Biography
About Pype
Beyond the dreadlocks, his distinct style is redefining the Caribbean sound with strong influences from his Nigerian identity. The music of this singer, songwriter and songstylist can be defined as reggae fusion which willingly incorporates elements of hip-hop, rock-pop and R&B into the riddims of reggae and dancehall. He calls his a “tube-sound” carried by striking vocals that capture a forest of emotions and textures—This is Pype.
Originally from Abeokuta in Ogun State, Nigeria, Ibrahim Majekodunmi was raised in Lagos. At the source of his unmistakable voice is a combination of nature and nurture. Having been introduced to singing in church, he joined an acapella group at St Gregory’s Secondary School, Obalende in 1998. The formation grew into a 30-man classical/opera choir, The Triumphant Chorale Voices, which became one of the top three classical groups in Nigeria under the aegis of Mike Ohiri. Pype, who was then known as Majek, still draws from a classical tradition that forced him to train his voice with the rigor of an opera singer, pushing his vocal capacities to a breaking point, translating emotion into the language of notes without the luxury of gimmicks. The group performed at the Eagle Square Abuja to usher in the new Millennium. Pype delivered solo performances as the choir’s bass singer accompanied by The Grand Chamber Orchestral which accomplished the rare feat of rendering all three parts of George F. Handel’s Messiah.
As he came of age, it became easier to extend lessons from the classical genre into something that gave him more creative license. Majek had always been the artsy type, going for jam sessions, and generally adventurous about developing his creative side. He wanted to convey a righteous anger and a positive message that he could not express with the classical vocabulary.
In 2005, he espoused dancehall and reggae music as the genres that would resonate best with his voice and message which championed positivity, love and peace—so much so that the singer underwent a complete make-over working with his mentor and manager, Ayo Rotimi, whom he fondly calls “Pupa”. The chemistry between the two of them has profoundly influenced the direction his musical journey has taken. It was Pupa who gave him the moniker PYPE, an acronym standing for Prolific Youth Positive Entertainer. His manager identified his versatility, and was inspired by his velvety voice which is like a pipe that sucks in inspiration and tosses out art of the purest kind.
Pype cemented his reputation as an internationally acclaimed artist when his first single “Keep It Cool” (2007) featured in Season 6 of the popular American television drama series, The Shield and back home, his voice has become one of the most aired on radio.
He is successfully mainstreaming dancehall and reggae music in Nigeria through potent collaborations while keeping the uncompromising originality of a dynamic artist. His unique stamp has pumped a dose of adrenaline into the sounds of highlife pioneer Sunny Neji (“Crush”), hip-hop Diva Sasha (“Strong thin”), Niyola (“Mo Ranyan”), MI (“teaser”) and Sheyman (“Showa remix”). It is this Midas touch that earned him the ‘songstylist’ title and music lovers have continued to be Pypnotised by his infectious energy with over 120 collaborations between 2008 and 2009 alone where he mostly free-styled. His desire: “To make music that inspires and uplifts, make people think and dance there is nothing wrong with following your dreams. Music and timeless lyrics are my passion— I breathe for this.” says Pype.
Among his biggest influences are Beethoven, Frank Sinatra, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Bob Marley, U-Roy, fierce Dancehall pioneers Supercat, Shabba Ranks, Spragga Benz, Sizzla and Beenie Man.
As a performer, he has shared the stage with Nigerian and international artists including Sean Paul, Akon, and the duo of Brick& Lace to name a few. At the 2009 edition of MTVBase Music Awards hosted by Wyclef Jean in Kenya, Pype stunned the audience with his power-packed performance of “Teaser” with MI and South Africa’s Lira. Also, his newest single, “Champion”, a brass-driven dancehall tune that could easily serve as a world anthem has been getting rave reviews.
A perfectionist, Pype is currently putting finishing touches to his much anticipated debut album and the record labels Podium Vybez and Storm 360 have combined forces to ensure that it hits the world stage. With his enthralling vibes wedded to lush melodies, he is fast becoming a major force and one of the few artists leading the progressive movement of reggae and dancehall in Africa by expanding its reach without diluting the core values of this ageless genre of music. Made in Nigeria for global consumption, pave way for General Pype and get ready to be Pypnotised!
About his single, “Champion” (2009)
The Punch Newspapers couldn’t have been more on point when they named Pype as one of the artists to look out for in 2009 since that was the year he teamed up through his Management, with emerging producer, Patrick “Password” Mathias, to create “Champion”.
From Pype’s perspective, if “Champion” were a person, it would be you, with black stripes under your eyes, wearing a camouflage uniform and heavy-duty boots, standing with confidence in front your life’s biggest obstacle. Champion is the 20th century world anthem.
“Champion is a gift from my soul to everyone across the globe. Don’t look at the limitations. Pursue your goals.” The music video was directed by Bobby Boulders and shot in Obalende-Lagos where Pype was raised. “The world needs to see where I’m from. They (The people of Obalende) are champions that gave birth to a champion.”
Pype on Facebook: www.facebook.com/generalpype
Pype on Myspace:www.myspace.com/generalpype
Pype on twitter: www.twitter.com/generalpype
Watch Champion Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2CabT7Owj0
Watch Champions League Remix Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeZHLFBuG18
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