I HAVE NO DEAL WITH FAZE – AKON

 Senegalese-born superstar Akon has reportedly denied signing Nigerian singer Faze on his Convikt Records imprint.  The rave singer, who has performed in Nigeria twice, and has admitted to being fascinated by Nigerian stars Faze, D’Banj and 2face, spoke exclusively with a Nigerian music TV show at the world music awards early this month. According to a transcript, obtained by AyeniTheGreat, the singer explained that he ‘never signed’ nor has the ‘intention of signing’ Faze.  It was the firs time, Akon would be talking about his relationship with the Nigerian star who, at different interviews, had told of his deal with Akon. With Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi of Cool FM on December 15 2006, Faze narrated how he met Akon in Nigeria, and how they have been in touch. He told his host and the audience his next album would be released on Akon’s Convikct reords.  Weeks later, he played this reporter a DVD recording. The brief clip shows Faze and Akon emerging from a car, surrounded by aides and guards then Akon looks at the camera and gives props to Faze, saying ‘this is my homeboy Faze. We’re in Ghana right now…’ Although Faze (real names Chibuzor Orji) claims he used the opportunity o record a song with Akon, as well as reach an understanding for a recording deal, it appears it has all come to naught, with Akon’s recent revelation. Faze, who used to be with Westside records, is presently unsigned. He started his singing career bearing the name Lyrical Urge; performing at night clubs and hoping to make it big one day. He got an initial break in 1998 after he was co-opted into the Plantashun Boiz. But since members went solo in 2004, he has recorded a blossoming solo career, strutting behind 2face as  hit maker to reckon with.