Entertainment
Naija Artistes Gear Up For Hit Songs In 2017
It is no gainsaying that 2016 was a good year for the Nigerian music clan, most of the musicians put out songs and recorded other exploits that made Nigerians all over the word proud. However, not all of them were successful in the true sence of the world.
Based on the achievements of last year, fans expectations in 2017 are quite high. Top on the list of expectations are hit songs to keep them happy as they groove with the beats while bustling and smiling. Some of the artistes to look forward to are:
1. Davido
Even though Davido was silent most of 2016 choosing instead to release on EP in October, he kept performing at shows all over the world. His rumoured $1 million deal with Sony music should not be forgotten. According to social media reports, he, Tekno, Olamide and Wizkid are said to be responsible for a large share of the over N73.2 billion made by telecommunications companies from caller ring back tunes.
This year will see Davido’s contract with the international music giants take a full swing as his long awaited album will be released under the inprint. The features on this album will be star-studded with international collaborations, hopefully, that will make us forget the “son of mercy” EP.
2. Teckno
Year 2016 was undeniably terrific for Teckno First, you had about the biggest song ‘pana’ in the country, second he scooped a good number of enviable awards. To cap it all, he was able to secure a Sony/RCA contract and was announced as an MTN ambassador. His many performances and his part in the N73.2 billion made by telecommunications companies from caller ring back tunes show that ‘Mr. Big cassava’ indeed smiled to the bank in 2016.
It is very likely Tekno’s debut album will receive a big push as a result of his international music deal. The crescendo is high for the pana crooner, an album in 2017 would be fantastic.
3. Korede Bello
The Mavin records mega superstar can be dubbed as a “digital Prince” owing to his successful releases and platforms like You Tube. He gets an enviable number of steaming from his songs. His label mate, Reekado Banks was first to drop an album among 2.0 trio. Korede Bello is tipped as the next in the line to drop an LP. You should expect viral and infectious tunes.
4. Simi
The year 2016 was the year Simi came into her own as a formidable musician and surprisingly as an audio engineer. She performed at shows regularly and was even one of the headline acts at star trek lagos. Davido also chose her as the only female act on his EP “son of mercy”, she single handedly mixed Adekunle god’s album.
Simisola Ogunleye’s growth has been Wowzers, the petite and deeply sonorous singer strikes a chord every time she sings. Nigerian music lovers have been swayed and slain again and again when her voice shrieks from a record. Simi’s imput on the joint EP “Chemistry” with Falz was impressive. The EP was a make up for her album which was to be released last year, her debut album is set to be released this year.
5. Omawumi
When it is time to get serious and move away from gibberish and corny lyrics, Omawumi is one of those few artistes that creeps into your mind. This Afro lover and mother of two is one of the best voices we got. To start off the year, Omawumi Megbele inked a contract with a new label, Cabal entertainment and also released a ballad, “Butterflies” under the imprint. Her third studio album is expected to be released this year under the label.
6. Jesse Jagz
Jesse, a top notch lyricist and emperor of Jagz National let his promise to drop three LPs last year, fall through, non of that came to fruition. However, the controversial rapper again promised to quench the thirst of his fans by dropping a full body of work this year. If you belong to the “endangered species” of those who give priority to lyrics and word craft, then you must surely wait – upon the emperor, a god on the mic.
7. Skales
Raoul Njeng – Njeng better known as Skales who dubbed himself “The never say never gun,” interestingly is the title of his sophomore album billed for release in March this year. Skales has transformed and more of that should reflect on the album.
8. Cynthia Morgan
Nigeria’s fierce female dance hall act and ‘red head’ Cynthia Morgan flopped last year after creating several social media campaigns about a possible album release that did not work out; however the Edo State singer’s debut album is still worth anticipating.
9. Wizkid
Wizkid’s success in 2016 is so obvions that one really does not need to break it down, ‘one dance’, The Song in which he was featured by Drake got to number one in 10 countries. It was also listed as the most played song on streaming media services spotify with over 950 million individual steams consider that he was song writing and producing credit on that song. The money will not stop flowing for a long time. There is also the rumored seven figure deal he has. Signed with sony music. Hopefully 2017 will be greater. Just a few days into 2017, Wizkid promised us four mixtapes.
10. Mr. Eazi
It is on record that starboy music act Mr. Eazi was the most featured artiste in the music industry in Nigeria 2016, he charges N200,000 or more per show. Oluwatosin Ajibade, the
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.
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
