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Lexy M Rates Rivers Entertainment Industry Above Average

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Frontline music Maestro and
Showbiz personality in Rivers State, Mr. Lexy Mueka popularly called Lexy M has rated the entertainment industry in Rivers State above average in terms of performance and creativity.
The Ogoni, Rivers State-born musician and producer, said the state is well-blessed with all categories of entertainers as well as peaceful and enabling environment which have turned the state capital, Port Harcourt to one of the most viable cities in the country both in entertainment and other business opportunities.
The former chairman of the performing musicians Employees Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in the State, however noted that most of the foremost entertainers who brought glory and respect to the state through their escapades in the industry were not cerebrated by the state as a mark of honour and respect.
According to him people like Late Cardinal Rex Lawson, Prince David Bull Jackwest Omodu of Garden city band, Boma Erekosima and Living Legend, King Sunny Brown Etc, have not been remembered in the last five years. He stressed that these Icons of the industry need to be remembered and celebrated annually.
He noted that music is part of show business, in Lagos, Onitsha, Aba Etc musicians there see every thing about music as business, but their colleagues here in Port Harcourt see it as fun and this attitude is not helping them to grow to stardom and recognition, so they need to repackage themselves to national and international standards.
He emphasized that another militating factor against the growth of musicians in the state is lack of encouragement, recognition and sponsorship, because our people do not believe in the indigenous musicians, they rather prefer outsiders, he also complained about lack of viable market in the state where musicians could record and sell their works that is why most of them go to Lagos and other neighbouring cities and refused to come back.
He however, contended that despite these set backs all genres of music live here in the state, while most of the artistes making waves in the countrymusic clan today all have their roots in Rivers State, such as Duncan Mighty, Daniel Wilson, Flavour, Burna Boy, Gift of Aboki Shine My Shoe fame, Oba Omega, Rymzo Etc.
On the comedy profession in the state, the Showbiz Maestro said “most of the people who parade themselves as comedians are nothing but jesters”. He maintained that comedy to him is humour mongering to make people laugh and relax not to insult organizers of the event and their guests.
He observed that during the days of Iyobu Koko, Boma Erekosima, Micheal Obodo Singer Etc, comedy was all about laughter, fun and relaxation, but these days, comedians turn their employers and guests to dummies to be laughed at even after paying heavily for their services.
According to him, these anomalies exist because there are no checks and balances in the profession and “they donot even have an association to check their excesses. He however expressed hope that genuine comedians with the talent and exposure will soon sort out themselves to prove to the world that comedy is not an all comers game.
For the movie industry, he said Rivers State is not playing the second fiddle as most of the actors and actresses from the state who have found themselves in the mainstream are playing leading roles in the make believe industry in Nigeria, called Nollywood.
He reiterated that there is hardly any movie jacket in the market without the faces of the Rivers State  born thespians such as Sam Dede, Columbus Irisoanga, Walter Anger, Gentle Jack, Alaso Wariboko, Monalisa Chinda, Hilda Dokubo, Tonto Dike, Maureen Ihua, Milliscent Jack Etc.
LexyM who is also into movie production confirmed  that there are good script writers with interesting story lines  in Rivers State, but they lack the finances to develop the scripts or shoot the movie, so most of them sell the scripts to producers and marketers.
Beauty pageants is another aspect of the entertainment clan the seasoned musician rated highly. He said with the various international beauty events hosted by the state, it is  obvious that Rivers State occupies an envirous position in the world. Apart from hosting Two Editions of ECOWA beauty pageant  and several others, Rivers State born Agbani Derego was crowned the first ever black African Miss World, which brought international recognition to not only Rivers State but to Nigeria as a country.
He observed that many people misunderstand beauty pageants and attach negative opinions to it with diverse cultural values which is affecting most of the young girls who may want to become models and queens, he noted that beauty pageants are all about beauty and brains, fashion and modeling so parents should encourage their beautiful daughters to participate and bring honour to the state.
LexyM however condemned the fake pageant organizers who are out to dupe the public and the contestants. He said most of them choose the girls with very rich back ground or social contacts in high places as winners.
Most times the wishes of the audience do not count as the handpicked judges are there to do the bidding of the organizers. Others promise mouth watering prizes and big contracts for the winners only to disappoint them at the end.
He said these are the people killing beauty pageants in the state. He therefore called on the state government to investigate the activities of these organizations to fish out the fraudsters, and sanitise the industry.
He lauded the State government for reviving and showcasing the state’s indigenous cultural heritage through CARNIRIV. According to him the event has brought Tourists and international organizations from  all over the world to the state.

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Stephanie Linus, First Black Recipient Of Lennox K. Black Prize

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Nollywood actress and filmmaker Stephanie Linus has made history as the first black recipient of the Lennox K. Black Prize For Excellence in Medicine.

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.

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‘I’ll Continue To Ask For My Balance’ – Phyna reacts.

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Winner of Big Brother Naija ( BBNaija) Season 7, Josephina Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has responded to the recent revelation by Ilebaye, the Season 8 winner, that she received her prize money in full.

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.

Phyna said then girls take a chill pill. I’m happy you all got your money in full according to you, seems I’m being cheated on then. Women supporting women in the mud.

“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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Monarch Pledges Good Governance,  Team Spirit To His People

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The Eze  Ogba Iji-nu -Ede, HRH. Eze Barr.(Dr) Temple N Ejekwu, Nye Need Eli Rumuogba Kingdom has reassured his people of good governance and team spirit with a target to always bringing meaningful development to the community.
This was contained in a statement by his Media Team and made available to The Tide Entertainment recently,  after he celebrated his birthday.
The birthday celebration which was said to be exciting and fun too, had attendees enjoyed themselves, as the popular “My  Wife Say”  Band by Richman Oparanma was on ground to entertain the mammoth crowd to the fullest.
The statement said Eze Ogba was much appreciative of his audience who defiled the economic quagmire and graced the occasion even without proper invitation.
According to the statement, such was a prove to the fact that Eze Ejekwu was truly a man of the people.
“The mammoth crowd at the palace of the Eze Ogba was a litmus test to the fact that Temple is a man of the people. No invitation cards sent, but the crowd was over overwhelming”, it stated.
The statement which also elugised all Government recognized Traditional rulers and other Community leaders, who attended the event, assured them of the Eze Ogba’s promise to always do that which will make them proud at all times irrespective of the time or season.
The Media Team via the statement also thumbed up for the management of the Okporo Community Secondary School , especially the Leadership of The Eze BARR Dr Temple N Ejekwu JP ‘ s (House Purple House) which came top at its recently concluded Inter-House Sports Competition.
It noted with joy that the presentation made to the Eze on the said day will remain permanent in the annals of history.
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