Entertainment
D’Banj Emerges Silver Bird’s Personality Of The Week
Popular award winning
entertainer, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj, the Koko Master is a Nigerian singer, song writer harmonica player and businessman. He has won several music awards including the awards for the Best African Act at the MTV Europe music awards. He recently celebrated his 10th anniversary in the music business.
The party had several industry colleagues in attendance including Banky W, Praize, Lamy Phillips, Yvonne Ekwere Kemi Adetiba, Toke Makinwa, Tola Odunsi, Ehiz Shaydee, Charle, WizKid, Davido, Phyno and Seyi Shay.
Born to a military father and business woman mother, music sensation, D’banj was born in Zaria in the northern part of Nigeria. Instead of joining the military, he diverted to pursue his love for music and relocated to the United Kingdom despite his parents’ disapproval.
His earlier connection to his music passion happened after he lost his military pilot-in-training older brother, Femi, to a plane crash and he was given his harmica. This was the instrument that set his successful music career.
2002 saw him collaborating with Nigerian Rep Star, Rugged man on the track, “Kiss Me Again” produced by O.j.B Jezreel. The song generated a lot of publicity and its accompanying video went to number 5 on the Groovoids chart on MBITV.
D’banj became an official artist on Mo’Hits Record Label and set out in 2005 to release his debut album, which included the hit single, ‘Tolongo’ in 2006, the second album “Rundown Funk U Up” was released with a remix of Tolongo and another hit song “Why Me”. This debut success led to further notable musical collaborations including Dare Art-Alade’s album track – Escalade Part 2 and Ikechukwu’s 2008 album Song, “Wind Am Well”.
D’banj has bagged many awards which include Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007, Artiste of the year at MTV Africa Awards 2009 and Bet Awards. A chance meeting with Kanye West on plane ride lead to major business relationship in 2011, and what he calls “the best birthday gift”.
His signing on to Kanye’s G.O.O. D music label in the US and mercury in the UK. Finding inspiration from the story of Charles Dickens’s orphan, ‘Oliver Twist’. The danceable infectious single of same title was released following the signing and it is still receiving a lot of positive response.
So far, Oliver Twist has sold about 11 million records worldwide. It also debuted as No 9 on the UK top 10 National charts, just behind ‘The likes of Rihana and Tulisa. D’banj is one of the most celebrated stars in Nigeria and on the international front.
Culled from Silverbird magazine.
Entertainment
Stephanie Linus, First Black Recipient Of Lennox K. Black Prize
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.
Entertainment
‘I’ll Continue To Ask For My Balance’ – Phyna reacts.
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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