Entertainment
Wizkid, Damian Marley Talk Music, Spirituality, Heritage
Nigerian Afrobeats star, Wizkid and Jamaica’s Damian Marley have been featured in an interview by US magazine, Rolling Stone, in which they discussed myriad of issues including spirituality, heritage and fatherhood.
The chat, which was published on Monday, forms part of the publication’s recurring series called Musicians on Musicians, which serves as an interface for artists to discuss their lives and works.
The conversation started out with both artists, whose ‘Blessed’ collaboration appears on Wizkid’s 2020 album, Made in Lagos, recounting how they came to know each other and together recorded the track. Wizkid noted that he was heavily influenced by Damian Marley, and his fathe Bob Marley while growing up in Lagos.
On his part, Damian Marley said he first encountered Wizkid at a New York City hotel and that he was drawn to the ‘Essence’ singer’s melodies.
“I was on tour,” Marley said about how ‘Blessed’ came about. “Both of us had gigs out in London. One night after one of the concerts, we all went to the studio, got together, and Wiz played a bunch of beats for me. That was the one that grabbed my attention the most. We started writing the song in the studio, together, just feeling the vibe.”
Wizkid said: “From the first time I heard [Marley’s vocals] in the studio, I just went mad. I couldn’t believe it. It was like magic right before my eyes. If I’m being very honest with you, that was one of the most amazing sessions I’ve ever been in, for real.”
The conversation also sees the musicians divulge a shared admiration for each other’s roots and their common heritage.
Recounting his first trip to Jamaica, Wizkid noted similarities between the Caribbean country and his native Nigeria.
“Yo, this is like us,” he said.
“It’s the same thing. When I went to Jamaica for the first time, it was everything that I thought it would be and more. It’s an amazing place, the most beautiful place, amazing food, great people.”
Marley said: “For me, we grew up hearing about Africa – Nigeria, Ethiopia all these places – it is almost like a dream. You’re hearing about this far-off place until you end up going there, until you end up meeting people from there. Then it becomes more real. Rastafari is heavily embedded in African culture and is very proud of our African roots.”
Other subjects discussed in the feature include lessons from fatherhood – Wizkid as a father of three and Marley of one. The artists also touched on the impact of COVID-19 on their lives, including inspiring new music and a renewed sense of gratitude for loved ones.
Wizkid and Damian Marley’s Musicians on Musicians appearance arrives on the heels of Wizkid’s recent tour of the US in support of Made in Lagos. He is also enjoying renewed global acclaim for ‘Essence’, also off the same LP. Likely the biggest record from Nigeria this year, ‘Essence’ has in recent months enjoyed renewed global success, becoming the No 1 song in the US on Shazam and topping Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in late 2020. A remix of the track featuring Justin Bieber was released in August.
Previous Musicians on Musicians guests include US stars Alicia Keys and Kehlani, Lil Wayne and Lil Baby as well as Erykah Badu and Summer Walker.
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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