Big Weez Clashes With GT The Guitarman In Zain/MTN Music Show

By Tope Olukole and Sandra Izuu-Okafor

Big WeezThe battle for musical supremacy on the popular music reality show, Zain/MTV Advance Warning, continues this weekend with the self-styled rap wizard, Big Weeze, taking on R’n’B sensation, GT The Guitarman.

The clash which is the sixth episode in the series of the Zain-sponsored music programme and will be aired across Africa.

According to the Chief Marketing Officer of the sponsoring company, Zain Nigeria, Norman Moyo, the clash can be viewed on MTV base Channel (DStv Channel 322) by 7.30-8.00pm, Silverbird Television (STV) and the African Independent Television (AIT) by 6.00-6.30pm on Sundays. There will be a repeat broadcast on Wednesdays on Silverbird TV.

The two rising stars are among twenty-six young musicians lined up to compete for the MTV & Zain Advance Warning Numero Uno Artiste prize, which is expected to open new career horizons for the winner. The prize includes a brand new music video shot by a top international music video director and heavyweight promotion on MTV Base, among others.

Big Weez whose real names are Eguahvon Igbinedion started his rap career in Festac Town, Lagos in 1999. He recently released his first single christened Diamond in da Dirt, a song that has greatly boosted his profile as a rap artiste.

His opponent, GT the Guitarman (real name – Gbemiro Olaolu Oluwatokunbo) is no push-over. Apart from possessing skills such as vocals, song writing, and good dance steps, GT is on a familiar ground, having featured in several events across the country including Silverbird’s Man of The Year 2007 show.

In an on-line interview, the Edo State born artiste who is currently working on his debut album said he has been greatly influenced by rap giants like Notorious B.I.G, Nas, and Jay Z. Tipped as a strong contender in the show, Big Weez is set to entertain viewers with his smoky rhymes and hilarious puns this weekend.

On the other hand, GT’s performances have been described by his fans as heart-warming and easy to relate to as he addresses the everyday challenges that they face. He has also made cameo appearances in a couple of videos including Sasha’s Adara video and Naeto C’s Sitting on Top.

Over the weeks, the 26 candidates will be whittled down to just three finalists, who will go on to participate in a gruelling ‘boot camp’ at ‘The Loft’ where they will develop their craft with some of the world’s finest producers, vocal coaches, choreographers and stylists. At the end of the series, just one artiste will emerge as the first ever MTV & Zain Advance Warning winner, taking home 5 million Naira and the chance to have a music video shot free of charge by a top international video director.

Viewers and music fans can make their views known by participating in the voting for their favourite artistes every week via SMS. Voting ends four days from the end of each show. One artiste will be eliminated once the votes are counted. To vote, just SMS your choice of winner to shortcode: 33970 (Zain subscribers only).