Entertainment
A’Ibom Hosts NAFEST 2016
The Akwa-Ibom State
Government will host the “29th Edition of National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) scheduled for 2nd-9th October 2016 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo (The State Capital). The 2016 edition of the event themed “Exploring the Goldmine Inherent (Investment diversification opportunities) in Nigeria’s creative industry, calls on participation from all 36 states of the federation, Local Government Councils, relevant tertiary institution, NGOs and the Market Women Association of the hosting state. The Festival is set to host between 35,000 and 60,000 people.
It would be recalled that over the last 29 years, NAFEST has consistently promoted national unity, craftsmanship, talent hunt, skills acquisition, amongst other things. The activities for NAFEST 2016 includes Traditional cuisine Exhibition Fair and competition, Traditional parade/charade of Dance; Introducing Arts and culture from the 36 states of the Federtion, FCT and Commonwealth Africa Nations, Arts and Craft Exhibition and competition, Traditional Wrestling competition (Junior Category), poetry citation and performance (school participation/children), indigenous NAFEST fashion exhibition fair, Moonlight Games/Essay Writing competition (Folklore and Tales), Drawing and painting Exhibition/competition, NAFEST Award Gala, Recognition for promoters and investors for the art and culture development in Nigeria, NAFEST variety night and music concert.
NAFEST as a national platform is designed to aggregate sectorial focus on wealth creation from the creative industry objective to investment diversification effort to grow the Nations GDP, this is achieved through economic patronage of international/rural artwork and crafts, artistes fashion designers, transport and logistic, food vendors, Hotel and Hospitality Providers and drinks and manufacturing vendors. Celebrating the 29th Anniversary in Nigeria, NAFEST remains a veritable platform for internally generated income for empowering SME and MSME Business, NAFEST is organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and duly endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Information, Culture, Tourism and National Orientation. The event is supported by the Akwa-Ibom State Government, Ministry of Information and Culture, FRCN VON; Brand and Media partners include Pulse NG, Plant TV, Ben TV, Amandia Consulting, Vox Africa, NTA, Noww Magazine, Joseftree concept ltd among others.
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.’