Entertainment
Why MAMAs May Not Hold In 2018
Africa’s biggest music awards, MTV Africa Music Awards also known as MAMAs may not hold this year, thereby making the ceremony a no show in two years. The MAMAs has been Africa’s biggest and most glamorous music awards as every edition is accompanied by a range of festivities attracting music heavy weights across the African Continent and beyond.
The maiden edition MAMAs was preceded by four concerts, one in West Africa (Lagos) another in East Africa (Kenya), South Africa and Central Africa (Congo) before the actual award ceremony all in a bid to celebrate nominees.
Although the award is often held in the last quarter of the year, Mr Alex Okosi Creator of the MAMAs and Senior Vice President of Viacom international and Executive Vice President/Managing Director (MD) of BET International hinted on a possible no show in 2018.
In an interview recently, Okosi hinted that international structures are being put in place in a bid to evolve the show. “We are always looking for opportunities to make the MAMAs happen, we are working hard and we’ve looked at the show in terms of how to evolve it because we do believe that MAMAs is the epitome of all award shows … so we are working very hard to make it happen”, he said.
This would not be MAMAs first hiatus after its first three editions, (2008-2010), the award went on a three year break before making a comeback in 2014 for an edition in Durban, South Africa which has been home for the awards ceremony until its last 2016 edition that featured a headline performance by future with Wizkid, Drake and Yemi Alade all taking home major awards for Artiste of the Year, Best Female Act and Best International Act respectively.
Over the years, MTV Africa Music Awards has served as a re-union of sorts for African Musicians and it remains to be seen if the organisers will make an impromptu comeback before the year winds to a close. One is however in hopes that the award will return with better structures that will prove favourable to Africa’s growing music industry.
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.’