Entertainment
Robin Maja Bounces Back To Music …Dumps Reggae Genre For Highlife
Music sensation,
Robinson Umajie, popularly known as Robin Maja the farmer who took the Nigerian Music industry by music clan after some years in the Limbo to pursue Academics and today he is a graduate of political science and Administration, Univeristy of Port Harcourt.
The Ekpeye, Rivers State born music maestro started music at a tender age when he played music in his school band.
He released his first album titled “what a mission” in December 1993 when he was a serving police officer. He later released his second album titled “wicked and wild” while his third album tilted ‘Iyanga’ was released 1999/2000.
After his success in music he went back to the university but during his years in the University he was very busy in the studios where he recorded over 13 songs which he promised to release before the end of this year, though some of the songs are currently enjoying popular air play in most of the Radio and Television Stations in the State.
Robin Maja was also one of the celebrities that entertained the crowed during the last carniriv in Port Harcourt with some of his hit tracks titled “Baba Goddon duam for me” “Balance well” and “Kpangolo” these are highlife songs as the former root reggae and calypso crooner his decided to embrace their highlife genre.
Apart from music, the farmer as he prefers to be addressed now has been involved in the activities of performing musicians employees of Nigeria (PMAN) in Rivers State where he held various positions which included 2nd Vice Chairman under Geraldo pino of blessed memory state secretary of the Association and member of the electoral committee that conducted election in Kano which Ushered in Charlie Boy as chairman, Bolaji Rosiji who contested with Tee Mac etc.
His position in the PMAN also brought him into contact with some of the veterans of the Nigerian music industry including Chief Dan search of the oriental Brothers fame, Paulson Kalu, Chris Mba, Oritz Williki, Charlie Boy, Morocco Maduka, the Great Sinya, Sonny Brown, Celestine Okwu e.t.c which his role model is the late Highlife king Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson.
He however, noted that the PMAN of today is no longer what it used to be because of leadership crisis which has eroded the fubrics of the Association. According to him most member want to come in through the window instead of passing through the door.
The veteran Musician called on government and well meaning Nigerians to invest on the young and upcoming musicians to enable them grow and sustain the tempo of the music industry in Nigeria.
He also applauded Duncan mighty for developing his talent which has made him not only a celebrity but a super star in his own right.
He also lauded Gift Uwame popularly known as Mama Gee for making Ekpeye proud through her exploits in music and described her as a soul sister. He noted that music is his life and there is no going back.
Spotify yesterday revealed a significant surge in heartbreak song streams in Nigeria during the Valentine’s Day season, with a 626 percent increase between 2022 and 2024.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Lagos, Nigeria by Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa Phiona Okumu.
Okumu said, “Spotify data reveals a surprising trend, a massive surge in heartbreak song streams.
“Nigerians are turning to their playlists to express their emotions, with a staggering 626 per cent overall growth in heartbreak streams from 2022 to 2024.
“This Valentine, the sound of love is accompanied by the sound of heartbreak, and the data shows it’s louder than ever before.”
She said on Valentine’s Day, most surprisingly, male listeners streamed heartbreak songs at a significantly higher rate than female listeners, with a 362 per cent increase compared to 169 per cent among women.
“This could suggest that men resonate with the feeling of heartbreak more and turn to music as a private outlet for processing emotions.
“Whatever the reason, one thing is clear, when love is in the air, so is heartbreak and Nigerian men are pressing play on their pain more than expected.
“While Valentine’s Day is often celebrated with grand gestures, heartbreak is a common theme on Valentine’s Day -more than what’s publicly shown,” she said.
Nigerians will join their counterparts across the world to mark the 2025 Valentine’s today.
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has joined MLS side San Diego FC’s ownership group as a club partner.
SDFC announced today that Tems joined the ownership group through her company, The Leading Vibe.
In the process, Tems became the first African woman to be involved in MLS ownership.
“We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a club partner,” SDFC chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour said in a statement.
“Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which, of course, has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the unique Right to Dream organisation.”
Reacting to her addition as the latest partner in SDFC’s ownership group, the singer said: “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community.
“Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.”
Fashion and beauty entrepreneur, Toyin Lawani, has claimed she is enduring back pain and that her spine is degenerating.
Lawani revealed this in a video posted on social media last Tuesday.
In the clip, she opened up about her experience with epidural anesthesia, an injection administered to pregnant women in the spine to reduce pain during childbirth.
The mother of three claimed that since receiving the injection, she has not felt like herself.
She accused doctors of not fully informing women about the long-term side effects of epidurals.
According to Lawani, she received the anesthetic injection during the birth of her last two children.
She said, “When you hear ‘epidural,’ run. Doctors tell you about the side effects but do not tell you about the long-term effects on your body. I have about three friends having the same issues that I am having.
“Like, I am just 42, how did I end up with spine issues? I have a degenerating spine. I have implants in my spine. I go paralyzed. I can’t stand for a long time. I can’t even breathe properly sometimes because it affected so many things in my body when I had the surgery.
“They will not tell you because you just want the pain to go away. I have had two epidurals. I had my first as natural birth. The last two were epidural. The last one I had epidural because I had to undergo a surgery and I had no choice.
“See, the pain does not stop. My back is killing me and my spine is degenerating.”