Entertainment
Echoes Of Burna Boy’s Maximum Reception In PH
Though the grand reception of Grammy Award winning Afrobeat super star, Burna Boy, by the Rivers State Government has come and gone, the evergreen memories of the events that marked the historic night of fun, razzmatazz, glitz and glamour still echo loud and clear in the hearts of those who were opportuned to witness the celebration of creativity and hard work.
Nigeria’s Garden City and capital of the nation’s treasure base literally stood still in honour of Damini, Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy on Saturday March 27, 2021, as a humongus crowd comprising the state Governor, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Wike, top government officials, captains of industry, fans and fun seekers from different parts of the state and beyond as well as constellation of stars from the entertainment clan, stormed the EUI Event Centre, along Abacha Road, GRA, Port Harcourt, to identify and celebrate with their home boy, the Ahoada West Rivers State born, African Giant, Burna Boy.
In his address at the memorable event, the State Governor, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, congratulated Burna Boy on his global achievement and described him as the pride of Rivers State for the rare feat of becoming the winner of the prestigious and highly coveted Grammy Award in the global music album category at the 63rd edition of the annual Grammy Award held on Sunday March 14, 2021 at Los Angeles in USA.
The highly elated governor stated that the state reception for Burna Boy was one of the happiest moments in his life as he won the award during his tenure as the governor of the state and the first of its kind in the story of the state. He noted that Rivers State was known globally for her great talents and enviable potentials to the glory of God as he recalled that Rivers State produced the first ever black African Miss World, Agbani Derego.
Governor Wike, on behalf of the Rivers State Government and good people of the state, conferred on Burna Boy, the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS), which is the second highest honour to be bestowed on an individual by the state government. The governor also donated land to Burna Boy at the Old GRA axis of the state, as well as money to build a befitting house.
He said that the honour was aimed at appreciating and encouraging indigenes of the state who show outstanding talent and stand out above others in their chosen endeavours. Governor Wike charged Burna Boy not to relent in his musical exploits as the state government would continue to give him all the necessary support he requires.
The governor also commended Timaya, Duncan Mighty and other artistes who attended the event in honour of Burna Boy even as he announced a gift of N10 million each to the artistes that performed at the well-attended reception.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Briggs Oniyinde, stressed that in the entertainment industry, nominations for any honour’s platform was an indication that the artiste provided value through his or her creativity and hard work.
The commissioner described the Grammy as the biggest and highest achievement for any musical artiste in the world. She stressed that Burna Boy’s victory at the global stage would serve as a spring board for other artistes to aspire to greater heights in their chosen careers.
In his vote of thanks, Burna Boy who was accompanied by his parents and siblings, said he was highly grateful and humbled by the grand state reception and honour conferred on him by the Rivers State Government.
“I really appreciate being here, this is probably the biggest honour that will be bestowed on me since I was born, it is one thing to win the Grammy and to be applauded every where else in the world and another thing to be loved in your own home and, that to me is worth more than anything I can get, so I appreciate you, my governor, for taking your time out to do this”, he said.
The night’s event witnessed thrilling performance by some notable artistes and comedians. Among the artistes were Timaya, Duncan Mighty, the sensational Bamidele, Ibiso Edwards, Mossy B, Ajiebo Jazz Saxophonist C.C. Johnson, Maxi and Bulkwise among others.
The comedians included, Prince Hezekiah, Arinze Baba, Danny Spy, Busy Mouth, etc as well as the XYE band, the virtue kid Dancers, Wrestling, Cultural dances and masquerade display by the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture, among other side attractions.
Burna Boys Profile
Burna Boy was born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, on July 2 1991 in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. He is a singer, song writer, rapper and dancer.
He rose to prominence in 2012 after releasing ‘Like to Party’, the lead single from his debut studio album LIFE (2013). In 2017, Burna Boy signed with Bad Habit/Atlantic Records in the USA and Warner Music Group international.
His third studio album, ‘Outside’ marked his major label debut in 2019. He won the Best International Act at the 2019 BET Awards and was announced as an Apple Music Up Next Artiste.
His fourth studio album was released in July 2019, it won Album of the year at the 2019 All African Music Awards (AFRIMA). He was nominated for Best Music Album of the Year at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards was nominated for World Best Music Album at 62nd annual Grammy Awards which he lost to Angelique Kidjo.
He was awarded the African Artiste of the Year at the 2020 VGMA’s. In 2020 his album ‘Twice As Tall’ was nominated for the same category at the 63rd annual Grammy, in 2021 he won with Twice As Tall on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Los Angeles, USA.
By: Jacob Obinna
Entertainment
Nigeria’s Box Office Generates N278m In February
The Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) on Tuesday said it realised N278 million as ticket sales across cinemas in the month of February, nationwide.
CEAN’s National Chairman, Mr Ope Ajayi, who, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, added that the cinemas also had 122,295 gross admission within the period under review.
Cinemas experienced a drastic decline in sales in February when compared with N819 million sales made in January.
Ajayi blamed the cash crunch and poor network service delivery being experienced by POS operators nationwide for the decline in sales.
He similarly noted that cinemas experienced an all time lull in the week of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
He explained further that cinemas had limited content to exhibit in the month of February, as movie producers avoided releasing movies during the election period.
“A couple of reasons are responsible for the drop in sales. We lost a weekend of sales during the Presidential and National Assembly elections, Nigerians’ attention was focused on voting across the country.
“Cash crunch and POS failures, affecting trading generally is also affecting the cinemas.
“Many movie producers and distributors avoided releasing movies during the election period. So, content was also somewhat limited,” he said.
Ajayi said the top films exhibited in cinemas across the country in February were “Antman” and “Love in a Pandemic”.
He listed films to watch out for in the month of March as : “Creed III”, “What Love Got To Do With It”, “Shazam Fury of the gods”, “John Wick iv”, “Different Strokes” and “Dungeons and Dragons83”.
Entertainment
Nollywood Actress Urges Ladies To Desist From Dating Married Men
Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar, has urged ladies to desist from dating married men, saying leaving a quality life of being responsible with good moral virtues is the best life.
The renowned movie star, who took to her Instagram page to give the advice, said that ladies should not make the same mistake she made by dating someone else’s husband.
According to her, being a side chick to married men is morally wrong, but staying away from people’s husband’s is a moral upright living.
She stressed that she did not want them to experience what she went through, therefore, relationship with married men should be avoided.
She expressed gratitude to fans and well wishers, for their constant prayers, love and encouragement, adding that they should live a life they would be proud of.
The actress added that having a side business was far better than being a side chick, and urged them to leave people’s husbands alone.
“Live a life you would be proud of.
“Thank you all for all the prayers and encouragement and love .
“I am on a new parth to a new life; strive to be new and stay safe and morally upright.
“No do side chick o…see u soon. Find a side business and leave people’s husband.
“ Don’t make the mistake I made…The idea is to be morally right, “ she wrote.
Abubakar is a model, actress, television personality, philanthropist and multiple award-winning member of the Nollywood industry.
She rose to fame after the release of her debut film ‘Sabotage’ In 2011. She won the Afro Hollywood Best Actress prize.
The actress started auditioning for movie roles in 2001. After some time, she was given her first acting gig, a small part in the movie ‘Rejected’
It was, however, a small role that enabled her to land her first important role and ultimately her breakthrough in the movie ‘Gangster Paradise.’
The movie star has acted in more than a 100 movies. some of which are: ‘Slip of Fate’, ‘Tears of a Child’, ‘Secret Shadows’, ‘Gangster Paradise’, ‘Area Mama’, ‘Men in Love’, ‘Love Castle’, ‘Okafor’s Law’, among others.
She is also a movie producer and runs Morehouse Entertainment, a label and talent management business in the music industry.
The Kano-born actress established the Halima Abubakar Foundation, an NGO that aids the poor.
The actress has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the entertainment industry, thereby making her outstanding.
Entertainment
UEFA Champions League Final : Burna Boy Set To Perform
Nigerian megastar, Burna Boy, has been announced as one of the headliners who will be performing at the 2023 UEFA Champions League final.
UEFA has revealed Burna Boy as one of the performers at the 2023 Champions League Final. The announcement was made via the Champions League official Twitter handle on Thursday, 16th March 2023.
Music Burna Boy, Tems, Patoranking, Shatta Wale nominated for International Reggae & World Music Awards 2023
In the video posted on Twitter, a delighted Burna Boy revealed that he will be performing at the Champions League final billed for Istanbul, Turkey.
In what is a remarkable feat, Burna Boy will become the first Nigerian artiste to perform on the biggest stage of European Club football.
Since gaining international success in 2018 through his hit single ‘YE,’ Burna Boy has become one of the biggest artistes in the world. He has earned a Grammy award for his album ‘Twice As Tall’ while becoming one of the most awarded artistes on the continent.
The Tide Entertainment reports that Burna Boy has sold out choice arenas around the world as his music continues to attract international listeners.
American DJ, artiste, and Producer, Marshmallow, performed at the 2021 Champions League final in Portugal while Cuban Pop star, Camila Cabello, performed at the 2022 edition in Paris.
The 2023 Champions League Final will take place on 10th June 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey and Afrobeats will share the stage as two of the finest clubs in Europe compete for the biggest price.
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