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Category: Entertainment

  • My music career incomplete without Don Jazzy, says D’banj 

    D’banj and Don Jazzy
    My music career incomplete without Don Jazzy, says D’banj
    Music
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian singer and rapper, Oladapo Oyebanjo, with the stage name “D’banj”, said his 20 years music journey would not have been complete without his business partner,  Michael Ajereh, popularly known as “Don Jazzy”.
    41-year-old D’banj took to his Instagram page on Tuesday with a display of a video to appreciate Don Jazzy and invite him to his 20th year anniversary dinner.
    He described the two decades as years characterised by brotherhood, entertainment and that of unwavering support.
    D’banj wrote: “My 20 year journey cannot be complete without It’s @donjazzy again! Giving him the invite to my anniversary dinner was a moment filled with nostalgia.
    “As we both celebrate 20 years in the industry, I’m reminded of the countless memories and milestones we’ve shared together.
    “Here’s to two decades of brotherhood, entertainment, and unwavering support. Love you always, Brother!.”
    Don Jazzy also took to the comment section, saying: “Still finding it hard to believe it’s been 20 years bro. Feels like yesterday. Thank you for everything. Love you brotherLee. More blessings 🩶🐘.”
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that Don Jazzy, a Nigerian record producer and Chief Executive Officer of Mavin Records, co-founded Mo’Hits Records with D’banj in 2004.
    D’banj had earlier hinted of his plan to celebrate his 20 years on stage at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, with the theme “D’banj live @New Afrika Shrine”.(NAN) (nannews.ng)
    PTB/FAA
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Junkanoo festival: Country representative advocates peace to drive Nigerian culture

     

    From left: Nigeria Country Representative, World Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture (WJFTC), Prince Felix Ihonre; National Coordinator, Isoko-Urhobo Cultural Group, Apostle Abraham Ezaza and Coordinator, Kingdom Orpanage Home, Olamide Judith, during the news conference in Abuja on Monday (3/6/24).On the forthcoming World Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture in Canada.

    Culture

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Amb. Felix Ihonre, Nigeria’s Country Representative for World Junkanoo Foundation and World Carnival Commission, has called for peace in order to drive Nigeria’s cultural heritage and harness its potential.

    Ihonre made the call in Abuja on Monday at a news conference on the upcoming World Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture, scheduled to hold in Vaughan City, Canada, from July 4 to 8, 2024.

    The country representative, who said that the culture and tourism activities only thrived in a peaceful society, urged the government at all levels to intensify efforts in their fight against terrorism, kidnaping and other vices.

    “I will like to say that since the inception of President’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, there had been a promotional atmosphere of culture and tourism activities in all parts of the country.

    “And there is need to intensify the activities to make sure that culture thrives but I will tell you that culture and tourism activities cannot thrive in the mix of terrorism.”

    Ihonre added that the cultural activities
    could not thrive in the mix of violence atmosphere, hunger and poverty.

    “That is why today we are happy to say that this present administration has really come up to say we want to fight terrorism and kidnapping. We want to fight every thing that serves as detriment to our cultural heritage.

    “The first aspect of our cultural heritage is agriculture and farming. Food security becomes a problem in the country today because there is violence every where.

    “Where farmers are supposed to go to farm, they are deprived to farm. This is why we are calling on both federal and state governments to intensify efforts in their fight and approach to reduce or eradicate completely the act of terrorism and kidnapping.

    “Herdsmen/farmers crisis should be removed completely. I happen to come from Niger Delta and when there was crisis from Niger Delta, we stood by the then government and we embraced peace in NIger Delta.

    “That was why Nigeria started to get good proceeds from the oil that is sustaining the country today. If the Niger Delta youths that have oil are saying yes to peace, northern youths should also embrace peace.”

    He called on northern youths to end violence situation in the north, adding that they have capacity to do it.

    According to him, when the youths work with this present administration, peace will reign and we will have more foods.

    “I will tell you today that I happened to be somebody who grew up in Makurdi, Benue State. Yam happened to be one of our favourite foods, the so called ‘Opa’ happened to come from Benue, fruits and tomatoes that are feeding this country came from Benue State.

    “But today, there is violence in Benue State. There is violence in Edo, Maduguri and Bauchi and the rest. Why don’t we call it short and sheath the guns, machetes and fear situation in the area.

    “We are saying this because we want the next World Junkanoo festival to be hosted by Nigeria and we cannot host this programme, if there is no peace in this country.

    “The whole world will not want to come to Nigeria if there is no peace in this country.”

    The country representative said the upcoming Junkanoo festival would provide investment opportunities for Nigeria, saying that Nigeria’s cultural heritage would be showcased to attract people living abroad to invest in the country.

    “The festival will provide us opportunities to have our pavilion and showcase Nigerian cultural heritage. This will attract many investors to come and invest in culture, tourism, sports and other sectors of Nigerian economy.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AG/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

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  • Olukoya committed to bringing my father’s 25 years musical dream to fruition- Esho

    Music
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Bimbo Esho, Managing Director, Evergreen Musical Company, has commended the efforts of Dr Daniel Olukoya, Founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM), toward actualising her father’s 25 years musical dream.
    Esho, in a statement on Sunday, said that Olukoya’s unbridled love for music would finally turn around his father’s dream, Chief Femi Esho, who is the Chairman of Evergreen Musical Company.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olukoya, General Overseer (GO) of the MFM Church partnered  Esho to build a musical museum in Nigeria, located at Anthony in Lagos.
    The musical museum is known as “Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation”.
    “This bequeaths to future generations a strong philosophy on music while appreciating the sheer artistic genius of Nigeria’s renowned musical talents, many of whom had been forgotten”.
    She said this was a viable platform to ensure music of yesteryears continually gain prominence which had been the age-long goal of the company.
    She said her father’s 25 years musical dream had been to have a functional musical museum which could be seen as an experience centre where people could visit to gain knowledge on all genre of music from 100 years backwards.
    “If there is any lesson I have learnt in life, it is to share our vision and dream with like minds, so it doesn’t die with us.
    “Over the years, I have watched how many individuals reach the peak of their career and fame but end up dying without achieving their dreams.
    “Recalling the very first day my dad met with Dr Olukoya to discuss the Evergreen Project, he said Dr Olukoya told him that he was 100 per cent interested in the project.
    “There is no doubt that both men have intense and undiluted love for music. They have over the years selflessly given so much in ensuring that the Evergreens don’t go into extinction.
    “I have always had the conviction that the collaboration between these great men would birth that which generations will benefit from,” she said.
    Esho noted that aside Olukoya being an accomplished and respected preacher of the word and leading one of the most popular churches in Nigeria today, he also taught music.
    She said Olukoya wrote his first song in 1976 and his church choir was widely regarded as one of the best in the world, having won several international choir competitions in Europe and other parts of the world.
    According to her, the cleric has supported many musicians in achieving their goals.
    “Olukoya breathes, drink and eat quality music. Today he has over 200  hymns and songs to his credit.
    “Olukoya, who is the patron of the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation, has shown us that his word is his bond. His consistency in ensuring that my dad’s dream of 25 years is brought to fruition is mind blowing .
    “Not only has he used his goodwill together with ours to ensure we secure a magnificent edifice that perfectly matches the Evergreen Dream, his financial and moral contributions have been invaluable.
    “The museum, upon completion, will be an experience centre where people in and outside Nigeria will be privileged to see our country’s  musical worth and history.
    “There will be on display music from 1914, musical relics, old musical instruments, head bust of artistes, original vinyl of artistes, books, documentaries,  cassettes, reel to reel, gramophone as old as 100 years, journals, cassettes and more,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
    PTB/NCI/VIV
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    Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Vivian Ihechu

  • “The Price is Right Nigeria” premieres in August

    Essien Mannie, host of the show and Chioma Okpala, the announcer
    “The Price is Right Nigeria” premieres  in August
    Show
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) An international television game show, “The Price is Right Nigeria”,  is set to premiere in August.
    Mr Olatunbosun Olaegbe, Managing Director of Genesis Studios, the local production company of the show in Nigeria, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
    According to Olaegbe, the television game show will have contestants compete by guessing the prices of merchandise to win cash and prizes.
    “The much-anticipated debut of The Price Is Right Nigeria has just become even more exciting as it is scheduled to premiere in August on DSTV’s Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, GoTV, and other terrestrial stations.
    “The iconic international game show, known for its engaging format and thrilling prizes, is set to launch in Nigeria with a dynamic team at the helm.
    “Interested participants can apply at thepriceisright.ng/audience-application to be part of the audience,” he said.
    Olaegbe revealed the host of the show as Mannie Essien, a seasoned broadcast journalist while Chioma “BBB” Okpala had been picked as announcer of the show.
    “Building on the momentum, the show has now revealed its host as Mannie Essien, a seasoned broadcast journalist, Essien will bring over a decade of experience as a Nigerian radio and television presenter.
    “His energetic presence and engaging style are expected to enhance the already captivating game show.
    “Essien’s role will be pivotal in engaging contestants and ensuring a seamless and entertaining experience for both contestants and viewers.
    “Joining Essien is Chioma “BBB” Okpala, who has been announced as the show’s announcer, known for her work as a podcaster, voice-over artist, and compere, Okpala will bring her expertise and vibrant personality to the show.
    “Together, Mannie Essien and Chioma Okpala are set to infuse the show with a distinct Naija flavor and energy.
    “With successful adaptations in over 52 territories, as the Nigerian producers we promise to maintain high-quality standards while rewarding viewers for their time,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
    PTB/FAA
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Nicki Minaj’s arrest, Nigeria’s revert to old anthem, others top social media trends

     

     

     

    Nicki Minaj’s arrest, Nigeria’s revert to old anthem, others top social media trends

     

    Trends

     

    By Taiye Olayemi

     

    Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The arrest of U.S. rapper, Nicki Minaj, kicked off the social media trends following her arrest in Amsterdam where Dutch officers reportedly found drugs in her luggage at Schiphol Airport.

     

    Minaj was at the airport on May 25, preparing to leave the city, where she had kicked off her tour,  to fly to Manchester, England, for her next concert when she was stopped by border Police on suspicion of exporting soft drugs.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Minaj is currently on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour.

     

    The Netherlands classifies marijuana, which is legal in the country, as “soft drugs”.

     

    The 41-year-old rapper, in a video live-streamed to her followers, revealed she had pre-rolled joints in her bag, which she said belonged to someone else.

     

    After initially resisting the authority’s request that she get into a police vehicle, arguing that she needed a lawyer present, she eventually relented and got inside.

     

    The rapper, during her transport, told the officers she was worried she might not be able to make her next show.

     

    The officers assured her that they would try to get her there as soon as possible.

     

    Minaj was unable to make it to Manchester in time for her concert at the Co-op Live Arena, where 20,000 fans were waiting for her to take to the stage.

     

     

    After Minaj was released from police custody, she jumped on X, formerly Twitter, to provide further details of her encounter.

     

     

    She said: “Police said they found weed and that another group of people have to come here to weigh the pre-rolls.

     

    “Keep in mind they took my bags without consent. My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him.”

     

    On Sunday , May 26, popular Nigerian singer, Harrysong, accused Alexer Perez, his estranged wife, of infidelity during their marriage.

     

    Recall that their marriage has been going through some crisis after an alleged WhatsApp chat between them surfaced on social media.

     

    In an Instagram live session, the singer had claimed that Alexer got pregnant for another man while still married to him.

     

    He said that he had stopped sleeping with her “for almost a year” when she announced her pregnancy.

     

    “My ex-wife’s mother just married her seventh or sixth husband yet she is still cheating in that marriage. That is the kind of family I married into.

     

    “My wife came to inform me that she was pregnant when I stopped sleeping with her for almost a year. She was pregnant for another man in my marriage.

     

    “The only thing I did was to ask her to return to her family. I needed time to get to know her because I didn’t know who she really is. I married her because people said she was a loyal, humble and God-fearing Christian.”

     

    In response to his allegations, Alexer, in a separate Instagram live session, denied her ex-husband’s allegations of infidelity and urged him to move on.

     

    She said, “You dey watch film, abi na Nollywood? I don’t understand how you would say that I carried another man’s child when I’m still married to you. I have never cheated on you since we married. I never tried it.”

     

     

    The day also witnessed celebration of the fifth wedding anniversary between Sen. Ned Nwoko and his actress wife, Regina Daniels.

     

    Nwoko made an emotional promise to Regina, as the couple shared loved-up photos to mark the occasion.

     

    Regina, while reflecting on the past five years, described the marriage as remarkable and one filled with love.

     

    She expressed gratitude to God, hoping for many more years to celebrate their love.

     

    Ned also took to Instagram to celebrate, expressing his joy for the past five years with Regina, describing it as good and eventful.

     

    He wrote, “Happy 5 years Anniversary to us baby. It has been a good and eventful 5 years. And we are just starting.”

     

    In similar mood, on Tuesday May 28, Tolu Oniru, Nigerian radio personality, talk show host, and presenter, popularly known as Toolz, took to her Instagram page to celebrate her eight year wedding anniversary with Tunde Demuren.

     

    Toolz posted two pictures from their wedding in 2016 and told the story of how she nearly missed the flight to their wedding in Dubai because she overslept.

     

    She expressed  gratitude to her husband for being a calming force in her life and prayed for their union, while humorously hinting at wanting another child.

     

    Wednesday, May 29, however, witnessed the burial of veteran Nollywood actor, Zulu Adigwe, in Abuja.

     

    The same day, President Bola Tinubu assented to the National Anthem Bill 2024, reverting to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”.

     

     

    Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria during its independence, penned the lyrics for “Nigeria, we hail thee”, while Frances Berda composed the music.

     

    The anthem played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.

     

    On Thursday, May 30, a Manhattan Jury found  former American President, Donald Trump, guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records in his hush money criminal trial, an unprecedented and historic verdict that makes him the first former president in U.S. history to be convicted of a felony.

     

    Judge Juan Merchan set a sentencing hearing for July 11.

     

    Prosecutors accused Trump of taking part in an illegal conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 presidential election and an unlawful plan to suppress negative information, which included concealing a hush money payment to an adult film star.

     

    Also, in the Nigerian music scene, Fireboy announced his collaboration with his counterpart, Omah Lay, and hitmaking producer, Lekaa Bea,  for a new single.

     

    Fireboy shared a post saying, “It’s pretty messed up,” in which he tagged Omah Lay on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

     

    The post appeared to be an announcement of a possible collaboration and Omah Lay thickened the plot with his reply saying: “This world is a messed up place bro.”

     

    The collaboration was later confirmed by Lekaa Beat who also announced that he would be collaborating with Fireboy and Omah Lay for a new song.

     

    The upcoming collaboration makes it the first time Fireboy and Omah Lay will be on a song together and this prospect has predictably sparked excitement among fans.

     

    Same day, renowned music sensation, Daniel Anidugbe, popularly known as ‘Kizz Daniel’, released his latest single, ‘Double’, a heartfelt dedication to his wife, Marian.

     

    Marian stars as the vixen in the accompanying music video.

     

    Christian Agadibe, Chief Executive Officer of Artmatazz Media, a media company to the superstar, disclosed this.

     

    Agadibe said the new single marks a significant milestone in Kizz Daniel’s career as he embraces themes of love and family while continuing to deliver chart-topping hits.

     

    Also, Nigerian singer, Patoranking, excitedly announced that his birthday gift to the public is his newly launched tech scholarship, in partnership with ALX Africa.

     

    In an Instagram post, Patoranking announced that the $500,000 initiative, run through the Patoranking Foundation and ALX Africa, is open to 40 people.

     

    His caption read, “Embracing technology has been a game changer in my music career and business, visit @patorankingfoundation for more information on how to APPLY!

     

    “There are 40 spaces available, My Birthday gift to 40 people Only Let’s go! 💪🏿💪🏿.”

     

    Meanwhile, Nigerian celebrity apper, Falz, teased his fans with a new EP titled “Before The Feast”, slated for release June 7.

     

    On Friday,  Nigerian singer, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, also known as Ayra Starr, unveiled her highly-anticipated sophomore album titled, ‘The Year I Turned 21’.

     

    The album follows the success of her 2021 debut project, ‘19 & Dangerous’.

     

    Ayra Starr recently revealed that she collaborated with Asake and Seyi Vibez because of her genuine admiration for their talents and not to stir up any supposed rivalry among their fans.

     

    Tracks on the new album include ‘Birds Sing Of Money’, ‘Goodbye (Warm Up)’, ‘Woman Commando’, ‘Control’, and ‘21’.

     

    “The Year I Turned 21” is a 15-track album featuring collaborations with Asake, Giveon, Coco Jones, Anitta, Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro on tracks like “Goodbye (Warm Up),” “Last Heartbreak Song,” “Woman Commando” and “Santa” respectively.

     

    The album also includes the previously released “Commas” and “Bad Vibes”.

     

    On Saturday, Net Nigeria announced that the Big Brother Naija All-Stars Reunion would begin streaming on June 24, on Showmax.

     

    Ebuka Obi-Uchendu was announced as the moderator.

     

    Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, also unveiled plans to shoot part of the highly anticipated season two of ANIKULAPO in Ghana, in a strategic move to support the “Shoot in Ghana” campaign initiated by the National Film Authority.

     

    This exciting announcement was made during the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, in France, where Afolayan was among the distinguished guests.

     

    The Nigeria International Film and TV Summit (NIFS) also hosted at Cannes, served as the platform for Afolayan to reveal his decision to shoot portions of ANIKULAPO in Ghana. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    PTB/FAA

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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran