Entertainment
ECOWAS Lauds Rivers’ Success In Hosting Pageant … Honours Alpha Blondy, Jimmy Cliff As Peace Ambassadors
Although the 2009 Miss ECOWAS peace Pageant has come and gone, the memories of that historic night at polo club premises in GRA axis of Port Harcourt last Sunday remain ever green in the minds of those who were opportuned to be there. Apart from being a night of beauty, glitz and razzmatazz, it was well attended as all West African nations under the umbrella of ECOWAS came together to show case our cultural heritage and beauty as well as to celebrate peace in diversity.
In his address at the beauty pageant, the President of ECOWAS Commission Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas noted that ECOWAS is not all about beauty, glitz and pageantry, but about peace, unity and togetherness of member states showcasing the culture and uniqueness of the states with many languages but one goal.
Dr. Chambas described Rivers State as a wonderful state, stressing “we want the world to know that with the present government, entertainment, tourism, youths and sports are the key to development.” He commended Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his warm hospitality and successful hosting of the regional beauty pageant for the second time.
He said one of the objectives of the pageant is to ensure peace in diversity which is the only way to move the region forward and sustain ourselves in this period of global financial crisis. The President also advocated for a borderless West Africa where every West African will feel at home in any country they may be. Alpha Blondy and Jimmy Cliff who thrilled the over 3000 people in attendance with their hit songs of yester years were honoured as ECOWAS Peace Ambassadors for their promotion of peace and the African Culture through their songs. When it was time for 2 Face Idibia and Dare Art Alade to mount the stage, the crowd went wild with joy and excitement as they sang along with the music stars particularly 2 Face’s rendition of ‘my African queen.
Ghanaian cultural troop Wuta and Sherifa as well as little H, a 12 year old Nigerian music sensation also thrilled the audience with their captivating performances.
The masters of ceremony Yibo Koko from Nigeria and Bee Arthur from Ghana also did a wonderful job by adding fun and class to the event.
It was indeed a night to remember especially with a Nigerian, Miss Joy Obasi Ngozika winning the prestigious crown after defeating 22 other contestants from various West African countries.
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.’