It started at that age of seven, when Kazeem aka Baadman knew he had a passion and attraction to music. Growing up in London as a kid, he became exposed to the vibrant mixture of cultures and music, soon that passion and attraction turned into a true love of music. In his late teens, under the demand of his father, Kazeem relocated back to Nigeria. Kazeem’s involvement with hip-hop and dance hall music, would not allow his dreams of doing music to die. He performed alongside other artists in Lagos and as he puts it, “When I saw how I commanded thousands of people from the stage I knew this was my life!”
Kazeem later moved to Ghana to further his education, it was there he met Liberian rapper Z-PLUS aka “Z”. They became a duo and performed in Accra, recording their first single, “It’s Alcapon.” Soon, their music was playing on the radio and creating a buzz, it was not long before they were contacted by a German producer who recorded a remix of the song “It’s Alcapon.” A year later, in June of 1996, Kazeem moved to the United States and each of them went their separate ways. Neither Kazeem nor Z were aware of the fact that the song they recorded together “It’s Alcapon,” was featured in a major motion picture, “Chill Factor” with Cuba Gooding until years later.
Finally, after about 10 years, Kazeem and Z were able to make contact again and from that point forward they stayed in touch. When Z told Kazeem he was recording his album and was back doing music, Kazeem was inspired and motivated. Kazeem hit the studio in the fall of 06’and has not looked back since. Soon, Kazeem and Z-PLUS were back on the same stage and performing together again!
Baadman’s fusion of Reggae, R&B, Hip-Hop and Afro Music, makes his music fresh and soothing and sometimes head bopping. Baadman’s music makes your body and mental state respond in various ways. His commanding and sometimes soft voice transcends through his message and unique flow. From his love songs, to the street bangers, Kazeem is established and will be around for a long time. As he always says, “my music is for the ears of everybody no matter your color or where you are from”.
Baadman has opened up and performed alongside artists like 2face Idiba, Koko Master D’Banj, 9ice and Z-PLUS. The new rising star has been creating a buzz all over the Midwest region. Now signed with ZMB Media Group and a new album on the way, the sky is the limit for Kazeem.
Born and raised in a suburb of Monrovia, Zhalman aka Z-Plus, grew up middle class with a childhood dream of becoming a pilot. Those childhood dreams were shattered when Liberia entered into a civil war. Zhalman traded dreaming and childhood innocence for surviving random executions, famine, air strikes, cross fires and even death during the gruesome war. Witnessing random executions and atrocities, Zhalman, in most ways still a child, emerges a resilient young man, with hopes and ability to turn the darkest time of his life into something positive.
Orphaned, but with extended family, Zhalman escapes his homeland, relocating to Ghana as a refugee. For ten years on the refugee camp he waits… waits for comfort…. waits for peace… and waits for a place to call home.
When the time came and his humble wait was over, Zhalman, found himself in the United States; arriving with a few belongings, memories both good and bad, and the songs he wrote during his life as a refugee that he carries in his heart.
Critical Condition, Z-Plus’ debut album, describes Zhalman’s years growing-up. His songs are not about the denigration of women, but the value of life. Not about the latest gang banging exploits, but about the deeper love he has for others, an unconditional love… No Ordinary Love. The war of Z-Plus’ music is not a drug war, but civil war; one that cost him his own mother’s life. His original song, Al Capon, penned and composed while he lived in Africa, landed without his consent on the soundtrack of the movie, Chill Factor, starring Cuba Gooding, Jr.
Z-Plus brings to his music first-hand accounts of war; he brings inspiration rich in depth and significance and fortified with personal encouragement from musical idols such as Alpha Blondy whom he met while performing at MASA, an annual African Arts festival in Cote-d'Ivoire. Z-Plus takes his pain and shapes it into a musical communiqué that inspires his audiences worldwide.
With his music, Z-Plus reaches out, rapping in a language that youth can understand. Through his performance, he gives youth a role model that has integrity, respect, and diligence.
One successful step at a time, Z-Plus steadily moving forward, adding acting to his list of passions, Z-Plus has brought emotions and grace on screen, as he has done on stage. Keeping focused, determined and driven he is now working on other movie projects, after completing a Sci-Fi movie in which he played a major role and is set to be released in theaters, summer of 2011.
Zhalman, determined to keep making music, decided after leaving his former label in the fall of 2009, to start his own record label. Together with his partners Matt Ostlund and Brenda Springer ZMB Media group was created, a full media house with audio and video studios to support the company’s name.
With success knocking Z-Plus, still as humble as ever, is focused on his future regardless of the past….
Overwatch
Coming Soon!
