Entertainment

I was at the Mountaintop, Now I’m Back – Rosie Crooner, Blackky

Published

7 years ago

January 26, 2019

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

He is arguably one of the best dancehall performers Nigeria has ever produced. He is Nya Edward Inyang, better known by his stage name Blackky. Blackky rocked the Nigerian nightclub scenes in the 90s, with songs like Rosie, Sugar Stick, and many more hit dancehall songs. In this brief chat, he reveals what he has been up to and what his fans should expect soonest. Excerpts:

It’s been a while. What’s been happening?

Yeah, I keep telling the fans that Blackky was at the mountaintop, but they laugh. They don’t take me seriously, but I’ve been at the mountaintop. The mountaintop is a state of mental withdrawal. I can see you but you can’t see me. However, I’ve been in Nigeria, still performing and appearing at concerts. We played a couple of concerts in 2018 though I haven’t released any albums since my last Reggae Icon album in 2006, which got me a Kora Awards nomination for the best Reggae Raga Act.

Should we assume that you have come down from the mountaintop?

I’ve descended from the mountaintop, yes

So, what are we expecting?

Now, in the hills and valleys and the cities, we are busy working on some new materials for an entirely new music. I’m working on some new songs and at the same time, we are still continuing our performances, reaching out on different platforms, and at both private and public shows.

While you were on the mountaintop, what were you meditating on?

Ah, this country of ours can keep you at the mountaintop for years without. You know, we have a very difficult country and so have to go to that mountaintop sometimes – which is a state of mind in which you withdraw yourself into solitary confinement, but you are still mingling. And this is where artistes like myself get inspiration from. When I write music, I don’t just write – I don’t write on things like women, drugs and things that I don’t believe in. I write about things that are conscious and can enlighten. So at such times, I usually have to retreat, so that I can get the right words, from inside.

Frankly speaking, are you dropping an album soon?

Well, I can’t give a date but it is in the works. I’m working on some new materials. That’s how much I can say.

Your song, Rosie, was a dancehall hit. So, can we expect a new song of that calibre?

Well, with music, you cannot compare the different works, as they come out. Rosie was different from all the other songs I put out and they were all hits. So, let’s say that every song that Blackky puts out is a product of deep thinking and lots of work. That’s all I can assure the fans; as for how far the songs will go, the fans are the determining factor.

Now, let’s talk about family. How’s the family?

We give thanks and praise for family and the support system we have, because without family, who are we?

How large is the family now?

Very large, but Blackky man is still waiting on Jah’s time for children.

It’s been lovely talking with you, Blackky.

Same here.

Entertainment

Globacom-Sponsored African Voices Changemakers Features BBN Host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

Published

1 week ago

November 30, 2025

Eric

Nigerian media personality and Big Brother Naija host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, is the guest on CNN International’s acclaimed magazine show, African Voices, this week. The 30-minute show, sponsored by telecommunications leader, Globacom, gives viewers an in-depth look at Ebuka’s journey and impact.

Born on July 14, 1982, Ebuka first entered the spotlight as a contestant on the inaugural edition of Big Brother Naija in 2006. Since then, he has become the show’s longest-serving host, captivating audiences with his charisma and style.

A Law graduate of the University of Abuja, Ebuka also holds a Master’s degree in Law from the Washington College of Law at American University, Washington, where he specialized in Intellectual Property. Beyond reality TV, he has anchored notable programs including Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television and the Glo Show.

The episode highlights Ebuka’s impressive fashion collaborations with designer Mai Atafo, the cultural stories behind his signature style, and his passionate advocacy for young boys across Nigeria.

The show which runs on Saturday on DSTV Channel 401 at 8:30 a.m. and 12.00 noon is repeated on Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. The repeats continue on Monday at 4 on the morning belt and at 6.45 p.m. the same day and at 6.45 p.m. on Tuesday. The edition will be repeated next weekend at the same time slots.

Entertainment

My Character in “Sinnners” Reflects Deep Ancestral Reverence, Connection – Starlet Wunmi Mosaku

Published

1 week ago

November 29, 2025

Eric

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

She received a British Academy of Film and Television Arts award (BAFTA) for playing a grieving matriarch in the heartbreaking drama “Damilola, Our Loved Boy.” She captivated audiences as Ruby Baptiste in the horror-drama series “Lovecraft Country” and was the sidekick to Idris Elba’s character in the fifth series of the BBC crime drama “Luther.”

Wunmi Mosaku’s latest role as a spiritual healer and Hoodoo conjurer is earning her rave reviews.

In “Sinners,” the supernatural horror film directed by Ryan Coogler, Mosaku, who is known for her roles in “Loki” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” and the film “His House” is much more than just the estranged wife of Elijah “Smoke” Moore (Michael B. Jordan).

“Annie is Smoke’s protection, his comforter. She’s his mother, his teacher, his friend and his lover,” says the Nigerian-born British actress whose performance has been widely praised for its emotional arc and authenticity. In playing Annie, she steeped herself in research ensuring she not only perfected the Southern American accent required but arduously rehearsed with Jordan as their on-screen relationship is central to the film’s core.

“We had a couple of weeks of rehearsal and shared our story, our lives, our hopes, our dreams, our fears, the things most precious to us. And so, we built a level of trust and openness and safety to really explore that love, that grief, the differences. I think that’s kind of the fastest way to get to trusting your scene partner and being free is just to open up, and that’s what we did.”

An original tale that takes place in a single day, “Sinners” follows identical twin brothers, Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), who return to their Mississippi hometown to open a juke joint. While they plan to start a new life, they soon find themselves battling a group of vampires who attack their establishment, forcing the survivors to learn how to fight and defeat them.

Her character’s expertise in Hoodoo proves crucial in helping her companions tackle the vampires. She provides spiritual and intellectual guidance for the group. It’s a role which also allowed Mosaku, who was born in Zaria, to explore her own heritage as a Hoodoo expert Dr. Yvonne Patricia Chireau, an authority on Africa based religions and spiritual traditions served as a consultant on the film.

“There is this reverence for our people, who we are and where we’re from, and I was excited by the depth and the quality of the writing when I read the script, and I learned so much from Annie. The onset conversations Michael and I had, and those I had with the community, truly inspired me. I hope the film reminds people to stay connected with their ancestors.”

With music, humor, drama, suspense and history, director Ryan Coogler (“Creed,” “Black Panther,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”), who also wrote the screenplay, has created a modern cinematic masterpiece.

Samantha Ofole-Prince is a U.S. based journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film

Entertainment

Don Jazzy Names Top 5 All-time Afrobeats Songs, Albums

Published

1 month ago

November 1, 2025

Eric

Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has unveiled his list of favorite Afrobeats songs and albums, spotlighting the classics that propelled the genre from local streets to international acclaim.

In a RollingStone Africa interview, the producer paid homage to the Mo’ Hits era he co-built with D’Banj, while crediting pioneers who shaped the sound.

His top songs include 2Baba’s African Queen, which he said opened global doors for Afrobeats and Wizkid’s Ojuelegba for its authentic storytelling.

D’Banj’s Fall in Love earned praise as a continental anthem from Mo’ Hits, while 9ice’s Gongo Aso was lauded for blending Yoruba tradition with pop.

Davido’s Aye rounded out the list for its Highlife-infused energy.

For albums, Don Jazzy singled out Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 Mo’Hits, which he produced as a timeless masterpiece.

He also named 2Baba’s Grass 2 Grace, Wizkid’s Superstar, D’Banj’s The Entertainer, and Aṣa’s self-titled debut as foundational works that influenced today’s stars.