Entertainment
Revisiting Music Of PH City
Rex Lawson and Lady I.B.
The music of Port
Harcourt, the Garden City of Nigeria, a city of Rivers State located to the south of Nigeria, is a thriving state encompassing both native African and foreign influenced genres. Port Harcourt plays host to numerous radio stations prominent recording studios such as the street Rhymes Studios and other music institutions.
As a state capital, Port Harcourt boasts of some of the liveliest Club scenes in the country as well as music venues, bars and restaurants. At present time, hip hop, Highlife and reggae are most popular music styles among young people in the city. However, another genre of music called gyration is also popular among the young and youngest at heart as the artistes struggle to catch up with the existing genre.
Port Harcourt has given birth to many locally and internationally admired musicians including Duncan Mighy, Muma Gee, Timaya, Daniel Wilson, M. Trill, Slim Burna, Lyrikai, Mr 2 Kay, Step-Aga Oba Omega, Peter Stone Cold, Waconzy, Frank D Nero etc. In high life we have the Legendary Cardinal Rex-Lawson of the Mayor’s band, Jackwest Omodu of the Garden City band fame, King Sunny Brown, fondly called ‘Original Pikin’ and Prince David Bull of the professional Seagulls band etc.
The city is also home to Grafton entertainment one of Africa’s biggest record labels founded in 2004. Grafton entertainment has contributed extensively towards the growth of Port Harcourt music scene – from discovering and exposing her best talents to organizing some of the city’s ground breaking concerts.
The first signee to the label was the Bayelsa duo “De indispensables”, whose “press on” Pt2 album in the 2000s put Port Harcourt on the global hip hop map.
Music Festivals
More recently, there has been significant increase in the number of festivals held within the city. CARNIRI V is a major music cultural events in Nigeria, it continues to take place annually since its establishment in 1988. The state government further recognizes this festival as its biggest tourism export.
Aside Nigeria, the CARNIRIV has featured famous artistes from nighbouring countries and abroad, including the likes of Shaggy, Patra, Beenie man, Buster Rhymes, Joe Brick and Lace as well as Wyclef- Jean and Ras Kimono etc.
Venues:
Most of the major concerts, festivals and other musical events are held in the multipurpose stadiums such as Liberation Stadium Elekahia, opened in 2001. It has the capacity to seat 30,000 people. Only the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium is known to be bigger than it. There is also the multipurpose hall of the Rivers State Civic Centre, Moscow Road and the Atlantic Hall of Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt among several others.
Port Harcourt Night Club and public houses are also locations for music activities. Other venues like the artrium and the Aztech Arcum have hosted several shows for local and mainstream artistes.
Early Music
JAZZ: Mand Mayer, female Jazz icon was born in Port Harcourt, she was among the few women who rose to stardom in the 1950s. Mayer’s voice and ability to expand the genre were the keys to her success throughout her career, Mayer maintained a position as West Africa’s foremost.
In the late 1980s, Jazz music achieved its commercial peak. A Jazz festival was duely introduced to hold every year. During the first three editions, the event saw a record number of people along with performances from Oliver Jones, Embroy and Dizzy Gillespie.
Hip-Hop
Beginning in the twenty first century, the impact of Hip-hop music on young Port Harcourtians in terms of life style, fashion, attitudes and values has reached heights previously unseen. While this transformation remains an intriguing cultural enigma, those involved in the movement consider it profitable.
An early example of Port Harcourt hip hoppers was the “Tuck Tyght All Stars” formed in 2000, they went ahead to become a significant group paving way for further development of the genre. Protagonist, Henry Diette Spiff found “Tuck Tyght” records to focus on hardcore street oriented hip hop at a time when there was not many supporting or sponsoring it.
The group first release was “Now Official” released in 2003, featured in the album were Frank D’Nero, Andre Blaze, Double K, Mark Gee, Duncan Daniels, Damage Lyrikal, M-Lee, Double V and Billy Dolomite. This album was instrumental in helping the artists gained experience in all facets of the industry ranging from production, mixing, mastering to distribution.
Lyrikal later left “Tuck Tyght” and came out with his own single “Learn Something”, followed by his second album “Can You Relate” which launched him as a solo artiste. Duncan Daniels born in Boston USA, moved to the city as a teenager. He Began producing records eventually signing with “Tuck Tyght” though the record label and the All Stars group working under it later disbanded, their contributions to the hip hop scene cannot be ignored.
Grafton Records
The indispensable (composed of Lenny Band
and Tick Lips) were the most successful duo of the 2000s. Not only did they sell out their headline gigs and perform at special venue around the globe, but they also broadened the appeal of Port Harcourt hip hop to a larger audience.
Their debut album on the grafton imprint ‘press on’ came out in 2015, it was supported by the singles “Sweet Mama” and “Cinderella”. There second album”, press on Pt2″ made a greater impact garnering them a Best West African Act Award at the Channel O’Music Video Awards. Guest appearances came from Jamaica’s Star, Junior Rade, Ruggedman, M-Trill along with UK’s Pyrelli and Phoebe one.
In 2007, Doublek brought out his first Solo album katastrophy’, he was nominated at the 5th Niger Delta Advancement awards in 2008, De indispensables announced their split from Grafton records after spending four years on the Tonye Ibiama helmed record label. In that same year, M-Trill’s debute studio album “number one” came out. He won Best African act the Channel O’ Music Video Awards for ‘Bounce ‘ . during 2009, M-Trill released his mixed tape “Ladie and Gentlemen” where he showcased his production skills and trade mark. Lyrically, new generation singers, Duncan Mighty, Timaya and slim Burna are beginning to fuse elements of hip hop with various forms of Reggae.
Highlife
Virtually all highlife greats from Rivers State have started in Port Harcourt. The 1960s saw the rise to prominence of Cardinal Rex Lawson with his mayor’s Dance Band, being among the first popular bands to achieve wide spread success. His accomplishments helped shape the direction of African musicians and music in the twentieth century, probably the most influential high life musician of that period.
Mayor’s Dance Band and Rex Lawson released numerous hits and in the later years became known as ‘Riversmen’. The band made their mark on the international arena, while more people were drawn to the band after Rex-Lawson death in the 1970s, ‘Rivers men’ re-established itself as the professional Seagulls Dance Band, they were led by Prince David who remained a key figure for the time of existed.
Another important performance is late King Sunny Brown fondly called “original pickin”. He began to sing at a young age in Christ Army School, there he played in the school band with Rex Lawson. During the Nigerian civil war, Sunny Brown and Rex Lawson played in the 3rd Marine Commando. He performed with musicians like Prince David Bull and Thrilled fan 5 at different venues across the city.
Reggae
Like Hip hop and highlife, reggae has long formed an essential part of the music of Port Harcourt. The most well known representatives of this genre are Daniel Wilson, Duncan Mighty and Timaya, Muma Gee originally sang reggae songs before switching over to hip hop. Other prolific acts include push Kayana, Buk wild Da Ikwerre an, slim and former mayor of Port Harcourt Chimbiko Akarolo.
Duncan Mighty’s first major international collaboration “wine it” was released in 2012 to a mixed reception, but would later go on to attract reception but would later go on to attract some commercial success. Also worth noting is the critically acclaimed “I’m on Fire” by slim Burna considered as the most successful mixtape from a Port Harcourt based recording artiste.
The fifteen track project had some infusion of dance hall, mixed with pop, dance hall and revolved mostly around the themes of love, sex and city street life.
In 2004, Sean Paul appeared in a remix of ‘Bum-Bum’ by Timaya from his fifth studio album ‘Epiphany’. The video for the song directed by stutah films earned one nomination at the 33rd International Reggae World Music Awards (IRAWA) . By June 2015, Bum-Bum remix had already become the fourth most viewed music video Nigeria on You Tube amassing over twenty five million views…
PMAN
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Rivers State branch exists as one of the organizations that promote the music profession and oversee the welfare of musicians in Rivers State, it is affiliate of the national PMAN.
Founded in 1995, Geraldo Pino, a musician from Enugu led the Association Until 2004, he was succeeded by Muma Gee, who became the first elected female chairperson of the association, but was later impeached for alleged misappropriation of fund and lack of accountability.
In 2010, Lexym succeeded Muma Gee and assumed leadership of the Association. He served until 2013 and was succeeded by Lady IB, the second woman to hold the position. Those who rued the musicians body since inception include: Giraldo Pino, Muma Gee, Arthor W. Pepple Jnr, Peter Stone Cold Lekara ‘Lexy’ and the incumbent Lady I.B.
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.