In the realm of music performances, Heart of Worship Tour stands out, seamlessly blending Yoruba and Igbo traditions in a captivating performance set to charm global audiences during their upcoming U.S. tour. Led by the soulful vocals of Blessing Akintunde, Sarah Dada, Emmanuel Onyegbula, Gift Christopher, Adeyinka Okeleye, Oluwaseun Tanimola, Daniel Igbojionu, Daberechi Okwuoha and Ozioma Nwankwo. This ensemble of talented singers and instrumentalists celebrates diversity by fusing traditional melodies with modern beats. Recent performances in Lagos showcased their unique blend, incorporating traditional dance recitals for an enchanting visual experience.
Blessing Akintunde’s commanding voice guides the group through a range of emotions, from exuberant praise to contemplative worship, creating a multi-dimensional sonic journey. Rooted in Yoruba and Igbo Gospel traditions, Heart of Worship fearlessly embraces a contemporary sound, infusing elements of Highlife and other genres. As anticipation builds for their U.S. tour, Heart of Worship promises to bring this enriching cultural experience to a global audience, a testament to the harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity in the world of music.”
The group is scheduled to perform in Chicago, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Atlanta amongst others.
Caroline Danjuma, former actress and ex-wife of Musa Danjuma, the younger brother to a former defence minister, General TY Danjuma (rtd), has always been in the news for so many different reasons.
While she was not one of the A-list actresses in the nation’s movie industry, otherwise known as Nollywood, she, however, commands respect for her charm and beauty.
Before her marriage to the Taraba State-born billionaire, she had allegedly been romantically linked with the award-winning musician, Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia and a former Super Eagles player. Her marriage to billionaire Danjuma offered her a new lease of life leading to a total transformation in her life.
For 10 years of their marriage, it was a source of envy to many celebrities who looked at it as a marriage made in heaven.
During the years of their sizzling romance, the dazzling beauty enjoyed marital bliss and her hubby flaunted her like a new bride, while she also enjoyed expensive gifts from the man either on their wedding anniversary or on her birthday celebrations.
However, a few years into the marriage there was news of an alleged break-up. But on every occasion the story hit the street, the couple denied it, while they also made appearances at parties or social events. At the time, not many were aware that it was all cosmetic until the marriage that produced three children crashed like a pack of cards due to irreconcilable differences.
She subsequently picked up the pieces of her life and moved on when she went into another romantic affair with her friend, Tagbo Umenike, who died in 2017.
The mother of three, quite expectedly, was distraught over the loss of Tagbo for many months.
As expected of a beautiful lady, a source revealed to us then that though she got attention from men, she had refused to look their way, even though there was an unverified rumour that she was in a sizzling romance with one London-based big boy and businessman, Lekan Gbadamosi. The romance tales later disappeared just like it started.
But it seems the Nigerian-Scottish-born lady who has been off social media for a while has learnt her lesson the hard way, probably she is tired of being in the cold, ready to go back to the warm hands of her ex-husband.
Recently, she granted an interview with actress Innih Emah on a YouTube show, ‘Speak Your Truth with Innih.’ The former actress confessed that she still loves her ex-husband and it would not change.
She said: “He would always be the love of my life. He is the father of my three children. He is the one I said, and you know what? This man is worth being my husband. So, yes, he would always remain the love of my life, and that would not change.
“I would love to marry again, whether it’s my ex-husband or a new amazing man God sends. I want to have a family.”
She has set tongues wagging ever since she made the revelation.
After joining forces with Comcast NBCUniversal and Sky to revamp its app and service, Showmax is now focusing on African markets. At a press parley to announce its upcoming launch, the streaming service said it will be present in 44 African countries, against seven countries it had operating units in when it initially launched.
The shift in the market comes as more global streaming giants eye the continent’s over one billion population, even though the streaming era is yet to catch up on the continent. And with over 450 million smartphone users on the continent, Showmax is positioning itself as a dominant player with the relaunch.
“In tandem with Multichoice Nigeria’s focus on indigenous content creation, Showmax emerges as a hot driving resource of streaming video-on-demand in the region,” said the General Manager, Showmax Nigeria, Opeoluwa Filani.
The new Showmax app comes with a sleek design and a new technical platform powered by Comcast NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming service. The Peacock streaming platform will be active in more than 70 countries and is continually enhanced by the combined expertise of thousands of engineers.
“Peacock’s best-in-class technology platform will deliver a world-class streaming experience to Showmax audiences,” said Patrick Miceli, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Direct-to-Consumer and International, NBCUniversal. “The Peacock platform was designed from day one to support both live and on-demand content, including the biggest live sporting events, so we look forward to extending that capability and reliability to the new Showmax.”
Additionally, there are four new plans, out of which the standalone Premier League plan for mobile is at the heart of the business. Showmax hopes to bring the continent’s 250 million football lovers to its platform, offering all 380 games live on the new plan for N2,900.
Other plans include Showmax Entertainment Mobile offered for N1,200 a month, Showmax Entertainment at N2,500, and the Bundled plan is offered at N3,200.
Accessibility and affordability, according to the Head of Marketing at Showmax Nigeria, Arinola Shobande, is key to the service’s ambition to be a dominant streamer in Africa. She emphasized the app’s customisation for the African market, saying the new Showmax is effortless for subscribers to access and afford the stories they love while highlighting the low-data mode.
“A remarkable feature of the new app is that viewers can now stream on Showmax for 24 hours with just 1G of data. To put it in perspective, watching an hour of Showmax content on mobile requires as low as 40MB, offering an exceptionally cost-effective streaming experience.”
Showmax is betting heavily on content, rolling out about 21 new Showmax Originals in February alongside the relaunch, which include five Nigerian Originals, and offering more than 1, 300 hours of Showmax Originals produced in the year, representing a significant 150 per cent increase in production output compared to the year before.
With its new international partners, the streaming service now offers multiple international shows, including award-winning titles as recently seen at the Emmys where shows like ‘Succession,’ ‘The Last of Us,’ and ‘The White Lotus’ picked up 29 awards. This signified a big deal for Showmax as it looks to take the lead in Africa.
Showmax’s content offering is further boosted by its focus on the African market and strengthened by the vast creative and commercial presence already established by MultiChoice. “Nobody understands Africa like we do. Showmax is putting the continent first with a powerful streaming service that will revolutionise streaming in Africa in 2024,” said the CEO of West Africa, MultiChoice, John Ugbe.
But with its focus on African markets, Showmax is exiting international markets. What this means is that its content will only be available through third parties. It, however, believes that the future holds more promises.
Responding to questions about whether the relaunch is promoted by market competition, the Executive Head, Corporate Affairs of MultiChoice Nigeria, Caroline Oghuma said the company is more invested in innovation, and technological advancements to bring better streaming experience for the continent.
Showmax relaunch is coming just as Amazon Prime is making plans to lay off staff and scale back its local content production in Africa and the Middle East as part of a restructuring plan, according to a report by Variety.
The new app will be available to existing and new users on January 23, 2024, and DStv subscribers can still link Showmax to their accounts.
The serene and opulent atmosphere of Lagos was literally set ablaze weeks back with splendour and merriment, as the prominent Osi-Bobagunwa, Yemi Lawal, celebrated the marriage of his daughter in grand style.
The Lagos real estate industry icon and Chairman, Seagle Group of Companies, Lawal, radiated joy and happiness as his daughter, Olayemi Hafisat Lawal tied the knot with her dashing groom, Olanrewaju.
The wedding, which was held on Saturday, December 30, 2023, was nothing short of a spectacle. The Nikkah took place at the luxurious Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, while the reception unfolded at the esteemed Landmark Event Centre.
The elite event, which was graced by an illustrious array of dignitaries, including members of the Presidency and notable figures from various industries, is undoubtedly an affair to remember.
Among the distinguished guests were Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, representing President Bola Tinubu, and the venerable Baba Ijebu Adebutu Kessington. Furthermore, the presence of Governor Dapo Abiodun, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and Ladi Adebutu added a touch of political charm to the occasion.
The gathering was a testament to the widespread admiration and respect for Lawal, whose influence extends across both state and industry lines. Titans from the realms of real estate and banking joined in the celebration, further enhancing the event’s grandeur and prestige.
Royal presence was also felt with Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (jájá II) leading a distinguished array of royal fathers, alongside notable personalities such as Rev. Esther Ajayi, Gbenga Ashafa, juju maestro, Ayo Balogun, Yemi Edun and Chairman Address Homes Properties, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, among others.
The guests were treated to the finest and most expensive liquors and delicacies. Champagne arrived in flûtes on trays, and the guests emptied them with gladness in their hearts, even as they rocked the dance floor.
The evening was made even more illustrious by captivating performances from legends King Sunny Ade and Chief Ebenezer Obey, who serenaded the guests with their timeless tunes, adding an extra touch of class to the grand celebration.
The wedding party counts as one of the biggest in Lagos this year, solidifying Lawal’s esteemed status in Lagos’ real estate industry and also a testament to his affluence.
As the event unfolded, the air was filled with joy and warmth, as cherished alliances were celebrated and new connections were made. The wedding exemplified the coming together of distinguished personalities to honour the union of the Osi-Bobagunwa’s daughter, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
The Nigerian music industry has witnessed substantial growth over the decades, giving rise to unique and talented artists, notably in the genre of Afro Beats, which has swiftly gained prominence on the international stage.
Beyond artists, there is a notable surge in skilled Disk Jockeys, or DJs, who play a pivotal role in the industry by introducing new music, promoting emerging artists, and shaping trends through live performances that elevate entertainment experiences.
Despite this growth, Nigerian DJs encounter various challenges, including piracy, a recognition gap, lack of standardized payment structures, financial constraints from high equipment costs, limited access to formal training, intense competition, brand-building difficulties, and uncertainties in the gig economy.
In an interview with DJ Demola DSA, a seasoned professional DJ with over 30 years of experience and a two-time DJ for the popular BBnaija in 2019 and 2021 respectively, he emphasized the importance of viewing DJing as a significant component of the music industry. DJ Demola said ‘there is need for those entering the profession to transition from a hobby mindset to a professional one. The DJ industry needs to be taken as seriously as other facets of the industry.’ He called for collaborative efforts to address challenges and find solutions, particularly in ensuring seamless performances during busy event seasons.
DJ Demola DSA’s extensive career includes roles as a radio presenter at OGBC II FM and Raypower FM (Port Harcourt), as well as playing at the prestigious Niteshift from 1990 to 1995, where he ascended to the position of music manager in 1992.
Recognized internationally for his experience and commitment, DJ Demola DSA emphasized the indispensable role DJs play in promoting Nigeria and Africa’s music to the global audience. ‘There is an urgent need to address challenges hindering industry growth, and to facilitate easier pathways for emerging talents contributing to the advancement of African music on the world stage.’ he said.
With more voices like DJ Demola DSA, speaking on behalf of the upcoming DJs and the music industry at large, Nigeria music is just beginning to experience its finest season of being the world music super star.
In the celebration of ‘Detty’ December 2023, Smirnoff took the center stage at three of the biggest music festivals in Lagos; Empire Warehouse, Nativeland Festival and Asake Live in Concert.
These events provided an unmatched platform for consumers to revel in the thrill of live performances and the infectious energy that defines Smirnoff events.
Revellers were immersed in the world of Smirnoff with Instagramable photobooths, exciting Smirnoff cocktails, Smirnoff Merchandize stands, tattoo station and epic performances by an array of hot-in-culture artists including, Asake, Olamide, Ayra Star, Odumudo Blvck, Bloody Civilian, Shallipopi as well as DJs, Uncle Waffles, DJ Titanium.
‘Smirnoff is renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and delivering unrivalled experiences.
Our partnership with these hot-culture-platforms showcases Smirnoff’s unwavering dedication to providing immersive consumers experiences, one sip at a time.’ said Abi Ipaye, Senior Brand Manager, Smirnoff.
Shell has begun hundreds of layoffs, sources with knowledge of the matter told Bloomberg, as the supermajor looks to create more value through simplification and discipline.
Positions in the low-carbon business will be the first to be eliminated, followed by additional job cuts in the corporate affairs division and project and technology departments, Bloomberg’s sources said.
Last year, Shell said it planned to cut 15 per cent of the 1,300 jobs in its Low Carbon Solutions business as it scales back some green energy ambitions and focuses on profitable projects including in the oil and gas sector.
The UK-based supermajor plans to eliminate 200 jobs in its Low Carbon Solutions division next year, and is also reviewing the future of another 130 positions in the green energy business, which currently employs around 1,300 people, Shell told Reuters in October.
In December 2023, the oil major announced internally a broader plan for job cuts in other departments, too.
Xia Hesheng, President of Huawei Digital Power Sub-Saharan Africa Region, spoke of the global importance of carbon neutrality, and of countries’ pursuit of energy sovereignty. He outlined the huge commercial value of the PV industry which is driving the accelerated development of clean energy. Xia believes Solar Business is a long-term (more than 30 years) and fast-growing industry.
He however cautioned that although businesses can choose to focus on short-term targets, this is not always a winning strategy. “If you want to do a long-term business, you should consider technology, quality, safety, and service”, he said. Xia added that the selection of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is a strategic decision, noting that an OEM with comprehensive strength that can develop together in a long-term, is a better choice.
Furthermore, the President expanded that, the safety of household product is crucial to the owner, installer and channel. Safer products should be the first choice in product selection. Huawei has made Residential Solar Safety Design by prioritizing technology safety, electrical safety, equipment safety, and system safety. Specifically, the AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter), RSD(Rapid Shut Down) make the above rooftop safety; built-in fire extinguishing package, 0V Port before operation, LiFePO4 (LFP) cell, cell Level monitoring make the Below rooftop safety; while the Triple EMC Protection Design (Power port, Signal port, radiation of system) make the Human safety.
Additionally, Xia asserted that quality is the cornerstone of the rapid development of the industry, pointing out that with the increase in sales and installation, the importance of quality will become more prominent. As such, three aspects of quality should be prioritized namely; product quality, delivery quality, and service quality.
According to him, Huawei achieves product quality through product design and component selection because the company believes that end-to-end high-quality target can only be achieved by building quality on processes.
Finally, Xia restated Huawei’s readiness to work with all partners to be a Long-Distance Runner in Renewable Energy Era.
As the spate of kidnaping for ransom and other criminal activity in the country spiral out of control, experts in the financial service sector have linked the menace to increase in currency circulating outside banks, which climbed to record high as of Q4 2023
This correlation comes as questions swirl around the reversal of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) cashless policy, which previously imposed limits on cash withdrawals and encouraged digital transactions.
Recently, data released by the central bank indicated a substantial surge in currency held outside the banking system as at Q4 2023, reaching unprecedented levels in historical comparison.
According to the central bank data, the total currency in circulation (CIC) as at November, 2023 stood at N3.35 trillion, with currency outside the banks amounting to N3.08 trillion, representing a substantial 92 per cent of the total CIC.
In an interview with THISDAY, the Group Chief Executive officer, Cowry Assets Management, Johnson Chukwu said: “Remember that during the cashless policy, we almost eliminated incidents where people came to people’s homes to rob them of cash. So we eliminated robbery at homes and highway robbery because the robbers knew that the chances that they would get cash were minimal. But now if you reverse that process, you’re going to have those crimes come back. So you’re not just going to deal with kidnapping for ransom. You may also deal with highway robbery and robbers come into homes because they expect people to keep cash.”
He added that the cashless policy of the government had very positive security implications and maintained that he supported the cash withdrawal limits for corporates and personal transactions.
He added: “Unfortunately, the current CBN has revised that which means it’s an intentional act to allow cash outside the banking system. What we are witnessing now is it designed by the current administration of the central bank by reversing the entire cashless policy and removing all penal charges for cash withdrawal and cash lodgment.
“So, once you do that, you have unwound years of cultural change, or attitude change that had been implemented from the Sanusi era to the now. So it’s not strange that we’re seeing an increase in the volume of cash outside the banking system. Also, remember, that there is a transaction charge for every transaction with the bank. So an average businessman who will want to bypass, circumvent or avoid the charge if there is no penalty for keeping cash. And as you rightly said, we’re seeing an increase in kidnapping for ransom because if they know that they can get cash from you they don’t need to lodge the cash into the banking system.”
On her part, Senior Associate at Parthian Partners, Okiki Oladipo said: “While there could be potential correlation between the rise in currency circulation and insecurity, there are other factors that could contribute to this.
“The Stanbic IBTC bank Nigeria PMI’s data for March 2023 recorded a contraction of 42.3 per cent, after which we started to see expansions with a high of 54 per cent in May 2023. This connotes an improvement in the performance of the private sector, also drawing an inference of increased activities in the informal sector, where cash transactions are a norm,” he said.
“Hence, to curtail the upward trend of currency outside the banking system, the issues surrounding accessibility would have to be addressed. More efforts in the line of what is being done by the Payment Service Banks (PSBs) should be further propagated, to capture more people and businesses within the financial system,” she said
