by Lekan Olanrewaju

The multi award winning record label, Chocolate City, which has brought us such household names as M.I, Jesse Jagz, Iceprince, and Brymo is proud to announce that they have signed a new artist. So far, Chocolate City has an all-male cast as its line up but due to demand from the public, the label decided to add a female artist onto its roster.

Chocolate City, decided to bide their time and look out for the girl who possessed qualities of a Choc BOI – Bold, Original, Innovative.

This came in the form of a young lady, full of energy and enthusiasm who welcomed the opportunity of being featured along-side, award-winning Africa’s rapper numero uno, M.I on his upcoming mixtape “Deux Illegaux de Musique – Illegal Music 2”.

After label heads, Audu Maikori, and Paul Okeugo heard her lyrical prowess on the song “No-tis” (a cover of Jay Z and Kanye West’s Otis), they decided to put her through what they call the CC boot camp which, it would seem, she passed through unscathed, as Chocolate City now presents to the world its first signed female, Pryse.

Pryse is a talented Nigerian rapper who is eager to follow the footsteps of her fellow label mates in creating music that would not only entertain, but influence the public.  Born and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Princess Esindu a.k.a Pryse, started rapping in church at the tender age of 10.  Pryse always knew she wanted to be a musician; encouraged by her family who own and run Frontline TV Studio in Port Harcourt, Pryse took a keen interest in entertainment.  Pryse knew she had to nurture her passion, so she went to study media in Nottingham, UK.  While in the UK, she took up writing her own songs, and co-producing with her older brother.  When asked who her influences are, Pryse lists, Jay Z, Drake, Lil Wayne, and M.I – it is precisely the admiration for M.I that led her to work her way to be signed by Chocolate City.  In an industry where female emcees are outnumbered by men, Pryse is sure she will keep the torch blazing for the young ambitious women out there.

“ I thank God I’ve come this far, and I’m just happy it’s finally happened,” she said. “I’m ready to put in the work, so let’s go. I’m ready to be a BOI (Bold Original Innovative).”

The label is looking forward to presenting to the world its first signed female artist, Pryse.  “We hope they hear/see in her, what we did” said Doosuur Tilley-Gyado, Talent Manager Chocolate City).

Pryse is available for interviews from March 20^th 2012.