Style Plus are back

Yes, the R and B group which held the nation spell bound with the unique songs in the early 2000’s are back. This time, only two of the boys (Shifi Emoefe and Zeal Onyecheme) have returned with a new single ‘Aso Ibora’ (Blanket), which is already enjoying massive airplay in tune with the Valentine season. The serenading single was produced by Blaq Jerzee, mixed and mastered by Zeeno Foster with guitarist, Fiokee, on the strings.

Speaking on the new release, Zeal said, “This song tells the story of an everyday person who is appreciative of the love shown to him/her; this song is also a message to Styl-Plus fans to thank them for their support through the years.”

The group STYL was formed in 1997 a gospel quartet by founding members Shifi Emoefe, Tunde Akinsanmi, Yemi Akinwonmi, and Lanre Faneyi. In 1999, Lanre passed away and Zeal Onyecheme joined the group. The name STYL which was formed by combining the first letters of the first names of the founding members then turned to Styl-Plus, the Plus being used to indicate the new addition to the group.

In the year 2001, the groups expanded from singing strictly gospel songs, to inspirational and love songs. In 2002, Yemi left the group to pursue another career. In 2003, the group teamed up with Anthony ‘T-Jazz’ Ukpong and Joseph ‘Joey’ Ukpong to form their own record label; Styl-Plus Music. In late October of 2003, under the management of T-jazz and Joey, they released two singles to radio stations . The response was tremendous, and the unprecedented airplay the tracks received fuelled the massive sales of the singles on CD and audio tapes.

Based in Abuja , FCT, the group uses its strong vocals and addictive soundtracks to successfully blend together English and Indigenous languages, on their Pop and R& B tracks. The motto of the group is “Positive-Cultural-International” and this is evident in the positive messages and the noticeable absence of raunchy and profane lyrics, which characterize most R&B groups.