Entertainment
PMAN Kicks Against Relegation Of Members
The Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, has kicked against the alleged relegation o f its members in the state as the association is always neglected in every major events in the state.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Port Harcourt last Monday, the state Chairman of PMAN, Mr. Robin Maja stated that there was a recent press release purported to emanate from the state Ministry of Culture and Tourism bordering on the registration of organisations of individuals willing to carry out entertainment activities in the state to register with the ministry for clearance.
He said the ministry knows that PMAN is the umbrella body of musicians in Nigeria as such, discussions concerning music cannot take place without the knowledge of PMAN. He noted the fact that since the purported press release was not signed shows that the intention is not genuine.
According to him, the Ministry has been hijacked by fifth columnists who have turned themselves to law making bodies and money making agency for government, while neglecting their core mandate as civil service providers for the state government.
The chairman also claimed that PMAN members are not carried along when it comes to major events organised by the state government through the ministry. He recalled that last year, the state hosted the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and outsiders were hired and paid millions of naira while PMAN was neglected, even the few who attended the event on personal basis were paid peanuts.
He said that since the inception of his administration on the 6th of May, 2016, PMAN had made frantic efforts to meet with the ministry to no avail. He therefore, appealed to the state government to intervene in the matter as the ministry is bent on frustrating the association through covert and overt means.
Robin Maja urged the ministry to respect and incorporate the association in all events that involve musicians in the state. He reiterated that PMAN is a registered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), adding that PMAN was poised to exploring all legal means to ensure the protection and sanctity of the association in the state. “We will mobilise all musicians and those who use our works and whose lives depend on music against the ministry if PMAN is not carried along in issues concerning music”, he said.
The chairman said that the association has embarked on a programme tagged “Trigger to Guiter” which emblem launch is coming up soon. He also said it is an empowerment programme aimed at training young artistes in various skills in music and sound production. He said the aim is to achieve peace and security in the state through the instrumentality of music hence the PMAN tour concerts.
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.’