GENERAL PYPE

CASH BOY RECORDING ARTIST

Ibrahim Majekodunmi, better known as General Pype, is a pioneering Nigerian reggae/dancehall artist and songwriter, who largely popularized the genres not only in West Africa, but across the continent through the success of hits like “Champion,” “Mash It Up,” and “All The Loving,” featuring Burna Boy and Phyno. A classically trained vocalist who incorporates elements of hip-hop, R&B and pop into his riddims, Pype is also the founder of Obalende Records, which he officially launched in 2012 to further his mission of remaining independent, and true to his vision of bringing Obalende to the world.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Pype began classically singing at a young age, when he stumbled upon the choral group while attending St. Gregory’s Secondary School in Obalende, in 1998. The group grew to become the 30-man Triumphant Chorale Voices, one of the top three orchestral groups across the country, whose success allowed Pype to tour the continent, including performances in Abuja’s Eagle Square ushering in the new millennium; and at The Organization of African Unity (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia).

As the group dissipated, Pype found himself falling in love with reggae music around 2005, enamored with the uplifting and resilient spirit of the sound, and the vocal dexterity and strength the genre required. “Of all the kinds of music that I ever agreed with, it was reggae, because they were rebellious and they spoke truth to power. People feel it, they could say things directly to the government, from the ghetto.” He recalls of Obalende, “We generated our power and water, everything. That wasn’t something I was so happy about. I told myself, if I’m ever going to do my own music, I’m going to be singing positive messages to the youth.” It was during this time that his mentor and manager Ayo Rotimi gave him the moniker PYPE – Prolific Youth Positive Entertainer.

Pype gained international acclaim through the hit success of his very first single, “Keep It Cool” (2007), which went on to be featured on the Golden Globe-winning American television series “The Shield.” Back home, the single was dominating radio airplay as Pype continued his calling of mainstreaming reggae and dancehall in Nigeria, and across the continent. His biggest hit, “Champion,” debuted in 2009. It reverberated across the world, and back home, where it became the anthem for local sports stations, and received the remix treatment from Dagrin, Vector, Naeto C, Sasha & GT (in addition to numerous unofficial remixes and covers that popped up across the continent).

His ongoing collaborations included writing and songstyling for highlife pioneer Sunny Neji (“Crush”), R&B/Pop singer Niyola (“Mo Ranyan”), and more. He has also performed on stage alongside both Nigerian and international acts including dancehall legend Sean Paul, internationally acclaimed singer Akon, and at the MTVBase Music Awards Hosted by Wyclef Jean in Kenya.

After a music hiatus since his last single “Mash It Up” in 2018 to take care of his family, and pursue his education as a set designer at Georgia Film Academy, Pype is back and ready to share everything much anticipated singles, collaborations and EPs with the diaspora, and the world. Apart from years of recording in his own studio, he spent a month straight in Nigeria recording music, shooting videos, and working on notable collaborations towards his upcoming EP. In his own words, “If I wanted to drop four or five albums today without recording, I could do that.” On March 1, 2022 Pype officially signed a management deal with international distribution company CashBoy Records, founded in Accra, Ghana by Morgan Cashboy in 2009. He also began working with Grammy-Award winning publishing and marketing agency Creative Titans, a JV partner of Concord Records. Fans can look out for multiple singles and an EP within 2022, and he continues to spread his sound, and his message of love – made in Nigeria, for global consumption.

GENERAL PYPE

CASHBOY RECORDING ARTIST