The African Kings's Biography
Residing in Dallas Texas, united 2005... It came to their mind that many Nigerians "put up a front". Many are embarrassed of where they come from or being African period due to the fact that some either had accents, or they couldn't "fit in" with the American citizens (especially here in Texas). This gave them a mission, a Mission to let the world know that Africans got talents too... And if it didn't reach the world, hopefully it would motivate all Africans out there to stand proud of their Nation! With lyrics that boldly proclaim "We be the kings of the continent!", "It's time to take over!" and "The time don come when we go put Nigeria on the map!", there is little doubt that the energetic trio, featuring self-made producer Dog-No-Mite a.K.a. "D-Mite"(CEO), Sean-C da Mayor(Co Producer) and J.F. (Captain), means business. African Kings set the African music scene ablaze when the group first hit the music airwaves in 2006 with their 1st Mix-Tape "Take Over". The group was immediately distinguishable by their unique sound, unmistakably catchy tunes, remarkably true-to-life lyrics, and no-nonsense attitudes as first seen in "Punishments", "To My Hustlers", and "Na Chicken". When asked what prompted the formation of the group, producer and beat-maker Dog-No-Mite replied "Well, we wanted to give Nigerian music a new sound - something unique, something fun, and something we could all relate to... that means both Africans abroad and those at home." And yes, most anyone who ventures into the musical world of African Kings will realize that there is something truly amazing about what this trio brings to the once mundane African music table. African Kings offers a unique fusion of traditional Nigerian musical themes, vernacular, and cultural sensibilities, with a more modern hip hop twist. Influenced by Fela Kuti, Timberland, Missy E, N.E.R.D., Rakim, Snoop, Nas and of course Dog-No-Mite, they used their ability to successfully combine these distinct cultural genres to set them apart from many other aspiring Nigerian musicians. "Even though you might be feelin' the hip hop beat, we got to let you know that first and foremost we are Nigerian," says group member "Sean-C da Mayor" We never try to be what we're not." "J.F." also suggests that the group has a political agenda. "In a time when so many negative things are being said about Nigeria we decided we needed to be Nigeria's positive reinforcement through music. We need to let everyone know that Nigeria is a about a lot more than 419. Lots of great things come out of Nigeria." African Kings' remarkable success in a relatively short amount of time is noteworthy. Their vibrant stage presence mimics the likes of Fela Kuti, and other idolized Nigerian artists of the past. African Kings has already done opening performances for the likes of 2Face and D'banj, and traveled throughout the United States gracing Nigerians and Americans alike with their unique sound. Their 2nd Mix-Tape, "Da Threat" (In other words, Beware for the New Upcoming Artists) was dropped May 16th 2007 and was officially released June 5th, 2007 with hits like "My Girl (MeriX)", "Gold Digga", "Na So E be", "Bounce Bounce" & "This is Life". This gave them another chance to be heard by more people from outside of Texas. They were able to compete with 13 various artists from all over the U.S. at the Nigerian Reunion Summer of 2007. They won the "Nigerian Idol" competition hosted by the annual Nigerian Reunion Conference (NRC), which was held in Dallas. As one fan put it, their vibrant music and stage presence wowed the crowd into voting submission and by claiming the victory, they got the chance to open for Nights of a 1001 laughs "You guys definitely got swagger" - said Eldee (Nigerian Artist) (One of the Judges from the competition). According to Dog-No-Mite, "It all began when the three of us met in Texas, and as you know... the rest is history." African Kings is truly a force to be reckoned with. If, in the words of J.F., lots of great things truly do come out of Nigeria, many fans would agree that African Kings must be one of them. Feeling like they are slowly meeting their goals, they are now currently working on their 1st Album called "New & Improved" which will be released by October 2008... Do not miss out on any of this upcoming artists' event. Meanwhile stay tuned and be sure to check their website out: http://www.myspace.com/theafricankings (Under Construction...) http://www.theafricankings.com (Coming Soon....)