Throwback Thursday: Celebrating the Iconic Weird MC

This ThrowbackThursday, we’re shining a spotlight on one of Africa’s most pioneering female rappers, Weird MC. Known for her unique blend of English and Yoruba lyrics, Weird MC, born Adesola Adesimbo Idowu on 9 July 1970, has made an indelible mark on the music industry as a rapper, songwriter, and producer.

Early Life

Weird MC, also known as Shola Idowu or The Rappatainer, was born in the UK to conservative Nigerian parents who were initially against her pursuit of a career in entertainment. Despite their disapproval, Weird MC’s passion for music led her to form a hip-hop group called Weirdos during her secondary school years in Lagos. Although the group disbanded without landing a record deal, it was a crucial stepping stone for her.

After a brief stint at Ogun State University studying Law, Weird MC left to focus entirely on her music career. She later gained a qualification in Music Technology, which further solidified her path in the music industry. Before her music career took off, she had aspirations of becoming a basketball player, but due to limited support for women in sports from the Nigerian Sports Commission, she shifted her focus back to music.

Music Career

Early Career (1990-1996)

Influenced by legends like Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, Queen Latifah, and Jimi Hendrix, Weird MC began her music journey by competing in various rap battles, including the Club 291 contest in the UK. In 1992, she released her debut single “I Wanna Make You Jack/Let’s Get Wet,” which topped the Choice FM charts and received positive reviews from critics.

Simply Weird (1997)

In 1996, Weird MC returned to Nigeria and released her debut album Simply Weird. The album, a fusion of American hip hop and Afrobeat, featured the self-produced hit single “Allen Avenue.” Despite its innovative sound, the album was ahead of its time and did not achieve significant commercial success. However, it earned her critical acclaim and the first-ever AMEN award for Best Hip Hop Album.

After the Storm (2006)

Weird MC’s second album, After Da Storm, released in 2006, marked a turning point in her career. The single “Ijoya,” produced by Don Jazzy and JJC, became a massive hit, earning her several awards, including the AMEN award for Most Pop Song and the Channel O Music Video Award for Best Special Effect.

Other Work

Apart from her solo career, Weird MC has collaborated with artists like Femi Kuti and Kween. In 2010, she was the last woman standing in the celebrity version of the reality show Gulder Ultimate Search. Despite facing discrimination from her male counterparts in the Nigerian hip-hop industry, Weird MC has remained a steadfast advocate for female rappers, encouraging them to persevere and carve out their place in the music world.

Awards and Nominations

Weird MC’s contributions to music have not gone unnoticed. In 2007, she was nominated for the Headies’ Artiste of the Year, further cementing her legacy in the Nigerian music industry.

Weird MC’s journey is a testament to her resilience, talent, and pioneering spirit. As we look back on her incredible career, we celebrate her contributions to music and her role in paving the way for future generations of female artists.

Promote Your Business with LagosJump Radio

Want to promote your business, event, or service? Partner with LagosJump Radio, an online radio platform playing the hottest music, including Amapiano, Afropop, Afro-fusion, and Afrobeats in the West Midlands & Warwickshire County. We are dedicated to promoting the local community and businesses.

Read More:

• Afrobeats in West Midlands
• World of Afrobeats in Warwickshire
• Promote with LagosJump Radio

Support LagosJump Radio and stay connected with us for the best in music and entertainment.

Contact Us:

• Email: [email protected]
• WhatsApp: +44 020 8 133 4795
• Address: 11 Regent Street, Rugby, CV21 2PE, United Kingdom

Follow Us:

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

LagosJump Radio also covers cities and towns in the West Midlands and Warwickshire, including Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, West Bromwich, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Leamington Spa, Nuneaton, Rugby, Kenilworth, Bedworth, and Atherstone.