Entertainment
About Lagbaja: The Man Behind the Mask
Bisade Ologunde also known as “Lagbaja,” meaning anonymous or face less one in Yoruba as he embarked on his musical carrier in the early 90’s. His name was reflected in his choice of stage attire a slitted textile and rubber mask adopted so that the artist represented the “common man” is keeping with the car nival traditional of his Yoruba tribe.
He formed his first small band in 1991 in Lagos after he had taught himself to play the saxophone with a high quotient of percussion instruments, including congas and tacking drums . this drew its principal inspiration from the traditional highlife music of the Igbos as well as western Jazz. Members of the band included Sunny of (Ikebe) Fame and Yinka Davis. Their debut album was titled colour of Rhythm released in 1992.
The album confused Entertainment journalists as they were at a loss to clarify the genre of music played by the Oyo State born masked saxophonist. They later went ahead to clarify it as “Higher Life”. A further cassette followed in 1994, a self titled collection, LAGBAJA.
Included songs such as “Nija most sweet again” which many look to be an attack on Nigeria’s Military rulers.
Lagbaja shook the Nigerian music scene then with songs like side by side” featuring Yinka Davies,” Ikiras a medly of praise songs.
The Cherubini and Saraphim kind in Yoruba, “sweet mouth” ‘campus’, Oyin Memo among others. The lyrics focus on issues relating to democracy and fairness in society.
The masked musicians 1996 recording of “Cestune African Thong topped Nigeria’s chart with hits like “Cool Temper” and “bad leadership” this remix of KWAM is Baby show colour Re was arguably better than the real thing and his blend of English and Yoruba done in R and B made music lovers take him seriously.
Generally, Lagbaja’s music blends Jazz, Afro beat, highlife, juju, Funk and traditional Yoruba music using horns, quitters and key boards along with traditional Yoruba music, sometimes the music is purely instrumental.
Also in 1996, Lagbaja was part of the international Red Cross sponsored campaign called “Music goes to war” that aimed to draw war attention to the plight of child attention and child soldiers in war torn countries in Africa.
He joined papa Wemba Lucky Dube Youssou N’Dour, Lourdes Yabu Dour, Lourades Van-Dunem, Yabu Dumem and Jabu Khanyile to meet people in major African trouble spots including South Sudan, Angola and Liberia culminating in a concert in Paris and a CDWAS recorded too.
Lagbaja won six national Nigerian music Awards is 2001, including Artiste of the year, producer of the year and album of the year. This first international album.
“We Before Me” was released in 2001, He toured USA for the first time the same year.
He has also embarked on more international shows in Ghana, France, Brazil, Britain etc.
He and his 12-manband performed on the African stage at the BBC Music Live festival over the Golden jubilee celebrations at Londons Hyde park in summer 2002.
To show that he is a musician of world class standard his “We me and Abami” album released years ago, is still ruling the airwaves today. The album contains hits such as Gra Gra, “Konko Below”.
Inspired by a statement made by president Olusegun Obasanjo during his political campaign “Prayers for the youths” (which had late Bola Ige doing the prayer).
Feyin E, “put an well” “Nothing for you” Suuru Lere”, Agidigbo etc.
His 1996 hit single Nigeria Loko Iyawon” written as soon as the under 23 dream Kam won the Olympic gold in Atlanta ??? and released in a couple of days hours is another testimony of his dexterity Lagbaja is definitely one of Africa’s most exciting contemporary artistes whose elaborate masks and stage costumers link him to the ancient tradition of Egungun ancestral masqueraded spirits who heep guide the people towards truths and peace.
His exploits in the Nigerian and Global music industry continues without bund it is therefore time for the world to situp and take notice of Lagbada the masked musicians and his captivating music.
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.
Entertainment
World Music Day: Alliance Française Port Harcourt Showcases Talents
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.
Entertainment
PMAN Set To Implement Performance Levy ‘Tomorrow
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
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