Entertainment
Ateke Amongst Seven Biggest Music Sponsors In Nigeria
The music business is a
money-gulping endeavour and as such, admits only the financially buoyant less the artiste becomes broke and signs up for bankruptcy. Many an artiste and many a label have ran down as they couldn’t keep up with expenses – cost of production, recording, promotion, distribution, branding, even photo and video shoots.
In the seventies, eighties and nineties, men and women with fat pockets were known to sponsor talented acts – King Sunny Ade, Chief Ebenezer Obey, Oliver de Coque, Kollington Ayinla etc, who in gratitude sang their praises in highlife, juju, waka and fuji songs.
According to a recent report by Naya.com they include:
1. IB Dende
Born Ibrahim Egungbohun, 45-year-old IB Dende (customs-licensed clearing agent and hotelier) is one of the biggest funders of contemporary music in the country. Chief IB Dende’s generosity has extended to Pasuma, Olamide, Phyno, Lil Kesh, Small Doctor-with the ‘ain’ creator famously singing “IB Dende Okorun fa e l’owo s’oke (God will lift you up)” on hit Single ‘Arrest’.
2. Ayiri Emami
Warri billionaire, Ayiri Emami, the “Akulagba I of Warri”, was famously referenced by Akwa Ibom comedian/singer/daner MC Galaxy on the Ubiquitous dance track ‘Nek Unek’, Oil magnate Ayiri who had stint as a music artiste during his come-up has lavished his goodwill (including financial resources) on Nigerian artistes such as 2 Face, D’banj, MC Galaxy, Oritsefemi, Iyanya, Majek Fashek e.t.c. He even shows his benevolence featuring in Omawumi’s 2014 ‘Megbele’ video in honour of her father.
3. Baddy Oosha
Self-titled “street lion” Baddy Oosha has been referenced by not a few Nigerian entertainers – name-checked on different occasions by those whom his generous pockets have flowed to. Badmus Akeem. O, first got showered with praises in 2012 when rapper. Reminisce rapped on smash hit 2 Mushh, Olamide, Lil Keshi, Small Doctor are others who have found his kindness. Recently, he decided to try his luck on the mic.
4. Sir Emeka Offor
The fifty-six year old founder and executive vice chairman of chrome group, a Nigerian Conglomerate with interests in oil, biofuels, insurance, dredging and logistics is well known for his philanthropic gestures. In 2003, he donated one million dollars towards the eradication of polio and two years later reportedly donated ten million dollars to fight river blindness. Toward music, he has been benevolent in the development of stars and so it was not a surprise when KCee sang his praises on Ogadinma and Phyno on Nme Nme. Highlife artiste has also praised his generosity.
5. MC Oluomo
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leader in Oshodi, Lagos, Musiliu Akinsanya aka MC Oluomo came to National prominence some weeks ago when he reportedly hosted a braless party to celebrate his birthday a stunt he denied. Headies winning pop artiste Sean, Tizzle eulogized him on Momayan, KWAM I, Pasuma, and other fuji artistes have been beneficiaries of his.
6. Opa 6IX
Born Oluwasegun Akinola OpaOgun, Opa 6ix has extended his charity towards music. Reminisce once rapped his praise. “Shout out si awon omo ni Malay waya waya, Opa 6ix” on 2 Mushh Street Pop artiste Small Doctor also had thankful heart on Uzobu Off his Omo Iya Teacher Sophomore album. Like Baddy Oosha, Opa 6ix has delved into music recording.
7. Ateke Tom
The Nigerian music scene received with pleasant surprise the news of reconciliation between members of the defunct plantashun Boiz spearheaded by ex-Niger Delta militant, Chief Ateke Tom. Former member, Faze posted a video on his Instagram page with the caption: “Just yesterday. When Plantashun Boiz turn (sic) to men. Thank you Chief Comrade Ateke Tom.” Aside from 2 Face, Faze and Black Face, KCee, Mc Galaxy, Iyanya, Cythia Morgan and Harrysong have benefitted from his right hand of fellowship.
Entertainment
Stephanie Linus, First Black Recipient Of Lennox K. Black Prize
The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising outstanding individuals.
The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work.
This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.
Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine.
The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence.
According to the award organisers she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.
On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good.
“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa,” she said
Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, ‘‘Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.’”
Ms Aldunge further said that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care.
‘‘The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jefferson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond.
“Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health,” she added.
“Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world’’.
Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie ‘Dry’, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences.
Entertainment
‘I’ll Continue To Ask For My Balance’ – Phyna reacts.
Ilebaye’s revelation came just after Phyna had publicly called out the organizers for withholding some of her prizes.
Phyna, who revealed this to Newsmen insinuated that Ilebaye broke the gender code by announcing that she got her full prize money.
She also stressed that she would continue to demand for her balance, stating that she worked hard for the money during the show’s 72-day duration.
“I believe I should at least get what I worked so hard for 72 days. You all suddenly remembered your alert screenshots and IG Live………… Common……one among others is 1BTC which is over 80m in today’s market.
“To those who got their money in full
I’m happy for you. As a poor man’s child, let me ask for my money and other items remaining.,” She added.
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