Entertainment
Cultural Music Icon, ‘Eze Oriri’ Iwedi Laid To Rest In Emohua
Emohua community in Rivers State last weekend, witnessed a humongous crowd of renowned politicians, celebrated-cultural musicians, socio cultural organisations and various youth bodies who stormed the community to pay their last respects to celebrated cultural icon and traditional music maestro, Elder Ikekwem Kingdom Iwedi, popularly known as ‘Eze Oriri’ (commissioner for enjoyment) who died on January 24, 2021 after a protracted illness.
In his address at the burial ceremony the Chief mourner, Mr. Promise I.K Iwedi stated that until his demise, the renowned musician, grassroot politician and socio-cultural icon, contributed immensely to the promotion of the Ikwerre and Kalabari culture and tradition through his musical group, the Oriri Social Club of Nigeria (OSCON) that displayed the water spirit infused culture peculiar to the Ikwerre and the Riverine people of Rivers and Bayelsa States. His musical exploits earned him the moniker, I.K Dankwa named after the Ghanaian music legend.
He noted that Eze Oriri was also a founding father of several socio-cultural groups in the community including Korkonma Elitist club, Oporo masquerade Deity of Rumuobasi, Wanaburoma Rumuobasi, Oyirimba Rumuolo Age Grade, olo Social Club of Emohua one time chairman of Ikoro Rumuolo, a formidable group I’m the community. He was also the patron of Ibimina Social Club of Bakana and Sekiapu Society of Kalabari.
The chief mourner stressed that politically Elder Ikekwem Iwedi was relevant in the political landscape as a grassroot politician and mass mobiliser who played active politics at the local and state government levels at different political dispensations and belonged to various political parties during his political career. He was an active member of the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), National Party of Nigeria (NPN) Social Democratic Party (SDP), United Nigeria Centre Party (UNCP), The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and finally the All Progressive Congress (APC) before his demise.
Based on his various political party affiliations his burial at his residence in Rumuobasi, Rumuche Emohua on Saturday, 8th May 2021was attended by a large number of political Juggernauts across the state and beyond. Among whom were Senator ‘Ohna’ Andrew Uchendu, Ohna Sergent Awuse, Chief (Barr) Eme Glory Eme, Engr. Sam Agwo, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, Arthur Uchendu and Prof. Chituru Orluwene. Others were, former Emolga Chairman Allen Nma, former Vice Chairman Emolga, Chief Ndidi Erim, Hon Lucky Worlu and Engr. Nnamdi Abah among others.
Speaking in an interview with The Tide an illustrious son-in-law to the deceased cultural icon, Mr. Onyekachi Wagbara noted that Elder Ikekwem Iwedi was a philanthropist extraordinary who left behind an amazing legacy for others to emulate. He reiterated that his fatherly advice and guidance contributed to the success of his marriage to the first daughter Ijeoma.
According to him their marriage which has lasted for over 21 years has brought countless blessings to his life and family. His death has created a big vacuum in my life, but I take solace in God because my father in-law lived a good life as he rendered selfless service to God and humanity, he said.
Also speaking, the first daughter of the deceased, Mrs Ijeoma Onyekachi Wagbara described her late father as a man of honour, a cheerful giver and a peacemaker who restored peace in Emohua community in 1992 after the protracted communal crisis. She said the community has lost a hero.
By: Jacob Obinna
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.’
