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.
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.
Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
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
-
News7 hours agoAlesa land-owners hail Fubara, Mayor of Housing Over New City Project
-
News7 hours agoRSG REITERATES COMMITMENT TO ERADICATING SEXUAL, GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
-
News7 hours ago
OMULGA Chair’s Dev Strides Excites Group
-
News7 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Saudi-Bound Wanted Drug Kingpin, Storms Lagos Colos Lab
-
News7 hours agoPolice Arrest Sex Trafficking Syndicate, Rescue 15 Young Girls InOndo
-
News7 hours agoRSG CHARGES JOURNALISTS TO SHOWCASE GOVT PROGRAMMES
-
News7 hours agoFG approves 3 critical civil service policies
-
News9 hours agoTinubu CongratulatesSoludoOn Re-election, Lauds INEC