Entertainment
Beyonce’s Love Draught Video Reminisces Igbo Landing
Beyonce
It is one of the many strik
ing images from Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’ visual album. The scene (from the love draught video) showcases a procession of black women walking into an ocean as if -they are about to drown themselves willingly.
The video draws inspiration from a slave time story popularly known as the “Igbo Landing” which is the story of Igbos who were brought to America to be slaves but vowed to drown themselves rather than be slaves in foreign land. Here is the full story of the ‘Igbo Landing’ via Wikipedia.
“In May 1803, a ship load of captives from West Africa upon arriving the middle passage were landed by American paid captors in Savannah by slave ship to be auctioned off at one of the local slave markets. The ship enslaved passengers included a member of Igbo people from what is now known as Nigeria.
The Igbos were known by planters and slavers of American south for being fiercely independent and resistant to chattel slavery. The group of 75 Igbo slaves were brought by agent of John Couper and Thomas Spalding for forced labour in their plantations in St. Simon’s Island for $100 each.
The chained slaves were packed under the deck of a small vessel named the Schooner York to be shipped to the island.
(Other sources say the voyage took place aboard the morovia). During this voyage, the Igbo slaves rose up in rebellion, taking control of the ship and drowning their captors in the process causing the grounding of the Morovia in Dubar creek at the site now locally known as “Igo Landing”.
According to the historical account, under the direction of a high Igbo chief, they all walked in unison into the creek singing in Igbo language “the water spirit brought us, the water spirit will take us home”. They would rather accept the protection of Chukwu than end up in chains. Pretty remarkable story, and in parts of south Carolina and Georgia, this story still holds true and the ground where the slaves drowned themselves is a historical land mark.
The entire video is set in a Marhy Swampy landscape which is very reminiscent of what the shores of slave landing will be like and in addition, there is a lot of random imagery that points to the slave trade and landings. One of them is seeing Beyonce physically bound in ropes and trying to resist the pulling.
This is not the only African inspired theme in the album, Nigerian designer Amaka Osakwe is credited with designing some of the outfits Beyounce wore in some videos in the album. In addition, Beyonce featured famed novelist Chimamanda Adichie in her 2013 hit single “Flawless”
Source Naij.Com
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.
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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