Entertainment

Why it’s good Fela didn’t exist in this generation – Burna Boy

Published

1 year ago

August 23, 2023

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, has said it is good that the late afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti, didn’t exist in this generation because most of the people revering him today would have criticised and called for his arrest.

He said it was good that he existed for the period he did, which offered him the opportunity to pass on the kind of messages his songs carried.

Burna Boy, whose maternal grandfather, Benson Idonjie, was Fela Kuti’s first manager, stated this in a recent interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe in New York.

According to him: “What I have realised is that the times are really funny. Fela in his time was going through things that, if he was here today, it might have been a whole different feeling like a whole bunch of people from Nigeria who you see today celebrating Fela, are the same people that would have been tagging the police to go and arrest Fela if there was Twitter then.

“So, at the end of the day, I feel like God doesn’t make mistakes. You know what I mean like the times are just perfect for everyone, you know. If he [Fela] was here today, like his career started now, he may not have the space to explore that [his conscious creativity] because there is too much in this day and age that it just doesn’t interlock with the spirits. Right now, spirituality is almost non-existent.

“Now, it [the society] is just mostly run by stupidity and ignorance. It was still the same back then [during Fela’s era] but it wasn’t as amplified or accessed [as it is today]. Now, everything is defined by stupidity and ignorance.

“I’m grateful for the fact that he [Fela] existed in his time so that we can get an experience of the true organic nature of what he was, the essence of what he stood for and the messages he passed across to us.”

Entertainment

Why I’m now cautious about my interactions, professional endeavours – Tonto Dikeh

Published

4 hours ago

February 4, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Nollywood actress and politician, Tonto Dikeh, has reflected on the impact of maturity on her personal and professional life.

She stated that maturity has taught her to be more cautious about her interactions and professional endeavours.

The movie star explained that while she still maintains a discerning perspective, she now places greater value on remaining vigilant in her engagements.

In a recent Instagram post, Dikeh wrote: “As I mature, I’ve become more attentive to advice about exercising caution in my interactions and professional endeavors.

“While I still maintain a discerning perspective, I now place greater value on such counsel, remaining vigilant in my engagements.”

Entertainment

2025 Grammy: Your achievement is historic – Sanwo-Olu congratulates Tems

Published

1 day ago

February 3, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the famous Nigerian songstress, Temilade Openiyi, a.k.a. Tems’ Grammy Awards victory as historic.

The governor in his congratulatory message on Monday afternoon, stated that Tems’ victory showcased her extraordinary talent and dedication.

Gatekeeper reports that Tems on Sunday night at the 67th Grammy Awards ceremony, won the Best African Music Performance award with her song ‘Love Me JeJe’.

Speaking in a post on his X handle, Sanwo-Olu wrote “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Temilade Openiyi @temsbaby, for winning the Best African Music Performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards with her song ‘Love Me JeJe’.

“This historic achievement marks her as the first Nigerian artist to win in this category, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication.

“I also commend our other Nigerian nominees, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Asake, Wizkid, and Davido for their outstanding contributions to music. Your artistry continues to elevate Nigeria’s presence on the global stage, and we are immensely proud of your accomplishments.”

Entertainment

Peter Obi congratulates Tems on Grammy win

Published

1 day ago

February 3, 2025

Seyi Babalola

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has congratulated Nigerian singer, Tems, on her victory at the 67th annual Grammy Awards.

Gatekeeper reports that Tems’ ‘Love Me Jeje’ won the Best African Music Performance award over “Tomorrow” (Yemi Alade), “MMS” (Asake & Wizkid), “Sensational” (Chris Brown featuring Davido & Lojay), and “Higher” (Burna Boy), on Sunday.

Reacting in a statement shared via his X handle on Monday, Obi also celebrated the other Nigerian artists who were nominated in various categories despite missing out on the awards.

“I extend my hearty congratulations to our Nigerian Afrobeats star, Tems @temsbaby , who just secured her second Grammy Award with her win in the Best African Music Performance category.

“I also rejoice with Nigeria’s entertainment industry and other Nigerian artists who were nominated for different awards in their respective categories,” the statement partly read.

Obi reiterated that he’s committed to “building a nation that fosters growth among the youths and helps them discover and harness their individual talents for national productivity.”