Uncategorized

Rumpus in PDP over calls for Ayu’s removal, Wike’s ‘shabby’ treatment

Eight months to the 2023 general elections, the center seems not to be firm in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as moves to oust its national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, leaked yesterday. Even as Ayu boasted that he remains the party’s national chairman, the intrigues surrounding the emergence of the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates and how the fallouts were managed have continued to put him in the eye of the storm. Some members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), yesterday, disclosed that the mood in the party called for a change of leadership, particularly, the office of the national chairman, to reposition it and strengthen the PDP ahead of the general elections. Part of the sins of Ayu include, alleged mismanagement of party affairs before and after the party’s presidential primary, most importantly, how he managed the emergence of Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as running mate to Atiku Abubakar.

He had explained that Atiku asked the party leadership to recommend a suitable person as a running mate and he set up a committee, which submitted three names, but Atiku picked one.

Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, while answering questions in a television programme on Arise TV, yesterday, said: “I was among the 17-member committee set up by Atiku and 14 of us in the committee said the person should be Wike.

Unfortunately, Atiku picked Okowa in his wisdom. You cannot ignore the decision of a committee you set up yourself and expect people to be happy.”

When reminded that the camp of Atiku has been trying to reach out to Wike, but he has been ignoring their calls, Ortom said: “They should stop that. Atiku should go to him (Wike). Why won’t he ignore their calls? Is that not an insult? Wike is a pillar in the party.

“Currently, nobody in the party has contributed more for the party to move forward than Wike. If Atiku was not going to honour the decision of the committee, he should have called Wike earlier and informed him. He didn’t do …

Athletics / Sports

Nigeria celebrates as men’s 4x100m relay team makes it to Oregon

Twenty-four hours after Nigeria’s women’s 4x100m relay team was disqualified from Oregon 2022 World Athletics Championships due to Blessing Okagbare’s additional one-year drug ban, officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) were in joyous mood following confirmation that the country has officially qualified for two relay events, including the men’s 4x100m.

World Athletics officially confirmed Nigeria’s qualification for two, out of the five relay events for Oregon 2022, which holds from July 15 to 25 in the United States.

Apart from the Men’s 4x100m relay squad, Nigerian athletes will also compete in the 4x400m Mixed Relay event.

For the 4x100m event, Nigeria, against all odds, secured qualification from the just concluded National Trials in Benin-City, Edo State, where the quartet of Favour Ashe, Godson Brume, Alaba Akintola, and reigning World U-20 champion, Udodi Onwuzurike, stormed to a Season’s Best Time of 38.35 seconds on an opening day.

The winning time saw Nigeria leapfrog South Africa into the 16th position, which is the last qualifying spot for the World Championships.

Just before the National Trials ended in Benin City on Sunday, news filtered into the stadium that Liberia had done a better time to push Nigeria from the 16th spot. It sparked apprehension among the athletes and their coaches.

But it has turned out to be mere speculation, following the confirmation by the World Athletics of Nigeria’s 4x100m team qualification for Oregon.

Though Nigeria squeezed into the top 16th position among the qualified countries, AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, told The Guardian that the qualification is a moral booster for Team Nigeria.

“I am sure this will boost the morale of our athletes, coaches and everyone involved in this qualifying campaign,” Okowa stated.

Head coach of the AFN, former jumper, hurdler and sprinter, Seigha Porbeni, also spoke with The Guardian, yesterday, saying that more work would be done to turn the men’s 4x100m relay team into a medal-winning squad at Oregon 2022.

Porbeni described as ‘unfortunate’ the disqualification of Nigeria’s women’s 4x100m team from the World Championships after it initially qualified …

Awards / Music / News

‘Essence’ regains top spot on Billboard US Afrobeats Chart after BET win

‘Essence’ rose from number 2 to snatch the top spot from Tems’ ‘Free Mind.’ 

Wizkid became the first African to win a major category at the BET awards after defeating American heavy weights such as DJ Khaled, Lil Nas X, and Doja Cat to the award. ‘Essence’ is Afrobeats biggest song in the US reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The international hit has also spent 14 weeks on the Billboard US Afrobeats Chart.…

Entertainment / Law / Movies / News

Black panther star Chadwick Boseman $2.3 Million fortune to be split

The actor unexpectedly succumbed to colon cancer in 2020, due to his unforeseen demise, there was no will left behind to guide the family on how to handle his fortune.

Boseman’s estate was originally valued at $3,881,758, according to court documents, but after the large funeral bill and lawyer fees the amount came down to $2.5 Million plus $157,000 in cash.

The widow, Ledward-Boseman produced documents with an account of all expenses incurred following Boseman’s death, asking to be reimbursed. The funeral costs amounted to around $50,000 including the purchase of a piece of land close to the actor’s resting place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, where his parents will be laid.

The actor’s company, Chadwick Boseman, Inc. allegedly owed a tax fee worth $51,000 and $900,000 was spent on a bond for a probate case. The remaining $2.3 Million will be split between the two parties with $1.15 Million each. It is said that the large sum in legal fees would have been avoided had Boseman drafted up a will. Taylor Simone Ledward and Boseman secretly tied the knot in 2019 three years after he was diagnosed with cancer. They had been together before the actor’s diagnosis. At the time of his death, Boseman had appeared in the Marvel high grossing superhero movie “Black Panther“, Black-American historic films ‘42‘, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom‘, ‘Get On Up‘ and ‘Da 5 Bloods‘.

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Entertainment / Law / Music / News

R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years for racketeering, sex trafficking

The singer was found guilty of one charge of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act, which prohibits the transport of “any woman or girl” across state lines for any “immoral purpose,” in September 2021. According to PageSix, it took the jury consisting of seven men and five women nine hours across two days to come up with the verdict.

The prosecutors of the case had asked the judge for a sentence longer than 25 years.

Prosecutors also said he used his celebrity status and wealth to lure women, as well as underage girls and boys, for sex.

The judgment was earlier scheduled for May 5th but was later postponed.

It would be recalled that in 2021, the disgraced singer was found guilty of sexually abusing women, boys and girls for decades.

One of his victims was R&B singer Aaliyah, who Kelly illegally wed in a Chicago hotel room in 1994 when she was 15 years old.

Kelly’s legal team called a handful of ex-Kelly employees and associates to take the stand to discredit allegations the singer sexually abused women, girls and boys.

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Entertainment / Movies / Music / News

Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz’s marriage crashes

JJC Skillz made this known via his Instagram page on Thursday, June 30, 2022. Dear Friends and family I need to let you know that Funke and I have separated. While it lasted we shared a lot of things together and have created 2 beautiful children. The last two years have been extremely difficult for us,” he wrote.

“I know I have tried my best to fix things but I believe it is beyond repair now. 3 months ago and at Funke’s insistence I moved out of the house and apart from AMVCA have not been able to get Funke to sit down in an amicable manner to discuss the future of our relationship.”

The veteran rapper said he decided to announce their separation to let the public know they are already pursuing their individual lives.

“I’m making this announcement so that the public is clear that we both are pursuing separate lives. We still have issues that need to be addressed such as the custody and wellbeing of our children which is paramount as well as business interests which need to be disentangled but I have no doubt that these will be resolved one way or the other,” he concluded. Trouble in the Bello’s home first got to the public after the movie star’s stepson, Benito, dragged her on social media.

Benito revealed that all was not well in one of Nollywood’s most admired marriages.

He alleged that his stepmom, Funke, was a horrible person.

He made this known following reports of crisis in JJC and Akindele’s marriage.

Weeks later, Benito disclosed he was allegedly assaulted by his father.

According to him, they fell out after he was expelled for bringing alcohol to the school.

Benito gave a detailed account of how the music star repeatedly hit him inside the car as they drove home.

He alleged that he sustained bruises on his face, neck and ribs.

It didn’t end there as he dropped a bombshell about his father and step mum cheating on each other.

According to Benito,

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Basket Ball / Sports

Spurs, Hawks Agree To Trade Involving Dejounte Murray

The San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks have agreed to a trade centered around Dejounte Murray. There was significant talk in recent NBA trade rumors surrounding a possible trade involving the Spurs and Hawks, but now, there is finally an agreement in place on a deal.

According to ESPN, the Spurs are trading Murray to the Hawks in exchange for Danilo Gallinari and three first-round picks and a future first-round pick swap. There were reports of the asking price being a “Jrue Holiday-type return” and this deal satisfies that asking price.

The specific draft picks the Spurs are receiving from the Hawks include a 2025 first round pick (ATL) , 2027 first round pick (ATL), 2026 swap (ATL) and 2023 protected first round pick (CHA).

Murray, 25, is coming off his first All-Star season and was among the top honorable mentions for one of the guard spots in All-Defensive Team voting. He averaged 21.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 2.0 steals in what became a breakout campaign. With Murray set to earn just $16.6 million during the 2022-23 season and signed only through the 2023-24 campaign, this offseason could be an ideal time to capitalize on his trade value. The Spurs would have been capped to offering just a starting salary on a contract extension up to 120 percent of his 2023-24 salary ($17.7 million).

The Spurs would have risked Murray entering unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2024 with the possibility of losing him for nothing. By trading him away now, it’s clear they are now on the fast track to sinking toward the bottom of the NBA standings ahead of a loaded 2023 draft class. With skepticism around the league about San Antonio having a franchise player, a rebuild could address that.

The Hawks have sought to add a secondary ball handler since their rough first-round exit caused by the Miami Heat. Trae Young had an abysmal performance with averages of just 15.4 points while averaging more turnovers (6.2) than assists (6.0) in addition to shooting …

Sports / Tennis

Andy Murray knocked out of Wimbledon by big-serving John Isner

Andy Murray was blown away by big-serving American John Isner in four sets as his Wimbledon campaign ended in a blur of aces.

Two-time champion Murray failed to reach the third round for the first time as 6ft 10in missile launcher Isner secured a first career victory over him at the ninth attempt.

Murray threatened another of his epic, late-night comebacks from two sets down when he won a third-set tie-break.

But this time he was unable dip into that seemingly endless well of reserves as Isner clung on for a 6-4 7-6 (4) 6-7 (3) 6-4 victory.

Isner, at 37 two years older than his opponent, crashed down 36 aces among 60 unreturned serves to leave Murray in a daze.

In fact the Scot managed to win only 15 points against the relentless Isner first serve.

But there was so much more to the 20th seed’s victory, with a host of neat drop shots and deft touches at the net leaving Centre Court stunned.

Murray’s serve needed to be firing as well, but too often in the early stages he gave Isner a look at his second attempt, and it was a searing return which was too hot for the home favourite as he was broken in the third game.

It was only the second time Isner had broken the Murray serve in 25 sets of tennis over the last 12 years.

The second set whizzed by with neither player laying a glove on the other, but Isner drew first blood in the tie-break and when Murray got a solitary chance to retrieve the damage he dumped a simple pass into the net.

On set point Murray actually did well to get a racket on the 136mph rocket, but the return floated wide and Isner had a 2-0 lead.

In the inevitable third-set tie-break errors from Isner crept in for the first time, a long forehand and a volley into the net giving Murray the initiative and the fired-up former champion jumped wildly in delight as he halved the …

Football / Sports

Romelu Lukaku loaned back to Inter Milan

Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan confirmed: Lukaku’s second spell at Chelsea came to another unceremonious end on Wednesday, when Inter Milan re-signed the Belgian striker on a season-long loan.

This time around, Lukaku scored 15 goals in 44 appearances (all competitions – 8 in 26 in the Premier League), bringing his Chelsea career total to 15 goals. In total, Chelsea have paid roughly $155 million for Lukaku. Quick math says, $10 million per goal.

10 months after Chelsea, then the newly crowned champions of Europe, paid $135 million to themselves re-acquire Romelu Lukaku as the missing piece to a Premier League title challenge, the 29-year-old heads back to Inter Milan for less than 10 percent of that number. Initially, Chelsea wanted a $10.5-million loan fee; Inter Milan were put off by the price, but an agreement has since been reached (financial details still to come).

Getting Lukaku’s wages off the books at Chelsea and removing a disgruntled star from the locker room is all the moral victory the Blues can claim on this one.

Lukaku played a massive part in Inter Milan’s 2020-21 Serie A title, scoring 24 goals in 36 league games (30 in 44 in all competitions). AC Milan reclaimed the scudetto last season for the first time since 2011, beating Inter to the top spot by just two points.…

Athletics / Sports

Okagbare’s additional one-year ban has badly depleted our squad, AFN laments

For the first time, Nigeria’s athletics is feeling the impact of the ban placed on U.S.-based sprinter, Blessing Okagbare, who was handed an extra one-year suspension on Monday night for doping violations.

Okagbare will now be out from athletics scene for 11 years after an extra year was added to the previous 10-year ban she received from World Athletics on February 14, 2021.

Before her 10-year ban last year, Okagbare had helped the Nigerian 4x100m relay team to qualify for the World Championships during an event held at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, where she, alongside Grace Nwokocha, Rosemary Chukwuma and Tima Godbless competed in an International Relay race attended by some other African countries.

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, an official of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), described as ‘sad development’ the additional one-year ban placed on Okagbare.

“This additional one-year ban on Okagbare has completely depleted our squad to the World Championships,” the official said. “Between our men and the women’s teams, our hope for medals was more on the girls because for the first time in a long while, we have four of our women running sub 10.00 seconds, which is good for Nigeria. Even without Okagbare, we still had a strong relay squad, but this additional one-year ban is a big disaster for us.”

MEANWHILE, the additional one-year ban on Okagbare may not affect Nigeria’s women 4x100m relay team’s participation at the Commonwealth Games next month in Birmingham, England.

Another official of the AFN told The Guardian that the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) rules apply only to events being organised by World Athletics. I can tell you that our women’s 4x100m relay team to the Commonwealth Games is intact because it is a competition by entry and not by standard as stipulated by World Athletics.
All these Out of Competition Tests (OCT), which our athletes do before attending World Athletics events, are not applicable to the Commonwealth Games,” the official explained.

The Guardian recalls that early last year, Okagbare was handed a career-ending 10-year ban …

F1 / Sports

Nelson Piquet apologises to Lewis Hamilton over comments but denies racial intent

Nelson Piquet has apologized “wholeheartedly” to Lewis Hamilton but “strongly condemns any suggestion” he racially abused his fellow Formula 1 world champion, claiming his comments have been mis-translated.

An interview with the Brazilian from last year surfaced this week, in which he twice used a racially offensive expression when referring to Hamilton.

It led to widespread condemnation from the whole F1 paddock, with Hamilton himself calling for “action” and insisting that “archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport”.

On Wednesday, Piquet issued his own statement where he said he wanted to “clear up the stories”.

“What I said was ill thought out, and I make no defense for it,” said Piquet, a three-time F1 champion.

“But I will clarify that the term used is one that has widely and historically been used colloquially in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for ‘guy’ or ‘person’ and was never intended to offend.

“I would never use the word I have been accused of in some translations. I strongly condemn any suggestion that the word was used by me with the aim of belittling a driver because of his skin color.

“I apologize wholeheartedly to anyone that was affected, including Lewis, who is an incredible driver, but the translation in some media that is now circulating on social media is not correct.

“Discrimination has no place in F1 or society and I am happy to clarify my thoughts in that respect.”…

Basket Ball / Sports

Knicks trading Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel to Pistons to clear cap space for pursuit of Jalen Brunson, per report

Last week, on draft night, the New York Knicks traded Kemba Walker and the No. 13 overall pick (Jalen Duren) to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for a future first-round pick. Now, just a few days later, the two sides have come together to make another deal.

This time, the Knicks will send Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, two future second-round picks and $6 million in cash to the Pistons in order to clear more cap space for their pursuit of Jalen Brunson, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. The Pistons will not be sending any players back to the Knicks in the deal.

By moving Burks and Noel, the Knicks will be able to clear an additional $19 million from their books. Combined with the money shed by trading Walker, they now have around $30 million in cap space this summer, which will be more than enough for them to offer Brunson a deal worth $100 million over four years.

Early on Tuesday, multiple reports suggested that the Knicks are now the favorites to sign Brunson. They’ve hired his dad as an assistant coach, worked to clear cap space and will now be able to make a competitive offer when free agency opens at 6 p.m. ET on June 30. While the Mavericks are better set up for immediate success, Brunson will get to take on a new challenge in New York and also have a bigger role on offense.

It’s also worth noting that because the Knicks now have the cap space to sign Brunson, the Mavericks’ chances of salvaging the situation by working out a sign-and-trade have been greatly reduced. As it stands, the Mavs are likely to lose Brunson for nothing, which will be a huge blow to their hopes of making another run in the playoffs next season.

As for the Pistons, this deal also impacts their summer plans. While reports after their successful draft suggested they would no longer pursue Deandre Ayton, there was still a chance they could go that route. Now, they are …

Entertainment / News

Regina Daniels gifted plot of land worth N35M

The movie star was gifted the choice property by Jerclems Investments Limited. The mother of one was presented with the papers of the property during her investiture as an ambassador for the company.

Present at the event were, representatives of Jerclems Investments Limited; Marketing Director, HRM Prince Okafor, counsels to Jerclems Investments Limited; Barrister Ejikemeuwa Okeke and Barrister Chris Okey Anakweze, among other staff of JC, Regina Daniels, her manager and her legal adviser.

Daniels appreciating Jerclems investments Limited promised to fulfil her part of the contract and also expressed that she looked forward to a smooth time with Jerclems investment Limited as a Brand ambassador.

The property is located at the Sangotedo axis of Lagos Island.

Jerclems Investments Limited is a leading multi-disciplinary property services company, privately held and incorporated in Nigeria.

They provide bespoke solutions across a range of real estate services to owners, occupiers and investors.

They have expanded services based on core strength, unrivalled local expertise and extensive local and international network.

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Uncategorized

IK Ogbonna bags doctorate degree

The movie star shared the big news via his Instagram page on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. “Introducing Dr (Hon) IKECHUKWU MITCHEL OGBONNA. Thanks to the governing council of INSTITUT SUPERIEUR DE TECHNOLOGIES ET DE MANAGEMENT (ISTM UNIVERSITY) for conferring on me Doctorate (Honorary) Degree of Arts in leadership and Development,” he wrote.

The actor joins the list of celebrities who have been honored with doctorate degrees from foreign universities.

Some of the celebrities who have bagged doctorate degrees include Peter Okoye, dancer Kaffy and Alexx Ekubo.

Okoye and Kaffy bagged their degrees from Escae-Benin University, Benin Republic.

“Dear Team P! It’s a great honor to be decorated by a distinguished educational institution, Who have recognized my contribution to Dance and Music as well as my support for the youth in the entertainment industry,” Okoye wrote at the time he was honoured.

While Ekubo was honored at the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Geston University in Benin Republic

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Entertainment / Fraud / News

Erigga mocks EFCC over plans to imprison landlords who rent houses to fraudsters

The music star took to his Twitter page on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, where he mocked the agency over its plan. “Dem say 15years imprisonment for landlord when rent house to yahoo boy but what about country when yahoo men dey rule?” he tweeted.

The agency recently announced its readiness to go after landlords who rent their houses to internet fraudsters.

The commission made this known while announcing its virtual townhall meeting, EFCC Connect to expand its reach and engagement with citizens.

As part of its efforts to provide answers and clarifications to issues, the agency announced on its Twitter page that it would hold a Twitter Space on Wednesday, June 28, 2022, at 6 pm to discuss the implications of renting properties to criminals.

The EFCC said the topic; ‘Give your house to Yahoo boys, spend 15 years in jail’, would be discussed by its Legal and Prosecution Officers Sylvanus Tahir and Cosmos Ugwu.

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News / Transportation

Multiple accident claims three lives on Lagos/Ibadan expressway

The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed the death of three persons in an early Wednesday multiple accident at Mile 12 Ogere on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Ahmed Umar, the Ogun FRSC Sector Commander, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Abeokuta on Wednesday morning.

Umar noted that the accident, which occurred at 3.50am, involved an unregistered truck, another marked T4916 LA and a Nissan Micra car marked BDJ 257 XF.

The Sector Commander explained that the accident was caused by speeding and dangerous driving on the part of one of the truck drivers. He added that one of the truck drivers was trying to negotiate a bend when the other truck, which was coming from Ibadan, rammed into it.

He added: “Since the crash obstructed the road, the driver of the Micra car ran into it but was able to control his vehicle with little damage on the car.”

He noted that seven people were involved in the accident: one woman and six men.

Umar said that the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the FOS Morgue, Ipara.

“Traffic has been diverted and FRSC personnel are still on ground trying to manage the situation and ensure that the obstruction is moved from the road,” he said.

The FRSC boss warned on “dangers of excessive speed,” especially when visibility is poor.

He advised motorists to drive cautiously, avoid speed and obey traffic rules and regulations.…

Law / News

IPI Nigeria calls for withdrawal of vexatious charges against WikkiTimes Publisher, staff

The International Press Institute Nigeria has faulted the arrest, detention and subsequent arraignment before a Magistrate Court in Bauchi of the Publisher of WikkiTimes online newspaper, Haruna Mohammed, and a Reporter, Idris Kamal, by the police in Bauchi.

The journalists claimed they were physically assaulted while being held by operatives of the Nigeria Police.

A statement by the Secretary of the IPI Nigeria, Ahmed I. Shekarau, condemned the practice of using the police by civilians to harass and intimidate journalists, advising that “anyone who is aggrieved by any news item published by WikkiTimes should seek redress in court instead of using the police or other security agents to harass the journalists”.

The body said further that Nigeria’s legal system has made adequate provisions for protection of reputation. “IPI Nigeria demands the withdrawal and discontinuation of the vexatious charges filed against the two journalists with immediate effect,” the statement said. The body also called on the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, to call the Bauchi State Police Command to order.…

Sports / Tennis

Serena Williams loses Wimbledon thriller, discusses tennis future

Serena Williams lost in her first singles match in 364 days as 115th-ranked Frenchwoman Harmony Tan outlasted her 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (7) in the Wimbledon first round in Williams’ longest match in a decade — 3 hours, 10 minutes.

Williams, a 40-year-old with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, did not say definitively in a press conference afterward whether she plans to continue playing competitive tennis.

Asked if it was likely her last singles match, she said, “That’s a question I can’t answer. Who knows? Who knows where I’ll pop up.”

Asked if she’s OK if this is her last memory at Wimbledon, she said, “Obviously not. You know me. Definitely not.”

Asked if there’s any part of her that wants to play the U.S. Open in two months, she said, “That being the first place I’ve won a Grand Slam [in 1999], is something that’s always super special. … There’s definitely lots of motivation to get better and to play at home.”

Williams followed a rusty first set with a more Serena-like second set, which included a marathon 30-point second game.

She squandered a third-set break of serve but managed to force the 10-point super tiebreak, where she won the first four points, then lost the next four points. Tan went up a mini break at 8-6 in the tiebreak, then served it out.

It was Williams’ first three-hour match since her 2012 French Open first-round loss to another Frenchwoman, Virginie Razzano (which was 3:03). Those are her lone two defeats in completed first-round matches in her Grand Slam career.

Before the tournament, Williams said she was largely motivated to take a wild card into Wimbledon by what happened last year at the All England Club. Last June 29, she tore a hamstring in a first-round match and withdrew, leaving her future in tennis in the air.

“It was always something since the match ended that was always on my mind,” she said Saturday. “So it was a tremendous amount of motivation for that.”

Also Tuesday, …

Awards / Music / News

AFRIMA 2022 Entry Submission Portal to close on August 5th

According to the AFRIMA Juror, representing Diaspora Northern America, Hadja Kobele Keita, speaking from Washington DC, United States of America, the award platform would not extend the submission date beyond August 5, 2022.

“It is important that all relevant parties submit their entries on time this year. We are a very thorough and transparent organization; and we have a clear process for the award ceremony every year. Once submission of entries ends, we spend time in judging the materials, before we can derive our final nominations list. We also have a specific time allotted to voting.” She said in the release.

She further revealed that the process will undergo a thorough independent scrutiny to guarantee its credibility. “The entire process is also audited by a firm of international repute, Pricewaterhousecoopers. We do not just wake up and nominate people. AFRIMA 2022 will be held from November 3 – 6 this year. To achieve this, we cannot extend deadlines at this point.” According to AFRIMA, all prospective entries must have been created between August 20, 2021 and August 5, 2022, being the year-in-review for all submissions. Artistes, talent managers, music producers, recording companies/labels, video directors, disc jockeys and other relevant stakeholders can submit their work or submit on behalf of their clients via the official AFRIMA website via AFRIMA website.

Interested parties should note that all submissions must be done in consonance with AFRIMA guidelines, terms and conditions, which are also available on the website.

This year’s edition retains its existing categories, all of which are carefully curated to celebrate the best of talents within the African music scene.

A pre-screening and a main screening process will be carried out, respectively, by a world-class 13-member jury composed of seasoned music experts from across the five regions of Africa and in the diaspora, between August 5 to 16, 2022.

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