Roki to collaborate with Nigeria's Wizkid

Roki

The Big Brother Africa (BBA) game has its advantages and disadvantages, but when one enters the game, they should know what they want to achieve from it in the long run, considering the fact that all the housemates who do not win walk out empty handed.

Therefore before entering the show, housemates should have their priorities right as there are a lot of risks involved in being part of the show, including loss of employment and social discrimination after failing to impress in the house.

While in the house, Roki made it clear that he was in the game to promote his musical career.He told fellow housemates that he wanted to have music collaborations with different artistes after leaving the house and even agreed to work with housemates who were musicians, on different tracks.

Weeks down the line, it seems like his strategy is paying off. He will soon accomplish his mission as he is set to collaborate with Nigeria’s Wizkid who is a talented singer, song-writer and performer. Bybit Areketa, Roki’s manager, said talks were at an advanced stage between Wizkid and Roki’s management.

“We have a representative in Nigeria who is working on the deal and if all goes well, Roki will travel to Nigeria to work with Wizkid,” she said.If the deal is a success, Roki will be on another level as Wizkid is signed under Akon’s Konvict label. Initially Wizkid was signed under EME which is run by Banky W, another successful Nigerian artiste. EME is now Konvict’s official representative in Africa meaning they have the powers to sign up African artists under the Konvict label.

Collaborating with Wizkid will surely bring Roki closer to the Konvict label. In a statement, Banky said: “Wiz is the first act to be launched under this agreement, but provision has been made for EME and we will continue to build acts that achieve enough buzz to also launch on the same platforms.”

Wizkid released his first singles, Holla At Your Boy, Tease Me, Gidi Girl and Ori Mi in 2010. Tease Me was just a studio freestyle that leaked online and turned into a big hit in different parts of Nigeria and later went worldwide. Wiz has since bagged various awards and shared the stage with international acts including Rick Ross.

Besides Wizkid, Roki is also expected to collaborate with another upcoming Nigerian musician, Imade. Mampi, the Zambian BBA Stargame representative and musician is also expected in the country next week to record a track with Roki. The two will perform together in Zimbabwe later on this year.

Areketa said she was impressed with the progress Roki had made so far. “Roki is a guy who is very passionate about music. When he left for South Africa, he told me he wanted to have continuous gigs lined up for him and I am happy he has been busy with his music ever since he returned,” she said.

Tonight, Roki will grace a welcome party which has been organised for him at the Pavillion Sports club in Mutare. Tomorrow will be a big day for him as he will celebrate his 27th birthday with friends and family in Harare. Next week, he will travel to Gweru for yet another “Welcome Party”.

Areketa said Roki’s BBA experience was a major turnaround for him. “A lot of people are now appreciating Roki’s talent and it was always my dream to see people doing so. People always used to focus on negative things, but now they are appreciating him as he is quite a talented artist,” she said. Newsday