Entertainment
Why Jonathan Missed Creative Industry Mega Event
Friday November 28,
2014 witnessed a galaxy of stars at the convention centre of Eko Hotel in Lagos. About 1000 stars made up of actors, actresses, singers, painters, writers and journalists attended the event tagged, “An evening with President Goodluck Jonathan.”
It was reported that the classy and rich event started at about 9:00pm, but Mr President could not make it to the hall because just as he arrived the venue of the event, he got signals from Kano about the bombing that took place that evening at the Kano mosque, so he stayed off so as not to be seen as celebrating when people had died in Kano.
However, the event, which was sponsored by Zenith Bank continued and went far into the night. Two serving ministers attended the event, they include the Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the host minister, High Chief Edem Duke, who is the minister of culture, tourism and national orientation.
The Calabar high chief, who spoke eloquently in his welcome address told the large audience that Mr President would not be able to make the event due to the bombing in Kano. After condemning the dastardly act of the Boko Haram in Kano, he eulogized the creative industry and how their efforts have put Nigeria on the world map.
The master of ceremony (MC), Bayo Benjamin, held the crowd spell bound, her impeccable delivery dazed the guests as she gave a good account of herself, no wonder she has remained Nigeria’s No1 event compere. To welcome guests, King Sunny Ade and about 10 other stars like Rita Dominic, Waje, Kate Henshaw, Aki and Papaw, Segun Arinze among others, gave good account of themselves in the opening performance.
While the corporate world was heavily represented, there was the new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Chairman of UBA, Tony Elumelu and the MD of UBA as well as Zenith Bank.
Apart from the performances by ASA, Sunny Neji, Cobhams, Lara George, Omawumi, Sani Daija etc, there were speeches and documentaries on the creative influence on Nigerian contemporary art and 100 years of Nigerian music.
There was also comedy by Akpororo, who is fast becoming the hottest comedian on the scene.
Among the over 1000 personalities that attended the event were King Sunny Ade, 2 Shotz, Daddy showkey, Dare Art Alade, Eddy Montana, Duncan Mighty, Lara Gorge Onyeka Onwenu, Sunny Neji and Rita Dominic.
Others were the Nollywood twin sisters chidiebere and Chidinma Aneke, Fathia Balogun, Clarion Chukwura, Segun Arinze, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Emeka Ossai, Alex Osifo, Fred Amata, Steve Eboh, Yemi Blaq, Zik Zulu, Okafor, Chico Ejiro, Fidelis Dukar, Igwe Gab Onyi, Zeb Ejiro, Paul Obazele, Lancelot Imasuen, Anyiam Osigwe, Sally Mbanefo and a host of others.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister
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.’