Entertainment
Pastor Warns Gospel Artistes Against Self-Praise
A frontline gospel
artiste and pastor of the Assemblies of God Church in Rivers State, Pastor (Mrs) Esther Ezekwu, has called on gospel artistes in the state to shun self-praise and materialism to the detriment of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The pastor, who spoke with The Tide Entertainment at the launch of her new album titled, “That Name Jesus” observed that most gospel artistes in the state concentrate more on personal aggrandizement instead of preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
She charged those who may want to join the industry to be focused and inspirational in their songs.
Pastor Ezekwu disclosed that apart from preaching the gospel her venturing into the music industry five years ago, was as a result of a divine call and she is happy for the opportunity given to her by God to spread the gospel through her music. She noted that today her music is played in all the nooks and crannies of the state and beyond.
The woman of God who has three gospel albums to her credit which include, “He Knows What To Do,” “The Mountain God” and “That Name Jesus,” said the albums are currently ruling the air waves as they enjoy massive air play in various radio and television stations in the state, including Silver Bird 93.7 FM, AIT and Nollywood cable station among others.
According to her, the albums are making waves in the market and almost all of them have been sold out and people are still asking for more.
She said the success of the albums is a strong encouragement, while the love and friendship that exist amongst gospel artistes in the state give her joy and spur her to greater heights.
On her challenges in her new career she said the major challenge is being able to combine her duties as a wife and pastor with her music career which is quite tasking, but by the grace of God, she is able to cope with the challenges and she feels fulfilled.
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.’