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Milestones Of Rivers Entertainment Industry

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Bravo and many rewarding years ahead to Rivers State entertainment clan as the state celebrates her 55th Birthday. The annual event marks the liberation of Rivers people from exploitation, domination, deprivation and under development, made possible by the creation of Rivers State on May 27, 1967 out of the defunct Eastern region of Nigeria by the then military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
May 27 every year affords the good people of the state the opportunity to relish the unprecedented achievements recorded by the state during the past years of existence. Located in the Southern coast line, in the Niger Delta region of the country, Rivers state today, boasts of 23 Local Government Areas with distinct languages, customs and traditions. The state has also become the hub of oil and gas activities in Nigeria, and one of the fastest growing economies of the nation as well as the undisputed treasure base of the country, amongst other milestone achievements so far recorded.
“At 55, the Rivers State Entertainment enclave is thriving and bubbling with social activities, the entertainment landscape is second to none in Nigeria as the industry has recorded awesome achievements globally in the areas of music, movie, comedy, beauty pageantry, culture and tourism. The exploits of the entertainers in the world stage have not only attracted huge revenue and fame to the state, but also contributes to employment generation and image laundering abroad.”
Music:
In music, Rivers State born Afrobeat Sensation, Burna Boy, won the 2021 Best World Music Album at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards on March 14, 2021 with his hit album ,‘Twice AS Tall’. The album was nominated in the same category in 2020 making him the first Nigerian artiste with Back-To-Back nomination at the Grammys. This is in addition to his several international awards including artiste of the year at the 2020 VGMA’s awards.
Burna Boy was rewarded with a state reception party by the Rivers State Government in Port Harcourt, where he was conferred with the second highest honour of the state, ‘Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS) by the State Governor Chief Nyesom Wike. The Governor, also gave him a land at the GRA and money to develop it in appreciation of his victory at the global music stage which brought honour and prestige to the state and Nigeria.
Other distinguished indigenous artistes, who had made the state proud at the international, regional and national levels include: Port Harcourt first son, Duncan Wene Mighty, Omah Lay, Daniel Wilson, Frank O’Nero, Waconzy, Oba Omega, Peter Stone Cold, Maja Briggs, Lady IB, Ras Bob Kelly, Muma Gee, Lexy M, Kombo Ye Sinclair, Soty Sammuel Horsefall, Robin Maja and a host of others.
In the highlife music genre, the state has also produced notable Veterans, namely, Cardinal Jim Rex Lawson,King Sunny Brown, Jackwest Omodu and Prince David Bull, all of blessed memory, as well as the great Sinya of the Sea Masters band. They held sway in the Nigerian music industry of yester years.
Movie
In the movie clan, Rivers State is also at the fore front and parades the best stars in Nigeria’s make believe industry, popularly called Nollywood, who have made the state famous through their chosen career. Among others are Ex-Beauty Queen and Former President of Actors Guild of Nigeria, (AGN), Ibinabo Fiberesima, Ex Glo Ambassador, Monalisa Chinda and NAPTIP Ambassador, Tonto Dike.
Others are: Hilda Dokubo, Amb. Milliscent Jack, Marreen Ihua and Vicky Een as well as Dr Sam Dede, Columbus Irosoanga, Gentle Jack, Alaso Wariboko and former Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Rivers State Chapter, Engr. Reginald Orlu, who stated in an interview with The Tide that the association had produced general movies that are shown in cinemas and displayed in movie shelves across the country.
The films are,” The Snake Kingdom, War of Roses, Double Trouble, Battle of the Gods, Second Life, The Market Place etc. He disclosed that the state also hosted the ION International film festival for the first time in Africa, among other international events.

Comedy
In comedy, Rivers State is widely known for her array of honour mongers, who entertain their global and local audience with raw jokes, fun, laughter and relaxation, Among them are rib crackers like, Julius Agwu, Prince Hezekiah, Dan D’Hwnorous, Angel D’ Laugh, Rugged Pastor, etc.
These hamour merchants have also organised comedy events in the state including Glo Lafta Fest, Night of a Thousand Laughs, Crack your Ribs and Laugh for Christ Sake, amongst other hilarious shows that helped to showcase the state to the outside world and generated revenue for it.
Another arm of the entertainment industry, where Rivers State has played trending roles is in beauty pageants. The state produced the first ever black woman to win the highly coveted Miss World Crown in the person of Agbani Derego, who was crowed in 2021. She was also highly rewarded by the state government for making Rivers State and Nigeria proud.
Rivers State also played host to several other international and national beauty pageants, such as Miss ECOWA Beauty pageant for two consecutive years, 2008 and 2009. The 2009 edition held at the Polo Club, GRA, Port Harcourt produced the First Nigerian born Miss ECOWAS, Joy Obasi Ngozika. The state also hosted the Miss Universities African Beauty pageant in November, 2017 where 54 beauty queens from various universities in Africa participated. These continental events also helped to boost the image of the state and attracted investors to the state economy.
Apart from these international, continental and regional achievements, the state government also organised beauty pageants such as Miss Centenary, Miss Golden Jubilee and Rivers State Reality Beauty pageant which gave the state ample opportunity to explore, show case and promote her culture and tourism potentials, create business and investment opportunities and earned the state an enviable status as a peaceful state with beauty, unreserved hospitality peaceful coexistence and unity.
In the tourist sector, Rivers State has also achieved much as a tourist destination. The state boasts of exciting tourist sites such as Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt Zoological Garden, Amusement Parks, state museum and beaches.
The state is also famous for her amazing food culture with traditional mouth-watering dishes. Such delicacies include, Bole, African Salad, Sea foods, among others. These put together have made the state a tourists’ first port of call. The conducive and investor friendly environment, unique culture, peaceful co-existence and legendary hospitality stand the state out in the country as a home away from home and the tourists’ destinations generating huge revenue for the state.
It is therefore, no gainsaying that despite the restrictions imposed in entertainment, hang outs and activities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the beat still goes on as high life continues to bubble in the ever busy metropolitan Garden City of Nigeria.

By: Jacob Obinna

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“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law

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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.

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World Music Day: Alliance Française Port Harcourt Showcases Talents

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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.

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PMAN Set To Implement Performance Levy  ‘Tomorrow

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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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