Entertainment

Glo-Sponsored African Voices Features Celebrated Singer, Rema

Published

3 days ago

October 12, 2024

Eric

Nigeria’s Afrobeat music star and multiple award-winner, Rema, will be featured this week on African Voices Changemakers, CNN International’s magazine programme, sponsored by telecommunications company, Globacom.

Born Divine Ikubor, the 24-year-old artiste from Edo State, discovered his passion for music as a church chorister and a rapper who entertained his peers in his secondary school, Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State.

Rema came into limelight after posting a viral freestyle on Instagram to D’Prince’s song “Gucci Gang”. Wowed by his rare talent, D’Prince flew him to Lagos and offered him a record deal with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records owned by music executive and producer Don Jazzy. His 2019 hit “Dumebi” was the first fruit of the contract.

His international breakthrough happened in 2022 with his single “Calm Down”, which led to a remix with American singer Selena Gomez. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and first on Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-setting 58 weeks.

His talents have earned him several awards including the MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video and the Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Songs.

He was recognised for achieving 1 billion streams worldwide during his London concert on November 7, 2022 and he also performed at the Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the Theatre du Châtelet in Paris, France on October 30, 2023.

The edition will be broadcast on Saturday at 8.30 a.m., with repeats at noon the same day. More repeats come up on Sunday at 4.30 a.m., 7.00 p.m. and on Monday at 4.00 a.m.

Entertainment

Anike Performs at the 55th Annual Dove Awards

Published

1 week ago

October 5, 2024

Eric

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

Nigerian-American rapper Anike was one of several artists who performed at Gospel music’s biggest night of the year. It was the first time, Anike, formerly known as Wande, has performed at the Dove Awards.

An annual event which showcases many of the nation’s leading Christian music artists, this year’s awards show was held in Nashville, Tennessee.

Other performers included Chandler Moore, Tye Tribbett and gospel icon CeCe Winans, who not only took home three trophies but opened the show with a joy-fueled performance of “That’s My King” complete with a 24-person choir.

“I’m known for my music all over the world,” shared CeCe Winans as she accepted her accolade for Artist of the Year. “People know me for my music. God only knows me for my relationship with Him. With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.”

An event where artists from every style of gospel music come together for a night of music and celebration, winners included Jonathan Smith, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, and Jason Ingram. Song of the Year went to “Holy Forever,” honoring songwriters Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram and Phil Wickham. Gospel Music icons Bill and Gloria Gaither were honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award.

Photos by Jamie Gilliam, Terry Wyatt & Tessa Voccola

Entertainment

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

Published

2 weeks 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

3 weeks 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