About Pype

Beyond the dreadlocks, his distinct style is redefining t… Read Full Bio ↴About Pype

Beyond the dreadlocks, his distinct style is redefining the Caribbean sound with strong influences from his Nigerian identity. The music of this singer, songwriter and songstylist can be defined as reggae fusion which willingly incorporates elements of hip-hop, rock-pop and R&B into the riddims of reggae and dancehall. He calls his a “tube-sound” carried by striking vocals that capture a forest of emotions and textures—This is Pype.

Originally from Abeokuta in Ogun State, Nigeria, Ibrahim Majekodunmi was raised in Lagos. At the source of his unmistakable voice is a combination of nature and nurture. Having been introduced to singing in church, he joined an acapella group at St Gregory’s Secondary School, Obalende in 1998. The formation grew into a 30-man classical/opera choir, The Triumphant Chorale Voices, which became one of the top three classical groups in Nigeria under the aegis of Mike Ohiri. Pype, who was then known as Majek, still draws from a classical tradition that forced him to train his voice with the rigor of an opera singer, pushing his vocal capacities to a breaking point, translating emotion into the language of notes without the luxury of gimmicks. The group performed at the Eagle Square Abuja to usher in the new Millennium. Pype delivered solo performances as the choir’s bass singer accompanied by The Grand Chamber Orchestral which accomplished the rare feat of rendering all three parts of George F. Handel’s Messiah.

As he came of age, it became easier to extend lessons from the classical genre into something that gave him more creative license. Majek had always been the artsy type, going for jam sessions, and generally adventurous about developing his creative side. He wanted to convey a righteous anger and a positive message that he could not express with the classical vocabulary.

In 2005, he espoused dancehall and reggae music as the genres that would resonate best with his voice and message which championed positivity, love and peace—so much so that the singer underwent a complete make-over working with his mentor and manager, Ayo Rotimi, whom he fondly calls “Pupa”. The chemistry between the two of them has profoundly influenced the direction his musical journey has taken. It was Pupa who gave him the moniker PYPE, an acronym standing for Prolific Youth Positive Entertainer. His manager identified his versatility, and was inspired by his velvety voice which is like a pipe that sucks in inspiration and tosses out art of the purest kind.

Pype cemented his reputation as an internationally acclaimed artist when his first single “Keep It Cool” (2007) featured in Season 6 of the popular American television drama series, The Shield and back home, his voice has become one of the most aired on radio.

He is successfully mainstreaming dancehall and reggae music in Nigeria through potent collaborations while keeping the uncompromising originality of a dynamic artist. His unique stamp has pumped a dose of adrenaline into the sounds of highlife pioneer Sunny Neji (“Crush”), hip-hop Diva Sasha (“Strong thin”), Niyola (“Mo Ranyan”), MI (“teaser”) and Sheyman (“Showa remix”). It is this Midas touch that earned him the ‘songstylist’ title and music lovers have continued to be Pypnotised by his infectious energy with over 120 collaborations between 2008 and 2009 alone where he mostly free-styled. His desire: “To make music that inspires and uplifts, make people think and dance there is nothing wrong with following your dreams. Music and timeless lyrics are my passion— I breathe for this.” says Pype.
Among his biggest influences are Beethoven, Frank Sinatra, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Bob Marley, U-Roy, fierce Dancehall pioneers Supercat, Shabba Ranks, Spragga Benz, Sizzla and Beenie Man.

As a performer, he has shared the stage with Nigerian and international artists including Sean Paul, Akon, and the duo of Brick& Lace to name a few. At the 2009 edition of MTVBase Music Awards hosted by Wyclef Jean in Kenya, Pype stunned the audience with his power-packed performance of “Teaser” with MI and South Africa’s Lira. Also, his newest single, “Champion”, a brass-driven dancehall tune that could easily serve as a world anthem has been getting rave reviews.

A perfectionist, Pype is currently putting finishing touches to his much anticipated debut album and the record labels Podium Vybez and Storm 360 have combined forces to ensure that it hits the world stage. With his enthralling vibes wedded to lush melodies, he is fast becoming a major force and one of the few artists leading the progressive movement of reggae and dancehall in Africa by expanding its reach without diluting the core values of this ageless genre of music. Made in Nigeria for global consumption, pave way for General Pype and get ready to be Pypnotised!

About his single, “Champion” (2009)
The Punch Newspapers couldn’t have been more on point when they named Pype as one of the artists to look out for in 2009 since that was the year he teamed up through his Management, with emerging producer, Patrick “Password” Mathias, to create “Champion”.

From Pype’s perspective, if “Champion” were a person, it would be you, with black stripes under your eyes, wearing a camouflage uniform and heavy-duty boots, standing with confidence in front your life’s biggest obstacle. Champion is the 20th century world anthem.
“Champion is a gift from my soul to everyone across the globe. Don’t look at the limitations. Pursue your goals.” The music video was directed by Bobby Boulders and shot in Obalende-Lagos where Pype was raised. “The world needs to see where I’m from. They (The people of Obalende) are champions that gave birth to a champion.”

Pype on Facebook: www.facebook.com/generalpype
Pype on Myspace:www.myspace.com/generalpype
Pype on twitter: www.twitter.com/generalpype
Watch Champion Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2CabT7Owj0
Watch Champions League Remix Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeZHLFBuG18

Champion
General Pype Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Make way, make way, pave way, Roll the carpets, small up unnu selves, clear up everywhere, ya dun nuh 7Star General Pype ah come thru, boundary adjustment, roll the carpet, red carpet everywhere, wave unnu flags, cease and sekkle...

Forget about your Frienemies General is d remedy
Pon D Street mi know mi pedigree,
Murda with no apology, mi gimmicks are Philosophy
Gat mi tools and d armoury, D lyrical Pypefectionist
Mi hot like 2000 degrees, immune against mediocrity
On point nuh chat no gibberish.

Millions of battle won, still no defeat
Never hurry, never ‘fraid man, yes indeed.
Never decrease, always increase mi Champ family.
We set all d records and we break it at will
We call all d shots and burst whole ah it
Positive livity is what ah preaching
Ah serious mi serious for mi no skin mi teeth
See nuff ah dem just chu-chu like train
This champion vibe has broken d chains
Stand pon ur feet and wave ur flag
With a touch of class and tell em say...

I AM A BORN CHAMPION (Unique and mi Special)
YOU ARE A BORN CHAMPION (limitless, defeatless)
WE ARE THE BORN CHAMPIONS NOW (Undisputed soldier)
THIS IS THE SONG FOR THE CHAMPIONS...

Champion minds occupy d frontline
Wave whole ah mediocre em bye-bye
Pypenotically mi virus is spreading worldwide
Every lame bashment bound fi go ah buck wild
Mi nah know about u but mi shine true light
We've eliminated every parasite
Caw me see a thousand of dem fall side by side
Gat mi champ smile caw all mi tears dem subside
Brighten every corner just let ur shine
Tell em no man coulda take u fi ah ride
March on triumphantly remain pon ur grind
We're sitting pon d mountain mi swag u can't hide

BRIDGE….
Head 2 da hills it's a brand new day
This Champion vibe has broken da chains
Stand pon your feet and wave ur flag
With a touch of class and tell em say...

I AM A BORN CHAMPION (Unique and mi Special)
YOU ARE A BORN CHAMPION (limitless, defeatless)
WE ARE THE BORN CHAMPIONS NOW (Undisputed soldier)
THIS IS THE SONG FOR THE CHAMPIONS...

Champion vibe fi d champion mind
Eliminating every parasite (mi say)
Champion swag with mi champion smile
General Pype mi shooting to d sky (mi say)
Champion mind with mi Champion drive,
Babylon have no place to hide (mi say)
Champion moves inna mi champions shoes
And ah so whole heap ah we march dem through
Mi say all d champions let mi hear unnu say, Am a champion for life
PYPENOTIZED and you feel alive Am a champion for life

PASS D WORD PON D RIDDIM Y'ALL, UR A CHAMPION FOR LIFE
PON THE PODIUM WE STANDING Y'ALL, WE ARE CHAMPIONS FOR LIFE...

Overall Meaning

The song "Champion" by General Pype highlights the message of positivity and triumph. The song incites the listeners to pave the way for General Pype as he comes through with a red carpet everywhere. He is urging everyone to forget about their Frienemies and embrace positivity. He claims to have won millions of battles but has never been defeated. The champion vibe has broken the chains that once held individuals from reaching their full potential. He encourages everyone to be confident and stand tall in their champion shoes. General Pype exudes a positive energy that is contagious throughout the song. The song defines what it means to be a born champion and encourages everyone to embrace their inner champion.

Line by Line Meaning

Make way, make way, pave way, Roll the carpets, small up unnu selves, clear up everywhere, ya dun nuh 7Star General Pype ah come thru, boundary adjustment, roll the carpet, red carpet everywhere, wave unnu flags, cease and sekkle...
Clear the way, roll out the red carpet, General Pype is coming with boundary-breaking energy. Everyone should prepare for his arrival and show their support by waving their flags and getting excited.

Forget about your Frienemies General is d remedy
Don't worry about your frenemies, General Pype is the solution to any problem.

Pon D Street mi know mi pedigree, Murda with no apology, mi gimmicks are Philosophy Gat mi tools and d armoury, D lyrical Pypefectionist Mi hot like 2000 degrees, immune against mediocrity On point nuh chat no gibberish.
On the street, I know my heritage. I have mastered my craft and honed it into a philosophy. I have the skills, tools, and talent to be a lyrical perfectionist. I am hot, unstoppable, and refuse to tolerate mediocrity. Everything I say is precise and meaningful.

This champion vibe has broken d chains Stand pon ur feet and wave ur flag With a touch of class and tell em say...
The champion mindset has broken the chains that bound me. I stand tall and wave my flag high. With grace and elegance, I declare my greatness.

I AM A BORN CHAMPION (Unique and mi Special) YOU ARE A BORN CHAMPION (limitless, defeatless) WE ARE THE BORN CHAMPIONS NOW (Undisputed soldier) THIS IS THE SONG FOR THE CHAMPIONS...
I am a born champion, unique and special. You are a born champion, limitless and defeatless. Together, we are the born champions, undisputed and strong. This song is for all champions.

Champion minds occupy d frontline Wave whole ah mediocre em bye-bye Pypenotically mi virus is spreading worldwide Every lame bashment bound fi go ah buck wild Mi nah know about u but mi shine true light We've eliminated every parasite Caw me see a thousand of dem fall side by side Gat mi champ smile caw all mi tears dem subside Brighten every corner just let ur shine Tell em no man coulda take u fi ah ride March on triumphantly remain pon ur grind We're sitting pon d mountain mi swag u can't hide
Champion minds are at the forefront, eliminating mediocrity with ease. My charisma and positive energy are spreading across the world. Every lame party is turned into a wild success. I shine a true light that has eliminated all parasites. Nothing can bring me down, and my smile proves it. I brighten every corner I touch and cannot be taken for a ride. With triumph and pride, I continue to work hard and my confidence shines bright.

Head 2 da hills it's a brand new day This Champion vibe has broken da chains Stand pon your feet and wave ur flag With a touch of class and tell em say...
Head to the hills because a new day has come. The champion vibe has liberated us from our chains. Stand tall and declare your greatness with elegance and poise.

Champion vibe fi d champion mind Eliminating every parasite (mi say) Champion swag with mi champion smile General Pype mi shooting to d sky (mi say) Champion mind with mi Champion drive, Babylon have no place to hide (mi say) Champion moves inna mi champions shoes And ah so whole heap ah we march dem through Mi say all d champions let mi hear unnu say, Am a champion for life PYPENOTIZED and you feel alive Am a champion for life PASS D WORD PON D RIDDIM Y'ALL, UR A CHAMPION FOR LIFE PON THE PODIUM WE STANDING Y'ALL, WE ARE CHAMPIONS FOR LIFE...
The champion vibe is for the champion mindset, and it eliminates all negativity. I exude the confidence of a champion through my smile and my swagger. I am unstoppable and babylon (detractors) cannot stop me. I march forward with confidence, and I am sure of my champion status. I encourage all champions to come forward and declare their greatness. We are alive and feel the power of being a champion. Spread the word and stand tall because we are all champions for life.

Contributed by Jordan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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