News / Weather

Flood: FG releases relief materials for victims in Anambra

The Federal Government FG has released relief materials mainly food and non food items to flood victims in Anambra State.

An Assistant Director in charge of Response and Rehabilitation, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Walson Ibarakumo, said this after a closed-door meeting with officials of Anambra Government in Awka on Thursday.

Ibarakumo said the non food items had arrived but the food items were yet to arrive in Anambra due to the traffic challenges caused by flooding in the confluence town of Lokoja, Kogi State.

The NEMA official and his team were received by Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Deputy Governor of Anambra and Chief Paul Odenigbo, the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency.

He said the food consignment had been trapped on the Lokoja axis where flood had rendered the road impassable to vehicular traffic.

He said the food items meant to Anambra were 1,400 (10kg) bags of rice, 1,400 (10kg) bags of beans, 1,400 (10kg) maize, 75 (20kg) of salt, 75 (20 ltr) vegetable oil, 1,000 cartons of seasoning and 75 cartons of tin tomatoes.

The non food items included 7,350 nylon mats, 1,000 treated mosquito nets, 600 cartons of bath soap, 2,500 Guinea brocades (5yrds) and 1,000 units of each of children, women and men’s wear.

Ibarakumo commended the Anambra government for their efforts so far in the response, rescue and intervention operations while expressing hope that the trapped materials would reach the state soon.

On his part, Ibezim thanked the FG for the support but expressed regrets over the devastating impact of the flood on Anambra.

Ibezim said the number of affected local government areas had increased from five to seven with addition of Ihiala and Ekwusigo.

He said new challenges were emerging each new day due to rising water levels and that the government was still busy with containing the disaster which overstretched their preparations.

The Deputy Governor said efforts were being made to provide minimal comfort to victims and that every item meant to cushion their pains would be diligently distributed.…

News / NFL / Sports

Commanders Defense Pulls Out Washington Win vs. Bears

The Washington Commanders are heading back to the nation’s capital happy after a hard-fought 12-7 win over the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football at Soldier Field.

The score is indicative of the excitement the game gave … not much, at least until the end.

The first points on the board came with 46 seconds left in the first half on a Joey Slye field goal to grant the Commanders a 3-0 lead going into halftime. However, the shutout the defense pitched in the first half came with a few major plays.

The Bears found themselves in the red zone twice on goal-to-go situations, but the Commanders stopped any scoring attempts. In the first quarter, the ball was batted in the air by the defensive line and intercepted by Jonathan Allen. In the second quarter, after allowing a massive run to Bears running back Khalil Herbert, the Commanders drew a goal line stand to prevent any points from going on the board.

In the second half, the Bears found the Commanders at a weakness, and quarterback Justin Fields heaved a 40-yard touchdown to wide receiver Dante Pettis to put Chicago back in front.

The Commanders needed a spark that the offense couldn’t provide, so special teams had to step up. With eight minutes left in the game, rookie return specialist Velus Jones Jr. muffed the punt and the Commanders recovered inside the 10-yard line. Two plays later, rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. scored his first NFL touchdown less than two months after being shot in the knee. Robinson ran the ball 17 times for 60 yards on the day.

Kicker Joey Slye had the chance to put the team up eight points, but missed the 48-yard field goal, giving Chicago one final chance to win the game. Fields ran the ball on a 39-yard gain to get the Bears all the way inside the 10-yard line but cornerback Benjamin St-Juste stopped wide receiver Darnell Mooney on the 1-yard line on 4th down to turn the ball over once again …

Awards / International / Music / News

Burna Boy, Tems, Ayra Starr, Black Sherif nominated for 2022 MTV EMAs [See Full Nominee List]

Nominated for the Best African Act are the Nigerian trio of Burna Boy, Tems, and Ayra Starr who will face competition from Ghanaian fast-rising Hip Hop star Black Sherif, South African artist Musa Keys, and Tanzanian singer Zuchu.

Nigerian international singer Tems was also nominated for the Best New Artist award alongside Baby Keem, Dove Cameron, GAYLE, SEVENTEEN, and Stephen Sanchez.

SEE FULL NOMINATION LIST BELOW.

BEST SONG

  • Bad Bunny, Chencho Corleone – “Me Porto Bonito”
  • Harry Styles – “As It Was”
  • Jack Harlow – “First Class”
  • Lizzo – “About Damn Time”
  • Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl”
  • ROSALÍA – “DESPECHÁ”

BEST VIDEO

  • BLACKPINK – “Pink Venom”
  • Doja Cat – “Woman”
  • Harry Styles – “As It Was”
  • Kendrick Lamar – “The Heart Part 5”
  • Nicki Minaj – “Super Freaky Girl”
  • Taylor Swift – “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)”

BEST ARTIST

  • Adele
  • Beyoncé
  • Harry Styles
  • Nicki Minaj
  • ROSALÍA
  • Taylor Swift

BEST COLLABORATION

  • Bad Bunny, Chencho Corleone – “Me Porto Bonito”
  • David Guetta & Bebe Rexha – “I’m Good (Blue)”
  • DJ Khaled ft. Drake & Lil Baby – “STAYING ALIVE”
  • Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa – “Sweetest Pie”
  • Post Malone ft. Doja Cat – “I Like You (A Happier Song)”
  • Shakira ft. Rauw Alejandro – “Te Felicito”
  • Tiësto & Ava Max – “The Motto”

BEST LIVE

  • Coldplay
  • Ed Sheeran
  • Harry Styles
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Lady Gaga
  • The Weeknd

BEST POP

  • Billie Eilish
  • Doja Cat
  • Ed Sheeran
  • Harry Styles
  • Lizzo
  • Taylor Swift

BEST NEW

  • Baby Keem
  • Dove Cameron
  • GAYLE
  • SEVENTEEN
  • Stephen Sanchez
  • Tems

BEST K-POP

  • BLACKPINK
  • BTS
  • ITZY
  • LISA
  • SEVENTEEN
  • TWICE

BEST LATIN

  • Anitta
  • Bad Bunny
  • Becky G
  • J Balvin
  • ROSALÍA
  • Shakira

BEST ELECTRONIC

  • Calvin Harris
  • David Guetta
  • DJ Snake
  • Marshmello
  • Swedish House Mafia
  • Tiësto

BEST HIP HOP

  • Drake
  • Future
  • Jack Harlow
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Lil Baby
  • Megan Thee Stallion
  • Nicki Minaj

BEST ROCK

  • Foo Fighters
  • Liam Gallagher
  • Måneskin
  • Muse
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • The Killers

BEST ALTERNATIVE

  • Gorillaz
  • Imagine Dragons
  • Panic! At The Disco
  • Tame Impala
  • Twenty One Pilots
  • YUNGBLUD

BEST R&B

…
BBNaija / Entertainment / News

BBNaija’s Rico Swavey is dead

Big Brother Naija season three housemate Patrick Fakoya popularly known as Rico Swavey has died.

Co-housemate, Tobi Bakre confirmed his shocking demise on Thursday, days after the reality star suffered fatal injuries from a car accident.

“We lost him. But thanks a lot guys.God knows best,” Bakre tweeted announcing Swavey’s death.

Following the fatal accident which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, co-housemate Alex Unusual revealed that the artiste was in a “critical condition” and unconscious.

An appeal for financial aid spearheaded by Bakare was also promptly set up to keep Swavey on life support.

The 29-year-old reality star featured in the 2018 edition of top reality show Big Brother Naija alongside Bakre, Alex and Cee-C.

Prior to his tragic passing, he solidified his position as a performing artiste with a number of TV appearances.

Keep Resting Rico Swavey.

 

…
Music / News

Popular Igbo rapper Tidinz reportedly dies from drug related complications

Indigenous Igbo rapper Tidinz has been reported dead from a drug related complications. Tweets and images of the news of Tidinz death surfaced online on Monday, 10th October 2022. According to different accounts, the rapper was said to have died from drug overdose while others claim he was poisoned.

Dilichukwu Okonkwo popularly known by his stage name Tidinz was born on April 12 1996. He hails from from Enugu, Nigeria from where set up his base and established himself as one of the finest Igbo rappers. Tidinz has worked with popular artists including fellow Igbo rappers Phyno and Zoro. He died at the age of 26 and his death has been met with sadness from fans and colleagues.…

Awards / Music / News

Burna Boy receives MFR Award from President Buhari

President Buhari on 11th, October 2022 presented the 437 nominees for the National Awards with their awards in a ceremony that held at the Government House Villa in Aso Rock. Afrobeats megastar Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu AKA Burna Boy was one of the 75 individuals presented with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic award

The award which was presented in recognition of his groundbreaking exploits that includes becoming the first Nigerian contemporary artist to win the Grammy was received on behalf of Burna Boy by his father.…

News / Production

We own Obajana Cement plant 100% – Dangote Group

The management of Dangote Industries Ltd. (DIL) says it owns Obajana Cement plant 100 per cent and its acquisition in 2002 followed due process.

The company said this in a statement issued by Anthony Chiejina, Group Head Branding and Communications, DIL, titled, ‘Obajana Cement Plant: Separating Facts from Fiction.’

The group said the Kogi government had no equity interest in Obajana Cement Plc, and that the company had been paying relevant state taxes, levies and charges to the Kogi government since it started production in  2007.

“This is a statement issued for the sole purpose of addressing the concerns and apprehensions of the stakeholders of Dangote Cement Plc (DCP), especially the over 22,000 people it employs directly, and more indirectly, as well as thousands of contractors, wholesalers, users of our products, our financiers and shareholders.

“At a time of significant economic challenges that we face as a nation, we believe all must be done to keep our economy running effectively, our people employed, businesses that depend on us thriving, and not discourage those who take the risks of needed, lawful and significant investments in our economy.

“The shutdown of our plant has materially jeopardized the economic wellbeing of our country without any regard for its significant consequences,” said the statement.

The group said whilst reserving its rights to proceed to arbitration in accordance with the extant agreement, it had reported the unlawful invasion and the consequential adverse effects of same to all the relevant authorities, including the Federal Government of Nigeria who had intervened in the matter.

“It is hoped that the dispute resolution process we have initiated will quickly resolve the disputes and allow us to focus on our business without distraction and continue our significant contribution to our national economy,” the company said.

According to the group, the Obajana Cement Plant is one of the most critical components of economic activities in the nation, being one of the highest taxpayers, and vehicle for one of the largest companies invested in by thousands of Nigerian and foreign investors.

“Its …

Foreign / History / News

Germany to return 1,130 looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria – Lai Mohammed

Nigeria’s Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed says Nigeria has signed an agreement with Germany for the repatriation of over 1,130 looted Benin Bronze artifacts back to the country.

The Minister disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Washington DC, United States on Tuesday.

This was after three museums in the US repatriated 31 Benin Bronze artefacts to Nigeria.

He commended the German Government for that effort, adding that Nigeria is also getting positive response from France and Mexico to return some of its stolen artefacts.

In 1897 during a British raid on Benin, the royal palace was torched and looted, and the oba (ruler) was exiled.

The British confiscated all royal treasures, giving some to individual officers and taking most to auction in London.

The estimated 3,000 objects eventually made their way into museums and private collections around the world.

The Minister said the world had seen that it was an ethical and moral issue to return the artefacts to their owners, noting that it is not a matter of law as claimed by the British Government.

Mohammed said: ““This is important for the British Museum to understand and for the British Government to know, because I was also in the British Museum to ask them to return thousands of the artefacts in its custody.

“The standard response is that until the British Parliament changes the status, they are not in position to so do.

“The US and Germany are now seeing that this matter is not of law, but of morality.

“It is about doing the right thing.

“I hope that the British Government will also learn from the two countries and do same.”

According to Mohammed, Nigeria is planning to sign an agreement with the British Government on November 28 to return about 86 other artefacts from various museums in UK.

The Minister told NAN that the campaign of the current administration for the return of and restitution of Nigeria’s looted/smuggled artefacts from around the world, which was launched in November 2019, …

Education / News

Unilorin speaks on reported release of post-UTME screening form

The University of Ilorin has dismissed reports that it released 2022/2023 Post-UTME Screening Form to applicants.

Kunle Akogun, Director of Corporate Affairs of the university, spoke in the development in a statement on Thursday.

Akogun said: “This is to inform all admission applicants to the University of Ilorin that the institution is yet to take any decision on the 2022/2023 Post-UTME screening.

“They should, therefore, disregard a message currently flying around online platforms to the effect that the University has started the process for the sale of Post-UTME screening registration form. “This is the handiwork of scammers and admission seekers should disregard it.”…

Music / News

“She threatened me with a knife and told me to open my phone” —Singer Lojay shares domestic abuse experience

Like other countries in Africa, Nigeria has a high incidence of domestic violence. In Nigeria, it is deeply ingrained in the culture that hitting a woman as a form of discipline is acceptable. Now, women are following that belief system’s lead as well. Despite how strange that may sound, it is true.

In a recent podcast with Pulse, Nigerian singer and vocalist Lojay acknowledges having been in an abusive relationship in the past. He admits that the woman had previously stabbed him, and the wound was still visible on his body.

He said that the union lasted six years, starting when he was 16 and ending only when he was 22.

The woman, who also happened to be his first love, had her good and bad times, but the violent portion began with tiny assaults and attacks like tossing shoes when she got upset, which the singer admitted to have found amusing at the time, until things became violent and more physical.

He added that because the woman had so many positive traits, he didn’t realize that the actions were abusive at the time.

“she stabbed me with a fork; that day was hilarious. She smashed a kettle on my head and dented that sh*t. Then, she stabbed me in the hand with a fork. It is a horror story; the mark is with me forever. The funny thing about the moment is that when I look back, the first strike she took was directly to my chest but because it was a fork, it didn’t really cut a lot, but what if it was a knife?”

“…the bad part was that at the time, I didn’t even realize that it was abuse. Because at the time, she’d do like 30 good things and then do like 2 f**d up things.”

The celebrity then spoke on the moment the romance came to an end. He said that he was ill and that while he was sipping water, the lady hit

…
News / NFL / Sports

Matt Ryan, Russell Wilson stumble as Indianapolis barely wins ugly defensive battle

The Broncos and Colts each entered Thursday night’s AFC showdown battered and bruised, with little offense to show for it. And boy did they keep that up in their prime-time “competition.” Injuries, three-and-outs and forced throws headlined the ugly contest, with Russell Wilson and Matt Ryan taking turns seemingly trying to outdo each other in negative plays. The back-and-forth was so brutal, it turns out, that neither side could reach the end zone in four quarters, combining for six field goals to deadlock in a 9-9 tie that necessitated overtime. The Colts proceeded to win the coin toss, add another field goal, and stuff Denver on a fourth-and-1 in the red zone to secure the 12-9 victory.

The Broncos previously entered halftime up 6-3 thanks to a pair of Brandon McManus field goals, but both teams went into the break — and then later overtime — looking, frankly, like losers. Indy’s win improves the team to 2-2-1, while Denver falls to 2-3 on the year with the defeat. But both teams still have major questions to answer moving forward.

Here are some takeaways from Thursday’s sloppy showdown:

Why the Colts won

It wasn’t because they played a complete game, or anything resembling one, that’s for sure. Ryan was hooting and hollering on his way into the locker room after getting the win, no thanks to he or basically the entire Colts offense. Ryan, 37, looked every bit his age flailing around a collapsing pocket, taking a beating that included six sacks and plenty more hits. It’s a wonder he was still standing upright to lead the go-ahead drive in OT. But give credit to Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr., who made the most of the oft-suspect throws Ryan sent their direction. And definitely give it to the defense, which was without Shaquille Leonard but absolutely manhandled whatever Denver was doing with the ball in its hands. DeForest Buckner led the way up front, headlining a four-sack effort that also pressured Wilson into a pair of rookie-esque interceptions. But the …

Football / News / Sports

Marcus Rashford double helps Man United beat Omonia Nicosia 3-2 in Europa League

Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score twice and help Manchester United overcome a half-time deficit to beat Omonia Nicosia 3-2 in a Europa League group phase clash in Cyprus on Thursday.

With United stunningly trailing to a first-half goal from Karim Ansarifard, Rashford came on at the interval and scored one and set up another for Anthony Martial to turn the game on its head within 20 minutes of his arrival.

Rashford added United’s third with six minutes remaining before Omonia ensured a nervy finale after Nikolas Panagiotou immediately pulled a goal back.

The result leaves United second in Group E on six points, three behind leaders Real Sociedad and three ahead of Sheriff. Omonia, who will visit Old Trafford in a week’s time, remain without a point.

Man United boss Erik ten Hag made three changes to the lineup that was blasted 6-3 by rivals Manchester City on Sunday, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro and Victor Lindelof coming into the side.

For Ronaldo, playing against the Cypriot cup winners seemed an ideal opportunity to get the one goal he needed for the 700th of his club career.

But while United expectedly dominated play from the off they failed to make that advantage count in the first 45 minutes.

Antony was the chief culprit, missing a glorious chance to open the scoring in just the 16th minute. After Bruno Fernandes ran over a pass from deep by Lisandro Martinez, Anthony found himself clean through on goal but instead of shooting chose to try and lay the ball back to Fernandes. The pass failed to find its target and the chance inexplicably came to nothing.

Fernandes was left frustrated again two minutes later when his chip beat the goalkeeper but came back off the crossbar.

Then in the 34th minute, the visitors were struck by a classic sucker punch.

Tyrell Malacia was caught in possession by Bruno in the Nicosia half while United had everyone ahead of the ball. The Nicosia forward was able to drive forward before finding the …

Football / News / Sports

Napoli hit six past Ajax in record defeat for Eredivisie club

Giacomo Raspadori netted twice as Napoli came from behind to deliver a masterclass and score a runaway 6-1 win at 10-man Ajax Amsterdam in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Captain Giovanni di Lorenzo, Piotr Zielinski, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and substitute Giovanni Simeone added the other goals for the Italian league leaders, after Mohammed Kudus had given the hosts the lead inside the opening 10 minutes.

Napoli, who might have scored more such was their dominance, have a 100% record at the halfway point in Group A, leaving Ajax with three points from their opening three games and in stark danger of missing out on next year’s knockout stages after their biggest defeat in European football.

Ajax coach Alfred Schreuder had warned on the eve of the game about the attacking threat that Napoli posed but, even then, would not have expected his team to be so thoroughly outsmarted.

Ajax, who had lost at Liverpool in their previous group game, went ahead in the ninth minute when Kenneth Taylor’s goal-bound shot hit teammate Kudus on the shin and deflected into the corner of the net.

It proved the only highlight for the packed house at the Amsterdam Arena as Napoli did not take long to work their way into the game, pressing Ajax into mistakes, cutting them apart with swift attacking moves and finishing with aplomb.

Raspadori equalized in the 18th minute with a diving header at the back post at the end of Mathias Olivera’s cross from the right.

A simple corner routine saw Kvaratskhelia, who produced another performance to emphasize his growing reputation in European football, deliver a cross for Di Lorenzo to power home a header for a second goal.

Napoli extended their lead on the stroke of half-time with Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa driving forward from his own half before setting up Zielinski to finish.

Two minutes after the break, Zambo Anguissa then stole possession as Ajax were caught trying to pass their way out of defense and set up Raspadori for his second goal.

Kvaratskhelia made it 5-1 …

Awards / Music / News

BET Hip Hop Awards 2022: The Complete Winners List

The 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards has arrived! Hip hop’s biggest night honored the best songs and videos of the year, as well as the industry’s biggest hustlers, the most visible hip hop platforms and the most impactful protest tracks.

Hosted by GRAMMY-nominated rapper Fat Joe, BET’s 17th annual show featured some big wins, emotional tributes and big performances, including a medley highlighting “I Am Hip Hop” award winner Trina’s most well-known hits.

Drake led the pack of nominees, scoring 14 nominations — including Best Live Performer, Lyricist of the Year, Hip Hop Album of the Year, Hip Hop Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Future, Baby Keem, Cardi B and J. Cole also topped the list of nominees, with six or more nods each.

Check out the full list of winners and nominees below as we update it throughout the night. Winners will be marked in bold:

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
A$AP Rocky, “D.M.B.”
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar, “Family Ties” — WINNER!
City Girls feat. Usher, “Good Love”
Cardi B, Kanye West & Lil Durk, “Hot Shit”
BIA & J. Cole, “London”
Future feat. Drake & Tems, “Wait for You”
Drake feat. Future & Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”

BEST COLLABORATION
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar, “Family Ties”
City Girls feat. Usher, “Good Love”
Cardi B, Kanye West & Lil Durk, “Hot Shit”
Drake feat. 21 Savage, “Jimmy Cooks”
Benny The Butcher & J. Cole, “Johnny P’s Caddy”
Future feat. Drake & Tems, “Wait for You” — WINNER!
Drake feat. Future & Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”

BEST DUO OR GROUP
42 Dugg & EST Gee
Big Sean & Hit-Boy
Birdman & Youngboy Never Broke Again
Blxst & Bino Rideaux
DaBaby & Youngboy Never Broke Again
EARTHGANG — WINNER!
Styles P & Havoc

BEST LIVE PERFORMER
Cardi B
Doja Cat
Drake
J. Cole
Kanye West
Kendrick Lamar — WINNER!
Tyler, the Creator

LYRICIST OF THE YEAR
Baby Keem
Benny The Butcher
Drake
J. Cole
Jack Harlow
Jay-Z
Kendrick Lamar — WINNER!…

Awards / Music / News

Singing sensation Fave & talented producer Damie get plaques for their chart-topping song ‘Baby Riddim’

Fave reached number on the charts on December, 20th 2021 with her hit single ‘Baby Riddim’. The single reached number one after garnering impressive numbers across streaming platforms and also enjoying a fine run on Radio and TV.

The single was produced by ace producer Damie who delivered a Dancehall bounce with Afrobeats elements that combined with Fave flawless delivery for a captivating song.

For Damilola Temitope Adeyemi popularly known as Damie, producing the number one in Nigeria is a special moment and a resounding proof of his talent. After starting out his production career while in secondary school, Damie would go on to produce for talented artists that includes BNXN fka Buju, Show Dem Camp, Fave, Khaid, Fasina and more.

In 2021, he produced the smash hit ‘Baby Riddim’ for Fave and his productions have since accumulated over 110 million streams across all platforms.

 …

Law / Music / News

R. Kelly may be ordered to pay 1 of his victim $300,000

A restitution order by U. S. District Judge Ann Connelly, that was still being finalized, is intended to cover the cost of treatment for the individual’s herpes and psychotherapy.

The victim, who remains anonymous, has accused the singer of giving her the sexually transmitted disease during one of their encounters.

Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison in June, after being convicted on multiple counts of racketeering, relating to bribery and forced labor, by a jury in 2021.

Earlier this month he was also convicted of several child pornography and sex abuse charges in his hometown of Chicago.

The Grammy winner was found guilty on three counts of child pornography and three counts of child enticement.

But the jury acquitted him on a fourth pornography count as well as a conspiracy to obstruct justice charge accusing him of fixing his state child pornography trial in 2008.

He appeared at a hearing at a federal court in Brooklyn via videolink from prison in Chicago.

At his sentencing Kelly was branded “the pied piper of R&B” as he came face to face with several of his victims who detailed his “deplorable and inexplicable” abuse, which took place over decades.

The singer, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is known for songs including his first number one single Bump N’ Grind and 1996 hit I Believe I Can Fly.

The latter became an inspirational anthem played at school graduations, weddings, in advertisements and elsewhere, including the inauguration of former U.S. president Barack Obama in 2008.

…
Entertainment / News

OAP Toke Makinwa ends 12-year career

The star made the revelation on her Instagram page while celebrating her success; how she began in the profession as an amateur and has since progressed to become an experienced media personality and presenter.

In what seemed to be a heartwarming post, she wrote: “This has taken me so long to share but here we go. Guys, it has been 12 years since my first day on radio, and I finally take a bow.

“It’s been the most exciting 12 years of my life. (So many memories), I joined as a rookie and now I can say I’m leaving as a seasoned broadcaster.

As the queen of talk, I’ll like to take you all on a new journey, please come with me. For some it’s not so new so I’ll say an elevated phase.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to #TMPod. TokeMoments has joined @eggcorndigital @eggcornpodcastnetwork and we can’t wait to show you the new elevated Toke moments. Stay Tuned. #podcast #nigerianpodcast”

The video that accompanied the post displayed photos and recordings of her last day at work, as well as comments from coworkers on how efficient she was and how much she would be missed.

Recall that earlier this year, Toke had appeared in Play Networks’ Glamour Girls, playing one of the lead roles in the film. Presently, she is the host of Showmax’s The Buzz, a commentary show on the BBNaija show.

…
Music / News / NFL / Sports

Rihanna returns to Headline 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show

It is the first scheduled return to the stage for the artist who last performed publicly at the Grammy Awards in early 2018. The music icon, 34, shared an image on Instagram on Sunday hinting that she will perform during the NFL event next year.

In the photo, what appears to be Rihanna’s hand holds up a football. The “Umbrella” singer captioned the post with a single period.

Roc Nation later posted the same image on its respective Instagram account, writing, “Let’s GO,” and tagging Rihanna and the NFL, “#SBLVII.”

“We’re excited to partner with Rihanna, Roc Nation, and the N.F.L. to bring music and sports fans a momentous show,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president for Apple Music and Beats.

There’s been an earlier announcement that the Super Bowl LVII halftime show has inked a sponsorship from Apple Music as part of a multi-year deal with the NFL, the league announced earlier this week. Pepsi had previously announced that it would no longer be returning as a sponsor, following its initial sponsorship at the 2007 show starring Prince and an eventual ten-year agreement that began in 2013.

…
Awards / Music / News

Grammy Academy CEO reveals ongoing consideration for Afrobeats category

While speaking to the press at the Global Citizens concert in Ghana, Chief Executive Officer Harvey Manson revealed that the academy has kicked off the first process in the long road to adding an Afrobeats category to the Grammys. According to Harvey, the academy had a meeting with Afrobeats creatives that includes artists, producers, songwriters, and executives where they talked about Afrobeats and its many Genres.

He further revealed that the members of the academy will have to submit a proposal for the addition of a new category before deliberations will kick off. However, the listening session with the Afrobeats leaders is the first step.

What this means: the addition of an Afrobeats category to the Grammys will mean that songs that fall under the Afrobeats subgenre will be eligible for nomination.

While the Afrobeats is primarily a description of Nigerian and Ghanaian mainstream music, the West has often muddled it up with any sound coming from Saharan Africa. The implication is that South African genres such as House, Amapiano, and Kwaito might be considered Afrobeats. Similarly, Congolese sounds like the Soukous or the East African Singile might be termed Afrobeats.

It will be up to the Academy to adequately identify the essential elements that make a song Afrobeats as doing this will be the first step in truly awarding the right songs irrespective of where it’s made.

…
News / politics

OGD flags off campaigns with mega rally, empowerment

Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel who is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogun East Senatorial Candidate for the 2023 general elections is set to kick-start his election campaign with a mega rally on Sunday, 2nd October, 2022.

According to schedule of events released by his campaign office, the campaign will commence by 11:00am at Ita Oba, Akarigbo Palace, Sagamu, Ogun State.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun,  is expected to be the Chief Host at the rally.

The statement mentioned  that a major highlight of the Mega Rally, which promises to be colorful, will be the Empowerment Programs which Otunba Gbenga Daniel has been known for over the years.

In recent years Otunba Gbenga Daniel has been awarding hundreds of scholarships across various Local governments amongst other multidimensional empowerment initiatives which started over 20 years ago via his pet project, The Gateway Front Foundation.

The statement itemized the prizes to be won include a Star Prize of a tractor worth about N10m. Others are a Toyota Highlander SUV as second prize and a 2.5KVA generator as third prize.

“These empowerment programs will continue as the campaign machinery traverse the length and breadth of Ogun East Senatorial District.

“The public, members of the All Progressive Congress, friends and well wishers across Ogun East Senatorial District, and beyond including Local Government Chairmen, Councilors and Party functionaries, are hereby invited to this special event,” it added.…