Entertainment
Top Nigerian Musicians Mourn OJB’s Death
Popular producer, singer
and studio owner, OJB Jezreel, has passed away. Inside sources disclosed that OJB Jezreel whose real name is Babatunde Okungbowa died Tuesday morning June 14, from a relapse of kidney disease he successfully operated upon three years ago when friends, family and well wishers pooled together over N26 million to help him conduct the kidney transplant.
His first wife, Mabel, had donated one of her kidneys to him. He reportedly had the relapse about two weeks ago with his family keeping him on dialysis. The singer went into coma on Monday and later died. He is survived by three wives and 8 children.
The ‘Jiggaman’ is a renowned producer, writer and executive producer for over two decades. He started music in 1985. His biggest breakthrough was with 2face’s ‘African queen’ setting a yet to be beaten record not just in Nigeria but in Africa 10 million copies in Nigeria alone and 8 million copies internationally, this made him the most sort after producer in Nigeria and some regions of Africa.
In June 2013, he revealed to Nigerians that his two kidneys had stopped working. In July 4, 2013, former Governor of Rivers State, Rt Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, ordered that a sum of $100,000 be given to him (OJB) for his kidney transplant which is the total sum needed for the operation and also covered feeding and accommodation cost. The musician had a successful kidney transplant operation in India on October 21, 2014, His first wife, Mabel donated one of her kidneys to him.
OJB released a new track in May 31st 2016 titled “O da bi, he died at the age of 49 just a month to his 50th birthday.
Meanwhile, top music industry acts including Peter Okoye, Yemi Alade, Sound Sultan among others, have come out to pay tribute to the late producer as OJB was said to have helped build the careers of some of the biggest names we know in the Nigeria music Industry today including the likes of Wizkid, Psquare, 2-face Idibia, Yemi Alade and many more.
“We all mourn the dead, but we don’t know who goes next. Life is a lesson and an Odyssey. Till we meet again I will Cherish the memories I have the opportunity you gave us with your open door policy that nowadays stardom packagers know nothing of from Sodiyen to every other massive hit you made your humility remain unchanged. I pray Paradise for you,” they said.
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.’