Entertainment
Lexy M Rates Rivers Entertainment Industry Above Average
Frontline music Maestro and
Showbiz personality in Rivers State, Mr. Lexy Mueka popularly called Lexy M has rated the entertainment industry in Rivers State above average in terms of performance and creativity.
The Ogoni, Rivers State-born musician and producer, said the state is well-blessed with all categories of entertainers as well as peaceful and enabling environment which have turned the state capital, Port Harcourt to one of the most viable cities in the country both in entertainment and other business opportunities.
The former chairman of the performing musicians Employees Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in the State, however noted that most of the foremost entertainers who brought glory and respect to the state through their escapades in the industry were not cerebrated by the state as a mark of honour and respect.
According to him people like Late Cardinal Rex Lawson, Prince David Bull Jackwest Omodu of Garden city band, Boma Erekosima and Living Legend, King Sunny Brown Etc, have not been remembered in the last five years. He stressed that these Icons of the industry need to be remembered and celebrated annually.
He noted that music is part of show business, in Lagos, Onitsha, Aba Etc musicians there see every thing about music as business, but their colleagues here in Port Harcourt see it as fun and this attitude is not helping them to grow to stardom and recognition, so they need to repackage themselves to national and international standards.
He emphasized that another militating factor against the growth of musicians in the state is lack of encouragement, recognition and sponsorship, because our people do not believe in the indigenous musicians, they rather prefer outsiders, he also complained about lack of viable market in the state where musicians could record and sell their works that is why most of them go to Lagos and other neighbouring cities and refused to come back.
He however, contended that despite these set backs all genres of music live here in the state, while most of the artistes making waves in the countrymusic clan today all have their roots in Rivers State, such as Duncan Mighty, Daniel Wilson, Flavour, Burna Boy, Gift of Aboki Shine My Shoe fame, Oba Omega, Rymzo Etc.
On the comedy profession in the state, the Showbiz Maestro said “most of the people who parade themselves as comedians are nothing but jesters”. He maintained that comedy to him is humour mongering to make people laugh and relax not to insult organizers of the event and their guests.
He observed that during the days of Iyobu Koko, Boma Erekosima, Micheal Obodo Singer Etc, comedy was all about laughter, fun and relaxation, but these days, comedians turn their employers and guests to dummies to be laughed at even after paying heavily for their services.
According to him, these anomalies exist because there are no checks and balances in the profession and “they donot even have an association to check their excesses. He however expressed hope that genuine comedians with the talent and exposure will soon sort out themselves to prove to the world that comedy is not an all comers game.
For the movie industry, he said Rivers State is not playing the second fiddle as most of the actors and actresses from the state who have found themselves in the mainstream are playing leading roles in the make believe industry in Nigeria, called Nollywood.
He reiterated that there is hardly any movie jacket in the market without the faces of the Rivers State born thespians such as Sam Dede, Columbus Irisoanga, Walter Anger, Gentle Jack, Alaso Wariboko, Monalisa Chinda, Hilda Dokubo, Tonto Dike, Maureen Ihua, Milliscent Jack Etc.
LexyM who is also into movie production confirmed that there are good script writers with interesting story lines in Rivers State, but they lack the finances to develop the scripts or shoot the movie, so most of them sell the scripts to producers and marketers.
Beauty pageants is another aspect of the entertainment clan the seasoned musician rated highly. He said with the various international beauty events hosted by the state, it is obvious that Rivers State occupies an envirous position in the world. Apart from hosting Two Editions of ECOWA beauty pageant and several others, Rivers State born Agbani Derego was crowned the first ever black African Miss World, which brought international recognition to not only Rivers State but to Nigeria as a country.
He observed that many people misunderstand beauty pageants and attach negative opinions to it with diverse cultural values which is affecting most of the young girls who may want to become models and queens, he noted that beauty pageants are all about beauty and brains, fashion and modeling so parents should encourage their beautiful daughters to participate and bring honour to the state.
LexyM however condemned the fake pageant organizers who are out to dupe the public and the contestants. He said most of them choose the girls with very rich back ground or social contacts in high places as winners.
Most times the wishes of the audience do not count as the handpicked judges are there to do the bidding of the organizers. Others promise mouth watering prizes and big contracts for the winners only to disappoint them at the end.
He said these are the people killing beauty pageants in the state. He therefore called on the state government to investigate the activities of these organizations to fish out the fraudsters, and sanitise the industry.
He lauded the State government for reviving and showcasing the state’s indigenous cultural heritage through CARNIRIV. According to him the event has brought Tourists and international organizations from all over the world to the state.
Entertainment
My Relationship With Davido Beyond Money, Gossip -Cubana Chief Priest
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.
Entertainment
Simi Joins Kenya’s Anti-Tax Protests
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.”
Entertainment
Davido, Zlatan, Others In Attendance At Asake’s Atlanta Concert
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.’