“We Are Africans” is the powerful new single by JJC which embodies the meaning and significance of Black History Month. “We Are Africans” combines the sentiment of pride with clear messages of unity and positivity. Serious, but also fun, tongue-in-cheek and wildly infectious, “We Are Africans” is an anthem – in fact it could be labelled as the national anthem for the United States of Africa, a concept which signifies the fortification, unification and reinvention of Africa and Africans across the world.
Nigerian-born and London-based songwriter/ rapper/ singer/ producer JJC aka Skillz first rose to fame when he formed Sony Music act Big Brovaz (their first single “Nu Flow” was a worldwide hit). He then went on to produce for Lemar, Jamelia, Ginuwine, Liberty X, Booty Luv and many others. Alongside these mainstream production credentials, he created pioneering Afropean group JJC & 419 Squad, where he was the producer, songwriter and main vocalist. During this time JJC became a mentor to Nigerian superstars D’banj and Don Jazzy.
JJC & 419 Squad, whose hit songs included “Gbao”, “Atide” and “Kilonsele”, broke new ground with their fresh fusion of hip-hop and African flavours, with lyrics in Pidgin, Yoruba and English. The group managed to reach out to European and World Music audiences as well Nigerian audiences, and they performed at countless events, including major festivals such as WOMAD in the UK and also at MTV Base Africa’s launch concert in Abuja, alongside Ludacris, 2-Face and Asa. Their music was used in films (Stephen Frears’ Oscar-nominated Dirty Pretty Things) and on TV (Channel 4’s drama Stealing Lives) and tracks were included on internationally released CD compilations. JJC & 419 Squad picked up a number of awards, too, such as the 2004 Kora award for ‘Best African Group’.
JJC, a true pioneer of the Afro Pop music scene, returns to the spotlight with brand new solo material. “We Are Africans” (feat. J-Rock and Randy of Big Brovaz) is the first single of his forthcoming album, entitled “United States of Africa”.
We are Africans will be digitally released on 24 October 2009