Entertainment
NBC Does Not Ban Any Song -DG
The Director-General of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Ishaq Midibbo-Kawu has clarified recent media reports that his commission banned some songs, stating that Nigerians must understand the statutory mandate of NBC.
“It is important to let Nigerians understand that NBC does not ban any song. I read on social media platforms all the time that NBC banned a song, the commission never bans any. What NBC does all the time is to remind our operates that there are certain categorisation of music that are important in broadcasting. If a song is categorised, Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB) because of the lyrics of the song, then, we will remind the broadcasters that they cannot be broadcast”, he said.
He went further to say: “This is what it is misinterpreted in the social media that we banned the song.
The Director-General also refuted the allegation that NBC was carrying out a jihad on Nigerian songs based on a petition by a faith-based human rights organization, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).
He stressed that the NBC did not carry out any jihad, but only responded to a song on a radio station because it had lyrics that were NTBB. He gave an assurance that the Federal Government through the NBC would not infringe on artistic liberty or licence.
He however reminded artistes and broadcast organisations of their responsibilities to Nigerians and the youths in particular.
“Last week I issued a press release to urge Nigerian artistes to have different versions of their songs. They should do a version that can be used for public broadcast space and another version for club usage which can carry all kinds of lyrics that they want if they want their songs to be broadcast on radio and television in Nigeria, these songs must conform to rules and must be songs that young people can listen to,” he said.
He disclosed that the commission was planning a national dialogue with Nigerian leading artistes on the need to avoid vulgar lyrics and hate speeches in their songs. “The truth of the matter is that 75 per cent of our population is under the age of 35, while 63 per cent is under the age of 25, so we have a younger population. If you go on You tube, Olamide Song ‘Wo’ his over 10 million hits.
“That tells you the kind of influence these young artistes have on all our children in the country. They should help to orientate the young people on the right values. If their songs celebrate sex violence, use of drugs, alcohol and fraud, then they are not helping in moulding young people. We believe that the young generation who listen to them can be guided through the use of their artistic works to play functional social purposes in the society”, he said.
He said the dialogue would focus on the need for the artistes to use their music to propagate positive messages about development.
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.’