Entertainment
Ambode Unveils Fela’s Statue …As 2017 Edition Of Felabration Ends
The Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode has unveiled the statue of Afro Beat Legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti as part of the activities that marked the 2017 edition of Felabration. The statue is at the Kalakuta museum located at Allen round about in Ikeja, Lagos. The statue is titled “Liberation.”
One of the high points of the one week event include a ground breaking performance by the last son of the late Afro beat king. Seun Kuti who dished out a couple of his late father’s popular songs which left the crowd screaming and singing along with him.
Fela’s 79th posthumous birthday was held on Sunday 15th October 2017. The Felabration festival was conceptualized to remember the iconic musician and political activist. The events included workshops and concerts.
Twenty years after his death, Fela is still a hero to millions for his contributions on stage and off it. As the creator of Afro beats, social critic, political activist and champion of the under priviledged as well as philosopher of his political ideology Fela’s influence has continued to spread.
Every year Felabration attracts over hundred artistes both locally and internationally and the 2017 edition was no different as Nigerians and artistes showed up enmass to pay homage to the Legend.
“This years event with the theme “The Prophesy” concerned at the Afrika Shrine Ikeja on 9th October and lasted till October 15. Some of the A-List artistes who graced the occasion at last Sunday’s grand Finale of the Felabration include Wizkid, Burna Boy, Oritsefemi, Tecno and Solid Star.
Others include Reminisce, Seun Kuti, Small Doctor, Terry Akpala, Terry G, sound Sultan, Eva, MZ, Kiss and many others. Artistes like Small Doctor and Terry G. surprised their fans by throwing money and their jewelries to the crowd even as they all screamed with anxiety.
Frontline Afrobeat crooner, Wizid trilled his fans with ‘Ojuegba’ a song that earned him international recognition. The ‘come closer’ singer performed amid conspicuous vibes from lovers and well wishers. Wizkid was also joined on stage by Femi Kuti, Fela’s eldest son to perform ‘Omo Jaiye Jaiye.”
Fans at the event could not have enough of reggae, but dancehall singer Damini Ogulu popularly known as Burna Boy conspicuously shirtless stormed the stage with much enthusiasm. He effortlessly twisted his waste to his song, ‘soke’ as well as Temper (remix). Other artistes who performed at the event were Ycee, Ayuba, Lagbaja etc.
Fela died August 2, 1997 following complications from his contraction of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
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.’