Entertainment
‘Step Aga,’ Others, Mourn Papa Wemba’s Death
Port Harcourt based music
star, Mr. Stephen Asiga popularly known as the “humble-preacher man” has joined the music world in mourning the death of Africa’s King of Rumba rock Papa Wemba who died last Sunday, few hours after collapsing on stage in Abidjan, (Cote d’ivoire) at the age of 66.
The gospel reggae singer who spoke with The Tide Entertainment recently, described the Iconic Musician as a role model to African Musicians who brought fame and wealth to the music profession. He noted that his death is a big loss not only to African musicians but to the entire music world and humanity. According to him, one of the ways to immortalize him is to keep his flag flying by sustaining his great exploits in music and lifestyle.
Other world figures who also spoke on the demise of the great musician include the Congolese President Joseph Kabila and the Congelese Culture minister Baudouin Banza Mukalay who called his death a great loss to the country and all of Africa, while BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) Ixtra’s African music Ambassador D. J. Edu said “I would put him in the same bracket as Fela Kuti when it comes to influence in African music,” we have lost a golden voice.”
Born in 1949, Wemba whose real name is shungu Wemba Dio Pre Kikunba began his singing career in religious choir. He helped modernize Congolese Rumba Music with the genre that emerged Soukuos influencing music in Africa, together with his bands Zaiko Langa Langa, Isifi and Viva la musica he raked up hit after hit including L’E SCLAVE and la voyageur. His pioneering blend of Africa and western sound became one of Africa’s most popular music styles.
In the course of his six decade long music career, Wember toured with Steve Wonder, he also toured around the world and recorded with British Artist, Peter Gabriel, His Collabo with Peter earned him a gold disc. He has also appeared in two feature films titled “Life is Beautiful” in 1987 and “Wild Games” in 1997. Wemba was also famed for his flambouyant dressing. The style Icon was the driving force behind the cultural movement “The Sapeurs” whose young men spend vast amount on designer clothes.
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.’