This month of October, as Nigeria marks her 60th Independence Anniversary, Union Bank has unveiled an exciting Independence Promo for its existing and prospective customers.
The promo is part of the Bank’s efforts to reward her customers during this special season, and
to celebrate the resilient, unrelenting, entrepreneurial spirit that is associated with the typical
Nigerian.
As part of the campaign, each weekday in October, the first 60 customers to activate their debit
cards and spend a minimum of N1,000 will receive a N2,000 cashback reward. In addition, the
promo offers all Union Bank customers ‘Independence from Charges’, throughout October, as
customers will enjoy zero fees on bill payments made via the UnionMobile App or the Bank’s
USSD Code, *826#.
The Independence promo offer is open to both existing and new Union Bank customers.
Prospective customers can now open Union Bank accounts at their convenience via the
UnionMobile App, or by visiting the nearest Union Bank branch.
Union Bank remains committed to providing simpler, smarter services and enabling success for
the average Nigerian.
When Chibuike Josh Alfred, popularly known as Josh2Funny was born to trader parents in Anambra State on December 18, 1990, nobody would have assumed that he would become a celebrity who has influenced two different global trends. All his parents knew was that their son was not a big fan of school and that he was funny.
“I just wanted to prove people wrong, to show that I could do more than that and last longer in the industry”. Designer: Kume Akpubi
Josh started to tell hilarious jokes since he was in secondary school somewhere around Mushin, Lagos State. He and his family moved to Lagos when he was eight years old. He unknowingly started developing his skills by making jokes out of what he read from the newspapers. ‘I wouldn’t say I was born a comedian, but when I was in secondary school, I used to do a bit of comedy. I was also a part of the literary and debating society. Whenever we had special events, I would crack jokes about the things I had read in the newspaper. At that point, I didn’t know that comedy could be a business; I just took it as a hobby’, he told Punch in a 2017 interview.
Despite not being a big fan of school, Josh’s parents encouraged him to get a degree. He bagged his Computer Science degree at the Federal Science and Technical College in 2009 before going on to study photography at Qban Centre, Ikoyi.
He joined forces with Bello Kreb, and they started trying to make it in the entertainment industry together. Designer: Kume Akpubi
Bello Kreb: His Friend, His Partner
In 2008, he met his partner and friend, Bello Khabir in the drama group of Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries church, and they hit it off. Kreb is Josh’s friend turned brother, partner and hype man. Khabir, who many call ‘Bello Kreb’ is also a comedian. He joined forces with Josh, and they started trying to make it in the entertainment industry together. They first joined a dance group before launching their studio, trying to break out into the music industry, and finally moved to skits.
Last year, Josh reaffirmed the strength of their friendship to the whole world when he presented Bello with a new car as his Christmas gift. He shared via Instagram, ‘Been my friend for 10 years, very loyal to a fault. I mean when we started this hustle, we been plenty, but as the hustle got tougher they all left. We started with a dance group, then our studio in Mushin, then music and rap that didn’t blow. Days when we go lap for bus and Keke, days we paid to perform, my realest gee… I could go on and on baba. I don’t have much now, but I swore to do this for you. This is a token of appreciation to a loyal man like you! God bless you @bellokreb, the man after my kidney, OBIEZE! We are just starting.’
He has created characters like Brother Zakius, Tunde Tupac, Zuga, Agro, Gbas Gbos, TTP, Think About It and Optununu, among others. Designer: Kume Akpubi
The Journey
In 2011, he got the opportunity to appear in the Project Raw Talent Hunt Competition and decided to become a professional comedian after he won. He then mentored under veteran comedian, Koffi Da Guru for five years. Koffi helped to point him in the direction of musical comedy and gave him the name, Josh2Funny. Josh explained this in a 2018 interview saying, ‘I started comedy music when my mentor, Koffi suggested it because I used to sing in the studio and they found it funny. He suggested I just make jokes out of people’s songs instead of always going on stage and cracking my brain to make jokes.’
When his skit first went viral in 2016, he introduced himself to the world as ‘Mama Felicia’, one of the many characters he plays. He was dressed in his usual native dress and scarf and was playing the role of a mother to another comedian, Longman. He has since created several other alter-egos for himself because he is constantly evolving. In an interview with Okay Africa earlier this year, he talked about being afraid of people getting bored of him. He said, ‘When I started with Mama Felicia, I got a lot of side-talk. People were saying this thing would not go well, and it would soon fizzle out. I just wanted to prove people wrong, to show that I could do more than that and last longer in the industry.’
As of today, he has created characters like Tunde Tupac, Zuga, Agro, Gbas Gbos, TTP, Think About It and Optununu, among others. Perhaps his most loved character after ‘Mama Felicia’ is the ‘Brother Zakius’ character – the minister always seen in bright-coloured, oversized coats and a hat — who is the voice behind “Resurrection Power” and Affiliated Music Records.
Asides from his hilarious skits, Josh2Funny also creates music. He is also a producer, actor and artist. Designer: Kume Akpubi
The All-round Artist
Asides from his hilarious skits, Josh2Funny also creates music, mostly comical. Music was Josh’s first love, and he joined his Church’s choir when he was a teenager. Before Josh made it as a comedian, he was a music producer. He owned a studio in Mushin that he ran with his friend, Bello Kreb. Josh has said in a few interviews that Terry Apala and a younger Oxlade used to record at his studio. He also tried to produce some of his songs at the time, but they didn’t get very far.
Now that he has grown a fan base of almost 2 million people, Josh has started working on his sound again. He has released two projects. His first, ‘Upside Down’ has funny covers of people’s songs – one of his best being the Igbo cover of Rihanna’s ‘Work’. His second and most recent album, ‘A Break From Jokes’ is filled with his original songs and sounds. It was released in April this year.
He told Techpoint in an interview in June this year that he released his second project so that people can see how versatile he is. He said, ‘I was trying to get serious and make people see that I can do something real, something different from comedy.’
Josh2Funny is also an actor. He has appeared in a few episodes of Africa Magic’s ‘Flatmates’ alongside Basketmouth, who he looks up to. He has also found a way to take his characters into movies. In 2018, he featured on Mike Ezuruonoye’s ‘Lagos Real Fake Life’ dressed in his signature Mama Felicia outfit. This year, he joined Falz, Toke Makinwa, and Bovi on ‘Therapy’ as ‘Pastor Zakius’.
The ‘Don’t Leave Me Challenge’ didn’t start in 2020, it started in 2018 when he started using puns and dry humour to make comic videos. Designer: Kume Akpubi
The Trendsetter
Josh2Funny has also successfully inspired a couple of global trends. In 2019, he inspired the ‘All My Guys Are ballers’ trend that went viral globally. One of his many characters, Emeka in his popular series, ‘The Audition’ sang one line from Wande Coal’s song ‘Ballerz’, but it was so funny, everyone was soon creating remakes. He also made ‘Gbas Gbos’ trend, and it has now become a slang with everyone still saying it in Nigeria till date.
Earlier this year, Josh inspired yet another global viral trend across all social media platforms. His ‘Don’t Leave Me Challenge’ started with him standing on a leaf and saying he’s on leave. Bello Kreb, who was recording the video shouted ‘Don’t Leave Me’, and a new trend was born.
The ‘Don’t Leave Me Challenge’ didn’t start in 2020, it started in 2018 when he started using puns and dry humour to make comic videos. However, the video that made the challenge go viral was posted on March 24 this year. He explains in an interview on CNN earlier in the year that he switched things up. He said, ‘I decided to add some more fun to my skits with puns. I didn’t want people to get tired, so I tried to be dynamic and added stronger words. Someone later did a similar video like mine, and that’s how it started trending’.
Josh2Funny picked the right time to release his video as the world was on lockdown. That is not to say that the video may not have trended if things were normal. Gbenga Sogbaike, CEO of Plaqad Inc, an influencer marketing company, believes that it could have trended either way, but the lockdown served as a fuel. He told NET, ‘The lockdown contributed to the virality of the challenge. But even if there was no coronavirus pandemic, I think the challenge would have gone viral because of its uniqueness. It’s something people find relatable, exciting, and interesting. You want to do it, you want to show that you are creative, and can come up with witty comments.’
The stats agree with him. The video has been watched more than 500,000 times on Twitter and recreated multiple times by TikTok users from Nigeria, the United States, Japan, and Europe. On TikTok alone, the videos relating to the challenge have received more than two billion views. Stars like Olu Jacobs, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Falz, King Bach, Omoni Oboli, Iyabo Ojo, Funke Akindele and more all tried their hands on the challenge.
Josh2Funny is only just getting started. With his first live show, ‘All of Me’ under the belt, Josh is only gearing up for more work. He will keep improving his craft, proving he is more than just an Instagram comedian with more live shows, and appearing in Nollywood films until he is as great as Kevin Hart or Tyler Perry.
“This is for Burna Boy for changing the way our continent is perceived and the way African music has been the bedrock of every type of music.” – Angelique Kidjo at the 62nd Grammy Awards.
Damini Ogulu, popularly called Burna Boy may be the self-appointed African Giant and may have created such a presence that obliterates the need to consider his past and history. It would, however, do him no justice to ignore everything that has led to this moment in history, where Burna Boy is poised to receive a Grammy for his recently released Twice As Tall album.
“One thing that’s constant in my career is growth.”
Every giant has a source, so we start from the beginning, with Damini Ogulu being only a dream of an idea, yet unformed in the loins of his parents. We trace his lineage and see whose progeny he is. We start with his maternal grandfather, Benson Idonije, and to understand the significance of that connection, I’ll tell you a little story.
Benson Idonije is a man of no mean reputation, and if you are a student of the history of music in Nigeria, that is a name you are most likely conversant with. A roll call of the pioneers of highlife and jazz music in Nigeria cannot be complete without the mention of Benson Idonije.
Heavily influenced by foreign jazz musicians like Wilis Conover, and enamored by the technical aspect of production and broadcasting, Benjay as he is fondly called, pursued a degree in Communications Engineering at Yaba College of Technology. Here, he also started experimenting with music, exploring his jazz interests, learning everything he could about the creation, composition and performance of music. He constantly listened to Music USA and The Voice of America Jazz Hour by Willis Conver.
Benjay started in the engineering and production division of broadcast. However, he wanted more, he wanted to create and produce his own jazz programme, like his mentor Willis Conver. He made the transition to radio in 1960, with his show NBC Jazz Nights on Radio Nigeria.
He ran the show so exceptionally, that he piqued the interest of a young yet-to-be radicalized jazz musician, Fela Ransome Kuti. Fela was curious as to who was the voice behind the show, that he paid Benjay a visit at Broadcasting House in Ikoyi, to make an introduction.
Fela had just recently returned from England at this time, and he and Benjay became fast friends, sharing a mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s art and knowledge. The idea of a jazz band began taking form, and soon enough, the Fela Ransome Kuti Quintet was born.
Benjay assembled and managed the band. It had Bongo player Ayinde Folarin, bass player and pianist, Emmanuel Ngomalioh, T. Adekoya on the drums, guitarist, Medonal Amaechi and Fela Ransome Kuti on the trumpet. This was in 1963 when jazz and highlife were spreading through Nigeria like wildfire. The band performed at the iconic Cool Cats Inn at Ebute Meta, a watering hole for jazz enthusiasts.
Regulars and fellow artistes frequented the spot, Chris Ajilo, Steve Rhodes and Wole Buknor of The Jazz Preachers band. Zeal Onyia, Taiwo Kupe, Art Alade and several others.
The Quintet performed as the Highlife Rakers for a while and eventually became the Koola Lobitos in 1965. The band performed regularly and recorded several songs until 1969 when Fela would travel to America and return radicalized, playing a different kind of music, and becoming Fela Anikulapo Kuti – the one with death in his pouch.
Though Benjay no longer managed Fela, they remained good friends, even as Ben slowly shifted from radio programming, to become a music critic and writer, contributing for several years to The Guardian.
Let’s bring the story closer to home, Bose Ogulu, Burna Boy’s mother and manager was born to Benson Idonije. Bose didn’t immediately follow her father’s path. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in foreign languages, speaking French, Italian, German, English, and Yoruba fluently. She also pursued a Masters of Arts in translation.
Bose Ogulu made a success out of her long career as a translator and language expert. First as a translator for the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce, then as the CEO of Language Bridges (1997 to 2015), a language and music school she founded, where she organized cultural immersion trips for over 1, 800 young people. She also taught French for 10 years at the University of Education in Port Harcourt, recently retiring in 2018.
She is mother to three children, Nissi, Damini and Ronami Ogulu, two of whom she manages; and married to Samuel Ogulu, who manages a drilling company in Port Harcourt, Burna Boy’s birth city and hometown.
As Burna’s manager, Bose Ogulu navigates the thin line between a personal and professional relationship with her son. Though she is seen as a “cool mom”, seemingly unperturbed by the almost constant stick of joint between her son’s fingers, still it is clear that their relationship is one of mutual respect, which is not always easy to achieve.
In 2014, the same year that he split from his record label, Aristokrat Records, under which he had released two mixtapes, Burn Notice and Burn Identity, and debut album, L.I.F.E. (Leaving an Impact For Eternity), Burna fired his mom as his manager, and then rehired her in 2017. She has been his manager since. In a twist of fate similar to her father’s, Bose Ogulu became the manager to one of the biggest artistes in Nigeria and Africa, the same way her father was to Fela Ransome Kuti.
Mama Burna, as she is often called, is a very present and public figure in her son’s life. She has received several awards on her son’s behalf. In 2018, she represented Burna Boy at the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, where he was the biggest winner of the night, leaving with four awards, including Song of the Year for Ye, and African Artiste of the Year. She concluded her acceptance speech by saying, “They say he dey craze, he no normal. Thank you for 2018. 2019, expect more madness.” She immediately won over the internet.
Burna is a combination of talent and hardwork, and though stardom was for a while elusive to the artiste, he was relentless. Before Burna Boy could stake a claim as an African Giant or even become Twice as Tall, he was still Outside, lost On A Spaceship, contemplating how to Leave an Impact For Eternity.
“When you hear our music, it resonates in the soul.”
When the artiste was just 19, he returned to Port Harcourt, Nigeria from his studies abroad where he had bagged a degree in Media Technology at the University of Sussex. In Port Harcourt, he’ll make the auspicious with music producer Leriq, they’ll both be signed to Aristokrat records. Leriq will have his hands in a lot of the music that Burna will eventually make. Including the sole production of L.I.F.E, Burna’s breakout album, that has been described as a classic.
Burna’s unrestrained views about politics and life, his stubborn streak, are reminiscent of Afrobeat creator, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. However, this would make his music niche, and inaccessible to a larger audience.
He was unwilling to soften his tone or message and that would cost Burna Boy easy fame, the reach of his music was relegated to reggae and dancehall, it didn’t seem like Burna would ever be able to achieve the international fame that his peers had attained. He, however, did not stop making music, staunch in his self-belief.
In 2015, the artiste lost his long time friend, Gabriel Serenkuma, more popularly known as Gambo. The pair had been in London together and became very good friends. His death dealt a devastating blow to Burna Boy, who was back in Nigeria at the time, pursuing his music. He shared a touching tribute to Gambo in an Instagram post, “You were all I had at the lowest point of my life, you are part of every before success life story I have to tell. We survived so many wars and hardships on those Cold streets.”
After firing his mother as his manager in 2014, he rehired her in 2017 and they soon established their record label, Spaceship Entertainment. The same year, Burna secured a major label deal. He signed to Atlantic in the United States and Warner Music International abroad, but releases music in Africa under his own label, Spaceship Entertainment.
Cue 2018, Burna will release Outside. The journey to global fame for the artiste started with Ye, the biggest song off the Outside album. Coincidentally, American rapper, Kanye West had released an album titled Ye around the same time. Listeners stumbled on Burna’s Ye, leading to a spike in streaming numbers for Burna Boy.
Suddenly, everybody was listening to Burna. Ye was on everyone’s lips and blasting out of every car stereo, it became the street anthem, echoing the aspirations of many hustling Nigerians who just want to “enjoy, chop life, buy motor” etc. Outside peaked at No 3 on the Billboard Reggae album chart. Ye won Burna Boy several awards, including two Soundcity MVP Awards for Song of the Year and Listener’s Choice, and the 2019 Headies award for Song of the Year.
Burna is also known for his energetic performances that leave fans thrilled and screaming. In 2018, he performed before a sold out audience in London 02, to high praise from fans and colleagues alike. The performance of his hit single Ye, being the highlight of the night.
The singer however, did not end 2018 with Outside. The Zanku wave, led by Zlatan, a dancer, singer and songwriter, was surging through the Nigerian music industry. Everyone was on the Zanku hype, including Burna Boy, who would collaborate with Zlatan on Killin’ Dem, a move that will seal the fate of the reawakening of his career. Burna had outdone himself.
When the video for Killin’ Dem dropped early in 2019, the beat, rhythm and dance were the perfect set up for a monster hit that the track would become. Zlatan’s presence on the song would open Burna up to an even larger audience, and soon the African Giant was born.
He picked up the BET Best International Act award in 2019 for his efforts on Outside. He says to Billboard about the rise in global appreciation for afropop, “everything started from Africa, and so music started from Africa. It’s all going to come back to its roots eventually. When you hear our music, it resonates in the soul.”
He was also announced to perform at the 2019 international music festival Coachella, being one of two artistes representing Nigeria and Africa on the international stage; the other being Mr Eazi. This would be the first time Africa would have a representation at Coachella, since its inception 20 years ago. He tells GQ in an interview earlier in the year, “The reason for everything I do and how I do it is for one goal and one goal only, and that’s the eventual unity of Africa.”
“The reason for everything I do and how I do it is for one goal and one goal only, and that’s the eventual unity of Africa.”
Burna’s third studio album, African Giant, the album that will have international eyeballs on the artiste was released in July 2019. African Giant will be released to unprecedented local and international acclaim, including winning the Album of the Year award at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards. 2019 was a year of touring and he performed everywhere from Toronto to Amsterdam, spreading the reach of his music and influence across continents, building on his growing momentum. Reaching heights within such a short time that took him years of hard work to attain.
In 2019, he told Rolling Stone in an interview, “One thing that’s constant [in my career] is growth. It’s not an up and down thing. I climbed every step. I don’t skip steps — I’m too heavy to skip steps.”
The album also got a Grammy nod in the Best World Music Album category, but the award was taken home by multiple Grammy Award winner, Beninese singer song writer, Angelique Kidjo, who dedicated the award to Burna. She said, “This is for Burna Boy” who she praised for “changing the way our continent is perceived and the way African music has been the bedrock of every [type] of music.” The recognition and nomination will stamp Burna with a seal of greatness, for all his hard work, consistency and talent.
In 2019, a reboot of the Disney classic animation Lion King, was announced. Beyonce was cast in the role of lead actress, Nala, and for her involvement in the project, Beyonce created an accompanying album titled, Lion King: The Gift.
African artistes were invited to send in their verses to be featured on the album. Out of several submissions made, only nine African artises from Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana, were featured on the album.
Burna Boy was featured on the album in a solo capacity on Jara E as opposed to the collaborative efforts of the other featured artistes.
In 2020, his fifth studio album, Twice as Tall, executive produced by American rapper Diddy, will seem to be Burna’s crowning glory. Twice as Tall reeks of the focus and determination of an artiste with a Grammy award on his mind. Almost as if to say if you thought he was big on African Giant, you should see him now, he’s Twice as Tall.
The art direction for the album was done by advertising industry executive Chuka Obi, the rollout of the album included a comic book, The Secret Flame, narrated by Burna’s grandfather, Benson Idonije. The animated comic follows Burna Boy through a spiritual journey of discovering oneself while highlighting the very moments that brought him to where he’s standing tall today.
The album features Chris Martin, Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour, Naughty by Nature, Kenyan band, Sauti Sol and Stormzy. The artiste’s long time producer and friend, Leriq also makes an appearance on the album, alongside Timbaland, Anderson. Paak and several others.
Twice as Tall is the 29-year-old at his most conscious. On Monsters You Made, Burna with Chris Martin’s assistance, lends his voice to the suffering of Africans and African Americans from colonialism and racism to corruption and police brutality, in an emotional battle cry.
In Level Up, he reveals how he was gut wrenched by his Grammy loss, sick to his stomach. No Fit Vex produced by Leriq sees Burna, who is now on a global scale and must put his best foot forward, turning away from his spotted past and becoming a more mature and evolved person. On Comma, Bebo and Onyeka, Burna expresses a more playful and fun side, a break away from the heavy theme of the album.
The album did such impressive numbers in the week of its release. According to Rolling Stone, Twice as Tall debuted at Number 54 on the Top 200 Albums Chart, amassing 11.4 million audio streams in the United States.
Whether or not Burna Boy will go on to win a Grammy award next year, it is without a doubt that he “finished work”, to use the popular Nigerian parlance, on the Twice as Tall album.
Today, Burna Boy is on a trajectory that is taking Nigeria, Africa and the world by storm. But what he is, is a culmination of the efforts of everyone that got him here.
“Warri no dey carry last” goes the saying and the city of Warri, Delta State is definitely not a backburner when it comes to Nigerian comedy.
Anita Alaire Afoke Asuoha, better known as realwarripikin, is the biggest comedienne out of Warri yet.
From acts like I Go Die and Gordons to AY Makun, the city of Warri has greatly influenced the art of comedy in Nigeria for many decades. Weirdly, it had not produced a lot of Warri-born comediennes despite all of the impact the city has had on Nigerian comedy. Not until Anita Alaire Afoke Asuoha, better known as realwarripikin – the biggest comedienne out of Warri yet. Through a truly unique hustler’s journey and social media, Anita has slowly grown her brand and become a rockstar in the comedy industry. Born and raised in Warri, Delta State, South-South Nigeria, the third of eight children, dance was Anita’s first love and it drove her early hustle. In 2005, she auditioned for the Big Brother Naija reality TV show but she didn’t make the cut. In 2008, she was a contestant in the Glo Rock ‘N’ Rule dance competition and took first place and was signed on as a Glo ambassador for a year. “I’ve always been told that I am funny but I really liked dancing and I just felt that was what I needed to concentrate my efforts on,” she said in an Instagram video with influencer, Temisan. After her Glo contract ended, she auditioned at the Peak Talent Hunt in 2009 but didn’t make it past the preliminary stages. Yemi Alade won that competition that year. The next year, Anita tried again, this time auditioning in Ibadan but it didn’t yield any results either. The Maltina Dance All auditions in Benin City was the next audition Anita would attend with the hopes of kickstarting a career in dance. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out either. The second year however, in 2011, she auditioned again in the same competition and this time she made it past the audition stage, eventually finishing the competition second overall with her family. This level of success didn’t really move the needle for Anita and she turned up at the Malta Guinness Street Dance competition in 2011 with a girl dance group called “Sistahz.” They didn’t make it past the auditions. She got married in 2013 and stepped back from dancing. “By that time, I just didn’t think I had the right motivations for a dance career so I tried to focus on something else,” she said on her Instagram page. She would go on to attend several movie auditions for parts she didn’t get, try her hands at music, modelling, MC’ing and several host/red carpet gigs. The turning point in Anita’s career came after a very traumatic experience which involved a failed business venture, debt and a suicide attempt. “RealWarriPikin was created out of Pain & Depression… “DEPRESSION.” Yes, you heard me. I fell into depression early this year..After a business i did together with my husband went bad and we lost all our money putting us into a huge debt worth millions …..We even sold all we had ever worked for in our life to pay up, including begging the people i was owing but they kept putting pressure on me…some came on social media reposting my pictures and writing stuffs and calling me out….. I began to look for help..But help never came…We were given quit notice by our Landlord, my kids were sent out of school… I became sick, couldn’t sleep at night, crying every day, lost appetite, and became sad and depressed,” she wrote on her Instagram page about the entire ordeal. Soon she started to post skits and commentary on problems centered around women on Instagram. Using the Warri pidgin and language that has now become her signature style, she soon started to amass followers. In just over two years, she has grown to several thousand views per video from a 516K-strong follower base. She has performed at Basketmouth’s shows, AY Makun’s shows and a host of others. Anita also does commercials and influencer posts for brands including Access Bank, Redson Bet and others. She is also an ambassador for health brand, GoWellness, and regularly hosts/MCs events all over the country. Anita, as realwarripikin, is managed by her husband Chiazor Daniel Asuoha and plans to hold her first headline stand-up show in June 2020. She also hosts a daily show on Hot 90.9FM Abuja. From the streets of Warri where women are mostly considered second-rate citizens, Anita has managed to break the glass ceiling of the Nigerian comedy industry and made some space for herself. The only way is up.
This year’s 2020 BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” brought together some of the hottest names in music to celebrate Hip Hop’s biggest night. Comedians, actors, hosts of the “85 South Show” podcast and stars of “Wild N’ Out” – comedy supergroup 85 South (Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and Chico Bean) co-hosted the annual show that premiered Wednesday, 28 October 2020 on BET Africa DStv channel 129 and will repeat on Friday 30 October at 8:30 PM and on Saturday 31 October at 1:00 PM.
Megan Thee Stallion ruled the night with three wins for ‘Hustler of the Year,’ ’Hip Hop Artist of the Year’ and a shared ‘Best Collaboration’ with Beyoncé for the “Savage (remix).” Beyoncé also took home an additional win for ‘Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse’ for the track. Roddy Ricch was a double winner for ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Album of the Year’ for “Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial.” Pop Smoke was posthumously crowned ‘Best New Hip Hop Artist.’
UK rapper Stormzy took home the award for ‘Best International Flow. The “Best International Flow” is a category that recognises the best MC’s from around the world who have achieved excellence in their craft, this includes artists from the African Continent, Europe and South America.
Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Editorial VCN Africa/Peer Lead, BET International says, “The success of the BET Hip Hop awards 2020 is testament to the amazing, strong, black talent we enjoy worldwide. BET continues to lend its voice by using the power of the brand to promote excellence and culture. The 2020 Hip Hop Awards was a great mix of entertainment and humour while also conveying a strong message for unity, equality and social justice. We will continue to showcase and celebrate black culture globally. Congratulations to Stormzy for winning Best International Flow and congratulations to all winners and nominees for a job well done.”
Cordae opened the show with a powerful freestyle about the importance of voting followed by ‘Impact Track’ winner Lil Baby performing his hit single “We Paid” with 42 Dugg. The City Girls blazed the stage with anthems ‘Kitty Talk’ and ‘Jobs’ in their first televised performance since JT’s release last year. Taking the stage for her television debut, Mulatto treated viewers to a medley of ‘Youngest N Richest,’ ‘B**** From Da Souf’ and ‘Muwop’ with an appearance from Gucci Mane. Quavo performed a special tribute to Pop Smoke that included “Shake the Room” and “Aim For the Moon.” Snoop Dogg honoured the ‘I Am Hip Hop’ Award recipient Master P. 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne closed out the show in a major way with their hit single “Money Maker.” Other performances included Burna Boy, Jhene Aiko and Chris Martin.
Presenters for the evening included Hip Hop heavyweights Snoop Dogg and T.I. along with R&B superstar Monica.
The show premiered LIVE on BET Africa DStv channel 129 at 2PM on 28 October and at 6:30PM.
REPEATS on BET AFRICA DStv Channel 129.
30th October at 8:30PM , 31st October at 1PM, 1st November at 4:05PM
The complete list of 2020 BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” winners are:
It’s another big weekend for Manchester United as they face Arsenal in the English Premier League on Sunday November 1, 2020.
Still battling with a wobbly start to the new season, the Red Devils will be looking forward to ending their home games woes as they face the Gunners at the Old Trafford in the Super Sunday match.
United head into the match under intense pressure to regain fans’ confidence and get its Premier League campaign on track after an unimpressive home run. They have won their last 10 away games in all competitions but none of their last five at home.
It is United’s worst start to a season at Old Trafford in the last 48 years.
The once dreaded Old Trafford where opponents visit with their hearts in their mouths is fast becoming a common ground after United suffered 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace, 6-1 to Tottenham and refused to score a goal against the Blues last weekend. It is left to be seen whether Arsenal will come close to repeating the 6-1 plummeting of United by its North London rivals.
Despite losing 1-0 to Leicester City on Monday night, the Gunners boss, Mikel Arteta, will be boosted by the fact that his side has a head to head advantage over United in their last three encounters.
The head to head record appears to favour Arsenal having won two and drawn one of the duo’s last three league meetings while United’s last win against Arsenal was in the FA Cup in 2019.
Arsenal presently at 10th place on nine points travel to Old Trafford on Sunday without Gabriel Martinelli, Pablo Mari, Rob Holding, Calum Chambers have all been ruled out with injury. David Luiz who picked up a muscular injury against Leicester is also unsure for the game yet.
United with seven points sits at 15th place will also be without Anthony Martial still serving his domestic suspension, while Eric Bailly, Jesse Lingard and Phil Jones are all ruled out with injury.
While we look forward to the epic battle at Old Trafford this weekend live on DStv, we cannot lose sight of matches from the 18 other Premier League clubs that will all be in action this weekend. The games will also be live on SuperSport Premier League for all DStv customers.
Burna Boy is arguably the biggest music artist on the continent right now but what most people don’t know about are the women in his life – most of them doubly featuring in both his personal life and business. But who are they? His mother Bose Ogulu is Burna Boy’s business manager, his younger sister Ronami Ogulu is his stylist, Burna’s youngest sister Nissi Ogulu frequently opens for him at his tour stops and Stephanie Allen aka Stefflon Don is his girlfriend.
These are the women in Burna Boy’s life, the women closest to his heart:
Bose Ogulu
Burna Boy with mom, Bose Ogbulu
Often referred to as his ‘momager’ by the press, Bose Ogulu had an accomplished career as a translator and entrepreneur before she started managing her son’s affairs. Of course, being the daughter of Fela’s first band manager also helps. But her speech at the BET Awards in June 2019 was perhaps her most famous moment and what made us all children of ‘Mama Burna’.
She said:
“Thank you BET, Thank you Africa because that’s the constituency for which we got noticed in the first place. The message from Burna, I believe, will be that every black person should please remember that you were Africans before you became anything else.”
Ronami Ogulu
Burna Boy’s stylist, Ronami Ogbulu
In 2012, while Burna Boy was just about to shoot the video for his breakout single Like To Party, Ronami Ogulu was an A Level student in the UK who was home in Nigeria for the holidays. However, the coincidental case of a Versace shirt (which Burna Boy wore in the Like To Party video) and ‘matching’ Versace sunglasses (which she had gotten for Burna Boy as a gift) started her career as Burna Boy’s stylist. Today, she styles him for almost everything – award shows, tour stops, media appearances and many more. She has also been able to parlay that into a career as a celebrity stylist.
Nissi Ogulu
Nissi Ogulu
Also known by her stage name Nissi Nation, Nissi Ogulu is the youngest Ogulu child and an artist herself. She is also managed by her mother and has opened for Burna Boy at at least 90% of his tour stops since 2019. She has also performed at her own intimate shows in Nigeria and also at alternative festivals like Native Land. Apple Music has also included her 2019 song “Trouble/Tornado” in several of its Nigerian playlists. She is definitely on her way to becoming a top-shelf artist.
Stephanie Allen
Stefflon Don
Better known as Stefflon Don, Stephanie Allen is a British rapper, singer and songwriter and also Burna Boy’s girlfriend. She became famous after her 2017 single “Hurtin’ Me” featuring French Montana peaked at number 7 on the UK Singles Chart. Since they publicly confirmed their relationship in February 2019, both Burna Boy and Stefflon Don have been seen together on award red carpets, cruising around in a Rolls Royce in Lagos and at several shows and family events. The couple met in Ghana when Burna was recording songs for his African Giant album. In a 2019 radio interview, Stefflon Don said,
“That’s my lover and best guy. We love each other so much – it’s crazy. I’m going to have his babies.”
Obviously, being a successful musician is not an easy task and staying one is an even taller order. Artists need support systems they can rely on and trust. That is what these women represent to Burna Boy and because they are superstars in their own right, we can only stan. It’s the fitting thing to do.
The Music and Entertainment Gospel Awards (MEGA), takes note of events across the country in the past two weeks. We identify with the legitimate demand of young Nigerians to end brutality and other rights abuses by authorities responsible for protecting the lives and property of citizens.
We agree with widely held positions that inhumane force in general and riot policing negates fundamental human rights and that the authorities should move speedily to effect broad-based reforms in the operations of Nigerian security forces, and other institutions with direct impact on the lives and welfare of the populace.
In response to the sombre mood of the nation, the organisers of MEGAwards2020 have decided to suspend the planning and execution of the award ceremony earlier slated for November 15, 2020.
Consequently, the voting platforms which have received generous patronage from lovers of gospel music since its inception on October 10 shall be shut down, till further notice, as from 8 pm today. That is the least we can do.
We empathize with families of the bereaved, the injured, and others who lost valuables during this trying period. This is the moment, we believe, for Nigerian gospel artistes to extend their talents into avenues that can assist and assuage Nigerians during these difficult times.
May God heal our hearts, and our land. God bless Nigeria.
On October 8, 2020, only seven days after the 60th independence of Nigeria, the youth began a powerful movement. For the first time in a while, they came together as a united front to demand an end to police brutality.
The End SARS movement began as an online agitation against a corrupt arm of the Nigerian Police Force, ‘Special Armed Robbery Squad’. But it soon became a fight against all forms of police brutality and moved from the streets of Twitter to the actual streets of Nigeria. The youths, assisted by forward-thinking Nigerians created a system that worked without any visible leaders or authority figures.
They figured out financing, legal, clean-up, health, security, and even tech-support. Within two weeks, the protest had become a well-oiled machine of young people tired of the nation’s state, coming together to speak in one voice. They needed a way to be heard. They wanted to speak so loudly, that the ruling class, made up of quinquagenarians and older, would have no reason to turn deaf hears to their request.
This need gave birth to what is perhaps the most iconic phrase from the entire movement – ‘Soro soke!’. It’s a phrase in Yoruba that simply means, ‘speak up’, but figuratively means ‘speak without fear or cowardice’. You can also simply say ‘Soro soke werey’, meaning ‘speak up mad person’ in Yoruba.
This phrase is a chant of encouragement for protesters, where whoever is leading the chants would say ‘soro soke!’, and the protesters will reply, ‘end SARS!’. It gave them a way to uniquely encourage each other to continue to fight and hold on to their common goal. It is a battle cry, a tone of rebellion, and a chant of unification against police brutality and terrible governance.
It has also become a word of warning laced with disrespect and contempt at anybody who has insensitive words about the movement. On Wednesday, October 14, 2020, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu got to feel some of this contempt as he attempted to address protesters. Many of them believe that his decision to stay on the fence about issues affecting the lives of young people in Lagos is disrespectful and insensitive. Hence, he felt the full force of ‘Soro Soke Werey’ as protesters chanted at him while he tried to beg them to retreat.
Yet, the word that is seemingly harsh and condescending can also be a form of endearment among friends. Used sarcastically or humorously, it can unite comrades in arms fighting for the same cause. It has become firmly rooted in the sands of pop culture and socio-political times in Nigeria.
‘Soro soke Werey’ or ‘soro soke’, just like the movement that made it a consequential part of pop culture, is going nowhere anytime soon. The supposed ‘lazy’ Nigerian youths have now found their voices, and nothing is going to take it away from them. As long as they have their voices, they’ll continue to chant, ‘Soro soke Werey!’ And the whole world will just have to stop and listen.
With all of the stories shared from the End SARS movement, one thing is sure, police brutality is a real menace in Nigeria. That is why it is important to be adequately prepared to face the men of the Nigerian Police Force at every point you may have to interact with them.
You must do these nine things below if you run into a police checkpoint, may the force be with you.
YouTuber, A Wacko recently reviewed Africa Magic’s new telenovela, Enakhe, and we think it is possibly the most hilarious thing you’ll watch today.
A Wacko started off by giving us a background to his high school days talking about a particular classmate of his named “Yes” who names their child “Yes”? (Lmao). His narration of the scene where Jonas left Enakhe hanging after helping her out with her Yoga routine had us in stitches.
In his usual witty manner, the popular movie reviewer tells us one of the main reasons he is watching the show is because there are a lot of fine girls in it. And we can’t argue on the fine girls part.
What’s this show though? Well, Enakhe is set in the backdrop of the beautifully contrasting Edo state where the ‘haves’ are more desperate than the ‘have-nots’ and the ‘have-nots’ are more honourable than the ‘haves’.
Enakhe tells the story of a beautiful young lady who has her own ideas about the way she wants to live her life but being the heiress to her father’s ill-built empire, she has to come out of the cocoon she’s lived in for much too long if she is to take charge of her father’s empire.
It is a show that will make you laugh, keep you glued to your screens and keep you guessing what’s next.
Doubt us? Watch A Wacko’s Review below and see what he has to say.
Enakhe airs on Africa Magic on DStv channel 151 every weekday by 8 pm.
Women don’t often get their orgasms as easily as men do. Many ladies have accepted this. But, if you are still faking orgasms in 2020, then we need to have a conversation about your power as a woman.
One way to ensure that you always experience that burst of pleasure is to take control in the bedroom and be the boss. You know what your body needs to get there, and you would act accordingly when you are in charge. Here are seven tips to help you take control in the bedroom and guarantee you mind-blowing orgasm.
1. Initiate the sex: There is no such thing as ‘a woman should not be asking for sex’. If you are with a man that thinks it’s slutty to demand sex when you are horny, then you need to drop him. Because one thing is certain, he doesn’t care about your pleasure, and you deserve better.
2. Tell your partner what you need: Communication is the key to solving several relationship issues, including sex. Do not be afraid to tell your partner exactly what you need to derive ultimate sexual pleasure.
3. Leave your fear out of the room: Thanks to all the crap that society has fed women over the years, it’s possible to be afraid of sex. But to take charge and have a good time, you are going to have to leave all of those fears and insecurities at the door. Just remind yourself that you are a beautiful, gorgeous, sexy, and intelligent woman, and that sex is one more thing that you can be great at.
4. Wear your most sexy outfit: A sexy outfit can be the confidence-booster you need to help you forget all your fears. When you feel sexy, it becomes easier to act sexy and to be filled with confidence. And those are two qualities you need when you are taking charge.
5. Get on top: Don’t be afraid to get on top. There are so many sexual positions where you can take control. But the easiest, most fun, and most accessible, include the positions that allow you to stay on top. This way, you get to control the speed, movement and have access to both clitoral and nipple stimulation.
6. Talk dirty: Don’t be afraid to talk dirty, say nasty things to your partner. Fill his head and yours with highly erotic pictures that will help get you closer to your orgasm. But above all, don’t feel the need to stay quiet. Moan if you want to, scream if that would make things better and call him ‘Zaddy’ if that’s the kind of thing that tickles your fancy (pun intended).
7. Focus on your pleasure: For once in your life, you get to be selfish without feeling bad about it. One secret – if you are having fun and enjoying what you are doing, then he’s most probably having fun too. So focus on the activities that give you the most pleasure, and have a good time. You’re welcome!
Sex is meant to be enjoyed not tolerated, and no, changing partners is not going to make things interesting. But these sex toys will!
One of the reasons most couples lose interest in sex is that things get monotonous. Lock lips, throw clothes off, wham, bam thank you, ma’am. Where’s the foreplay? Where is the adventure?
Sex is meant to be enjoyed not tolerated, and no, changing partners is not going to make things interesting. You just need to add a little spice to your sex life. And we’ve got the right ingredients for you. Here are five sex toys that can help put the spark back in your freaky time.
Dildos
The beauty of a dildo is, it comes in all shapes, sizes and vibrating speeds. Lol yes, some dildos do move. It’s shaped like an erect penis and with different shapes, lengths and designs, you can bring some much-needed excitement into sex. So whether you’re a single pringle or you have a partner, dildos are an easy way to get things going.
Cock ring
It’s shaped like a ring that you wear around the penis, usually at the base, depending on how the person is built. Just like dildos, there are different designs, some have vibration rhythms so it’s pleasurable for you and your partner.
Butt Plugs
A lot of people are sceptical about this toy, but don’t knock it till you try it. It’s like a short version of a dildo and it goes into your rear. When you’re using this for the first time, or anytime, the secret is lubrication. Lube. Lots of it. Don’t force anything your body is not ready to accept. Anal penetration during sex adds more stimulation and can bring a lot of pleasure.
Vaginal beads
Imagine a string pearl necklace but for your vagina. It is kegel balls because they can be used to strengthen your pelvic and vaginal walls. They also bring immense pleasure, so much that they’re called orgasm balls. Balls of varying sizes are fitted together on a string and inserted into the vagina. You can use this during foreplay, or if you’re into a little sex torture, leave it in an hour before sex. Talk about sexual frustration. By the time, you’re ready, your partner would be a pleasure puddle.
Whips
If you’re into a little or a lot of pain, whips are a great way to go. There are thousands of designs and materials, from silk to leather that you can choose from. Whichever you think can withstand, go ahead and try. You can also role-play with it. If you’re into that. We’d say BDSM, but that’s a whole journey on its own.
The most important thing is to make sure your partner is comfortable with whatever you decide to do, or with whichever sex toys you want to use. If they are not comfortable, the person can’t possibly enjoy all the fun that comes with using sex toys. So prioritize your comfort and get ready for more explosive sex.
Now that you have all the toys, let’s play ball. *wink*
Well, the truth is these guys have always been activists. Falz and Mr Macaroni took different paths to activism. It, however, comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with these men’s history to see them here today. Putting their education, experiences and passion to good use in the EndSARS protests.
In the course of the past two weeks, there has been a shift in the mood of the country. Particularly among the youth. The EndSARS protests began out of discontent for the state of the country at large, but particularly the activities of the Special Anti Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police Force, SARS.
And in that space of time, the youth have let their dissatisfaction be known to the government and attracted international media and attention.
The protests were a success for young Nigerians. It was a glimpse into our true capabilities. We made the government listen to us, we got global attention, we definitely used our voices positively. No wonder the government appears to be really scared and shocked.
As the protests moved to the streets and got larger, the different functions being carried out by protesters became evident. The financial aspect of the protests in sorting out donations was taken care of by a few women from the Feminist Coalition. There was also the legal aspect of the protest, that needed to ensure the safe release of detained protesters. Others that cropped up include welfare, medical, insurance, sanitary, and morale. Each part of the whole was equally important.
Entertainers and influencers have played a very important role in the protests by ensuring morale, presence and representation, particularly on social media. They have also been important in rallying protesters. Small Doctor was influential in pulling together protesters from the Agege axis of Lagos mainland and rallying the local interior members of the protests.
Seeing a public figure that they connect with, be affected by the things that affect them, and be just as passionate, creates a bond between the protesting mass and the celebrity or social figure.
Debo ‘Mr Macaroni’ Adedayo and Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana are two of the inspiring entertainers who have used all their platforms during the protests, to make sure the government hears the voice of their fans.
Mr Macaroni
Mr Macaroni, an actor, comedian and viral skit maker, was instrumental in vocalizing the griefs of the people, their hurt, their dissatisfaction, and unhappiness. It was not difficult to support and amplify what he was saying, because it was how everyone felt.
Mr Macaroni just recently got introduced to stardom. After four attempts, Debo was finally successful in securing his Bachelor’s degree, in Theatre Arts, from Redeemer’s University.
He had started off schooling in pursuit of a law degree. However, the private school he was admitted to was soon beset with accreditation problems. For the uninitiated, accreditation problems may arise as a result of said school not meeting up with certain prescriptions of the National Universities Commission (NUC). And for this lapse, a faculty or department in the school may lose accreditation. That private university will cease to be listed as a University that offers that particular course of study. The faculty of law lost its accreditation and Debo lost his first admission. He had to move on and try his luck at another school.
He did not go quietly. The students led a protest against the failure of the system and the injustice that had been done to them as a result. For this act of protest, he was asked to leave the school. He left Nigeria for neighbouring Benin Republic, in hopes of acquiring a degree. But things didn’t work out there too. Soon he was on his way back home as relations between him and a lecturer grew increasingly tense and nearly got physical.
At this point, and understandably so, Debo was frustrated with the country’s education system and the way his schooling was going. He was ready to give up on this course and abandon it. He eventually came to a compromise with his parents, he was going to study Theatre Arts. It was his passion and he wanted to pursue it.
So he registered to study Theatre Arts at the University of Ekiti. Not long into the programme, the Dean of Faculty calls him to inform him that the school does not run a Theatre Arts programme. This is devastating news for Debo already and it looked like history was about to repeat itself. He was offered English and Media studies in place of Theatre Arts. He eventually left the school, in his second year, failing to complete his course of study, for the third time in a row.
He eventually got admitted into Redeemer’s University, where things were going smoothly for a while, until his final year in the University, when, he says, “drama happened”.
Debo was the Student body president while at Redeemer’s University. In his final year, the school authority summoned him over a Facebook post he had published, which they claimed showed the school in a bad light. He was accused of actions “unbecoming” for a product of the school, and was expelled on this ground. He almost lost his degree, again. The issue got a lot of social media attention as Debo expressed his grievance against the school on his social platforms. He claimed not to have mentioned any names or schools in his Facebook post, and the ground on which he was expelled was baseless.
The matter got so bad that Debo and his family planned to institute legal actions against the school. He had been something of an activist while at the school, fighting to ensure better welfare for the students and it is possible that he rubbed some of the school authorities the wrong way.
Eventually, after the intervention of several individuals and the negative media attention the school had been exposed to, Debo finally graduated with a degree in Creative Arts, in 2018, after finishing secondary school ten years earlier. The fourth time was eventually the charm for him. It explains his distrust of the system. He had also been a victim of the failure of the system.
Upon graduating, Debo shared this on his social media, “I struggled and bled for 10 solid years at 4 different Universities for this day. Today is not the day to say if my fight and struggle was right or wrong at these Universities.”
Though Mr Macaroni’s earliest Youtube upload is dated March 21, 2019, he had been an actor for a much longer time, before gradually evolving to skit making. He had tried his luck in Nollywood for several years, landing small roles in movies and soaps, never thinking he would eventually become a skit maker.
Reminiscing in a Facebook post, he says, “I used to say to myself that I would never ever do short videos/skits…. Emi!!!! Odindin Thespian!!! Spent 4 years studying Theatre Arts… Trained by The Great Professor Ahmed Yerima!! Trained at Wale Adenuga’s PEFTI!! Me!! MacaSuper!! I will now be doing 1 minute videos on Instagram.”
Today, Mr Macaroni’s skits record up to 700,000 thousand views, and have featured a wide spectrum of cameos and appearances from several Nollywood celebrities to artistes, socialites and elite. From Don Jazzy and Toke Makinwa to Ogogo and the Ooni of Ife. Huge accomplishment.
Mr Macaroni has become the social media influencer to court. An Instagram skit maker, at the top of the food chain, with a combination of popularity and influence at his disposal.
According to Gbenga Sogbaike, CEO of influencer marketing and content trading platform Plaqad, brands love working with Mr Macaroni because, “his unique and relatable character, as well as the other characters in his skits, appeal to a broad spectrum of the brand’s target audience. Brands love any influencer that can deliver results in terms of awareness and conversions… You can safely assume Mr Macaroni delivers results.”
As the EndSARS physical protests gradually grew, Mr Macaroni was one of the important voices amplifying the concerns of the protesters and the importance of the protests. He was camped at Alausa for several nights, braving the elements with thousands of other protesters refusing to be deterred from their cause, insisting that SARS must be disbanded.
He has also dropped several skits addressing or amplifying the protests. In one he visualized the significance of the EndSARS protests, addressing particularly those unconcerned by the agitations of the youth because they think their status protects them and their family.
He dropped another when the looting started, in collaboration with another comedian, Twyse, condemning the act. Mr Macaroni is able to, in just a few clips, pass across a clear message, punctuated with enough humour. Several of his catchphrases like, “fantabulous”, “you’re doing well”, have become popular, even crossing over to everyday use.
As part of their reform of the Police force and in response to the EndSARS protest, the government announced that SARS had been renamed to SWAT, Special Weapons And Tactics. This did nothing to assuage the grievances of Nigerian youths, it had the opposite effect of further riling them up at the apparent insensitivity of the government, with its tone-deaf approach.
In response, Mr Macaroni returned to his craft, releasing a skit reminding the government that the protesters cannot be deterred by flimsy moves by the government that will bring about no actual change.
He dramatized the demands of the protesters, calling for the government to compensate and publicly apologize to the families of the protesters that lost their lives due to police harassment during the protests. He also advised the government to ensure that police officer accused of brutality are investigated and punished if found guilty.
In one of his tweets addressing the government during the protests, he said “The government does little or nothing to better the lives of youths in the country. Nigerian youths struggle day after day to earn a living for themselves. We do everything by ourselves yet you people slaughter and murder us.”
Falz.
Bop Daddy himself, Falz’s route to comedy and activism is a little different. One might even say that Folarin Falana is not an apple that fell very far from the tree. Folarin is the son of two respected human rights activists and lawyers in Nigeria, Femi Falana who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Funmi Falana, a women’s rights activist and founder of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA).
Falz is a rapper, actor, singer and comedian, combining a series of talents to become a powerhouse, and now a household name in the Nigeria entertainment industry. Falz is not just a son of lawyers, he is a lawyer himself. A graduate of the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, Falz got called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012.
He utilizes humour and wit, in passing conscious messages across to his audience. In January 2019, he released Moral Instruction, his fourth studio album addressing some of the worst issues hitting us as a country including prostitution, internet fraud, corruption, police brutality, social injustice and the like. The album had a very heavy Fela and Afrobeat influence, and a tracklist that includes, Johnny, Follow Follow, Hypocrite and others.
Earlier in 2018, Falz had released This is Nigeria, a social satire inspired by Childish Gambino’s This Is America, which was a discourse on the true state of reality in the United States.
He did not gain many fans for taking a stance on social issues, some of which were not very popular, but he has been consistent in his message, reiterating over and over in his records, how he feels about the state of the country.
“This Is Nigeria” was banned by the National Broadcasting Commission, which described the song as “vulgar”. Muslim Rights Concern, (MURIC), also threatened to institute legal actions against Falz, describing the video to This is Nigeria as “hate speech”, for depicting girls in hijab, doing the popular Nigerian shaku shaku, dance.
The video contained moments that condemn the Boko Haram kidnap of the Chibok girls, the Fulani herdsmen on a killing spree, police brutality, among other social issues.
Speaking in an interview after the release of the controversial video, Falz says, “We need to pause and think and look at our social space. We have a voice as artists and we need to use that voice for the right purpose, we need to speak the truth to wake people up. The terrible state of Nigeria has become so normalised.”
Falz has called out politicians repeatedly in his music, accusing them of incompetence, laziness and corruption. Holding them responsible for the state of the country. In all of this, one might have described Falz as much a social activist, as an entertainer.
On EndSARS, Falz has taken up an advocacy role, speaking to the protesting public about their rights and the responsibilities of the government. He was one of the first few celebrities that rallied a physical EndSARS protest, along with Runtown, on October 8, which ultimately led to physical protests in several other parts of Lagos and other states in the country.
He has taken up the mantle of interpreting and analyzing some of the challenges facing Nigeria. As well as providing legal insight into the activities of the government and the rights and responsibilities of protesters.
Though he insists that he will not be joining any of the judicial panels, the artist who turned 30 on October 27, vows to follow the processes every step of the way. He encourages everyone to play their part in ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.
Following the events at the Lekki tollgate on October 20, which is being described as a massacre, where soldiers opened fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki tollgate, Chief International Correspondent for CNN, Christiane Amanpour interviewed Falz, on the current situation of the protests in Nigeria. When she asks him if he isn’t afraid for his life, for calling out the Nigerian government on international TV, he replies, “I’m not afraid for my life, because I feel like I could easily die from anything right now.”
He goes on to list all the possible things that could kill him because of the failure of the system. Corrupt practices of the government and mismanagement of funds, have led to an impoverished health care system, poverty, unemployment, and several other maladies that ail the nation.
Falz has clearly been frustrated with the government for a long time, and the burst of energy he displays is proof of how long he has been waiting for a revolution of this kind. With his evident confidence and hope, Falz is able to buoy protesters’ energy. He continues to encourage Nigerian youths to be consistent in their unity and oneness.
The EndSARS protest has marked the beginning of an incredible time in Nigeria’s history, one that will go down in the books. It might signal the arrival of change in the system of things in the country. It’s a time of rare hope, if we make it.
Hot Ticket Productions, a Nigerian mass media company involved in the production of movies and other forms of entertainment, has announced the date for the premiere of Nigeria’s first feature-length animation film – Ladybuckit and the Motley Mopsters (LBMM). The highly anticipated movie will start showing in cinemas across Nigeria and internationally on Friday, December 11, 2020.
The movie will flaunt the voices of some of Nigeria’s finest actors – Kalu Ikeagwu, Patrick Doyle, Bimbo Akintola, Bola Edwards, and others. It will also feature fresh voices of 11 and 13-year-old Jessica and David Edwards. Popular music producer and songwriter, Clement ‘DJ Klem’ Kponu and, versatile film composer, Ava Momoh, are the brains behind LBMM’s original 14-tracker album.
Blessing Amidu, The CEO/Founder of Hot Ticket Productions and the Executive Producer of ‘Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopster’s’.
The CEO/Founder of Hot Ticket Productions and the film’s Executive Producer and Producer, Blessing Amidu, reiterated the importance of exhilarating family-focused entertainment during this moment in history: “This year has been a tough one for the world. Families have had to deal with a global pandemic, economic challenges and civil unrests. As we approach the end of the year, it is important to provide some succour and means of escape and release for children and the entire family. We strongly believe that entertainment is a powerful tool for this.
We hope the fantastic universe of Ladybuckit and the Motley Mopsters will serve as a source of joy and laughter for Nigerian families and millions of people around the world, during the festive season and for many years to come.
It took 30 incredible talents and two years to make this movie. We are truly proud of the production and are privileged to have been able to tell a great Nigerian story.”
LBMM is valued at approximately $1 million. Since the release of the first teaser in August 2020, interest for the movie has been steadily growing, especially amongst fans of animation, cartoons and Nollywood watchers. With scenes showing notable Nigerian landmarks and historical places such as Oloibiri, a community in Bayelsa State, where crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantity in 1956, it is expected that parts of the movie will serve as a flashback to Nigeria’s early years.
Bisi Adetayo, the movie’s talented Director also served as the lead animator. He referenced the power in the LBMM story. “We want to take everyone’s imagination on a ride! It was a thrill to have incredible actors voice a powerful story and just let our creativity run free”, Adetayo shared.
According to PwC, the Nigerian entertainment and media industry will be worth 10 billion dollars by 2023, while Forbes reports that animation is currently fueling the emergence of a creative economy across the African continent. With the release of Ladybuckit and the Motley Mopsters, Nigeria and its abundant supply of extraordinary talents is taking its rightful place at the forefront of this creative explosion.
Nigeria’s first-ever feature-length animation film – Ladybuckit and the Motley Mopsters (LBMM) – is set to hit theatres on Friday, December 11, 2020. Hot Ticket Productions, the company behind the 3D movie, released an exciting one-minute teaser to whet the appetite of movie lovers ahead of its premiere.
Most of the storyline is still being kept under wraps. However, the movie’s website reveals that it revolves around “a precocious, self-absorbed little girl who finds herself in wildly unfamiliar territory. There, she encounters a band of highly unusual characters who change the course of her destiny.”
The teaser is raising even more questions. Who is the little boy trapped in a classroom? Is that Oloibiri (a historic community in Bayelsa state, Nigeria where crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantity in the 1950s? Are those old men playing draughts? Enthusiastic moviegoers will have all questions answered in December.
The Feature-Length movie boasts of industry heavyweights such as Kalu Ikeagwu, Patrick Doyle, Bimbo Akintola, Bola Edwards, and others. It will also feature fresh voices of 11 and 13-year-old Jessica and David Edwards. The movie’s original 14-tracker album was developed by popular music producer and songwriter, Clement ‘DJ Klem’ Kponu and versatile film composer, Ava Momoh.
Blessing Amidu, The CEO/Founder of Hot Ticket Productions and the Executive Producer of ‘Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopster’s’.
Blessing Amidu, CEO/Founder of Hot Ticket Productions and the Executive Producer and Producer of the film, emphasised the need for an exhilarating family-focused movie to end a tough year: “Families have had to deal with a lot this year: from a global pandemic to civil unrest and economic challenges. As we approach the end of the year, it was important to provide some succour and means of escape and release, for children and the entire family. We strongly believe that Entertainment is a powerful tool for this.”
Consulting Producer and respected Nigerian filmmaker, Chris Ihidero, shared his excitement stating that: “We wanted to give families the experience of a lifetime with Nigeria at its fore and I dare say, we achieved that.”
Nigerian entertainment and media industry is estimated to hit the 10 billion-dollar mark by 2023. And Forbes has stated that African animation industry is fueling the emergence of a creative economy across the continent. It is hoped that with the release of its first Feature-Length animated movie, ‘Ladybuckit and the Motley Mopsters’ by Hot Ticket Productions, Nigeria will further cement its position as Africa’s leading film producer and a global force in creative storytelling and entertainment.
Premier entertainment channel, MTV Base is back with a new season of Guy Code on DStv Channel 322, and GOtv Channel 72. This season brings with it excitement, fun and drama, as everything from entanglements, role playing, wedding checklist, Okafor’s law and more will be discussed.
This season also features fans favourites, MTV base own superstar VJ Ehiz, Elozonam, Sir Dauda, Pamilerin, Buju, Lanre and Uche, both of Hot FM Lagos, and several of the coolest guys in the Nigerian entertainment scene sharing their sometimes controversial takes on some of the topics to be discussed.
The guys will not be alone in all the fun. A few ladies will be dropping in to spice things up and provide a female perspective to the guys’ gist. Sammy Walsh, Nneoma Okorie, Bibi Amodu, Charity Owoh of Hot FM Lagos, are some of the female guests that will be appearing on the show this season.
The new season of Guy Code promises to be exciting, as the guys and ladies share their take on some trending sex and relationship topics. Guy Code begins airing on Sunday November 1, on MTV Base, DSTV Channel 322, and GOtv Channel 72.
To stay in tune with all things Guy Code, follow @MTVBaseWest on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and follow the social conversation using #MTVBaseGuyCode.
In 2018, Wizkid announced that his album Made In Lagos’ was coming soon, but it would eventually take two more years for the artiste to finish this body of work.
In July 2020, the Nigerian superstar took to his Instagram page to thank everyone who worked on this project with him and told us the album’s release date.
The Made in Lagos album has been one of the most anticipated albums in Nigerian history. The Wizkid FC kept the hope alive despite the disappointment that followed the album’s rumored release date on several occasions. Until the release of two incredible singles, ‘Smile’ and ‘No Stress’ this year, it seemed like the Made In Lagos album was only a figment of our imagination.
As the recent protests against police brutality gained momentum, Wizkid spoke vocally in support of the #EndSARS movement and pushed his album’s release date yet again. However, on the 29th of October, he announced that the album would be coming out that night.
That said, the wait is over. Let’s see what Wizkid has been cooking up.
I must warn you, though, if you play this album in a certain mood, you may not like it, but if you take time to listen, you will find the one that’s best for you.
Here are my top 5 songs off the album
5. ‘Essence’
Tems!
What more can I say? Tems takes me by surprise each time she features on a song. Her vocals on this song didn’t disappoint me, and I feel we need more Wizkid and Tems features. The guitar and saxophone riffs on this song is giving me life.
When Tems said, “No one loves you the same way…” I felt it!
The trading of melodies between Wizkid and Tems is beautiful. That’s all.
4. ‘Piece of Me’ ft Ella Mai
This song will remind you of your ex and if you don’t text them, believe me, you’re strong. Lol.
I love Ella Mai’s hook on this song. The warm guitar riffs evoke pure beauty.
This song should be on everyone’s sex playlist. That being said, ‘Piece of Me’ is a deep cut on this album.
Where’s my missing piece? I can’t seem to find him. Lol.
3. ‘Blessed’ ft Damian Marley
This is the song you play while you reflect on your life and everything you’ve been blessed with. You can tell that Damian Marley was laid back on this song.
The lyrics speak to me, and I feel everyone will relate with this based on all that 2020 has put us through.
“I pray for the friends I lost. I pray you see no loss” This line is a wholesome flex. Damn Wiz! the lyrics hit hard.
2. ‘True Love’ ft Tay Iwar
At this point, just tell Tay Iwar he has a wife. I’m in love with his vocals. This song is the type you play on a romantic date with your lover while sipping on your red wine.
“Your love keeps me warm…” Okay!
Wiz’s lyrics on this song went from loving to sexual. Classic bad boy. I am definitely going back to this.
1. ‘Ginger’ ft Burnaboy
If anyone told me I would witness a Burna and Wizkid collabo, I would have said it’s a lie. This song is everything I expected it to be. The lyrics will get you high and leave you catching cruise with that twitter crush. Lol
Burna killed the hook, especially when he took it a notch higher. The saxophone on this song gives that intersection between a club vibe and chilling with your lover.
“I’ve been making money, living reckless…” God when?
Overall Rating
I love how this album transcends. Leading with a commanding saxophone sound on this album sets the tone for every track, and that’s pure beauty if you ask me.
This album reinforces that Wizkid is living his best life, and I love to see it. Although the album has quite some features which can be a risk for the artiste, I like how Wizkid allowed the featured artistes to body their tracks without swallowing him in the mix. It was beautiful.
I can attribute this album to growth as we see how Wizkid no longer struggles to prove a point about being a superstar but has lived up to the name. Now he has everything he wants at his beck and call.
I also love how he married both sonic sounds and instrumentals on this album while making love sound refreshing all over again.
The album houses 14 tracks that complement each other, and the production of MIL is top tier. That being said, Wizkid should be an ambassador of living life without stress. on that note, I will rate this album a solid 8/10.
Big Brother Naija season 5 winner, Laycon has signed a multi-million Naira deal with OPPO Mobile Nigeria, the company announced on Sunday, 1st of November, 2020. The partnership comes on the heels of Laycon’s glorious win at the Big Brother Naija season 5 ‘Lockdown Edition’.
Speaking on the partnership, Public Relations Manager, OPPO Mobile Nigeria, Joseph Adeola, said, “Laycon’s story is one many Nigerians can relate with. He continues to strive and achieve new heights despite all odds. For us at OPPO, this partnership connects perfectly with what we stand for as a brand, motivating the young to be more.
Meanwhile, the Fierce crooner is wasting no time sinking his teeth into his new role,
Laycon has shared an image from the signing with his 2.2 million Instagram followers.
No doubt, the signing of Laycon opens another interesting chapter for OPPO Mobile, solidifying the brand’s stance in giving young aspiring talents the right platform to help them become more.
Big announcement coming soon!!! #OPPOxLaycon 