Entertainment
Entertainment World Remembers Jackson … As Reactions Trail One Year Anniversary
The entertainment industry and fans of Micheal Jackson all over the world, yesterday observed the one year anniversary of the late King of pop music who died on June 25th 2009 at the age of 50 years as a result of drug overdose administered to him by his personal physician.
In Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, the day was marked with mixed feelings. While some of the fans considered it as a life well spent considering his laudable achievements on Earth and celebrated the day with music, dance and total fun at some entertainment hangouts in the city, others feel his death was untimely and a big loss to the entertainment world , stressing that he did not reap fully the fruits of his hard labour before his life was cut short.
In his reaction, Rivers State born music sensation and entertainer, Mr Emmanuel Amakiri Popularly known as Oba Omega said it is not life that matters or how long you lived on Earth, but what you are able to achieve in life for which you will be remembered for by humanity long after you are gone.
He maintained that the death of Micheal Jackson will continue to remain a big loss to the entertainment industry because the late legend of pop music revolutionized the entertainment world and gave musicians a pride of place globally.
Oba Omega the current toast of the music industry in the state whose music and video titled ‘identify’ is making waves in the music scene across the country and beyond said Jackson’s songs and popular dance steps (Moonwalk) ruled the music world and dance floor in the 70s and 80s and is currently in vogue among the young stars and old school, while his dress code is copied by young entertainers who see him as their role model and a source of great inspiration even in death.
Another fan of the pop idol, Mr. Onyeka Orluwene, A Port Harcourt based show biz personality and seasoned accountant noted that though Michael Jackson is dead, he literally lives in the minds of his fans. He said Micheal came into the entertainment industry at a tender age, saw it and conquered. He contended that the industry will not be the same again without him because he introduced hard work style, glamour and success to the industry while most of his wealth went to charity because of his love for humanity and the less priviledged.
Apart from these reactions, Jackson’s music dominated the air in most Radio and Television stations in the state to mark the historic day.
Micheal Jackson was born in 1958 in Garg, Indiana, United States of America (USA), into a family made up of great musicians and he grew up to become a very popular singer, dancer and song writer. Though all his life he has been enmeshed in many controversies, he has always had a way of rising above them and soaring high.
At the age of five, Micheal joined his brothers’ singing group then known as the ‘Jackson Five’ and later renamed. The ‘Jacksons’. Micheals dancing ability as well as his singing skills made him the groups leader at a very tender age. Under Berry Gordy’s sponsorship, the group became popular on record (on the Motown label), in personal appearances and on Television.` Jackson’s First Solo album ‘Got to Be There’ released in 1971, established him as a solo performer. Leaving the family group, he played the ‘Scare crow’ in the musical film The Wiz (1978) and recorded the album ‘Off the wall’ in 1976 which included a number of his own songs. His album ‘Thriller’ recorded in 1982 earned a then unprecedented eight Grammy Awards. His dancing style, slight physical appearance and whimsical mode of dressing, with a trade mark of a single rhinestone-covered white glove, became well known.
Jackson rejoined his brothers on a six month tour after the release of their album ‘Victory’ in 1984. He co-wrote (with Lionel Richie) the song “We are the world” in 1985 which was performed by a group more than 40 popular musicians with all profits from audio and video donated to alleviate world hunger. Subsequently, Jackson’s album ‘Bad’ (1987) and the title single as well as the video of the song became best sellers as did his album ‘Dangerous’ (1992) and the single ‘Remember the Time (1992).
His autobiography, Moonwalk, was published in 1988. In 1995 he released another chart topping album, ‘History’ and the following year, he won a Grammy Award for the music video ‘Scream’ (1995) which he created with his sister Janet. Also in 1996 Jackson divorced Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Late Elvis Presley ending a two year marriage.
Jackson celebrated his 30th anniversary as a solo performer in 2001 by reuniting for a series of concerts with his brothers as the Jackson Five. Later in the year, he released ‘Invincible’ his first major album, released in six years. That same year, he was inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’.
Continued Controversy over Jackson’s private life caught the headlines in 2002 and again in 2003 in November of that year, he was arrested, charged with alleged child molestation to which he later pleaded not guilty. When the world got wind of the child molestation law suit that had the irrepressible Johnny Cochran (who had squeezed O.J. Simpson and Snoop Dog out of the jaws of murder charges) advising Jackson to settle out of court, mike reportedly paid $20m to settle the case and his innocence became doubtful.
His whitening skin, crumbling faces, failed arrangee marriage to Lisa Marie-Presley, allegations that his kids from Debbie Road, his nurse/wife were conceived through artificial insemination and perhaps the worst, his lack of racial identify have all contributed in so small measure to the fall of one of the greatest entertainers to ever set foot in this planet, meanwhile as an organizer of two major fan groups is just one of thousands of supporters keeping Jackson’s legacy alive along with the pursuit of justice for his untimely death a year ago this Friday.
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs
Entertainment
“French Up Your Career” PH, 2025 :Consul General Of France Harps On Proficiency In French
The Consul, General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier has encouraged French Learners to improve their skills on the language, as there are lots of opportunities up for grabs on the job market with fluency in French Language, saying that there are many other career paths which are often less well known to learners of French.
Participants at the “French Up Your Career” event held in Port Harcourt.
Favier who disclosed this during the just concluded third edition of the seminar tagged “French Up Your Career” organized by Alliance
Française, Port Harcourt explained that learning French doesn’t mean adding a language to your resume. It rather provides learners with new opportunities. Irrespective of their area of interest, be it diplomatic and International relations, international development, translation and Interpretation or journalism.
According to the Consul General, it was important to create awareness for young Nigerians in Port Harcourt who desire to have better understanding of how been fluent in French can create diverse career opportunities for users of the languages in Nigeria and the world at large, emphasizing that proficiency in French could possibly make learner a bridge between Nigeria and fast-developing regions.
“You previously heard this morning about how you can improve your French skills. This afternoon you will discover how being fluent in French can provide a significant edge on the job market and lead to professional careers that you may not have even considered before,”
“This event comes at the right time, as it launches the celebration of the richness and diversity of French-speaking cultures, which will mobilize us for more than a month throughout Nigeria and alongside other French-speaking countries,” Favier added.
He further highlighted that French is spoken by over 300 million people across the world, saying that, it’s one of the official languages of the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union.
“There are many neighbouring African countries to Nigeria ,who have French as one of their primary languages of communication including Cameroon, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. So, what does this mean for you as students here in Nigeria?” He asked
“These sectors in which the French Embassy is often mobilized are the business and marketing field for example, as French is often the preferred language in many multinational companies, particularly those in the energy, oil and telecommunications sectors. I’m thinking as well in technology and IT,” he said
He noted that French-speaking countries in Africa are investing heavily in tech, innovation, and infrastructure, revealing that companies in Tech are looking for bilingual professionals to assist with software localization, customer support, and managing projects in French-speaking regions.
“The French embassy is not only mobilized to help learners discover promising sectors. We are also providing our support and expertise in
training teachers and optimizing university programs,” he summed up
Also, the linguistics cooperation attaché, French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange, who also gave a lecture at the seminar, in an interview with Newsmen said that the main purpose of the seminar was to be more informative and supportive to those who want to make a skill out of French Language,saying that as the linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy it is her duty to promote French language through culture.
She cited traditional stereotypes as a major challenge affecting the growth and development of French in Nigeria, as school, teachers at the primary and secondary level in most cases teach French using the traditional way, where students learn French, but could not put words and grammar together as a skill for communicate.
“French is important. I don’t see French as colonization, l see French as a key to embrace globalization, l hope that learners will be inspired and ready to embrace the global village,” Losange said.
She however said that the French Embassy is working to ensure that equipments to facilitate the learning of French is put in place to enable learners improve their skills fast, which in two to three years learners should be able to communicate with French, advising learners to be intentional with learning the language, through social media and other workable devices to advance their skills for certification and better opportunities.
Highlight of the event which had about 250 participants in attendance was the eloquence award ceremony where students were awarded for their eloquence in French language by the Director, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs.Marina Lacal alongside the Linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange.
After two edition of the seminar it was the turn of the Alliance Française, Port Harcourt to host the Third edition.
It would be recalled that the first edition of ” “French Up Your Career” event was organized at the Alliance Française Lagos on October 23, the second one at UNILAG on November 24, 2024 respectfully.