ur limith.
February 23rd, 2007 at 3:01 am
well i dont realy have mush to say cos i know ur calling for becoming an atist is of god has call u for that and u will always go forward in every album u relaes always have that in ur mind ur animy will never see u to attack cos u re coverd with the blood of jesus.
March 3rd, 2007 at 3:35 am
Weid MC is hot i love her d way i love fried rice
March 8th, 2007 at 9:30 am
wmc you have just what it takes 2 be the BEST
March 8th, 2007 at 9:31 am
MAKE US FEEL DA HEAT
March 14th, 2007 at 5:05 am
E yo’‘’’
she’s da bomb
!! livin’ ‘em dumb ass guyz on da industry
screamin’ loud ‘n’ clear, ‘NO BE SMALL THANGGG’
she needda chalenge from oda females,fo na
she’s NO 1 n NO 1 fo real.. bravo BABY WEIRD MC,
KEEP KOOOOOLLLL.
March 15th, 2007 at 2:41 am
Hei Gal! your indeed talented. Nigerians are very proud of your performance,Keep it up!
March 16th, 2007 at 6:44 am
love u girl.love the video with p square too.u’ve paid ur dues those days babe
April 19th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
shola, u ar 2 much! i alwaz dey enjoy all ur ways.100 GBOSA 4 U
May 2nd, 2007 at 10:26 am
ijoya, nice production,nice beats,cool flow but the lyrics naaaaa!,weird mc of allen avenue cool,weird mc of ijoya…...scanty
May 12th, 2007 at 11:33 am
hi sola,i love ur music,but the reason why am sending this message is to tell me about 0907entertainment.i want to under this record label,hope you will tell me how i can contact the record label.am an artiste too.welll ….........let me say an up coming artiste.holla back.
June 27th, 2007 at 7:21 am
Girl u are just too much.I wonder where u get such inspiration from.u are really da bomb and nigerias best.keep up d good work joo,God is ur strenght.
July 22nd, 2007 at 5:03 pm
For this type of atmosphere, me i no fit south ooooohhhh, Cos make dem no used mago mago take run this one again like 2face own. Na wired mc the queen mama. turn nw.
From Ehis
July 30th, 2007 at 5:44 am
i too much gbadun MC because all the music just dey enter my body
August 2nd, 2007 at 3:30 am
you are realy doing a great job and we are proud of you. pls I will like to know her biography. where she was born and schooled. thanks
August 12th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
www.myspace.com/weirdmc listen 2 da nu joint RIRANWO n pls leave comments
August 13th, 2007 at 10:24 am
hi i like ur music ,am also a tomboy keep it up girl u are just like me.i luv u girl stay koollllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
August 13th, 2007 at 10:36 am
hey, Raydon in da house. Weird MC is gonna be da next miss world.
u feel me?
Hollaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
August 18th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
I Luv u shola and i wish to know ur number,And ur latest music
August 18th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
I luv u shola and i wish 2 have ur number
August 29th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
HI PPL CHECK OUT MY NU BLAZIN JOINT TITLED “RIRANWO” [SEE SUMTIN’] WWW.MYSPACE.COM/WEIRDMC CLUB AND ALBUM MIXES.
September 6th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Shola .Idown..how about you care about your family first before you say you care about your fans … The sayings goes* Charity begins at home, ask yourself if you have self love cos your family i.e sisters/brothers are part of self love
Na wao
September 20th, 2007 at 5:13 am
well, i must say big respec to the happening one and one of the best persons the universe ever produced. someone who calls himself or herself a family, posted a message here on September 6 2007 but I do not just get your point about saying sisters/brothers are part of self love. you need to watch that, becos weird is one of the most sane people around that gives her family only the best in terms of love, generosity, assistance etc. name it – as far as you can go. i ask you – are you demonstrating self love yourself. pls remove the log in your eye before attempting to remove another’s (i.e heal yourself o physician!) max luv!
September 21st, 2007 at 3:35 pm
the enemies are at work why are you making comments like this the woman is working hard to secure her future and you are insinuating that she has no love for her brothers and sisters you claim family says you are not a family member.
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:11 am
I live in Zambia I like this Ijoya song but i cant find it anywhere around here. Iam sure after da storm album must be tha bomb. Please advice where to get the album. Eagerly waiting to purchase the album. Please advice!! i loved weird Mc performance at BB africa Eviction
September 24th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
hi andy check out www.nigeriaentertainment.com
November 2nd, 2007 at 5:32 pm
i was goin 2 send a comment about WMC, similar 2 d one Chinyere gave, but my Gospelsister already hit d mark. i read not among your ambition an objective on doing something 2 honor God-your Creator and Source of inspiration. e wo egbon mi, ko da ra ra! Your dream is so full of ‘I WANT!, I WANT!!, I WANT
” Isn’t that selfishness and ingratitude 2 d ONE who gave u life? Pls don’t lump this comment into others.Ofcos i no u r tight!, but we r talkin about your life after death here, so take it into serious consideration. Hey! Do u have any contribution to development in Nigeria?
November 8th, 2007 at 5:42 am
Good day to any one that read this mail, please can some one help me Contact Sola Idowu Weird Mc? AM Mondula from Enugu, but now I am In Ghana for my music clip.
I want to do some things with her please I like her still that the kind I do, I have a very good song that I will like to d o with her so if you ca n help me please I can be reach at 233 274097744. or mondu4real20@yahoo.co.in.
W wait for respond
November 8th, 2007 at 5:48 am
I LOVE NAIJA MUSIC SO MUCH I CAN DO WITH OUT IT. PLEASE SOME BODY TELL ME WHERE I CAN DAWNLAOD NAIJA MUSIC FROM?
November 25th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
hi,shola.remember me?how’s anna otomewo doing?lagos,nigeria.heard ‘ijo ya’ and love it! you are not into the u.s.a so much,i really wish you were.
November 26th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
hi shola,
just to say helloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
ijo ya abi
November 28th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
i luv u wierd mc
sprinkling sum luv init
January 19th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Hi weird i’m 1 of ur biggest fan in uk n i’m really fillin u. keep it up girl. luv u
!
July 10th, 2008 at 3:19 am
ur lyrics are tight hope to here more
July 10th, 2008 at 3:23 am
whats up i like ur lyricks ur off d chain with ur type naija will go to another level
July 10th, 2008 at 3:26 am
when will d next album be out ?
July 13th, 2008 at 7:32 am
i de fill you