Entertainment
Showbiz Presonality Reminisces Old PH Night Life
Mrs Peace-Anyam Osigwe
Port Harcourt, the capital
city of oil rich Rivers State is widely acclaimed as the garden city of Nigeria, while the state remains the hub of oil and gas operations in the country as well as a tourist destination of choice, home of entertainment and legendary hospitality and occupies an enviable position as the treasure base of Nigeria.
This is probably some of the major factors that attract visitors from different parts of the world, Local and foreign investors, tourists and all classes of fun seekers to the state on regular basis, either for business, investments, sight seeing or to catch fun in the ever bubbling entertainment outlets that abound in the city.
In a recent interview with The Tide Entertainment, a seasoned showbiz personality and group clubs manager of Afrique Express Hotels Limited, Port Harcourt, operators of Afrique Executive nite club, Rumuekini, Afrique New Moon nite club Igwuruta, Afrique Niger Delta nite club Omoku and Afrique New World nite club Aba Road, Prince Victor Ifeanyi Mini recalled with nostalgia the night life that existed in Port Harcourt in the 1970s and mid 80s.
He noted that from the 1970s and 80s the state played host to both local and foreign personalities most of whom are now residents of the state which they regard as their home away from home, enjoying the conducive business and social climate as well as the people’s legendary hospitality to strangers.
According to him, in those good old years, the city bubbled with nightlife, night clubbing and cinema culture were in vogue. He said this was the era when Nigerian economy was buoyant, cost of living very cheap and affordable. When one United States’ dollar was an equivalent of Nigeria’s 75 kobo, before the Babangidarism of the Nigerian economy in the mid 1980s.
He reinstated that during those years of economic bliss a young graduate of a secondary school had automatic employment in the civil service or companies. The young secondary school leaver earned about N90.00 per month as a civil servant, while staffers of banks and other reputable companies received between N100.00 and N120.00.
The showbiz impressario disclosed that undergraduates and graduates of universities were seen as demi gods by society, cultism, kidnapping and the present day societal ills were unheard of, and there was free movement. He stressed that during this period of peace, tranquility and plenty, nightlife was very sweet and peaceful, night clubs and cinemas dominated the city. There were posh and standard night clubs and cinemas that dotted the entertainment clan, where fun seekers went to enjoy themselves.
The Veteran club administrator revealed that the GRA axis, Creek Road, Agrey Road Harbour Road and Borikiri in the Old Port Harcourt township as well as Diobu and Ogbunabali axis were the happening areas in the city, young city crawlers and night clubbers bedecked in their best elements and outfits stormed the popular night clubs, cinemas and other entertainment outlets to catch undiluted fun every weekend.
Prince Mini disclosed that in those days, most of the fun seekers adorned their latest soul train dancers get ups, “boogie woogie” shoes, Italian and Spain made designer sole branded Terio cudio shoes, James Brown style shirts and Bongo trousers, tight fitted shirts, stelleto shoes and 3 layer boots, jerry curls and Afro head dos etc, stormed the night and other entertainment hang outs to enjoy a fun full nights.
He stressed that when you stepped into any of the clubs, you felt the ambience of the cosy environment, the exotic lightening system that gave you the feeling of paradise on earth. A bottle of chilled beer was sold for 50kobo, a bottle of champaign cost less than one naira, while the gate fee was about one naira or less. A charered taxi cab otherwise known as drop from the GRA/Presidential Hotel axis) to Old Port Harcourt township was less than one naira.
According to him, with only N30.00 in your pocket you could have a girl of your for the night choice with all expenses paid, choice drinks at your beck and call, you were regarded as a big spender and the envy of friends and foes. Your dress code also spoke volumes of your taste, class and personality. What you wore showed your class and with N15.00 you could achieve it.
He also disclosed that the popular music genres were high life, pop, juju, funk Afro beat and reggae among others. The reggae faithful were recognised by their dread locks and they used Indian hemp as sacrament for all Rastafarians. Other drugs commonly used were madrass, Chinese capsul, solution etc, while the music stars then were Micheal Jackson, Bobmarley, Peter Tosh, U-Roy, I-Roy, Dellinger Anikulapo Kuti etc.
Their music were the rave of the period, the songs contained meaningful lyrics, inspiring with clear messages that appealed to the youths who saw them as role models and were influenced by their life styles, dress pattern and ideologies of their chosen music idols. Night clubs were the magnet for the big boys and girls who thronged the clubs for disco/funk jump manned by different disco jockies (DJs).
He said the dance steps in those days were the John Travolta (Saturday night Fever) style, Funky bebop steps, George Clinton boosty, soul train, Collin and Ricky James styles, Micheal Jackson’s Electric shock dance etc. this era marked the groovy years of entertainment in Garden City.
He enumerated the popular night clubs which included: Lido (Aggrey Road), Salt and pepper (Aba Road), Orupolo (Borikiri) Copa Cobena (Aggrey Road), Aquarius (Aba Road), Land of Cannaan (Town) Dreams (Aba Road), Blue Pellican, Uncle Sam (Aba Road), Chi-Chi (Aba Road) and Executive Club 67 (Creek Road) among others.
Apart from the night clubs Prince Mini also stated that among the popular cinema houses that held sway in the city were Empress (Okija Street), Presidon (Aba Road) Rivoli, Plaza and Central cinemas at the Old Port Harcourt Township. He said with one naira or 50 kobo you could watch your favourite Indian Chinese and Western movies that dominated the cinema viewing culture in the city.
The showbiz entrepreneur reiterated that night life was indeed sweet and groovy as the city bubbled with fun under a peaceful and friendly environment devoid of this present day social malaise, kidnapping, cultism and other social vices. He stressed that people enjoyed music as most of the songs promoted social values and morality unlike today that the so called music stars sing gibberish, promote drug, immorality and gangsterism in their songs.
He, however, noted that despite the present day economic hardship and security challenges, Port Harcourt still remains the city to beat in terms of entertainment, hospitality and tourist attractions. He stressed that night life in the city is still lively as new night clubs spring up almost on daily basis the cinema culture is also at its optimum level as silver bird cinemas and Genesis Deluxe cinemas keep the flag flying.
The operators of entertainment outlets still do brisk business with growing clientele, while the state government have taken positive steps to tackle the security challenges. So, the beat still goes on.
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
Entertainment
“French Up Your Career” PH, 2025 :Consul General Of France Harps On Proficiency In French
The Consul, General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier has encouraged French Learners to improve their skills on the language, as there are lots of opportunities up for grabs on the job market with fluency in French Language, saying that there are many other career paths which are often less well known to learners of French.
Participants at the “French Up Your Career” event held in Port Harcourt.
Favier who disclosed this during the just concluded third edition of the seminar tagged “French Up Your Career” organized by Alliance
Française, Port Harcourt explained that learning French doesn’t mean adding a language to your resume. It rather provides learners with new opportunities. Irrespective of their area of interest, be it diplomatic and International relations, international development, translation and Interpretation or journalism.
According to the Consul General, it was important to create awareness for young Nigerians in Port Harcourt who desire to have better understanding of how been fluent in French can create diverse career opportunities for users of the languages in Nigeria and the world at large, emphasizing that proficiency in French could possibly make learner a bridge between Nigeria and fast-developing regions.
“You previously heard this morning about how you can improve your French skills. This afternoon you will discover how being fluent in French can provide a significant edge on the job market and lead to professional careers that you may not have even considered before,”
“This event comes at the right time, as it launches the celebration of the richness and diversity of French-speaking cultures, which will mobilize us for more than a month throughout Nigeria and alongside other French-speaking countries,” Favier added.
He further highlighted that French is spoken by over 300 million people across the world, saying that, it’s one of the official languages of the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union.
“There are many neighbouring African countries to Nigeria ,who have French as one of their primary languages of communication including Cameroon, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. So, what does this mean for you as students here in Nigeria?” He asked
“These sectors in which the French Embassy is often mobilized are the business and marketing field for example, as French is often the preferred language in many multinational companies, particularly those in the energy, oil and telecommunications sectors. I’m thinking as well in technology and IT,” he said
He noted that French-speaking countries in Africa are investing heavily in tech, innovation, and infrastructure, revealing that companies in Tech are looking for bilingual professionals to assist with software localization, customer support, and managing projects in French-speaking regions.
“The French embassy is not only mobilized to help learners discover promising sectors. We are also providing our support and expertise in
training teachers and optimizing university programs,” he summed up
Also, the linguistics cooperation attaché, French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange, who also gave a lecture at the seminar, in an interview with Newsmen said that the main purpose of the seminar was to be more informative and supportive to those who want to make a skill out of French Language,saying that as the linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy it is her duty to promote French language through culture.
She cited traditional stereotypes as a major challenge affecting the growth and development of French in Nigeria, as school, teachers at the primary and secondary level in most cases teach French using the traditional way, where students learn French, but could not put words and grammar together as a skill for communicate.
“French is important. I don’t see French as colonization, l see French as a key to embrace globalization, l hope that learners will be inspired and ready to embrace the global village,” Losange said.
She however said that the French Embassy is working to ensure that equipments to facilitate the learning of French is put in place to enable learners improve their skills fast, which in two to three years learners should be able to communicate with French, advising learners to be intentional with learning the language, through social media and other workable devices to advance their skills for certification and better opportunities.
Highlight of the event which had about 250 participants in attendance was the eloquence award ceremony where students were awarded for their eloquence in French language by the Director, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs.Marina Lacal alongside the Linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange.
After two edition of the seminar it was the turn of the Alliance Française, Port Harcourt to host the Third edition.
It would be recalled that the first edition of ” “French Up Your Career” event was organized at the Alliance Française Lagos on October 23, the second one at UNILAG on November 24, 2024 respectfully.