Entertainment

PMAN Mourns William Onyeabor

Published

8 years ago

January 27, 2017

The Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Rivers State Chapter, has joined other well meaning Nigerians to felicitate with the families of late music icon, Chief William Onyeabor who died peacefully in his sleep last Monday January 16th in Enugu at the age of 72.
The chairman of the association in the state, Mr. Robin Maja described late Onyeabor as a legend of the Nigerian music industry, a philosopher and role model to most musicians in Nigeria and beyond.
He noted that one of the legend’s songs “when the going is good and smooth, many people will be your friend, but when the going is bad, many of them will run a way” is a fact of life as most of them in the industry are experiencing the reality of that song today.
The PMAN boss urged government and the private sector to always celebrate music icons in the state when they are alive to enable them enjoy the fruits of their labour not when they are dead. He said most of these musicians died prematurely due to poverty and most times they die with their songs and contributions to the industry.
Chief William Onyeabor, best known for his timeless record “when the going is smooth and good”, passed away in his Enugu home on January 16th, 2017. He was one of the most widely known musicians of all time, even though the man himself would become reclusive and be unreachable for the 39 years that preceded his death.
Since becoming ‘born again’ in the mid 80s, he refused to discuss his music career, choosing to focus on his private life and his thriving flour mill business. Born in Enugu in 1945, William Onyeabor is said to have studied anematography in Russia circa in the late 60s, returning post civil war to start a film company and later delved into music.
Although his music career took off during the era where Fela’s Afrobeat was the rage, Onyeabor’s peculiar sound stood him apart. He was ahead of his time in many ways: making use of synthesizers and keyboards – hallmarks of the do-it-youreself mode of making music that would become ubiquitous in the coming decades.
His debut album ‘crashes in love’ was released in 1977 and was followed in each successive year by ‘Atomic Bomb’, ‘Grashes in love’ (two) ‘Tomorrow’ Body and soul’, Great Lover’, Hypertension’, Good Name,’ Anything you sow’.
After the final album in 1985, he became a born again Christian and according to the creed of his new found religion, he ‘forsook all things of the world.
But the world did not forsake him, several bands in Europe and America held on to his psychedelic sounds and vestiges of the roaring 70s. The most enduring of them is Luaka Bop led by David Byrne. The collective put together a compilation of William Onyeabor’s songs and released ‘who is Williams Onyeabor”. In 2013.

Entertainment

Nollywood Mourns Veteran Actor, Columbus Irisoanga’s Passing

Published

6 days ago

February 7, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian film industry has lost another of its veteran performers, Columbus Irisoanga, fondly known as ‘Igbudu’ following his unforgettable role in the 2001 Nollywood classic, Isakaba.
His passing was announced by actress and politician, Hilda Dokubo, who expressed her deep sorrow over his death.
“Our uncle, columbus Irisoanga has gone to be with the Lord. Ikoli eh dein na mu. There can’t be a shortage of Angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this! This one is heavy on Uniport, Rivers State and Nollywood,” Dokubo said
Irisoanga’s death is a significant loss not just for Nollywood but also for the academic community. He was a respected senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), where he earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees.
Over the years, he nurtured and mentored many students who have gone on to become industry professionals.
Columbus Irisoanga made a lasting mark on Nollywood with his compelling performances, particularly in epic films and traditional roles. His portrayal of Igbudu, the formidable chief priest in Isakaba, cemented his place as one of the industry’s respected character actors. With a commanding presence and a deep understanding of dramatic storytelling, he brought authenticity to every role he played.
The Tide Entertainment reports that beyond Isakaba, Irisoanga was known for his dedication to the craft, collaborating with some of Nollywood’s finest filmmakers. His contributions extended beyond the screen, as he was also instrumental in shaping the next generation of actors and filmmakers through his academic work at UNIPORT.
His passing comes just days after the industry mourned the loss of Nollywood actress, Pat Ugwu, who died at the young age of 35. This string of losses has left Nollywood fans and colleagues heartbroken, with many expressing their condolences and tributes on social media.

While the cause of Irisoanga’s death has not been officially disclosed, his impact on Nollywood and the academic world remains undeniable. His work, both in film and education, has left an indelible mark, and his legacy will live on through the students he taught and the audiences he entertained.

As the industry reflects on this great loss, many will remember Columbus Irisoanga not just as Igbudu, but as a mentor, a scholar, and a passionate storyteller whose influence will endure for years to come.

Entertainment

My Relationship With Davido Beyond Money, Gossip -Cubana Chief Priest

Published

6 months ago

August 23, 2024

The Tide

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

Published

6 months ago

August 23, 2024

The Tide

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.”