Report: Rising Star Sona Wrongfully Convicted For Robbery He Did Not Commit

"You'll know who's truly in your corner once sh*t hits the fan!"

Last week Tuesday (4th November 2014), it hit the news that rising star Sona had been sentenced to 4 years in prison for "robbing a pensioner" alongside a friend of his. Once the news was shared on Twitter via various news outlets, there was an instant uproar, with some people bashing Sona for what he supposedly done, and others wishing him well saying he'll come back bigger and better. 

Well, I chose not to speak on it via my Twitter account or my blog or any other social media platform of mine, as I did not know the full story of what happened, despite what news outlets including The Standard and LBC News had reported. And I chose to respect Sona and his family's privacy during this tough time, as not only is he a rising artist that I rate so highly, but also a friend of mine. 

Sona is known for his three hit singles this year ‘No Wahala’, ‘Ijo Sona’ and ‘Omode Yi’ which have garnered him over half a million streams/views in just over seven months, plus support and critical acclaim from the likes of BBC 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, BET International and more.

Today, 13th November 2014 - the family and Sona's management/PR team have issued the official press statement, and I have it here for you to read, and they are saying that Sona has been wrongfully convicted for a robbery that he did not commit.

Click "read more" to read the official press release issued by Sona, his family and PR team in a joint statement...

New Video: Sona - Omode Yi

Sona stays quenching the thirst of fans and lovers of his music across the world. The ‘No Wahala’ and ‘Ijo Sona’ crooner teased us with a snippet to his new video to his unreleased single ‘Omode Yi’ a couple weeks back, not leaving onlookers waiting - Sona unveiled the cinematic video last week.

Directed by Alexx Adjei and inspired by classic 90's film ‘Love & Basketball’, the visuals for ‘Omode Yi’ are lush, cinematic and possibly Sona's best visual offering yet, as he continues to push the envelope with creativity of his music videos. Collaborating once again with producer O.Y Beatz on the music front, ‘Omode Yi’ is an infections bass-heavy dance anthem, backed by amazing drum patterns, synths and horn arrangements, and topped off with Sona's captivating flow and lyrics.

Living up to the mantle as one of the stand-out new artists of 2014, Sona continues to deliver on all fronts, not least with the incredible numbers he has been pulling with his single and video releases.

Sona Unveils New Promo Shots, Announces New Single ‘Omode Yi’ and Drops Video Teaser

With his two latest singles ‘No Wahala’ and ‘Ijo Sona’ garnering well over 500,000 plays on YouTube and Soundcloud, rave reviews from leading African music websites and international radio support from the likes of BBC 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, Bang Radio and Reprezent 107.3 FM, fast-rising British Nigerian Pop artist Sona has certainly been living up to his bill as one of the stand-out new artists of 2014.

And as we enter into the business end of 2014, Sona is proud to announce his third single of the year - ‘Omode Yi’. Along with the announcement of his new single, Sona is also unveiling a series of exclusive new promo shots as well as the official single artwork and a sneak peek of the music video for ‘Omode Yi’, directed by Alexx Adjei, which is due to be released on August 20.

Hit the flip to check out Sona's new promo shots!

New Video: Sona - Ijo Sona

Sona is doing big things this year. After releasing a triple threat with ‘Ijo Sona’, ‘No Wahala’ and ‘Eyy Mama’ back in March - yesterday saw the unveiling of his new video to ‘Ijo Sona’.

The British-Nigerian artist has gained a lot of buzz in the recent months for his outstanding music and has received support from the likes of BBC Radio 1Xtra and Bang Radio to name a few.

Sona takes on a Nigerian hall party theme, better known as an 'Owambe' party for the new video to ‘Ijo Sona’ set in London. 

Mixing old school musical nuances with Sona's own blend of contemporary lyrics and vocal sensibilities ‘Ijo Sona’ also pays homage to the likes of Sir Shina Peters who, with his Afro Juju sound changed the face of African music in the 90's.

Director Alexx Adjei captures the impact that ‘Ijo Sona’ has on people the minute it comes on, in this three-minute visual. The video was an enjoyable one, wasn't quite sure what direction they were trying to take with the man on the toilet seat though.

Produced by O.Y Beatz, watch as Sona and friends and family embrace their cultural roots in the new video to ‘Ijo Sona’ below.

New Music: Sona - Eyy Mama

Last Monday Sona released ‘No Wahala’ and has already reached over 20,000 views on YouTube and the Monday before that, he released ‘Ijo Sona’ - which has had over 20,000 plays on Soundcloud.

Today sees the last release of Sona's triple March Monday releases and has premiered the final installment with ‘Eyy Mama’. Just like the previous two singles, ‘Eyy Mama’ is an upbeat number, that is determined to get the dance floor packed, people dancing and singing along.

DJ's are already loving ‘No Wahala’ and ‘Ijo Sona’ - so it's without a doubt that ‘Eyy Mama’ will get the same reception from clubs and fans.

Take a listen to ‘Eyy Mama’ below. ‘No Wahala’, ‘Ijo Sona’ and ‘Eyy Mama’ will all appear on Sona's forthcoming EP ‘Chosen’, serving as the EP's lead singles. Can't wait to see what other bangers Sona adds to his collection of hits so far..

Sona: New Music ‘Ijo Sona’ + New Video ‘No Wahala’

To say Sona has improved over the past couple months is beyond any doubt an understatement. Last year he got his feet wet in the Afrobeats scene and this year he is proven that he's here to stay.

This month of March Sona is coming with a triple release and has already shown that he is about his business. Last week Monday he released ‘Ijo Sona’ a heavy African influenced song which is already loved by many and has already reached over 12,000 plays on his soundcloud account. Singing fluently in Yoruba, Sona teamed up with producer OY for ‘Ijo Sona’ which means "Sona's dance", has seen Sona drawn inspiration from icons such as Shina Peters, KWAM1 and a few other respected Afro-Fuji/Afro-Juju legends in the game.

Yesterday saw the unveiling of his second anticipated release - the video to ‘No Wahala’, and compared to his last video to ‘Summertime’, a rapid improvement to say the least. The new single sees Sona highlighting his unique artistry, vocal strength and songwriting skills as he waxes lyrical about the 'pursuit of happiness' with the lady of his dreams.

2014 will bring the release of his highly anticipated debut EP, with ‘No Wahala’, ‘Ijo Sona’ and the soon-to-be-released ‘Eyy Mama’ serving as the EP’s lead singles. Enjoy the Alexx Adjei-directed music video for ‘No Wahala’ below.

Look out for ‘Eyy Mama’ out next Monday!

New Music: Sona - Omo Ghana ft. Tillaman

It's no secret that rising UK Afrobeats sensation Sona is a favourite with the ladies. Sona, who recently celebrated his birthday has premiered his new single ‘Omo Ghana’, the follow up to his summer smash - ‘Summertime’. Since his show-stopping performance supporting Davido during his UK tour in September, Sona's career has been taken to new heights as his received a lot of love and major buzz!

Still yet to get exposure in certain countries in Africa - Sona is currently conquering the UK with shows, appearances - and his music being played in the clubs, on radio and on TV. 

‘Omo Ghana’ features Omoba Tillaman where they both bring their A game. 

2014 will see Sona release some more exciting collaborations, as well as the release of his official debut mixtape entitled ‘Unexpected’. Until then, take a listen to ‘Omo Ghana’ below!

New Music: Sona - Telemi

Fresh off the premiere of his video to his single ‘Summertime’, Sona has released his third track ‘Telemi’ off his forthcoming debut EP ‘Unexpected’.

The UK based Nigerian Afrobeat act teamed up with producer Xblaze in Nigeria, for the production and engineering of ‘Telemi’.

This is one of the many songs from Sona that will appear on his EP, including his latest ‘Summertime’ and ‘Shola’ as well as collaborations from Afrobeat acts in both Nigeria and the UK. 

Sona will take to the stage with Davido and the HKN Gang next month at the IndigO2 as an opening act, alongside Tillaman, Mista Silva, Lola Rae and many more.

Follow Sona on his journey of becoming of the most promising and versatile Afrobeat acts that you'll set your eyes on, thus far. ‘Unexpected’ is out later on this year.

New Video: Sona - Summertime

It's your boy Sonaaaaa!

Sona got introduced on this blog a month ago with his single ‘Summertime’, and now the Nigerian UK based Afrobeats artist has unveiled the video.

Shot in London, Sona calls on his friends including fellow UK based Afrobeats acts Showa Shins and Starboy Willz to all appear in his video and enjoy the summer sun.

September 15 will see Sona hit the stage at the Davido UK Tour in the IndigO2 in London, where he'll perform ‘Summertime’ and a few more unreleased tracks. 

Good vibes all round in this video, we wonder what's next from the star...

Introducing... Sona + New Single ‘Summertime’

I'm three weeks behind posting this song! Forgive me UK Afrobeat fans!

Introducing... The latest and probably one of the hottest (lol) UK Afrobeat artists on the scene.. Sona!

Already having a fan base in the UK, Sona doesn't actually need any introduction - but for those of you who don't know who he is, here's a little insight below..

Formerly part of D.R.T who are known for their smash single ‘Salsa Skank’ and their song ‘Get Mad Now’ was the official sound of one of the Specsavers advert, two years ago. Which gained him a lot more recognition as a group member to D.R.T and also as a solo artist.

Through the years Sona has released self-produced singles such as ‘Shola’, and now the 22 year old is back with ‘Summertime’ - produced by Trybe Records' very own Sheyman. The song was released just in time for the British sun we've been experiencing over the past couple of weeks in the UK.

Sona is due to perform at the Davido UK Tour on September 15 in London's IndigO2, alongside Davido and the HKN Gang, Lola Rae, Mista Silva, Tillaman, Mo Eazy, YFS and a few more. More details to come on that later on!

The producer-singer and songwriter is working with a few other UK Afrobeat acts - Kwamz, Flava, Showa Shins, Starboy Willz all on a new track - hopefully out later on this year.

Sona will shoot the music video to ‘Summertime’ this coming Friday in London!

"Once again my guys it's summertime, e sha ma jaiye lo!"

Stay connected with Sona via his Twitter: @sonaman