Dino Melaye Dancing To Majek Fashek's Song In Throwback Photo

https://mobile.twitter.com/dino_melaye/status/1267807038643621888?p=v

dancing to Majek in Aiyetoro Gbede my village on 1st january 2017.

''They know we can't do anything''- Paul and Jude Okoye react to N27bn budgeted for National Assembly renovation

Singer Paul Okoye and his brother, Jude, have taken to social media to react to news of the Federal government budgeting N27 billion for the renovation of the National Assembly while slashing budgets for other important sectors like Health and Education.

 

Paul who reacted via his Twitter handle, said the Federal government can only do such a thing because they know Nigerians will not do anything about it

''27billy to renovate ...... they know we can’t do anything,... it is called “see finish” ........ Naija government don see us finish aswear ..... #fuckedup

even with dis my tweet sef , some people go still come abuse 

we all are #fuckedup''  he tweeted

When some Nigerians replied his tweet asking that he should lead a protest, the singer responded

''Some of you will be shouting “organise protest “ when you know that looters will be more than protesters when e start .'' 

Jude on his part wondered if the renovation is to make the National Assembly members have a finer environment for them to take more selfies for the gram. See his reaction below

''Don’t be embarrassing God everywhere ''- 2face Idibia slams Pastors and Imams

Singer 2face Idibia took to his Twitter handle this morning to express his anger at religious leaders who have failed in their duties.

 

In a Twitter thread, the singer asked clergymen to stop "embarrassment God everywhere." 

''Fuck all PASTORS & IMAMS and all so called MEN of God!! GOOD is GOOD and BAD is BAD Preach TRUTH. Don't be embarrassing GOD every where'' he tweeted

He also took a jab at people who still give their money to men of God.

Bye, bye Majek Fashek

REGGAE star Majek Fashek joyfully sang “Majek Fashek in the New York” and the gifted musician died in a hospital in the American city on Monday around 5:45 pm. after a health crisis that lasted nine months— September 2019 till June 2020.

A singer and multi-instrumentalist, Fashek introduced the world to a softer-edged style of reggae which he touted as ‘kpangolo music’ in 1988 on his debut album ‘Prisoner of Conscience’. His influences included Jimi Hendrix to Bob Marley and Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

In an interview with E-Weekly on Silverbird Television, Majek acknowledged Bob Marley and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti as his sources of inspiration. “I was inspired by Bob Marley and Fela Anikulapo Kuti. I have the pain of Bob Marley, that was why Rita Marley and the family decided to help me when I had issues after my Interscope deal failed.”

Majek was married to Rita Fashek, who shares the first name with Marley’s wife, Rita Marley. Majek repudiated the popular notion that he was into drugs.

“I have never used drugs, cocaine, or what have you. These are mere concoctions of junk or drunken press in the United States of America. I have never used drugs in the U.S. or Nigeria,” he said in an interview with TV personality and host of Rubbin Minds, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.

However, he claimed to have spiritual attacks and problems. “I have been having spiritual attacks and that is an African thing. It’s spiritual,” he said.

In 2008, Majek’s path crossed with that of filmmaker and record label owner, Charles Novia. The erudite filmmaker was quick to sign a deal to release and promote Majek’s last album ‘Little Patience’ after proper documentation from Coral Music, USA.

“Majek was a legend, someone who influenced my life as a kid and somehow, fate brought me to him to release his album, ‘Little Patience’. I took it as an act of fate and gave it all my best with the record deal then. I feel privileged and honour to have worked with him,” he enthused.

Novia added: “I spoke to Majek last three years ago. I think I saw him last in Abuja in 2017 on a flight and we had a little banter and shared some jokes. I think we spoke later on in the same year.”

At the high point of his career, Majek maintained a coherent sense of lyric line and continuously drew out key phrases in an elaborate manner – sometimes repeating the same phrase multiple times until he climaxed into a sing-along.

Majek polished his singing while with Jastix, a band he toured alongside fellow reggae group, The Mandators.

“I would remember him for the good time we had. I managed him for five years and it’s a privilege. I tried to get him back on track and push him out there because for me I was managing the biggest act in Africa then even though he was quite a handful you know with everything going on in his life at the time but I feel honoured and privileged to have worked with him,” Novia said.

Novia stressed that Majek was a very talented soul, who was also highly spiritual.

“He was a very talented and soft soul. He was beautiful in and out. Majek was a beautiful soul. He had a soft side of him, he didn’t like to see people suffer so he would always want to help. On the streets, when he saw children begging for alms or hawking wares, he would feel pained and if he had any money, he would dash it out all. He was a free spirit and very spiritual. He could pray all day, he was very deep spiritually and sort of understood how to commune with God in such a way that some of us don’t know. I think he was a prophet.”

Age doubts

His exact age is a subject of controversy. There are talks that the late legendary singer died at the age of 57 while others insist that he was 61 at the time of death.

Novia insisted: “Majek was born in 1962, so he was 58 years. He was 58 years not 61 or any other age.”

His delayed biopic

Novia said Majek delayed the biopic after giving the go-ahead for the commencement of the film.

Novia said: “We were supposed to work on a biopic which he didn’t want again and he told me to hold on and which is uncanny because he had given all the rights but later he insisted that I should hold on till he’s dead. We were about to start shooting 10 years ago when he stopped it again.”

He said he would shoot the film now that Majek is dead. “I’m still going to shoot that movie as a legacy or a biopic or a documentary on him for his legacy and his estate.”

Between Edo and Osun

Though his father was from Ilesha in Osun State, Majek identified more with his Benin roots. He was born in Benin City to an Edo mother and an Ilesha father.

Top entertainers, dignitaries pay tributes

Top Nigerian entertainers have been paying tribute to the reggae legend, Majek Fashek who died on Monday.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki said: “I mourn the death of quintessential, maverick musician and Edo son, Majek Fashek. Fashek, who took the world by storm with his enigmatic talent, remains one of the finest cultural icons of his age and would be remembered for his disarming craft and skill. Majek Fashek was born by an Edo mother, grew up in Benin City, and stood as a shining light for youths in the state to emulate. He remains a force to reckon with, serving as an inspiration to Benin boys and girls and many more people across races and tribes. He will remain in our hearts as one of those who defied the odds to reach global acclaim at a time no one gave him much of a chance. His skill shone brightly and the world could not but look his way and acknowledge his undeniable gift. He will be sorely missed.”

Afrobeat musician Dede Mabiaku said: “It’s a sad loss but he has gone to rest. It will be recorded in the book of history that he came, he saw and he conquered.”

For Nollywood star, Kate Henshaw said: “The sky looks misty and cloudy, looks like the rain’s gonna fall today. RIP Majek Fashek… I pray you finally rest well. Thank you for the great songs. Thank you for using your talent to bring smiles on our faces… Sun rè.”

Star musician Eedris Abdulkareem said: “As a massive rainfall bids a teary farewell to the rainmaker. He was one of a kind, a uniquely gifted performer. He was the Eleywon who lyrically called out Naija’s Prisoners of Conscience. He was the Rainmaker who crooned and the heavens will release its mist. He was one of a kind, so handsome and humane Inside out.

“He was and is still our own Majek Fashek, and yes, he was phenomenally electric, eccentric and unforgettably Magical! Trod on Dread, trod on Eleywon… You’re finally free to soar and perform with Jah’s Angelic Band.”

Public Relations guru Ayeni Adekunle said he was saddened by the passing of reggae music legend. “Majekodunmi Fasheke was an extraordinary talent who blessed the world with a unique version of reggae music birthed by the infusion of special African rhythms and sounds that he named kpangolo. And the world fell in love with him. With his creative genius, remarkable stage presence, deep spirituality and commercial appeal, Majek Fashek redefined what it meant to be a globally recognized African music star. He broke all barriers and penetrated hearts and homes beyond the shores of the continent. Majek’s success in the late 80s and early 90s helped breathe new life into the local Nigerian music scene, and his works continue to inspire today’s generation of artistes and performers. He will forever be remembered not only for sending down the rain but also for his reign as leading cultural ambassador of Nigerian music, which he proudly introduced to millions of people around the world. While we mourn Majek Fashek’s passing and commiserate with his family on this loss, we continue to celebrate his remarkable life and the evergreen music he left us with.”

Mike Odiong, Project Manager, Premier Music, described Majek as a legend.

“When I was a kid I wanted to sing like Yvonne Maha and many other artists. Majek was the one that saw that singing thing in me at 14 years old. He did my Demo then at Tabansi recording in Ikeja. The following year I left for America.

“He visited me here in New York and our friendship continued. He invited me to a show in Manhattan where he and Ras Kimono were opening for Lucky Dube, and that is how I found myself on stage dancing with Dube ( RIP, Dube). I was so proud of him and Kimono as the club was gyrating to his popular music, ‘ Send down the rain’. Majek Fashek continued to battle the demon that would eventually consume him. We tried to help him, but it was beyond our reach. Majek was the kindest person you will ever come across. A great singer and an innovator. He was a consummated creative artist, whose work will never be forgotten. I would have tagged his name and those who knew him here in New York if my main account was not suspended. My big bros, Majek Fashek. Rest in peace and may Jah Lord receive your soul. Amen,” Odiong said.

Ace broadcaster Jimi Disu said Majek was a very special human being. “It’s unfortunate how he died. I remember in the heydays when we were doing the gong show at the fantasy night club where I was the general manager. He came and participated and he won hands down and that was where he broke out into the media because the show was covered by both print and electronic,” he said.

Music star Skid Ikemefuna said: “He was a talented, God blessed musician. As he has left, my regret was that he would have done it better than he did. He would have helped other Nigerian musicians coming up. Along the line, we were able to identify drugs as destructive to musicians. Osadebe never took drugs, he didn’t smoke igbo. He continued playing till he died. That one big mistake Majek made. And once you get hooked on it, just forget it. Look at Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston. I have been managing and handling musicians for over 35 years. You will see good musicians, once they get into drugs, it’s all over. He was an icon that would have done a lot. The way he penetrated the international scene was only done by Fela. Fela’s music was different. ‘Send down the rain’ was done by the Jahstix. It was purely reggae. When he started his own, he added rock to it which was part of his influence. The second album he made with a Jazz keyboardist had a rock and a mellowed jazz influence. God bless him wherever he is, let God accept him. May he go to heaven for the joy he gave to people.”

Isolation-good-for-artists-art

Art has always been a part of Samuel Ajobiewe. His love for art makes it such that everything around him serves as an influence and inspiration for when he is creating works.

He began with documenting aspects of daily life and his environment, often having his wife – (who is also an artist) and his children – serve as a muse for a lot of his portraitures.

Right from the onset, Ajobiewe explored art as a means of documenting history. Over the years of his long practice, he mastered his craft, documenting the daily life of the everyday man, and then evolved into a social critic.

The artworks he has produced lately addresses issues of insecurity, political turbulence, human rights and other distressing issues that have eaten into the fabric of Nigerian society.

After his last solo exhibition at Mydrim Gallery in 2009, Ajobiewe seemed to have dropped off the vibrant art scene in Nigeria. For 8 years, he relocated to Benin Republic not minding of being forgotten by enthusiasts and his collectors.

When asked about this, the artist said: “I never really thought about it until I returned to Nigeria in 2012. I didn’t think about the effect of my absence would have on the minds of people conversant with my art. But, when I returned I took part in auctions and group exhibitions.”

In 2009, Ajiobewe left the noisy, busy city of Lagos, to Abbomeycalabi, a quiet town outside the more famous Cotonou in the Benin Republic. Moving there allowed him to heal from some health issues he was having, and a chance to continue developing himself as an artist.

“I moved out of Lagos after I developed some health issues. While in the Benin Republic I realised that my use of oil was part of the things affecting my health, so I moved to pastel and then drawing.

I tried sculpture, before experimenting with acrylic. I tried all of this when I found that drawing with oil was part of the things affecting my health. So, using acrylic brought some relief because it helped me get back my essence as an artist and in the art market,” Ajobiewe said.

At a time when ‘social distancing’ and ‘isolation’ are the buzz words due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected many countries in the world, Ajiobewe feels self-isolation is part of the process for an artist to create his works.

“It is important for me as an artist to be isolated. I avoid thiings that could distract me or derail my focus. I go out, but I minimize staying away from my studio, because I need time to do research, study my sketches before finally putting them on the canvas. So in a way, all these processes isolate artists most times,” he said.

After his return in 2017, Ajiobewe has been working on his first solo exhibition in 11 years and has found his way back into the loving arms of the art community in Nigeria.

From simply documenting history, which led to being a social commentator by the works he has created, Ajobiewe plans to exert himself as a social critic through art.

Ajobiewe’s love for art stems from his love for humanity, and as such, he is always looking forward to creating works that have a purpose and impacts society.

“Before I paint, I decide what message I want to pass across. I want my messages to be something that everyone is familiar with,” he said.

Even though he is planning to hold an exhibition in June or July, Ajobiewe is now focusing on playing his part through art in reminding humanity of what happened during the pandemic and the lessons that can be learnt.

“Although with the pandemic, artists have the challenge of buying materials to work with, and staying indoors all the time does not help the artist get ideas.

It also provides the artist with new ideas. You will see works from artists on themes like social distancing and face masks,” he added.

BBNaija star Uriel searches for husband on Instagram

The former housemate of Big Brother Naija, Uriel Oputa, has begun the search for a partner who will become her husband on Instagram.

Over the weekend, Uriel took to her Instagram page to search for a hubby in her recent live show tagged ’Win UUs heart’.

According to the reality TV star, she is on the search for a better half and will select one from over 15 suitors, in her recent Instagram post she wrote ’13 more to go’.

Uriel said she has been single for over 5 years now and is desperate to get back into a relationship.

On the show, Uriel had a live date with different suitors asking them questions and getting to know more about their personal life.

The reality star is hosting the show in conjunction with the Chief executive officer, CMC cars, Chidi Mike, who promised to give her the sum of N5 million if she succeeds in hooking a man.

Uriel thanked Nigerian comedian and actor Chigul aka Chioma Omeruah for giving her the idea of starting the show.

Win UUs heart will hold Thursdays and Saturdays till she finds her suitor.

BBNaija: Pepper Dem housemates reunite ahead of fifth season

AHEAD of the fifth season of the Big Brother Naija season five, housemates of the fourth season themed Pepper Dem will be reuniting after a year.

The 26 ex-housemates of the Pepper Dem edition will be reuniting for the Reunion Show from Monday, June 1.

Fans of the popular reality TV show will be treated to the reunion show that promises to be filled with emotional outbursts, wild surprises and other interesting moments.

As expected, the ex-housemates will be having hearty talks with the show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, as he revisits the events that rocked Biggie’s house in the fourth season.

Fans and viewers will also hope to get answers to some burning questions and perhaps witness the end to the rivalries between some of the ex-housemates.

The Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem Reunion will focus on a few unresolved misunderstandings among the ex-housemates before its finale in 2019.

The reunion hopes to bring closure to some of the drama fans who were entertained during the Pepper Dem Season and give answers to some burning questions, one of which is the fight between Mercy and Tacha.

Why The African Film Festival 2020 will hold online – Kelechi Eke

A FILMMAKER and founder of The African Film Festival, Kelechi Eke, has given reasons why the film festival will hold online amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Explaining the idea behind the decision to host this year’s edition online, Eke said, “There was much optimistic desire behind the scenes to reschedule the event due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, we opted to host it online and stream it globally. With so much uncertainty amid COVID-19, and, since no one can accurately predict when it might actually be possible to host the event in a safe and responsible manner and I personally would not feel good about putting hundreds of people in an arena any time this year.”

Continuing, Eke said, “Moving the African Film Festival online is more like utilizing the latest streaming and community engagement technologies and this will certainly allow our pass holders and sponsors including global fans of the festival to watch more movies and uniquely interact with a wider range of celebrities than was possible in the past.”

Eke also said the 4-day event will kick off on Tuesday, June 2 till Saturday, June 6, with film screenings, online workshops, and training sessions, and TAFF Awards ceremony.

Eke also noted that TAFF strives to bridge cultures through films by inviting a diverse audience to celebrate some of the best films from and about the African continent.

Eke, a popular filmmaker and software engineer said the attendees for this year’s festival will have the privilege of watching the festival selections in the comfort of their own homes as well as on-demand.

The film portal Rootflix, according to him, will showcase the selected films and the awards ceremony.

Offset vows to win Cardi B back

Offset-vows to win back Cardi B after their bitter public split

Offset is determined to stay married to the “Money” rapper.

A source close to Offset spoke to Hollywood Life and revealed that he isn’t giving up without a fight.

“Offset feels heartbroken over his split,” the source told HollywoodLife.

“He has major regrets over some of the mistakes he made in their relationship,” the source said.

Cardi said “it’s nobody’s fault,” but then the alleged mistress Summer Bunni released a “[He] does not want to believe that it is over for good,” the source told HL.

“Offset blames a lot of the haters, online trolls and Cardi’s obsessive fans for contributing to their breakup.”

He never felt so much pressure in a relationship as he did with Cardi which made things challenging,” the source goes on. “He still has a lot of love for Cardi, still finds her sexy. And beautiful as ever and does not want to lose her in his life.

“He’s giving Cardi a little space to cool down, but he’s very hopeful they can work this out[…] He has good reason to think they can [work this out] too, because this is not the first time she has broken up with him…

He’s convinced once she calms down, they can fix this because they have real love and a family. He also swears that he didn’t do anything wrong, that Cardi has it all twisted this time. He obviously has made some big mistakes in the past, but he says this time it’s a set up.” video of her crying over being the cause of the split. *cue the violins*

Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Teni Da Entertainer To Perform At GOtv Boxing Night 17

The 17th edition of GOtv Boxing Night (GOtv Boxing Night 17) will feature musical performances by four big acts, the organisers have revealed.

The artistes scheduled to perform at the event, which holds on 28 December at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, are Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Teni Da Entertainer and Daddy Showkey.

According to Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director of Flykite Promotions, organisers of the event, the top acts have been signed on to provide additional entertainment at the show, which will host the World Boxing Federation Intercontinental super featherweight title bout between Nigeria’s Seun “The Machine” Wahab and Tanzania’s Issa “Peche Boy” Nampepeche in addition to seven other bouts.

Alumona explained that the show, tagged “Boxing Jams Music”, was conceived as a well-rounded entertainment package for fans during festive season.

“There is no doubt that boxing and music are both forms of entertainment and bring joy to people. Our aim is to provide fans with best in sport and music, the reason we have signed on four of the country’s biggest artistes for GOtv Boxing Night 17. It is a family-oriented event. We want parents to come with their children and have fun,” explained Alumona.

In addition to the WBF title fight, GOtv Boxing Night 17 will feature another international bout, a middleweight challenge duel between US-based Nigerian Oluwafemi “The Eagle” Oyeleye and Meshack “Smart Boy” Mwankemwa of Tanzania.

Also in action on the night are big names on the domestic boxing scene. They include Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, African Boxing Union lightweight champion; Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu, national lightweight champion; Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, Nurudeen “Prince” Fatai and Ridwan “Scorpion” Oyekola.

The event will be beamed live on SuperSport in 47 African countries and would also see the best boxer of the night go home with a cash prize of N1.5 million alongside the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy.

Boxing jams music

Photos: Former Oyo governor, Rasheed Ladoja’s son wedding

Shola Ladoja, son of former Oyo state governor, Rasheed Ladoja, officially tied the knot with the love of his, Mena in Lagos.
The high class society wedding reception took place at Eko Hotel and Suites last weekend.

Shola Ladoja and Mena