Entertainment
Rivers People Set, As CARNIRIV Beckons
Despite the glizz, glamour and cultural rejuvenation that marked previous cultural carnivals in Rivers State, this year’s centenary edition promises to surpass all the past events in terms of organisation, sophistication and foreign participation.
It is reliably gathered that the Rivers-State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA) in conjunction with the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism have put some laudable programmes and events in place to make CARNIRIV 2012 the best of its kind across the country.
These programmes include a new carnival monument which involves the redesigning and commissioning of the CARNIRIV 1988 sculpture located at Aggrey road in the old Port Harcourt Township Area which stands in remembrance of one of the most spectacular carnivals Port Harcourt had ever experienced. It is expected to serve as the official take off point for all subsequent carnivals.
There would also be a pre-carnival stage performance of King Jaja of Opopo with top government officials, an all star cast and fantastic production crew that would invariably be an honour for the men and women of the Arts who would have returned inspired and reinvigorated from a world tour, promoting the culture of Rivers people through the play.
The Black African music festival (BAMFEST) is also proposed by the Agency in its desire to sell CARNIRIV to the wide world as a tourist attraction of immense value. The music festival would span several genres which appear relevant in today’s spectrum of musical references. Selected black musicians from the Americas, the Islands of the Caribbeans, Europe and the continent of Africa are also expected to be in attendance.
In its bid to boost the overall outlook of the CARNIRIV, the RSTDA looks forward to inviting contingents from interested countries worldwide to participate in the carnival, such entries include boat Rowing and Lion dance troupe from South East Asia, and Zulu dance troupe from South Africa that would add to the excitement of the carnival just as tourism ties with the respective countries are sure to be enhanced in the process.
Freestyle bands are also expected to perfrom as a brilliant spectacle in the streets of Port Harcourt. The inclusion of more bands in the free style parade promises even greater colours and excitement.
To cap it all, there would also be a world peace concert as part of the closing ceremonies of the CARNIRIV with the aim of attracting musicians as well as different genres of music from various continents of the world preaching a message of peace and tolerance.
According to the Director General of Rivers State Tourism Development Agency Dr. Sam Dede, this year’s festival would hold in Port Harcourt from December 10 to December 15. He said the committee had commenced mobilization and sensitization of the people on the carnival and the people were beginning to see the carnival as their own.
He said, “sensitization, mobilization is on, we are talking with the communities, we have been visiting the local government areas, been having series of meetings with the band leaders, the people as well as volunteers are pouring in everyday to work for the festival, for me, this is about making the people own the carnival.”
The veteran actor of the ‘Isakaba’ Fame stated that international artists invited to perform for the cultural show had indicated interest to come and perform, adding that Shaggy and Patra would perform at the opening ceremony while morgan heritage would play at the reggae event.
He stressed that Rivers people were going to have a wonderful carnival this year as all the artists and people they had been talking with, were very keen on making it work. He also disclosed that the organizing committee had hinted the international artists about the flood situation, adding that they had pledged to use the carnival to put smiles on the faces of the victims and the people of the state.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’