Chapter 131: Justice for All - July 10th, 2003
Date: July 10th, 2003
After weeks of preparation and collaboration, Holmes, Femi Kuti, and 2face Idibia were ready to release their highly anticipated song, "Justice."
- Song Title: "Justice"
- Artists: Holmes, Femi Kuti, 2face Idibia
- Genre: Afrobeat/Hip-Hop Fusion
Recording the Song:
The song was recorded at the renowned JB Studios in Lagos, known for its state-of-the-art equipment and experienced sound engineers.
- JB Studios: A premier recording studio in Lagos, equipped with the latest technology.
Realistic Scene:
- The studio was buzzing with energy as the artists laid down their verses and the production team worked to create the perfect sound.
Why 2face Was Featured:*
Holmes recognized 2face's talent and influence in the Nigerian music scene and wanted to include him in the song to further amplify its message and reach.
Realistic Conversation:
- Holmes: "2face, I want you on this track. Your voice and your lyrics can help us spread this message even further."
- 2face: "Mr. Holmes, I'm honored. I'll do my best to make this song something special."
Song Release:
"Justice" was released on July 10th, 2003, through Empire Records and Kennis Music (a leading Nigerian record label).
- Release Strategy:
- Simultaneous release in Nigeria and the United States.
- Radio airplay in Nigeria, the United States, and other African countries.
- Online streaming and downloads.
- Music video release on MTV Base Africa and other music channels.
- Extensive advertising- Extensive advertising campaign, including billboards, radio spots, and online ads.
Money Spent on Advertising:
- Holmes spent a significant amount of money on advertising to ensure the song reached a wide audience. A total of $500,000 was allocated for marketing and promotion.
Release Procedures:
- The song was premiered on major radio stations across Nigeria, followed by a simultaneous release on streaming platforms.
- A high-quality music video was shot and released on MTV Base Africa.
Chart Success:
"Justice" quickly became a sensation, topping the charts in Nigeria and gaining international recognition.
- Nigerian Charts: Peaked at #1 on the Nigerian Top 10 chart.
- Billboard Charts:
- Debuted at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart within two weeks.
Billboard Chart Ranking (July 2003):
1. Justice - Holmes ft. Femi Kuti & 2face Idibia
2. Crazy in Love - Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z
3. Get Low - Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz ft. Ying Yang Twins
4. Right Thurr - Chingy
5. 21 Questions - 50 Cent ft. Nate Dogg
6. P.I.M.P. - 50 Cent
7. Magic Stick - Lil' Kim ft. 50 Cent
8. Frontin' - Pharrell ft. Jay-Z
9. Beautiful - Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell
10. shush-jay z ft Beyonce ft holmes
Ranking of "Crazy in Love" (Holmes Collaboration):
- "Crazy in Love" (Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z) was at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Ranking in Other Countries:
- The song also topped the charts in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
Realistic Comments on Social Media:
- "This song is fire! Holmes, Femi, and 2face killed it!"- "This song is fire! Holmes, Femi, and 2face killed it!"
- "Justice is what the world needs right now. Thank you for this song!"
- "Afrobeat to the world! Nigeria to the top!"
Holmes's Decision to Stay:
Despite the song's success, Holmes decided to extend his stay in Nigeria.
- Reasons:
- To continue working with Femi Kuti on new music.
- To explore further collaborations with other Nigerian artists.
- To immerse himself deeper in Nigerian culture.
Realistic Conversation:
- Holmes: "I'm not ready to leave yet. I want to keep creating music and experiencing this amazing culture."
- Mark Johnson: "Are you sure, Holmes? We have a lot of commitments back in the States."
- Holmes: "I know, Mark, but this is too important. I need to stay here for a little while longer."
Celebration:
Holmes, Femi, and 2face celebrated the success of "Justice" at the Afrika Shrine with a lively performance.
Realistic Scene:
- The Afrika Shrine was packed with fans, dancing and singing along to the song.
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Chapter 132: A Meeting of Titans - July 15th, 2003
Date: July 15th, 2003
The success of "Justice" and Holmes's extended stay in Nigeria had captured the attention of influential figures across the country, including Aliko Dangote, one of Africa's most prominent business leaders.
- The Invitation: Dangote extended an invitation to Holmes for a private meeting to discuss potential business opportunities.
Linking Up:
The connection between Holmes and Dangote was facilitated through Kenny Ogungbe, the influential Nigerian music executive who had attended Holmes's lunch meeting.
Realistic Conversation:
- Kenny Ogungbe: "Mr. Holmes, I have a friend who's very interested in meeting you. He's one of the most successful businessmen in Africa, Aliko Dangote."
- Holmes: "Dangote? I've heard of him. I'd be honored to meet him."
Visiting Dangote:
Holmes, accompanied by his manager Mark Johnson and security chief David Lee, visited Dangote at his corporate headquarters in Lagos.
- Location: Dangote Group Headquarters, Lagos
- Description: A modern, high-rise building that symbolized Dangote's vast business empire.
Realistic Scene:
- Holmes and his team were greeted warmly by Dangote's staff and escorted to his private office.
Meeting Dangote:
Holmes and Dangote met in Dangote's spacious office, which offered panoramic views of Lagos.
Realistic Conversation:
- Aliko Dangote: "Mr. Holmes, welcome to Nigeria. I'm very impressed with your music and your commitment to social justice."
- Holmes: "Thank you, Mr. Dangote. It's an honor to meet you. I've heard so much about your accomplishments."
- Aliko Dangote: "- Aliko Dangote: "Please, call me Aliko. I invited you here today because I believe there are opportunities for us to work together. You have a global reach, and I have a strong presence in Africa. Together, we can achieve great things."
- Holmes: "I'm all ears, Aliko. Tell me more."
Dangote's Business Proposal:
Dangote proposed a joint venture to invest in and promote African music and culture globally.
- Specific Proposals:
- Establishing a music production and distribution company focused on African artists.
- Investing in cultural tourism initiatives in Nigeria and other African countries.
- Sponsoring music festivals and concerts to showcase African talent.
Realistic Conversation:
- Aliko Dangote: "I envision a company that will discover, develop, and promote African artists to the world. We can build state-of-the-art recording studios, organize tours, and create a global platform for African music."
- Holmes: "That sounds incredible, Aliko. I'm very interested in this. I can provide access to my network and expertise in the music industry."
Meeting Dangote's Family:
After their business discussion, Dangote invited Holmes to his home to meet his family.
- Family Members:
- Mariam Dangote: Aliko's wife
- Halima Dangote: Aliko's daughter (involved in the family business)
- Fatima Dangote: Aliko's daughter
Realistic Scene:
- Holmes met Dangote's family in their luxurious home, which was filled with warmth and hospitality.
Realistic Conversation:
- Aliko Dangote: "Mr. Holmes, this is my wife, Mariam, and my daughters, Halima and Fatima."
- Mariam Dangote: "Welcome to our home, Mr. Holmes. We're so glad to have you here."
- Holmes: "It's a pleasure to meet you all. Thank you for your hospitality."