Entertainment

Family Sets Dec 15 for Burial of Gospel Singer Sammie Okposo

Published

2 years ago

December 6, 2022

Eric

The funeral arrangements for gospel singer, Sammie Okposo, who died on November 25, 2022 at the age of 51, have been released by his family.

A tribute night will be held for him on Tuesday, December 13 in Lagos State, followed by a service of songs on Wednesday.

The funeral service for Okposo will take place on December 15 and will be private affair.

Okposo’s manager, Hillary Vincent, revealed to The PUNCH on November 27, that the singer died in his sleep as against earlier speculations that he slumped.

Vincent had said, “It is not true that Sammie slumped and died. That report is false. At the right time, the family will set the records straight. But, I can tell you authoritatively that he did not slump. Rather, he just did not wake up from his sleep.”

Sammie Okposo started his music career as a soundtrack producer for Nollywood in 1992. He was well-known at that time in the small circle of Nollywood actors and producers.

He later began to get more career flashpoints when he started the Sammie Okposo Praise Party, a platform that brought many up-and-coming Nigerian gospel artistes into the scene.

The Niger Delta-born music star was known for emboldening the gospel music scene by taking his music away from the quiet confines of the church.

He released his first album Unconditional Love in 2000.

Entertainment

I Made Up My Mind to Become an Actor at 16 – Jimmy Akingbola

Published

7 days ago

September 28, 2024

Eric

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

Versatile and quite talented, Jimmy Akingbola plays Geoffrey in “Bel-Air,” the remake of the hit ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which starred Will Smith, and has built an impressive resume with several projects that include “Arrow,” the award-winning television series “Ted Lasso,” “Rise” and “Hero: The Extraordinary Life of Mr. Ulric Cross.”

The British thespian, who is of Nigerian descent, was one of several actors, who shared his journey to Hollywood at AAFCA’s annual event Spotlighting Black British Actors in America.

Akingbola, who made his American debut on the television show “Arrow,” had hopes of pursuing a career in sports but sought a career on the screen when he caught the acting bug as a teenager.

“I watched a lot of American films and television and was inspired by what I saw and did a one man monologue stand up show,” he shares. “People laughed and I got a standing ovation and at 16 I decided I wanted to become an actor.”

It was a long road for the Akingbola who worked several odd jobs including a job as an usher to pay his way through drama school before landing his first project.

Despite a successful acting career in the U.K., he was inspired to move to America by actors such as Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba and Emmon Walker and the slew of other Brits who were carving out careers in Hollywood.

“It was a risk as I had to start from scratch,” admits the actor. “It wasn’t paved with gold and I had to be humble.”

Akingbola, who cites actor Don Cheadle (“Hotel Rwanda”) as an inspiration, also runs the Triforce Creative Network which provides opportunities for actors, writers, directors and producers.

Established in 2003, the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is America’s largest organization of black film critics.

Entertainment

Akon Releases First Single in a Decade

Published

1 week ago

September 26, 2024

Eric

The first artist to hold the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching one billion views on YouTube, Akon who has been noticeably silent the last few years, is back with a new single.

Called “Akon’s Beautiful Day,” it’s due out October 4 via Konvict Kulture Records.

The release of the single coincides with the 20th anniversary of his debut album, “Trouble,” which launched him into superstardom with hits like “Locked Up.” and the song’s message resonates with his mission to inspire millions through his work in Africa, where he is working on access to energy with ‘Akon Power & Lighting Africa.’

The track also features a viral hook sung by 10-year-old Jamaican student Jermaine Edwards, whose heartwarming performance at school captivated audiences around the globe.

Akon was instrumental in the early development of Lady Gaga and T-Pain, signing them to his label and helped shape their careers. He is also embarking on “Akon Super Fan Tour Asia,” and is working on a documentary film in partnership with Kevin Hart and Hartbeat called “Headliners Only.”

Feature Photo: Shola Orolugbagbe

Entertainment

Dele Momodu, Koo Nimo, Others Bag Rhythms On Da Runway Honours

Published

1 week ago

September 25, 2024

Eric

Rhythms On Da Runway, a renowned award giving event, will this year, honour Nigeria’s veteran journalist, Chief Dele Momodu, among a host of some individuals who have contributed immensely to the advancement of the creative arts in Ghana.

This year’s edition slated for November 30, 2024 at the Grand Arena, will witness the honouring of prominent people in the space such as Agya Koo Nimo known in private life as Daniel Amponsah who has undoubtedly established himself as Ghana’s foremost exponent of acoustic guitar Highlife and folklore (palm wine music).

Also, Chief Dele Momodu of Ovation fame who has unflinchingly invested and supported Ghanaian creatives would be honoured on the night.

One of the country’s finest voices in Highlife music who has inspired generations with his craft, Kwabena Kwabena will be one of the honourees.

Additionally, Bibie Brew, a renowned Ghanaian, French international singer who broke boundaries with her impeccable voice will be amongst the recipients on the night.

Speaking at launch on Saturday September 21, Yvonne Ocloo Producer and Creative Director of Rhythms On Da Runway said, “In this spirit I am happy to announce the list of our Black Star Honorees for this year: our very own Kwabena Kwabena, the Icon Agya Koo Nimo, the titan Mr. Dele Momodu and the timeless Bibie Brew for their immeasurable contributions to the creative arts.”

Rhythms On Da Runway since its inception in 2010 has stood as a beacon of unity, fusing the vibrant forces of African fashion and music to exalt the limitless talent that resides on our continent.

From the legendary icons of African music to the rising stars of fashion and design, the event has fiercely showcased the spectrum with pride.