Category: African Arts

Nigerian music star, Davido, gifts N45m car to girlfriend

Post author By Kings UBA
Post date May 1, 2018

Nigerian music star, Davido, gifts N45m car to girlfriend

Nigerian music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, held a birthday party for his girlfriend, Chioma Avril, 23, with a N45m Porsche car surprise birthday gift.

The impressive singer who has many hit songs had earlier dropped a song titled ‘Assurance’ ahead of Chioma’s birthday party on Monday night.

The car came with a plate number that reads ‘Assurance’ .

The singer disclosed to guests that he has known Chioma’ over the last five years and plan to spend the rest of his life with her.

At a club on Sunday, Davido publicly declared his love for her, saying, “I’m in love o.”

The singer also took a swipe at “So many niggas” who “are in love but they scared to show it.”

He then went on to register his wish – with a promise: “Happy birthday Baby girl! Today and 2MORO gonna be amazing.”

In the music front, it is a good year for Davido and a good year for Nigeria. It is equally a good year for Africa.

On November 13th, 2017, barely 24 hours after Davido was announced the winner of Best African Act in the 2017 MTV EMA Awards, he was also named winner of Best Act Worldwide.

Announcing this on his twitter handle handle, Davido said he was getting mad over it.

“OMG I JUST WON BEST WORLDWIDE ACT MTV EMA!!! I’m going madd!!!!! 2 EMA’s !! Whaaat!!! !!”, Davido tweeted.

Canadian teen singer Shawn Mendes won best artist and best song at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) in London, pipping heavyweight competitors such as Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Ed Sheeran.

Davido recently released a new hit single, produced by FRESH and accompanied by a befitting video titled “FIA” which quickly went viral and is slowly becoming a fan favourite.

Tags davido

African Arts Latest News

Erotic singer, Kofi Olomide, denied entry to Kenya

Post author By Kings UBA
Post date April 27, 2018

Kofi Olomide on stage

Erotic singer, Kofi Olomide, denied entry to Kenya

Congolese erotic musician, Kofi Olomide, will not perform in Kenya in the time being as planned. Kenya’s immigration Department has refused to lift-off the two-year ban on Olomide’s performance in the country.

Discover Africa News learned that Kenya repulsed efforts to lift off a visa ban slapped on the 61-year-old Congolese singer in 2016.

Nairobi. Koffi Olomide’s planned performance in Kakamega town has been called off.

“His promoters tried everything but the Kenyan people are not ready to offer him a visa. Maybe in another year’s time things will be possible,” said the Citizen.

The Selfie hit maker was set to bag an estimated Sh25 million for the performance at Bukhungu stadium.

His itinerary, confirmed by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, also included gracing and entertaining guests at the Devolution Conference which was supposed to end yesterday.

Olomide had announced via his social media pages last week that he will be visiting Kenya for the first time in two years, following his dramatic deportation in 2016.

Tags Kofi olomide

African Arts

Performance poet, Chukwumerije, takes ‘unity’ concert to Jos

Post author By Kings UBA
Post date April 22, 2018

Performance poet, Chukwumerije, takes ‘unity’ concert to Jos

Nigerian performance poet, Dikeogu Chukwumerije, has been staging poetry shows across the country, using the platform to preach peace and unity for Nigeria.

The poet has been to many Nigerian cities: Enugu, Lagos, Maiduguri, Yola, Benin, Abuja, among others.

The show is billed to hold on April 28, 2018 at Mees Palace Rayfield, Jos, by 5pm and will be a live performance poetry show with N1000 tickets available on the show’s website www.simplypoetry.com.ng.

According to Chukwumerije, “These are exciting times for poetry in Nigeria as the art form plays an active role in Nigeria’s peace and reconciliation journey” he said.

The Made In Nigeria Show is poetry for stage production that tells the 102-year story of Nigeria’s journey from amalgamation to date using poetry, song, dance and drama.

One of the earliest poetry performances of Dike,son of former Nigerian outspoken senator, Uche Chukwumerije, is a tribute to legendary writer of Things Fall Apart, late Prof. Chinua Achebe.

Dikeogu Chukwumerije

Among his new poems is titled: WHAT IS A NATION?

A nation is not its roads and its bridges, for if it were then its mother would be concrete and its father would be steel. But, no, it exists first in the minds of dreamers and, even after it has fallen, lives on in the minds dreamers. So, tell me, what is a nation?

Is it a song we all remember, and can sing shoulder to shoulder, when the legs of our national team are tiring and their hearts need bolstering? Is it an experience we have all shared, like the dormitories in an NYSC camp and the scramble at the door to collect deployment letters? Is it that hope which does not discriminate – which does not say I will be found only in the heart of the northerner or the southerner – that our children will not suffer like us, that they will not have to wait 5 years after graduating before finding jobs befitting of their education? Tell me, what is a nation?

It is an idea that a people can be bound together by something deeper than blood and higher than ancestors. That village can join hand with village, and town can lock step with town, and state can stand up with state, and region can march forward with region. Why? Because they have come to see that the encroaching desert that swallows up the tribe from which their daughters are never to marry will one day come and swallow theirs as well.

You see? And so it is that even when we have not been held in the same womb, that we will nevertheless be buried in the same graves is sufficient reason to say, ‘We are the same.’

This is a nation.

Tags poetry

African Arts Review

Entries for $100,000 NLNG Literature Prize drop significantly

Post author By Kings UBA
Post date April 16, 2018

Ikeogu Oke received the NLNG Prize for literature

Entries for $100,000 NLNG literature prize drop significantly

Expression of interest for the $100, 000 USD Nigeria Liquefied and Natural Gas (NLNG) prize for literature has dropped significantly.

A total of 89 playwrights submitted entries to compete for the 2018 edition of the prize. The number of entries for this year’s edition is the least in the recent times.

Entries for the prize, which is one of the most prestigious awards in literature globally had grown significantly since 2005 when the prize for poetry received only 13 entries. The prize was instituted in 2004.

Although many writers and other stakeholders criticised the long-list and short-list of the 2017 award, some poetry enthusiasts commended the list.

Literary critiques urged the board of the NLNG prize not to whittled-down its standards in order to keep the stakeholders’ interest growing.

In 2017, the NLNG prize received a total of 184 entries out of which Ikeogu Oke’s poetry collection, The Heresiad, won the award. This figure is higher than the number of entries in 2016, which was 173. Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, an Arts reporter of a Nigerian daily, Daily Trust, won the prize with his Prose Fiction, Season of Crimson Blossoms.

There was a total of 109 entries for the prize in 2015. There was no winner of the prize in 2015 because none met the standard set for the literary laurel.

In 2014, the prize received a total of 124 entries out of which Professor Sam Ukala’s play, Iredi War, won the prize. Tade Ipadeola’s poetry collection, Sahara Testament, won the prize in 2013, after 203 persons submitted entries.

In 2009, there were 160 entries.

Speaking on the low number of entries for 2018 edition, the Deputy Managing Director of the NLNG, Sadeeq Mai-Bornu, represented by Acting Manager, Community Relations, Godson Dienye, noted: “We have received 89 entries this year; lower than what we had in 2014 when drama was also in focus. We must change this trend. All stakeholders must begin to own the prize as theirs and push it to greater heights. We also received two entries for the Literary Criticism Award competition, which unfortunately appears not to attract many entries.

“I consider this as a huge gap in Nigeria’s Literacy space. To the judges, I urge you to demonstrate your usual proficiency in administering and adjudicating the process, knowing that the world is earnestly waiting for your announcement of another legendary work.”

He added that the entries would be examined on their merits of excellence in language, creativity and book quality.

The NLNG over the weekend handed over the entries to the Advisory Board of the prize. An emeritus professor, Ayo Banjo, heads the Advisory Board for the literature prize.

Other members are former Minister of State for Education, Jerry Agada, and former president of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, Ben Elugbe, an emeritus professor.

Tags litereature

African Arts Latest News

See a Nigerian painter who is a ‘sorcerer’

Post author By Kings UBA
Post date April 12, 2018

Painter Ikechukwu wrote: “My Painting ANWULIKA/AÑULIKA (Happiness is Supreme) Oil and acrylic on canvas 2017

See a Nigerian painter who is a ‘sorcerer’

A Nigerian ‘hyper realistic’ painter, Nnamdi Ikechukwu @NnamdiArts1 tweeted his 2017 painting (pictured above) and he is getting stunning as well as hilarious responses on his timeline.

Ikechukwu wrote: “My Painting ANWULIKA/AÑULIKA (Happiness is Supreme) Oil and acrylic on canvas 2017 #WeAreNigerianCreatives” and some of the responses he got include that of Humanist @Redflutters, who sidesplittingly responded: “Me I don’t understand this sorcery Some people are mad talented ” Another person reacted: “Oh God!!!the talents in this country just keeps blowing me away…this is beautiful, really beautiful Emma-Jay@beaut1fuldanmed wrote‏ @beaut1fuldamnedthat’s what you call a “glow up” post! Both of Nnadi Ikechukwu’s paintings are incredibly beautiful in their own right but the learning and progression between the two is so beautiful and clear to see. Bravo sir Your art is magical @NnadiArts1

Painter Nnamdi Ikechukwu. Source @NnamdiArts1

Tags painter

African Arts

Vimbai Zimuto’s x-rated video sets tongues wagging

Post author By Kings UBA
Post date April 9, 2018

Vimbai Zimuto’s x-rated video sets tongues wagging

Netherlands based Zimbabwean singer Vimbai Zimuto has released a music video, Hapana Kwaunoenda, which is turning viewers on.

The diva has set tongues wagging with the racy video, which is a far cry from what most Zimbabweans would term ‘public friendly video’

The theme of the song, which is about enticing a man, keeping him on lock down so he doesn’t stray features the songbird in skimpy lingerie which leaves little to the imagination and a lace mask.

The video which is reminiscent of a little 50 shades of grey shows Vimbayi frolicking on the bed and in various stage of semi nudity making some very suggestive moves.

The video will no doubt have many men choking on their drinks, says a Zim news site.

Tags video

African Arts Latest News

Google celebrates late writer, poet, Maya Angelou

Post author By Kings UBA
Post date April 4, 2018

Maya Angelou’s Google Doodle

Google celebrates late writer, poet, Maya Angelou

Women inspiration and African-American literary icon Maya Angelou has been honoured by Google with a video doodle to celebrate what would have been her 90th birthday.

Today would have been the 87th birth anniversary of foremost African writer and father of modern African literature Chinua Achebe. But he passed away at the age of 82 in March of 2013.

Doodles are changes made to the Google logo to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, and the lives of famous artists, pioneers, and scientists.

Born Marguerite Annie Johnson in 1928, her incredible story began with tragedy when a sexual assault at the age of seven rendered her mute for five years. During those years, however, books and poetry became her solace and constant companions, eventually helping her find her voice again to embark upon an intellectual and creative journey that defies description.

“In her teens and early adult life Angelou saw more experiences than many do in a lifetime: from motherhood, to becoming San Francisco’s first female and black streetcar conductor, to touring the world as a cast member of the opera Porgy and Bess — all while mastering several languages,” Google says in a statement.

“She sang and danced in professional cabarets, worked as a journalist in Africa, and became one of the most prominent civil rights activists of her generation.”

The success of her first book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, in 1969 brought her mainstream attention as an author. Six other autobiographical works followed, in addition to poetry, children’s literature, cookbooks and other non-fiction books.

Angelou redefined black beauty and celebrated African-American oral traditions. She advocated against war and campaigned for universal peace.

She was also the recipient of numerous honours during her lifetime. She became the first poet to make an inaugural recitation in three decades when Bill Clinton became President in 1992. Her vast impact on popular culture was also felt through a host of award nominations, public accolades, and more than 50 honorary degrees.

Tags Angelou

African Arts

Nigerian Writer, Adichie, Wins Barnes & Nobel Award

Post author By Kings UBA
Post date March 30, 2018

Photo: Instagram
Chimamanda Adichie in New York Dress: The Muse Factory Earrings: FF Fine Jewellery

Nigerian Writer, Adichie, Wins Barnes & Nobel Award

Award-winning Nigerian Author, Chimamanda Adichie, has received the 2018 Barnes & Nobel ‘Writers for Writers’ award.

Chimamanda Adichie is the author of novels Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun, Purple Hibiscus among other fascinating stories.

The award was presented at Poets & Writers’ annual dinner, in Celebration of Writers, on Wednesday evening, in New York City.

The Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award celebrates authors who have given generously to other writers or to the broader literary community.

The award, which is presented each year at Poets & Writers’ annual dinner, is named for Barnes & Noble in appreciation of its long-standing support.

Adichie was honoured for her work with the Farafina Trust Creative Writing Workshop in Nigeria.

The Nigerian author was honoured alongside other writers, Steve Cannon, and Richard Russo.

Susan Isaacs is the chairman of Poets & Writers’ Board of Directors and also the chair of the committee charged with selecting the honorees.

She said, “We receive nominations from writers, publishing professionals, and others in the literary community. From the information about the nominees and their accomplishments, we select three writers and an editor who exemplify Poets & Writers’ core values: service, integrity, inclusivity, and excellence.

“This year’s honorees are models of those qualities. The Board is delighted to be able to honour them. Their work makes me proud to be part of this community.”

Poets & Writers adds, “The three writers we honor this year have not only expanded our horizons through their own writing, they are dedicated to supporting other writers and to bringing diverse voices into the literary conversation.”

Adichie, who has been championing a “Wear Nigerian” campaign, was clad in a black and yellow outfit from Nigerian brand Muse Factory.

Tags adichie

African Arts Latest News

Nigerian author, Tomi Adeyemi, gets Hollywood deal for new book

Post author By Kings UBA
Post date March 19, 2018

A 24-year old Nigerian-American author, Tomi Adeyemi

Nigerian author, Tomi Adeyemi, gets Hollywood deal for new book

A 24-year old Nigerian-American author, Tomi Adeyemi, has released her book, titled ‘Children of Blood and Bone’, an acclaimed Young-Adult Fantasy book which has landed her a seven-figure book-and-movie deal with Hollywood Fox studios.

‘Children of Blood and Bone’ which was released on March 6th has been described as a “Black Lives Matter-inspired fantasy novel,”

Fox 2000, which purchased the film rights before the novel was released, was so impressed by the 24-year-old’s writing style that they tagged the project as being as successful as its other YA franchises, Twilight and Mae Runner.

Almost a year before it hit shelves, the novel was making headlines. In March 2017, it was reported that Adeyemi had earned a seven-figure book deal for her young-adult trilogy.

Ms Adeyemi, the daughter of a Nigerian medical doctor and hospice trader, was born in the U.S. and currently lives in San Diego.

She hinged her characters, their conversations and habitats on the rich culture and traditions of Yoruba culture in Nigeria.

The book follows the protagonist ‘Zelie’, who at six years old watched the king’s guards hang her mother on a tree outside her home. Further acts in the development of the novel is moving and engaging.

Tags Adeyemi

African Arts Latest News

New fabric unveiled for Ebony’s funeral

Post author By Kings UBA
Post date March 19, 2018

Ebony’s father Nana Opoku-Kwarteng urged Ghanaians to patronise and use the cloth on all occasions so that the memory of his late daughter will continue to live on.

New fabric unveiled for Ebony’s funeral

Come March 24th is the funeral of late Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Priscilla Opoku Kwarteng known as Ebony Reigns in showbiz. And GTP has launched a new funeral cloth called Maame Hw3 and Aseda in her memory.

The cloth will be the official cloth for the funeral of the Poison hit maker at the Forecourt of the State House.

The cloth was named after her hit song Maame Hw3 which preaches against domestic violence.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the West Hills mall in Accra on March 17, 2018, father of the late musician, Nana Opoku-Kwarteng urged Ghanaians to patronise and use the cloth on all occasions so that the memory of his late daughter will continue to live on.

Ebony died in a road accident on February 8, 2018 whilst returning from Sunyani to Accra after a visit to her mother. Her assistant and longtime friend Franklina Yaa Nkansah Kuri and soldier Atsu Vondee, her bodyguard, were also killed in the fatal accident.

Tags ebony