Enter Tiwa Savage.

Boasting a resume as impressive as her looks, the Nigerian newcomer is already somewhat of an international entity.

Born in Lagos, raised in London, and working in LA, the singer-songwriter has made quite the mark in each territory. For upon re-locating to the UK at age 10, she spent several years honing her talent until eventually catching the eye of George Michael and his team- who invited her to sing background for him on tour at age 17. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the trek lead to her taking up similar roles with the likes of Mary J Blige, Kelly Clarkson, and Chaka Khan.

Keen to step out from the shadows, Savage entered the UK incarnation of the X Factor, making it all the way to the Judges Houses segment of the 2006 series.

Since then, she’s signed a lucrative publishing deal with Sony Music (US), a union which saw her pen Fantasia‘s ‘Collard Greens & Cornbread’ (from the critically acclaimed ‘Back to Me’ LP). However, Savage’s biggest break comes in the form of her sizzling new single ‘Kele Kele’.

With Savage now dividing her time between Lagos and the US, the track and its accompanying video (above) fuse the best of both worlds. Indeed, she oozes a sass and confidence not dissimilar from Beyonce (interestingly featuring one of her staple dancer’s Kreyshaun in the clip), while seamlessly weaving in her native tongue.

It’s combination which seems to be paying off. For, not only has Savage taken her homeland by storm, she is drumming up quite the buzz on an global scale – giving an added boast to the long-overdue inclusion of African artists and music in the mainstream arena. A trend which recently saw Kanye West sign Nigerian star D’Banj to his G.O.O.D Music imprint.

For now, though, all eyes are on the stunning Ms. Savage, who you can hear more from below. Be sure to let us know what you think!

Your thoughts?

Cameras were all over ‘Love All Over Me’ singer Monica this weekend as she and basketball husband Shannon Brown made rounds in Houston.  The songstress, who hosted an event with television personalities Toya Wright and Terrance J at the famed Club Anya, sported a form-fitting black and blue striped number with matching clutch.

As ever, she turned heads.  See more of Mo’ below (Via MonicaSoul):

In related news, Mrs. Brown will be guesting on tomorrow’s episode of ‘106 & Park’ to premiere the visual for her latest single ‘Anything (To Find You)’.  Fans can peep a behind the scenes video here.

Your thoughts?

The excitement for the US version of X Factor is reaching a feverish pitch as the premiere date draws nearer.  With an all-star panel lining the judges’ table, Nicole Scherzinger, L.A. Reid, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell are gearing up for a whirlwind season to find America’s best undiscovered talent – and reward him/her $5 million dollars!

Set for a two-night, Wednesday, September 21st premiere on FOX, fans who missed the original airing of the 8 minute sneak peek can now catch it after the jump:

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(photo source)

With headlines for unproven rap pioneering and unscheduled guest appearances behind her, Little engine that probably shouldn’t could Lil’ Mama is pushing ahead on the promo trail for her latest release ‘Scrawberry’.  Sitting down with our friends over at The BoomBox, the ‘Lip Gloss’ rapstress took time away from the America’s Best Dance Crew judging table to  chat about upcoming album plans, moving to Paris , and her latest sure-to-be Billboard miss hit ‘Scrawberry’.

Find out what she had to say about these topics and more after the jump:

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In support of her forthcoming studio release,  ‘The High Road’ songstress Jojo is wowing fans and critics alike on the road and documenting every step of her tour chronicles via her Youtube vlog.  The album ‘Jumping Trains’ (led by ‘Disaster’), which she describes as ‘pop with anger management problems’, is expected on record shelves in early 2012.

Joined on a nationwide trek with fellow pop performers Joe Jonas and Jay Sean, the singer’s most recent recorded pit stop was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

We’ve already shown you part 1, but now fans can get into part 2 and an interview after the jump:

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‘Work’ singer Kelly Rowland was doing plenty of that on the set of her ‘Runway’ magazine shoot.  Dishing on her upcoming tour with  Chris Brown, the critical acclaim of her third studio release ‘Here I Am’, and other bits and bobs, the songstress shines in both print and photos.

We’ve already shown you the cover (seen above) and the behind the scenes footage, now fans can find the finished product.  Catch Kelly striking a mean diva pose after the jump:

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‘Bossy’ singer Kelis was most recently spotted rocking the Bestival 2011 this week at Robin Hill Country Park in Newport, Isle of Wight.   Held September 8-11, the former Mrs. Jones is said to have treated the crowd to ‘Milkshake’, ‘Get Along With You’, and other fan favorites.

Catch Kelis in action below (via Bestival):

In related news, the ‘Young, Fresh, N’ New’ singer most recently found herself in headlines after reportedly saying:

“Katy Perry is crap. It’s just pure pop. Her name might be on her stuff but that doesn’t mean it’s any good.”

A rep for the singer later clarified the statement is indeed false.

Your thoughts?

Better late than never we suppose.  Hip hop hitmaker The Dream may be already readying a follow-up to his first free LP and his fourth studio album ‘Love King IV: Diary of a Mad Black Man’, but he hasn’t completely closed the book on ‘1977’.  Via his Youtube page, the ‘Rocking That Thang’ rapper/singer released a visual to support the mixtape.

Check out Mr. Nash after the jump:

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‘Touch’ singer Ameriie touched down in the country of Georgia this week to perform a slew of fan favorites.  Looking to be getting back into the swing of things, the newlywed dazzled the crowd with a performance of her biggest hit to date – ‘1 Thing’.  And, as ever, she didn’t miss a beat.

Said to be putting the finishing touches on her 2012 album ‘Cymatika Volume 1’, see Ameriie in action after the jump:

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While Kelly Rowland continues to dazzle during the auditions phase of the X Factor UK, ‘real-time’ has seen the Destiny’s Child alumni shooting the Judges Houses segment of the show.

And while speculation had been rife as to who the 30 year old would enlist to assist her, it has today been confirmed that Grammy and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson is the surprise name.

The ‘Spotlight’ singer shot her scenes, which saw Kelly’s category whittled down for the live shows, at Rowland’s Miami home yesterday. {Source}

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While Ms. Hudson is certainly a coup for the show, it’s a shame that gone (seemingly) are the days when producers would allow judges to bring their own assistance (i.e. Danni-Kylie). For, like many, yours truly anticipated Beyonce or Michelle or someone with a legit connection. Still, ratings are ratings, and based on public response, winning is winning – the latter being what Kelly and this new panel are clearly doing.

Your thoughts?

This week’s From The Vault will, yet again, concentrate on an artist who doesn’t get the kudos they deserve: the multi-talented Brandy.

Today’s pick comes in the form of the title track of B-Rocka’s third studio album, ‘Full Moon’. Released almost 10 years ago, the track served as the 2002 LP’s second single.

On the Mike City-helmed groove, Ms. Norwood tells an engaging tale of “love at first sight” that she coos is caused by the state of the moon. A narrative relayed literally, yet effectively in its accompanying video.

As always, the siren’s flawless vocal delivery is the center of affairs, with her trademark harmonies and mesmerizing ad-libs on display. And even though she is clearly demonstrates vocal restraint on the track, it’s ample enough to underscore the age-old saying that ‘sometimes, less is more’.

The singer’s then-pregnancy rendered her unable to properly promote the single, but it still managed to reach the Top 20 in the US and in the UK.

With a newly announced deal with RCA Records and fresh material on the pipeline, the Moesha-star stays among the most exciting vocalists the industry. And, although she has achieved plenty during her 17 year career, it seems Brandy still has much more give. TGJ will be there, front row-center, to witness just how much. Will you?

Your thoughts?