Entertainment
Rastafarian Tasks Reggae Artistes On Concerts
A Port Harcourt-based showbiz personality and Reggae artiste, Ras Arthur Umeh has expressed delight over the vibrant entertainment industry in Rivers State, particularly the music clan which he said has produced notable musicians in the country.
He said “our artistes are doing very well and are competing favourably with their counterparts in other states”.
Ras Umeh who spoke with The Tide Entertainment recently, contended that reggae music in particular had not done well in recent times, because most music fans in the state prefer Hip-hop, RnB and Gyration music which he said had taken centre stage, while Reggae is facing serious decline.
According to him, Rivers State can boast of good reggae artistes, but due to lack of funds and encouragement they have not been able to release new albums or to organise regular shows which will help to revive the music genre and make it more appealing to fans and music lovers in the state. He maintained that a Port Harcourt-based reggae outfit, Isroko Sound Production has done a lot to promote reggae music in the state through various concerts and urged others to emulate the organisation.
On his exploits in the industry, the Rastafarian said he started playing reggae music in 1981 at the age of 13 years and through the music he had visited 18 countries in the world including England, Holland, Germany, Australia and Ghana amongst other. He also speaks nine languages which include English, Arabic, Shanty, French etc.
The reggae master also has some albums to his credit such as “Voice of Zion released in 1997, under the defunct New Dove music label and ‘Voice from the Ghetto among others. The Okija, Anambra State-born reggae star stated that today he is into music production and assisting to bring up budding reggae artistes through promotions and recording of their songs.
He said as a Disco Jockey (DJ) he has played in many nite clubs in the Garden City such as the defunct O.J. Maroni, Studz Aristo House Emma Chez and Tariebi Gardens. Others are Lulus, Nite Bus, Bootleggers, Maxi class, Mr. Smith Muriela, Rollingstone and D-Daniels amongst others.
The showbiz personality stressed that before now, one could easily count 20 nite clubs within Port Harcourt metropolis, but today most of them have been closed down while only a few are now functional. He however, remarked that though nite clubs business in the state had declined, the state is still a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry in Nigeria.
The seasoned musician enjoined musicians in the state not to relent in their chosen profession because there is always light at the end of the tunnel. He stressed that music is an enviable profession and musicians are well respected all over the world. He said apart from the fame and wealth it gives to the artistes, music also contributes to the economic development of the country and generates employment opportunities.
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.’