Entertainment
Afrobeat: The Long Journey To Grammys
Afrobeat is a jubilant party music that draws from west African source, hybrid languages, propulsive rhythms move them with delivery and tone from across America’s referencing hip hop and Jamaican dancehall
Wikipedia defines Afrobeat as “a music genre which involves the combination of elements of west African musical styles such as Fuji music, highlife with American jazz, and later soul and funk influence with a focus on chanted vocals, complex intersecting rhythms and percussion”.
Distinct from Afrobeat is Afrobeats, a sound originating in West Africa in the 21st century, one which takes in diverse influences and eclectic combination of genres such as Azonto, dancehall, highlife, House juju, Naijabeats, Ndombolo, Palm wine, RnB and Soca.
Typical instruments are bass guitar, congas drum, horns, Hammond, organ, keyboard percussion, saxophone and vocals. The two genres though often conflated are not the same.
The origin of Afrobeat music genre could be traced to Ghana in the early 1920s when Ghanaian rhythms like Osibisaba, (Fante), Highlife was associated with the local African Aristocracy during the colonial period and was played by numerous bands including jazz king, Cape Coast Sugar Babies and Accra orchestra along the country’s coast.
Nigeria later joined the Afrobeat wave in the late 1960s led by Fela Kuti, who experimented with different contemporary music of the time upon arriving in Nigeria. Fela also changed the name of his group to Africa 70 and opened his club African Shine in Lagos, between 1970 and 1975, Afrobeat ruled the club and thrived among Nigerian youths. Fela, a much instrumentalist and band leader was repoonsible for pioneering and popularising the style both within and outside Nigeria.
Politics became essential to Afrobeat as Fela used social criticisms to pave way for social change. His message can be described as confrontational and controversial which can be related to the political climate of most of the African countries in the 1970s which were dealing with political injustice and military corruption, while recovering from the transition from colonial government to self determination.
Many jazz musicians have been attracted to Afrobeat, the genre has also influenced important producers and musicians like Brian Eno and David Byrne, who credit Fela as an essential influence. In July 2020, the Afrobeat genre got its official chart which highlights impactful Afrobeat artistes in united kingdom where the scene was accrued wide-spread popularity for about a decade.
Afrobeat growing traction was seen in traditional and new avenues starting with a steady supply of hit songs, international collaborations with Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage among others, leading affairs with both local and international awards and recognitions to show for their exploits in the Afrobeat clan.
Nigeria took centre stage of the world’s attention yet again on Sunday March 14, 2021 at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles, USA as Nigeria’s Afrobeat super stars, Burna Boy and Wizkid did the country proud by winning a Grammy each in different categories. While Burna Boy won the award in the Best Global music Album category for his body of work, ‘Twice As Tall’ Album, Wizkid clinched the Best music video Award for a collaborative effort with Beyonce on the ‘Brown Skin Girl from the Lion king: the Gift Album.
Recently, an African American Grammy Recording Academy member and Afrobeat to the world Advocate, Richardine Bartee who revealed that she voted for Burna Boy at the just concluded 63rd Grammy Award highlighted what the Nigerian two Grammys entails not only to Africa, but the future of Afrobeats on the world stage.
In a WhatsApp chart with potpourri, she said “Wizkid and Burna Boy winning Grammy awards is a big deal not only to Africa, but also to the people in the US pushing music made in Africa. A group of people including Quincy Jones and myself are involved in the bringing a new inclusive category to the Grammy which we hope will help to blend western and non-western elements of rhythm, melody and instrumentation.
Addressing the mounting fear that Afrobeat of which Nigeria is the flag bearer to the world may die a natural death like soukus and makossa, Barter assures that the genre can never die in its true form.
“Based on music history and what happen in American pop culture, most things have their moment, its what we refer to as an era, or something had its 15 seconds of fame. Nothing lasts forever in its original form and it shouldn’t, human life is ever evolving, like the Christ Redeemer status is to Brazil, Afrobeats will always be synonymous with Africa. I hope that Afrobeat in the future gets coupled with how it affects diaspora people encouraging them to learn more about their ethnic background and visit the land”, she said.
Many Americans, particularly those of African descent, have been vigorously promoting Afrobeats in America. Richardine Barter for the better part of 10 years, has been an advocate of Afrobeats with a special focus on emerging artistes.
Recently, another African American, Sheila O with Afro zones and in conjunction with mix cloud just launched a programme tagged “Afrobeats US weekly Top 10 chart”, with a view to promoting Afrobeat in the USA and its neighbouring countries. Sheila Akonji popularly known as Sheila O, is the anchor of the show titled, “How Far With Sheila O”, which airs on HIPTV.
By: Jacob Obinna
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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