Entertainment
Soyinka, Olu Jacobs, Others Storm African Drum Festival
The third edition of the African Drum Festival held from the 19th to 21st of April 2018 at the June 12 Cultural Centre Abeokuka courtesy of MTN Nigeria witnessed the who is who in the entertainment industry and the Nigerian society.
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka spoke indepth about cultural heritage in Nigeria and across Africa and how approach to culture, especially the different particular elements like drumming should be different. The highly revered intellectual headlined the conference and symposium where he said, “There is nowhere that you don’t have drums like Africa.”
“If we are to revive our ideals and ideas as a continent we must start with a culture like drumming that cuts across.”
The third edition of the festival which was tagged “Drumming for Advancement” saw drum troupes from about 33 states in Nigeria as well as troupes from over 20 other African countries and the Caribeans.
Among the Nollywood and other dignitaries in attendance were Tunde Kalani, Karean Adepogu, Kunle Afolanya, Olu Jacobs, Richard Agbor Wole Sodimu, Dada Omotunde and Adebowale David. Others were the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.
Also in attendance were Royal Fathers like Alake and paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Obong of Calabar, Etubom Ekpo, Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajaiji 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.’