Nigerian four-piece JJC & 419 Squad like to ‘keep it real’ by fusing African rhythms, hip-hop and salsa, as well as mixing their native Yoruba language with English.

In 2003, they independently released their album “Atide” (meaning “We have arrived”). Without any label or distribution backing, the strength of the music, its originality and determination, meant the group was met with critical acclaim and many achievements were made. The group are now preparing for the release of an updated version of the album to be entitled “Finally …..Atide!”. It will include new versions of old favourites, remixes, as well as many new songs, including collaborations with T.i.D. (Tanzania) and Weird MC (UK/Nigeria).

Here are some of our past achievements:

Performances in Nigeria (Femi Kuti’s New Africa Shrine), America, France, plus numerous shows in the UK, including the WOMAD 2003 & 2004 festivals, the RESPECT 2003 festival at the Dome (main stage), the Fast Forward event on Trafalgar Square, at the Barbican (part of the Black President – Fela Kuti season) and The Shrine at Cargo. Whether playing to World Music fans, a Nigerian audience or at hip-hop shows, JJC & 419 Squad feel equally at home. (“ The Nigerian hip-hop and blend of English and Yoruba has left the likes of the Respect and WOMAD festivals speechless.” The Guardian)

Latin-flavoured Anglo-Yoruba feel-good track “Atide” has been featured in Stephen Frears’ Oscar-nominated film Dirty Pretty Things and is included on Charlie Gillett’s World 2004 compilation (Wrasse Records). African Salsa track “Malemicita” is included on Union Square Music’s Afrobeat Sessions compilation and “Ewajo” on the label’s Global Hip Hop compilation. The group’s tracks “Kilonsele”, “I’m A Naija …”, “Birthday” and “Majaye” were used in a Channel 4 prime-time TV drama called “Stealing Lives”, a film which is based on the true story of London-based Nigerians being involved in identity fraud. The group also made cameo appearances in this film.

Last year, JJC was the host of African Vibes on BBC Radio 1Xtra where he showcased African hip-hop, Afrobeat, Raï, hip-life, kwaito, Juju and lots more, bringing modern African music to a wider (and young, urban) audience. This year, in his quest to become an ambassador for young African music in the UK, JJC has become one of the on-line hosts of Africa On Your Street http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/africaonyourstreet/jjc.shtml, a BBC Radio 3 website celebrating the African music scene across the UK and beyond. 

“We’ve been waiting so long for this, it’s hard to believe it has actually arrived: a truly distinctive hip-hop record made by Africans based in the UK… A great party album!” Charlie Gillett

For more information please visit: http://www.jjc2uk.com
To hear extracts of songs go to: http://www.jjc2uk.com/AudioVideo.htm

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