AS THE isolation period continues due to COVID-19, Instagram Live has become the latest way that celebrities are connecting with their fans.

For some, this means live concerts and chit-chats with their followers, however for UK artist Swarmz, his way of providing entertainment involves hosting dance and twerking competitions.

Like his Canadian counterpart Tory Lanez, Swarmz has utilised the Instagram Live feature to become a platform for light-hearted dance contests racking up 100,000 views. As of 19/04/2020, his followers reached 1 million which he expressed his gratitude for.

Unfortunately for Swarmz, many have taken to social media to criticise his attempt at ‘Quarantine Radio’. Tory Lanez has created for his fans a full-on production with bottle girls, a witty MC, a microphone and an impressive sound system causing many to wonder why Swarmz hasn’t put in the same amount of effort.

Other than him clearly not adhering to the rules of social distancing, as seen with his entourage during his live sessions, many have commented on his musical talent, questioning whether his music warrants these 1 million followers. There is also the question of how Swarmz plans on using his new following to his advantage as 90% of his followers exist because of the live shows and may very well be unaware of his music.

Amidst this backlash, the conversation has now shifted to the support, or lack thereof, that the UK shows towards its urban scene. The criticism that Swarmz has received was not shown towards Tory Lanez. Whether Swarmz will use this new found fame to his musical advantage post COVID-19 is only something that time will tell.

Amid the global lockdown, Timbaland and Swizz Beatz have kickstarted a series of Instagram Live battles with some of the biggest names in music. From producers to rappers and singers, ‘Verzuz’ has seen the likes of Neyo vs Johnta Austin, T-Pain vs Lil Jon, Boi-1da vs Hit-Boy and most recently, Babyface vs Teddy Riley, go hit to hit drawing over thousands of views.

Most notably, the Babyface vs Teddy Riley racked up the greatest number of viewers with over half a million people tuned in. These viewers included many famous names such as Michelle Obama, Missy Elliot, Diddy and Mariah Carey.

The original date for the Babyface vs Teddy Riley ‘Verzuz’ was set for April 18^th however with Teddy Riley’s failed attempt at creating a full show including a live band, choreography and production set, the technological issues became intolerable and a new date had to be set. Fans expressed their disappointment in Riley and in anticipating the new date, the bar was set low.

The rematch however, which took place a week later, was definitely one for the books. The two Grammy-winning producers played some of their famous R&B hits from the 90s whilst sharing stories on how they were created.

Having allegedly over three million Instagram accounts attempt to tune in to the live session in total, Swizz Beatz posted to his Instagram that “everybody wanted to come to the party. I watched it on a bootleg site because I couldn’t get in my own party”. The highly anticipated battle had indeed crashed Instagram.

So who won?

As the viewers decide who wins each battle, it was clear that Babyface took the trophy home. His timeless songs, Love Shoulda Brought you Home, by Toni Braxton and End of the Road by Boys II Men created much celebration in the comments, where Toni Braxton was seen to be also.

Riley too deserved his accolades as his music selection was also impressive. A commentator noted that Babyface creates music for the wedding whilst Riley makes music for the wedding reception, attesting to Riley’s title as the new jack swing king, a fusion genre that he spearheaded.

Although both Riley and Babyface are artists themselves, it was the songs that they had produced for other artists that were most impressive. The nostalgia of the music itself was an ode to some of the best R&B tracks made over the decades.  

Bushkin and Sweet P launch new album: Man Enough

His transition from bonified mic man to artist is apparent in this rare look into MC Bushkin that reveals his maturity and gentle side.

That vulnerability is captured and complimented by talented singer and songwriter, Sweet P, who energises the album with his inimitable style.

VO: How would you describe your music and your sound?

(Sweet P) – The sound of the album Man Enough is mainly RNB & HIP HOP with a bashment and afrobeats twist, that has an old school feel with an new school flavour. 

VO: How are you finding quarantine?

(Bushkin). I’m loving it like McDonalds lol . (Sweet P) I’m enjoying it! It’s allowing me time to focus and work on new material. 

VO: How did you two come together for this album? 

(Sweet P) We were already working on individual music projects but helping each other at the same time then we started collaborating on a few new things together and a theme started to appear. When we were making the track “Spending Time” I started to notice different vocal ranges and started to see different sides of Bushkin. I really wanted the fans to hear this and the rest is history.

VO: Where can people listen to this album and why should they listen to it?

(Sweet P) The album is currently only available on our website www.bushbashrecordings.com

The album is a very therapeutic listen which gives females an insight into men’s feelings, thoughts and behaviours. If you wanna know what he’s thinking you need this album in your life. 

VO: Bushkin, how does it feel changing from an MC to an artist?

It feels great and I’m very proud of the journey and my transition thus far. 

The best part of it is that I can look back and see how far I have come #Grateful  

VO: Name five artists that you think are currently doing really well in the game.

Young Adz, Drake, Dave, Burnaboy, Shabo (Sweet P and Bushkin)

VO: Are we going to have more collaborations from you two?

(Bushkin) After the response from this album I think it would be wrong not to give the fans some more. Supply and Demand and all that wink wink.

VO: What would you tell your fans that are self-isolating at the moment?

(Bushkin) Simple, Be happy!

(Sweet P) Use this time for growth! 

Be a better person when you come out of it.

VO: Give a piece of advice for emerging artists.

(Bushkin) Very simple again; have fun and be happy

(Sweet P) I would say to any emerging artists no matter what happens, good or bad, always remember why you started. 

VO: What are your plans five years from now?

(Sweet P) Win some grammys! 

(Bushkin) Build a successful major independent record label.

Thanks for all the love and support it’s much appreciated if you haven’t already, download the album Man Enough from www.bushbashrecordings.com  And follow us on the socials @Mcbushkin @Sweetp_music @bushbashrecs