Entertainment
Fans Immortalise Fela 22 Years After Transition
On August 2, 1997, Nigeria lost an icon, a music legend, activist and Afro beat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti who died at the age of 58, but not without making an impact that has been felt several decades after.
Fela fought for many things during his time that he and his family suffered as a result of his outspoken nature. This however did not stop him even though he was thrown in and out of prison on several occasions.
Well, Fela might have passed on for 22 years now, but Nigerians and many people all over the world still celebrate him. His style of music has now become hot stuff in the country and other parts of the world as foreign musicians now want to identify with him and Afro beat music.
Many Nigerians were filled with pride when they saw a trending video of US Naval force, Europe band, Topside performing one of Fela’s most popular songs ‘Water No Get Enemy’ on Sunday July 28 at Freedom Park in Lagos. The topside performed several of American and Nigerian tunes to the delight of 170 guests lucky to be present at the historic relaxation centre.
A number of well wishers from all over the world have taken to social media to immortalise him. According to them, “Fela transitioned on this day, 22 years ago, Kuti (together with Marian Makeba, Franco, Evora, Farka Toure, Masekela) is one of the greatest musicians ever to come out of Africa. It was a constant thorn on the flesh of government and music was his weapon.
“Fela was not only a musician of revolutionary sound/message, but also a seer, sage, philosopher King, poet, prophet and leader of a formless boundless, intergenerational and cross cultural revolution. The revolution will not be in the berets or ‘Aso ebi”, it begins in the mind”.
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.’